Another chapter for you lovelies! I'm way too impatient to just post one in a day XD This particular chapter is just one built of small moments between the different characters bonding over the many months that they're travelling for the quest. They aren't one after the other, just placed in a general chronological order of when they took place.
Enjoy!
Lasting Memories
Music floated on a warm wind, echoing between tents and stalls in the market as the group wandered down the streets of their next stop on this quest. Even to Mel who had long grown bored of the fine clothes and jewellery they had seen over their adventures, the clothing and wares showcased in the Tyrobi market were stunning.
In one of the tents sat several people, playing music on instruments Mel had never seen before. Around them market girls danced, showcasing the beautiful scarves and jewellery that nearby booths sold. As Mel glanced over the wide booth one of the girls made eye contact, waving and smiling at Mel who waved back. The girl grinned and blew a cheeky kiss before whirling back amongst her companions, the dark mage grinning at the encounter.
"I'm so hungry! I can't wait to stop for the night." June said excitedly, Mel's stomach growling in agreement.
"We're so close to finishing this quest, to completely unlock the Stonetooth Caves. This might be the last time we have the chance to actually come here and enjoy ourselves. We should explore!" Edward suggested excitedly, their other companions agreeing.
Mel rolled her eyes in amusement, sharing their curiosity as much as she hated to admit it. Mind you, she felt that aside from Yvette, none of the rest of them would probably be interested in her brand of exploration anyway, something about legality and other fun killing stances.
Passing by the music booth, they began to walk through the covered sitting area where shoppers counted their goods and dancers rested with food and water. As they passed by a group of noble young women who were looking over their purchases, Mel couldn't help but take notice out of the corner of her eye of the looks that moved to Gyendal. There were several muffled giggles, until one of the girls called out.
"Such a large and heavy cloak you wear, visitor! Surely you must be warm, come sit and take a rest from the heat." The invite was accompanied by a wink, and a beckoning finger as a couple of the other girls giggled.
Mel's head flicked to the side, looking over with narrowed eyes.
She had seen this sort of flirting countless times, too many days to keep track of in the pub after school when girls and guys alike would flirt and call to travelers stopping through. She had always found it easy to ignore, or when it had happened in their earlier quests take the opportunity to mercilessly tease Edward and even Galahad when it became them who was called to in the occasional town. It was all in good fun, and at times had led to friendships that spanned further than kingdom borders.
Yet this time… this time it bothered her. The inviting smiles and sweet words were getting under her skin with a particularly irksome itch and Mel was simply not okay with it.
A subtle snap of her fingers at her side caught the attention of one of the girls, who startled slightly at the glare Mel shot her. The girl subtly nudged her companion, the one who had called out looking over in confusion. When her eyes made contact with Mel's, the dark mage smiled, a threatening expression as her eyes flashed with magic.
The girl's eyes widened, and quickly she glanced between Gyendal and Mel before abruptly turning away and making a point of sitting with her back to Mel's companions. The girl cast one more look over her shoulder at Mel, shrugging lightly to her and turning back to her friends. The threatening smile she wore began to fade, reality crashing in as she realized what had just transpired.
Had a spirit of insanity suddenly taken control for a moment? It was the only possible logical explanation for what she had just done, it wasn't as if she could have acted that way on her own. Warding off a group of girls, as if she was jealous!
Mel gave her head a sharp shake, near comical levels of horror washing through her at the very concept of feeling jealousy, over what, she wouldn't dare consider. Something else had been at work, goddess knows how many supernatural forces worked around them through their travels. It had to be that.
Carefully she glanced behind her, the conversation amongst her friends who were following close behind had gone on without pause, Mel realizing with relief that no one had noticed her little display.
That was, until she chanced a glance over at Gyendal.
He was staring at her, amusement and interest clear in his expression as he made a point of looking to the girls and then back at Mel with a raised brow. She felt her cheeks go pink with embarrassment, and with a snort pushed the walls of the bond higher before stalking past him to take the lead.
She had barely taken a few steps in her new place at the lead before she felt a presence come up on her right, close behind her shoulder. She didn't have to look to know who it was, and she went out of her way to ignore what she could see of Gyendal out of the corner of her eye.
Then a hand settled against the curve of her back, making Mel jump with a little muttered curse. She looked sharply up at Gyendal, startled, only to find him looking ahead as he called out to her friends behind them that he felt it would be wise to gather food before getting rooms at the Inn, so that people could rest as much as possible.
But she could see the smallest hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips, and as they navigated the crowds his hand remained unmoving. She refused to acknowledge the strange jump in her stomach, and chose to ignore Gyendal entirely, focusing her attention ahead of her instead as she mapped out the best places for them to stop on their way.
This was totally normal, she absolutely hadn't acted utterly ridiculous with those girls, and Gyendal most definitely hadn't taken note of the leave of her senses she had decided to take.
At least Edward hadn't seen, she would never have heard the end of that one.
The feeling of leaving behind the Tombs to enter the sunny oasis beyond was one that felt like a hundred pounds lifted off weary shoulders. Acropolis was beautiful, and one of the few peaceful places in their journey, entirely separate from the drama and strain of the lands above.
In front of their group June spun around in the path, arms out as she laughed. Her excitement was contagious, and soon the others began giving in to the infectious cheer. Yvette transformed into one of her bird forms, taking the air with lazy loops as Stella giggled and began to trail the tip of her healing staff along the earth on the side of the walking path. In its wake flower shoots popped through the ground, blooming into vibrant colour. Even Mel found herself grinning into the salty ocean breeze, as they followed the path down to sandy banks and towards the city of Acropolis.
"Look at how big the beach is! I want to go swimming today!" June exclaimed, pointing excitedly towards the water lapping at the sand below.
"Absolutely not. I refuse to spend time sitting on hot sand that gets into every single conceivable fold of one's clothing." Gyendal said irritably, shooting the younger girl a dark look.
At one point his scowl would have silenced protests, but June had gotten used to the gruff and hard manner of the former vampire and rather than giving up on her request, she made an obnoxious face at him and turned to Stella instead.
"Can you come with me Stella? I really want to go swimming, I've never been to a real beach before!"
Stella didn't need any convincing to agree, Yvette electing to join the two girls at the waterside.
"I'd like to join everyone later, but I want to wander the city and visit one of the famous sculptures first." Edward said before going off on a little spiel about a sculpture that had visited his castle when he was a child to tutor him for six months.
Then eyes turned to Mel, pinning her in place with expectation.
"I'm not-"
"Please Mel?" Stella asked softly, and if Mel hadn't known her friend so well she would have missed the mischievous sparkle in her purple eyes. "It wouldn't be nearly as fun without you."
Mel glared, raising an accusing finger to point at Stella. Her mouth opened, then she stopped and let out an explosive sigh.
"You do that on purpose." She muttered irritably.
She couldn't say no to Stella, no one could say no to Stella. Damn her kind friend, and the ability to turn on truly sweet looking puppy eyes.
"While the lot of you enjoy the beach I will reserve us rooms in the inn and rest for a bit. Mel can let me know when you all return and need your keys." Gyendal stated, taking extra bags from the others to bring to the inn.
"I'll meet up with you all soon!" Edward called, jogging down towards the city.
Mel watched as June and Yvette exchanged looks, before running down the incline with loud woops towards the water's edge. Stella smiled, sidling up to Mel and looping an arm through hers.
"You know, I did wonder if you were just a little bit addled when I realized you had invited a young teen along on this journey. This seems like the kind of place no child should ever be. But I am glad you did now." Stella said conversationally, Mel snorting.
"I'm sure then that you won't judge me when I tell you it was an act of vengeance due to June poisoning Gyendal and then making him use cassia leaves to rid himself of magician poison." Mel said dryly, Stella turning to stare at Mel.
"You invited her along in an act of petty revenge?" Stella echoed, laughter escaping her. "One of these days you're going to get yourself into a predicament purely out of spite."
Her comment earned a slightly sheepish grin from Mel who shrugged.
"Honestly, you are most likely right."
Stella shook her head fondly, before looking around at the untouched sand along the beach near where June and Yvette were jumping into the water. Letting out a little giggle the pretty healer gave Mel a tug, starting to slowly jog down the beach.
"Come build a sandcastle with me!"
The two girls jogged across the beach, kicking off shoes and rolling up pants in Mel's case to dig bare toes into the soft sands.
Chatter and excitement echoed through the air as everyone played, Mel and Stella sitting together in the sand as they laboured over an elaborate sandcastle. All her leather harnesses and weapons had been detached and placed in her small magic bag she kept on her, the dark mage taking the opportunity to relax and enjoy the day. Every ten or so minutes a bird would swoop overhead, dropping shells and plantlife into a small pile near them to add to the castle decorations.
"Are you guys building the Thais castle?" Edward's voice echoed down to them as he picked his way down to where they sat, crouching next to Stella to examine their creation.
"Yes! We even added the garden maze." Stella pointed out, Mel making a distracted sound of agreement.
Carefully she tore pieces of seaweed, hanging it along the walls as though they were flags. Edward had clearly taken the time to check into the inn with Gyendal before exploring, his clothes having been changed from rough travel garments into light pants and a shirt.
"Edward! My foot is stuck in the sand, can you help?" June called from in the water, the older travelers looking up from their castle to see the magician waving from where she stood waist-deep.
Quickly the prince stood, hurrying down towards where June stood waiting while Mel and Stella exchanged knowing looks. Mel watched in amusement as her hapless friend waded through the water towards the impish teen, not even getting a chance to ask what help she needed before June launched herself at him with a war cry.
Down under the waves they both went, Yvette's bird laugh echoing above the ocean where she flew in lazy circles through the ocean spray. When the two of them came up June was whooping, the two slowly making their way back to shore.
"Hey Mel, you should join us! The water is so refreshing!"
Mel looked at them with a snort, rolling her eyes at their offer.
"How about no?" She offered loudly, ignoring the boos that came in response.
They made their way to the beach, June pulling Edward down to her height to whisper something in his ear. The evil grins that spread across both of their faces gave her a bad feeling, and Edward nodded to June before starting across the sand to where Stella and Mel sat.
"Whatever you're thinking, do not." Mel warned, her friend only shooting her a look of mock innocence.
"Whatever do you mean dearest friend of mine?" He enquired dramatically, clasping a hand to his heart as if wounded by her statement.
Quickly Mel stood, shaking her head and backing away from Edward.
"Nope."
His grin only widened, and without warning he bolted towards her. Instantly Mel whirled, racing across the sand towards the city with Edward close on her heels. She dodged dips in the sand, but her victory had been stolen by the lack of a headstart and soon she found herself being tackled into the sand by the prince. He looped an arm under each one of hers, and at her feet a bird took a human form as Yvette grabbed hold of her legs.
"DO NOT!"
Her protests went unheeded as she was raced across the beach and towards the water, Mel shrieking as she was hurled into the oncoming waves. She quickly swam to the surface, spluttering as her friends laughed around her. She dug her hands into the water, using just a little magic to create a solid surface between her hands as she flung the water she caught towards Edward, thoroughly dousing him.
"An act of war!" Yvette declared, leaping into the water.
Even Stella joined in the fun, throwing peace to the wind as she raced down into the waves to join the others. Shrieks and laughter echoed through the air as they splashed one another and swam around in the waves, ignoring all else until their stomachs began to rumble with hunger.
Tired but content, they gathered their things from the beach and made their way up to the city. They received more than a few looks of bemusement from the citizens as they made their way through the streets in soggy clothes to the inn, the keeper letting out a longsuffering breath at the sight of them.
Mel quickly reached out to the link, letting Gyendal know they had arrived and receiving directions to the floor they were staying in. They climbed up the stairs to the second floor, Gyendal staring from where he stood waiting at the soggy group as they entered the hall.
"So they threw you in." He observed to Mel, the young woman making an exaggerated face of irritation and taking the key he held out to her.
"Predictably." She muttered, Gyendal letting out a huff of amusement and nodding to Edward and June.
They all retreated to their rooms to change into fresh and dry clothes, Mel daydreaming about all the delicious foods they might have here as they all met in the entry room of the inn to head off for dinner. As they walked down the street Edward came up between Stella and Mel, wrapping an arm around each of them. Contentment filled Mel, and she grinned at her friends.
This moment would be immortalized forever in her mind, the peace something she would ride for the next few days. Nothing could compare to the feeling of being here in the moment with everyone, the ocean breeze bringing smiles to the faces of each and every one of them.
Mel idly played with her knife as she walked along forest trails, tossing it into the air and catching it by the handle on pure reflex before tossing it back up once more. Behind her at the camp dinner was being prepared by Yvette and June, under the watchful eye of Stella to prevent the chance of unpleasant prank ingredients being added. No one wanted a repeat of the worm escapade, it took Mel days to get the taste out of her mouth completely.
She followed a worn dirt path through a small grove of trees lining the camp for a few minutes, until she reached a small glade with a pond. On a raised rock formation looking down over the water she found Gyendal sitting, watching the fish leaping with a distant stare.
"Gyendal? What are you doing?"
He looked over, seeming slightly startled by her call.
"Nothing in particular lamb, just thinking. Is it time to return for dinner?" He questioned, Mel shaking her head as she approached the base of the rock formation.
"No, we still have probably around an hour. They just began prep."
He didn't answer, simply reached out a hand to her. She accepted it, and let the other dark mage pull her up onto the rocks where she took a seat next to him.
"You know, before going to Peliad I really believed that we were some of the last of our kind. Last of the dark mages." Mel said quietly, watching the reeds along the pond move in the wind. "When I was in Thais I always stood apart, even going so far as to try and learn basic neutral magic because I wasn't able to freely use the dark."
"As did I, in the last five hundred years I had lost track of the affairs of mortals, I did not realize that the situation on Aia had driven a great many of the mage lines into a world hidden behind curtains." Gyendal admitted.
A bird called in the distance, it's echoing call summoning songs in response from the trees around them.
"It never ceases to baffle me how human empires can force mages into submission in such a way. Powerful mortals that could lay waste to cities if they wanted, forced to hide underground in a city run by a guild of thieves for fear of sentencing." She glanced over at Gyendal who nodded in agreement.
"I was born into a time where mages held the control, and dark magic was as commonplace as light magic. Feared yes, but not near non-existent in entire continents. It is a great shame that you were not born and turned in my time, to see the great mage empires that rose and fell through the ages. Aia has become so deeply removed from it's roots of magic and other species of beings that once lived openly. I do not believe that any of those I once knew would recognize it."
Melancholy washed through the link and he sighed, Mel looking over to him in surprise. The topic of his past had long been a taboo, something that he spoke rarely of ,and often would garner a reaction of hostility whenever mentioned.
"Now that you are human once more, are you finding that the memories of life before you were turned are becoming more vivid? Triggered by similar lived experiences of humanity?" Mel enquired, curiosity piqued.
He considered the question for a moment, fingers tapping out an absent pattern where they rested against his leg.
"In some ways, but I am losing the clarity I once had. Memories that span back centuries are fading away, moving just out of reach when I try to recall them. My mind has reverted back to that of a humans, my memories and knowledge will begin to slip away like sand between the cracks in ones fingers to be lost forever." He murmured, expression shadowed.
Mel watched him quietly, seeing the conflicting emotions within his eyes and trickling through the bond.
"Are mortal minds really that weak? That you would lose so much from the forefront of your thoughts from your time as a vampire?" Mel questioned, taken aback by the idea.
She had always known that vampires were stronger and had heightened senses, but she had never considered the impact that being turned could have on the mind.
"Everything about mortals is weak, weak and pathetic." He spat, anger rising to the surface to mask his other emotions. "This body, so easily wounded, tired by simple trips that now take days rather than hours. Susceptible to sickness and ability to fight deeply dampered. It's as if I have been placed into a cage that cuts me off from near half of what I was able to one do, sensations of feeling so close I can taste it but I can no longer access what was there."
Mel swallowed hard, unable to find the words to comfort. She thought about the letters she had received from Te'ijal, how miserable the ex-vampiress had sounded when talking about the human changes and how deeply they impacted everyday life.
"In a way, the orb has crippled you like an injury would, perhaps worse." Mel said softly.
He let out a humourless laugh, dropping his head back to look at the clouds that floated through the sky.
"I thought I knew what failure was when I lost that battle in the caverns with you, defeated and waking up in prison. But I did not truly, not yet. I fail every day, in near everything I try to do. I cannot dwell on it, so I simply keep pushing forward, but it as if a weight has been placed upon my chest. Crushing me under memories of what I used to be."
A long breath escaped him and they sat quietly for a moment before he tilted his head over to look at her, eyes searching hers.
"But we both know I deserve this. I opened the pandora box of empty promises of power, letting Mordred in to orchestrate destruction."
She sighed, shaking her head.
"It isn't-..."
A dry chuckle escaped him and she felt him tap lightly on her through the bond.
"Come now lamb, don't start trying to lie to me now. We both know that it's futile for either of us to try that path after all these years." He said with the slightest trace of tired amusement.
She rolled her eyes, shrugging slender shoulders.
"What else am I supposed to say?" She shot back, "How sorry I am that I used that orb? Because I'm not."
A faint smile flickered at the corners of his lips before fading.
"The truth."
Mel said nothing at first, instead focusing on the dagger in her hand as she balanced it on it's tip atop the stone she was sitting on.
"I know what it is to feel like you are trapped, locked away in a prison with no way out. It's as if no matter what you do it's futile, you will never be free again." Mel closed her eyes for a moment, "If it had not been you to awaken Mordred, someone else would have been. Part of me feels vindicated that you have to go through this just as I do, but the feeling is hollow. There's no real satisfaction, only the wish that none of this had happened in the first place."
He nodded, understanding what she meant.
"Perhaps if we survive this, there will be a way for us both to get back what we have lost."
A slightly sad smile formed and she shrugged once again.
"What would you want to have if we could erase Mordred and his minions with a snap of the fingers, right now?" He asked idly.
Mel considered her answer, thinking of all the ridiculous possibilities. The two fell into quiet conversation, topics drifting as they discussed dreams and passing thoughts. Time was forgotten as they talked, the sun travelling through the sky to begin its descent behind the mountain line.
"No matter what happens, if we make it out of this I wish to return home, to see the manor even if only one last time..." He paused for a second, before finishing his statement. "Together."
She thought about the manor, it's darkened halls and the east wing she had come to know as home. Her room with its warm fire and deep purple fabrics, the office where she could sit for hours on end discussing and the piano she missed so dearly.
"Yes, I agree."
She tilted her head back to look up at him, stilling as she found herself face to face with her bond, forest green eyes staring into hers.
He held her gaze unwaveringly, Mel studying him and trying to unravel the mix of emotions within them. His face lowered slightly towards her, close enough for loose fringe falling forward to brush against her. The link had fallen partially open between them, allowing her to just barely feel the strange softness of emotion she couldn't quite seem to identify.
She felt fingers brush over her wrist as a hand moved from the stone between them to rest over hers, his larger one covering hers entirely.
The sensation of his hand on hers was like a shock back to reality, Mel's eyes widening as she jerked away and abruptly sat forward, walls between them in the bond flying up.
"SURE! The manor, yes." She cleared her throat, turning her face out of sight to hide the burning. "I mean, visiting it again, yes, I'd like to do that as well."
She refused to look back, staring wide eyed over the grass as her brain raced wildly. She heard him let out a breath and he hopped off the rock formation.
"Yes, well… we should head back, dinner is most likely long since cooked."
"Go on ahead without me. I'd like to stay here for a little bit longer." Was Mel's awkward answer, the young woman hunching slightly.
There was movement behind her, then the sensation of fabric wrapping around her shoulders. She looked down to watch as the red edges of his cloak draped around her, Gyendal adjusting it on her shoulders and lightly smoothing the fabric along her upper arms before walking out of the clearing and down the path.
Mel waited until he was out of sight before grabbing the edges and pulling them tighter around her, wrapping her in warmth. She watched out over the water, gaze faded as thoughts wandered freely.
