I do not own WITCH.
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Things had not gone as planned after the meeting in Candracar. The Oracle had decided to ask the Guardians to split into two groups to cover more ground. So, Elyon was chosen to go with one group so they could fold if and when needed. Everyone was worried about the Oracle because it was so unlike him to change his plans like that.
The group of Elyon, Irma, and Taranee were now on the world of Parador outside of a large bustling city that looked almost ancient Roman in design. Many buildings looked like white marble but everywhere there were banners and colorful tents, flags, and shops. The Oracle had said that they should find the Palace of Arts because that was the home of the royal family and one of them controlled the Heart of Parador.
When they were within the city they couldn't help but notice the wonders all around them. Vendors, some human, humanoid, and some neither, sold all sorts of strange foods, exotic wares, and all sort of things that none of the girls could even begin to describe. Everywhere there were painters painting, musicians playing there songs for all to hear, and performers doing all sorts of amazing feats. The great columns of the buildings around them had them in awe, with their height as well as their often elaborate designs.
"Hay Lin would love to see this place," Taranee said.
"I love this place," Elyon said with a dreamy look in her eyes.
"It's certainly… unique," Irma said with a grimace while looking at a large blob creature selling what looked like slugs with bulldog faces.
"This is all beautiful, but I really wish we could find the Palace of Arts," Elyon said with a pout.
"Well," Irma spoke while looking at a guy with a blonde guy sitting on the corner," you could go ask that guy directions."
Elyon looked at the guy and felt a little flustered. He looked about six feet tall with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. He wore a straw hat, a puffy white shirt, some brown pants, and some leather boots. He was playing a large lute and was singing a little tune. Most importantly to Elyon, he looked about her age. She finally got up the courage to go up to him and ask directions.
"Um, excuse me, but could you tell me how to get to the Palace of Arts?" she said shyly.
"It would be my honor to show you and your friends the way myself," he said as stood up and brushed himself off," May I know the names of the beautiful ladies I am escorting?"
"Well… um… um… my name is Elyon," she spoke while blushing furiously.
"Irma."
"Taranee."
"My name is Dorian," he said with a bow.
"It is our pleasure to meet you," Elyon responded.
He nodded to himself while looking thoughtful and then said," If I am not mistaken you two are Guardians of the Veil and you Lady Elyon are Queen of Meridian."
"You know who we are?!" said a very shocked Elyon.
"Yes, you are all very famous thanks to the tails brought to our world by a small Passling trader, whose name escapes me," he stated simply.
"It wouldn't happen to be Blunk would it?" asked Irma.
"Yes, that's exactly it, do you know him?" he asked.
"He's a friend of ours," Taranee stated.
He merely nodded and smiled at that and then led the way. While walking he talked to the girls, mainly Elyon, about the city and a few questions about themselves, all the while playing on his lute. When they finally arrived in front of a large, beautiful looking building, something very unexpected happened.
"Thank you very much for showing us the way," Elyon said while looking at him with a dreamy look.
"It was no trouble and a pleasure to escort you ladies to your destination and I would be shamed if I did not introduce you to my parents," he said while walking up the steps to the great golden doors.
"What do you mean?" Taranee asked stopping halfway up the steps to look at him.
"Well I assume you are here to see the royal family correct?" he questioned and waited for them to nod and then continued," I am the Prince of Parador and holder of the Heart."
"That's great," Elyon said with a smile," We need your help on an important matter."
"Well, come inside, we can discuss this immediately," he said adopting a serious face.
One hour later…
The girls had taken turns explaining the whole situation to Prince Dorian and the King and Queen over tea. The royal family carefully and patiently listened and only interrupted when they had a question. Elyon, when not explaining something, starred dreamily at the prince.
"So, if we cannot gather enough Hearts, this Fenrir will destroy us all then?" he asked with a thoughtful look.
"Yes," responded Taranee.
"Now that I know this is the case I will gladly help you. And…," he took a drink of tea and then continued," I know someone else who I'm sure will help us."
"Who?" asked Elyon.
"The Prince of Jaxel," he said.
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On Meridian, the royal palace was abuzz with activity. Soldiers hurried through the halls as did curries, scribes, and every other type over servant imaginable. All of this was because the Meridianites were readying for possible war with the Shadow Tainted Armies. At the center of this madness were Julian, Caleb, Aldarn, Tynar, Vathek, Drake, and Raythor.
"How many have come from the east?" Caleb questioned a messenger.
"1000 so far sir," he said.
"I see… Raythor and Drake I need you two to go check on the new recruits and see what they can do. Vathek and Tynar, I need you two to arrange guards for the supply shipments and check that everything is going well. You go tell your captain to keep up the good work and keep me updated," Caleb said to the messenger last.
"Yes sir," was the resounding answer from those named and they went to their appointed duties.
Caleb then proceeded to sit down in the only chair in the room that wasn't piled with reports. That was one of the few flat surfaces not piled with papers. He let out a long sigh because this was the first time in four hours he had gotten a break.
"You look worried son, what's wrong?" asked Julian with a concerned look.
"I'm just worried about Cornelia, I mean, this guy is dangerous and powerful and has a vendetta against my girlfriend and the rest of the Guardians," he said.
"I know exactly how you feel," Aldarn agreed," But Taranee, Cornelia, and the others have fought against steep odds before this and they always came out on top and I have faith they will do so this time as well."
Julian gave his son a reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder. After that Caleb felt a little better until a new wave of messengers came into the room.
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"Matt, what's up man, have you heard anything from the girls yet?" asked a very concerned Eric over the phone.
"Dude, it's only been two hours since they left," Matt growled more then a little annoyed at the third call from Eric.
"I'm sorry man, it's just that if this Fenrir guy gets Hay Lin, it would kill me ," said a very concerned Eric. At this sentiment, Matt thought how he would feel if anything happened to Will and knew that Eric was just concerned.
"Hey man, I'll tell you what," said Matt with a more sympathetic tone," If I hear anything you'll be the first person I call."
"Okay, thanks dude," said a calmer sounding Eric who then hung up the phone.
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"Napoleon, do you think that Cornelia and the others are going to be okay?" asked Lillian during her lesson.
"Hey kid, don't worry about it. They can handle themselves," Napoleon said reassuringly.
"I guess your right… so can you teach me to shoot laser beams from my eyes today?" she asked excitedly.
"Sorry kido, not today, I don't think my tail can handle another fire so soon."
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"I now have two of the factors I need to make my fourth lieutenant thanks to Narissa's mind and life force and I believe it is time that I go see one Mr. Matt Olsen and one Mr. Huggles on Earth," said Fenrir partly to himself and partly to Mutten.
"Yes… Master," he replied.
"The lieutenants?" he asked with a growl.
"On… their ways… to their… targets," he answered fearfully.
"Excellent," Fenrir said followed with a long, villainous laugh.
