Setting
- 117 posts here • Page 5 of 5 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
“Galen, I presume?” Robin asked. “I understand your... predicament. But that’ll wait till later. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And you, Azura.” Galen said, as he felt Lucien making a vomiting sound, to the former’s satisfaction of payback for the mental strain of yesterday. Regardless, both men walked through the doors, for Robin to try and mingle and act inconspicuous, while Galen set th sack down at a smaller separate table he had Irina set up for this occasion.
Galen saw Clara on the Queen’s throne and looked at the King’s throne. He knew Maelthra would be expected to sit there, but he didn’t know if he should, as it would be a negative effect on other guests. Plus, with Lucien being quiet, and also not in a suggesting mood, it left Galen all the more conflicted.
”Oh dear, He’s looking like a wallflower. Which means he lacking Charisma at the moment. For certain then the best case is people will assume Galen’s persona is a decoy whilst The Shadow King is running an emergency meeting of other matters.” Robin mused. He wasn’t sure what the worst case could be, unless something happened, unexpectedly.
"My people," She called out. "The Longest Night brings forth the dawning of a new day, a new Year," She said. "As is with Yule tradtion, we leave the past trasgrations in the past for this one long night." She said. "I am not Princess, I am merely Clara, and you are neither merchants or farmers, you are just people, and we are celebrating the new Year as a community." She told him. "Today, for the Long Night, The King is not King, He is Galen, and he has gifts for you all, as do I but I shall like for him to present the first gift of Yule." She said and the people seemed to relax turning to the once Shadow King and smiling, "Go on,"
“The first gift of the Long Night.” Galen stated. “The rest, shall come and reach into this sack, and they will get their gift. Do not fear about getting a gift you don’t deserve. Your Gift is as your need of it.” He then hurried back to the thrones and sat at the King’s throne. Robin watched from the crowd slightly amused at that.
“Dear Gods, That was nerve wracking.” Galen whispered to Clara. “I almost freaked out there. Anyway your highness. I am partially nervous about giving you your gift.” He fished out from his pocket said item. “It is rather silly though. I wrapped it up so you would have to open it and see.” He finished.
But he knew what he made for her. The moment she unwraps it she will see the beauty of her gift. It was a smooth stone made to resemble a heart. It had several runes written on it, but not the magic kind. Merely in writing. The message said, ”I belong to you, if you wish it.” Galen sheepishly looked away, not bearing to look her in the eyes. Lucien gave the suggestion of such a gift to a woman if he felt strongly for one.
Lucien’s reasoning was, he may be evil, but Love is a powerful force, never to be underestimated. It also provided his Bloodline security. However, The battle for Galen’s independence was not in his forte, but he would play along.
Robin in the meantime went to the sack and put his hand inside it. He touched something and took it out, and discovered a hand sized Gryphon carving. At the base of it he saw the words, ”For distant kin, and Savior.” Robin chuckled openly before pocketing the object. It was both funny, and flattering.
Galen paid Lucien’s musings no mind as he melted into the kiss until both parties needed Air. He only breathed a whisper towards Clara, three words that his heart made his mind remember. “I love you, Clara Allyrion.”
Robin smirked at the scene. ”Hm, Theyre a better match then I thought.” He thought as he walked towards the snowy balcony. ”I’ll let them have their moment. It’s time for this Azura to play it cool.”
Robin leaned onto the balcony’s stone rail, smiling to himself as he reflected on the scene. “Some people are just fated to be with one another. I cannot push or convince Fate otherwise.” He mused aloud. “But I should wonder, when will Fate, or the Gods, be kind enough to let me meet someone.” He cast his eyes up at the night sky, bemused in his own thoughts about Love, the tasks ahead of him, and upon the home he must one day reclaim. He sighed, seemingly content for the moment.
Suddenly, Winter burst through the Great Hall, windows shattering, sending shard flying through the hall, impaling those unfortunate enough to not to get out of the way. Clara stood up, eyes wide as a large creature, shaped like a man, walked in, skin white as snow, eyes black as pitch. He wore little clothing, just enough to keep him modest and his hands were coated red.
Fear paralzed her. "You..." She breathed before his black eyes turned on her. "Winter Girl..." He said, his voice echoed in her mind, as well ad throughout the hall. "Come," He said and as if her legs forgot she was in charge, she started walking toward him.
Because Winter had come at last.
”You...”
“Winter Girl...Come.” Galen could only watch in shock as Clara moved not of her own accord as he moved to stand, and prepare for a minor skirmish if he needed to, but he could feel Lucien’s voice mingling with his own. “I do so Hate party crashers. What is your business here fiend?” As he said this, one eye glowed Grey, the Other Yellow. “Especially with the woman.”
——
”Azura.” Robin paused in his reverie and turned to the female voice to see a cloaked figure.
“I am He.” He replied.
”The Fae sent me, I was told to find you.” she revealed her face to him and nodded in acknowledgement of her being a member of the Fae Courts. Though the red dots on her face made it clear that the message wasn’t a pleasant one, and most certainly not from his Mentor.
“I suppose this means there’s trouble?” He asked, already knowing the answer.
She clicked her teeth and sighed. ”I am Hollow, and we are about to be in a world of shit,” before anything else was said, the chaos began and Robin turned in shock and looked inside briefly and watched the situation at hand.
“Well It seems you were right in that regard.” He said, hand gripping on his sword. “We’re probably gonna have to fight our way to rescue some friends and get out.” He didn’t think the Winter King, if that be what this newest arrival was would wake up so soon. He didn’t even have a solid plan on fighting him.
“Damn it, I always get bad luck on good days.” was his only thought on the entire matter.
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Meanwhile "We’re probably gonna have to fight our way to rescue some friends and get out.” Hallow shrugged, "That would be best, yes," She said and pulled forth daggers from the packs at her hips. "Shall We?" She said and without another word, she ran and leapt into the fray, landing with inhuman grace. She stood straight and promptly began to cut down the bloodlings. "Sever the head from the body, Azura," She called out, and proceeded to lead by example. She severed the head of one and then dropped her heel crushing the head. "Like so," She said as if she were merely giving directions. She spotted the Winter Child and narrowed her eyes and reached into her side pouches. She pulled forth two bulb shaped vials and threw the one after the other at the Winter King. He caught them both without so much as a glance. She smirked. "Duck, Princess," She said and the Winter Girl lowered, realizing shd was free from his controlled as the vials burst, causing the Winter King tp roar in pain as smoke and acidic poisin invaded his senses. Hollow walked with haste toward the Winter Child, killing bloodlings as she went, before grabbing the pertorfied princess and leading her away from the Winter King. "Maelthra, You don't know me, nor do I particularly care--" a bloodling attacked as Hollow spoke to Maelthra, as smoke filled the room, with each death, another bloodling rose. It was soon going to br impossible to fight them alone and they needed to beat a hasty retreat. She turned to the bloodling with the noose, and was going to attack but the Winter Child grabbed her arms. "No!" She cired. Hollow sighed heavily, as the bloodling swung with a gargled grunt but missed due to Hollow's quick reflexes. "A friend, I presume, I am sorry but she is gone, this isn't even her body, Bloodlings mimic the bodies they've seen," She said and Clara looked confused. "What," The bloodling attacked again but Hollow kicked her hard, sending her sprawling, still having a firm grip on Clara's arm "We don't have time for this" She said and turned to Maelthra. "Maelthra we have to go-" No sooner did she say this did the bloodling return but this time armed, and sent a shard of glass toward Hollow to dodged but just barely but the princess did not fare so well. Hollow gasped. "Shit, shit, shit," She said as the princess looked down at the nice sized gash in her side. It wouldn't kill her but it certaintly didn't tickle. "Maelthra, do not let her blood hit the ground." Hollow ordered as the princess teetered into him.
Everything was moving so fast, chaos was everywhere and smoke. She couldn't see or even think. The green woman seemed to knoe what she was doing but it seemed to be overwhelming her too. The shard of glass thrown by the bloodling verison of Narissa sat embedded in her skin, enough that her fingers came away scarlet. Dizziness washed over her and she felt her legs give. "Galen?" Clara said as her vision blurred.
He then saw the bloodling version of Narissa and realized one of two things. One, She was most likely dead. The second thing being the most guilt wrenching feeling of all. Robin may have been indirectly responsible for her death. He blocked an attack by another bloodline as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When next he opened his eyes, He gave a battle cry and took its head. During all this Maelthra was trying to prepare his own magic to help fight as well because unlike Robin, Galen neglected to bring his sword, even when Hollow tried to communicate with him briefly.
The shock of the bloodling in the form of Narissa did not truly shock Lucian. He knows she hated Maelthra no matter who was in charge of the Body of Galen. But Galen knew it must have pained Clara. But why would Narissa kill herself? He didn’t know the answer.
”Maelthra we have to go-“ Hollow tried to tell him, But was interrupted when the bloodling Narissa threw a shard at them, which Hollow avoided, but it hit Clara. ”Shit, shit, shit, She muttered. ”Maelthra, Don’t let her blood hit the ground.” Maelthra reverted to Galen when he caught her, and tried to use his magic to control the bleeding wound, and dry any blood already out of her.
”Galen?” Panic and fear was shown in his eyes as he held her and stood up to carry her in his arms. He was afraid for her life, tears formed in his eyes. No words left his mouth, no sound either. But mentally, he screamed in rage as his eyes flowed grey, glaring at the bloodling as a rune appeared in front of its face. A second later the rune sent a blast of fire at the creature. “Maelthra is a Title. My name, is Galen Black.” He’d never call himself Azura, for he was of an Illigetimate lineage, so the name he heard his Mother use for others like him would do.
“Galen! We are leaving! If we stay we’ll be overrun!” Robin shouted as he defeated another bloodling and hurried to regroup with the others. “We need a way out now. But where?! They’re probably blocking the way out of the throne room except...”
The hunter of the Azura clan eyed the balcony. ”Oh hell no. Please tell me that’s not our only option Fate! There’s got to be another way right!?” No matter what he thought, he knew there might be no other way out but through there. ”I really could use a Gryphon right about now...”
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Meanwhile, Hollow followed Robin Azura keeping Maelthra- or Galen Black as he called himself flanked.
She looked back at the Winter King or in his original direction because of the smoke that filled the room. Winter roared around them so she knew that those potions not only worked, but pissed him off. She darted ahead, killing as many bloodlings as possible lookong for an immediate exit. Of course, the one person that would know where to go was barely hanging on. Hollow stoppped. "Oh, Of course" She said as if she simply forgot something and approached the princess. She placed a green palm on her forehead and closed her eyes. "Find us an exit." She said softly, before the princesses memories floated through her mind. Hollow's dark eyes glowed a brillant green before she blinked. "I know the way, Comd, Quickly. The air and fire magick won't last long." She said refering to the smoke. She rushed through the melee only bloodlings, there was no saving them now anyway, nor was there a way to fight them 20 to 1. She found the corridor that lead to the kitchens, where, behind a cupboard were loose boards in the wall gave a small Clara Allyrion escape. Hollow, could see the echos of the passed with her glowing eyes and watched young Clara pulled the fifth and forth board to the side, while, with a swift kick, Hollow was not tactful. The boards shattered and their exit was made. From the castle, getting out and into the forest was not easy one a summer's day, this was the dead of winter. "Come, Hurry," She said and following the echo of the princesses memories, she lifted a hand. "Will'O Wisps, show us the way!" She called out and no sooner than she had, did small blue spirits appear, one after another and disappearing the moment they followed. Soon enough, they reached the bank of a frozen river. "Hai-Fen, Guardian of Otherworld, it is Hollow the Sidhe of Protection, allow us entry." She said as she reached into her pack, and pulled six small thistledowns. "Stand upon them." She told them, and when they id, she held up a hand. "Air, I beseech thee." She said and a soft breeze tugged at them before a light appeared at the horizon on the water. It shined a trail, and melted the ice, allowing what appeared to be a small but elegant boat, big enough to fit them comfortably. "Thank you, Hai-Fen," She said and climbed inside. "Make Haste, The Winter King can not find her." She said and grabbed one oar, and gave the other to Robin, since he wasn'r holding the princess. "Follow the track of light," She said and pointed to the horizon "Row, for your very soul, Robin Azura," She said and began to do just that.
”Well, It’s better then nowhere.” Galen thought as Lucian somhow stayed relatively quiet. Something was up, he was usually more talkative at this point. ”Come, Hurry.” was the order as the group made their way towards the forest and the Wisps appeared on their path.
“Looks like there’s only one way to safety.” Robin said as they went along the path. When they reached the bank Galen’s hope nearly turned to despair. He needed to heal Clara the rest of the way, and fast. But he can’t until he knew safety was assured.
”Hai-Fen, Guardian of Otherworld, it is Hollow the Sidhe of Protection, allow us entry.” Robin’s eyes widened at the title she stated. She was one of the Protector Fae. She pulled thistledowns and instructed them to stand, in which they did. She then beseeched the wind as a boat was revealed to them. ”Thank you Hai-Fen. Make Haste, the Winter King can not find her.” not wasting Time, Galen climbed aboard and held Clara close.
“Hold on, please hold on...” He whispered. Robin sheathed his blade and took the oar.
”Follow the Track Of Light. Row, for your very soul, Robin Azura.” was Hollow’s only instruction. Robin complied and did as she did, following the track as quick as possible. He knew where they were going. His Master told him stories, and he’d find the means to call for him there. As he did he only gave one statement.
“My Soul and my blood are the only possessions I have left. They give me the strength to help carry us to safety.” Robin said as he rowed. “I await for the chance to meet those who sent for me, they shall have my thanks.”
(Sorry this took so long :-( )
”She took her own life, and now, she’s some half dead slave of the Winter-“
”Don’t say his name, Princess. Speaking of him will bring him.” The Woman who helped them this far interrupted. All Clara could do nothing else but cry in his arms. He pulled her close.
“Shh, it was only her physical body. Her spirit is free. She will always be there in your heart, when you need of it.” Galen consoled. “I know it’s... not the best comforting words I can, but I’m here for you as well, like you’ve always been after you learned of my true self. I’m here my love.” He kisses her at the top of her head comfortingly.
Robin still rowed on the trail of light, feeling the need to stay quiet for the two to have a quiet moment and only whispered to the woman he only knew as Hollow. “Well, Least She’s in good hands. Hopefully, at the rate we’re rowing we’ll enter the Fae Realm within the next hour or less.” He whispered. “I never thought I’d meet one of the Sidhe of Protection in my life though. I find it both a blessing and an honor to do so.”
Robin had heard the stories from his Mentor, living with him on the mountain that seemed to barely touch the realm. But never had he thought he’d encounter more then one Fae in his life. “I only have one question Hollow. Who sent you to find me? Or am I to find out when we arrive?” He still rowed as he spoke. He looked around as if he was starting to notice something a bit different in the air around them.
(Its Alright. RL happens to everyone. :3)
"There, Azura" Hollow said and pointed with a chin toward the shining Irovy city off not fair from where they were the water. "Winter can not follow us here," she said proudly.
(RL got in the way again, Im so sorry, Im back now though)
Galen held Clara close, doing his best to keep her warm in the cold. But the wound the Enemy, or so he may call it, as he felt even the mention of the King of Winter in thought alone would find them, made her possibly feel cold. Then suddenly, as the boat rowed on, the realm changed as if they passed an unseen gate. Galen was hit with the Summer heat pretty quick and almost felt relieved by its presence, and even Lucien felt happy they were out of the cold, before he heard small angry murmurings from the spirit that possessed him. ”Galen... where are we?” He turned to look at Clara as the dark sky gave way to blue, as she tried to move only to gasp in pain.
“Clara, don’t move, you might make the wound reopen again.” He said with care as he used what healing magic he knew to ensure it did not. “And from Lucien’s murmuring, we are very much without thought in one spot in the Fae Realm he doesn’t feel like he’ll get a warm welcome. The Summer Court.”
”There, Azura.” Hollow told Robin, pointing to the Ivory City that was almost getting closer with each row. ”Winter can not follow us here.”
“That is good news.” Robin said as he continued rowing, smiling at the sight of the City. “We should be safe here you two. How is she Galen?”
“She’s cold, very much so.” The Descendant Of the Shadow King answered. “Please tell me that we’re almost there.”
“I believe we are almost there. We just have to reach land or port.” Robin answered, before turning to search for such a place, only to then see six sprites fly up and examine the passengers of the boat, one giggled and flew in a circle around the boat as they seemed to shout “hellos” and “welcomes” before three got behind the boat and began pushing the boat a bit further towards their destination, as if they were messengers for someone waiting for them when they reached the ever closer Ivory City.
“I guess the Summer Queen knows we’re here now.” Robin noted with a slightly amused grin, as Galen felt a slight groan of disgust in his head at all the light magic. Lucien clearly began to feel very uncomfortable being here. And that put a worry in him that visibly showed in his eyes. It gave only one haunting question in his mind.
What kind of reception would Maelthra receive from the Queen of Summer? Warm and friendly, or cold and hostile?
(Again it’s quite alright. I’ve come slightly back from the throes of inactivity myself. So this is good timing. :3)
”She knows any time mortals enter pass through the Veil.” Hollow said as Robin felt her grasp his arm and lift him up onto the dock, causing the monster hunter/Mercenary to blink several times in surprise. He quickly put it off as a Fairy thing, knowing that Fae were deceptively powerful. Galen grew more worried for Clara as she felt more cold. Hollow gasped.
”Princess Clara” she quickly touched her head and pulled away. "Winter's Chill, That wound wasn't meant to kill her, it was meant to infect her." Galen’s eyes widened as Hollow looked up at the sprites. ”Have the healers meet us in the Ivory Tower, Make haste!" The sprites instantly flew off towards the tower, leaving them to the mercy of whoever was gazing at the group of travelers. ”This is not good.”
“Then I suggest we hurry with all haste then to the Tower.” Robin said, his face turning more grim by the second. “It’s now life or death. Galen come on... Galen?”
“The shock of realizing she’s in mortal peril put Galen off his guard Robin. Lucien is trying to use it to his advantage but we must hurry.” Cain. Here in the Fae Realm it seemed that he was the more stronger. Now the souls of the two Brothers trapped in Galen were now dueling for dominance for the time until Maelthra’s Mystery can be presented to the Summer Queen, Which Cain felt was surely the case. Robin only nodded and looked to Hollow.
“Lead on, we must get to the Ivory Tower then. The sooner we get there the sooner we can help her and finally put all the pieces together.” With that Said, Cain, Through Galen, held onto Clara and followed wherever Hollow lead sprinting as they went.
”You dare to interfere in reclaiming what is mine you wretched soul? You’re much older then when we last fought Azrael. Slow and old. You shouldn’t have interfered. I would have won!” Lucien said in taunting, clearly pushing to take over and truly show the Fae the Shadow King if it was a cold reception.
”Maybe so, But the time is close to where your actions are to be accounted for Maelthra.” Cain said, putting on a resolute face. ”It is close to time we moved on from this plane of existence. The Game changed when I learned Robin was the last.”
”Never! There will always be a Shadow King as there will always be an Azura Clan. I promise you this!” Lucien shouted in contempt. ”Evil Shall always find a way!”
Galen managed to wrest control mid sprint and held Clara tighter. “Don’t die Clara... don’t leave me alone with the ghosts... Lucien is getting more furious, more impatient.” He begged. “Gods... please don’t let me be alone with them anymore.”
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