Eirene's Story

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It was a typical morning in Lakeshore, the sun slowly rising from the horizon, coloring the sea blood red with hints or orange. It was the best part of the day, when Lakeshore were the most beautiful city of the land - according to it citizens at least. Eirene was one of them as well, it was her favorite part of the day, minus the birds twittering. It was so loud it made her ears hurt, not surprising though since birds were just monsters with feathers and wings.

As the sun rose Eirene went out from her family house, the earlier you got out of bed the more time you had to do other things. And Eirene had always plenty to do, or at least try to do. But before she started with all of that she usually strolled around the city, just letting the surrounding sink into her memory and soul. You never knew when the city could fall to pieces with the ongoing war, even though the war didn't exactly take place outside the city it could get there if the Fire tribe grew stronger. Not that Eirene bothered her mind with it, she had no clue what was going on with the war like most non soldiers, she just knew that there was a war.

Around her the city started to wake up, people started to let their windows open wide and others started to prepare their stores for when people would start to visit them. If Eirene would describe this time of the day it was just one word that fitted it - magical. Even though she walked around the streets by herself she didn't feel lonely because of the spirit of the city, it was something hard to describe if you had never experienced it. It just filled her heart with lightness. Sometimes when she walked around the streets she met with people that would start to talk with her, people that could share a pieces of their life with her even though she had no clue who they were. But today she saw someone she knew it was, everyone knew who he was.

Zianro Azura, the tribe's leader.

Eirene stopped for a split second and watched him, wondering what he was doing outside at this time of the day. Not that she pondered over it that much, he could just be strolling around like she was because of the beauty of the city. After the short moment of staring at him Eirene walked over to him, seizing the moment. It was not every day when you could just stroll over to the tribe’s leader and find him alone, perhaps he was busy, but it was not something Eirene did even consider. She just walked over to him, "Good morning Lord Azura, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name's Eirene of the deSoleh family, perhaps you know of my father he works as an advisor. I'm sorry if I'm bothering you but I was going to ask you one thing..." Eirene's gaze which had been lowered for the whole conversation, showing that he was of higher status than her, but now she looked up at him for the first time "I was wondering what happens to the corpses of the people that dies in our prisons, do you just throw them out? I would like to examine them. I'm a scholar, I used to work under Master Elidyr."

Eirene had never met the man before, not talked to him or anything and even despite that she just spat out the question without thinking. Mainly because she had not thought about it long enough, that perhaps others wouldn't think of it as lightly as she did. To her it was all in the sake of finding out the truth, to other's it could probably be declared as crazy.

Today felt as boring as any other day. Zianro decided to get some morning air and walk around the city a bit before the advisors woke up and prepared for any other form of political nonsense he had to take care of. He loved the look of Lakeshore in the morning. Everything was serene, peaceful to him. The open air felt like a great relief then the stuffy old palace.

Even the City Guard were inclined to agree, as he'd probably want to be the first to know his Right Hand was on his way back from hunting several soldiers who turned to banditry on the trade routes, and the first to greet him for sure. Zianro then suddenly saw a young woman approaching him. Eirene deSoleh, that was what her name was. Zianro pondered a bit and nodded when she talked of her father. Advisor deSoleh spoke often of his daughter, in both the possibility of betrothal, and that she was quite odd for a member of the tribe. "Pleasure is all mine that one of my advisors hid such a lovely little thing." He responded to the greeting as he listened carefully to her request.

"The convicted? Well, usually their dragged out and executed in the square at times then their bodies are taken to the sea. Those that die in prison are well, disposed of carefully to avoid the spread of disease." He responded. He found it odd she wished to examine such a corpse. Then, out of the corner of his eyes at the gates, he thought he saw a familiar shape enter in it, armored and carrying a detained bandit at the back of his horse. The six foot three inches of the horse's owner dismounted and began speaking to the city guard.

"So then, Milady. If you wish to examine a corpse, I'll have to ensure they're not only disease free, but they're not hacked up into bloody chunks." He said the last part loudly. The tall man looked over at Zianro and just did a peeved wave of his hand. "Oh no, now I've done it. I made Na'ari mad." He chuckled to himself at the thought.

"Anyway Eirene. We can further discuss this at the palace? We can discuss your studies there and what you wish to know whilst visiting the prisons." Zianro said this offer. He wished to get to know this scholar woman more. He didn't know why, maybe it was because of her strange appearance for a Water Tribe member.

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The Man called Na'ari meanwhile had a guard drag the man he brought to the prisons. The Right Hand was in a sour mood. Some of the bandits got away which means they'll reorganize. Zianro's small taunt whilst trying to possibly woo his next female companion did not help things either. But Na'ari paid no heed of it. "Alright boys! Breakfast drinks are on me! Let's go!" With that, some off duty guards followed Na'ari to the nearest tavern for breakfast.

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It was pleasuring to see their leader listen to someone like her, it made Eirene quite happy. Not only did he listen but responded as well. It had gone better than she had dared to hope, she had thought he perhaps had been going somewhere - they seemed to always have something to do over at the palace. At least it was enough to keep her father away from home most of the time. Even though Eirene listened carefully to what Zianro responded she just nodded excitedly, she had not understood that he had just given her a compliment. She sure found the whole sentence but especially the word lovely odd, and it was only when she thought of it that she adverted her eyes from him and blushed since she had realized what he had actually said.

She lowered her head in respect for him, "Thank you." She didn't agree with him, but she wasn't going to argue with their leader about something like that. She wasn't going to argue with him at all. But to call someone who walked over and ask about corpses lovely, well perhaps they had different views on it all but not even Eirene herself could see the lovely part in it.

As he declared what they did to the dead bodies Eirene listened even more intensely, nodding as he spoke. She could understand why they would do such a thing, if the dead carried diseases it could become a disaster. Plagues was hard to stop when they had bloomed out, as the thought was brought to mind Eirene couldn't help but think that such a study could be interesting as well, but it wouldn't lead to anything. Diseases wasn't something you could actually see, you could just see the signs. Still, she would probably find herself writing down theories about it when she had time over.

To her surprise her request got accepted, Zianro said that she would get to examine one of the bodies - even one in good condition. As first she though that perhaps he was joking, that he wasn't being serious but as he continued to talk she happily clasped her hands in excitement, smiling. If her father had seen this he would probably scold her for asking such a question, or even thinking the thought, but he didn't know of it. And the whole experiment had been an success.

"Anyway Eirene. We can further discuss this at the palace? We can discuss your studies there and what you wish to know whilst visiting the prisons."

Hearing her first name did throw her off guard, blushing slightly again. But she soon collected herself again and smiled, "That would be delightful, thank you for inviting me. I won't take up too much of your time, I promise."

Zianro smirked silently. "On the contrary, I think this will put some flavor in a possibly dull day. The daily political bickering of the advisors gets greatly tedious at times." He stated, gesturing her to follow him as he headed towards the prisons.

They were located under an adjacent building in the palace, and Zianro walked towards said building knowing the more healthier corpses fit for examination would be there. "So, Miss Eirene, or do you wish Lady deSoleh? My question is, why do you study corpses. Rather macabre and strange don't you think?" He asked as he walked into the building and looked at several bodies. "Hm, well, you can tell which ones are more healthier I presume, since they're closer to the exit it means they're not infected with anything life threatening. Though, more often then not, my Right hand often throws his bounties in pieces."

He rubbed his head in slight worry. "At times I wonder what the bandits do to file him up so."

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"So, then the leader is caught, whilst his subordinates run with their tails between their legs!" Na'ari says to the off duty city guards. "I'm telling you, banditry shows there's bad apples in the mercenaries at times." He drank from a tankard and breathed. "Ah, now I return to Zianro with the report, what am I to tell him? 'They will return in six weeks reorganized and pissed off.'?"

"Aw come on Na'ari, I think your overworked. Ask for a vacation!" Shouted one guard.

"Yeah, like go to the Air Tribal lands for a time, I hear the silver haired lasses are very great."

Na'ari rolled his eyes. "I can't take vacations damn it." He said with a chuckle. "Who'd be here to pick up any messes those mercenaries or advisors make?" This was a sarcastic, trick question. One many are familiar with. It is a question that is a precursor to him getting a bit worked up.

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"On the contrary, I think this will put some flavor in a possibly dull day. The daily political bickering of the advisors gets greatly tedious at times."

The statement brought a small smile to Eirene's lips, she had never been found of politics either. Not that she knew much about it, only what her father had told her and her siblings when they grew up. But she couldn't see why her research would make anything better, well perhaps it was a bit interesting at least according to her. Perhaps strange and funny to others. But he led her to the prison either way, if it was to mock her or if he was genuinely interested didn't matter.

She followed him quietly as they walked into the palace’s yard, for her it was the first time to visit the place so as he led the way she focused on looking around. Watching it from the outside was not the same thing as seeing it from the inside, she learnt that now. Somehow the atmosphere inside was different to what it displayed when you just walked past it, to be precise it somehow felt more unpleasant now that she was here. She could not pinpoint why she felt like that, however it quickly disappeared when they went underground.

"So, Miss Eirene, or do you wish Lady deSoleh?"

"You can use the title you prefer, Lord Azura," Eirene’s mind was preoccupied by the scenery in front of her, her mind working intensely because of it. But even if she had been at another place and had gotten the question she would have given him the same answer, it wasn't her choice to make. Not when she spoke with someone positioned so much higher than herself. She would had answered his second question directly if it wasn't for what he had said after. Talking about his Right hand, Eirene had perhaps heard the name of the man from her father but who or what kind of person he were was not something she knew. So she got quiet by the subject, wondering what she was supposed to say about it.

"Shouldn't you be able to ask him? I apologize for my lacking knowledge in the subject, I don't know what would help," She glanced to him when she had at least tried to give him an answer. Instead she looked closer at one of the corpses, the scent did bother her but this was a rare opportunity and she couldn't lose it, "Well, you asked about my study and why just corpses, I don't know if my answer will be to your satisfaction though. I just think it's interesting, perhaps I am macabre then since I find it so intriguing. But if I put it like this, if some sort of God or over mighty being created us, why do we die? It's somehow like our bodies are consumable, isn't it strange that we get weaker and then die? Why wasn't we created to be immortals or at least stronger than we are, the tiniest little thing can kill us - even time. Other than that I've always been interested in seeing what's inside of our bodies, naturally you already know. But I have never got to see it or been told what it could be, to me it's like a mystery. I know it's silly but I can't even imagine what it would be like, when I try I only see it as a hollow package."

"Na'ari? Heh, If I ask him why slice up bandits the way he does he will simply say it's his nature. He doesn't like the death department much either. I can think of a few good ways of getting under his skin at mentioning it." He stated when he heard Eirene ask the question. He then listened to her explain her studies and why.

He found her an intriguing young woman. He even gave a smirk when she said he probably knew what was inside a human body. "When you're a warrior, you see a lot of body parts." he thought slightly bitterly but he kept it to himself. "That is a few fascinating theories. I bet Na'ari would have a fun time trying to explain where the soul is to try and say that's where our concious mind resided. But on the whole, your studies sound rather intriguing." He flashed a small grin to look at least friendly to the strange woman of his tribe.

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"Na'ari? Heh, If I ask him why slice up bandits the way he does he will simply say it's his nature. He doesn't like the death department much either. I can think of a few good ways of getting under his skin at mentioning it."

Eirene raised her eyebrows silently as she glanced at Zianro, the man named Na'ari which he was speaking off sounded like a strange person - as if she was the one to judge. But to be against death or fear it, dislike it, and not be against such violence causing other's to die. He sounded rather interesting, she would like to question him on how he can be against death but be completely fine with murder and apparently extremely violent ones. He seemed to be a very conflicted person, interesting indeed.

To hear their leader speak so much of his Right hand, or Na'ari, did indeed make Eirene wonder who that man was. Not because she would seek him out, but since his name was mentioned i what felt like every sentence she got very curious about him. So she would probably ask her father if he knew who this person could be. Not that she thought that it was something she needed to know or could be counted as some sort of necessary knowledge she would need in the future. But it was mainly because she was curious after listening to the small descriptions.

"I think the soul is placed in the chest, I could imagine it to be something that can't be seen by the naked eye which is a bit sad. I think it would be extremely pretty if we could see it, or look different depending on the person. But that is just what I believe, I would like to find out though," As she finished her sentence she noticed his smile, it was flattering. Not only did he take time to listen to her theories but he didn't even say anything negative about them - sure he could be thinking it, which was not something she would ever know about. But even if he was downgrading her on the inside she didn't care, it was what he showed she appreciated. So she smiled back at him, "There isn't many that would consider my studies intriguing, most would consider them crazy. People fear ghosts and spirits, but I don't."

Zianro gave a shrug to Eirene. "Well, of course people fear ghosts. I'll be frank to be a bit guilty of being haunted by my ancestors." He hated to admit that, but He felt it needed to be said. "But there has to be a natural explanation that borders spiritual. It's like dreams. Impossible dreams, like world peace and such things. Do you have dreams Milady?"

A guard then runs into the room and whispers in his ear as Zianro gives a sigh. "Tell the big guy I'll be with him in a little bit. In the meantime escort his prisoner into the dungeons, intact. We don't want him taking an arm off if he gets miffed." He stated as he turned to the pale woman. "My Right Hand wishes to give me his report on his recent campaign against a few rogue bandits. If you wish to follow me, you may but you may find him boring."

The Wandering River Dragon then turned and headed outside the dungeons, unsure if he'd be followed or not and saw the familiar tall, armored and tough figure that was his young friend. "Na'ari Aurelis! You silly lad. What have you been up to?"

"My Lord, you seem jovial today. My Report is in need to be given about the status of the ring of bandits you sent me against. There were stragglers so there may be a possibility they may become a problem again." The tall man stated, shifting a shoulder slightly to accommodate the weight of his large sword, Draconil.

"It cannot be helped then. Gives you an excuse to keep fighting. I don't know what will happen if you ended up a mercenary again." Zianro said with a chuckle.

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To hear that their leader believed in ghosts took Eirene by surprise, she had always imagined that all warriors avoided such things. Wouldn't that scare them away from wanting to kill people in order to protect themselves from being haunted by the souls of those they had slain? Either way it was an interesting thought he had, about ghost being like dreams. Not that it convinced Eirene that ghosts was something that existed, she couldn't allow herself to think such thoughts since that would lead her to fear her own research in the end. Being too scared of the consequences instead of driven to find the answers.

As she stood and pondered over the things he had said about dreams, what kind of dreams she had a guard entered. She just glanced at them shortly as they talked about things she probably shouldn't listen to. So she didn't, instead she focused her attention on the body in front of her, restraining herself from touching it. Because she wasn't sure if she was allowed to do it, or if it was right of her to even wanting to do it.

"My Right Hand wishes to give me his report on his recent campaign against a few rogue bandits. If you wish to follow me, you may but you may find him boring."

Once again the man had struck her by surprise, that he now offered her to meet that Right Hand and listen to what he had to say felt like an incredible honor. So she lowered her head with a smile, "That would be an honor, Lord Azura."

As he left the room she followed him from a distance, not wanting to bother him. And sure, hearing about some bandits wasn't her prioritize and probably not something she would felt like doing if this was any other day or hour. But her curiosity on what kind of man that Na'ari was, rather than the report alone, made her come along.

When the two men started to talk to each other she observed the new one closely, simply because it was the reason for her to go there. Even if she had been interested in the topic she didn't exactly know what she could say that would be relevant either, and neither was it appropriate for someone like her to invite herself in the conversation and intrude. So she just stood and observed it from a small distance.

"You probably wouldn't have to worry as I think smart about some things and wouldn't abandon home for the world." Na'ari stated as he thought he saw someone at the entrance of the dungeon. "Giving tours of the dungeons to ladies now? The standards must've fallen from you Zian."

"What? Oh! I'm sorry. That's Lord deSoleh's daughter. She's here on an academic purpose." He turned to Eirene as he said that. "My lady, if you like the specimen you were examining earlier, I'll arrange it to be taken to wherever you want it. But come, come, I think you want to introduce yourself properly to my friend here."

"What would she possibly want to study down there?" Na'ari asked, not knowing the evil smirk Zianro slowly formed on his lips.

"The dead. More specifically the corpses." Zianro stated and watched the reaction Na'ari would have. The Right Hand suddenly gagged in his mouth. He felt like he would be sick to his stomach for a few moments and shake a little at the thought of it.

"C-corpses? That's I-interesting. N-not the b-best thing in the world to be studying though, looking at the dead for too long is creepy." Na'ari stated.

"Be afraid Na'ari, my dear young and innocent friend. When you get a few more years into your body you'll get used to it." Zianro stated.

"I'm only twenty!" Na'ari slightly hissed his reply as he saw the woman actually approach. "Uh, hi. I'm Na'ari." He swallowed a bit nervously after his statement.

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As Eirene observed the two males the first thing that struck her was that they seemed close, they were at least enjoying each other’s company since they were joking around even though it was fairly important things they were discussing. Or she guessed that something like bandits were important business. Either way, it sure was intriguing to just watch how they acted in each other’s presence. As it proceeded Eirene started to wonder if this was how all warriors acted around each other, since this was not how she had imagined it at all - somehow her preconceptions had formed this image of them being stern and angry all the time.

"My lady, if you like the specimen you were examining earlier, I'll arrange it to be taken to wherever you want it. But come, come, I think you want to introduce yourself properly to my friend here."

At first she blinked by surprise, she had not thought that she would be invited to join the conversation. But when she was, she smiled quietly and lowered her head in a nod before she slowly approached the two men. As she did she got to watch how the one that had been proclaimed as brutal seemed to lose all the color in his face as her research was mentioned. It amused her slightly, that someone that towered so highly above her and did such things got so scared over such small niceties. But the comment about it being creepy did bother her, it felt like an insult, even though she knew that people thought that already. But hearing someone say it in front of her felt worse.

"Uh, hi. I'm Na'ari."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Na'ari, as Lord Azura said I'm Lord deSoleh's youngest daughter. My name is Eirene and I'm a scholar, I study death," She couldn't help herself even though she knew that this probably wasn't something she should say towards the man. But it was why she did say it, partly because of the insult and because she would like to see if he would act the same way when she mentioned it as he had done when their leader told him about her research. When she had said that she turned around towards Zianro instead and smiled slightly, "Yes, if it's possible I do have a chamber where I keep my research and it would be terrific if I could get a sample there. It and I won't be bothering other people there who find it disturbing. It's located in the basement of my house."

Zianro smirked at the two conversing and then he saw a guard nodding in his direction. "Na'ari," he said to a now pale right hand. "I want you to help some of your men with the transport of the corse to the place in question of her research. Think you can handle that for a while whilst I get to these meetings?"

"I-is that an order?" Na'ari asked.

"It is." Zianro replied as he walked away from the two. Na'ari only sighed. He left him alone with a woman that could scare him. This situation felt terrific.

"Alright Milady. I shall be your escort it seems as lord Zianro has a liking to your research." The tall man stated, getting his emotions under control again. "Just point me in the direction of where we should go and we'll go."

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“I think that would best. Treating her in my natural environment would ensure the best results.”

Cailu nodded, yes it was for the best if Ara went with them. If she wasn’t here he could prove to her that he was capable of handling the tribe on his own. Perhaps everything had gotten better when she returned, yes he saw everything in a positive light. He had done good, chosen the best option all by himself. He finally felt grown up, before he had just been a child following orders.

“I assume that means we have a deal. You will give us the food in exchange for supplies and healing your cousin? I promise that I will personally ensure that everyone in the tribe treats her with the utmost respect a guests deserves.”

“You should treat her with respect, she’s the former leader’s daughter and highly appreciated by our tribe. So it’s not only me that will be concerned with it all,” It was not until he said it that he realized how harsh the sentence was. If he hadn’t stopped himself he could had blurted out a threat and it had been extremely close that he had done it, if he had said it he could imagine how it all would have ended. In catastrophe.

“I was planning on spending the night camping with my warriors, but we can leave as soon as tomorrow. Or whenever its convenient for your cousin. I like seeing the world outside of Northpass, so I wouldn't mind a little delay if you need more time to prepare.”

“Oh, we do have some empty rooms in here and I could probably ask our local tavern if they could lend you the rooms they offer as well, you don’t need to set camp outside. You’ve shown that you are here as friends and not foes so you are more than welcome to explore Airedale and what we have to offer. When you want to dine just say that you are visitors of Ara and myself, you don’t have to worry about paying for anything. It’s the least we can do when you show such hospitality as taking Ara with you and treating her.”

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To be left alone with Na’ari felt complicated, sure she was happy that she would receive her testing object but the man himself seemed to whish he was at any other place in the world right now. Not that she felt offended by it, but it was a bit mood swaying to have such a person around her. She couldn’t really enjoy herself as much as she would if it was someone with a more open mind about it.

"Alright Milady. I shall be your escort it seems as lord Zianro has a liking to your research. Just point me in the direction of where we should go and we'll go."

Eirene eyed the tall man up and down again, she wanted to tell him that there was no need for him to act so childish – sighing at the fact that he received such an order. He was acting rather spoiled, or perhaps a bit rude. Something in between the both of those two things, but she didn’t say anything about it just put on a small smile before she gestured with her hand in which direction they would be heading.
“I’ll show you the way so you know where to go,” As she spoke Eirene had already started to walk. And she continued to walk under silence, even though she appreciated being accompanied by someone there was not much she could say to the man since he wasn’t exactly interested in anything she had to say anything about.

When they had made their way over to the other side of the city, still facing the sea a mansion could be seen raise above the smaller houses. Her family did have the reputation about having the ugly personality trait that made them want to brag, which most of them actually did. And their house was the same, a show piece to make everyone around see how supreme they were. Eirene herself found it ridiculous. But still, her family’s wealth did grant her the opportunity to do what she wanted to do. And since she was the youngest daughter she was spoiled, it was not her obligation to continue their family linage, there were others that had already done that. She had nieces.

“I store my research in the basement as I mentioned, you will find the door to the staircase on the eastern outer wall. Follow that staircase and you will find the room I use to explore the afterlife.” If Eirene had gotten another upbringing, or perhaps just a bit more courage about talking back she would give him some sort of snarky comment as revenge for his bad mood but she didn’t say it even though she wanted. Instead she just continued to give him that small smile that couldn’t even be counted as a smile, “I assume you are not interested in seeing what lies behind that door so you can just show the others where to bring the example I’ve been granted.”

Na'ari followed silently, feeling slightly bad he might've called a researchers work creepy. He always felt like that. He lacked charm, he was an orphaned farm boy turned mercenary for a chunk of his life and Zianro thrusted him into this luxurious post. He never knew why. Maybe he needed a friend to keep him sane, which he somehow felt Zianro would become if left alone in the big building for too long.

He saw Eirene's house and he nearly gawked. "Whoa, bigger then normal houses." He muttered. he then heard her talk about where the specimen is to be brought, he motioned for the other guys to take the sample in. When she said afterlife though, Na'ari didn't cringe. "I thought you were looking into how death works. Not what happens after...though that's what makes me uncomfortable. What happens after the soul leaves."

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"I thought you were looking into how death works. Not what happens after...though that's what makes me uncomfortable. What happens after the soul leaves."

”Oh my,” Eirene had not noticed what words she had used as she spoke the sentence. But even if she had thought about it, she had probably used that word anyway, since she hadn’t understood that it would confuse the man, “I’m sorry if I confused you, that was not my intention. I do research what’s the meaning of death and how it work but what happens after it is something that intrigues me as well.”

But the man’s explanation of his fear made a lot of sense, since she at first thought he feared death itself but killed anyway. But now apparently it was the thought of what you would meet after you’ve died that was the thing that made him dislike the though. That was probably not something the soldiers thought about when killing someone, it was not their problem since it wasn’t them who died. When she thought about it Eirene started to wonder how many of the soldiers actually feared death just as Na’ari.

“Even though it makes you uncomfortable, don’t it make you wonder? What actually happens I mean. It’s like life’s last and biggest mystery, since you can’t find out or know until it happens to you. But even though I don’t think I will ever find out until I die, I can’t help but think about it. Trying to make theories about it,” Eirene placed her hand over her mouth and got quiet when she realized that she had started talking about it again. And this time with someone who didn’t favor the topic. So she lowered her head apologetically, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to talk about it again I just got a bit ahead of myself.”

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When the next day arrived Cailu was up even before the sun had risen, making sure that everything was done and prepared for. He knew Ara was awake as well since sounds could be heard from her room, not footsteps since she rarely walked around. But small sounds like the scraping of the chair, he guessed she was trying to get used to the idea of not being able to sit and watch Airedale through her window anymore.

When Cailu thought about it as well, Ara not being there anymore he couldn’t help but feel the sharp pain in his chest. It was as if he stabbed himself in the heart since it was him who decided to shove her away to an unknown place, he knew now how much he would miss her company. They had never been away from each other for so long amounts of time, they belonged together. That was how it was, it was always hard to leave her by herself when he had to go and talk to other cities or villages, but he always knew that she was sitting on the chair by the window waiting for his and Anastasias return. Now it was her that would go away, it was hard accepting the thought that when he would open the door to her chamber she wouldn’t be there. It would just be an empty chair facing the window, but no Ara.

Clouded by regret and sorrow Cailu went outside, taking some deep breathes of fresh air. He stayed outside until the group of Shapeshifters approached, they sure stood out in the village with their hair colors. You could detect them from far away as they approached so Cailu walked towards to meet them halfway.

“We brought the supplies. Just direct my tribesmen on where to put them, and tell them where the food supplies are so they can pack them up. After that, we're ready when your cousin is. Also, they made a sling out of wood and leaves for her to use for her own comfort. The warriors will have no issue carrying her throughout the journey.”

“There is no need for your soldiers to pack or unpack all by themselves,” As Cailu spoke a male guard approached the group silently, “This is Mondo, he and a lady guard named Fi will accompany you to ensure my cousins safety. Mondo will show your men where we keep our stash’s and help.”

When Cailu was done speaking the male guard gestured where the party should be heading and continued to lead them there. But just before he left, one that was observant would notice the dark stare he sent towards Cailu. If you were really observant you would notice the dark stares of everyone around, even if they were just short ones. But they were there, everyone knew what he had done and mostly everyone despised Cailu for making such a decision. Not that they liked him from the beginning either, but this just fueled the fire.

But Cailu ignored them, he was used to them already, “I don’t think you will need that sling though, Ara can be rather prou--,” just as Cailu was about to end the sentence he stopped himself. Since the person in question had appeared beside him, holding her hand up like she always did when he was supposed to shut his mouth. And like always he did. Even though he was a tall man, it looked like he shrunk beside her, because he was not even close to radiate the same authority as her. Beside her, he just looked like a boy, a child hesitating on what he was to do. What he was allowed to do.

Even though Ara had been present when Kala had first approached Cailu, she had never took the time to watch her closely. So now when she for the first time stood in front of the woman, facing her completely, she eyed her up and down. She even observed the fox beside the woman. But it was not in an unfriendly way, it was because she needed to know what kind of people she was supposed to deal with.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Ara Cilivren, the only daughter of our former leader and our current ones cousin. I look forward to accompany you, and let me get this one thing strait. I’m not proud,” As she spoke Ara kept a friendly smile upon her face the whole time. Until the proud part, because at that moment she gave Cailu a harsh glare and he avoided looking at it as some shy child. “But he is right, I can’t accept such kindness. I will travel by horse and I think that will work fine.”

"So, the uncomfortable route then? Ah, alright then, but I believe seastone chains will be more fitting on you, as that ice must be a bit too much, feel any fingers?" Zianro asked before smirking. "A few days of reflection on the past few days for you will be interesting. Oh, and one more thing, I might turn you into a temporary slave if you continue that screaming. Well, ta. I will let you know if your red head survived your brother." The Wandering River Dragon smiled before sauntering out of Vinicius's cell.

Thoughts crept in his mind, if he could find the red headed woman, she would be useful for leverage on the deposed Fire Lord, or in Zianro's mind the more reasonable of the two brothers. He kept having a funny feeling if Zianro left Zaheed alone with his plans with the earth tribe, the moment he'd be done he'd focus on him again.

"I'll need to plan accordingly...."

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Na'ari listened to the bright haired woman silently, rubbing his neck slightly sheepish of admitting his fear. "It makes me wonder if there's a heaven." Na'ari said softly. "It's where I think my birth parents are. They died in a raid long ago." He smiled ruefully as she apologized.

"Don't apologize, it's just old scars of my childhood." He said as he directed the men carrying the corpse down into the basement, only for one full minute later have the men walk back up without it with pale faces.

"Well it isn't the palace morgue, so of course it's going to look messy you sissies! Now go get a drink I'll join you later." The Right Hand ordered the men as they walked off. "Well, I'm sure my Lord Zianro would love to hear from you after his awkward call to his duties. It's been a pleasure meeting you."

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As the man suddenly mentioned his parents, or birth parents as he mentioned them as, Eirene somehow felt flattered. Perhaps it was something that he told everyone but even so Eirene felt like it was a privilege to get to hear about it. She felt, included, important. There were many feelings inside of her, but most of them were positive other than the sympathy she felt for him for losing his parents. She couldn't imagine how it would feel to be young when it happened and lose both of them at the same time, she had been an adult at least when her mother died.

As he continued to talk the other soldiers come back, she didn't notice anything different but apparently he did since he mocked them as they walked past them. But to call her place messy, she would feel insulted if it wasn't so that he was right. She had not really prioritized to clean the room like ever. But to have grown men react over it felt somehow odd, but it never struck her that perhaps it was the parchments with drawing or documentation that scared them off. Because she found it all normal.

"Well, I'm sure my Lord Zianro would love to hear from you after his awkward call to his duties. It's been a pleasure meeting you."

Eirene nodded slowly, "It was a pleasure meeting you as well. You know where to find me, I spend most of my day down there. Well, goodbye and have a great day." With that she curtsied and went away to the door down to the basement. She followed the stairs down into the obscure light from a few candles. The little light inside the room flickered over the drawings that adorned the wall, it was everything from the human body's anatomy to ideas she had about what could be the cause of death. The shelf’s was just as overcrowded as the walls, it was everything from empty arks to others that was filled to the last tiny bit of space. And now, the dead body lied there in the middle of the room on the table she usually used to collect all her things on as she walked around the room and philosophe.

In a few quick steps she was beside it, looking even more closely on it now as she was alone. Finally she would be able to discover what was inside that skin of humans, as she started to prepare the excitement just grew until it had filled every inch of her.

Giving a small smile after watching the woman run to her studies, Na'ari headed off back to the palace, where he'd know he'll be needed. He didn't want to stop for a drink he wanted to discuss the next orders Zianro was to give him.

When he reached there he was met with a bored Zianro on his throne. "Ah, there you are. I'm certain you're here because you want another crack at that ring of bandits." Na'ari nodded his head fervently. "There's a good Right Hand. I expect nothing less from you my friend. But some Intel has been covertly sent to me, concerning two little headaches. Keep an eye out for any Earth Kingdom traveler you meet, but do not use any water from plants. I intend to make that statement law as we need good soil for crops. Keep a canteen on you."

Na'ari only nodded. "And the second?" He asked as Zianro smirked a very knowledgable smirk.

"A woman from the fire tribe should be exiled to here in due time, or already has. Find her and bring her to me. In chains or willingly. The choice is yours in that front. I'll want her for a bargaining chip. Start this task tomorrow Na'ari." Na'ari nodded his head as he left the throne room, hoping to get the bar as soon as possible.

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"Very well, the servants can give you a tour of the palace including the library, but for me now, I must harvest military plans."

While the king spoke Deborah only granted him a short glance, she didn't give him a nod in agreement or a proper answer. Why? There wasn't a good reason for her to act like that, it was not like he had said anything to offend her in that statement. She had already known that he would leave as soon as he had gotten this over with. The reason for her to act that was simply because she was a sullen person. And it was sort of a silent statement that she could do whatever she wanted to and if it was to ignore him then so be it. It was not like he had time to argue because of such actions at times like these and Deborah knew it.

She listened to the footsteps on the stone tiles as he left the room with her back towards the door but as soon as he left she turned around and was just about to leave the room. It wasn't like she believed she was allowed to leave the room but neither did she think that she was a prisoner, they hadn't locked the door. But with the hand on the doorknob she stopped to listen to the discussion outside instead. Hearing the thud from something dropping to the floor and the couching Deborah made sure to at least try to make a mental note about what could happen if she try to take up to much space and authority. But somehow she believed that the note would disappear in the mist of thoughts with time, or perhaps it would be gone tomorrow.

Hearing the footsteps get more distant out there in the hallway she opened the door again and walked outside, not to ask the servant how he felt or if he needed help. No, the only thing she honored him with was a silent look. Not even of concern but of derogatory. With that she simply left the room, deciding by herself that she was going to be her own guide. It was not like she needed someone to show her around. How hard could it be?

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Eirene had spent all evening and probably most of the night inside her basement making notes on what she had discovered, not something new for the world. But something new for her. And that was mainly what mattered, she wanted to learn new things. She wanted to gain more knowledge, as long as she discovered something new every day it was a good day. Not that this day had been bad even without it. No, she believed that this day had been an extremely good one even without the wonders of what a human’s body could hide.

When she was done she washed her hands and the equipment’s in the bowl of water she had prepared beforehand. She let all the candle's flame dies out so the room fell in complete darkness, but even if the room itself was like a pitch black hole around her and the single candle she held in her hand. With it she left the room by walking up the stairs, while she locked the door to the staircase she noticed something however. Even if it was faint something could be heard in the night, screams. In wonder Eirene walked over the grass and to the front of the house, gazing out into the night, wondering why it was such a ruckus outside this night. It didn't seem to be full grown panic so it couldn't be an attack, but what could steer such emotions then?

She was just about to walk out the gate as someone grabbed her shoulder so sudden that she dropped the candle in her hand. The little flame started to burn the grass surrounding it, but the small fire didn't have a chance since the one who grabbed her scooped water out of the ocean by only his will and made it travel to the small flames. The one who had grabbed her was no one else but her oldest brother, Eden, he had not moved an inch while executing the little quenching assignment, "Father wants you to come inside, it's not safe out there."

Eirene wrinkled her forehead as she watched her older brother, she found it odd that he were there. He had his own house with a wife and kids, he should be with them at this time of night. And even though she wanted to go out to see what was happening she followed him inside the house again while glancing backwards, out at the night, with longing eyes.

When they arrived inside she saw something even stranger, everyone was awake. Even her father who would need to get up early in the morning to return to the palace and his duties. Somehow she started to wonder if it was something she had done, nervously she started to fiddle with the dark blue dress she wore. But what could she have done? A thought that jumped around in her mind was of course the body she stored down in the basement, but if they knew about it and didn't like it, shouldn't they have told her before?

While she stood there and thought to herself her father started to speak, declaring why everyone had been gathered. Well everyone but one. It struck Eirene as she looked around the room that Embla, her older sister by two years, was missing. She wondered if it could be so that she had run away from home since she had just been promised to a man Eirene knew Embla disliked. It was not that he was a bad man, it was because Embla were in love with someone else but their father would gain more by giving him to the other.

Her train of thoughts was interrupted once more by her father explaining that Embla had left the house earlier this evening, father had seen her himself but decided not to stop her since he felt like she would escape home if he had done so. But this night was a dangerous night to be out in, which was why Eirene had been stopped as she tried to leave. Words had been told that an assassin had gotten inside the city and was out there. Embla was still out there and no one knew where she was.

As soon as their father had explained it all he told her older brother's that they needed to join him in the search. The four of them left the house, leaving Eirene and her younger brother alone. Both of them stood in the doorway watching as their family rushed out into the night to find the lost member.

Reshar watched the woman from roofs as he his practices of traveling from tree to tree back in Shadowfen. He recalled a list of noble women on the list that he had looked at. They had brief descriptions next to the names. It was the description that gave the woman's identity away.

'If I remember this one's name is Embla deSoleh.' he thought to himself. She seemed rather flushed from the excitement of the town as well as being in "this" man's arms. She was at age where marriage either has or should be taking place. Could this man be hers. He had a fair face and his body seemed slightly sturdy as well. Reshar was forced to slow down as the two stopped and seemed to be getting agitated. He inched closer and scanned the area for a good location to hide, and possibly strike from the shadows should the opportunity present itself.

Which it always did.

Reshar listened in and found that the guy was attempting to convince her to leave the town until it was safe and she seemed to have some love and responsibility to her family. The man continued trying to persuade her talking about their future family together. She seemed so torn, tears began to build up in the corner of her eyes. Reshar didn't really care one way or the other. If they got out of town they would escape into the woods which was Reshar's favorite hunting ground. But if they split up then she would be easy pickings. The problem was if anyone else came to join them.

The argument was going nowhere and the longer Reshar waited the worse it would get. He readied the dart and blowgun once more and dipped it into appropriate vial and then grabbed a second dart and placed it in a different vial. He then took aim and exhaled sharply into the blowgun and sent the first dart flying.

"Ouch," the young man exclaimed as he reached to the back of his neck and felt something sticking out. He pulled it just as he heard Embla let out a 'Ow', herself. He pulled the dart out of his neck with little concern for what it was until he found something similar in her neck too. "Arl yuul alllight?" he mumbled as he tongue stopped working. He then saw Embla grasping her throat with terrified eyes as she seemed to have trouble breathing. Just then the man slumped down unable to move his body or talk as he watch his love suffocating before his very eyes.

All this was missed by Reshar, for his job was done and he had rushed the job more than usual due to the huge request that was given to him.

Reshar watched the woman from roofs as he his practices of traveling from tree to tree back in Shadowfen. He recalled a list of noble women on the list that he had looked at. They had brief descriptions next to the names. It was the description that gave the woman's identity away.

'If I remember this one's name is Embla deSoleh.' he thought to himself. She seemed rather flushed from the excitement of the town as well as being in "this" man's arms. She was at age where marriage either has or should be taking place. Could this man be hers. He had a fair face and his body seemed slightly sturdy as well. Reshar was forced to slow down as the two stopped and seemed to be getting agitated. He inched closer and scanned the area for a good location to hide, and possibly strike from the shadows should the opportunity present itself.

Which it always did.

Reshar listened in and found that the guy was attempting to convince her to leave the town until it was safe and she seemed to have some love and responsibility to her family. The man continued trying to persuade her talking about their future family together. She seemed so torn, tears began to build up in the corner of her eyes. Reshar didn't really care one way or the other. If they got out of town they would escape into the woods which was Reshar's favorite hunting ground. But if they split up then she would be easy pickings. The problem was if anyone else came to join them.

The argument was going nowhere and the longer Reshar waited the worse it would get. He readied the dart and blowgun once more and dipped it into appropriate vial and then grabbed a second dart and placed it in a different vial. He then took aim and exhaled sharply into the blowgun and sent the first dart flying.

"Ouch," the young man exclaimed as he reached to the back of his neck and felt something sticking out. He pulled it just as he heard Embla let out a 'Ow', herself. He pulled the dart out of his neck with little concern for what it was until he found something similar in her neck too. "Arl yuul alllight?" he mumbled as he tongue stopped working. He then saw Embla grasping her throat with terrified eyes as she seemed to have trouble breathing. Just then the man slumped down unable to move his body or talk as he watch his love suffocating before his very eyes.

All this was missed by Reshar, for his job was done and he had rushed the job more than usual due to the huge request that was given to him. He was told to do it as fast as possible. Reshar didn't argue. He showed results. The city was in too much of a fuss. The forests were littered with lights and people stomping around. He realized to his chagrin that he was going to have to try to lay low he quickly pulled a small bottle and pulled off the cork and sniffed it and instantly pulled his nose away before he got too close.

'That will do'he said as he closed the bottle and he slid to the back of the house. When he was comfortable with the safety he dropped back to the ground and rolled to distribute the weight. He got up and opened the bottle and made his way to the nearest tavern. He had left his coat on the roof and took only the bottle he had with him before. He started to drink it and made sure to drip it down his front. He came out into the street swaying and tumbling and muttering loudly, complaining that everyone was too loud. When people passed by they smelt the alcohol on him and veered off because they had bigger things to worry about other than a drunk. But instead of going into the tavern Reshar went to the back street and "collapsed" against the wall and let the strong drink try to takes its hold on him. Relunctantly it was hard for Reshar to get drunk, but he had watched drunkards and learned to imitate them as he just let himself lay on the ground and as he let his mind relax, he told himself that he must sleep.

And there he lay for who knows how long.

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In the darkest hours just before dawn started to disperse the night sky the rest of the family returned. When they did Eirene and her younger brothers were still awake, there was no chance that one of them could fall asleep in the middle of this. They had just been sitting in the living room area in front of the fireplace and stared into it. Neither of them had spoken a word, there was nothing to say. Sure, they could sit there and pat each other's back, try to make each other feel better, cheer each other up with pretty words. But the words got stuck on the way up, neither of them could lie like that. Neither of them wanted to bring it up, the topic was too heavy to even think about. Even though Eirene wanted to think about something else, and she tried so hard to change the pictures in her mind she couldn't. The thought of Embla always snuck back and screamed inside her head. Screamed at her that Embla was out there when something like an assassin snuck around.

But as soon as Eirene and Eli's father and older brothers returned they quickly got up onto their feet’s again. Just about to rush out to the main entrance to welcome them all back and Embla as well. They never got the time to do so though, the four men wandered into the room without even taking off their coats. As they did both Eirene and Eli searched behind them with their eyes, looking after Embla. But she never showed up and the youngest children could understand what it meant even before their father tried to explain it with a cracked voice. Even though he tried to act strong in front of them they both could see that his heart was filled with sorrow.

After their father had told everyone about Embla's death every one of them was sent to bed. Well, her oldest brother was sent to the couch since neither of the other family members felt like letting him walk through the city by himself to his own house. Once inside her own bed, tucked down carefully by her father Embla lied there and stared up into the ceiling. She found it a bit odd that her father had been there to tell her goodnight, it been had aged since he had done something like that. She was an adult now so there was no need for such things. But she guessed that it was the shock from losing his oldest daughter that made him act like this towards her. She was his only daughter left now.

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Time had continued to go forward like it was cogwheels that hadn't been oiled in a long time, it moved slowly, creakingly and stood completely still at other times. Cailu wasn't being himself, he felt more hated than ever. He was hiding inside the leader's mansion most of the time, inside his room, in his bed and refused to go out of bed. He was like a sulky child, feeling bad for himself for something he had brought upon himself as well. It was as if Ara somehow had spoiled him with just her presence and now he was being like this. Servants or other's came to knock on the door from time to time and asked him to perform his duties as the leader. It was a funny thing however since he wasn't the leader and he had no idea what he was supposed to do. It was Ara who told him what to do, now he was like a lost puppy.

In the end the servants gave up and the only thing they did was bring him food. After a while they stopped doing that as well since they just got so angry with him. They knew it was his fault that Ara had been sent away, it was his idea. And of course they all disliked him for it but they just tried to act nice, but in the end their friendliness had a limit and they had reached it. So he was all alone in the big mansion. Listening to the noises from the outside, there life carried on but in there - in the cold, empty, dusty mansion it was only silence. Silence and Cailu's groans of agony. He was not a strong person, not by himself, not without Ara. He needed her to show the way first.

In the end he reached his limit as well, he couldn't go on without a proper meal. His stomach was so empty it felt like it had started to eat itself up. So since Cailu himself couldn't cook at all he swept his cloak around himself, covering this face. He knew it was a simple and probably failure as an disguise but he just didn't feel like showing his face to the townspeople. He didn't want to see their either. He just wanted to be left alone and be without their dark gazes.

So out he went, in his so discreet disguise. Even though he couldn't see them he knew that everyone was looking and that everyone knew who he was. But at least he didn't have to see them and that was all that counted. He walked over the trampled dirt paths, he knew where he was going. The only place he could get a cooked meal as long as he paid them, the inn. There was only one in the small village Airedale. But at least there was one.

When he reached it he pushed the heavy oak door out of his way and walked as far into the inn as possible, sitting down in one of the darkest corners. There he waited for someone to just take his order and then go again, leave him alone so he could sulk in his solitude.

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The castle life wasn't as fun as Deborah probably had imagined it to be while still living in the slums, being there and gaze towards the castle you imagine that their life was easy. Carefree. That somehow disaster didn't strike them at any time. How now that could work since everyone dies, get sick, wounded and so on at some point in life. But being on the outside you just can't imagine things like that, at least Deborah couldn't. But even though Deborah didn't care the slightest about the dead queen or king the rest of the castle seemed to care an awfully lot. Even though time moved on most of the people still seemed to mourn like there was no ending to it. Not that Deborah had gotten time to think about such things much, she had been busy reading. Not being the best at it she had to put all of her focus on those strange curlicues to understand what they tried to tell her.

Deborah had spent almost every day since she had moved into the castle inside the library doing something she would rather not do. She flipped through book after book, eyed parchment after parchment. There was no end to it. So many books and so little that were relevant at all. It had gotten so far that she had started to see letters haunt her in her dreams when she was asleep, they were everywhere.

But one day it happened. As she tiredly eyed through yet another really old parchment something captured her eyes. Or at first she was just about to miss it and put the parchment with all the other's that she was already done with when some words stood out a little more than the other's. The Element stones, the parchment itself didn't say much. It was basically just an old fairy tale or myth. Or so it seemed at first when she looked at it. It told the story of four stones or jewels, they each held the ability to control one of the elements by touching them. As she read it over and over Deborah started to wonder if it really just was a fairy tale and why it would be kept in the library if that was the case. It just seemed odd, even though it was old and had probably been lying there for ages, why? Why would someone even put a fairy tale in here, she had always thought it was supposed to hold the history of the Fire tribe and Murtovaara intact. So something about the fairy tale just seemed so... strange. Even though she wasn't sure if it was something she should bring to the king she decided to do it. It was something, better than nothing. And if he also thought that it sounded unlikely that the library would keep myths and bed time stories intact perhaps she was right in her suspicion.

So when she left the library she brought the parchment with her, dead set on showing it to him when he had time over to come down to her room. And there she waited for him while reading the lines over and over again. Thinking, or at least trying to think about it.

When he finally arrived she rose from her chair and held out the parchment for him to see, "I found this today. At first I thought it was just a myth or perhaps a fairy tale but then I realized that it was very strange that your library would contain something like fairy tales. So what do you think?"

Zianro scoffed at the statement about the sheepishness of the tribe. "You and me both." he thought as he frowned at the Crimson Wolf's next question, and he motioned him to keep quiet. "Look, no one is sure of anything, yet as far as that goes. From what I hear there have been three deaths in one night so that's highly suspicious. I doubt it would be you, however you broke the rules of exile Lu Feng. You shouldn't have come back. I'll bend the trial a little bit so you can get out of this with a fine for breaking exile custom. But this comes with a price."

He looked at the man before sighing and continuing. "You are to not get caught in here again, and I want you to make sure that there isn't any other... Suspicious individuals. That'll be all for now." He concluded as he walked out of the cell and into the throne room where he'd try to discuss this awkward matter with his advisers. But he realized Adviser DeSoleh was missing, and therefore the assembly would never start.

"Guards, stop rounding up any foreigners, but keep the city walls under heavy watch. If something attempts to leave her the unconventional way, detain them." He instructed as he grabbed a soldier patrolling the area of the DeSolehs. "Why is Adviser DeSoleh absent?"

"His eldest daughter Embla my Lord, is dead." The guard replied and Zianro stayed his annoyed wrath at those words. His thoughts turned immediately to the young woman Eirene. He was unsure why he thought on her, but of course, why not? Eirene was a mysterious woman to him, yet he liked mysteries at times. However, he needed to focus for now. If she decided to visit that was her own accord.

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"But these are just mice. Come, let me show you the true wonder of this power."

If Deborah had been interested to find out what the king had wanted to show her before it was nothing compared to what she felt now. She wasn't sure what it was that she felt so for but she just found it all very thrilling. So of course she followed the king closely behind as he walked out and made way to the dungeons. She found it odd at first but then the pieces started to fall into place.

When he entered one of the cells Deborah just stood in the opening watching what was happening, listening to the words that were said. Deborah didn't care the slightest about traitors, and she doubted that the king cared about such things either. He had said it to her personally, that he didn't care about the tribe. He cared for himself. And that was what she thought trigged the king's anger, that the man had spoken badly of king Zaheed himself. She found it rather funny that he claimed that it was the treason that bugged him.

As he displayed his ability once more but this time on an actual human Deborah stayed away this time, she had seen it up close once so she just kept her distance. It was still just as amazing as the first time she saw it, if not even more this time around. It was not that Deborah was a horrid person, okay she was. She couldn't help but delight in the ability and the way the creatures died. It was all so terrific.

At least Deborah believed that until the king himself fell to the ground, and as he did she stood still just watching him. There were a lot of unusual words in his descriptions of the powers. What he called it to name two, she translated them to extremely hot and possibly extremely cold. At least that's was what it looked like having him shivering and stuttering on the floor, suddenly his earlier behavior didn’t seem so odd anymore. If this was the results of him practicing his new ability she could understand his earlier personality change.

Without moving Deborah just smacked her mouth, "So, what now king? Should I save you or just ignore it?" She was just being mean, she had no reason to let him freeze to death. If she did that it would only lead to her own death, she was the last one being around him when he died. She would be blamed for it.

Without waiting for an answer, because she doubted she would get one, she just walked over to him and crouched down, "No worries, king. You have me on your side. I won't let you die, so I guess I should warm you up then?" With that sentence her globe of light appeared from her palm, floating in the air. She let it grow until the heat of it could be felt inside the whole room, making her who wasn't cold at the moment get small sweet drops covering her face. The thing about Deborah's light was that it wasn't just pretty, it was warm as well. The best description of it would probably be that she created small sun's that she controlled, and the bigger she let them get the darker the color they had got while the heat got more intense.

While the globe floated in the air in front of the king she started to rub his limbs to get the circulation going again, she guessed that it worked like that. Deborah didn't know, she had no clue about anything when it came to the body and its anatomy. But it wasn't like she could ask the king either since he was so cold that the only thing that had left his mouth in the end was words she couldn't even distinguish because of his horrible stuttering.

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The nest day when Eirene woke up the night before seemed to be a dream. It sounded so unlikely that someone had died, wasn't that just too ironical? If it was because Eirene had lost the true meaning of death after thinking about it so much or something blocking the tears and sadness Eirene couldn't answer. She just didn't feel sad, well not the way she knew she should be experiencing it. She wasn't crying, she wasn't unable to get out of bed in the morning. She just felt empty, as if something was missing. Horrible enough she even thought to herself if she would be allowed to study the body later. She knew the answer to that already, it would be no. So there was no meaning to even ask.

When Eirene made her way out of her bedroom she found the house to be oddly quiet, it was as if the whole building had sunken deep down into slumber. Not even a single sound could be heard, and as she walked around looking for the others she didn’t find anyone. In the end she was standing in the middle of the living room and wondering if everyone was still sleeping because she had not been bold enough to check their chambers. That would be too intrusive of her, but while she passed her father’s room she could hear sounds be made from the inside. It was odd because usually he would be at the palace by now, she lightly knocked on the wood.

The sound from the inside stopped and soon enough the door opened, through the gap she looked up at her father's swollen face. It looked as if he hadn't gotten any sleep that night, his eyes red and watery. Eirene had seen this happening before, when her mother passed away so she knew he had been crying. But not even the look of her father's crying face made it sting in her chest, she still felt empty. As if her emotions had taken an vacation and left her body.

With a rough and rasping voice her father tried to force forward a smile, it turned out to be a grimace instead, "Oh, it's you Eirene... Do you need something?"

Eirene just shook her head while still looking up at him without blinking, "No, I'm good. I heard sounds from the inside and found it odd, you're usually not at home this late in the mornings."

For a short moment surprisement got displayed on the man’s face when he realized how sunny it was outside, because inside his room the curtains where still covering the windows making the whole room look as if it was still night, "Oh, I'm sorry dearie... I didn't realize... Uhm... Actually, I have something I would like you to do. I meant to go and give them this by myself but I guess I forgot..." With that her father disappeared for a short moment, hurrying into the room again while Eirene stood and waited outside the door. When he returned he placed an envelope in her hands before stroking her head softly, "This, give the king and the other's this. It's my resignation letter."

For the first time this morning Eirene got thrown off guard, she stared down at the letter and was just about to ask her father what he meant but the door had already been shut close again. It still confused her however, for him to do something like that just because of the death of Embla. Perhaps he blamed himself or his work, that it somehow was a part of why she had died along with three other's that night.

Even though Eirene never got her answers to why her father decided to withdraw his position as an adviser she walked over to the palace, she doubted that anyone else of her siblings would do it. While inside she told the guards of her reason to visit and told them that her father had requested her to deliver the message personally. In the end she did get the directions to which she would be heading and so she walked through that stunning place again, taking every ounce of it inn with her wide opened eyes.

When she finally arrived to the place the guards had directed her too she knocked lightly on the door once again and waited for an invitation. When she got one she entered the room and walked over to their leader and held out the letter, "It's from my father. He wanted to give it to you by himself but he... is unable to leave his room at the moment. Oh!" On the inside Eirene cursed her forgetfulness and she curtseyed, "It's a pleasure to meet again, my Lord."

Zianro stopped short when his previous thoughts were answered when the platinum blonde mystery woman that was Eirene DeSoleh arrived. She gave her announcement before curtsying late, Zianro chuckled at that. Something new and refreshing. Both things he'd pay no mind too, it would make the isolating feeling of being the ruler of the tribe much less of a burden. "A letter you say? Let me see, your father should've been here by now I expected he was half-ill or something." He said in a calm matter as he opened the letter and took it out and began to read it.

His smile turned to a small frown. His left hand trembled with shock and anger, but he had to keep himself calm with what he read. He didn't feel like holding an assembly about the events of last night. "All advisers, the assembly is cancelled. We will discuss recent and current events at a later date. You may return to your homes. Miss DeSoleh stay awhile." He stated as he waited for his advisers to leave as he sighed in relief.

"Thought they'd never leave. However, what your father has done now is make my life even more miserable. The fool. Does he know how long it takes to pick a successor? I'm gonna have to pick one of your siblings or even you, but I doubt you'd want that kind of job." Zianro rubbed the temples of his forehead, he then breathed deeply and sighed with slight annoyance. "Being a ruler is so Lonesome! The palace feels like an isolated dungeon when the ruler doesn't have a spouse or issue, something your father and some of the other advisers were trying to push on me... But I digress, the reason for your father's resignation is personal, and I quite understand that. Your sister, correct? A thousand apologies and my condolences."

Zianro stood from his throne and bowed courteously, to mimic her lateness in her curtsy. He found the delay of courtesy quite fun to do every once in awhile.

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For a while Deborah was wondering if she was doing the helping right, if it was this that she should be doing. Sure, she could go and ask the guards for help to bring the king up from the cold dungeons but something told her that he wouldn't have appreciated her doing so. But however, Deborah had never been forced to help someone recover from such severe hypo... hype... whatever he had called it. Coldness. But when the king moved again, even rose to his feet’s, Deborah patted herself on the back mentally for succeeding.

"Amazing... And I'm not talking just about your powers, you are already know how impressed I am with your abilities. But what you did... I admire your loyalty. Glad to have you on my side."

For a short moment Deborah lost her focus and just blinked at the praise, she had heard him praise her persona once before. But now he did it again, it wasn't her light, he actually called her amazing. That short moment when she got completely distracted was the exact moment the light she had created died out as well, it imploded and vanished from what the eye could detect. Even though she found it rather humiliating that her surprise was shown so clearly it wasn't anything she could do anything about when it already was done so she just straightened up her back again and shrugged slightly. Acting as if it was nothing, a child’s play, easy, "You are absolutely right in that statement. Indeed, I am amazing. It's not a secret."

If Deborah was even the slightest embarrassed from stating such a thing? No, not even a little. If there was something someone would learn after getting to know Deborah it was the fact that she was extremely self-centered. All was about her and what was best for her. And of course the king's satisfaction with her were what was best for her and she never said no to compliments. She adored them, even though she wasn't that used to hearing them come from others. But that was even nicer.

Cocky enough she added with a grin, "Well, you're not so bad yourself. But I can understand that's it's hard to surpass someone like me." If she regretted it after letting it leave her lips? No, actually not. She had just saved the man the man - according to herself, she felt like she deserved to act this way. And it was not an uncommon act coming from her.

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Eirene watched quietly as their leader spoke to his advisors and the how they all left the room. It was not like she wanted to disturb anything important, however, she doubted that it was what she had done. Her father had been missing and they couldn't make any decisions without hearing his opinion too. But that time was over now, she knew it but it was still hard to accept. To think of her father as something as simple as just a noble it just didn't fit him. Or fit the previous version of her father, a new one had emerged.

When they were alone she took her time studying Zianro as he read the letter her father had written. Not even she knew what it contained, or she knew the basic information but not how detailed it was or which words her father had used. But by the expression that was shown she doubted it was good ones. Perhaps she was a bit creepy were she stood and just watched without blinking, but that was sadly the way she was. She liked to observe, she found pleasure in doing so.

"However, what your father has done now is make my life even more miserable. The fool. Does he know how long it takes to pick a successor? I'm gonna have to pick one of your siblings or even you, but I doubt you'd want that kind of job."

When the mentioned of her Eirene just yanked slightly backward with a disturbed look in her eyes, to be positioned as her father's successor was the last thing she wanted to happen to her. She was not even a little interested in politics and such a position would force her to dedicate her life to such things. No, that was not something for her.

"Being a ruler is so Lonesome! The palace feels like an isolated dungeon when the ruler doesn't have a spouse or issue, something your father and some of the other advisers were trying to push on me... But I digress, the reason for your father's resignation is personal, and I quite understand that. Your sister, correct? A thousand apologies and my condolences."

"Oh, yes. Father couldn't handle the news, he didn't even want to get out of his chamber to greet me this morning, he just handed me the letter. I think he blames himself for what happened to her, that his position was what brought that upon her." There was no fuss, Eirene got right to the point and spoke of her thoughts about the issue, she didn't see why she would need to avoid the topic. As mentioned her emotions about it all was defected. "Anyway, if the successor needs to be someone from my family I would advise you to take my oldest brother in consideration. He like politics and has been discussing it with father since he got old enough, he's a strong mage as well. I do think you would like him, I like him. He's nice."

Zianro mused over it all. What Eirene told him was just as he expected, and how he thought the responsibility was flat out on his shoulders to give out. When she suggested his brother he mused over it. The fact she says she liked him as a good choice sounded reliable. He smirked, "You're very considerate and thoughtful. I will look into your brother as soon as possible. However, that leaves to me, one minor issue. You did a great service in delivering me your father's letter. That should not go unrewarded."

He looked around to make sure no one was listening. "So, if you're not too busy, maybe we can simply have lunch together today? Or maybe have it with you and your brother present. As friends getting to know each other of course, I mean nothing forward by it. Would you be interested? If not today we can surely arrange a day. I leave it up to you Lady Eirene." He gave a genuine smile instead of a playful smirk, or a political smile. He didn't like being alone in his palace all the time, and talking to his advisers was beginning to be repetitive. Find a perfect wife this, and quell the Fire tribes' wrath that. He knew he had to do all that.

But he half wished he could get to know all the women in the continent and take his pick. Any woman he felt was good but not good enough he'd throw Na'ari's way and see how he'd do.

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Eirene was satisfied with hearing that their leader would consider the oldest sibling to take their father's place, if Zianro choose to do so she could only picture how happy it would make her brothers. It wasn't so that she would point out that she was the one that recommended him, she didn't need the credit. She would be satisfied with just lightening up his mood a little after the loss of their sister. It would probably lighten everyone’s mood a little, make them proud of him.

But something that was totally unexpected was that Zianro apparently wanted to treat her for lunch because she brought the letter to him. She didn't think that what she had done was so special, it wasn't that hard. She had just used her legs and walked over here, so far wasn't it either. But it was not like she was going to refuse his offer, if he felt like that was something he wanted to do to reward her it was fine with her. But she guessed it had mainly something to do with what he had talked about before, how lonesome it was in the palace. She figured that his proposal probably was more about his need than hers.

Even though she thought that she just bowed her head down slightly with a calm smile, "Of course, my Lord. If that's what you wish for that's what we will do. I don't have any specifically plans today and even if I had some they wouldn't be in the way for your request. It's an honor to be granted such a privilege."

Na'ari ducked backwards in shock from Belistrad's sudden assault. He landed straight on is back an his eyes widened. "Have you lost your mind?!" He yelled out. He genuinely could not understand what was going on. He gripped his sword's handle tight as he glowered. He just wanted information not a fight. Plus he couldn't tell if the woman Belistrad was protecting was the one he was looking for.

"Enough! Cut it out right now! You crazy loon, what's your problem?!" He shouted as he opened his canteen and threw a whip around his opponents feet to knock him off balance as that he could put the weight of his armored boot on top of him to pin him. "I just came for info! I wasn't even prepared for a fight you got that?! I swear to God, if it wasn't for the fact there was a woman present I'd knock you out!"

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Zianro smiled. "It is an honor you are considerate. Most find me quite the boring to have a nice lunch with conversations with me." He stated. "I'll make sure the cook will be informed I'll have a guest for lunch so that the necessary arrangements are made. I'll have someone send for your brother so that he can gain his father's position as adviser. I'd love to get to know his character." With that, he sat on his throne with a content smile on his face. He half wondered what on earth Na'ari was doing at that exact moment in time.

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Eirene only nodded in response to what Zianro said, she couldn't find anything that actually needed to be said. She felt like everything had already been brought up, but she felt sort of happy about the arrangement. She wondered what kind of facial expression her big brother would make when he found out what was going to happen, she bet it would look funny. Sadly she wouldn't be able to see it.

Early that morning Eden had left the mansion to return to his own family, it was not that he wanted to be away from them or even stay in his family house. It was more like he had been forced to do so by his father, the man was a mess after they had discovered Embla lying in the middle of the street surrounded by people that had been out that night. Including her lover, Eden blamed him for what had happened. If he hadn't lured out Embla in the middle of the night this wouldn't have happened - at least that was what Eden thought.

When he again was reunited with his family, his own wife and kids, Eden immediately felt better. Of course he still felt bad for the loss of his sister, they were related. But it was not like they had spent that much time together as they grew up, they were busy with being raised in different ways. She was raised to become a great wife and woman while he was introduced to politics and his father’s work. He had been pretty distant to every one of his younger siblings since he was the chosen the one, the one that his father planned to take on his legacy, take up the position in the palace. Not that Eden minded, but he had always felt a bit different from the others. He couldn't even relate that much to his younger brothers since they hadn't been taught politics either, their training had been focusing on battle. Eden was the one trained to use his brains while the other's was trained to use their muscles.

He had planned to spend the day with his wife - Yvette, discussing what had happened to his family, listening to her opinions since what he found attractive about her was her mind. She was always a good listener and thoughtful, a good person to discuss things with since she always could come up with new perspectives that not even Eden himself had thought of. But that plan was interrupted when someone suddenly was standing outside the door knocking on it, the message that was delivered was shocking. Or more like confusing. Eden wondered if it could be true what was said and did think of refusing at first but after being persuaded by Yvette he accepted and followed the man.

When they arrived at the palace Eden couldn't barely believe his eyes, that he had been invited to meet the leader for the first time in his life. It was huge. More than huge. It was as if all that he had been training for his whole life was just in his reach, so close but yet so far. Eden had no idea that his father had resigned from his mission, leaving the position open for Eden to take. But just the feeling of getting inside the palace made Eden's heart beat so hard that it felt like it would burst any second, he was so excited but scared at the same time. He felt like fainting, like his whole life from now on depended on this moment.

Once outside the great hall Eden tried to calm his breathing, act like someone noble, someone that should be used to this sort of things. But he could feel it - that his future awaited him on the other side of the wooden doors and to be frankly it freaked him out. But even though he couldn't calm down completely he stepped inside the room, at first his eyes was immediately drawn to their leader. Seeing him in person for the first time that was special, even though Eden was older than the man he still felt respect for him. But just some short seconds after his eyes were directed towards the second person who was there, someone Eden hadn't been counting to be there. His youngest sister, Eirene. But it was not like it surprised him that much that she was in there, she had a tendency to do things no one else would do. So casually starting to hang out with the leader was probably one of the less odd things she had decided to do.

The tall man bowed deeply towards the other male, "I'm extremely flattered that you asked for me, my Lord. I'm Eden deSoleh, but I figure you already know that since you are accompanied by my little sister at the moment." Back at his full length Eden placed his hands behind his back before adding, "I'm sorry for being intrusive but may I ask of why you called me here?"

"Ah, a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord DeSoleh. Please come closer and have a seat. I've invited you here for lunch to discuss certain developments that may interest you." Zianro stated as he got comfortable and waited for the servants to do so. "So I must first, as I have done before, is that you accept my condolences for the loss of a member of your family."

He then rubbed his hands together in musing. "I also must announce that due to your loss, your father has somehow seen that he is unfit to continue his position as the DeSoleh family adviser seat in my court. He resigned this morning. This is why your sister has suggested a proper replacement. You, Eden."

He extended his hand to the eldest sibling of the family. "I openly invite you to take your father's position as adviser. Should you accept it."

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Na'ari was pacing near a tavern in town, wondering what the heck was going on. Belistrad acted strange and he suspected Zianro of some form of foul play. He decided to stick the exile in one of the dungeons away from the Royal dungeons and observe his movements. If Zianro lied to Na'ari about something he had a right to know about it. "What the hell is going on...?"

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"Ah, a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord DeSoleh. Please come closer and have a seat. I've invited you here for lunch to discuss certain developments that may interest you. So I must first, as I have done before, is that you accept my condolences for the loss of a member of your family."

Both of the deSoleh siblings got closer and sat down when only the older brother was brought up and even though Eden did give Eirene a quick look for doing so he didn't protest. He guessed that if there was something wrong in the way she acted their leader himself would say something. But it was slightly rude of her to do so according to Eden. Eirene saw nothing wrong in the way she acted however, as noticed before basic good manners was not what she placed her focus on. She found it all rather boring actually.

"I also must announce that due to your loss, your father has somehow seen that he is unfit to continue his position as the DeSoleh family adviser seat in my court. He resigned this morning. This is why your sister has suggested a proper replacement. You, Eden."

The first huge shock for Eden was that his father had resigned, it seemed so unlikely. But with the death and all, who could blame him for not acting like himself? Eden wouldn't know how he would react if it wasn't for his own personal family that brought his spirit up, perhaps he would be as heartbroken as father apparently were? But Eirene didn't seem that shaken up either and she didn't have a family of her own to return to, just the one they shared. But, then there was her research as well. Eden found it creepy and by the look of her right now he somehow got an even more disgusted feeling about it.

But Eden couldn't be like that, Eirene was apparently the one that had suggested that he would take his father's place. She had helped him to fulfill his destiny. How was a mystery that Eden didn't even want to try to figure out, but somehow she of all people had convinced Zianro that Eden was the right person for the responsibility.

Eirene only watched quietly as Eden lowered his head humbly before answering that it would be an honor to be of any service to the tribe. She found it all sort of rewarding, that she had done something good today. It felt like that, like she had turned into a slightly better person by this. It was a good feeling she had on the inside strangely enough with the circumstances.

"Excellent. I'll look forward to our continued cooperation Lord DeSoleh." Zianro said with a small smile. He rose again to stretch his legs. "It feels so good to have company once in awhile. When you are me, the palace gets rather constricting." He grabbed several finger foods and sampled them.

"Also, the tribe will be grateful as well for your services Eden you will count on that, in light of recent events it'll be good for the populace to have a bit of hope." He said with a smirk, he half wondered in his own mind what Na'ari was doing. He should have found the bargaining chip for Vinicius by now. His thoughts wandered a small bit.

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"Excellent. I'll look forward to our continued cooperation Lord DeSoleh. It feels so good to have company once in awhile. When you are me, the palace gets rather constricting."

Eden only nodded quietly, kind of understanding what the man was talking about. That it must be lonely to only have people he's being forced to socialize with around him all the time. The staff and even the advisers was people their leader hasn't chosen to have around him. And the palace was pretty big, just because people work there doesn't mean that they would eventually meet the leader wither. Some perhaps but not all of them. It must be dreadful for Zianro to live in such a place by himself.

Eirene however didn't get it, the statement about having company once in a while. From her point of view he had company everyday, his adviser spoke with him almost every day. So company was something he had. So without thinking she questioned it all even though she did get a glare from her older brother for it, "But you do have company most of the time. All your advisers and all that, doesn't they count as company as well?"

Eden couldn't believe how rude Eirene was, even though it was unconscious. If it wasn't so that their father was depressed at the moment he would tell him about what she had done today, now he felt like he would be forced to scold her by himself. Yes, she was an adult but Eden didn't think she acted as a responsible grown up.

"Also, the tribe will be grateful as well for your services Eden you will count on that, in light of recent events it'll be good for the populace to have a bit of hope."

If Eden wasn't a grown up man that took pride in acting like the norms strictly said that you should he would blush, now he didn't even spark a small smile by being referred to as hope bringer. But he would probably jump around in delight the moment he will tell Yvette about this all. Still restraining his happiness Eden nodded, a common act from those in the deSoleh family, "That's far to kind of you to say, my Lord. But I thank you for your kind words."

Zianro smiled that his subjects were accepting their positions. It made himself all the more comfortable. He then saw a guard walk in and whisper several things to him. "Thank you. Well, as much I don't like to cut visits from company short, I have an appointment to get going to. We shall talk more later, but Eden, enjoy your new position." He stated it with a smile and walked off towards the dungeons again. He knew he had an appointment to fill. Destiny's.

He arrived back at Vinicius's cell and walked in feeling merry as he used the handle of his blades to rattle the bars. "Wakey wakey Zotar, I have news for you." He stated as he leaned at a good distance. "I'm happy to announce I found your lost girl, but sadly she's been stuck in a sleep like death. But when she awakes, I doubt a cold cell is what she awaits to see. I imagine, she'd see, a much more pleasant cell, with furniture, a cozy bed... And you, I imagine. So let's get down to real business Lord Vinicius. I won't treat the redhead badly, if you agree to listen what I have to say for the good of both our tribes, and of course, families and loved ones."

His smile simply grew wider, but inside he felt more like a mastermind behind a large scale scheme, which was probably true. "So what is it going to be Zotar? Will it be a deal? Yes, or no?"

Reshar was having quite a good time in the bar. It had gotten quite lively as it seems a brother of the young woman he murdered seemed to be trying to celebrate his rise in the political world. Reshar was pleased that his food arrived just in time for the "show". He listened in and was rather interested in this sister and her "experiments".

'Eirene', Reshar thought to himself as he kept his eyes mostly fixed on his food as he pretended to still be suffering from a hangover from the night before. Of course his constitution held strong, and he downed some alcohol as if that would wash away his pain. It was weird how drunkards continued to drink regardless of their ailments. Reshar continued to scan the crowd as he swayed slightly and slumped forward. There were more people coming in and it was annoying to have to keep track of all of them. There are two kinds of people in bars. Talkative and silent. Reshar took note of both types in the tavern and began to cross reference his experiences and scanned the crowd casually as called out for another ale.

"Another ale here please, I'm starting to remember my headache again!" he sounded annoyed and obnoxious which was standard he used this time to look at everyone's reaction to see if anything seemed out of place, and of course he through in a slight drunken sway in the performance as well.

Reshar watched the owner's face scrunch slightly before he got up to grab a bottle. Apparently he enjoyed talking about Eirene for some reason but the promise of coin was always the greatest of words to businessmen.

'Basement' he thought. 'I wonder if i should take a look before I go,' he thought as he went back to his food.'Disgusting experiments' could be anything and putting my curiousities above the mission is not my way. Though his thoughts were along those lines he was curious about this Eirene, who seemed to fascinate the owner and others in the tavern. He recalled the name and her discription. She had not been out last night, but the additional information on her was quite scarce, just rumors and such.

Reshar finished his food and slid his plate away as he finished off his first ale just as the second one was placed on the table. He held on to the bottle and pretended to glare at everyone as he explored their reactions to him once more as he mulled over the thought of searching for this woman while he rested his head on the table and let his eyes drift from face to face randomly as he pulled his drink closer as if to protect it from thieves.

Reshar looked through the man talking to the bartender and focused when he started to speak and read his lips before taking a bite of his food and looking around again.

'Security?' Reshar thought to himself. The odds of him being in here were probably thirty percent. Making his rounds and such. 'This tribe is rather cautious,' he bemused in his mind as he took another bite. 'Atleast after a crisis. Had they been like this from the beginning it would have been quite harder to get it accomplished'.

It amused Reshar slightly that this man (Na'ari), bothered having this guy protected. Reshar got up uneasily after finishing his food and drink and staggered towards the door.

"Well thanks for yo-your hosssspitality," Reshar slurred. "I'm going to go looook f-for my friend because heee... did NOT show up for our little escape from the ladies of the house, last night. He was supposed to split the bill too" He stumbled out the door and paused and made a theatric about deciding which way to go. Reshar knew where the house was already, but perhaps he would take a peek at this basement. He was drunk after all. Nothing odd about a drunk getting lost or even being curious about a story he heard in a bar. At least his cover should hold up still. After the peek he'd leave lakeshore and and then make his move on the next targets for the next tribe.

Reshar turned in the opposite direction so he wouldn't arouse suspicion and he'd just make his way back to the "basement" casually, as he looked around for something he could use as a weapon along the way.

'By the Goddess, this is a joke, right?', Reshar thought thimself as he realized the person that he planned on avoiding was following him. Going back to the information in his head; this man, Eden deSoleh, did live in this direction. Good news is his cover waqsn't blown. Bad news the man had someone walking a distance behind making sure Eden didn't hurt himself. Physically or Politically.

Reshar wasn't worried about the wobbling Eden. Reshar's mind was more focused on the sober individual that was being annoyingly observant. After a few moments of wobbling went by Reshar let out sigh.

'That meat was good too,' Reshar thought. Without another second he dashed awkwardly to an 'alley' between houses and got to his knees and with his back turned to Eden and the other person, Reshar shoved two fingers down his throat and withing seconds caused himself to puke up his breakfast. Reshar let his gag reflex take over as he did it again and puked more out giving Eden and his chaperone a chance to walk passed him

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General King Zaheed

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King Zaheed stared intently at his hand, as he had been doing to many parts of his body over the course of the last few weeks because things have turned to abnormalities. Muscles that surged down the whole right arm had enlarged and swelled up five times the regular size. The same as went for his hand with fingernails ascending out like a short sword blade from the long menacing fingers. Yet on his left, his arm remained the same. And as for his torso, it grew at an unhuman state of volume as his back formed him to hunch over with the spine poking through flesh. He had also morphed taller, his legs heightening as if he were a giant, but he looked more than that of one, instead, he looked like a monster.

Zaheed was the clear example of what happens when a man hungers for more. He care not for balance, all he desired was to devour. After he was heated and saved by Deborah when he misused his powers, he felt that he revealed to his mage a weakness in himself. That day Zaheed told himself never again, because now he was ready to show all of Imos who he truly was. For once, he was going to stop the games and strip off his mask.

Zaheed discovered something in his time of finding powers of a god, as he were absorbing heat, he started to sense another essence deep inside a vessel body, he found power, the magic all of Imos bear. So he did what anyone would expect Zaheed to do, he robbed them of their gifts, leaving victims powerless. Though he would not be able to bend other elements, he would be able to feast upon the very extract of magic. Their magic energy would course through his veins, making him stronger and more deadly, yet the question Zaheed lacks to be concerned about is, how much more power can he absorb before his body refuses to take anymore. Are there limits to his madness?

Zaheed heard something fall behind his causing a great disturbance to him, thus he turned around to have seen his raven friend, Icarus. The bird had flown in such a hurry he lost his stability, but it was for Icarus had urgent news.

“Zaheed! Zaheed!” he squawked, a noise only Zaheed could understand, and only was it Icarus permitted to call on the King by just his first name. “I-Its about Bellistrad!”

“What did he do, run away?” Zaheed questioned, stepping closer to Icarus, to which then the bird backed up, noticing what Zaheed had become. But instead of asking questions about Zaheed’s body, Icarus decided to stay relevant.

“Much more than that, I’ve been spying on him just as you ordered, and Bellistrad seeks to free your brother… And he got the air tribe involved.”
There was a pause, Icarus was afraid what may happen next. But Zaheed only laughed. “So the boy wishes to help out little brother. I doubt he be successful, but perhaps it would have been better that I had killed him. Yes, that is what I should of done.” Zaheed snatched the bird by its neck. “I will have you know I commanded he find the shape shifting tribe for you!”

“Zaheed, I know! I know! You wished to find some way to undue the curse, so you hoped on finding the ones who form animals, perhaps to find a way to break the spell. You wanted me as a man once again, I know. Could you comprehend how dearly I covet my old life?”

Zaheed held the bird up higher, tightening his grip. “My friend, your words portray you as a weakling. I shall make the weak strong!"

“W-what are you doing!” Icarus squirmed as he felt something surge through his soul, he felt something he had not felt in years- magic. Zaheed transferred his magic to the body of the bird once man. And as this power grew inside of Icarus, so did his physical being. The black wings swoop out in large stature, as his beak sprouted through greater lengths in a point. Icarus looked as twisted as Zaheed, yet Zaheed saw Icarus as a worthy opponent against his enemies and a pleasant and menacing sight to be displayed against his bulging shoulder.

“I will stain Imos with my existence! So you said Bellistrad wants to free Zotar? Heh, well I better let baby brother know what it means to truly be in control. We attack the earth tribe at nightfall! Zotar will blindly love me for it.”

Just as Zaheed had ordered it, soldiers surrounded around the earth tribe at nightfall, though in secret. Archers were prepared and ready to fire their flaming arrows against the tribe dominantly surrounded and constructed of trees. Since Zaheed had been king, the military of the fire tribe has advance, though even when he was a general, the fire tribe had always been known for its great stance military wise. But Zaheed has drafted all boys of the tribe of age seven, the amount of training without rest has proven to be brutal but effective, but yet his men were ready as they will ever be.

Zaheed stood slightly in front of his men, though he wore not armor, for his body had emerged too large to fit any longer. Besides, his body was not the only thing growing bigger, it was also his pride, his belief that his body had sunk image to that of a god, thus no longer did he need things of mortals, such as armor or even weapons. Instead Zaheed wore a pair of trousers and a deep dark crimson cloak with its hood lurking over his black locks. Against his shoulder perched his grisly pet bird.

Zaheed brought Deborah along with him, he wanted to show to her his greatness, that he was not weak and what vision he promised when he first met her was coming true. “Are you prepared to witness reality molded by my hands, Deborah?” He looked down at her, for his height reached above all others. It was a surprise to everyone else of what creature Zaheed had turned into. “Experience it, be immersed in my eminence, all of Imos will be.” Zaheed suddenly with great force sung his arm up signaling for the archers to fire, and then it started. A wave of flames soared against the great black sky, reaching for Shadow in a fiery fiendish embrace. And when the first arrow struck into the bark of the tree village, all hell fell upon the nation as it burst into flames.

“Slay those who decline their salvation, and deliver it to those who surrender through their capture as slaves!” Zaheed commanded his men as the arrows flew over them. “Today I shall deliver the children of fire into warriors strung to the call of glory!” As soon as the arrows fell onto ground, infantry fled Shadowfen, and Icarus jumped off of his master’s shoulder and launched into the night to screech battle cries, to intensify the earth tribe’s fear. Zaheed also entered seeking the head of the leader, with power and pride blinding his eyes. He wanted to be worshiped, but above that, he wanted to be feared, so much so, he spared a few so that they may cry to the other nations in message of the horror Zaheed has wrecked upon them and that he will not stop here.

“Ah… I never sought out fire so beautiful, not until it was forged in my name,” He spoke to Deborah. Zaheed stood before the Shadowfen’s grand tree which held the leader’s home, but now burned in an inferno. It was the aftermath of the battle, the earth tribe was destroyed, though not extinct, no Zaheed surely would put his new slaves to work in an army against the rest of the tribes of Imos. “I wonder what nation I will burst into flames next, perhaps the air tribe, yes.” He acted so causal when it came to destroying tribes, because he did not see it as destruction, he saw it as a game of conquering. “Will the fire tribe praise for joy, their god has arrived? No, not just this tribe, but all of Imos will see my godhood. Yes, I put death to the old myths of divinities by pronouncing it illegal. How does that sound, Deborah? The lawbreakers be beaten into submission of my worship.”

He saw himself as a god, and would force others to as well, but little did he know, or more like, accept the many flaws that hindered him. Such as flaws in his physical body- unbalanced, heavy, and in will of recklessness, and no one mustn't forget the flaws in that sinister mind of his for there was no strategy only a hunger for pride and power.

---

Lord Vinicius

---

There he stood, wrist stretched and bounded by chains as they were from day one. He was being fed, but only to the very subsistence in order to keep him as Zianro toy, or so Zotar felt. Another cruel joke Zotar witness Zianro play was the candle. Whether or not Zotar was a fire bender, he was a human, and all people need some type of heat to forbid them from death. So Zianro's men put a candle inches away from Zotar's reach so that he could have only poor ounces of the warm, but also enough to mock him, enough to give him a false sense of hope.

But Zotar did keep in thought, how much longer does he have to live, before Zianro gets bored? He was surprised he has been able to survive this far, but when does the day that ends his misery- when does that day come? Will it ever come? It was as if the thoughts Zotar did conceive were either concerns and worries mixed in with confusion and questions. He knew he was never going to surrender, Zotar was too stubborn for that, even in his weakest moments, he was not going to surrender to Zianro. Instead, he hungered for an escape as he did from the first second he was imprisoned, but now, he had only believed that escape would come out of death. And he would take it if he could.

Though it was not until this moment that forced a change of mind. Something came over Zotar, no it was like he came over it. Zotar felt his veins be filled and his body consume an energy so long ago he had felt. It was heat, real heat, no mockery, no tease, no joke, this was real. But did Zotar believe that at first, that he was feeling something more than grief, that he was alive? Of course not, it was unimaginable. So, as soon as he felt the first thread of heat, he told himself it was a dream. Sure he will go along with it, but he trusted he would wake up to suffering all over again.

Zotar felt the heat in his veins, but he concentrated all the power to the shackles latched to his wrist. And by that, he was able to demolish the metal by melting it. And as soon as the cuffs were off, Zotar felt the wrist, he rubbed his finger on the bone, for the shackles hugged on so tightly, the skin and flesh were crushed beneath the metal. Zotar stepped to the candle, he stomped his foot against the wax, feeling the flame burn into his heel, and he loved every second of it. He dipped his fingers into the hot wax, toying with it, but though he told himself again, it was only a dream.

Zotar looked to corner of his eyes, a light, like footsteps. Maybe the dream was trying to tell him something, so he followed it. He pressed his hands against the wooden door meant to lock him in, but he burned through it, to chase the light. Zotar knew he had to hurry, he did not know how much time he had left before guards smell the smoke from the door.

The light let him through tunnels and out of the dungeon. He was on the surface, but that had not yet hit reality to him, still in thought this was a dream. Zotar was also not observant of his surroundings, other than not be caught, for he was not sticking around to admire anything, instead his mind focused on the light. Even when he made to Zianro's palace, he did not try to bring up such a thought, to him, that would be insane, freedom does not just show up one day, or does it?

The light let him to a person, this was when Zotar started to believe this was real. He stepped closer to what appeared to be a blue haired young man. All Zotar's eyes were stationed on was him, for the light follow this one person and no one else. Zotar doubted the stranger would recognize Zotar, for the once strong healthy lord, now closely resembled a skeleton with a thin mask of skin. Zotar's hair grew longer, so did his beard, and because of the stress and worry, he looked slightly older. There was one part about him however that could identify him as a former ruler of the fire tribe, it was the brand marks from the day he wore the traditional arm guards of lords generations before.

However, as soon as Zotar stepped close enough to the man, Zotar touched his shoulder. He wanted to know if this person was real, or was it just a hallucination? If he was not dreaming because a dream would not possible go on this long and make a bit of sense, then Zotar questioned if he was delusional. But as soon as Zotar laid his fingers on a stranger, feeling that this was a real person. A person that was not Zianro or one of his heartless guardsmen, someone that was not going to hurt him.

Zotar immediately then wrapped his arms tightly around the man, never wanting to let go, determined to never be alone again and to never let solitude bite against spine and into his mind. It was an embrace that expressed the amount of desolation Zotar were strangled and suffocated with. Sure the face was familiar, he did not know who this was, he did not know this was Bellistrad Indorial the exile he wished arrested, nor did care. An abundance of emotion flooded Zotar, it was something he could not let dwell inside, so Zotar wept in joy with his head buried deeply inside of Bellistrad's shoulder. Zotar was known to be a man who acted on emotion, but not like this. He never cried in public, even when his father died, he knew he had to be strong for his people, especially when he found out he was going to be lord.

But now nothing else mattered to him right now, but this moment, that he was actually in contact with someone. He ached for many things he lost when trapped inside of his cell, one of those things being utterly the ability to know you are not alone. He felt the heat of another soul, and it was enough to bring him to tears and his voice into sobbing.