Part 1
A single year passed. So many things changed and yet so many others stayed the same. Arias was undergoing many improvements, to Nel Zelpher's relief. Clair Lasbard had done everything in her power to restore the village to how it had been before, but still there were signs of the war which had raged the year prior.
Airyglyph and Aquaria were at a definite peace for the time being, as the King Arzei and the high priestess kept to themselves in Airyglyph castle. The queen of Aquaria did not settle down as he did, as she took in her care all of what was going on in her own city. This included all of the missions that she had to assign, some with a heavy heart, and some with a hidden smile of mirth. One of these times was when she called upon her trusted subordinate, Lady Nel. The redhead had just taken a break from her duties she had been assigned by Clair in Arias. She had even mentioned to Fayt Leingod once, a year back, that she had caused so much trouble to her friend and she would have to pay it back. Paying it back she was, as she did most of the work that Clair was too tired to do, and that involved watching over Tynave and Farleen during their work as well. The two hadn't changed a bit in the year, Farleen still being overly enthusiastic and Tynave simply the more serious of the two. Tynave also kept looking as though she didn't get enough sleep, though she claimed she had plenty of rest since there was little threat of war.
The redhead made her way to the queen's throne room, immediately lowering herself in respect. She could have sworn she heard Lasselle shoot some irritable comment toward her, and the thoughts were confirmed when Queen Romeria told him to stay quiet.
"Stand up, Lady Nel."
Nel did as the queen told, slowly raising her eyes toward Her Majesty. The queen had not changed at all in the year as well, and stood as regal and beautiful as ever. A serene smile was placed on the woman's face.
"I have a mission for you."
"A mission?" Nel blinked a few times. There hadn't been much going on lately, she knew, and the biggest obstacle she had to face was making sure one of the Arias houses didn't collapse while she was in it. The missions that had been assigned had been minor cases, and she had not had to do much other than the first mission right after her adventures with Fayt Leingod and his friends. Her friends, as well. She wondered whatever happened to them. It wasn't surprising that she hadn't been assigned too many missions. After the others had left, Nel Zelpher's name became more known than it had been before, now with the title of savior of the world attached to it. She didn't particularly boast of the title, since she wasn't the only one who had helped get rid of the Executioners and Luther, the creater, a year before.
Romeria simply nodded at her question. "Unless you did not wish to take any upon yourself as of now...."
"Oh, of course not, Your Majesty. I was just surprised, that's all." Nel felt her face burn slightly and kept her gaze a few inches from the queen. Lasselle was probably snickering at her. Too bad he hadn't changed either. Change would have done him good. "May I ask what this mission would involve?"
"I will need to send you to Airyglyph. Arzei has asked for me to send one of my best warriors to Airyglyph to assist them. I found that you would be most qualified."
"When?"
"Tomorrow morning, one of the men from Airyglyph will come to escort you to the castle." Romeria nodded her head once-- a movement Nel knew to mean that she was dismissed.
"Understood, Your Majesty."
---
Understood, most definitely. Nel took a moment to think as she sat on her bed, a faint frown appearing on her face. She hadn't had a chance to go to Airyglyph at all for the previous year. Slowly, the image of a familiar ex-captain of the city appeared in her face and she shook it aside. Sure, she had promised Albel Nox that she would visit him if duty brought her there. And well, it was going to be bringing her there, alright. She wondered whatever happened to him. Rumors about Albel the Wicked had died away after all the fuss about Fayt Leingod and Co. Come to think of it, the only rumors she heard these days were about herself and the other "saviors of the world." Albel included, but not spoken of as a sole individual. The woman sighed to herself. For all she knew, Albel could have been sent off somewhere else at the same time. What luck that would be. She wondered if he even really cared to see her anymore. They hadn't even travelled together for a year. A year was enough to pull away from anyone, right?
She glanced at herself in the mirror, frowning when she noticed a faint warmth spread across her face. If that was the case, then why did she feel so nervous at the prospect of seeing the man again? Sure, she hadn't had much time to think about anything besides Arias lately, but it didn't mean she had forgotten about her love. If he really was her love. She couldn't tell anymore. Well, the morning would explain all, she decided, and readied herself for sleep.
When Nel stepped out to see who her escort was, she had to catch herself from gasping. The escort was, the one and only, Albel Nox, which shouldn't have been much of a surprise if she had considered the idea.
She hadn't.
He had a faint scowl on his face, both of his arms folded, and was standing basically how she had remembered him to stand when he was... frankly... annoyed.
"You're late, maggot." was the first thing that she heard him say.
Nel knew better than to expect some kind phrase shot toward her, but this irritated her a bit as well. "Well, I didn't expect I'd get to see you this early, Albel Nox."
"Bah. So you're the worm that they sent out to help on the mission?" he sneered a bit. "I hope you don't weigh me down."
"I have been doing my share of training, if you must know," Nel shot back, putting both hands to her hips. "Though if you're planning on carrying me, yes, I might weigh your skinny arms down."
Albel went silent for a moment, then shrugged. "Come along, wench. The king's waiting."
Nel didn't feel too comfortable as the man motioned to the dragon he had apparently arrived on. He got on the beast as though it was the most normal thing to do in Elicoor, but she was slightly hesitant, even when she felt him grab her and lead her arms around his form for added security. The last time she had ridden a dragon was a year ago, with all of the others. When the dragon lifted off of the ground, she took in a sharp breath, shutting her eyes.
"Afraid of heights, worm?"
Nel's eyes flitted open, her expression shifting to annoyance. His words had no touch of familiarity in them. It was almost as if what had happened a year ago had been a flitting dream. All thoughts of welcoming vanished from her mind. "No." she said curtly. "It's just that I'm not used to riding dragons like you are."
She took a moment to glance down. It was true she wasn't afraid of heights, and the view was definitely one she could admire. Instinctively, she tightened her hold on the man as the dragon took a swift turn, and she felt Albel tense for a split second. "Are you trying to kill me, wench?"
Nel immediately loosened her hold when she heard him speak, his voice somewhat strained. He took in a deep breath, and she could sense his scowl in front of her. "Sorry." she mumbled, more due to instinct than apology. "So, what exactly is this mission that we're going on?"
Albel was quiet for a moment, then shook his head. "You'll know soon enough, wench."
The rest of the ride went by rather quickly, neither speaking unless they needed to. Nel was tempted to ask what had happened in the last year, but gauging his temper at the moment, it wasn't a smart thing to ask. She sighed inwardly. What happened to the man who had once told her he loved her? He seemed replaced again with the same figure that she had known in the very beginning. Cold and sinister-- no betrayal of any emotion other than anger. Did something happen in the year they were apart?
"We're here, maggot."
The dragon landed on cue and Nel watched as Albel patted the beast on the head a few times before pulling away from her and leaping to the ground. He glanced up toward her for a moment, seeming to notice her hesitation once again. Slowly, he raised his functioning arm toward her.
"Hm?"
"Here." he snapped, and she took his hand, letting him pull her down from the dragon. She landed half in his arms and half not, and he set her down, his expression still indifferent.
Albel took only a moment to make sure she was alright before he turned aside, taking a few steps away. The redhead was just about finished with this attitude of his and shrugged, keeping her tone cold. "I missed you too, Albel."
He stopped, giving Nel a chance to look around the city. Like it had been a year ago, it was snowing, sending a small chill up the woman's spine. The snow made the whole place seem so dreary, and it was surprising how little had changed in the city. They had never been around Airyglyph long enough for her to learn where everything was, though, so she was finding herself in unknown territory. If this had been before, she would have found herself experiencing some sort of fear-- being alone in a city she knew little of with Albel the Wicked.
Now it was less Albel the Wicked. It was Albel the Annoying. Why the heck was he being so distant? She sighed, unable to keep a frown from reappearing on her face.
---
"I missed you too, Albel."
Albel Nox paused for a moment upon hearing the words. They were cold-- colder than he had expected her to speak toward him. Then again, he wasn't acting any different from before toward her, so he shouldn't be expecting anything back. A faint frown appeared on his face. It wasn't that he had forgotten what had happened a year ago-- it was just that he didn't want it to happen again. In Albel's mind, the odd twinge of love he had felt toward this woman was nothing more than something which would hinder what he was doing from then on. The year apart had enhanced this idea. The last thing he wanted to do was be dependent on some other being. Again. As he had been with his father.
Instinctively, he clenched his fist. If he kept as far enough away from the wench as possible, maybe he would be able to think of her as nothing more than he had thought when they had first met. Sure, she was still one of the few members of Fayt's team that he had respect for (okay, so the only other member was Fayt himself), but that meant nothing in the long run-- right? If only he hadn't been the one sent out to retrieve the blasted wench. The feeling of her arms around him was not one he could easily tear from his mind.
It was silent for a long time, and he realized it was his turn to speak. What would he have said a year ago? Nothing. He would have simply turned back around and grabbed her. Held her. Maybe even kissed her. This was not a year ago. He wasn't the same anymore. Or maybe, he was just the same as he was before he ever met her. Too much had happened-- and between them, too little.
"Bah." he stated, keeping his tone around the same level as hers in hostility. "You look like you're doing well, maggot."
"You look the same."
He shivered involuntarily, allowing her to think that it was simply the Airyglyph cold that was getting to him. He was wearing the same style tank top and skirt as he did before anyway. In truth, it was the way she was able to shoot back commentary in such an indifferent tone that got to him. Granted, he was doing the same. He supposed two could play the game, and she was taking it up as easily if she had formulated the rules herself. Before he could comment back toward her, she spoke again.
"You need to eat something, Nox. I thought in the last year or so they wouldn't starve you so much."
He growled. So what if he was skinny? It made him faster anyway. And it wasn't that he was starving, it was just that he wasn't hungry. "Hmph." Who did she think she was? His mother?
The woman was starting to walk toward him, but he made no move to step aside. He sensed her pause, then move around him, walking a few paces in front but not turning to look at his form. "I won't ask what happened in the last year, Albel, but if you're planning on reverting to being a bastard as you always were, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know so I don't have to be wasting any feelings toward you."
The man paused, arching an eyebrow. So the wench hadn't forgotten about the year back either. He supposed it wasn't much of something to forget anyway. His first thought was to allow her to break his guard once more-- maybe they'd have a chance this time? And his second was to remain as passive as he possibly could. He grappled with both options for some time, and then opened his mouth to speak.
Of course he loved her; it wasn't as if any other woman had caught his attention in the year they were apart. But if it was that the love would inhibit his ability to become stronger, he would be willing to sacrifice--
"There you are, Sir Albel! The king has been waiting!"
Drat.
Albel shut his mouth for a moment to re-gather his thoughts, then shrugged. "Alright, wench. The king wants to see us."
If Nel seemed at all disturbed about her previous comment, she was easily able to mask it. Her expression was calm-- very professional. And very admirable. She hadn't changed much, except her hair had grown out slightly below shoulder length, and framed her face rather well. Albel took the lead, pretending to be indifferent about her following, but he made sure he could hear her footsteps before proceeding. It would be no good to lose the woman somewhere in Airyglyph. There were still some of those who were against the alliance, and it could be dangerous territory for wandering Aquarians if they weren't so careful. Or maybe dangerous for anyone in Airyglyph who might want to start a fight with this certain Aquarian.
They reached the castle soon enough, the guards in front immediately allowing them access when they spotted Albel in the lead. One cocked an eyebrow toward Nel's form but the other diligently saluted her, knowing why they had been summoned. Albel could tell what they were thinking without having to take a second glance. The saviors of Elicoor are gathering! What could be wrong?
The man rolled his eyes in irritation, then slowed his pace so that Nel could walk beside him. He had to be wary in front of the king, lest he might get a lecture on hospitality. He had gotten a few of those before, and, although he didn't follow them, he found them most annoying to be repeated. He shifted his gaze down slightly to scan her form. The redhead looked simply passive, her head raised up proudly and her stance the same as he had remembered before. Bah. She was still beautiful, if not even more so than he remembered.
He was able to prevent himself from flinching when he noticed her turn toward him as well, her expression questioning. She seemed to look him over once, and he scowled, folding his arms and shifting his glance aside. He could hear her sigh and turn forward again, just in time to reach the throne room. King Arzei was seated on his throne, looking indescribably worn out. Albel's scowl widened slightly. The glance he had of the queen in Aquaria had no touch of weariness like he did. He wondered if it just had to do with their temperament.
When the King spotted them, he nodded his head, a smile appearing on his face. Temporarily, the tired look vanished from his form. "Ah, welcome, Lady Nel." he said. He glanced toward his subordinate, then nodded toward him as well. "Albel."
Nel bowed her head politely. "It is an honor to see you."
Albel rolled his eyes, though if the king had seen he would have had another lecture stocked. The redhead always seemed to know exactly how to work things out with her words. He could recall faintly the time when they were speaking with Crosell, that brute, and she still kept her words utterly polite. Albel on the other hand cared little for formalities. His strength got his point across most often than not anyway.
"I'm sure you two both know that we're in need of you to go on a mission." the king said, his expression darkening just slightly. Albel thought to pay attention, though he kept his eyes wandering around in lazy boredom. "It might not seem like much, but I would like you to investigate a place found within the Aquatic Gardens of Surferio."
"The Aquatic Gardens of Surferio?" Nel repeated, incredulous.
Albel knew what she was thinking. The last time they had gone there, there was no sign of anything past the guardian of a treasure chest-- which they had given the remains to the wench in Peterny's craftsmanship guild. And why on Elicoor would the king need two of the country's most well known fighters to check up on somewhere so simple? Not only that, but it was closer to Aquaria than it was to Airyglyph. Romeria should have been the one ordering the mission.
"It's an odd request, I know." Arzei stated, faint signs of sheepishness appearing on his expression. "But there are rumors about a transporter that has formed near the area. I don't expect you to know about these, but as you had been in other technologically advanced places..."
Firewall. Sphere. Arkives. Bah. So in other words the king wanted them to investigate some high-tech place that Albel would just be completely lost to. He frowned. Nel knew little more about technology than he did. Unless Fayt or one of the other... "Earthlings" was it? came along, they would have as much trouble as anyone else. Just because they had seen the technology before didn't mean that they knew anything of it.
He glanced toward Nel to see if she had an argument for the king. She apparently did not, for she nodded her head. "Mission understood. When are we departing?"
"Whenever is the best for you." the king looked thoughtful. "We are not on a time constraint on such things, so it would be best to prepare yourselves thoroughly just in case something strange occurs in the ruins."
Something strange... bah. In such a place? Doubtful.
Albel shrugged when he noticed Arzei's eyes on him. "Let's just get this over with then, wench. You have better things to do than help our kingdom out, I'm sure."
He sensed the woman's rage this time and if the king wasn't there, he would have stepped back a few paces. He stubbornly stayed in his spot, though, and didn't budge until the king dismissed them.