-------------
Chapter 13 The Tie That Binds
-------------
Faydwer shook once again over the next few days, but this time not because off death and destruction, it was a great time of celebration. The armies that had saved Faydwer and in fact Norrath all received hero's welcomes. There wasn't a city on the continent that was in uproar. Felwithe was no exception.
----------
The army of Felwithe began to march at a slowed speed as it the gates of Felwithe became visible. As the army approached, shouts from lookout posts on top of the city walls could be heard.
"They're back! They're back! Open the gates! Open the gates!"
The endless cheers of the populace soon drowned the noise of the marching army out.Thousands of people flocked to the city streets and cheered for the troops. Some of the gnomes from Raziel's mercenary army that had stayed began to shoot off fireworks high into the sky. Court musicians played loud joyous music as the troops marched toward the castle. At the lead of the column were Raziel and Arorua.
"I've never had a hero's welcome before, it is one of the few things we lack in Erudin."
"Yes, it is nice...I wish it hadn't come at such a high price. So many people have lost their lives. So many people who should did not deserve this."
"Death comes to us all Arorua. It is true that people died in this war, but they did not lose
their lives like some criminal. They gave their lives to protect and save these people, and I know that if they got a second chance. They would do it again without hesitation."
"I suppose your right..but it doesn't make much easier.....Why, was I chosen to bear the Masamune? Why not continue to let Karasir to bear it?"
"That is something, you will have to find out on your own. But I could not think of a better person to wield it."
"You always know the right thing to say to make me feel better Raziel. You seem to be skilled in many things...that is when you're not drinking."
"Every one has vice"
He slowed to a stop and circled to face his army for one final time. The crowds fell silent.
"People f this town. Gaze upon the soldiers you see here today. Lock them into your mind
and remember them always. These that stand before you and those that do not, have given more, then could have been asked of any one. They have laid down their lives and their souls to protect these lands. They have answered the call of light to quell the darkness. They have faced the face of dread itself and have emerged VICTOURIOUS!!"
The crowd roared again.
"Now army of light, listen to me one last time.....EAT!! DRINK!!! BE MERRY!!! YOU'VE
EARNED IT!! ARMY DISMISSED!!"
The troops now joined the crowds in cheers and began to break apart, going to the welcome arms of friends, family and loved ones. Raziel continued on to the castle and placed his horse into the stables. Arorua followed closely and did the same. Raziel seemed exhausted and disoriented. He continued to the stable doors and stared out upon the city, night had fallen but the city was alit by parties and celebration that it seemed like broad day. Raziel sat down and continued to gaze out onto the city. Arorua sat down beside him.
"What is it Raziel?"
"It is a beautiful site to behold. Truly worth protecting."
"Yes. Felwithe a beautiful city, especially with the celebration going on down there."
"I wasn't talking about the city."
"What then?"
"Do you really have to ask?"
She breathed deeply, she felt herself turning red.
He turned to face her.
"Raziel......back when we were fighting the Dread King.....why did you"
"Use the Soul Barrier spell?"
"Yes. That is such a dangerous spell. If I had died or had received a serious blow. You
could have....."
"I know. But I knew you would win, you just needed a little help."
"But the soul barrier can only be used on some one who is means much to you, a person
that you..."
"love...... I do Arorua. I love you."
"Raziel......"
She began to cry. In her life, she had never felt this way before, nor had she ever had someone mean so much to her. It was overwhelming; she didn't know what to do. Raziel helped her. He reached over and held her. Her tears flowed more freely and she reached for him, holding him tightly and kissed him. She felt so happy in his arms, so warm. She held him tighter.
"mmph....my ribs...not so tight Ar...."
She giggled. "Sorry"
She turned around in his arms and lay against his chest. They looked out across the city, lights dancing through the streets, music being played loudly, an occasional firework shooting into the air. Raziel ran his hand through her hair and across her body. She sighed happily, in a state of complete contentment. They watched the celebration gone on deep into the night, they watched as it died down and soon the city was quiet and all the lights and fireworks had stopped. Arorua slowly turned around and kissed Raziel again. Then gently pushed him to the ground.
----------------------------------
"Karasir will be missed greatly, he was one of our finest. However, what of his sword the
Masamune? A successor to him must be chosen."
"A successor has been chosen M'lord. The Masamune and Karasir chose me. M'lord"
Arorua reached behind her back, grasped the hilt of the Masamune, and withdrew it. She squeezed the hilt tightly and the sword ignited into flames.
"So, you young Arorua have been chosen to become our Grail Lord. To succeed Karasir. The Masamune has chosen, so it shall be. The Masamune always chooses well."
"Thank you M'lord."
"But even so, you still have much training left ahead of you, your skills must honed much further before we can perform the Grail Rites of Lordship. Therefore, for the time being, you will become a Grail Knight, until such day that the flames of the Masamune glow white. Only then while you truly be ready. So, go to your quarters for the time being and prepare your soul for the Rites of Knight Hood."
"Yes M'lord"
--------------------------------
Shied away deep inside Felwithe Castle and with out fanfare, the peaceful ceremony of Knighthood is being undertaken. Inside the small hall, only a few people have been allowed inside to witness the sacred ceremony. On the left side of the hall is Raziel with Reyas on his shoulder and a Grail Knight. On the right side are two other Grail Knights. In the front are King Tearis Thex and his advisors Caerdwill and Morgann. The King stands before a small alter, inside the altar is a pool of water. They wait silently for several minutes, then the doors to the hall open, and Arorua walks inside, adorned in simple paladin robe.
/This is exciting don't you think? No one outside the knights has ever seen this
ceremony./
Yes, it is.
/What is on your mind?/
Nothing….
/Your lying. You seem to forget that I can tell easily when you lie. We are bonded you
know./
…….
/Your not actually thinking about…../
Yes I am.
/You have been around them to long. You know it will never work./
Never hurts to try.
/It could spell disaster./
I know.
Arorua moved up to the altar and stood still.
"Paladin of Tunare, what is your duty?" spoke the King
"My duty, is to protect the people and the land."
"Who do you protect it from?"
"Those who seek to defile it."
"And who purifies you and gives you divine strength to conquer the defilers."
"Tunare."
Caerdwill and Morgann move to her sides and remove her robe. Arorua kneels down before
the altar.
"As a Paladin, you defend our people and our lands from those who seek to defile us. Even so, you are not pure enough or strong enough to protect us from all invaders. So by Tunare's will, you will be purified and nurtured into a higher form."
The King turns around reaches into a small cubby in the wall and with draws a wooden chalice. He takes the chalice and dips it into the pool. He places the chalice to her lips and Arorua drinks the water. Her body pulses a gentle blue as she drinks it. When she is down the King places the chalice back into the cubby and faces her.
"Now, rise young one. Now longer shall you be known as a Paladin of Tunare, but as one of Tunare's Knights of the Grail." Arorua stood up and a new robe was placed onto her. It was silk with silver lining, signifying her passage into the ranks of the Grail Knights.
"Welcome to our Ranks, Holy Grail Knight Arorua."
--------------------------------
/Are you sure about this Raziel? The Council will not like this./
I've never cared what the council thought before, and I am certainly not going to start now.
/Well, I'm not going to stop you…Aside from a few minor details, you could not have picked better./
Nice to have your consent.
/Your welcome…Hey…Do you hear that?/
Yes…sounds nice……sounds like Elder Koda'dal… .It's coming from the old watchtower.
*
/Need me to translate?/
No, that is one of few languages I did study.
"Caught by the moonlight,
A silent mist, a shimmer in the trees
Oh what a night for dreams, a night of destiny.
Others are sleeping
So unaware of magic in the air
Magic you were
just for me"
Raziel begins to climb up the winding stairs to the top of the tower
"Sweet fascination
Though I don't understand the words you say
You whisper soft and low, and I am swept away
Touch of enchantment
I tremble when you hold me close this way
Drawn like a moth
to a flame"
He reaches the top and stops just at the door. It is Arorua; she is staring of into the
distance. She has beautiful singing voice.
"My fate is in your arms tonight
Though love is shining in your eyes, will you be mine tomorrow?
My heart will nevermore be free
A part of you I'll always be, from now until eternity
Deep as the ocean
With every kiss, I'm deeper in your spell
Love me again tonight, you are my one desire
Waves of emotion
I know that this is where I want to be
Locked in your arms
With no key
My fate is in your arms tonight
Though love is shining in your eyes, will you be mine tomorrow?
My heart will nevermore be free
A part of you I'll always be, from now until eternity"*
"A very beautiful song Arorua."
"Huh! O..Raziel..you scared me."
"Sorry. Where did you learn that?"
"My mother used to sing it to me when I was little..It always used to make me feel safe and secure. I don't know why..It just always has."
"hmm…… You know, so much has happened lately. I have been meaning to ask you something. "
"What is it?"
"Well, I'll ask you a little bit later. Let's just watch the sky for right now."
"Ok." She turns back and looks back out into the distance, but this time Raziel comes up
behind her and wraps his arms around her. He holds her like this for a while then he takes hold off her right hand and squeezes it gently. He lets go, and brings his hand back to her waist.
Arorua didn't pay attention to what he did for a moment. Until she notices that her hand doesn't feel right, it feels slightly heavier then usual, not much heavier, but just enough to be noticeable. She looks down and gasps. On her finger is blackened platinum ring with a black star-fire diamond embedded in it.
"Yes Raziel! Yes, I will marry you!"
----------------------------------
End Chapter 13
----------------------------------
Chapter 13 The Tie That Binds
-------------
Faydwer shook once again over the next few days, but this time not because off death and destruction, it was a great time of celebration. The armies that had saved Faydwer and in fact Norrath all received hero's welcomes. There wasn't a city on the continent that was in uproar. Felwithe was no exception.
----------
The army of Felwithe began to march at a slowed speed as it the gates of Felwithe became visible. As the army approached, shouts from lookout posts on top of the city walls could be heard.
"They're back! They're back! Open the gates! Open the gates!"
The endless cheers of the populace soon drowned the noise of the marching army out.Thousands of people flocked to the city streets and cheered for the troops. Some of the gnomes from Raziel's mercenary army that had stayed began to shoot off fireworks high into the sky. Court musicians played loud joyous music as the troops marched toward the castle. At the lead of the column were Raziel and Arorua.
"I've never had a hero's welcome before, it is one of the few things we lack in Erudin."
"Yes, it is nice...I wish it hadn't come at such a high price. So many people have lost their lives. So many people who should did not deserve this."
"Death comes to us all Arorua. It is true that people died in this war, but they did not lose
their lives like some criminal. They gave their lives to protect and save these people, and I know that if they got a second chance. They would do it again without hesitation."
"I suppose your right..but it doesn't make much easier.....Why, was I chosen to bear the Masamune? Why not continue to let Karasir to bear it?"
"That is something, you will have to find out on your own. But I could not think of a better person to wield it."
"You always know the right thing to say to make me feel better Raziel. You seem to be skilled in many things...that is when you're not drinking."
"Every one has vice"
He slowed to a stop and circled to face his army for one final time. The crowds fell silent.
"People f this town. Gaze upon the soldiers you see here today. Lock them into your mind
and remember them always. These that stand before you and those that do not, have given more, then could have been asked of any one. They have laid down their lives and their souls to protect these lands. They have answered the call of light to quell the darkness. They have faced the face of dread itself and have emerged VICTOURIOUS!!"
The crowd roared again.
"Now army of light, listen to me one last time.....EAT!! DRINK!!! BE MERRY!!! YOU'VE
EARNED IT!! ARMY DISMISSED!!"
The troops now joined the crowds in cheers and began to break apart, going to the welcome arms of friends, family and loved ones. Raziel continued on to the castle and placed his horse into the stables. Arorua followed closely and did the same. Raziel seemed exhausted and disoriented. He continued to the stable doors and stared out upon the city, night had fallen but the city was alit by parties and celebration that it seemed like broad day. Raziel sat down and continued to gaze out onto the city. Arorua sat down beside him.
"What is it Raziel?"
"It is a beautiful site to behold. Truly worth protecting."
"Yes. Felwithe a beautiful city, especially with the celebration going on down there."
"I wasn't talking about the city."
"What then?"
"Do you really have to ask?"
She breathed deeply, she felt herself turning red.
He turned to face her.
"Raziel......back when we were fighting the Dread King.....why did you"
"Use the Soul Barrier spell?"
"Yes. That is such a dangerous spell. If I had died or had received a serious blow. You
could have....."
"I know. But I knew you would win, you just needed a little help."
"But the soul barrier can only be used on some one who is means much to you, a person
that you..."
"love...... I do Arorua. I love you."
"Raziel......"
She began to cry. In her life, she had never felt this way before, nor had she ever had someone mean so much to her. It was overwhelming; she didn't know what to do. Raziel helped her. He reached over and held her. Her tears flowed more freely and she reached for him, holding him tightly and kissed him. She felt so happy in his arms, so warm. She held him tighter.
"mmph....my ribs...not so tight Ar...."
She giggled. "Sorry"
She turned around in his arms and lay against his chest. They looked out across the city, lights dancing through the streets, music being played loudly, an occasional firework shooting into the air. Raziel ran his hand through her hair and across her body. She sighed happily, in a state of complete contentment. They watched the celebration gone on deep into the night, they watched as it died down and soon the city was quiet and all the lights and fireworks had stopped. Arorua slowly turned around and kissed Raziel again. Then gently pushed him to the ground.
----------------------------------
"Karasir will be missed greatly, he was one of our finest. However, what of his sword the
Masamune? A successor to him must be chosen."
"A successor has been chosen M'lord. The Masamune and Karasir chose me. M'lord"
Arorua reached behind her back, grasped the hilt of the Masamune, and withdrew it. She squeezed the hilt tightly and the sword ignited into flames.
"So, you young Arorua have been chosen to become our Grail Lord. To succeed Karasir. The Masamune has chosen, so it shall be. The Masamune always chooses well."
"Thank you M'lord."
"But even so, you still have much training left ahead of you, your skills must honed much further before we can perform the Grail Rites of Lordship. Therefore, for the time being, you will become a Grail Knight, until such day that the flames of the Masamune glow white. Only then while you truly be ready. So, go to your quarters for the time being and prepare your soul for the Rites of Knight Hood."
"Yes M'lord"
--------------------------------
Shied away deep inside Felwithe Castle and with out fanfare, the peaceful ceremony of Knighthood is being undertaken. Inside the small hall, only a few people have been allowed inside to witness the sacred ceremony. On the left side of the hall is Raziel with Reyas on his shoulder and a Grail Knight. On the right side are two other Grail Knights. In the front are King Tearis Thex and his advisors Caerdwill and Morgann. The King stands before a small alter, inside the altar is a pool of water. They wait silently for several minutes, then the doors to the hall open, and Arorua walks inside, adorned in simple paladin robe.
/This is exciting don't you think? No one outside the knights has ever seen this
ceremony./
Yes, it is.
/What is on your mind?/
Nothing….
/Your lying. You seem to forget that I can tell easily when you lie. We are bonded you
know./
…….
/Your not actually thinking about…../
Yes I am.
/You have been around them to long. You know it will never work./
Never hurts to try.
/It could spell disaster./
I know.
Arorua moved up to the altar and stood still.
"Paladin of Tunare, what is your duty?" spoke the King
"My duty, is to protect the people and the land."
"Who do you protect it from?"
"Those who seek to defile it."
"And who purifies you and gives you divine strength to conquer the defilers."
"Tunare."
Caerdwill and Morgann move to her sides and remove her robe. Arorua kneels down before
the altar.
"As a Paladin, you defend our people and our lands from those who seek to defile us. Even so, you are not pure enough or strong enough to protect us from all invaders. So by Tunare's will, you will be purified and nurtured into a higher form."
The King turns around reaches into a small cubby in the wall and with draws a wooden chalice. He takes the chalice and dips it into the pool. He places the chalice to her lips and Arorua drinks the water. Her body pulses a gentle blue as she drinks it. When she is down the King places the chalice back into the cubby and faces her.
"Now, rise young one. Now longer shall you be known as a Paladin of Tunare, but as one of Tunare's Knights of the Grail." Arorua stood up and a new robe was placed onto her. It was silk with silver lining, signifying her passage into the ranks of the Grail Knights.
"Welcome to our Ranks, Holy Grail Knight Arorua."
--------------------------------
/Are you sure about this Raziel? The Council will not like this./
I've never cared what the council thought before, and I am certainly not going to start now.
/Well, I'm not going to stop you…Aside from a few minor details, you could not have picked better./
Nice to have your consent.
/Your welcome…Hey…Do you hear that?/
Yes…sounds nice……sounds like Elder Koda'dal… .It's coming from the old watchtower.
*
/Need me to translate?/
No, that is one of few languages I did study.
"Caught by the moonlight,
A silent mist, a shimmer in the trees
Oh what a night for dreams, a night of destiny.
Others are sleeping
So unaware of magic in the air
Magic you were
just for me"
Raziel begins to climb up the winding stairs to the top of the tower
"Sweet fascination
Though I don't understand the words you say
You whisper soft and low, and I am swept away
Touch of enchantment
I tremble when you hold me close this way
Drawn like a moth
to a flame"
He reaches the top and stops just at the door. It is Arorua; she is staring of into the
distance. She has beautiful singing voice.
"My fate is in your arms tonight
Though love is shining in your eyes, will you be mine tomorrow?
My heart will nevermore be free
A part of you I'll always be, from now until eternity
Deep as the ocean
With every kiss, I'm deeper in your spell
Love me again tonight, you are my one desire
Waves of emotion
I know that this is where I want to be
Locked in your arms
With no key
My fate is in your arms tonight
Though love is shining in your eyes, will you be mine tomorrow?
My heart will nevermore be free
A part of you I'll always be, from now until eternity"*
"A very beautiful song Arorua."
"Huh! O..Raziel..you scared me."
"Sorry. Where did you learn that?"
"My mother used to sing it to me when I was little..It always used to make me feel safe and secure. I don't know why..It just always has."
"hmm…… You know, so much has happened lately. I have been meaning to ask you something. "
"What is it?"
"Well, I'll ask you a little bit later. Let's just watch the sky for right now."
"Ok." She turns back and looks back out into the distance, but this time Raziel comes up
behind her and wraps his arms around her. He holds her like this for a while then he takes hold off her right hand and squeezes it gently. He lets go, and brings his hand back to her waist.
Arorua didn't pay attention to what he did for a moment. Until she notices that her hand doesn't feel right, it feels slightly heavier then usual, not much heavier, but just enough to be noticeable. She looks down and gasps. On her finger is blackened platinum ring with a black star-fire diamond embedded in it.
"Yes Raziel! Yes, I will marry you!"
----------------------------------
End Chapter 13
----------------------------------