I'm not really sure where I'm going with this. I just wanted to try my hand at a Karigan/Zachary fanfic.
"Zachary, I love you." she whispered as he bent down and pressed his lips against hers. She gasped in surprise but quickly relaxed, snaking her arms around his neck to pull him closer.
"Karigan, my sweet Karigan. I've wanted this for so long." he murmured softly into her ear.
He weaved his fingers into her long brown hair, pressing her tightly against him. He could hardly believe after all this time; he had finally caught his wild spirit. No, caught wasn't the right word, neither was tamed. The wild spirit that was currently enclosed in his arms had slowly come to him of her choice. She would never be truly his but this would do.
As if sensing his thoughts, Karigan pulled away not daring to look at him as a slight blush rose to her cheeks, making her all the more beautiful, Zachary noted.
"What is wrong my beloved?"
Karigan took a step backwards; a dagger was now sticking out of her breast where previously there had been none.
"Karigan!" Zachary cried as he caught the collapsing girl in his arms. "Karigan, Karigan speak to me. Please, I don't want to lose you, please..." he begged as tears started to roll down his cheeks.
Karigan started coughing, spitting up blood. "Zachary...sire...as long as you need me...cough, cough...as long as you need me...I will be here for you...cough, cough...all you need do...is call."
She shut her eyes and Zachary felt the last of her life drain from her body. Kneeling, he cradled his love tightly in his arms, oblivious to anything else. Eventually he felt someone shaking him.
"GO AWAY!" he shouted.
"But moonling, it wouldn't do for you to catch a cold just because you like to fall asleep in your library."
Zachary slowly opened his eyes, Captain Mapstone stood before him. He slowly started to take in the details of his library realizing the horrible nightmare he had just witnessed, had indeed been just that, a nightmare.
"What hour is it?"
"Just after the eleventh bell. Highness, won't you please retire to your rooms already?"
"Yes. I'll do just that." he whispered, still unable to shake off the affects of the nightmare. It had started off wonderfully. Karigan, his beautiful and quick-tempered, Karigan had been his momentarily. It might have been just a dream but the feel of her skin touching his and his lips pressed firmly agaisnt hers had felt so right. How could it have turned so horribly wrong? Though Karigan had saved him many times, he had still been unable to protect her. He shuddered at the thought of actually losing her. He knew that any time she left on a message run, her life was endangered. However, the dream had caused him to feel the full experience of her dying. He knew for certain that if her life was ever cut short, he would seek revenge in ways only a madman could comprehend. Still, he felt some hope with her last dream words that those notions would never occur. 'As long as you need me...I will be here for you...' He could only pray to the goddess that her dream statement held true in his awaken state as well.
Karigan pulled Condor into a full run, enjoying the breeze hitting her face. Riding Condor had always help relieve her stress and right now she needed it. Several weeks ago she had rescued the Queen-to-be, been knighted and had received lands in Coutre and any other province she desired. There had been a few parties held in her honor and yet she had enjoyed none of it. She was tired of everyone using her new title, Rider Sir G'ladheon, and interacting with aristocrats was not her idea of fun.
However, that was the least of her worries. Yes, she was happy that Estora was safe at home once again but her kidnap had only fueled conversations of the King's impendingmarriage. While everyone else chattered happily, she remained miserable. Since her return, King Zachary had yet to talk to her in person about her recent adventures or even thank her for rescueing Lady Estora. While distance was the very thing she had hoped to achieve by taking the message run to Selium, Frost's horse ranch and Mirwell, it didn't make it any easier to accept. She let out a heavy sigh as she pulled Condor into a slow and steady trot. Feeling her sorrow, Condor softly neighed, as if to ask what's wrong.
"Don't worry fella," she said patting his neck. "I'm fine." He halted suddenly almost throwing her off. "Alright, I admit I'm not fine but I will be. Now what do you say we get home already, eh?" At her words Condor took off running, enjoying the freedom before they made it back to the castle.
Shortly after they entered the city they were stopped by several constables who were blocking off the road. She hopped off Condor and guided him over to the nearest one.
"Excuse me, can you tell me what's happened here?"
The beady eyed man glanced over in her direction, noticing her uniform and the chestnut steed next to her. "Nothing a mere messenger has to concern herself with," he said coolly, "but if you must know, the Raven Mask or someone dressed like him, was seen stealing a book from this museum."
Her recent experiences resulting from her last encounter with the Raven Mask popped into mind, "What?! Do you know what the book contained?"
"Nothing of true importance, it was just King Joneaus' journal. Why someone would want to steal that I have no idea." He walked away mumbling about green riders and thieves being a waste of his time.
"Just a journal? Why would the Raven Mask steal that?" she pondered as Condor started pushing her towards the castle grounds. She climbed back on to Condor and hurried up to the castle, anxious to tell Mara about the Raven Mask.
When she arrived, Fergal was there to take Condor to the stables so she could report to the king. "Another 'eventful' ride?" he asked mockingly.
She cast him a dark look, "No, it was nice and peaceful. Thank the goddess."
She handed him the reigns and headed off in the direction of the king's throne room. As she walked, she noticed that the castle seemed fairly empty. She supposed that it was fairly late at night for anyone to be up. Still normally there were nobles, soldiers, messengers, someone darting around. Now there was no one. She assumed that many had gone home for the winter holidays but it was still too quiet for just that. When she arrived at the throne room she spotted Fastion guarding the door.
"Fastion!" she exclaimed, relieved to finally see someone.
"Rider G'ladheon, good to see you returned safely. Nothing unusual I hope?" He said wearily.
"Just a simple ride my friend. Speaking of unusual, can you tell me what's happened here? Where is everybody?" she asked, clearly confused.
"Lady Estora wished to go home for the holidays while she still could. His Excellency, is thinking about doing the same before the wedding so he ordered all nobles and almost everyone else home as well." He let out a sigh that was unusual for any weapon.
"I suppose you won't be able to go home, will you?" she asked, clearly concerned.
He gave her a shadow of a smile, "Even if I could, I have no home to back to. I'm an orphan."
"Oh," she said shocked, "I'm sorry to hear that but you've got me and all your other brother and sister-in-arms, so consider us family."
He chuckled, "I suppose that's true. You're the best little sister I could ask for."
Karigan quickly excused herself to deliver the new Lord of D'Ivary's response to King Zachary, before Fastion could see her blush at his praise. She opened the door shutting it behind her and ambled up to the King's dais. He watched her as she made her way up, a mix of emotions in his eyes that she didn't understand or at least didn't want to. Falling to one knee, she pulled out the message from her satchel and handed it over to the king.
"Excellency, I have Lord D'Ivary's response." she said avoiding all eye contact.
"Thank you, Rider G'ladheon." the king said bleakly.
Hoping this was a dismissal she quickly jumped to her feet, bowed and moved for the door as fast as her feet could take her. The less time she spent with the King Zachary the better.
"Hold on a second, Karigan." said a woman.
She halted and turned to see Captain Mapstone standing there next to the king. "Yes, Captain Mapstone?"
"I'm sure you've noticed already that there has been a certain decrease of people around the castle." She said slightly amused.
"Yes Captain. Fastion informed me that all but a few were ordered home for the holidays before the king's upcoming wedding." She looked down hoping the Captain and especially the king didn't see the anguish in her eyes.
Captain Mapstone studied her for a moment. Was that a look of sympathy in her eyes? "Well Fastion told you right. There are very few of us left here in the castle and those remaining will join the King at his home in Hillander."
Karigan stood there for a moment bemused. "So does that mean that I get to go back to Corsa?" she said hopeful.
"Actually Karigan, since you've proven yourself time and again the Weapons would like you to join them in Hillander Province to protect the king. I agreed as well, since you're a senior rider and I know that you can handle yourself." said the Captain with satisfaction, pride gleaming in her eyes.
"Oh." mumbled Karigan, her disappointment rather obvious.
"Ka-Rider G'ladheon, if you'd rather go home to see your family, we understand." said the King sounding rather discouraged.
"No, its alright." she sighed, "Besides, there's always next winter and it's an honor to be able to visit the king's home. I'll go and pack right away."
King Zachary stepped down and embraced them both. "Excellent. We leave next week. I plan to throw a few parties that I want you both to attend so pack a few gowns if you can." he said as he released them, a twinkle in his eyes "I prefer not doing business on holidays so no nobles are allowed to attend, other than myself of course." He laughed when Karigan released a sigh of relief.
"You really can't stand aristocrats can you?" asked Captain Mapstone teasingly.
Karigan blushed, "I-uh," she coughed trying to clear her throat. "They're not all bad." she mumbled as the king and Alton came to mind.
"That'll be all for now Karigan. Report to me tomorrow at noon for further instructions, also Drent will not be joining us in Hillander, so you are to report to him for training one last time tomorrow morning so he can introduce you to your new temporary instructor." Noticing Karigan's scowl Captain Mapstone quickly added, "Yes, you are to continue your training over the holidays. I expect you to be twice as good when you come back; otherwise I owe Drent one silver."
A smile materialized on Karigan's face as she thought of how much her Captain loved to gamble. "Sure thing Captain."
She bowed one last time to King Zachary and made her way out of the room. She was left feeling rather upset and excited at the same time. She had really wanted to see her family but now she was getting a rare chance to see where the king grew up. She was even going to attend a party with him without a whole bunch of nobles bustling about. Not to mention she'd be allowed to wear a dress, she hadn't felt feminine in a very long time and she couldn't wait to dress up.
I shouldn't go. The King will be there and I need to stop all these useless fantasies, she thought miserably. Especially since Estora's my friend and will be marrying him soon.
She had thought that her ride with Condor had at least put her at ease temporarily but now her worries were fresh in her mind. It seemed no matter what she did, there was some mention of the king. She supposed she shouldn't be surprised. She did live at the castle after all and the king's wedding was the best news the people have had to celebrate in a long time. Still, she wished she had something to distract her and she supposed that having her training continue over the holidays would be for the best. Perhaps she'd put forth a couple of extra hours herself and practice her aim with her throwing knives. She had improved a little since Estora's kidnap thanks to Fergal's help but she could still use improvement. Maybe she'd be allowed to visit the beaches there since she had been denied seeing the coast back home in Corsa. She reached her room and was wondering what the Hillander Province looked like before she noticed the small Green Foot following her.
"Can I help you?" she asked softly.
The young boy looked terrified as she spoke to him, no doubt he had heard about her recent adventures if not all of them.
"U-uh, are you Rider Sir G'ladheon, ma'am?" he asked nervously.
She sighed. She was never going to get use to that title. "Yes, I'm her."
The boy's eyes lighten up in excitement. "It's a honor to meet you. Have you really done all those things people say you have?"
She frowned. "Depends on what people have been saying. Now do you have a message for me?" she asked, slightly annoyed.
"Oh-uh, oops, yes. Sorry. I mean, Lady Estora bid me to give you this upon your return." He handed her a letter. "Also there is a package from Selium and a letter from Corsa here as well. They came by merchant caravans." He handed over her mail and quickly left, probably for bed since she could now hear the tenth bell ringing. She looked down at the letter and packages in her hands. She decided to look at them tomorrow when she was more awake. Right now there was a bed waiting for her and she had postponed their reunion for long enough.
As Zachary watched her go, he could only think back to his dream and what it could mean for the future. He would do whatever he could to protect her. He had hated to see how hurt she looked when she found out she couldn't go back to Corsa but he also couldn't wait to show her his home and perhaps finally get her alone again. He hadn't been able to talk to her since she had rejected his gift on top of the tower that one night and every time he tried, she either ignored his letters or Laren had told him she wished to be alone. He would never command her to talk to him. She was the one person who didn't treat him any different because of his title. The first time they had met she had told him off like any other person and because of that, she had captured his heart. She was beautiful, courageous and loyal, and despite what she might say she could pass among the highest of nobility. The way she had directed her servants the day she swore her loyalty to him, he would never forget. She was fierce, compassionate and despite her bloodline, fit to be queen. How could he ever convince the others of how she surpassed the qualifications? Explain how the country needed a queen like her. How he needed her. He might not be allowed to marry her but he swore he would protect her no matter what.
As he slipped into his bed, he was comforted by thoughts of his upcoming trip home and the possibilities it brought to mind. He would talk to Karigan one way or another. As he fell from his last bit of consciousness he smiled, dreaming of just the two of them dancing across the ballroom, not another person in sight.
