"Well met, Arisen. We've been awaiting your return. Waste no time on us, Ser, the duke awaits. I fear for the others in the castle, besides. Though 'tis small mercy to be spared only to face this world.. Perhaps we'll all be wishing the earth devoured us before ere long…"

So admission to the castle grounds was granted. And as always, John would have to sit this one out and await his master's return like a canine on a leash with all patience. Seeing as Duke Edmun did not tolerate the presence of Pawns within his domain. For whatever reason...
But not even two steps pass the castle gate, Gran Soren guards already stormed towards the Arisen, literally surrounding her as if she was a Gorechimera with their many weapons raised for combat. Their tips of hardened steel ready to rain upon her. Of course NeonSky was heavily confused. What was this folderol all about? Just about when her lips parted to speak, the Duke, Edmun Dragonsbane, finally made an appearance to the ones present. But nothing seemed the way it was before, before she had successfully reclaimed her heart back.
His Grace presented his true face to the crowd, a man grey of age and frail…

"Y-You.. How dare you stand before me in this mockery. You claim to have bested the dragon? Engaged it in mortal combat? 'Tis fool's talk I tell you!" -coughing; ringing for his breath- "No mortal could possibly survive the dragon's incinerating flames! No human being could possibly vanquish such a beast! No…
Y-You.. YOU ARE WITH THE DRAGON! The Dragon's minion! You have even weighed this curse upon me. This devilry is all your doing!"

Shocked gasps and audible whispers could be heard, after the so-called Wyrmking has pronounced his accusations against the Arisen. Even Aelinore, the Duchess, couldn't quite believe her ears. Aldous, the Duke's chamberlain, seemed tongueless himself.

"I am not in a covenant with the dragon! Nor have I-.."

"Silence! I have seen quite enough. Guards! Put her under heavy chains, this instant!"

Naturally the skilled Ranger pulled out her Dragon's Veins, her trusty daggers, clearly being in the innocent. But then…

"Ju..Julien..? What have you done to him?!"

The Mystic Knight was harried, but at first glance she wasn't able to tell how bad he was wounded. The shiny steel of his armour was stained with blood, the thick crimson liquid even somewhat trickling down his forehead.

"Dear Arisen. I ascertain you, you'll have plenty of time to concern yourself with Lord Julien's condition. Now, drop your weapons, Arisen, that is if you wish to see him again."

Neon didn't even have to give it a second thought, it already trickled through the first time. The sharpened tips of her both blades met the flooring, letting the many guards surround her and put her in chains. The Arisen remained silent this entire time, almost a deadly silence. But the gaze she threw at the Duke that day shall not be easily forgotten… They marched off with them under his command.

(Beneath the castle; the dungeon..)

"Words cannot describe how truly sorry I am, Arisen. I too solely act on orders from the Duke, I am naught but a faint light. Pray, forgive me, Ser."

As the guard took his leave, NeonSky waited for a mere moment until an overdue sigh passed her lips. She simply didn't want to grant anyone the satisfaction of seeing the proud Ranger defeated. Although, what did it matter.. She was trapped, like a filthy rat in a cage. Her pleas would be left without reply and with the female's legs and arms both tightly strapped against the wall, there was simply nothing she could have done. Nonetheless, Neon's concerns were solely for him. The Mystic Knight who hasn't moved ever since he had arrived here. She also has learned that the man ran into the same problem they had prior this day. Ah, yes, the winged nightmare from earlier.. responsible for the wounds the knight bared. NeonSky's eyelids had fell shut, hidding the dolour within her crystal blue hues. She could feel the saline wet welling up in her eyes, leaving them to fall tear by tear.

"Why did you not await my homecoming, why did you have to come to Gran Soren…
Julien, why did you follow me..?"

And as if the Maker heard her pleas for the man's life, Julien awoke laying on the cold, dingy cell floor. He immediately reached for his left shoulder, a gash being clearly visible across it.

"Where? And why? I-Is that you.. A-Arisen? Arisen!"

"Julien! I'm so glad I.. Are you hurt?"

"No, no, fear not, Arisen. 'Tis.. nothing."

Was it the smile or rather the tone in his voice that made her doubt the words escaping the knight's mouth.

"By the Maker, what did they do to you..? Is this.. Duke Edmun's doing? I should-.."

"You should have stayed where you were, Julien. Back in Cassardis, noone could have hurt you. And just look at me.. Even I am powerless now."

"What are you saying, Arisen? Are you wanting to tell me, you are giving in? This, I cannot allow. The Duke has not won, as long as your will yet remains unbroken."

"Julien I... I just don't know no more, perhaps-.."

Once again, her lips had been sealed by his to prevent any more doubts or fears leaving her. Just how does he always do that? Negativity was being slowly replaced by warmth and hope. She found herself staring into those magnificent blue orbs, whilst the male's hand pressed gently against the side of her face.

"Shhh now.. What say you, NeonSky, darling? Should we attempt to break loose?"

"We shall! I had just about enough of this place now. Let's make our escape!"

Now where was her Pawn? For certain still awaiting her return before the castle gate. Surely John would come after the woman once the sky occulted even more, indicating the night's arrival. He knew ever so well that the female Arisen rather avoided pacing back and forth in the Duke's Demesne at night-time. Neon was.. highly allergic to being caught you could say. Exactly for this reason.