The War of Fate

Hey everyone! This is the remake version of The War of Fate. I had posted this in July of 2005 and the last time I updated was in May of 2006. It had been sitting in my archive for over two years and now I'm eager to finish it. I'm hoping I'll have a little more time this upcoming year before I move out. Go seniors! XD

Also a little note for my dear readers, the reasons for wanting to try again was because I have put MUCH time into it now. It is much more elaborated and has more of a direction. I have even begun thinking about making it something like a series or something. Not quite decided on that last one though. ;)

SUMMARY: The continent Elixer, on the planet Obenix, is one of riches. 5 kingdoms rule here, each having their own element of power and cultures. But what happens when four of the kingdoms are at war for power and that the source of that Power happens to be a Young Woman of one of the Kingdoms? Will they find peace or will her abilities destroy them all?

Kai/OC, Tala/OC, and a little Rei/Mariah, Tyson/Hilary

Information:

NOTE:If you wish to skip this, that is fine. It will be mentioned sometime in the story. Scroll down to read the first chapter.

Kingdom Elements and their gods/goddesses:

Maren: Kingdom of Water and Darkness
-Region: West
-Goddess: Lilith the Silver Phoenix
*Human form: silvery white haired woman, silvery white wings, Blue eyes.
-Rulers: Lord Pondro Namazii, Lady Neona Namazii, and Lady Aradia Layla Namazii.
-Majority Race: Avian

Thuraya: Kingdom of the Sun, Moon, and Stars
-Region: East
-Goddess: Crescent the Black Winged Wolf
*Human form: Ebony haired woman, pure black wings, orange eyes, elongated canines, and a pair of black wolf ears.
-Rulers: Lord Anakon Semine, Lady Sitara Semine, Lord Caden Addae Semine and Lady Mitexi Lycoris Semine.
-Majority Race: Winged Wolves

Pyralis: Kingdom of Fire and Darkness
-Region: Southwest
-God: Dranzer the Fire Phoenix
*Human Form: Man with pale blonde hair, red wings, dark green eyes
-Rulers: Lord Voltaire and Lord Kai Hiwitari
-Majority Race: Avian

Lixue: Kingdom of Ice and Light
-Region: Southeast
-God: Wolbog the Great White Wolf
*Human Form: snow white hair, Ice blue eyes, white ears, elongated canines, white tail.
-Rulers: Lord Boris and Lord Tala Volkov
-Majority Race: Wolvens

Damini: Kingdom of Thunder and Lightning
-Region: North
-God: Driger the White Tiger
*Human Form: Man with white hair streaked with dark green, yellow eyes, and extended canines.
-Rulers: Lord Kon, Lady Kon, and Lord Rei
-Majority Race: Elves and Humans

Main Character Bios:

-Lady Aradia Layla Namazii
Age: 17
Eye color:light brown
Hair color: brown/waist length
Kingdom: Maren
Powers/abilities: Controls water, darkness, and witchcraft*, and shape shift**
Accessories: She wears a sliver choker-chain necklace with a raindrop charm. The charm changes color depending on her mood.
*the Witchcraft allows her control over the other elements.
**She is a shifter able to take the form of a phoenix, wolf, or winged wolf.

-Lady Mitexi Lycoris Semine:
Age: 17
Eye color: Navy blue
Hair color: Silver/waist length
Kingdom: Thuraya
Powers/abilities: controls the sun, moon, stars, and light. Also able to predict the Future.
Accessories: a slim golden choker-chain necklace with a golden crescent moon charm. The charm glows when she uses her elements.

Races:
-Avian: They are bird like. Common Colors are shades of brown, grey, and pepper colored wings. The two Ladies of Maren, Aradia and Neona, are the only two known to have silvery white wings. Lord Kai is the only one to inherit the ancient immortal phoenix blood. Rare to Obtain magical attributes.

-Winged Wolvens: They are a hybrid form of Avians and wolvens. Colors of the wings differ from peppered colored, off-white, pure white, and brown. They can also carry traits, of ears, tails, and most common extended canines. Hey do not have the ability to transform into a wolf form. Lady Mitexi and Lord Caden of Thuraya is the only one known to have black wings with silver tint and is still able to transform into a wolf. Rare to Obtain magical attributes.

-Wolvens: They are wolf like with greater strength, sense of smell, sight, and hearing. They carry traits of wolves such as ears, tails, and extended canines. Common colors are browns and grays. They are also the only ones able to turn into wolves. Lord Tala is the only known White wolf. Rare to obtain magical attributes.

-Elves: They are taller and faster than humans and have pointed elongated ears. Usually are considered mages of the earth; all retain some level of magic. Have four times the life expectancy of humans. They can have a wide variety of hair and eye colors. They are the most peaceful being on Elixer.

-Humans: Normal being carrying little to none magical attributes. VERY few exceptions to magic; Voltaire and Boris, but they have received their power in a very evil way known by very few.

Chapter One: Realization

A young woman sat on the edge of her Balcony, staring out at the expansive sand that rolled over the land like a huge blanket. The sun had begun to descend past the horizon giving everything a warming glow. She smiled; some people thought it was insane for Maren, the water kingdom, to be located in a desert. What most people didn't know about was the massive underground spring under it. There were a few spots around the sandy land that had water seeping up from the underground spring that created a place where civilization would survive. It was an amazing place to live, and many would agree.

Her brown gentle curled hair danced lightly in the wind that passed over her balcony. She ruffled her two pairs of soft white wings as the sun danced upon the silver shimmer feathers giving it a golden glow. She sighed, thinking back to the conversation she had with her mother earlier that day. And a rather depressing one at that…

//Flash back//

"Aradia, may I speak with you?" an older woman stepped out of her room to catch the younger one's attention before she vanished into her own chambers. The brown haired girl stopped and turned to her with a curious gaze.

"Yes mother?" she asked as she followed the older woman into the chambers. Her mother took a seat on a fancy sofa and patted with her a hand to a spot next to her. Aradia did so and glanced at her with a slight confused look. Her mother gave her a small smile.

"You are so beautiful and smart, Aradia that this hard to tell you because you deserve so much better," her mother sighed, "Honey, you will have to marry someone by the age of 18 whether you want to or not. You have your chance to look until then, or else Lord Pondro will decide for you," she said a little hesitantly.

Aradia stiffened at the name of her stepfather, "But why can I not wait until I do find the man I wish to be with?" she asked a little bitterly.

"By law, all girls are to be married by 18 whether they choose who they want or whether their parents do. And in your case, you will begin to rule the thrown at that time of age, if something were to happen to either me or your stepfather, you and your husband would automatically become the Rulers," she answered sadly. Aradia gave her a disbelieving look.

"Mother, I will not marry any man that the Lord chooses! Knowing him, he will choose a rich suck up with no respect for the female gender and might as well look at me as an object to produce an heir and children!" She snapped in a hushed voice knowing the Lord might hear.

Her mother sighed, "I tried to compromise with him to let you have an extra year or at least let me be the one to find you a man," she said sadly. Neona knew her daughter wouldn't be happy with this choice, not just because her stepfather decided upon it.

"Why did you marry him in the first place?" she asked with great disgust. She didn't like her stepfather at all, more like hated him. All he'd ever done was ruined her life it seemed and tried to control her rebellious spirit.

"Because if I didn't, I would have lost my position to rule and help make decisions and the position would be held by the counsel until you married and turned 18," she answered calmly. Aradia knew her mother didn't like the man she married but he had been the only male available to acquire the position.

"I'm going to my room," Aradia sighed as she stood up and left the room, her mother watched her go with saddened eyes.

"I wish I didn't have to do this to you. Maybe something will turn the events of your life more to your favor, my little Aradia," she whispered as she remained where she sat, enveloped in her thoughts.

\\End of Flashback\\

She shook her head and watched the rest of the light faded beyond the horizon of rolling hills of sand. As she stood up as a melodious cry echoed through the sky and a silver bird came into view. Raising her arm, the bird landed gracefully on Aradia's arm. The phoenix had been apart of her family for a long as anyone could remember. Even her mother had her as a child. She smiled at the bird before walking inside. She set Lilith onto a branch of a tree that seem to grow like a vine around her room giving her chambers a slight jungle look to them. Aradia scratched the phoenix's head, making the little bird coo softly. She yawned before deciding it was time for her to rest. As she walked to her bed, she shed clothing piece by piece until all she wore was panties of white silk. She looked at herself in the mirror for a long moment before sighing. Soft popping and cracking noises was heard as her wings shrunk, folded, and vanished into her back. She smiled at herself before crawling under her dark blue silk sheets.

Morning came and Aradia was awoken by a female voice. Aradia mumbled some incoherent words and rolled over, ignoring the voice.

"Come on Aradia. You don't have time for this, this morning," the voice went on. Aradia groaned and sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

"Oh Mariah, can't Pondro just wait? He's the least of my concern," Aradia yawned and stretched. She was not much of a morning person.

"Unlikely. Lord Pondro said he had some news to share with you," her best friend and willing servant said. The pink haired elf laid out some clothes for the young Lady to change into. Mariah had been found by Aradia's mother about the same time as Aradia was born. She took the little elf under her wing and cared for her as if she were her own. Mariah became Aradia's best friend and oddly loved to help Aradia with anything she needed. She also thought of it as a sort of payment for her life to be saved by Neona.

Aradia rolled her eyes, "Most of which is unimportant in my standards," she stated dryly as she dressed in the white halter and long white skirt that Mariah had laid out for her. She looked at herself in the mirror, she had a body that could make the goddess envious, or at least that was what her mother told her. Aradia scoffed at the idea, 'As if.' But many would contradict her on that point, not just for her body, but her abilities.

Mariah stood just behind her and smiled at the young woman's appearance, "I envy you," she smirked as Aradia glared at her.

"I don't look as good as you," she stated bluntly. Mariah rolled her eyes before picking up the dirty clothes and walking out of the room. Aradia huffed and placed her hands on her hips. Lilith had been watching curiously from her perch before giving soft coo that sounded like an agreement, "Oh not you too," Aradia threw her hands up in the air before leaving the room to confront Pondro.

Aradia strolled down the halls with grace well taught by her mother. She came upon two very tall wooden doors with finely carved pictures on them. Neona used to tell her stories about each of the pictures and it made her smile. She nodded to the guard posted outside the door before entering, not even bothering to knock. A man looked up upon her arrival, and looked a little startled without a warning.

"No knock? Where are your manners?" he asked in an irritated tone as he went back to his paperwork.

She raised an eyebrow, "Under my bed," she replied, sarcasm dripping from her voice. He stiffened at her impoliteness but continued to scribble down some stuff before she cleared her throat, "Care to tell what the hell you want so I may leave?"

He looked up and glared, "Patience is a virtue, Aradia," he scolded her like a little child.

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, and I have places to be and things to do," she snapped, anger radiated off her in waves, her raindrop necklace was proof of that. Blood red glared at him from the valley of her breasts where it sat snuggly on a silver chain.

He glared at her, "We will be having a pre-birthday party for you this coming full moon," he stated harshly.

Aradia thought for a moment, "That's in Four days, yes?" she asked in a monotone of voice, giving him a blank expression. His glare hardened on her because of it and she knew he didn't like it when she acted more superior to him.

"Yes," he stated in a bitter tone. He didn't think she was proper enough to be queen because of her attitude and she knew it. And hated it.

"What for? I don't turn 18 until another 11 months," she stated it as if he missed the most obvious thing in the world.

"The people who are invited are young men your age or slightly older and are of noble blood," he stated as a smirk curled on his lips. She growled low in her throat. She wanted to scream, shout, kick, or something, but contained her self.

"What's the point? I don't like any of them. I still remember a good handful of those perverts from my 16th birthday," she stated icily. She wasn't happy; she was fucking pissed. And it was quite obvious with the necklace she wore that glared a blood red color up at her stepfather.

"The point is for you to hopefully find a man before I force one upon you," he said in an almost carefree voice. She frowned for a second. Her mother must be trying to compromise for her, trying to give her time.

She glared at him, "And the man you force upon me will be good as dead," she stated in a deathly quite voice that she notice her stepfather shudder. She spun on her heel without another word.

"Where do you think you are going? You haven't been dismissed!" he shouted after her. She didn't even look back, nor did she care. He didn't have her respect if he didn't give her any. The door slammed shut behind her leaving an angry echo for him to listen to.

Aradia nodded to the guard as she left before marching her way back to her room. When she entered her bird squawked in irritation on her sudden intrusion. Lilith ruffled her feathers and moved around a bit, finding a better position as she watched Aradia open her closet and pulled out a few things. The young woman held a dagger in her hands, and not just any dagger, but one that was finely crafted by Maren's best man. The hilt of the small weapon was wrapped tightly by fine black leather. On the blade was engraved and burned two phoenixes intertwined in what looked like a dance. It was delicately painted with a silvery white phoenix and the other was fiery red phoenix. Aradia didn't know the meaning but the dagger was pretty and it was handy. Aradia set the dagger down on her bed and slipped out of her long white skirt and changed into soft silk flowing pants. She grabbed the dagger and attached it snuggly to her calf just above her ankle. She quickly slipped on some sandals and snatched her cloak. Sensing that her mistress was going to depart, the silver phoenix took to the air and landed gracefully on the brunette's shoulder as the young woman walked out of her room.

She gracefully and swiftly hurried through the corridors of her palace. The place was big, but that was to be expected. There were plenty of untouched rooms which were only used when there was a party or if we had guests from far away. There were other rooms too; there was a library that kept a lot of their history as well as books from writers. Maren was a country that cherished works of literature.

She made it too the stables with no disturbance of her stepfather, which she was thankful for. Entering she startled the stable boy. He quickly bowed low upon seeing Aradia.

"Lady Aradia, it is a surprise to see you," he quickly said as he stood up straight, but didn't look her in the eyes. It was improper for a commoner to look straight into a noble's eyes. Aradia noticed he had a faint blush on his cheeks and smiled faintly, "What can I do for you?"

"Marco, could you please saddle Destry for me?" she asked, he nodded and hurried off, his black tipped brown wings fluttering quickly as he spun around and went to fetch her mare.

Marco was 15 and the sweetest thing Aradia ever saw. He had baby blue eyes and loved animals just as much as she. Lilith even liked him a bit, not pecking at him when he gently scratched her head. Aradia knew that Marco liked her, hell, many did. But she knew where her duty lied and any affection for a commoner would be shunned upon.

Marco came back with a white mare, her head held high like spoiled rich girl she was. Even their horses knew they were noble blood. But her step father considered Destry a misfit because she was a female. Even though she carried perfect traits for races, a past time for many Marens, she couldn't compete because of her gender. If Destry had been a male, she would not been given to Aradia and instead trained to race. A mistake on his part because Aradia now refused to allow him to breed Destry.

But that didn't stop Aradia from treating the white mare like a spoiled brat. She pampered the horse and exercised her often; Aradia believed that her mare could beat any stallions' ass.

Aradia smiled and hopped up into the saddle, which was a fine cloth, and took the reins from Marco, "Thank you, Marco, I shall return sometime this evening."

He nodded as Aradia set Destry at a light trot and left the gates of her palace grounds. Lilith took to the air knowing exactly where Aradia was headed. After the gates the homes and shops were built as accordingly in Dalila; the capital of Maren. Nobles and council members lived closest to the palace gates and then further away happened to be the middle class and the poor at the edge of the city.

As the young Lady moved through the market stopping at a few stalls to look at the merchandise her eyes met with a group of young men, around her age watching her from where they stood, their own mounts stood nearby looking restless. She resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose at them. They wore way to pristine clothing, she knew they didn't want to dirty it, and their smug and lustful looks sicken her. They were nobles, highly trained as a soldier and educated in Maren History. She was about to move on when someone called out her name, "Lady Aradia!" She sighed and headed towards the group of young men.

"Yes?" she asked in bored tone of voice as she halted Destry. The stallions near Destry reached out their muzzles toward her only to have her flash her teeth at them and snort, and they instantly back away.

"Why act so bitter Aradia?" a male asked. He was a well built man and stood about 5'7" and he was no doubt a favorite of many of the noble Ladies who eyed Aradia from afar with jealousy. He had vivid green eyes and black hair. His wings weren't out but she knew he had black plumage that faded into a dark green at the tips.

She raised an eyebrow, "Bitter? I'm more bored than bitter, Vonze," she stated simply, using his last name. She spun Destry around and set her off at a trot. She didn't want to be around him. Her stepfather hinted that he was perfect for her but she just wanted to puke. He annoyed the snot out of her and he only wanted power, money, and her body. She shuddered at the thought. No way in hell would she even sit next to him.

She was suddenly aware of another set of hooves behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and sighed. Tyrone Vonze never got the hint that she didn't want him around. She leaned down on her mare's back, "Destry, let's see if this fly can keep up," she whispered the words and the mare's ears flickered back and then forward. And she instantly picked up speed upon hearing the challenge in her mistress's voice.

The two horses raced through the streets and soon came to the wall that separated the city from the desert beyond. She raced through the final gates of the city, her horse changing direction the place her mistress loved to go to. The hooves though, were still close behind her. She growled silently to herself, she had to give him credit for being persistent. She suddenly halted her horse making her mare snort in disagreement but did so anyway. A black stallion swept by her with Tyrone on his back. He slowed some distance away.

"What the hell is your deal?" she finally snapped as he approached her.

"Aww, and I thought you wouldn't mind a race since you boast about your mare and how great she is," he said idly giving his black stallion a pat on the neck.

Aradia folded her arms over her chest and her honey brown gaze narrowed on the male before her, "I only race with the honest fellows. You aren't worthy you dirty cheater. I've seen you race and it's pathetic and weak," she stated in a dark tone of voice. A breeze danced past her gently capturing her curly hair with it. He frowned at her and shook his head.

"What do you know? You are Lady," he stated dryly. A bitter laugh left her luscious lips suddenly, making him glare at her, but she could tell otherwise that it turned him on.

"I do not care for tea parties and gossip. Don't judge just because I'm a female," she snapped a smug look on her face. He raised an eyebrow.

"Then maybe we should fix that," he stated and looked away with a thoughtful expression. That crossed line right there, there was no way he was going to try and dictate her life. Her wings suddenly launched out of her back in furry of slivery white plumage and she leaped at him, knocking him off his horse. Dust cloud exploded upon impact of their collision with the sandy ground. When it cleared, she was straddling him with her dagger held to his throat.

"I suggest you watch what you say. Just because Lord Pondro favors you don't mean you'll become the next one to take his place," her words were icy cold and they dripped with venom. He held a straight face and a stubborn one during that but he suddenly smirk.

"I could get used to this," he suddenly said, surprising her before she narrowed her eyes on him. She sheathed her dagger before a very dark smile graced her lips.

"Oh I'm sure you will," her fist curled and in a flash it connected with his jaw. A soft wail was heard and then groans of pain. She got up off and him and brushed the sand off her white loose clothing before grabbing her reins and launching herself over the back of Destry. With a few pops and crackles her wings retracted within her back. Tyrone groaned as he sat up gingerly rubbing his jaw. It was definitely going to be bruised tomorrow. He glared at her before he stood and brushed the sand off his own clothing. He grabbed his horse and mounted up and silently headed back to Dalila. Aradia watched him go as a smirk graced her lips. She set Destry off at a trot again and guided her through the dunes to Aradia's secret little spot.

It had been about an hour before a change of color appeared on the horizon. At first it was just a black spot but as they came closer, greenery appeared. The little place was like a thick forest around the edges and in the heart of it was a clear pool of cool water. The oasis was one of many springs that brought up groundwater. This one hadn't yet been marked on a map and Aradia planned to keep it that way. Any other person would only see the illusion of sand. Only skilled mages and magic wielders would be able to see through it.

At the edge of it, Aradia dismounted and then led her mare through a small opening that they had made from previous times before. It took a few moments for it to part but once it did, light fell upon them. The pool shimmered gently in its little nook of rocks and boulders. At one end though, it was sandy and led into the cool water. This place was a little piece of heaven for the mind.

Aradia let go of Destry's reins just as a melodious cry caught the young woman's attention. Lilith was perched on a tall peaked rock, her silver feathers shimmering against the sun's light.

Destry moved to the shade and hung her head, wanting to nap for a few minutes. Aradia sat on a warm rock and leaned against another one and closed her eyes. This was where she could think without disturbance, sort her thoughts, and keep her tempers. It was also a place to unleash her self. Allow her to cry when need be or lash out in anger. Only Destry and Lilith were there to keep her company.

Her thoughts once again drifted back to her conversation she had with her mother. She sighed as she shook her head. She didn't want to be forced. It felt so unfair and absolutely unnecessary. She knew her stepfather's favorite was Vonze. She had heard Lord Pondro talking about him with her mother, about a week before, on how he would be the perfect ruler for our country. But her mother had the comment that froze him for a brief few seconds…

//Flash Back//

"He would be absolutely perfect for this place. Him and his parents know much about our history, how to keep the water supply clean and fresh, and how to rule something," Lord Pondro said, unknown that his stepdaughter was eavesdropping on the other side of the door.

"I don't know…" her mother's voice replied. Aradia could almost imagine the look on her mother's face and her actions.

"I'm telling you. He won't destroy this place. He's not like the other boys here or in any of the other cities. Sure there are some talented boys but none compare to him. I think he-" her mother's voice cut him off.

"And what about Aradia's Happiness? She is not to be thrown out like scrap and she is still capable of becoming queen," she stated quietly. It was silent for a few seconds.

"I'm doing this for our country. Not for her. If you could still conceive them we wouldn't be having this argument," he stated in a flat voice.

"And I'm glad I can not conceive. For any child of mine, this to them, sounds like punishment," her voice came out hard and cold, unusual for her in the very least. She was always kind and her voice was soft and gentle. She heard her mothers footsteps fade, probably to another room. She heard lord Pondro sigh before hearing him get up and fade away…

\\End of Flash Back\\

A growl ripped from her throat as anger poured from every pore in her body. She wished she could do something about him. Overthrow him, poison him, kill him, something but he always had someone with him. It pissed her off. Her mother was in no position to really contradict him, but she can disagree and decline. It took two signatures to approve a marriage, especially of noble blood, a High Lord and Lady.

She opened her honey-brown eyes, noticing it had gotten slightly darker, probably just after four or five. She sighed, knowing she had to be back before dinner, not that she cared. She stood up with grace and stretched out liked a cat. She was fairly flexible as well as unusually graceful and balanced.

Destry trotted over to her as Lilith took to the sky. She grabbed hold of her mare's reins and led her through the thick trees, shrubs, and grasses. Once out she mounted and set her horse at a gallop. Her mare wouldn't get any exercise over the next four days due to the preparations for the party, so she was making up for it now and Destry didn't seem to mind.

They made it to the gate in about 45 minutes, by then she slowed her horse to walk. She watched as the people of her city prepared for the night, closing up the stands of the market, cleaning the outside of the house, and having the children cleaned up before their dinner and bedtime.

As night fell, it grew darker and the windows of the homes glowed gently with candle light. When she made it to the gate, the stable boy rushed to meet her as she dismounted. She thanked him and handed Destry's reins to him before walking up the steps. She could smell the food cooking and knew that the food would be done shortly. She quickly made her way to her room and shut it behind her. Lilith was perched gracefully on the creeping tree, cooing to Aradia as she stepped in. She approached the bird calmly and lightly scratched the phoenix's cheek.

"Pretty Girl, It amazes me that you are older than you let on. But what else should I expect," she praised the silver feathered creature. Here in Elixer, a phoenix can live several centuries before dying and rising once again. They were also few in numbers; rarely ever exceeding twenty and never falling lower than five. They are not entirely immortal and they also often choose not to reproduce with one another. They were recorded for the sake of their safety and only the wise, usually the people of respected magic or sight seeing, were given the phoenixes to care for.

Aradia gave the bird a kiss on the forehead before turning towards the bathroom to clean up. She looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. She admitted long ago that she had beauty that surpassed many, but that didn't mean she had to like. She never voiced her thoughts because many would say she was foolish for thinking in such a way. But truth was, it was more of a hassle then a gift. For her, it attracted the wrong attention. She was already noticed because of her wings. She sighed again before picking up her brush and running through her light playful looking curls.

Her honey-brown eyes stared back at her in an almost mocking way. Her skin had a healthy summer kissed glow, natural for her and complimented her hair and eyes. She frowned at the girl looking back at her, remembering the conversation she had with her stepfather. She would attract plenty of young Lords' attention. But would she find any one truly worthy? It was something she doubted but her mother had somehow convinced Lord Pondro to at least give her a try to find someone worth her life and the throne. All he cared about was that the next person to take his position would be able to handle the affairs. He didn't think Aradia was capable of such, but Aradia wanted to prove him wrong. If she could, she would run Maren all on her own. Her mother even showed her tricks of the trade.

She sighed again and set down the brush, before walking out of the bathroom. The sun was long gone but the colors still painted the sky with what was left of the light. She took one glance at her bird before leaving the room and walking down to the dinning room. The plates and silverware were already placed and she took her spot on the left hand side of her mother. Her stepfather sat beside her mother while on his right sat obviously a nobleman and his wife. Beside the woman was a boy not much older than she. His hair was black, short, and spiky with silver tips. He was tall at 5'5" with a lean muscular frame. His hazel blue eyes stared straight at her with bold curiosity. Aradia merely blinked once, no emotion portraying on her face, before glancing away.

"Aradia, this is Lord Drake Maurice and his wife Lady Ariel. Their son, young Lord Donavan, will be attending the party tomorrow. They are here early due to some weather issues over the next few days in Nami," her stepfather told her.

Aradia gave them a polite smile, "It a pleasure to meet you all. Was your trip here hopefully not difficult?" she asked.

"It was actually perfect. The wind with light and luckily no sandstorms," Lord Drake answered returning a smile of his own. His hair was long and tied back in a ponytail and his mustache was starting to grey.

"I agree. And this is my first time outside of Nami's borders. I've read plenty of Dalila's history and geography and it's amazing to actually see it," Lady Ariel spoke up. She had long straight black hair and slender elegant body.

"That's good to hear. This time of the year the Sandstorms are much more violent and frequent," Aradia said just before the food arrived. The cooks set out several dishes containing mostly fish as it was Maren's tradition to eat it as a main meal. There was also plenty vegetables and fruit as well as crab, lobster and other shellfish. There were also various baked breads of different flavors. Aradia ate her fill, ignoring the glances the boy was shooting her throughout dinner.

After dinner, her mother and stepfather decided to give their guests a tour of the palace so they wouldn't become lost. Aradia had decided to go to the library to do a little light reading before she went off to bed, unaware of a set of footsteps behind her. She paused at a set of old wooden doors that were engraved with odd symbols and a drawing. It was oddly similar to that of her dagger; two different phoenixes dancing in harmony of the other. The symbols though she didn't quite understand. She asked her mother and stepfather of them many times of what it meant, but her stepfather said it was just a drawing. Her mother on the other hand, said that it did mean something but it was lost in history. She had also told Aradia that she believed that at one point someone had taken a small chunk of their history and destroyed it. Ever since then Aradia had did major digging in their records but with no luck she found nothing.

She entered the ancient doors, leaving the door slightly ajar without even realizing it. She walked along the man rows of books, scanning for one in particular that she loved. It was a little romance novel she had found 4 years ago, dusty and unused for decades. When she found it she grabbed it and took a seat on one of red velvet couches and began reading where she left off.

"I see you like to read," a voice said from behind her where the door was. His voice was smooth and soft but held clear demand in a way.

She smiled, unfazed by his presence, "Shouldn't you be with your parents, receiving a tour so you don't get lost," She said her eyes still glued to the book.

He chuckled, "I'll find my way. It's not that hard," he said as he walked over and leaned on the back of the couch where she lied.

She smirked and finally looked up at him, "That's what they all say and then they have to ask a servant for directions," Aradia said simply as she put her book down for the time being, deciding it couldn't hurt to talk to him.

"You caught me," he raised his hands in defeat and moved to sit on one of the other couches. "So you're Lady Aradia, prodigy of Maren?" he asked.

"I wouldn't say that but yes," she nodded. He rose an eyebrow in question, "I am not truly a prodigy, I'm just a little different than most in more ways than one," she sighed.

He nodded in understanding, "I see. So what do you do for fun?" he asked his hazel blue eyes watching her intently. He was a cutie but she sensed something that she knew they wouldn't get along over.

"Well, I'm trained in hand to hand combat as well as with various weapons. I practice my witchcraft daily and loved to go out for a ride as well as race," she said with a light shrug, "I spend the rest of my time here in the library looking over history of reading novels."

He frowned at this, "A woman should not be taught to fight or ride in the saddle," he said, slightly distaste in his voice.

She rolled her eyes, "I've learned to fight to defend my country and in order to do so I have also become a horsewoman, the first of few. Men can only do so much, but a woman is just that much more better," she said her voice steady, but the little trinket around her neck began to glow a red color, which caught the eye of the young lord before her.

A small smirk crept over his lips, "I would fight you but you are only a woman and I refuse to fight such a pretty thing," he said in a low voice.

A cruel laugh escaped her lips and she stood up, walking gingerly over to him. Leaning down, with a fair amount of cleavage showing, until her lips brushed against his ear she said, "You men are all the same. Well here is what I have to say to you: When you have the balls to take up my challenge, come find me," she leaned back and winked before turning on her heel and leaving the room.

"Damn," he sighed, "No wonder everyone wants her." He shook his head," I need a cold shower," he got up and went to find his room in a little bit of hurry.