"Are you sure about this, my lady?" Leon, the high priest asked Lady Ventuswill, looking concerned. Her blank blue eyes stared ahead. Her young face and figure hid the fact that she was one of the four dragon elders of Norad. In truth, she wasn't completely sure about her decision, But it was what was meant to be. What it had to be, it was what would save Selphia. Finally, her eyes lifted. "Yes."
When they arrived at the castle, it was a little after noon. The sun reflected on the large, gold-trimmed doors that lead inside the throne room. And the sky was clear of clouds, and the air smelled fresh.
Ventuswill, or Venti, as her companions called her, began to feel even more nervous. Suddenly the doors opened. A butler stood by each door. Gripping the handle with one hand, while having the other outstretched to lead the way with ease. Their faces were plastered with faux-happiness.
The thrones sat empty before them. "Where is the king?" Leon asked without a care. Venti nudged his arm with her elbow. He just shrugged it off as if it hadn't mattered. "He is in his chambers," a tall, older butler replied. "Mari will take you there."
A dark haired maid led Leon and Venti down a long hallway that had paintings of royalty covering every inch of wall, and lush red carpet also trimmed with a sparkly gold color on the floor. When they reached yet another large door, the maid knocked respectfully. "Enter." A low, booming voice called. The door opened without a sound, and the maid bowed accordingly, dismissing herself from Leon and Venti's presence.
"Ah, Ventuswill," the king sat beside a small tea table with his wife. Standing behind was a blond haired butler with young features and broad shoulders. Suddenly Venti's heart beat nervously and her eye's darted away. I take it you have reached a decision?" They entered the room quickly. "Y-yes," Venti squeaked, trying to keep her focus on the king. She cleared her throat. "I mean, yes your majesty, I have." Finally she lifted her eye's to the one she feared. "I hoped that we might speak, alone." The butler's eyes widened. Looking somewhat hurt. But he quickly composed himself. "Of course." The queen smiled, understanding. "Volkanon. Please take me to the garden, I would like to water the roses. " the young Volkanon bowed to his mistress. "Of course. " he glanced up at Venti once again before leading the queen out of the room. 'I'm sorry.' Venti murmured as he passed by, though she was not sure he heard her.
And the doors shut behind them, Leon turned to Venti and frowned. But Venti simply ignored it and started walking towards the king. "Your majesty," she began. "I have decided to return everything to you." Leon's mouth opened, ready to speak. "I'm in no need of this body, and I don't need Leon after I give it back to you." She spoke in a monotoned voice that even she didn't recognize. "Once I have my old body back, I will be able to handle produce the runes on my own, and save the land of Selphia myself. There's no need to keep those who are unnecessary locked up, away from their normal lives." She spoke of a rumor she recently heard of a young man being imprisoned for being able to absorb rune power. Venti couldn't stand the thought of innocent souls being used for her safety. "I don't need their help, I'm the great dragon Ventuswill!" Her voice echoed through the large room.
Leon stood silent next to her, crossing his arms over his bare chest, gritting his teeth.
The king seemed dumbfounded, but quickly regained his composure. "Are you sure about this?" Then he turned to Leon "what advice have you been giving her?" Venti pushed the feeling of annoyance away. Don't they understand I can think for myself? She thought.
"I have decided, on my own." Her hands lay on her small hips. "In fact, I haven't discussed any of this with Leon prior to this, your majesty."
"I see," after a pause, the king finally stood from his chair. "If you believe this is what is right, then I will help you as much as I can." His expression grew serious. "Just know this, you may not return to your human form ever again, the balance of runes was already distorted enough, Selphia may not survive next time." Venti nodded, suddenly feeling guilty. "I understand. Thank you so much for understanding my wishes." She bowed slowly. Leon stood still.
"It is decided then, we shall meet tomorrow and make plans to gather the future guardians, with their powers, surely we can return you to your old body," he said, as if unsure. "Until then."
By the time they left the castle, it was nearly nightfall.
They walked in silence. Venti could sense Leon's annoyance with her. "I cannot believe you didn't bother to discuss that with me!" Leon suddenly lashed out. "If I had known I was merely an object to you, I might have reconsidered being your priest." He stomped a few steps ahead of her. Venti skipped ahead in order to face him. "I never asked you to fill that position, and you know that!" Her blue eyes turned a deep green in the twilight. "If it was such an inconvenience, you should have just left a long time ago." He looked down at her, He stood at least a foot taller. "You of all people should understand that I can't do that." His white fox ears lowered, and his shoulders tensed. Another wave of guilt washed over her. Tears began to flood her eyes. She turned her face away from his.
"Please don't make this any harder. I had my reasons with not discussing it with you." She started to dart away, but Leon gripped her tiny wrist. "I knew you would try to stop me!" She sobbed. "I knew you all would! But I just can't bare to see my dear friends use their lives for mine. I just...can't."
She tore her arm away from his grasp and disappeared into the forest.