There she was...
Long tangled hair hung limply over her figure obscuring the face from view. He stared at the sight of her arms, stretched and pinned to the wall, her hands pale and limp. Amidst the dimness Lila glowed. He clenched his fist in sudden anger.
"Who's there?" She didn't shift position, too weak to manage even her own voice. Lucas sucked in a breath of air, realizing with a jilt that he had been holding his breath.
He glanced around the room warily. "Lila." Her name was a whisper, a sweet taste to his mouth. He paused savoring its sound, staring at the owner of that delightful name. "They hurt you." His fist clenched again and his heart pounded with anger.
"Lucas?" Her voice was barely audible. "Lucas?" She was moving now, her fingers balling up and digging into her palm. "Lucas." Her voice strained with the pain and joy that flickered through her body. Lucas stared at her frozen, clueless of what to do.
"Sir! She's still there, you don't have to..." The guard's voice made him shudder and he bolted forward.
"Lila, I'm going to free you. Get out as fast as you can."
The clasp came undone and Lila let out a loud gasp. "No! Leave me! Go get the others. Save them!" She hissed, slapping his hands away. Lucas's eyes widened as he faced disappointment. Lila was asking him to leave, he had finally found her and now she wanted to stay. "Please." Her voice was sincere and she laid a hand on his cheek. Relief rushed through Lucas. Her face was the same, the lucid nature of her blue-green eyes bright and clear. They stared into his soul pleading for him to go and impulsively he leaned into her face.
"I want to…" Enlightenment dawned in her eyes.
"Not now, there is time for that later." She said softly.
For the first time Lucas studied her. She was weak and her body was pale, yes. But, there was vitality, a confidence that surpassed even his own doubts. She had told him to leave because she was sure that this wasn't her only chance. She wouldn't die and that the long awaited discussion would happen eventually. He understood and gave a nod, stepped back and darted out of the room, without glancing back, knowing that if he did, he wouldn't ever leave.
Lila watched him as he disappeared and than she sagged. "So long Lucas." She whispered to the air. Tears spilled out of her eyes and she choked. "You won't see me for many years." She gasped, massaging the ache in her wrist.
"I'm not surprised, you are still here."
Lila straightened and carefully raised her head. She stared at the amber eyes, gazing into the depths. "You don't have to do this." She whispered softly. Hesitation flickered in his eyes and she swallowed, waiting.
Torrigor stared at the girl and than he smiled, long and slow. "Then you understand? I don't have a choice. This is my destiny."
Lila let out a long sigh and looked down at her hands. "Destiny is such a fickle word, wouldn't you agree?" She murmured lightly.
Torrigor stepped forward. "As much as I like you child, I have to do this."
Lila let out a slow breath, relaxing as the air rushed out of her body. "I wonder how long you have suffered." She mused aloud.
Torrigor took another step. "Longer than you have." He responded.
Lila struggled to a position on her knees. "Where is it to this time, old man?" She asked curiously, chuckling briefly.
Torrigor lowered himself to the floor. "The Lorog Corps." He whispered, before smashing the metal against her head.
The Chosen Ones body swayed, as a yelp tore form her throat, and crumpled into Torrigors arms. Torrigor smoothed the hair away from the girls face. "I'm sorry, Lila. But, I have to be complete." He whispered gruffly. He had always felt alien, never belonging anywhere, until he met Aratenia. It had shattered his heart to lose her in that pointless war. Destiny had altered his life, stolen its only happiness. He wasn't truly evil. He knew it, but, how could you explain something like that to a broken girl? A girl, who had managed to fix herself, had remained a strong version of herself even after all the difficulties of her life.
Was it his destiny that he would destroy her, or in a round about way, was he to help her rise? He didn't know, all he did know was that the second stage of destiny had just started and he was confident that he had done the right thing. Lifting himself and the girl off of the ground he clomped down the corridor.
"Life is a journey to become strong." He murmured fading in a sparkle of ashy dust.
******Continued (The Elite)*******
A FEW YEARS LATER...
Tanya picked up the candle, performing her nightly rounds. A flicker of white caught her eyes and she approached the window. Lightning flashed in the sky and she jumped in fright, forgetting the lantern in her hand. It shattered to the ground and the light stuttered out. Elitedel was shifting, something was about to happen, something that would bring Elitedel out of Immortalia and into Earth. The tempest had come...
The young girl stared in wide eyed amazement at the approaching figure. "Who would be out in this storm? Crazy traveler." She murmured.
"Tanya." A femenine voice spoke from behind her and whirling on her heels the slender girl faced her mother.
"I,"
"What is it that you see?"
Tanya sighed, of course her mother didn't want an excuse. She wanted one thing, sight. "A white cloaked traveler."
The young mother closed her eyes, visualizing this image. "Gender?"
"Too far to tell."
"Oh." The sorrow penetrated Tanya and she reached for her mothers hand. "Elitedel will be lovely tomorrow." Delia sighed.
Tanya flinched, too bad you can't see it. She thought to herself silently. Her mother had lost her sight long ago in an accident she was hesitant to remember. Tanya stared at her mothers back. She had always been in awe of her stunning beauty, the firey waves and the lily green eyes. She fingered her own tangled brown locks, knowing that she had inherited her fathers hair.
"Delia! Come back to bed. It's only a storm."
Tanya had always been amazed by her fathers patience. He was never over protective over her mother and allowed his blind wife, sweet freedom to explore it's halls on her own.
Delia face brightened. "Evahn! I must attend to the traveler."
Tanya glanced her father who stood in the doorway, unable to hide his own concern. His eyes met Tanya's and her gave a wry smile. "She never fallen once." He murmured to himself. Then he rolled his eyes, "Why do I bother? She could fall." He turned to follow after his beloved wife.
Tanya rolled her eyes. "Why is my mother so strange?" She murmured to herself. There was a loud clatter and Tanya scampered towards the main entrance, only to halt to a stop at the top. The scene before her was a image from a story.
Her mother held the lamp abover her head and her father had caught the stranger who had stumbled forward unconscious. Tanya blinked her eyes at the white cloaked stranger and a shudder ran through her bones. The stranger in her fathers arm was the most beautiful person Tanya had ever seen.
Slender, perfect, with ivory cream skin, a flawless mooth face and the most stunning of all was the long silky red-gold hair that cascaded far past her shoulders. The traveler was a woman, who was socked in water and blood.
Tanya shuddered and slowly made her way down the stairs. Evahn shifted the girl in his arms. "She's wounded," Delia groped blindly in the darkness, for once her firm grace missing. "If I had," She whispered leaving the sentence incomplete. She didn't need to finish it, both Evahn and Tanya knew what she desired and they knew that by mentioning it, Delia would become more frustrated with herself. "Tanya, I..." The words were thick and hesitant. "Place you in charge of her care."
Tanya nodded. "Yes, Mama."
Delia turned in the general direction of her husband. "I'm going back to bed." She whispered, resuming her slow careful pace.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
A young woman knelt in the dimness, stared into the bucket of water with a grim focus. She was filthy, the silk of her limp gown spatter with both mud and blood. yet, her face had maintained its flawless skin and her hair long, lanky, and heavy still dazzled the eyes. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh. Her hair, maybe, it's sacrifice is what would get her out of there. This grim location of nothingness.
A tug on her hair made her glance down and her eyes met imploring brown eyes. The creature the eyes belonged to was young, ever more filthy with one ratty rag to conceal her skin. Lila let the tear fall. No matter how many of them she came acrooss the cruelty and sympathy still made her cry. She snatched the knife from the floor and letting out one sigh, she sliced off half of the braid. Collecting the limp hair in her arms she tied it together and held it out to the child. The eyes became fearful, but she licked her lips and took a step closer to Lila.
Lila turned away from the bucket and stared at the child carefull. "For you, gift." She said softly. The little girls eyes darted around than she held out her hand.
"Gith me." She said softly, lisping the words.
Lila took one last look at the braid and she placed it in the small hand. A long unknown warmth stirred in her chest as the childs eyes lit up in pure joy and the child scrambled away. Turning back to her reflection Lila frowned, she had cut her hair in one obviously crooked swipe. But, she shrugged, remembering teh expression on the little girls face. "It was worth it." She murmured, standing from her kneeling position.
"What a waste." The voice was thick and heavy, hoarse and catlike.
Lila turned and her eyes met butterscotch eyes...
"She will be fine, Papa. i promise. Now go return to mama. She needs you." Lila searched her memory's for the voice. It was too docile and soft.
Evahn glanced at the bed again. "Contact me, when you need something." He said, exiting the room slowly.
Tanya caught a flicker of movement and she turned to the stranger. "So you are awake. don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you." lila sat up opening her eyes. First, this setting was warm, bright, and soft. Second, there was a great pain ebbing on her back. "Where?" She demanded.
Tanya sighed. "Elitedel, Cuery Fort."
Lila's eyes narrowed. "Elitedel?"
Tanya rolled her eyes, "The kingdom in the clouds, currently not part of Earth." She informed. "Now, please lay on your stomach." Tanya wrung the water out of the rag and pressed the rag into the strangers wounds. "Are you a run away?" She asked, scrutinizing the numerous scars on Lila's back.
"I..." Lila choked and glanced at the girl. "I escaped." She whispered, wincing as the gentle fingers brushed against her scars. Tanya nodded and opene her mouth to speak, but was startled when the stranger suddenly started crying. "I escaped." She whispered in awe.
Tanya's brow furrowed. "Yes, you escaped but from where?"
Lila relaxed. "I'm free." She murmured, reaching a hand towards Tanya, she peered into the girls brown eyes. "Am I in a good place?" She asked urgently.
Tanya swallowed, suddenly intimidated by the blue-green eyes but nodded. Half bare the strange young woman was even more beautiful. The unusual hairfalling gracefully over her shoulders and ending in a crooked slant just below shoulder blades. The large eyes held a vitality an energy that made Tanya cautious.
"My name is Tanya." She said resuming the healing.
Lila hesitated. "Lila." She responded, glancing down at her hands.
Tanya frowned thoughtfully. "Where you abused?"
Lila let out a sardonic chuckle. "Where I was, abuse was unavoidable."The words were distinctly bitter and Tanya flinched at the change in Lila's demeanor. She had never met anyone so tense.
"Would you like to meet my mother?" She asked softly, the threatening expression faded and Tanya found herself giddy.
Lila had a curious look that showed in her cocked head and her sparkling eys. One could forget the rage this girl held when she looked at you so naively. "Is she like you?" Lila enquired.
Tanya swallowed but gave a half nod half shake. "Not quite. You see she's..."
"So, our guest is awake." Delia's voice spoke from the entrance and Lila glanced up at the newcomer. Shocked by the wild array of scarlet hair and the strange understanding green eyes. She felt she knew this woman, there was a familiarity that settled in her and made her feel comfortable.
Tanya sighed, stepping up to her mother. "Are you feeling better?" She asked, studying her mothers face.
Delia smiled and let out a childish giggle. "does it show on my face?" She asked giddily.
Tanya couldn't help but smile, it did show. Her mothers cheeks were rosy and her eyes laughed. Detecting movement behind her Tanya turned. Lila was sitting up, wide eyes staring at her mothe in shock. "You're blind." She said softly. Tanya flinched and glanced at her mother.
"I was promised I wouldn't be blind forever." She stated, eyes staring right at Lila. Tanya was in awe of how well her mother knew her surrounding. Her exploration had allowed her to memorize all features of a single room and she used that skill to unnerve outsiders. lila was the first to immediately recognize her mothers condition.
Delia nodded and stepped towards the stranger. "I like you, I feel very comfortable in your presence, may I touch you face?" Lila nodded.
Tanya felt like an outside again, it was another scene from a story. A woman reaching out to know another. Lila sighed as the gentle hands slid over her skin. Brushing her forehead hair and cheeks.
"Lovely face." Delia declared softly.
Lila nodded. "Unfortunately." She added to herself.
"You share my own opinion of beauty." Delia chuckled.
Lila rolled her eyes again "There is only one person I want to notice me. But, things have split us." She explained placing her hand on top of Delia's hand. delia nodded, something warm rose in her and she opened her mouth. "The last thing I saw was Princess Ethera and her newborn daughter. She was a beautiful baby. Some even say, Ethera's daughter is the Chosen One. The child who will end the confusion dwelling in Elitedel. i want to see that child again. I want to know what type of woman she became." She said aloud, struggling in the truth of the words.
Tanya glanced at Lila and was frozen by what she saw. Tears fell from Lila's eyes. "The whole concept of destiny is cruel. It's more like coincidents, little surprises to relieve the tediousness. I'm not a remarkable person lady, and I don't understand the sincerity other place on the prophecy. i have seen many things but still I want to hide from it, from them." She admitted, letting go of her reluctance.
Delia stood frozen and Tanya could only stare. Delia let out a choked sob and than she turned towards her daughter. Tanya put a hand on her mothers forehead. "Mama... she's her." She whispered reverently.
Lila stared at the two's reaction. A tearful embrace, for amoment she felt jealousy towards their relationship. She lifted herself form the bed, swaying on her feet she folded her arms. "I'm not that special." She insisted defiantly, causing the pair to laugh.
"Not special! Really, I expected the chosen one to be sweet and docile. not sharp and humorous." Tanya blurted.
Lila fingered the silk of her shift than she straightened. "I think I may be able to heal you, lady." She said carefully.
0000
Tanya's mouth dropped open "Can you?" She whispered. Beside her, Delia had stopped smiling a strange confused look clouding the almost permanent smile that her face usually wore. Tanya knew what kind of thought was flooding through her mother and she cleared her throat and hid the sudden excitement that was boiling in her gut. She folded her arms and stared at Lila, slowly giving way to a scowl.
"If you can't, than don't bring the subject up. My mother can't deal with the pain of another lost hope. She's tried everything, between physicians and magic to get her sight. Nothing works. So, why would your tactic be any different?" She accused.
Lila swallowed as she recognized the spark of crudity in both Tanya's voice and eyes. She was awed by the protective attitude the girl had towards her mother. She shuddered and raising her chin she took a stumbling step forward. "Please…" Pain shot through the nerves of her back and she choked back a cry. Slowly she straightened and bravely stared into the brown eyes. Her hands trembled as she reached out to the girl, for both support and a sudden urgent need to help this family. "Please… I can't make any promises. But, let me try!" She was startled by the realization that she was pleading and she shifted into silence.
Tanya stared at the wounded woman before her and again the intensity in the woman's expression both startled and awed her. It was almost as if the woman had decided that Delia's pain was her own pain, her desire to help as ferocious as her mothers desire to see again. Something in her embraced the energy of this woman, another part refused to hope. She glanced at her mother, hoping to find the expression she needed in order to decide what to do.
As if Delia sensed her daughter's thoughts, she gave one small nod. The breath rushed out of Tanya in a sigh and she stepped forward. "Fine, you can try…
0o00o0o0o0o0o0o0
A crowd of ladies, retreated to the walls, heads bowed as the High Prince entered the room. The High Prince was the thorough figure of manhood, but, the new acquired scruff on his face could not hide the sharp angle of the face or the strong features; the high cheeks, the bronze skin, and his dazzling cerulean eyes. He was one of the most sought after man, but, he stayed away from girls.
There was the rumor that when he had disappeared four years ago, he had experienced a devastating love, and no longer cared for the women he had once charmed so expertly.
Beside him a lean man with fire red hair walked. The man's hazel eyes flashing with a dark mischief.
"Milord," He stopped and dipped a bow, his voice a drawl.
The High Prince kept walking, eager to get out of the crowds sight. The red haired one rushed after him, his mischievous eyes sparking with exasperation.
Out of others sight and range the High Prince finally stopped. "Sam, if you don't wipe away that silly expression immediately, I will strangle you." He said smoothly, as if the words falling out of his mouth were soft and pleasant.
Sam's grin widened, but he raised a hand to cover his mouth. Clearing his throat his eyes turned serious. "You are such a ladies man." He said in a monotone voice.
Lucas recognized the meaning of that tone. It was the tone Sam used when he was trying to hide his emotions. It was the tone that belied Sam's desire to chuckle and tease. Even after three years, Sam Walker had remained the same, while he, had become less boyish and had matured.
"Sam, are you repeating yourself, yet again?"
Sam's face flushed and he clenched his face. "Even after these years I still can't get the better of you." He sulked.
Lucas glanced at the expression of his friend and chuckled. "Face it, Sam if it wasn't for your "lovely" wife, you would have finally won our little arguments." He gazed at the frozen expression on his friends face.
Sam's face went pale and he glanced around with wide eyes. "Is she around?" He whispered nervously.
Lucas felt the corners of his lip turn up in a thin smile. "Perhaps…"
"A natural schemer that woman, has those fussy servants of yours on my tail. She has her way, especially with the male population." He murmured, his hazel eyes darkening and narrowing, as he glowered silently at the opposite wall. Imagining his Iris with her doll face expression; using her sharp wit and irresistible charm to get her way.
The couples jealously never failed to surprise him. Since the day of their marriage, both Iris and Sam had been both possessive and controlling of each other; bribing servants to keep a close eye on the other. Ever since Lucas had made Sam, his Spymaster, the couple rarely saw each other. However, when they did, there was no peace between them, both accusing the other of being unfaithful and ignorant of the equal love each had for the opposite.
Lucas recalled how jealous he had been when Lila had been around and he shuddered. Lila… The very thought provoked thousands of images in his head. It seemed lately his memories of her had become more vivid, especially the one from three years ago.
The blue-green eyes pleaded. "No! Leave me! Go get the others." She hissed, as he released one of her arms from the wall.
Her long hair had grown and it fell all the way to her thighs and even in the dim dungeon light it glowed as radiant as ever. Her face remained hidden under the wispy curtain of her hair and then she was trembling. He should have followed his instincts and stayed, maybe then she wouldn't have had to lie to him. Was she safe? Was she even alive? Those questions remained unanswered. But, he could not forget her. The odd one, the beautiful one, the kind one; the one with whom he had created a bond stronger than friendship. He could not forget her, the one that he owed his very life to.
Sam slipped out of the paranoia about his wife and when he saw Lucas, he swallowed.
The empty look in those once laughing eye's, was terrifying. Lucas was missing her again. Sam had no idea what had happened that day three years ago. What he did know was that whatever Lila had done or said had made Lucas the man he was now. Someone who only lead out of duty and lived only because he was too afraid to die. Someone, who lived only because he clung to a small hope that she would come back.
Lucas shook himself and glanced at his struggling friend. A awkward grin found its way across Sam's face and he elbowed Lucas. "At least you have all the necessary amusements. How about that Princess Carmeta, huh? I especially enjoyed it when Dizzy bit that sad frump of hers." He chuckled.
Lucas blinked at his friend, put a hand on Sam's shoulder and gazed into the hazel eyes. "Sam, you're hopeless." He commented slyly. Releasing his friend and continuing down the hall.
It took a moment for Lucas's insult to process itself through Sam's brain, but then he flushed and glared at the High Princes back. "Wait up, you!" He exclaimed, running after his disappearing friend…
okie dokie. There it is. I'm not going to lie to you. This is all I have gotten written about the beginning. What I do have written is the middle. But it skips around and is not developed enough to be added online.
Yes, I will confess. If you have read Seasons Go By, you'll be confused. So heres my explanation. Its been three or two years since Lila and Lucas last met. Lila has escaped the Dorog Corps, but, she can't forget that nightmare. Thus, when she sleeps, she has reflections of what happened there. And yes, I think this story has more of a serious note than the last one. Because, now that Lila has accepted her fate, she has to improve herself. She has to carrie it out. And that, is what this story is about. How both Lila and Lucas have changed and about how they handle their responsibilities.
This is the first draft. And I can't promise that you'll like it. But, it is the continuation of the only story I have ever finished. And i can't promise that it will be done soon. And I can't tell you when the next part will be up. All I can say, is that I am working on it. And it will be up when I have the time. When I have the inspiration to what happens next.
Anyways. Thank you for reading it. And if you feel like it. Review. It makes all the difference.
you rock socks!
-lightzing ^o^