| *Cross The River* Chapter 2 - Bleeding Visionary Written by Rap's (RaptorJNB@aol.com) Notes: One thing I noticed awhile ago was that, as of yet, I've been spelling Lavitz name with an *s* at the end instead of a z. Uh... sorry about that. Heh. But I don't think I'm going to change something that seems to work in anycase. *Little grin* It'll only end up confusing a person who is ALREADY to easily confused! *cough* That being me... *** Mai Slambert was not one to worry easily. Her person was a strong one- both sturdy in heart and in mind. Truth being, there really wasn't much that could get her up in tangles- or send panic through her spine at the first hint of danger. There never had been. She was, and would always be considered one of the most levelheaded people in all of Bale. Although today... Lavits watched with a hint of confusion as his mother's eyes trailed across the oak floor of their home. She'd seemed so lifeless this morning- no hum on her lips or jolt in her step. Nothing that gave her the characteristic upbeat nature he'd grown very well accustomed to. Twice now, he'd wandered to her arm and asked what the matter was. Each time he was shoo'd away- And Mai would tell him to go outside and play with the other boys of their town. Certainly not in a hostile way- but surely in one of sadness. "Mother..." The 11 year old blonde began yet again. "Something is wrong. Please tell me? Please don't sit like this all day?" He stood in front of her this time, mouth slightly open and eyes wide as he implored the short, fair skinned woman. A slender hand moved from her lap, ruffling the smooth fabric of her white dress, and passed through his hair lovingly. "Hush dearest. I am fine." And then a knock came at their door. Mai shot her attention instantly to the sound and stood- Lavits moving quickly behind her as she strode through their household. From the kitchen table at where she'd sat, to the living room, and then across a long carpet; The small boy hung back as his mother walked to the entranceway. At the very least- she was up and moving again. Had she been expecting someone? A smile spread across his face as Lavits realized who the visitor was. "Greham!" His mothers voice. "Please come in. I received word of your visit.." A shuffle of feet- the door closing with a thwump of motion. "Thank you, Mrs. Slambert." Mai walked from the short foyer- nodding to herself as Greham continued with both explanation and apology for his being late. In the light of early morning that streamed from windows nearby, Lavits shouted in greeting and waved as the 1st commander of the second knighthood fully entered his home. He had known the man since his earliest years. "Lavits!" And Greham smiled- a strong grin set in narrow, able features. He swept a fall of short, jet black hair to one side of his face and walked over to where Lavits had been standing. Mai smiled for the first time that day. "How are you m'boy!? "Quite fine, sir!" Lavits beamed. In the presence of another knight, he could not help the action. Afterall- in coming years it would be he who wore the crest of Serdio. "Good then. Very good." The armor surrounding his thick chest gave a rattle as Greham patted him twice over the shoulder. "I swear to you Mai, he's getting bigger each time I see him!" "His fathers blood, perhaps." Mai said- calm voice serene and quiet. A moment later, and she gestured for him to sit on one of the large floral couches that adorned their living area. Greham simply smiled a thank you, but waved apologetically to decline the offer. "I'm afraid I cannot stay for more then a few moments Mrs. Slambert. I simply came to inform you that in about an hour, you should be escorted to the Castle Indels as requested by Advisor Noish. I know both this and my visit may be sudden, but a woman of your experience must have grown used to the such by now." Mai simply nodded- registering the excitement that sprang to the face of her son. "I understand, Greham. Thank you. Would Lavits be along?" Greham smiled in the direction of her boy. "Indeed." The young blonde gave a triumphant shout and raised both hands into the air- forcing a chuckle from both his mother and the tall knight. "YES! Thank you! Mom- I'll be back, I'm gonna' tell Dakri!" His legs already began a sprint for the door until Mai deftly grasped him by the collar. "Not just yet, Lavits. Go upstairs and get cleaned up." "But mom!" "Upstairs- now." Smile still unbroken, Lavits simply caved into her demands and adjusted his course- now running instead to the long staircase that ascended to the second level of their home. Once the sound of his shoes were well overhead, Mai let out a long sigh and turned her attention fully on Greham. "He doesn't know yet?" And Mai shook her head. "No. Not much of anyone has yet been informed of Alexia's death. As it was I heard only last night by means of a messenger. But then- I think perhaps only both the nobles and those of the Knighthood have truly been sent official word as of just yet." Her thin, lithe frame quietly turned away from him, then moving herself to sit down. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply a moment. "Greham- please. I question none of what is asked of me- but what requires our presence? And at the castle no less?" Greham sighed and crossed his arms, foggy eyes distant. "I know not, my lady. I know only of whom it was requested- just as my presence too is a product of the such." She nodded silently. "And what of the prince?" Greham shifted the heavy armor that lay over both shoulders and knelt beside her a moment- thin hair blown just slightly over either eye by means of an open window. He smiled, albeit weakly. "No more questions. Your husband can explain better then I." Mai's eyes flew open, and Greham moved to cover her mouth with one hand before she could burst the name into echoes. "Yes, Mai. Servi is here." *** With a distinct edge of weariness, one hand rose to his face and rubbed away the spill of fluid that had fallen there. He smeared it from skin that was cold- somewhat lifeless, and then returned to the task at hand. Pen moving with the detached grace of thought, words taken to ink with care, the knight ran sea green eyes up towards the woman that stood before him. "How long now?" he asked. A hushed voice. "He's slept a good portion of this morning, Servi. Although last night wasn't nearly so calm." "And the wound?" "Closing very slowly. The gem did not take to him well." Servi nodded. The manner one of both sadness and acceptance. He lowered his gaze again and took to the last sentence of his letter- a document that would be sent to those of the 1st knighthood still stationed in Hoax. He had left them on word of Alexia's final hours- but now it seemed this absence would be made longer by circumstance. "Should I be allowed to see him?" Servi began again, a final stroke of his hand ending temporarily the status of knighthood bestowed him. Hs power would be left with Greham now- a trusted friend. "I would think so, Sir Servi." The girl replied, nodding. She watched with large blue eyes as he sealed the parchment that should carry his message to Hoax. A slender hand reached out and grasped it carefully as he handed the letter to her. "Greham, your wife and son should be arriving shortly as well. Do you wish them brought here?" Servi rose then, hands still planted firmly over either side of the desk at which he'd sat. "Yes, please Fhana. I would be grateful." Fhana nodded gracefully. "Of course, sir..." and then she turned- exiting the small rectangular office in a quiet flow of her white fabrics. A silence left to collapse about him- Servi stood watching her exit a moment, and then straightened fully. Mind laden and heart weary, he turned a moment to regard a spanning double window behind him. The sun was just beginning to break midday over the western mountains of Serdio. Muttering a blessing to the deceased, Servi forced his boots to movement and began from the pale room. His mind was racing with the politics that now haunted him- cursed him, for all the blonde knew. Last night had been a sleepless one- full of nothing more then unanswered questions and adamant voices. All of which who voiced their outrage, or demanded a say, or felt Alexia's dying bestowment had been false in nature. They didn't approve of this change of power. Didn't approve of who they saw as a *commoner* holding key to the throne. What was he? A placement? A pawn? A simple wandering person- unsure of both himself and the ethics of those around him? His mind drifted to the thin, inanimate body of his queen- pale face serene and untouched in death. Like an angel- or a spirit. Absent of the blood that had adorned her husband's face. Surely, the latter of his assumptions was true. It was no pawn nor placement that could find himself so distantly attached to the binds of memory. Those were they that could live for the present. He was one that should be haunted by the past. ~Goddess, am I so weak? How can I thrust sword to human flesh, and yet now feel the world around me as if it were nothing more horrible then the iron doors of purgatory?~ Should it have even mattered? There was chaos in the air. Not yet ready to break- but brewing at every corner of his beloved Serdia. The events of these past few days would only serve as a point of reference for historians in later years. So that one might lift a finger, skim it down the text of a thick molding book, and label it's presence as *The Beginning* He shook his head- walked briskly passed halls and persons alike. Those about the castle might strike him an odd glance or two- but Servi would pay them no mind. Each figure only seemed to regard him with an absent muttering. Perhaps something to the effect of; "So YOUR the one Alexia chose..." ~To protect the throne.~ "Pardon." He felt his voice echo, shuffling around the still form of an apprentice. Probably under the teachings of Noish, for the most part. He was fully aware of the young man- who watched him coolly as Servi passed and moved one hand to open a door beside them. About to turn the knob- it's slight protesting quiver echoing into the cold white hall- the boy spoke. "What would you be doing- sir? If I might inquire?" Servi glanced back at the tall, slim figure. His brow creased. "I've come to look in on our young king. Why do you ask?" "I'm afraid this is not allowed, sir." The apprentice stated in a matter-of-fact voice. Clothed in a full piece, cream colored garment- he raised a hand and then gently panned it to his side. Somewhat like a passive gesture of emphasis- if such a thing was possible, "His most noble advisor, Noish, has strictly forbid the such." Servi crossed his arms. Although absent of the armor that had adorned him yesterday, his garments themselves had not been changed. There had, quite frankly, been too little time available for something so luxurious as a shower. He knew the scent of blood was still laced over his flesh. "Whatever for?" The apprentice blinked. A slow, mindless act. "That is not of my concern. I was simply given instructions, Sir." Servi felt a slight twinge of irritation creep along his back. The young man wasn't in fault, but the lack of information left him somewhat perplexed. Noish was, at times, quite the definition of mysterious- and when his motives played over the silence of those he cared for; it became somewhat unacceptable. With a rough glare, Servi turned back to the door and moved to open it. The advisor watched on- a strong disapproval evident over his features. Oddly enough, The knight had not been able to enter- nor the apprentice able to speak, as just then the large oak door opened of it's own accord. Albert blinked at the two, right hand limp on the doorknob. His gaze drifted to Servi. "He may enter." The child spoke- a quiet whisper. "You are to leave, Pegelli." ~Ah yes, that's his name.~ Pegelli shook his head in a slight bout of uncertainty. He opened his mouth- closed it. Furrowed his brows in an uncharacteristic gesture of confusion. After a moment, his gaze turned to Servi. "This is most inadvisable. I'm afraid that-" But Servi held up a hand to interrupt him, and glared evenly at Noish' dumbfounded apprentice. " Go." "Sir...!" "Tell Noish my entry was through no fault of your own. He knows me well enough to accept this." With a muffled ruffle of his clothing, the indignant man turned on heel and stalked away from him; body seeming to all but drift over the floor as he left the two in silence. It was only a moment that Servi watched his departure, and then quickly turned back to thin boy that stood quietly at his side. It would be the first time he should see Albert after last night- when they had taken him away from both he and the corpse of his mother. "Young one..." And Servi crouched next to him- struggling to maintain a simple, untroubled facade over his square features. "You shouldn't be awake..." Regarding him now were the solemn, tired eyes of a child. He looked sickly- weak. Like a fragile bird that might break at the slightest touch. Instead of answering Servi's quiet words, Albert turned around ever so slowly and gazed into the room behind them. Ashen hair somewhat of a tangle, he gave no heed to the simple strands that fell about his face. It almost seemed he were searching for something. Was this some ill-wed shock? The listless, lost appearance Albert so easily conveyed? How should the boy have even known it was he at the entrance to the bedroom? "Albert-?" No answer yet again- just that wary distance. The blonde, uncertain as he was, quietly stepped into the room and lifted the boy into his arms- a hand reaching backwards to shut the door behind them. The sudden, unwilling collapse of Albert's body against his own unnerved Servi- as if he were holding someone dead. It was with confusion that he now stood silently in the small, rectangular area. Holding the meager weight of his son as if the frame were some ungodly sacrifice. ~You've come stalking into this room with some form of intention. What is it? Just to assure yourself that yes- Albert is still here? Wanting to see with your own eyes that he wasn't harmed by the previous events of yesterday? Is nothing amiss?~ Something warm and wet- unnoticed at first, was seeping into the fabric of his tunic. To low against his flesh to be tears, it was with an almost detached horror that he should find a heavy crimson drawn into the fabric of his shirt. Servi lifted Albert slightly away from him, staring at the blood. ~What in all the seven HELLS--!?~ "I don't mean for it to bleed..." Albert said quietly, as if he didn't even acknowledge the fact. Servi had immediately jarred himself forwards- walking to the single small bed in the room and pulling back it's sheets to find red there as well. Eyes wide in horror, he placed Albert down on a small chair nearby and instantly took to searching for it's source. The child simply gazed in a weary fashion, numb eyes watching on as Servi lifted the fabric of his shirt and grit his teeth. "What is this?" he muttered- to himself more then anyone else. "How could this be so?" A hand lifted quickly and cupped one side of the boy's thin face. "Albert- how? Are you in pain?" the other moved quickly to cover the wound and press it down. Still not met with any form of answer, an uncharacteristic swell of panic caught in his throat. ~You are alive child! Speak- then!~ "I don't... mean for it to bleed..." he murmured again. It was a thin line of red over Albert's upper torso- just below his collarbone. A gash. One that was meant to conceal the precious item that now lay nestled behind his frail ribcage like a second heart. The passing of the Moon Gem was no matter taken lightly- and the surgeon who had conducted it's transfer was very skilled. How then- could Albert's flesh be splitting wide at the incision? he thought back to what Fhana has said earlier. ~The gem did not take to him well.~ The gem was not taking to him at all- if this were any indication. He knew the item possessed... some form of power. But what was it to cause this damage? As the crimson began to run easily through his fingers- Servi understood this wound was now entirely open- and the child who bore it were becoming ever the more pale. "Albert- Come, now. I'm taking you to our doctors immediately." His arms moved to lift him once more- voice even, but said with obvious urgency. But at that mention, something flickered to life over his features. Servi was stunned as the boy furiously twisted out of his grasp. "NO!" he cried- distress evident within hazel eyes that had previously seemed dead. "I won't go back to them! not ever!" The knight watched, baffled and somewhat frightened, as Albert regarded him. A Corpse come to life- the boy looked ready to fight if need be- backing away from him with such obvious horror that Servi felt his stomach clench in hurt. Couldn't help the emotion from creeping into his eyes. "You want to bleed to death!? Gods- Albert- we must stop to flow! Child-!" "THEY did this! And I hate them all! I hate *It!*" "Albert--!!!" *** Noish yawned- detached features regarding the figures in front of him without care. Amidst the large rectangular room, the servants would go about their business mechanically- and he would watch on just the same. What else was there to do? Give a friendly smile to the average commoner? His facial expressions never had been able to boast emotion easily. And for the most part, he didn't care for them in the first place. Today would be held a meeting- right here. In this room. He was only present to make sure things were prepared quickly- and prepared right the first time around. Despite the startled yelps of a few nearby hand maidens, his cold exterior remained ever as motionless when the door to the conference room burst open. "Sir Servi." An almost elegant pause. "Pegelli had just informed me that-" "Shut up." The knight growled- interrupting him mid-speech. All motion in the light, long room had stopped, and the figures of assorted tenants now paused in their preparations. One- a young girl of about twenty years, gave a curt bow. Servi nodded. "I apologize for the intrusion- but I must ask you to leave. This won't take long." Noish watched with passive eyes as those gathered quickly took to exiting the room. As each filed out- walking briskly down the hall outside, Servi's gaze seemed to grow ever the more dark and ever the more demanding. When the large oak door finally clicked shut, and the last remaining person quietly shuffled away, Noish was surprised his first words did not come off in a deafening shout. "What happened!?" And a strong hand tossed once in the air. "I've served nearly all my life under the royalty- and yet have never seen or heard of this! How could you just-!" Noish waved a hand- cutting him off with an icy stare. " Pegelli gave me notice that you had entered Albert's chamber under my restriction. I desire an explanation for-" and yet again, his words were crushed under Servi's bold voice. "If I *Hadn't* entered his chamber- the Child would have BLED to death!!! What foolish notion was this!? To leave him unsupervised given the circumstances!?" "That- was an unexpected, and unfortunete happening. It is only customary to keep a recipient of the Moon gem in solitude for a given period of time." Servi almost screamed as his exasperation built further. "WHY!?" "The gem needs time to adjust to his body." And Noish blinked- crow like eyes indifferent to the seething frame that stood before him. "Albert will become accustomed to the stone soon enough, but it will take time." "The *gem* is a mere THING. It almost seems as if you put that damnable object befo-" "The GEM..." And Noish finally did crack his effortless, cold exterior with a scathing frown. "Is something you know nothing of. I assure you, Servi, that should you know HALF of what that item-" "If you knew HALF of what that boy is going through, he wouldn't have nearly died!!!" A brief silence. Noish glared defiantly into Servi's furious gaze, and then turned away- walking out into the spanning room with frown still set. The knight kept him pinned under gaze alone, clenching his teeth as Noish rounded a smooth white table and glanced in his direction. "Where is the prince now?" His eyes regarded Servi in a somewhat calmer fashion. "I placed him with the master surgeon to close the wound yet again. Truthfully, I don't think I could have taken Albert to the infirmary if the child hadn't fallen unconscious beforehand." Servi crossed his arms to keep them from shaking- anger still leaking from his eyes. " He's frightened, he's confused, and he's dead set against that thing you put in his body. I swear to god, Noish. Something's wrong. What ever are your ritualistic ideals to do if the stone simply refuses him? Noish felt a sneer nearly break his lips at the obvious sarcasm in Servi's voice. "If the gem refuses him, Servi, Albert will die." And he watched with some odd, misplaced satisfaction as Servi's expression fell slack. "You can't put a source of power such as this so very near to a child's own heart and expect him to live should it be removed. As he grows- THEN that sort of transition can be made. But as of now?" he ran a hand along the table, shook his head. This time, when Servi spoke, it was a quiet whisper. "You would endanger his life... the life of every heir to the throne in so many years past- simply to keep this ludicrous tradition alive?" Noish blinked. "This ludicrous tradition holds far more importance then you realize, Servi. But you must also understand that there is usually no danger associated with the passing of the moon gem. Albert is young. He is a child. We have never had to perform this ritual on someone of such a tender age in the past. Should he have been in his twenties? Teens, even? No danger should be present- whatever the Gem's liking of it's host. I must admit- this is an oddity. Never have I seen one or both aspects of the tradition to so keenly seem incompatible. Servi's next question caught Noish completely offguard. "Then when, in however many years, can it be safely removed?" "That is NOT an option, Servi. You'll create god knows what kind of upset with ideas of that nature." Servi shook his head, almost violently. "But you said yourself that you've never seen something like this. Suppose it never DOES take to Albert fully? You intend to simply- "I intend to force both counterparts of this circumstance into a mutual agreement." Noish almost growled, off-white fabrics of his clothing trailing loosely as he turned. "The moon gem is passed on to every heir to the throne. It has always been- and it always will be. There is no other option." The blonde knight stood quietly, unmoving. "Is there anything else you'd care to discuss?" Servi checked his emotions with visible effort, and forced his arms to lay dormant at his sides. Another snide comment of that nature could send his temper flailing. With a slight exhale of breath, the blonde toyed with the leather of each glove, and then sent a piercing gaze directly at Noish. "As soon as Albert is capable- I am taking him from the castle." The advisor looked, for lack of any better explanation, as if he had just swallowed a bundle of arrows. *** "Were ya' fightin' Greham!? Did you see the Sandorian troops?" A trip- a quirk in step, and then a steady pace resumed. "How many of them were there!? I bet you could take them all! You and my dad are the best fighters in Serdio! Mai let a smile creep over her features, blue eyes flickering to the form of her energetic little boy as Greham answered. Growing everyday, and seeming to mature just as quickly, in the presence of another knight he all but downsized about five years. How many questions had he asked thus far? How many times had Greham laughed at his brash, youthful energy? It didn't matter, really. She was overjoyed to see Lavits so happy. He and his friends had been watching as, month after month, yet more of their fathers vanished from the shops or fields. Some drafted- others joining the knighthood of their own accord. Her child was proud, Mai knew, but the worry she always concealed had often arisen over the features of her son. You'll be so surprised to find your father has come home... And she- so absolutely stunned at the news of his return, that Mai felt she could have both cried and laughed hysterically when Greham told her Servi was at the castle. "Well of course we do!" Greham was saying- the threads of their conversation yet again moving into her thoughts. The tall knight smiled in approval and Lavits smiled back, happily jogging in front of their mini-prosession. "Without armor- what should protect us from sword and spear?!" "Well *I* heard about one guy who-!!": And they continued like that for some time, locals along the street they traveled once or twice turning a head in curiosity. Bale wasn't the largest of cities, but even under the Reign of Carlos it had maintained a comfortable, home-like allure. From the sturdy brick houses to the methodical and friendly lifestyles of those within, Mai could think of living in no other place. Some few minutes after they had crossed the heart of town and moved over one of the large stone bridges that adorned nearly every road, Mai took her eyes from the glistening waterways that traveled below and was struck with the ever-grand image of The Castle Indels. She had been here before, of course. What wife of any respected Knight should not have walked the peach colored cobblestones which lead to it's entrance? it was simply that, each time she should visit, a new air of change would seem to hang over the vaulted towers before her. This turn around, even without the scent of blood lingering nearby, it was the same. "Greham!" Called a voice. One that was thick- strong and able. Mai found both her eyes- and that of her son instantly drawn to a figure which was emerging from the castle. He seemed a mere spek in comparison to the spanning, cream colored walls that rose defiantly into the sky. The building itself was a marvelous piece- constructed in a style old as the lore which shrouded Serdia itself. A reflection of years past as if unaffected by change. "Reese...!" And Greham gave a single, sharp wave to the second knight- who now jogged towards them. It was an awkward display- given his bulky armor and stocky build. "Lavits, Mai, this is Reese, a lieutenant of mine!" "On time as always, Sir!" And Reese bowed the instant his approach stopped- square features pulling into a grin. Mai flashed him a polite smile in exchange as he regarded the group. "A pleasure, madam. Young knight..." And Lavits beamed as he continued. "We've been awaiting your arrival. Advisor Noish most sincerely apologizes for the sudden notice- but please proceed. I gather you'll want to speak with Servi first, aye?" Mai and Greham had both held up their hands at once in hopes of stopping the name they hadn't wanted Lavits to hear... just yet. Unfortunately the attempt came to late- and Lavits, who had been eyeing the castle with interest, froze instantly. "Servi...?" He echoed, blinking under the high sun. "Damnit Reese..." Greham gave a mock glare to the other knight. "You certainly know how to spoil a surprise, don't you!" "Sir?" "DAD!?" And Lavits backed up a step, twirling on his mother and grasping her arm tightly. "Dad is here!?" Mai simply smiled. "He is, Lavits." The boy still held her arm a few more moments- eyes wide in some wavering form of disbelief. He turned his gaze once to Greham- then to Reese, and finally back at his mother. Seconds later, his shocked expression slipped effortlessly into a wide grin. And without so much as a second thought, the young blonde turned on heel and dashed towards the castle. "Oh- Lavits!" Mai stumbled once- an arm reached out in vain to her child as he sprinted for the entrance. "Lavits!!!" Greham chuckled. "Don't worry Mai." And he put a hand on her arm. "He knows that building perhaps as well as Servi himself. Come, now. We'll catch up with him eventually." Jet black hair wafting softly over his eyes, the knight watched as Lavits disappeared within the structure ahead. "I think." "Heh... sorry..." Reese said honestly, walking aside them as the two began forwards. "I'd thought he'd known!" Mai nodded. "Perfectly alright. We'd just wanted to wait a small while in telling him. Mostly to avoid this form of reaction..." She swept a fall of light brown from her eyes and tucked it behind one ear. "It's been... a very long time since last he saw his father. Over seven months, now... Greham nodded, gave her another charming smile that was saved for very few, and led onwards. *** "Young Lavits! Slow down, boy!" The hand maiden that had spoken flailed just slightly in place as a small blonde tornado came ripping down the halls. She'd watched him enter the foyer with a good deal of amusement, nearly slipping over the marble below him and muttering apology after apology for the poor souls that chanced within his path. Summoning her legs to a run- she gave a short dash after him and grasped the 11 year old by the hem of his tunic. "Hanna! Hanna- where is my father!?" And Lavits didn't even break in step- already attempting to squirm from her grasp as he asked the question. "Your going to break your neck running like that!" She straightened herself up, absently patting his green shirt free of lose brown soil. With an irritated sigh, she glanced over at the potted plant that had been overturned in his haste. 'Hanna- please! Where is he? Hanna!?" "SSsshhh! You'll have the whole place up in tangles! Now- at a DECENT walk- head to either the conference room or the infirmary. He may be there." She lightly pushed him off and then sighed as the *decent* pace he then attempted to establish became a full out run once again. "Watch those stairs Lavits!!!" Another voice called. Followed by yet a third- and then a surprised yelp beyond that. Bah... children... Lavits easily climbed the first flight of steps- running up the great expanse of cool, white stone and the single sage rug that snaked it's length. He'd been within the castle Indels a countless many times while his father was still at home- and had been permitted to explore to an extent. It wasn't at all odd that he should take each new hall and winding corridor like a vivid memory. The castle never seemed to change. But above the excitement of actually *being* here again- was that his father had come home. Had finally- FINALLY come home. Could now tell him stories of the battlefield and tales of the heroism that surely brewed amongst all those distant places he'd never ventured to. What would his friends say!? Lavits wondered if any of the other fathers had returned to Bale as well. With hardly a soul in the halls of the third floor, and these thoughts running rampant in his mind, Lavits didn't entirely register the form that was quietly standing ahead of him. His shoes squeaked at a frantic pace as he raced towards yet another staircase ahead- and that was perhaps the only sound that invaded his thoughts. The only really information he could process in the anticipation of finding Servi once again. The inevitable crash and cry of pain that followed was a rude, and rather hurtful withdrawal from this current state of mind. "You incompetent dolt-!!!" Lavits lay sprawled on his back- groaning as his head swam. The small, and angry voice that growled nearby sounded somewhat as disoriented as he himself felt. What... did he just run into? Another person? Hands crawling over the ground- the blonde gave a pained grunt of effort and sat up. God... if felt like he'd hit a wall... A child, actually. About four or five years younger then he. Lavits blinked once or twice in an attempt to adjust his vision- and then found himself regarding the frame of a slight, ashen haired boy- who was glaring in his direction with obvious hostility. Hazel eyes glowing with menace, he was siting over the floor- one hand at his forehead where a large bruise was beginning to form. "... Sorry?" Lavits ventured. "Sorry indeed... How dare you...!" And the smaller tried to stand- falling once in his attempt. "Well YOUR the one that called me an incompetent Dolt! Whatever the hell that means..." Lavits brushed his hands absently over black pants and took the defensive- limping to full height. "I said I was sorry!" The boy didn't answer- and instead focused on getting himself upright once again. Lavits felt his glare somewhat ease off as he realized what a time the kid was having of it. He was just over a head taller then him... maybe he'd really hurt the boy. Lavits figured he could only be around six or seven years... "Hey... are you alright?" And Lavits stepped forwards and reached out a hand. "Come on- I'll help you up." The long haired kid certainly wasn't the friendly sort... he gave Lavits another angry look and stumbled upwards- backing against the wall for support. "I'm fine! I don't need your help!" "Tch- OKAY then." And Lavits held up both hand submissively. "Be that way." "I will!" "Fine!" "FINE!" Lavits felt another spurt of anger. "Your really annoying, you know that!?" And he blinked once as the younger of this calamity managed an indignant look. "What's your name, anyways? Are you even supposed to be in the castle!? only Knights are allowed in the castle- you know! And people like me!" This time- the child didn't display another hostile emotion. He seemed rather shocked, if anything. "I happen to live here!" Lavits nearly laughed. "Oh sure. Good one. Are you going to tell me your name is Carlos next!?" As if he had been struck, the boy's face fell somewhat slack. Only now did Lavits also notice that one of his arms were folded over his chest in pain. There was a short silence- and after a moment he then spoke again. "My father is dead..." Whatever amused smile had crept onto Lavits' face was instantly slapped away. Realization flickered over his features just as the boy he had toppled began to turn from him- limping away in a manner more then wounded. He almost choked. "No way." He began, utterly shocked. Lavits stood in a moment of indecision- looking quickly behind him and then at the prince whom shuffled down the hall. There was absolutely *no way* he had just both run over- and possibly injured the future king of Serdio. Lavits began to curse loudly, absently glad no adults were in his immediate vicinity. Then he realized that the kid WAS within earshot, and cursed again, although silently. He had. He really had. Well- now was not the time to freak out. At least his highness didn't kick him out of the castle- right? Albert technically didn't seem all that upset- and he only called him an incompetent dolt afterall. Biting his lip, Lavits took a step forwards. The kid *really* Looked like he was in a lot of pain. He was going to get in so much damned trouble for this one... "H.. hey! Hold on!" And Lavits began to jog forwards- mentally kicking himself a good many times. How did you speak to a prince!? Should he kneel, or just bow or something? Maybe he didn't even have a right talking to him in the first place? Lavits had spoken with knights often. But- a knight wasn't royalty! What... would his father do!? ~You barreled straight into a member of the royal family. Hiding in a closet might be acceptable for the time being.~ Stupid stupid STUPID! "I take it that now you recognize me?" And Lavits halted all thoughts- seeing that the younger had actually stopped walking at his request. Back still turned to the blonde, Albert moved his head just slightly to regard his presence. "I.. I really didn't mean that. I didn't know-! "Apology accepted." Came a quick two words. With a slightly forlorn expression, the prince turned fully to watch as Lavits made a more then careful approach. Servi's son wasn't entirely sure how to handle himself- but oddly enough he found that perhaps no act was needed in the first place. Albert's words were far more strong then his actual body language presented. The boy looked shaken and weak. Almost submissive. "May I ask you something?" Albert said. One hand had drawn to his chest again- a fist tightly clenched around his shirt. It seemed so odd that his voice did not waver; his current appearance considered. Lavits just nodded in a somewhat numb fashion. What did he need to ask permission for? He was royalty. "Would... you know where I might find Sir Servi?" Albert inquired. The blonde shook his head, startled that they should both be seeking out the same person. He closed his mouth from it's previous open gape- and then felt his head bounce happily up and down. "Yes! He's my father! I'm looking for him too!" (mental slap) "That is... yes, your highness!" Albert blinked, and then simply nodded, slowly dipping his head in understanding. "Then... you would be Lavits." A shocked pause. "I... I am." He would normally have been flattered that the kid even KNEW his name. He of all people- and retained it, too. Lavits simply couldn't let himself shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. In all truth, he was becoming somewhat creeped out by the way Albert seemed to regard this entire situation. He look so far away. As if everything he heard was either spoken just above a whisper- or shouted from some far distance abroad. Why did his eyes keep trailing to the floors and the walls in such pure, mindless gestures? Lavits shuffled in place. "Um- I'm heading to the infirmary. A maiden had told me Servi would be there, or at the conference room." He blew a vagrant strand of blonde from his left eye and, hesitantly, touched the boy's shoulder. "You want to go with me? I mean- your really not looking all that great, and it's not like I'll get lost or anything. I've been here a lot, you know? I was never really permitted to like, see you or anything. But since we're both goin' to the same place..." Albert blinked and lowered his head, heedless to the strands of brown that fell over a detached gaze. "He's not at the infirmary." "No?" "I was there shortly before you... trampled me. I did not notice Servi among the attendants present." Lavits gave a nervous *heh* and then shook his head- one arm reaching up to scratch the back of his neck. "Okay then, at the conference room?" "Let's try. I shall accompany you." Man- his speech was stuffy as hell. Was this like a prince thing? Either way, Lavits turned on heel and began down the hall. Albert followed behind of his own accord, slight frame moving over the floor, and hand still clenched tightly at his chest. Damn... Dakri was NEVER gonna' believe this! *He* didn't quite beleive this... *** "Servi." He stilled at an instant, amazed his muscles could even react so fast. That his mind so easily caved to the voice as if it was his very heart breaking. The knight did not turn initially. He wasn't sure he could, for one. And then on the other hand, he was not entirely certain that beautiful call was real. Perhaps, like so many other times, the tones was a figment of his desperate imagination. But it came again. Her voice- gently imploring his mind with the urgency of disbelief. Standing upon the spanning double balcony that curved into the open air, hands tight over the stone white railing that separated flesh from sky, Servi blinked once at the great mountains of afar and willed his body to turn. Mai- backed by the cool shades of green, white and gold in the throne room behind her, smiled even as tears creased her startling blue eyes. Greham watched on a moment, standing respectably away from the pair as they neared one another and then finally embraced. He couldn't help but smile, remembering how Mai had grown so very quiet as they approached the throne room. It was lucky they had found him as it was- seeing as Servi would never seem to be in the same place twice. Noish was the actual person who directed them here- and the reunion was only as one could expect it to be. Turning to leave, He heard Mai sobbing- watched as she buried her head in the chest of her husband, and wondered briefly if Servi realized how truly lucky he was. "Should you cry now I might break as well. Please hush, dearest." That was the last Greham would hear before he exited the room fully. Mai, in response to Servi's soft plea, only was able to swallow back her tears and hope they shouldn't burst again. Nearly a year had past since he first left for Hoax. For Kanzas and the battles there on. How many times had she received a letter, hands trembling to open it in fear of what she might find? That her husband was slain by this brutal conflict? Left dead with the bodies of his men in some far away forest? Her hands clung around the back of his neck as a kiss broke between them. He was alive. It hadn't been a lie when Greham told her that Servi had returned. At first- she had dared to think so. "I am relieved..." She whispered. "I am so, SO relieved...." And that seemed a meek, almost stupid thing to say at their first meeting in such a long while. Mai added a trembling- "I love you...!" Directly after. As if she hadn't said it then, she would have been unable to speak in later minutes. Servi murmured the same and held her closer, nodding into the soft brown hair that swept over her eyes. "I"m sorry. Ever sorry that I had not been able to contact you. The post was cut on several occasions during the war..." She cut him off with a kiss yet again, breaking it only to breathe a quiet; "I know..." and resume the contact. Until a light cough interrupted them, in any case. Servi tilted his head from her warm embrace to see a familiar figure- arms boldly crossed and eyes imploring him to turn all attentions elsewhere. Mai let her hands drop to his chest, also moving her head to regard Pegelli. They looked at one another a moment. "Terribly sorry." Pegelli said in a thin manner, walking out onto the balcony. A hand absently moved to straighten his clothing as it flew this way and that upon the winds. He gave a truly apologetic look to Servi's wife- understanding that this wasn't the best of al times. And yet then again, time was never a fickle manner in the first place. Things needed to be done- and there was a reason she had been brought to the castle. At least, that was what Noish had told him. "My apologies, Pegelli." And Servi turned to his wife, hands running over her slender shoulder. " Mai..." She only nodded. "I know I was brought here for a reason, love- and I will respect that cause." Servi would always be amazed at that strength- she had never lost it. "We can speak of these past months soon. Yet for now..." Pegelli nodded. "The conference room has been prepared for the arrival of Mrs. Slambert, Greham and your son. Shall we? he bowed curtly and then raised a slender hand to indicate the exit. "The knight awaits you outside." Servi breathed just lightly- the mention of his child nearly as painful as it were wonderful. "Yes. Thank you. But where is Lavits?" Mai looked up at him, startled. "You mean, he hasn't found you yet?" "I'm afraid not..." And Servi let his eyes flicker briefly with concern. "Where is he? Is he alright?" "fine, I'm sure." And Mai shook her head. "But we'll have to look for him. When he got word of your returning, Servi- he ran off into the castle. I suppose he may have become lost?" "Lavits?!" "True...." "in either case, I hope you find him soon. We should need to start our meeting as quickly as possible, Sir Servi." Pegelli sighed once, and then folded his arms behind his back in a formal manner. "I shall tell the advisor to expect you late- but I am sure he will understand." "Thank you, Pegelli." "Oh..." And the young man who had just begun to leave stopped to add an afterthought. " About the young prince Albert. Should you wish him present at this gathering?" From beside him, Servi winced as he felt Mai stiffen at the name. He glanced to her, trying to read any form of emotion, but instead found her expressionless at the mention. "If he is well enough. Yes." And at Servi's answer- Pegelli then continued on his way. Suddenly feeling the strings of his weariness triple fold, the knight cast a single gaze over the beautiful countryside- an then let it return to his wife. Equally as enchanting a site, and steady as the wind that had begun to billow around them, Servi had expected her next words. "Then... I should finally meet him...." She said quietly. "You shall." He echoed. A shaking voice. Mai quietly stepped forwards- grazing the high castle walls with eyes alone. Her hands skimmed a long white dress, and she breathed a sigh before turning to face him. Her eyes were not filled with the joy of before, but now instead reflected something he could not quite grasp. There was no anger, no hate. But a soft hurt- like a wound that lay bleeding just beneath the surface of her light peach skin. "I know of Alexia's death." She said calmly. " And... I'm sorry. For you- and that child. Servi watched her quietly and then closed his eyes. "Mai- I would have returned to you first if I was able. I swear to the gods I would ha-" "Servi..." And she took a quick breath to beseech him. "Yes, yes... I know. She's was dying, I understand that. It is good that you were with her..." Mai folded her arms against the wind and gave a quick shudder. "As you had said- we can speak of these past months soon. Should we need to, we shall speak of then as well." He nodded, handsome face downcast, and then moved to take her hands in his own. There was nothing more he could say except a hollow; ".... Let us find our son." *** * Revised 7/24/01 * |