Part One
Hidden Truths
By Mercedes
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I thought that before you read this that you should know that I wrote this story entirely off the time line off the show. I suppose you could consider it to be an alternate reality fiction. It's based on an idea that I entirely made up and thus has little to do with the original show though it may cross the time line during the course of it. It still has the characters from the show, however, as well as some of my own characters that I made up but at the moment it's more focused on Dilandau and one of my own characters. However, there will be others added later on into the story. Because of the fact that it's written on an alternate time line and because of the addition of my own characters I must warn you that it's out there, and I mean INSANELY out there. I also would like to warn you that it does have spoilers and there is a possibility that it will get sappy somewhere down the line. If you still wish to read it after reading my ramble, then I hope you enjoy it. Take care and thank you very much.
FEEDBACK: I really would like to hear what you think of my story, so please, if you have any questions, comments or constructive criticisms then e-mail me at Dragonlight_13@hotmail.com. And please, no flames, I don't find them to be at all helpful so I'd thank you not to send any. Thanks very much.
Chapter 1
The air was filled with the laughter of children, the sound of chatting adults and the music of performers; the week of the Autumnal Festival had arrived. Twice a year these festivals were held, one in the spring on the week following the Vernal Equinox and again in the fall following the Autumnal Equinox. The people who held these festivals were not from Asturia or any of the near by countries…They were foreigners…and though beautiful to behold, strange to look upon, with their flawless, fair skin, unusually coloured, slanted, slit-pupil eyes and their delicately tapered ears. Their goods, however, were like nothing any others could make or sell…Their weaving was intricate and flawless, their weapons, the finest in the world of Gaea and made of an unusual metal only they made, so strong it rarely needed sharpening and nine times out of ten could and would break the opponents sword if they were misfortunate enough to carry one of ordinary iron or steel. The finest and most expensive commodities though, were by far their handcrafted musical instruments. These people loved music and other fine arts and anything and everything that was crafted for the arts was the finest of their goods. A large group of people was already grouped around these particular goods, and many of the instruments had already been sold, and it wasn't even yet mid-day. This was surprising, even to Shadow Nightfire H'auq of the hawk clan. She had walked over to speak to one of her old friends who belonged to deer clan. Chai Starsong D'eir was sitting behind the stand and Shadow moved around to join her.
"You appear to be having a busy day," Shadow stated. Chai groaned.
"Busy does not necessarily mean enjoyable…"she muttered, "I almost didn't expect to see the triple clan here…I know that you were at the Vernal Festival, but without you at home it almost feels as though you don't exist." Shadow arched an ebony eyebrow.
"Thank you kindly, Chai," she said sardonically giving her friend a dirty look, "it's nice to know you care." Chai had the unfortunate tendency to speak plainly and was not the type to mince words. She gave Shadow a guilty look and then propped her head up on her hands and let out an explosive sigh of boredom, her golden locks cascading over her shoulders and shimmering like spun gold.
"Shadow!" The two raised their eyes to see a brunette-haired girl about their age hurrying toward them.
"Caressa?" said Chai in a quizzical voice.
"Shadow, Sayla wants you…" Caressa Brightwind H'auq then let her violet eyes fall on Chai, "Chai, it's been a while…" Caressa smiled as Chai nodded.
"Yes," she agreed," it has been…"
"Where's Sayla?" demanded Shadow looking somewhat annoyed.
"Last time I saw her she was with Gareth of spider clan…" Shadow made a face.
"I'll talk to you later, Chai," she then said and slipped into the crowd as Caressa joined Chai.
*******
A young man with dark hair pushed his way through the throngs of people who'd come to enjoy the festival. He'd always come to enjoy the festival, even before he'd been accepted into the Zaibach army. He'd never spent his money on the goods, but he did enjoy the performances. There was much going on, the capital was bustling…This was the only time he ever saw it this way. Now he kept an eye out for one of the few Laicar he knew…He knew only a few, but that was enough…He only needed one friend among them in order to learn about their people…He also had hopes that perhaps he could convince some of them to join the Zaibach in the battle against the Empire's enemies…even if it was only one or two clans. He spotted a young woman about his age near one of the wagons. Her silver-white tresses, even paler than Lord Dilandau's, mostly left loose with the exception of two slender braids at the front, tied with deep red cords at the bottom, the same colour as her dress. The long skirt of her dress was slit high up both sides to nearly the top of her thighs so that her graceful, toned legs were revealed. On her feet, she wore sandals that had laces, which wound up her calves a little more than half way. She was leaning against a huge feline, its white fur spangled with the spots of a leopard and its wings folded against its back. It noticed him coming before she did, or so it seemed. One thing about these people, they had odd abilities that few other people were known to possess. As he drew closer, he noted that about her upper arms she wore platinum bands, a metal far exceeding the beauty of silver or gold. The armbands both were in the likeness of falcons in flight, the elaborate outstretched wings encircling her arms. She was a Fauquon…child of the falcon, her clan. On her forehead hung a delicate chain of the same substance that had somehow been entwined in her pale hair, which was nearly the same colour. From the chain hung a small looped-cross, it had another name, but it was one he didn't know. To the people this symbol belonged, not the Laicar, it was supposed to symbolize everlasting life. She wore it, he had been told by another of her people, because she was marked by one of these mysterious and elusive beings who few had even seen; marked and guided, the creature she now leaned against, an avatar and the messenger. He himself wasn't sure if he believed a fantastic tale like that…It seemed more like a wild fantasy created by a people so unusual, they at times came across as being uncivilized in one way or another. The huge feline still looked intently at him, its golden eyes never once wavering. Finally, the young woman followed the creatures gaze as though she'd sensed the feline staring at him. She arched a silver eyebrow and stood straight. He took this as an invitation, though he knew it wasn't.
"I know you," she said as he approached; she had a slight musical lilting accent, "though your name escapes me at this time…"
"It's Viole," he replied. She nodded.
"That's right, now I remember…Myrage told me about you a year or so ago…I'm Sylvana Moonfire Fauquon…Myrage is a Kes'erel and my half sister…" Kes'erel…child of the kestrel…He remembered Myrage Goldfire…She bore a strange likeness to Sylvana, though they were only half sisters. He also now remembered how they had met…There were three of them; he remembered that now too…Sylvana, Myrage and a third with ebony dark tresses and striking amethyst eyes. It had been about two years ago…He had been thirteen. It had been the second to last day of the spring festival, about mid-morning…The three had gotten daring and, despite the loud protests of their mothers, had decided to perform a exhilarating dance sometimes called the gypsy's lilt…It was a graceful, yet fast moving dance with intricate steps and the inclusion of bells or tambourines…at least until halfway though, when they reached the middle they each chose a partner to join in the dance. All the children and younger teens had crowded in front of everyone else to watch, and as the three's whirling stopped they selected the first young man, close to their age, that they came face to face with. All three young men were, unbeknownst to the girls…and probably the rest of the people back then, in the Zaibach army and had been given leave to visit the festival. The dark-haired young woman had let her sparkling amethyst eyes fall directly on Gatti, who froze under her intense gaze. Undaunted, the girl had grabbed Gatti by the front of his shirt and pulled him into the circle before he even had a chance to react. Myrage's golden eyes, of course, had fallen on Viole. She had let a small smile touch her lips, so that she almost appeared sultry as well as mischievous, and had, without even touching him, effortlessly drawn him into the circle with gentle coaxing to join Gatti. Lastly was Sylvana, and she, of all other people, had come face to face with none other than Lord Dilandau himself. She had let a wicked smile play across her features and somehow, just by placing a graceful finger under his chin, and, almost for sure, weaving a spell by fixing her pale silvery eyes on his garnet ones, drawn the soon to be captain of Dornkirk's Dragon Slayers, into the circle…and so had that complicated dance continued. Afterward, the three young men had been invited to join the girls for a drink and to accompany them throughout the remaining time of the festival. That had been the closest to sanity Viole had ever seen Lord Dilandau, and the closest, for certain, the soon to be captain, had been to his true self, whoever that may be.
Now looking at Sylvana, only two years later, it was surprising to know that she had been the same girl who had, with her two sisters, gazed with open defiance at her mother as the woman called for her daughter, in their own melodious, lilting language, to not perform the dance. It was hard to believe that this girl had once been so full of life and had been so vivacious. She was now much less carefree, and she seemed to harbour some deep emotions inside that she locked away from anyone else. A coldness now seemed to settle upon her and she seemed to hold an invisible weight on her slender shoulders, though what it was, he didn't know. They spoke some as the sweet music of a violinist near by flowed dreamily toward them, the melody sweet and haunting. They were interrupted by the call of a young man's voice. The two glanced up to see a young man, their age about, with silver hair, slightly darker than Sylvana's and closer to lord Dilandau's. His hair was longer than Lord Dilandau's though, since most of the Laicar men wore their hair longer, and his slanted eyes were bright, sparkling emerald green, his pupils vertically slit like a cat's, just like Sylvana's own.
"Well, well, Sylvan," said Sylvana, "I haven't seen you all day…What have you been up to?"
"Ruan had me tend his booth and then he went off somewhere and left me there…"
"Ah…serves you right. You should have seen that coming…Ruan is always been that way, all his nineteen years." Sylvan frowned and hen looked over at Viole.
"Who's this?"
"Oh…Sylvan, Viole…Viole this is my twin brother Sylvan." The two young men nodded wordlessly to one another…" Sylvan, was there something you wanted?" The young man froze.
"Uh, yeah, there was…I wanted to talk to you…" Sylvana nodded and Sylvan indicated that he wished to talk to her alone.
"I'll see you later, maybe," Sylvana said to Viole, though it really didn't sound all that sincere and then she followed Sylvan, the feline following not too far behind.
*******
The twins walked side by side through the crowd for several minutes in silence. Finally, Sylvana broke it.
"So…there was something you wanted to tell me?" Sylvan flinched.
"Actually, there was just something about that young man that I didn't like as soon as I set eyes on him…" he admitted. Sylvana clucked her tongue good-naturedly.
"Still watching out for me, brother?" she asked, letting a smile touch her lips.
"You know I always will," Sylvan promised. Sylvana chuckled and shook her head. Sylvan was glad to see that Sylvana was proving to be a little more light hearted and was thankful that she had been so for a while now.
"Where's Adriel?" Sylvan finally asked…Sylvana shrugged.
"Quite possibly with cat and wolf clans," she said, "two of his dearest friends are of those clans…"
"Of course…Cat and wolf are also known for their ability to temper fine swords…" Sylvana nodded, but did not dignify Sylvan's implied comment.
"I'm going to go and see if I can find Myrage," she said instead. Sylvan nodded and his twin slipped away and vanished into the crowd, leaving him to his own devices
*******
This was stupid. Why the hell was he here in Palas anyway when he and his Dragon Slayers could be out hunting the dragon? There was no mistaking that the people of Palas recognized him and knew who he was, for as he pushed his way, none to politely, through the hosts of people, much of the laughter and talk would cease only to start up again as soon as he was out of earshot, and this annoyed him to no end. He forced his way toward the edge of town where there would be fewer people by far. It had been Lord Folken's idea that the Dragon Slayers stake out Palas during the festival. He believed that the allies would show up there, though he had no reason to suspect such a thing. Dilandau snorted loudly and pushed a young woman out of his way exceptionally hard. He was not at all happy to be in Palas…he hated the people of Asturia…and, to add insult to injury, the Slayers he'd brought along, seemed to be enjoying themselves.
'Folken had just better not be expecting us to stay here another day,' he thought.
*******
"Myrage!" Sylvana caught sight of her sister's pale gold hair shining in the noonday sun. Myrage straightened and scanned the crowd with her piercing golden eyes. Finally, her gaze rested on her silvery haired sister.
"Sylvana!" she called back, waving a beringed hand, the deep warm orange and ochre ribbons she had entwined around her graceful arms to hang loosely from her wrists, fluttering slightly as a warm breeze caught them. Myrage turned the stall of tapestries over to another and bounced down the steps to her sister. "Thank you…thank you for rescuing me," she cried, "I was so bored I thought I would weep." Sylvana chuckled.
"Care to walk with me?" Sylvana asked.
"Of course," agreed Myrage, hooking her beribboned arm though Sylvana's. The two looked almost like the Ladies of Autumn themselves in their Autumnish colours of deep crimson red and warm orange and dark ochre.
"Let us head toward the out skirts of town," suggested Myrage, "that way…" She pointed off toward Sylvana's left.
"Why that way?" asked Sylvana.
"Because, silly, Adriel gave me a message to give to you…He wishes for you to meet him there…He came not long ago from speaking with Randal of Fox Clan…He should be there by now…"
"Ah ha…and…you wouldn't have any…ulterior motives…now, would you, dear sister?" Myrage pressed her right hand to her chest and gazed at Sylvana with a look of mock indignation on her face.
"Me?" she said, "have ulterior motives?…Now, really, Sylvana, I realize that we are only half sisters…but that hurt me as much as it would a full birth sibling…"
"I'm sure," replied Sylvana in that flat tone she reserved only for Myrage, but a smile was playing across her features and she let out a low quiet chuckle.
*******
At last, Dilandau pushed his way out of the last of the crowd and found himself more or less in the open, relatively alone, now near the out skirts of town. He continued to walk a ways, keeping a watchful eye out, until he spotted a pale haired young man. He was dressed in what Dilandau recognized as the clothing worn by the foreigners; the Laicar…the Laicar! Suddenly he remembered the far away vale of exiles that he'd unwittingly stumbled into…more or less…and recognition slowly cam to him. That pale-blond young man was the same one he'd seen the silver-haired healer talking to when he'd first awakened in that strange place…If he was here, that probably meant that the healer was too. A plan slowly began to form in Dilandau's mind. She had some sort of power, he'd seen her use it once or twice…she commanded huge powerful beasts…and she was a healer. She was the perfect ally. Of course, he knew that she'd never willingly join Zaibach…but…he could coerce her into working for it. She had a special connection with the young man…he was sure of it. If he could use him to get to her…yes, it would work. Slowly, deliberately, Dilandau approached the other young man; hand resting on the hilt of his sword…He hadn't come decked out in all his gear, but he'd still brought his sword, just in case…He was glad now that he had. The other glanced toward him.
"Greetings, friend," said the blond haired youth with a warm smile. Dilandau nodded in reply. He'd have to do this carefully…The Laicar were quick…some could sense another's feelings…he had to be on guard, but there was no sign from this one that he noticed anything out of the ordinary. Maybe this would be easier than he thought…
*******
Myrage and Sylvana at last found themselves out of the swarming throngs and out in the clear air. Sylvana glanced around and then turned to look accusingly at her sister.
"He's not here," she stated, "Myrage -"
"I swear, I was telling the truth," answered Myrage, glancing around in her turn."
"Hmm…he probably stopped off at the weapon's stalls of Cat and Wolf again…you know boys and their toys…" Myrage nodded, her mischievous smile quickly returning. The two walked along aimlessly, not sure what to do next, but after a few moments went by, Sylvana's footsteps slowed until she halted all together. Myrage turned to look at her sister.
"What's wrong?" she asked. Sylvana shook her head slightly.
"I'm not sure…but something just doesn't feel quite right…" Myrage watched as Sylvana scanned the area with her pale eyes, her gaze intense as if she could will what ever she sensed to reveal itself.
"Excuse me!" called a voice that seemed oddly familiar, "is this what you're looking for?" The two turned to see two figures emerge from the shadows.
"You,"hissed Sylvana, immediately recognizing the young man she'd rescued in the woods. He had Adriel with a knife pressed up against his throat. Dilandau let a venomous smile cross his lips.
"Ah, so you remember me…good," he said.
"Let Adriel go!" cried Myrage. Dilandau just laughed aloud.
"No, you see…it just doesn't work that way…" he replied
"Then how does it work?" demanded Sylvana, her eyes alight with an angry fire.
"I want you to come with me…" stated Dilandau, "you'll work for the Zaibach empire. If you agree, he'll go free and alive…"
"What?!" hissed Sylvana, "I won't - you can't - " Sylvana felt her anger slowly rising up like a lump in her throat to choke her. She let her gaze stray to Adriel, who was staring at her with pleading eyes…Sylvana sucked in an angry breath through her teeth and forced down most of her anger.
"All right…but, you must wait until the festival's end and you must let my friends bring me what I'll need from home…and regular messages…" Dilandau seemed to consider a moment.
"Fine," he agreed, "but I'll hold your lover until the end of the festival…" Sylvana felt her face grow hot, but nodded.
"Agreed," she muttered. Dilandau smiled, gloating in triumph.
*******
The remaining days of the festival passed in a haze for Sylvana. She could barely do anything and over the days, she went through sudden and, at times, even violent mood swings. One minute she'd be filled with intense, burning, hateful anger, which she could barely control, during which she'd almost feel the need to kill someone, anyone, but she'd have been most happy if it were Dilandau. The next minute she'd be overcome with deep, desperate, overwhelming despair and she'd breakdown and weep for hours. There was little, if anything, that her siblings could do, though Shadow had convinced her once to join her in playing for the gathered people of Palas. They had played one of Sylvana's favourite songs, and fittingly it was as sad and haunting as it was beautiful and sweet. It was rarely played for any but the Laicar, because it was a farewell to fall and a welcome to winter, usually only played on the Winter solstice or at Mid-winter. Because Sylvana knew the song by heart, her fingers knew precisely which holes on her flute to cover on their own while she played, so that she was able to concentrate on how she could, perhaps, rescue Adriel rather than giving into Dilandau. However, she could come up with nothing.
*******
On the final day of the festival, Sylvana spent the day playing her beautiful, iridescent, crystal flute. The Laicar knew the stone as Khrysal e'plessa, or crystal tears…The humans of the world of Earth knew it as fluorite. It came in many colours and hues, but the most common known to her people was the clear crystal that had the iridescent shine when held up to the light; the same colour as her flute. She performed for the festival visitors and finally, as the sun was setting, she began to play Autumn Vespers. Part way through, she spotted the silvery-haired Zaibach pushing his way to the front of the crowd. She felt her anger rise, but quickly shut her eyes and channeled the passion of her hate into her music. Impressed murmurs rippled through the crowd gathered to listen to her play. By the time the final notes of the melody trailed off into echoes and then memories, the sun had set and with the exception of a faint red glow on the horizon, the sky was dark and the stars were beginning to appear…silver diamonds in the blue velvet of the evening sky. With the last notes of Autumn Vespers, the group began to break apart and taper away until only Dilandau remained standing there. Sylvana opened her eyes and lowered her crystal flute, meeting Dilandau's cold garnet eyes with her own cool pale silvery-green ones. Wordlessly she climbed to her feet as her two half sisters and her twin brother appeared and joined her. Sylvana's huge winged cat also appeared to stand protectively beside her, snarling menacingly at the Zaibach soldier. A few moments passed; Sylvana silenced Ice-Moon with a calm gesture. None of the five removed their gazes from Dilandau. Five sets of cool cat-like eyes stared down at him, arms crossed or hands on hips of the four Laicar, long, ivory, dagger-sharp teeth bared in the case of the winged-cat.
"Where's Adriel?" demanded Myrage finally.
"He's with my Dragon Slayers," replied Dilandau, "I'll let him go when Sylvana is on the Vione." The loud hissing-snarl that emerged from Ice-Moon's throat was punctuated by the heavy silence that Dilandau received from the siblings.
"You can't possibly expect me to follow your orders," Sylvana finally snarled, "I may be going with you, but only to save Adriel's life. I will never be loyal to you or your emperor and you may believe that I'll fight you and him every single step of the way…" Dilandau smirked.
"We'll see," he replied, "get your things together…" Sylvana snorted loudly, and with a proud toss of her silver-white head, turned her back on the Zaibach and headed into her wagon to collect her things together.
*******
"What are you going to do?" Shadow asked her pale haired sister.
"There isn't much I can do, is there?" muttered Sylvana taking apart the three sections of her flute and storing them in their mahogany case, "I can't just let that bastard kill Adriel…" The three other Laicar frowned.
"Sylvana, you can't just go with him…He'll kill you if ever and whenever he wishes to," protested Sylvan.
"I can and I am," Sylvana replied, "I can't just leave my lover to the wolves…"
"He's insane," protested Myrage.
"She's insane," growled Shadow.
"I'm not insane, I'm realistic," retorted Sylvana, "there isn't anything we can do…If we try to rescue Adriel, they'll kill him…and I'm sorry to say this, but in all truth and fact I am far more cunning than that man will ever be…I'll figure a way out given enough time, which is at the moment not a commodity we can afford. Don't sicken yourselves with worry. Sylvan, I want you to take on the task of leading clan falcon, Shadow, you'll lead hawk, Myrage, you'll have kestrel."
"Sylv -"
"I've made my decision, let it be,"said Sylvana calmly, throwing the last of her things in a bag. She looked at her three siblings, a strong look of resolve on her face. She then stood and embraced them all before exiting the wagon to place herself into Dilandau's custody.
*******
Dilandau stood impatiently, waiting for the pale haired Laicar. He wasn't alone, however, for the feline, Ice-Moon, remained waiting on the makeshift stage of the wagon, keeping him under close scrutiny, never removing her intense golden eyes from him.
:You are deeply, deeply foolish,: her rich silky mind voice finally said, echoing in the back of Dilandau's mind.
"Oh really?"
:Yes really. You have no idea who you are dealing with. You have no idea what she can do, what kind of power she has.: Dilandau crossed his arms and stared at the winged-feline with out the slightest hint of fear.
"I know she has some kind of power…but I'm not afraid of her…" he wasn't afraid of anything, but especially not a small, graceful and delicate young female Laicar, who he doubted could even lift a sword.
:Tread lightly, human,: Ice-Moon said in a silky smooth voice that had an ominous tone to it, :Sylvana is not of your kind, she is not soft and sweet like the women of your race. She is as cunning as a fox, agile as a cat, quick as a falcon and vicious as a wolf. You've crossed her once already. If I were you, I'd watch my step around her. You fly dangerous skies and if you anger her one too many times, you will be quick to discover that her blade is as sharp as her mind…Now, I ask you this…do you truly wish to risk her wrath…and the wrath of her guide even…just to strengthen you chances of winning this war you fight?: Dilandau chuckled softly.
"I'll think about that once Sylvana is on the Vione." He told the feline.
:Mark my words, human, your arrogance will be your downfall…: At those words, Sylvana made her appearance.
"I'll try to keep our little chat in mind," Dilandau replied as Sylvana made her way down the steps; Ice-Moon followed. Obviously, she was planning to accompany them. Dilandau took one look at the creature's size; she came up past his hip at her shoulders and he'd seen her formidable claws and teeth before, so he finally decided that it was better if he didn't try to prevent her. He also didn't offer to carry any of Sylvana's belongings, and she didn't act as though she expected him to, and so she gave up her freedom to save the life of the man she loved.
*******
Well outside the city of Palas, Sylvana saw two of Dilandau's soldiers waiting for them, with them was Adriel. When she saw him, safe, well, unharmed, she felt tears spring to her eyes. She dropped her bags and flung herself into his arms.
"You're all right," she murmured in their musical, lilting language.
"All things considered," he replied, also speaking in their language, "I should not have shielded myself from others' emotions while I was here. Why are you doing this, Sylvie? He'll kill you as soon as he feels you are no longer useful."
"Adriel, I thought it would be obvious. I care about you so much, more than any living thing on all of the planes of existence, and besides, clan owl is small, it can't stand to loose any more to unnatural causes…" She felt him kiss her hair and press his cheek against the crown of her head.
"You can't possibly expect me to just leave you in their hands like you aren't important." Sylvana made a sound deep in her throat that almost resembled a growl.
"Of course I don't expect you to, but you must understand that this is my choice…I'll be fine, I promise." She then whispered softly in his ear, "She will take care of me…" Adriel nodded as though he'd just recalled something he'd forgotten to take into account. Sylvana then cupped his face in her hands and stared directly into his bottomless sea-green eyes as though she could place a spell on him simply through her contact and intense gaze.
"Go," she said, now in the language the human's spoke, "go." She then stepped away. Adriel caught her up in a tight embrace as though he might never see her again. The golden haired Laicar then turned away and started to make his way back toward Palas, but stopped and turned back momentarily.
'Go,' Sylvana mouthed and so Adriel took a few more steps backward, never once taking his eyes off of her and then a faint blue glow engulfed him and he shifted from his humanesk form to that of a large golden horned owl and flew off into the night. Sylvana heard the two Dragon Slayers gasp and she could sense their awe, which was bordering on the edge of fear. Sylvana turned to face Dilandau.
"Let's go," she said sharply.
"Wait!" cried a voice, a desperate child's voice. Sylvana turned just in time for a small golden haired child to fling herself into the safety and comfort of Sylvana's arms. "You can't go, you can't! Not without me, Sylvie, not without me!" the little girl cried. Sylvana closed her eyes as though she was praying for patience and strength, then she knelt down so that she could look directly into the child's crystal blue eyes.
"Serene," she said gently, "you can't come…it's too dangerous." Serene shook her head stubbornly.
"You can't stop me, Sylvie," she replied defiantly.
"It's . Not . Safe," said Sylvana, emphasizing each word in turn.
"I don't care!" cried the little girl."Where you go, I go…remember? You promised my mother, you promised!" Sylvana let out and explosive sigh and closed her eyes.
"Zara," she whispered. She then turned her head to look up at Dilandau.
"You wish for me to come…Serene has to come too, and if you harm her in anyway, then you have my promise that I will take you apart once piece at a time." Dilandau smirked, but shrugged.
"She can come if she wants," he muttered, "She's unimportant." Sylvana nodded to the little girl as Ice-Moon stepped forward and the child clambered up onto the winged-feline's back. Ice-Moon flexed her wings, their extensive span almost awe inspiring in themselves. Sylvana could see the three giant guymelefs just through the trees and gestured for then three humans to get ready to go. She watched as they headed off toward them and then raised her graceful arms above her head as a pale silver glow enveloped her. She brought her arms down and her form changed to that of a large silver falcon…much larger than any normal falcon…In fact, she was close to the size of an eagle. She flew into the trees near the melefs and landed on a branch watching with pale icy eyes as the three young men climbed into the control chambers…She loathed herself for allowing small Serene to convince her to allow her to go with them, and she knew only too well that because of Serene, as long as she refused to leave her side, then she'd be trapped within Zaibach custody, for little Serene was of the fox clan and could not take on a flighted form…Had it been only her, Sylvana could have escaped, flown away as soon as their guard was down, but she was not big enough to fly with Serene to the safety of the Laicar vale, and so would be as good as trapped. She knew Serene did not realize this and she doubted that the Zaibach soldiers realized it either, but that was the secret truth she knew in her heart and as she watched the soldiers now, she could feel it tearing her heart out of her chest.
*******
"This is where you'll be staying," said the Dragon Slayer as Sylvana entered her new quarters, Serene clinging to her for protection and Ice-Moon standing at her heals, her massive presence somewhat comforting her. Already Sylvana hated the Zaibach floating fortress. It was so dark and dreary…Already she missed the trees and cool shade of Exiles' Vale, her home.
"I don't like it here," complained Serene.
:I will take you back to the vale if you'd like,: offered Ice-Moon, but the little girl only shook her blond head stubbornly. Sylvana turned to look at the Dragon Slayer, Viole.
"I don't understand," she stated calmly, "I can sense that you have a good heart. Why do you follow a mad man like Dilandau…Why do you fight for an empire that only seeks to destroy innocent lives?" Viole's steady gaze faltered slightly.
"I do what I have to in order to survive," he stated.
"And in doing so, hundreds of innocent people are suffering…needlessly…How can you justify that?" Viole shrugged.
"I hope you'll be comfortable," he muttered, not answering Sylvana's question. He then turned and headed for the door.
"What price survival?" murmured Sylvana nearly in a whisper. She doubted the Dragon Slayer could hear her soft remark and yet he paused momentarily and glanced back at her before exiting the room, leaving the three, two Laicar and one feline, alone.
*******
The three stood on the balcony. Ice-Moon flexed her wings and gave them several good strong strokes as she prepared to take off.
:I'll let Anya know where to find you,: she promised. Sylvana nodded.
"Thank you," she replied in a subdued, almost numb voice.
:I'll be back soon.:
"Yes."
Dilandau had agreed that a representative from one of Sylvana's clans could come every two weeks to bring any messages or possessions she needed and for her to send any messages back…with the exception of the next two weeks. He had gotten consent from the stratagos and the general to allow most of her possessions to be brought during that time…but not, of course, until she'd had quite an explosive argument, almost literally, about how she was supposed to act as a healer without her herbs and such, just after they had arrived. She now leaned against the railing of the balcony and stared out at the clouds. Serene still clung to her skirt, almost as though she feared that to let go would mean loosing her Sylvie forever. Ice-Moon studied the skies for several moments with her bright golden eyes and then finally took to the sky. At last Serene let go of Sylvana so that she could wave the feline farewell…Sylvana too waved briefly and then turned away to face her quarters. Not bad for a captive…They were relatively large…probably to accommodate much of her books and other personal belongings…There were one or two other rooms besides the main one a bed in one of these, several chairs and something that almost resembled a couch, which was where all her bags were piled. She had also had the foresight to request…no, demand, a full-length mirror. She'd probably need to scry while she was here. Let them think her vain, she intended to watch the inevitable battles that came so that she had a relative idea of what injuries she'd be treating. She sighed and crossed her arms.
"Well Serene," she said softly, "this is it…Are you regretting you decision as much as I am?" There was a long stretch of silence…Sylvana didn't turn to look at the little girl…she didn't need to.
"Yes," admitted Serene after a minute or so, "but…I want to be with you, so it doesn't matter…"
"You are vastly loyal for someone so young," Sylvana commented. Now she turned to look at the child. Serene spread her hands, much like Sylvana often did.
"Is it odd for a small child to be loyal to her guardian, whom she loves very much?"
'She is also very wise,' Sylvana thought, recalling that Serene, like herself, recalled her past lives in detail and so was already wise beyond her years. Sylvana let a smile play across her features and shook her head.
"No, I suppose not," she replied, "let's begin our unpacking…"
*******
Dilandau sat on his throne…yes, his throne, contemplating the young Laicar woman. She was so…perplexing, he couldn't say why exactly, but she was just the same. She had and openness, a bluntness to her that made her seem as though she hid nothing…and yet, she remained an enigma, a mystery to be puzzled out. There definitely was something flighting and elusive about her…certain looks she gave people, certain tones she used, certain gestures…but they were subtle, almost discreet and sometimes, Dilandau wondered if it was all in his head…the, more often than not, confusion that was his imagination, playing tricks on him. What secrets did she know? What hidden power did she harbour? What ancient forbidden knowledge did keep that not even Emperor Dornkirk possessed? He had to find out.
Hidden Truths
By Mercedes
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I thought that before you read this that you should know that I wrote this story entirely off the time line off the show. I suppose you could consider it to be an alternate reality fiction. It's based on an idea that I entirely made up and thus has little to do with the original show though it may cross the time line during the course of it. It still has the characters from the show, however, as well as some of my own characters that I made up but at the moment it's more focused on Dilandau and one of my own characters. However, there will be others added later on into the story. Because of the fact that it's written on an alternate time line and because of the addition of my own characters I must warn you that it's out there, and I mean INSANELY out there. I also would like to warn you that it does have spoilers and there is a possibility that it will get sappy somewhere down the line. If you still wish to read it after reading my ramble, then I hope you enjoy it. Take care and thank you very much.
FEEDBACK: I really would like to hear what you think of my story, so please, if you have any questions, comments or constructive criticisms then e-mail me at Dragonlight_13@hotmail.com. And please, no flames, I don't find them to be at all helpful so I'd thank you not to send any. Thanks very much.
Chapter 1
The air was filled with the laughter of children, the sound of chatting adults and the music of performers; the week of the Autumnal Festival had arrived. Twice a year these festivals were held, one in the spring on the week following the Vernal Equinox and again in the fall following the Autumnal Equinox. The people who held these festivals were not from Asturia or any of the near by countries…They were foreigners…and though beautiful to behold, strange to look upon, with their flawless, fair skin, unusually coloured, slanted, slit-pupil eyes and their delicately tapered ears. Their goods, however, were like nothing any others could make or sell…Their weaving was intricate and flawless, their weapons, the finest in the world of Gaea and made of an unusual metal only they made, so strong it rarely needed sharpening and nine times out of ten could and would break the opponents sword if they were misfortunate enough to carry one of ordinary iron or steel. The finest and most expensive commodities though, were by far their handcrafted musical instruments. These people loved music and other fine arts and anything and everything that was crafted for the arts was the finest of their goods. A large group of people was already grouped around these particular goods, and many of the instruments had already been sold, and it wasn't even yet mid-day. This was surprising, even to Shadow Nightfire H'auq of the hawk clan. She had walked over to speak to one of her old friends who belonged to deer clan. Chai Starsong D'eir was sitting behind the stand and Shadow moved around to join her.
"You appear to be having a busy day," Shadow stated. Chai groaned.
"Busy does not necessarily mean enjoyable…"she muttered, "I almost didn't expect to see the triple clan here…I know that you were at the Vernal Festival, but without you at home it almost feels as though you don't exist." Shadow arched an ebony eyebrow.
"Thank you kindly, Chai," she said sardonically giving her friend a dirty look, "it's nice to know you care." Chai had the unfortunate tendency to speak plainly and was not the type to mince words. She gave Shadow a guilty look and then propped her head up on her hands and let out an explosive sigh of boredom, her golden locks cascading over her shoulders and shimmering like spun gold.
"Shadow!" The two raised their eyes to see a brunette-haired girl about their age hurrying toward them.
"Caressa?" said Chai in a quizzical voice.
"Shadow, Sayla wants you…" Caressa Brightwind H'auq then let her violet eyes fall on Chai, "Chai, it's been a while…" Caressa smiled as Chai nodded.
"Yes," she agreed," it has been…"
"Where's Sayla?" demanded Shadow looking somewhat annoyed.
"Last time I saw her she was with Gareth of spider clan…" Shadow made a face.
"I'll talk to you later, Chai," she then said and slipped into the crowd as Caressa joined Chai.
*******
A young man with dark hair pushed his way through the throngs of people who'd come to enjoy the festival. He'd always come to enjoy the festival, even before he'd been accepted into the Zaibach army. He'd never spent his money on the goods, but he did enjoy the performances. There was much going on, the capital was bustling…This was the only time he ever saw it this way. Now he kept an eye out for one of the few Laicar he knew…He knew only a few, but that was enough…He only needed one friend among them in order to learn about their people…He also had hopes that perhaps he could convince some of them to join the Zaibach in the battle against the Empire's enemies…even if it was only one or two clans. He spotted a young woman about his age near one of the wagons. Her silver-white tresses, even paler than Lord Dilandau's, mostly left loose with the exception of two slender braids at the front, tied with deep red cords at the bottom, the same colour as her dress. The long skirt of her dress was slit high up both sides to nearly the top of her thighs so that her graceful, toned legs were revealed. On her feet, she wore sandals that had laces, which wound up her calves a little more than half way. She was leaning against a huge feline, its white fur spangled with the spots of a leopard and its wings folded against its back. It noticed him coming before she did, or so it seemed. One thing about these people, they had odd abilities that few other people were known to possess. As he drew closer, he noted that about her upper arms she wore platinum bands, a metal far exceeding the beauty of silver or gold. The armbands both were in the likeness of falcons in flight, the elaborate outstretched wings encircling her arms. She was a Fauquon…child of the falcon, her clan. On her forehead hung a delicate chain of the same substance that had somehow been entwined in her pale hair, which was nearly the same colour. From the chain hung a small looped-cross, it had another name, but it was one he didn't know. To the people this symbol belonged, not the Laicar, it was supposed to symbolize everlasting life. She wore it, he had been told by another of her people, because she was marked by one of these mysterious and elusive beings who few had even seen; marked and guided, the creature she now leaned against, an avatar and the messenger. He himself wasn't sure if he believed a fantastic tale like that…It seemed more like a wild fantasy created by a people so unusual, they at times came across as being uncivilized in one way or another. The huge feline still looked intently at him, its golden eyes never once wavering. Finally, the young woman followed the creatures gaze as though she'd sensed the feline staring at him. She arched a silver eyebrow and stood straight. He took this as an invitation, though he knew it wasn't.
"I know you," she said as he approached; she had a slight musical lilting accent, "though your name escapes me at this time…"
"It's Viole," he replied. She nodded.
"That's right, now I remember…Myrage told me about you a year or so ago…I'm Sylvana Moonfire Fauquon…Myrage is a Kes'erel and my half sister…" Kes'erel…child of the kestrel…He remembered Myrage Goldfire…She bore a strange likeness to Sylvana, though they were only half sisters. He also now remembered how they had met…There were three of them; he remembered that now too…Sylvana, Myrage and a third with ebony dark tresses and striking amethyst eyes. It had been about two years ago…He had been thirteen. It had been the second to last day of the spring festival, about mid-morning…The three had gotten daring and, despite the loud protests of their mothers, had decided to perform a exhilarating dance sometimes called the gypsy's lilt…It was a graceful, yet fast moving dance with intricate steps and the inclusion of bells or tambourines…at least until halfway though, when they reached the middle they each chose a partner to join in the dance. All the children and younger teens had crowded in front of everyone else to watch, and as the three's whirling stopped they selected the first young man, close to their age, that they came face to face with. All three young men were, unbeknownst to the girls…and probably the rest of the people back then, in the Zaibach army and had been given leave to visit the festival. The dark-haired young woman had let her sparkling amethyst eyes fall directly on Gatti, who froze under her intense gaze. Undaunted, the girl had grabbed Gatti by the front of his shirt and pulled him into the circle before he even had a chance to react. Myrage's golden eyes, of course, had fallen on Viole. She had let a small smile touch her lips, so that she almost appeared sultry as well as mischievous, and had, without even touching him, effortlessly drawn him into the circle with gentle coaxing to join Gatti. Lastly was Sylvana, and she, of all other people, had come face to face with none other than Lord Dilandau himself. She had let a wicked smile play across her features and somehow, just by placing a graceful finger under his chin, and, almost for sure, weaving a spell by fixing her pale silvery eyes on his garnet ones, drawn the soon to be captain of Dornkirk's Dragon Slayers, into the circle…and so had that complicated dance continued. Afterward, the three young men had been invited to join the girls for a drink and to accompany them throughout the remaining time of the festival. That had been the closest to sanity Viole had ever seen Lord Dilandau, and the closest, for certain, the soon to be captain, had been to his true self, whoever that may be.
Now looking at Sylvana, only two years later, it was surprising to know that she had been the same girl who had, with her two sisters, gazed with open defiance at her mother as the woman called for her daughter, in their own melodious, lilting language, to not perform the dance. It was hard to believe that this girl had once been so full of life and had been so vivacious. She was now much less carefree, and she seemed to harbour some deep emotions inside that she locked away from anyone else. A coldness now seemed to settle upon her and she seemed to hold an invisible weight on her slender shoulders, though what it was, he didn't know. They spoke some as the sweet music of a violinist near by flowed dreamily toward them, the melody sweet and haunting. They were interrupted by the call of a young man's voice. The two glanced up to see a young man, their age about, with silver hair, slightly darker than Sylvana's and closer to lord Dilandau's. His hair was longer than Lord Dilandau's though, since most of the Laicar men wore their hair longer, and his slanted eyes were bright, sparkling emerald green, his pupils vertically slit like a cat's, just like Sylvana's own.
"Well, well, Sylvan," said Sylvana, "I haven't seen you all day…What have you been up to?"
"Ruan had me tend his booth and then he went off somewhere and left me there…"
"Ah…serves you right. You should have seen that coming…Ruan is always been that way, all his nineteen years." Sylvan frowned and hen looked over at Viole.
"Who's this?"
"Oh…Sylvan, Viole…Viole this is my twin brother Sylvan." The two young men nodded wordlessly to one another…" Sylvan, was there something you wanted?" The young man froze.
"Uh, yeah, there was…I wanted to talk to you…" Sylvana nodded and Sylvan indicated that he wished to talk to her alone.
"I'll see you later, maybe," Sylvana said to Viole, though it really didn't sound all that sincere and then she followed Sylvan, the feline following not too far behind.
*******
The twins walked side by side through the crowd for several minutes in silence. Finally, Sylvana broke it.
"So…there was something you wanted to tell me?" Sylvan flinched.
"Actually, there was just something about that young man that I didn't like as soon as I set eyes on him…" he admitted. Sylvana clucked her tongue good-naturedly.
"Still watching out for me, brother?" she asked, letting a smile touch her lips.
"You know I always will," Sylvan promised. Sylvana chuckled and shook her head. Sylvan was glad to see that Sylvana was proving to be a little more light hearted and was thankful that she had been so for a while now.
"Where's Adriel?" Sylvan finally asked…Sylvana shrugged.
"Quite possibly with cat and wolf clans," she said, "two of his dearest friends are of those clans…"
"Of course…Cat and wolf are also known for their ability to temper fine swords…" Sylvana nodded, but did not dignify Sylvan's implied comment.
"I'm going to go and see if I can find Myrage," she said instead. Sylvan nodded and his twin slipped away and vanished into the crowd, leaving him to his own devices
*******
This was stupid. Why the hell was he here in Palas anyway when he and his Dragon Slayers could be out hunting the dragon? There was no mistaking that the people of Palas recognized him and knew who he was, for as he pushed his way, none to politely, through the hosts of people, much of the laughter and talk would cease only to start up again as soon as he was out of earshot, and this annoyed him to no end. He forced his way toward the edge of town where there would be fewer people by far. It had been Lord Folken's idea that the Dragon Slayers stake out Palas during the festival. He believed that the allies would show up there, though he had no reason to suspect such a thing. Dilandau snorted loudly and pushed a young woman out of his way exceptionally hard. He was not at all happy to be in Palas…he hated the people of Asturia…and, to add insult to injury, the Slayers he'd brought along, seemed to be enjoying themselves.
'Folken had just better not be expecting us to stay here another day,' he thought.
*******
"Myrage!" Sylvana caught sight of her sister's pale gold hair shining in the noonday sun. Myrage straightened and scanned the crowd with her piercing golden eyes. Finally, her gaze rested on her silvery haired sister.
"Sylvana!" she called back, waving a beringed hand, the deep warm orange and ochre ribbons she had entwined around her graceful arms to hang loosely from her wrists, fluttering slightly as a warm breeze caught them. Myrage turned the stall of tapestries over to another and bounced down the steps to her sister. "Thank you…thank you for rescuing me," she cried, "I was so bored I thought I would weep." Sylvana chuckled.
"Care to walk with me?" Sylvana asked.
"Of course," agreed Myrage, hooking her beribboned arm though Sylvana's. The two looked almost like the Ladies of Autumn themselves in their Autumnish colours of deep crimson red and warm orange and dark ochre.
"Let us head toward the out skirts of town," suggested Myrage, "that way…" She pointed off toward Sylvana's left.
"Why that way?" asked Sylvana.
"Because, silly, Adriel gave me a message to give to you…He wishes for you to meet him there…He came not long ago from speaking with Randal of Fox Clan…He should be there by now…"
"Ah ha…and…you wouldn't have any…ulterior motives…now, would you, dear sister?" Myrage pressed her right hand to her chest and gazed at Sylvana with a look of mock indignation on her face.
"Me?" she said, "have ulterior motives?…Now, really, Sylvana, I realize that we are only half sisters…but that hurt me as much as it would a full birth sibling…"
"I'm sure," replied Sylvana in that flat tone she reserved only for Myrage, but a smile was playing across her features and she let out a low quiet chuckle.
*******
At last, Dilandau pushed his way out of the last of the crowd and found himself more or less in the open, relatively alone, now near the out skirts of town. He continued to walk a ways, keeping a watchful eye out, until he spotted a pale haired young man. He was dressed in what Dilandau recognized as the clothing worn by the foreigners; the Laicar…the Laicar! Suddenly he remembered the far away vale of exiles that he'd unwittingly stumbled into…more or less…and recognition slowly cam to him. That pale-blond young man was the same one he'd seen the silver-haired healer talking to when he'd first awakened in that strange place…If he was here, that probably meant that the healer was too. A plan slowly began to form in Dilandau's mind. She had some sort of power, he'd seen her use it once or twice…she commanded huge powerful beasts…and she was a healer. She was the perfect ally. Of course, he knew that she'd never willingly join Zaibach…but…he could coerce her into working for it. She had a special connection with the young man…he was sure of it. If he could use him to get to her…yes, it would work. Slowly, deliberately, Dilandau approached the other young man; hand resting on the hilt of his sword…He hadn't come decked out in all his gear, but he'd still brought his sword, just in case…He was glad now that he had. The other glanced toward him.
"Greetings, friend," said the blond haired youth with a warm smile. Dilandau nodded in reply. He'd have to do this carefully…The Laicar were quick…some could sense another's feelings…he had to be on guard, but there was no sign from this one that he noticed anything out of the ordinary. Maybe this would be easier than he thought…
*******
Myrage and Sylvana at last found themselves out of the swarming throngs and out in the clear air. Sylvana glanced around and then turned to look accusingly at her sister.
"He's not here," she stated, "Myrage -"
"I swear, I was telling the truth," answered Myrage, glancing around in her turn."
"Hmm…he probably stopped off at the weapon's stalls of Cat and Wolf again…you know boys and their toys…" Myrage nodded, her mischievous smile quickly returning. The two walked along aimlessly, not sure what to do next, but after a few moments went by, Sylvana's footsteps slowed until she halted all together. Myrage turned to look at her sister.
"What's wrong?" she asked. Sylvana shook her head slightly.
"I'm not sure…but something just doesn't feel quite right…" Myrage watched as Sylvana scanned the area with her pale eyes, her gaze intense as if she could will what ever she sensed to reveal itself.
"Excuse me!" called a voice that seemed oddly familiar, "is this what you're looking for?" The two turned to see two figures emerge from the shadows.
"You,"hissed Sylvana, immediately recognizing the young man she'd rescued in the woods. He had Adriel with a knife pressed up against his throat. Dilandau let a venomous smile cross his lips.
"Ah, so you remember me…good," he said.
"Let Adriel go!" cried Myrage. Dilandau just laughed aloud.
"No, you see…it just doesn't work that way…" he replied
"Then how does it work?" demanded Sylvana, her eyes alight with an angry fire.
"I want you to come with me…" stated Dilandau, "you'll work for the Zaibach empire. If you agree, he'll go free and alive…"
"What?!" hissed Sylvana, "I won't - you can't - " Sylvana felt her anger slowly rising up like a lump in her throat to choke her. She let her gaze stray to Adriel, who was staring at her with pleading eyes…Sylvana sucked in an angry breath through her teeth and forced down most of her anger.
"All right…but, you must wait until the festival's end and you must let my friends bring me what I'll need from home…and regular messages…" Dilandau seemed to consider a moment.
"Fine," he agreed, "but I'll hold your lover until the end of the festival…" Sylvana felt her face grow hot, but nodded.
"Agreed," she muttered. Dilandau smiled, gloating in triumph.
*******
The remaining days of the festival passed in a haze for Sylvana. She could barely do anything and over the days, she went through sudden and, at times, even violent mood swings. One minute she'd be filled with intense, burning, hateful anger, which she could barely control, during which she'd almost feel the need to kill someone, anyone, but she'd have been most happy if it were Dilandau. The next minute she'd be overcome with deep, desperate, overwhelming despair and she'd breakdown and weep for hours. There was little, if anything, that her siblings could do, though Shadow had convinced her once to join her in playing for the gathered people of Palas. They had played one of Sylvana's favourite songs, and fittingly it was as sad and haunting as it was beautiful and sweet. It was rarely played for any but the Laicar, because it was a farewell to fall and a welcome to winter, usually only played on the Winter solstice or at Mid-winter. Because Sylvana knew the song by heart, her fingers knew precisely which holes on her flute to cover on their own while she played, so that she was able to concentrate on how she could, perhaps, rescue Adriel rather than giving into Dilandau. However, she could come up with nothing.
*******
On the final day of the festival, Sylvana spent the day playing her beautiful, iridescent, crystal flute. The Laicar knew the stone as Khrysal e'plessa, or crystal tears…The humans of the world of Earth knew it as fluorite. It came in many colours and hues, but the most common known to her people was the clear crystal that had the iridescent shine when held up to the light; the same colour as her flute. She performed for the festival visitors and finally, as the sun was setting, she began to play Autumn Vespers. Part way through, she spotted the silvery-haired Zaibach pushing his way to the front of the crowd. She felt her anger rise, but quickly shut her eyes and channeled the passion of her hate into her music. Impressed murmurs rippled through the crowd gathered to listen to her play. By the time the final notes of the melody trailed off into echoes and then memories, the sun had set and with the exception of a faint red glow on the horizon, the sky was dark and the stars were beginning to appear…silver diamonds in the blue velvet of the evening sky. With the last notes of Autumn Vespers, the group began to break apart and taper away until only Dilandau remained standing there. Sylvana opened her eyes and lowered her crystal flute, meeting Dilandau's cold garnet eyes with her own cool pale silvery-green ones. Wordlessly she climbed to her feet as her two half sisters and her twin brother appeared and joined her. Sylvana's huge winged cat also appeared to stand protectively beside her, snarling menacingly at the Zaibach soldier. A few moments passed; Sylvana silenced Ice-Moon with a calm gesture. None of the five removed their gazes from Dilandau. Five sets of cool cat-like eyes stared down at him, arms crossed or hands on hips of the four Laicar, long, ivory, dagger-sharp teeth bared in the case of the winged-cat.
"Where's Adriel?" demanded Myrage finally.
"He's with my Dragon Slayers," replied Dilandau, "I'll let him go when Sylvana is on the Vione." The loud hissing-snarl that emerged from Ice-Moon's throat was punctuated by the heavy silence that Dilandau received from the siblings.
"You can't possibly expect me to follow your orders," Sylvana finally snarled, "I may be going with you, but only to save Adriel's life. I will never be loyal to you or your emperor and you may believe that I'll fight you and him every single step of the way…" Dilandau smirked.
"We'll see," he replied, "get your things together…" Sylvana snorted loudly, and with a proud toss of her silver-white head, turned her back on the Zaibach and headed into her wagon to collect her things together.
*******
"What are you going to do?" Shadow asked her pale haired sister.
"There isn't much I can do, is there?" muttered Sylvana taking apart the three sections of her flute and storing them in their mahogany case, "I can't just let that bastard kill Adriel…" The three other Laicar frowned.
"Sylvana, you can't just go with him…He'll kill you if ever and whenever he wishes to," protested Sylvan.
"I can and I am," Sylvana replied, "I can't just leave my lover to the wolves…"
"He's insane," protested Myrage.
"She's insane," growled Shadow.
"I'm not insane, I'm realistic," retorted Sylvana, "there isn't anything we can do…If we try to rescue Adriel, they'll kill him…and I'm sorry to say this, but in all truth and fact I am far more cunning than that man will ever be…I'll figure a way out given enough time, which is at the moment not a commodity we can afford. Don't sicken yourselves with worry. Sylvan, I want you to take on the task of leading clan falcon, Shadow, you'll lead hawk, Myrage, you'll have kestrel."
"Sylv -"
"I've made my decision, let it be,"said Sylvana calmly, throwing the last of her things in a bag. She looked at her three siblings, a strong look of resolve on her face. She then stood and embraced them all before exiting the wagon to place herself into Dilandau's custody.
*******
Dilandau stood impatiently, waiting for the pale haired Laicar. He wasn't alone, however, for the feline, Ice-Moon, remained waiting on the makeshift stage of the wagon, keeping him under close scrutiny, never removing her intense golden eyes from him.
:You are deeply, deeply foolish,: her rich silky mind voice finally said, echoing in the back of Dilandau's mind.
"Oh really?"
:Yes really. You have no idea who you are dealing with. You have no idea what she can do, what kind of power she has.: Dilandau crossed his arms and stared at the winged-feline with out the slightest hint of fear.
"I know she has some kind of power…but I'm not afraid of her…" he wasn't afraid of anything, but especially not a small, graceful and delicate young female Laicar, who he doubted could even lift a sword.
:Tread lightly, human,: Ice-Moon said in a silky smooth voice that had an ominous tone to it, :Sylvana is not of your kind, she is not soft and sweet like the women of your race. She is as cunning as a fox, agile as a cat, quick as a falcon and vicious as a wolf. You've crossed her once already. If I were you, I'd watch my step around her. You fly dangerous skies and if you anger her one too many times, you will be quick to discover that her blade is as sharp as her mind…Now, I ask you this…do you truly wish to risk her wrath…and the wrath of her guide even…just to strengthen you chances of winning this war you fight?: Dilandau chuckled softly.
"I'll think about that once Sylvana is on the Vione." He told the feline.
:Mark my words, human, your arrogance will be your downfall…: At those words, Sylvana made her appearance.
"I'll try to keep our little chat in mind," Dilandau replied as Sylvana made her way down the steps; Ice-Moon followed. Obviously, she was planning to accompany them. Dilandau took one look at the creature's size; she came up past his hip at her shoulders and he'd seen her formidable claws and teeth before, so he finally decided that it was better if he didn't try to prevent her. He also didn't offer to carry any of Sylvana's belongings, and she didn't act as though she expected him to, and so she gave up her freedom to save the life of the man she loved.
*******
Well outside the city of Palas, Sylvana saw two of Dilandau's soldiers waiting for them, with them was Adriel. When she saw him, safe, well, unharmed, she felt tears spring to her eyes. She dropped her bags and flung herself into his arms.
"You're all right," she murmured in their musical, lilting language.
"All things considered," he replied, also speaking in their language, "I should not have shielded myself from others' emotions while I was here. Why are you doing this, Sylvie? He'll kill you as soon as he feels you are no longer useful."
"Adriel, I thought it would be obvious. I care about you so much, more than any living thing on all of the planes of existence, and besides, clan owl is small, it can't stand to loose any more to unnatural causes…" She felt him kiss her hair and press his cheek against the crown of her head.
"You can't possibly expect me to just leave you in their hands like you aren't important." Sylvana made a sound deep in her throat that almost resembled a growl.
"Of course I don't expect you to, but you must understand that this is my choice…I'll be fine, I promise." She then whispered softly in his ear, "She will take care of me…" Adriel nodded as though he'd just recalled something he'd forgotten to take into account. Sylvana then cupped his face in her hands and stared directly into his bottomless sea-green eyes as though she could place a spell on him simply through her contact and intense gaze.
"Go," she said, now in the language the human's spoke, "go." She then stepped away. Adriel caught her up in a tight embrace as though he might never see her again. The golden haired Laicar then turned away and started to make his way back toward Palas, but stopped and turned back momentarily.
'Go,' Sylvana mouthed and so Adriel took a few more steps backward, never once taking his eyes off of her and then a faint blue glow engulfed him and he shifted from his humanesk form to that of a large golden horned owl and flew off into the night. Sylvana heard the two Dragon Slayers gasp and she could sense their awe, which was bordering on the edge of fear. Sylvana turned to face Dilandau.
"Let's go," she said sharply.
"Wait!" cried a voice, a desperate child's voice. Sylvana turned just in time for a small golden haired child to fling herself into the safety and comfort of Sylvana's arms. "You can't go, you can't! Not without me, Sylvie, not without me!" the little girl cried. Sylvana closed her eyes as though she was praying for patience and strength, then she knelt down so that she could look directly into the child's crystal blue eyes.
"Serene," she said gently, "you can't come…it's too dangerous." Serene shook her head stubbornly.
"You can't stop me, Sylvie," she replied defiantly.
"It's . Not . Safe," said Sylvana, emphasizing each word in turn.
"I don't care!" cried the little girl."Where you go, I go…remember? You promised my mother, you promised!" Sylvana let out and explosive sigh and closed her eyes.
"Zara," she whispered. She then turned her head to look up at Dilandau.
"You wish for me to come…Serene has to come too, and if you harm her in anyway, then you have my promise that I will take you apart once piece at a time." Dilandau smirked, but shrugged.
"She can come if she wants," he muttered, "She's unimportant." Sylvana nodded to the little girl as Ice-Moon stepped forward and the child clambered up onto the winged-feline's back. Ice-Moon flexed her wings, their extensive span almost awe inspiring in themselves. Sylvana could see the three giant guymelefs just through the trees and gestured for then three humans to get ready to go. She watched as they headed off toward them and then raised her graceful arms above her head as a pale silver glow enveloped her. She brought her arms down and her form changed to that of a large silver falcon…much larger than any normal falcon…In fact, she was close to the size of an eagle. She flew into the trees near the melefs and landed on a branch watching with pale icy eyes as the three young men climbed into the control chambers…She loathed herself for allowing small Serene to convince her to allow her to go with them, and she knew only too well that because of Serene, as long as she refused to leave her side, then she'd be trapped within Zaibach custody, for little Serene was of the fox clan and could not take on a flighted form…Had it been only her, Sylvana could have escaped, flown away as soon as their guard was down, but she was not big enough to fly with Serene to the safety of the Laicar vale, and so would be as good as trapped. She knew Serene did not realize this and she doubted that the Zaibach soldiers realized it either, but that was the secret truth she knew in her heart and as she watched the soldiers now, she could feel it tearing her heart out of her chest.
*******
"This is where you'll be staying," said the Dragon Slayer as Sylvana entered her new quarters, Serene clinging to her for protection and Ice-Moon standing at her heals, her massive presence somewhat comforting her. Already Sylvana hated the Zaibach floating fortress. It was so dark and dreary…Already she missed the trees and cool shade of Exiles' Vale, her home.
"I don't like it here," complained Serene.
:I will take you back to the vale if you'd like,: offered Ice-Moon, but the little girl only shook her blond head stubbornly. Sylvana turned to look at the Dragon Slayer, Viole.
"I don't understand," she stated calmly, "I can sense that you have a good heart. Why do you follow a mad man like Dilandau…Why do you fight for an empire that only seeks to destroy innocent lives?" Viole's steady gaze faltered slightly.
"I do what I have to in order to survive," he stated.
"And in doing so, hundreds of innocent people are suffering…needlessly…How can you justify that?" Viole shrugged.
"I hope you'll be comfortable," he muttered, not answering Sylvana's question. He then turned and headed for the door.
"What price survival?" murmured Sylvana nearly in a whisper. She doubted the Dragon Slayer could hear her soft remark and yet he paused momentarily and glanced back at her before exiting the room, leaving the three, two Laicar and one feline, alone.
*******
The three stood on the balcony. Ice-Moon flexed her wings and gave them several good strong strokes as she prepared to take off.
:I'll let Anya know where to find you,: she promised. Sylvana nodded.
"Thank you," she replied in a subdued, almost numb voice.
:I'll be back soon.:
"Yes."
Dilandau had agreed that a representative from one of Sylvana's clans could come every two weeks to bring any messages or possessions she needed and for her to send any messages back…with the exception of the next two weeks. He had gotten consent from the stratagos and the general to allow most of her possessions to be brought during that time…but not, of course, until she'd had quite an explosive argument, almost literally, about how she was supposed to act as a healer without her herbs and such, just after they had arrived. She now leaned against the railing of the balcony and stared out at the clouds. Serene still clung to her skirt, almost as though she feared that to let go would mean loosing her Sylvie forever. Ice-Moon studied the skies for several moments with her bright golden eyes and then finally took to the sky. At last Serene let go of Sylvana so that she could wave the feline farewell…Sylvana too waved briefly and then turned away to face her quarters. Not bad for a captive…They were relatively large…probably to accommodate much of her books and other personal belongings…There were one or two other rooms besides the main one a bed in one of these, several chairs and something that almost resembled a couch, which was where all her bags were piled. She had also had the foresight to request…no, demand, a full-length mirror. She'd probably need to scry while she was here. Let them think her vain, she intended to watch the inevitable battles that came so that she had a relative idea of what injuries she'd be treating. She sighed and crossed her arms.
"Well Serene," she said softly, "this is it…Are you regretting you decision as much as I am?" There was a long stretch of silence…Sylvana didn't turn to look at the little girl…she didn't need to.
"Yes," admitted Serene after a minute or so, "but…I want to be with you, so it doesn't matter…"
"You are vastly loyal for someone so young," Sylvana commented. Now she turned to look at the child. Serene spread her hands, much like Sylvana often did.
"Is it odd for a small child to be loyal to her guardian, whom she loves very much?"
'She is also very wise,' Sylvana thought, recalling that Serene, like herself, recalled her past lives in detail and so was already wise beyond her years. Sylvana let a smile play across her features and shook her head.
"No, I suppose not," she replied, "let's begin our unpacking…"
*******
Dilandau sat on his throne…yes, his throne, contemplating the young Laicar woman. She was so…perplexing, he couldn't say why exactly, but she was just the same. She had and openness, a bluntness to her that made her seem as though she hid nothing…and yet, she remained an enigma, a mystery to be puzzled out. There definitely was something flighting and elusive about her…certain looks she gave people, certain tones she used, certain gestures…but they were subtle, almost discreet and sometimes, Dilandau wondered if it was all in his head…the, more often than not, confusion that was his imagination, playing tricks on him. What secrets did she know? What hidden power did she harbour? What ancient forbidden knowledge did keep that not even Emperor Dornkirk possessed? He had to find out.