Good morning, readers! I have been working diligently despite my schedule, and I hope you've been anticipating what's to come! Kapra has a lot on her plate: how will she handle it? Read on and find out! Please enjoy this next update!
Kapra sighed, staring at the ceiling within her chamber. She closed her eyes for a moment, shaking her head.
"If I tell them outright, Wind will never agree to it. And I don't blame him... but if I don't do this, Wildfire will never agree to help me." She said to herself. Just then, she heard the door open quietly, glancing over to see a familiar face donning his signature blanket.
"Bonjour, mon amour... or should I say, bonne noir." He winked, closing the door behind him. "It's been a while since we spoke... decided to drop in."
"Hey..." Kapra ran a hand through her hair. "I have... a dilemma."
"Oh? You, a dilemma? How shocking." He said as Kapra rolled her eyes.
"I knew getting the clans together would be a challenge, but... I had no idea I'd have to trade off lives here. I'm trying to save them, not be rid of them."
"Hm... tell your friend Pyramus everything. I suppose lover boy has no ears to spare tonight?"
"He's got enough on his plate. So does Arsenik."
"Are you sure about that, dearie?" Pyramus asked as he draped an arm around Kapra's shoulders. "So, what's on your mind?"
Kapra bit her lip. "I spoke with Wildfire today... she's the head of the Valkyrie clan."
"Hm... did she not offer her assistance?"
"She... did, but... she wants Ambrosia in exchange."
"Not surprised... I would want her too. Pretty little thing."
"Pyramus." Kapra gave him a look.
"D'accord, d'accord... I will stop being distracted. So... why not just give her to them then?" He asked.
"Because she's my friend and I don't want to betray her like this." Kapra rested back to stare at the ceiling once again. Pyramus did the same beside her, glancing at her for a moment.
"I sometimes forget who I'm speaking to." He chuckled softly. "Have you told the lovely Ambrosia yet that she is very popular?"
"No. Because she'll tell Wind, and then he'll start a shit storm." Kapra said.
"Do you not expect a man to protect the woman he loves? It's more than I can say for yours."
At this, Kapra sat up. "If you're going to keep talking trash about Viktor I'm going to kick you out. You shouldn't be in here as it is."
"Fine, fine..." He glanced up at her. "Look, dearie. You're the woman with a plan. Don't look at it as black and white. Sometimes, when people play dirty, you've got to play their game."
Kapra nodded, hugging her knees. "I'll come up with something. I need to sleep on it."
"Well..." Pyramus stretched his back as he sat up. "If you need me, ma cherie... you know where to find me." He said lightly, smiling before rising to head out the room. "In the meantime... I'll be dreaming of you being the amazing woman you are. Bonne noir, mon amour." Kapra rolled her eyes as he blew her a kiss, resting back to stare at the ceiling.
"He's right... I need to stop doubting myself." She said before closing her eyes, eventually nodding off.
The next morning, Viktor was slumbering in his bed when a gentle shaking roused him. He sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Kapra...?"
"Hey. There's something I need to go over with you. Come on, let's have breakfast. We're going to need to keep our strength up today." She said, smiling as she headed out. As she did, she stopped when she noticed Pyramus leaning against the wall in the corridor.
"So... did you have your epiphany?" He smirked lightly.
"Well, I've got something in the thinking tank. It may just be crazy enough to work." Kapra said as Viktor headed oout of his bedroom, straightening himself up before glancing at Pyramus warily.
"Good morning, mon ami. Any gossip to share among friends today, hm?" Pyramus asked.
"No. Good day to you." Viktor said, placing an arm around Kapra's shoulders as they headed to the dining hall. Pyramus watched after them quietly, chuckling to himself before following them.
Barium sat in concentration, reading over some parchments. He glanced up when he heard the door open, smiling lightly as Bo Peep entered. He placed the papers aside as she approached, taking her hands.
"Good morning, your grace." She smiled lightly, kissing his hands.
"Good morning, afternoon, evening... it always seems to be when you're near." He chuckled.
"You've been in high spirits, my sweet." She said, moving behind him to gently massage his shoulders. "I was speaking with some of the deer this morning. Our human friend has been quite the diplomat."
"I had faith that she would be." He sighed lightly. "It would be a miracle if she could do what I have failed to accomplish. I would be forever in her debt."
"You could offer her a position in the high council... or perhaps employ her as your advisor. After all, then I could ask her to pretty, pretty please, consider asking my hand in marriage." She smiled as he rose his brows, looking back at her. "Oops. I was supposed to have forgotten about that, wasn't I?"
Barium couldn't help but smile at this, sighing lightly. "A lot has changed, hasn't it...? Bo, I know that-"
There was a knock at the door then, Onyx approaching when granted entrance. "Your grace, a letter."
"Thank you, Onyx." Barium nodded, taking it and placing it aside as Onyx nodded once, taking his leave. "I should probably read this."
"Alright..." She said with a bit of a pout, kissing his cheek. "I'll meet you later. But... you'll spare some alone time with me, won't you?"
"I'm sure I can manage." Barium chuckled as Bo exited the room. He sighed lightly, picking up the letter when he noticed the seal was that of the Hulder. "Hm. I wonder what this is about." He opened the envelope, his eyes scanning over the words. His face slowly dropped, exhaling slowly as he rested his head in his other hand. After a few moments of allowing the contents of the letter to sink in, he took a blank piece of parchment and a quill, quickly writing a response.
This would certainly complicate things.
Jasmine sighed as she stared out the window, frowning to herself. Rosemary came out of the kitchen, her hands on her hips.
"Jasmine, are you going to sit there looking hopelessly out the window all day or are you going to help me shell these nuts?" She asked, puffing out her cheeks in a pout.
"Rosemary, look at them. I can't believe what I'm seeing. Never in my life would I fathom one of our own courting an Imugi, and here our cousin is doing just that." Jasmine said.
"Well, if you don't pry yourself away from the window you won't live to find your own prince charming! And you have the gall to bark orders at me day after day!" Rosemary exclaimed before storming back into the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Wind grumbled as Ambrosia finished making a small crown of flowers, standing on her tippy toes to place it on Wind's head. "Now you will be blessed with good digestion. My grandmother told me what when I was young, I remember just where we picked this particular flower also."
"Great. Exactly what I needed." Wind rolled his eyes. Just then, his ears flickered when he heard footsteps approaching, turning to see Kapra and Viktor making their way towards them.
"Hey." Kapra snickered then. "I like your new fashion statement, Wind."
Wind growled lowly, rubbing his forehead. "I'm really not in the mood for this."
"Good day to you lady Kapra, sir Viktor. I was teaching Wind some of my family's old wives' tales that have been passed on to my cousins and I."
"I can see." Kapra said, glancing over at Viktor when she noticed how quiet he was. "Hey, you okay?"
Viktor snapped his head up then. "Yes, do forgive me. Good morning to you, miss Ambrosia. And... good morning to you as well... Imugi."
"Viktor." Kapra gave him a look. "He has a name."
Viktor's face tightened at this. "Right. Wind... always a pleasure."
Ambrosia lightly nudged Wind, who rolled his eyes. "Yeah. Practically bosom buddies now, aren't we?"
"Okay, well if your heartwarming greetings are done... we have some serious topics to discuss." Kapra said flatly.
"Ah, yes. We still have other clans to seek out! I spoke to my elders early this morning. They would love to make your acquaintance and hear your message, Kapra." Ambrosia smiled.
"Thanks, Ambrosia. That's a huge relief." Kapra nodded to her. "But there's one clan we need to secure before we can move on. The Valkyrie."
"Haven't we been there, done that?" Wind rose a brow. "Wildfire's not going to budge."
"Wrong. When she pulled me aside yesterday, she said there is one way she would pledge her support to my cause."
"Oh, yeah? What's that? Your head?" Wind asked, Ambrosia gasping.
"Wind, that's far too gruesome." She frowned.
"He's capable of far worse, believe me." Viktor muttered.
"Sorry, what was that, Hulder? Couldn't quite hear you." Wind curled his lip.
Kapra cleared her throat, shooting Viktor a look. "Anyway... before I say this... just know that I have a plan. It's a risky one, but I know we can pull it off."
"This can't be good." Wind groaned.
"... Please don't freak out." Kapra sighed. "Wildfire would give her support- warriors, weapons, rations... in exchange for Ambrosia."
"Oh, my... m- me?" Ambrosia's eyes widened. "I don't understand..."
"WHAT?!" Wind practically roared. "Okay. You honestly think that I'm going to consider that idea for one second? You think I'm going to let her come within arm's reach of that lunatic?!"
Kapra felt herself being tugged back, Viktor standing by her protectively. "Don't you even think about laying a single claw on her." He said lowly.
"Okay. Let's take five minutes and let this sink in." Kapra said as Ambrosia moved in to help ease Wind's tension. While she did this, Kapra turned to Viktor. "Will you calm down? What is going on?"
"Kapra, I do not trust that... that creature." Viktor frowned deeply.
"Viktor..." She sighed. "I thought we were past this. Wind agreed to help us, just like you did. So if you're on board with this, you'll settle what... prejudices you have aside, and be civil."
"Kapra, this is not about prejudice." His expression softened, taking her hands. "I'm trying to protect you. I... I love you more than anything. If something were to happen, something terrible, and I was not there to stop it... I couldn't live with myself."
Kapra exhaled slowly, squeezing his hands gently. "I know that. But you need to stop being so ready for Wind to do something. That's not who he is. You need to trust him, and me." She looked behind her when Wind approached, sighing lightly.
"... So. Ambrosia wants me to keep my mouth shut, and... hear what you think we should do about this. But I'm telling you, if I don't like it, you're going to know about it." Wind said.
"I know this is not something you wanted to hear. I like this as little as you do, Wind. But the fact of the matter is, with Wildfire, she seems to be the type who's for all, or for nothing. So, before I tell you my plan... I need Chase here." Kapra said. Viktor nearly choked, silently dreading what she had just suggested.
"Really? You're just going to torture me today, aren't you?" Wind responded flatly.
"Do you want to help me save this island from the dark ones, or not?" Kapra put her hands on her hips.
Wind sighed, running a clawed hand down his face. "You'd better have something good up your sleeve. I'll get the runt." He said before heading off, Viktor sighing lightly in response. Ambrosia noticed the tension leave him.
"Sir Viktor, are you alright? You needn't fret over Wind. He really does mean well." Ambrosia smiled, hoping her words would reassure him. Viktor simply sighed. If only the pair of women with him knew what he did, then perhaps they would understand his anxiety.
Chase sat by a small pond, he and Foster skipping rocks after devouring a hearty breakfast. "Man, that elk was good."
"And the best part is, we have plenty more to last." Foster said as he skipped a rock.
"No, the best part is that Grant will stop breathing down our necks for a day or two." Chase rolled his eyes as he took a flat rock in his hand, rubbing it against his chest for a moment before flicking his wrist. "Ha! Got you on that one."
"I forgot how fun you were to hang out with, Chase. I don't know why I stuck around with those other fjols for so long. I can see why you always run and do your own thing." Foster said. "I should have been that smart."
Chase sighed. "I'll always love our brothers and sisters. But... I just feel like they hold me back sometimes." Chase said, skipping another rock. Just then, he perked up when he saw someone approaching, smiling widely. "Wind!" He called. "Good to see you, buddy!"
"... Don't call me that." Wind said when he stopped. "Kapra needs to see you. She's waiting with Ambrosia and that Hulder twerp."
"Oh boy, Kapra! Hey Foster, you should come! You'll get to meet Kapra and then you'll see how great she is!"
"No. No, he really shouldn't. I can barely deal with one big mouth as it is."
"Hey, it's okay Wind, you'll always be my pal, you don't need to worry about that. By the way, this is my brother, Foster."
"Don't care. Let's go, and try to be quiet." Wind said, turning to head back. As they made their way, Wind growled to himself as Chase chattered away behind him, discovering that Foster was a talker as well. When he finally reached the Phoenix village, he stared at Kapra flatly as he approached. "If I have to spend one more minute with these two, I'm going to smash their heads together."
"Kapra!" Chase beamed, lifting her off the ground in a hug. She took a moment to regain her balance once placed down, but smiled as she greeted him.
"Good to see you again, Chase." Kapra giggled.
"For heaven's sake, she's not a bear! You're going to break her neck man-handling her like that!" Viktor exclaimed, placing a protective arm around her.
"Pfft, what's that buttercup doing here?" Foster snickered.
"Don't remind me. Just ignore him. Kapra's a saint for liking that uptight-"
"Chase." Kapra gave him a look before sighing. "There's a reason I asked for you to come here."
As Kapra spoke to him, Viktor stared at the ground. Here he was, forcing himself to be civil to the two criminals who harmed Lylith and left her for dead. The same pair he was allowing Kapra to seek help from. The thought of either of them harming a single hair on her head made him feel sick. He could only try to keep calm, all while his head spun.
"But Kapra, we can't just hand Ambrosia over to the Valkyrie!" Chase frowned. "Who knows what they'd do to her."
"We don't have a choice in the matter. But we do have a choice in what happens AFTER the exchange, and the deal is sealed. Once I do my part, my end of the bargain is fulfilled. That doesn't mean the same for the rest of you. This is where you come in, Chase. There's no denying it- being you're a Trold, you're faster than any of us here. This is what I was thinking. We do the exchange in the morning. You post yourself near camp until nightfall without being detected. Once evening falls, you can sneak in, smuggle Ambrosia out of Valkyrie territory, and get her back to safety. You'll have to leave something behind so they don't think I have anything to do with it. This way, Wildfire still has to uphold her end of the bargain, without Ambrosia's life being compromised." Kapra said. "Look. I know we're taking a huge risk here. This is why I'm not leaving this decision up to me." She turned to Ambrosia then. "Your life is at stake here. I'm not going to force you to do this. If you don't want to do this... I'll figure something else out."
Ambrosia glanced around her, tucking a strand of raven hair behind her ear. "Lady Kapra... there is no doubt in my heart. I will do this without question." She said, Wind closing his eyes as he rubbed his temples. "You've done more for us than we could have asked for. If Lady Wildfire insists that this is the only way, then I will do what I must to help."
"Thank you, Ambrosia. Alright. With that said... I'm going to go back to the Valkyrie. I'll set up a meet-up for tomorrow morning. Take the rest of the day to prepare and plan anything you need to. We'll meet early tomorrow morning before we set out to make the trade." Kapra said. Chase approached her, patting her back.
"Don't worry, Kapra. I'll make sure nothing happens to Ambrosia. You can count on Foster and I."
Wind approached then, wordlessly taking Kapra to the side, much to Viktor's dismay. "If they do so much as leave a scratch on her, you're going to pay the price."
"Wind... I'm worried about her too. But we have to remember what's at stake here if we don't do this." Kapra said, Wind tightening his lips.
"It's alright. You don't need to be cross with Kapra. She's looking out for all of us. Come, let me make you a snack, hm?" Ambrosia smiled lightly. When Wind stormed off, Ambrosia gave Kapra an apologetic glance before following him.
"Hey. Chase." Foster whispered to him. "Are you sure this is a good idea? You really trust these people?"
"Of course I do." Chase said as Kapra approached.
"Hey... Foster, right? Thank you again for coming to help us."
"Yeah... so what is this, some secret alliance or something?"
"Well, sort of... it's an alliance, I guess... to defeat the dark ones. We have a lot to do before that has a chance to happen."
"That's pretty good then, I think." He glanced at Chase, shrugging. "I wonder what our clan would think about this."
"I hope to find out soon, after we secure the Valkyrie's support. At that point, we would only have a few more clans to get on board. The Cucuy is small, but they're still just as important in my eyes."
"We're going to be the best kidnappers ever! Uh, well, maybe not- that sounded better in my head." Chase scratched the back of his neck as Kapra laughed.
"Nice, fjol." Foster chuckled as he nudged Chase, who shoved him jokingly.
Viktor approached then, taking Kapra's hand. "We should be leaving now. They're bound to be serving lunch at the keep. Good day to you-... Chase." He struggled to say his name, remaining close to Kapra as they headed out of there. Chase grimaced at the back of his head as he whisked her away, Foster looking between them.
"Uh... care to explain?" Foster asked.
"I don't know what she sees in that guy. She can't go for five minutes without him hovering over her like a life-sized leech. I can't believe she's marrying him."
"Woah. She's MARRYING a Hulder?! Is she crazy?" Foster laughed.
"It's not funny! I don't trust that Viktor. The only reason I haven't cracked his skull open like an egg is because we have bigger fish to fry right now." Chase growled.
Meanwhile, Kapra frowned a bit. "Viktor, is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine, Kapra. You needn't worry about me." He replied. She stopped, taking his shoulders and turning him to face her.
"You've been tense all morning. I know something is wrong."
Viktor sighed shakily. He hated lying to her. Perhaps he could say something in a way that would voice his concerns without revealing the true depth of it. "Kapra... we still aren't... completely sure about what attacked Lylith. I'm just... I'm feeling more protective for that reason, and... I don't want to take any chances. I cannot allow anything to happen to you."
Kapra's expression softened. "Viktor... what happened to Lylith was horrible, but... she was alone. She was unprotected, and maybe something in the forest saw her as food, or threatening nearby young. That sort of thing happened on Earth sometimes, too. But I'm not alone. I have you, Arsenik, Chase and Wind. I have enough protection to last a lifetime."
Viktor bit his lip. He knew that if he said any more, Kapra would start asking questions. "I know this. It just... makes me uneasy."
In response, Kapra stood up a bit taller, kissing him briefly. "I'm not going anywhere. You have to remember I still have a job to do. You're always welcome to help me, even if it's moral support." She smiled.
"Always, Kapra." He replied, drawing her into a hug. Inside, he felt as if he were being torn in two. He wanted to trust Kapra, she had never deceived him. But what Lylith had told him, this was not something he could just ignore. He tried to maintain a smile as he led her back to the keep, hoping he wouldn't have to see the pair of ruffians for the rest of the day. After a hearty meal, the pair headed out once again, moving south towards the Valkyrie camp to speak to Wildfire.
Arsenik had just returned from a hunt, gathering weapons to store while the other Hulder collected their kills to skin. As Arsenik was organizing the weapons, a scout approached him.
"Sir, a message for you. It has no seal."
"Thank you." Arsenik nodded, sending him away as he took the letter. He glanced around, heading into his chambers where he opened it, reading it over. He nodded to himself, sighing lightly. "Hopefully this will give her enough time to complete her task... if not... then I will simply have to do what I can to make up for their absence. There is nothing that I can't do in their place." He said to himself before locking the letter in his drawer. He rose to exit his bedroom, opening the door and halting when someone stood just on the other side.
"So... when does this all begin, hm?" Ravyn asked.
"If there is something I wish to discuss with you, I will call upon you." Arsenik said.
Pyramus was wandering through the corridors, stopping when he heard voices. Sensing an odd vibe, he pressed his back to the wall, silently listening.
"Anything that concerns Lylith is MY business." Ravyn growled. "Has a trial been set?"
"No. The accused will be collected first, and then the victim will be called to identify them. If I need your assistance, you will be the first to be made aware." Arsenik growled, yanking his arm out of Ravyn's grip. "You did this, Ravyn. You had a hand in the betrayal against me. Each day, you will look upon the consequences every time your eyes rest upon her ruined face. When you do, you will think about the choices you've made, and the ones you will make in due time." He said before storming off, Ravyn clenching his gloved fists as he shut his eyes tightly. As he too stormed off, Pyramus narrowed his eyes, his spine stiffening as he took some time to process what he heard.
Kapra erred to the side of caution as she and Viktor approached the Valkyrie camp. They both kept an eye out for anyone nearby, hoping this wouldn't turn ugly. Just then, quick, but light footsteps were heard, Brooks making herself known as she pointed a spear at them.
"Why are you here?" She demanded to know.
"I'm not here to start any trouble. I just want to speak with Wildfire. She gave me a proposition and I'm here to give her my answer." Kapra said.
Brooks glanced between the pair, narrowing her eyes at Viktor. "Not this one." She went to stand between them, but Viktor wrapped a protective arm around Kapra.
"She'll not be going anywhere without me." Viktor said firmly.
"She either comes alone or you both turn around and go back to where you came, Hulder." Brooks curled her lip.
"It's okay. I'll be fine. Let me do this, Viktor." Kapra said, kissing him briefly before Brooks took hold of her arm, Viktor furrowing his brows as he watched her being led into the camp.
Once they made their way into the heart of the territory, other Valkyrie stared at Kapra warily as she made her way into their midst. She cleared her throat, feeling as if she was going to be subject to being under a microscope regardless of which clan she was dealing with.
"Wait here." Brooks said once they reached Wildfire's cottage. She entered, nodding her head briefly. "The human is here. She wants to speak to you."
Wildfire rose her brows, pursing her lip. "Send her in." Brooks did as she was told, Kapra being sent in before the door shut behind her. "So... have you come to give me an answer, then?"
"I have." Kapra said, moving to sit across from Wildfire. "If you promise to give me your full support, then I will return here tomorrow morning with Ambrosia."
Wildfire nodded slowly, leaning back a bit. "I'm surprised you've come to this answer so quickly, fallen one. Barely a day. It seems that you continue to disprove my expectations." She leaned forward then. "I can't help but feel a bit suspicious there may be more to this than you're letting on."
Kapra sighed. "Wildfire, when I say I'm going to do something, I stick to it."
"Does she know what your plans are with her?"
"Yes. She said she's willing to come here if it means it's going to help my cause."
Wildfire smirked then. "Can't call y' a liar there... that sounds exactly like something she would do. She's oblivious, that one. She doesn't see what's plainly in front of her. She doesn't see things for what they are... but what she wants them to be. I can tell you've been guilty of this at times too." She tapped the edge of her blade against her chin. "I've already told you I like you, fallen one. I can't read you very well. And though that frustrates me... it also motivates me. See... I don't like when I don't have the upper hand. But it is in those times where I push myself to be stronger. There is nothing in this world I can't overcome if I work hard enough." She lowered her voice then. "You want a little advice? Take it from me... you know how I got to be this stone hard, this tough? There's only one thing I put my complete trust in. The one who put me here, who gave me life. The Sky Goddess. But she has no physical presence here. So, I have to trust in m' self. What my gut tells me. What my eyes, ears, my senses tell me. Those who speak words speak lies. This is why we honor the wolves. They are incapable of disloyalty, of lies. Their nature is what Valkyrie aspire to."
Kapra nodded. "Thank you for sharing that with me, Wildfire."
"There are times... when I think about what it would be to have a different life. Perhaps that's why I loathe her so much. She's got it so easy and she doesn't even have a clue." Wildfire said, Kapra furrowing her brows. "Don't be the same as Ambrosia, Kapra." At this, Kapra rose her brows upon Wildfire speaking her name. "Trust no one. Those who are your friends one moment will become your enemy. Those who are your enemies one moment can become your friends. Just like the seasons, like nature, it is always changing." Kapra had no idea what to say to this, Wildfire once again leaning back in her chair. "You bring her to me tomorrow morning as we agreed. No one is to accompany you. If any of my warriors report anyone besides you two entering past our posts, I will tell them to kill you, Ambrosia, and whomever else is with you. Am I clear?"
Kapra stiffened a bit in her chair. "Understood." She was taken aback by how quickly Wildfire had switched right back to business mode.
"Good. You may go now, fallen one. Just remember what was spoken between us today. If y' know what's good for you... you'll heed my words." Wildfire said, standing up and offering her hand. Kapra cautiously took it, Wildfire drawing her into a hug as she whispered in her ear. "I killed my own chief years ago because she betrayed our ways. I can be your strongest ally or the death of you. The choice is yours, Kapra." She then drew back, reaching out to open her door. "Have a safe journey. We'll meet again tomorrow."
Kapra could only nod wordlessly, heading out as Brooks escorted her to the border of their territory. As Wildfire watched, she smirked to herself, leaning against the doorway. Despite her ominous words, Kapra knew she couldn't allow Wildfire to shake her confidence. She had to focus on the plan and what was to come next.
Her life wasn't the only one hanging in the balance.
And we leave this chapter on Wildfire's ominous words! Does this plan have any chance of success? Will Ambrosia perish? Will Wind and Chase find themselves in trouble again in the meantime? Keep an eye out for the next update to find out more! Once again, thank you for reading, and please leave your thoughts in a review! See you next time!