---------------------------
Chapter 16 The Future through the Past
---------------------------
Night falls over the continent of Odus, and high in the air a raven flies across the skyline. It swoops over the Ivory Bridge and perches on top of it. The raven shimmers slightly and is replaced by Raziel. He sits on top of the bridge and looks across the Geneve River that cuts through the continent.
Damn it.
/I don't know what to tell you Raziel. There was always a chance that she would find out./
I know, but why like that? Damn him.
/I don't think there was any good way for her to find out. What were you going to do, late one night going to say "o by the way Honey, I forgot to mention I am a Knight of Hell and I have come to spread the name of Cazic- Thule across the world. Now that is out of the way, lets go to bed and make a few kids."/
Sounded like a good plan at the time.
/.... Well at least you haven't lost your sense of humor./
Yeah...
/Well. Now that we are back in Odus, might as well go report to the council. /
I am beginning to not like the Council.
/Have you ever? /
Good point.
------------------------------
The boat to Butcherblock slowly pulls into port. Several passengers get off. Followed by the crew who are unloading some freight from Freeport. One of the passengers is Arorua; she exits the boat and moves onto the docks. She watches the waves gently lap at the shoreline, listening to the waves beat. She is remembering all that has happened in the last 8 months. The initial attack by the Crushbone orcs, the rallying of the continent to defend against them. Her mission to retrieve the great dwarven smith Gillagad from imprisonment, its failure, the loss of her friends. Then she remembered Raziel who saved her life from the 3 orcs. He had saved her from being killed several times in the time that she knew him. But why? He didn't need her to complete his espionage into Felwithe. Had he truly felt feelings for her? No. It was all a lie; a dog of Cazic-Thule knew nothing of such things. He only did it to cement his position.
She looked down to her hand; the ring as still on her finger. In her anger and sadness she had forgotten it. She reached down and took it off; then hurled out into the ocean.
Or at least that's what she wanted to do. For some reason she couldn't do it. She took the ring and placed into a small pouch and then set off for Felwithe.
--------------------------------------
The elevator rumbled to life as Raziel turned the bone key. It made it's slow descent into Paineel. After a few moments it stopped and the doors to the city appeared in front of him. The Skeleton guards snapped to attention and saluted him as he passed by. He walked through the winding halls and into a small grassy courtyard. He stopped for a moment and watched as two apprentice necromancers were playing with their first summoning. The skeletons of some small rodents were fighting each other. One eventually of the skeletons eventually collapsed and the victorious apprentice jumped up and down to celebrate her victory. Raziel smiled, he had missed much. There was a time when he knew every apprentice, know there were many new faces. He continued past them and through a portcullis and entered another grassy courtyard. On the far end was the Shadow Knight guildhall. He moved right passed it and into a glass mirror.
The scenery around him distorted slightly and he got that weird tingling sensation, that one gets when passing through a portal. He appeared in front of another mirror. This time near the Council chambers. He went to enter when a voice spoke to him.
"Long time, no see big guy"
He turned.
"Meya?"
"Yep"
Raziel noticed something was different about her. Then he noticed the pendant around her neck and that she seems a bit swollen.
"So who's the lucky guy?"
"You never miss anything do you? I got married to Phaeril, a two months ago"
"He is a very lucky man. He must be very proud," He said placing his hand on her stomach.
"Yes, he is. I know Melchoir will grow up to be a son to make him proud"
"Ashyur using his senses again?"
"No my own. Ashyur has been training me ever since I got back from Kunark."
Raziel knew what that meant. Ashyur had picked her to be his replacement in the Council.
"You are leading a charmed life. A good husband and you are going to be seated in the Council soon."
"Actually, I already am in the Council. Ashyur has been getting weaker and weaker. He rarely comes to the sessions anymore."
"..."
"But, I don't worry about it. He has lead a good life, and he is content."
"That's good."
They stared at each other for a few moments.
"I have to go make my report to the Council, I guess I will see you in a few then."
"I guess so."
Raziel turns back to the chamber doors and begins to head in, when Meya places her hand on his shoulder.
"You shouldn't let it concern you too much. You did what you could, now it is up too fate."
She removes her hand and leaves. Raziel pauses for a moment, then continues inside.
-----------------------------------
"So. He was an imposter like Mathasar?"
"Yes, M'lord"
"That is unfortunate. He took much from us and rallied a great many of our people behind him. But how do you feel Arorua?"
"I don't know M'lord" She trembled slightly. "I feel confused. I feel defiled, dishonored but I......"
The King rose up from his throne and moved in front of her. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "You will be alright, Young Arorua. Tunare will purify you of his touch. You will be fine Young one."
"Thank you, Sir."
-----------------------------
"That is all that happened in your time away?"
"Yes Commandant Seyjuah"
"You have done well Raziel. You have acquired much knowledge for us. "
"Thank you Sir."
"The arising of the Dread King was quite unforeseen. But it seems like he fell rather swiftly for a demon that nearly destroyed the Alter Planes."
"Yes, but it was that which allowed for his swift defeat. His powers had been drained over the course of history and his imprisonment by the Combine Empire furthered that."
"I see. And what of the cacodemon that infiltrated Felwithe?"
"His body was destroyed and as for his soul....."
"Ahh. Well done Raziel, you are dismissed."
"By your leave." Raziel turns and leaves the chambers.
"He is hiding something from us. What do you sense Meya?"
"I cannot sense anything from him Commandant. My skills still pale behind M'Lord Ashyur"
"I see. How much longer will Ashyur fare?"
"Not much sir. His strength is rapidly fading. I suspect it will be within the coming month."
"Ashyur, will be missed."
"Yes, he will"
"Do you think you will be able to replace him Meya?"
"No one can replace Ashyur, I can only surpass him"
--------------------------------------------
Arorua looked out her window within the Castle. She stared out and watched the stars dance in the night sky. It reminded her of when Raziel proposed to her, the stars were as clear, then as they are now. It saddened her. She had received the sacrament of purification earlier today, but why did she still feel these emotions? She got up for a moment and got her sword the Masamune. She unsheathed it and squeezed the hilt tightly and once again the holy blade ignited into sky-blue flames. She resheathed the sword and looked out once again to the sky and a tear rolled down her cheek. She rubbed her hand and on it was the blackened ring.
---------------------------------------------
"Malik. How has Raziel been faring over the last month?"
"Quite well, old friend. He is training some many of the apprentices at the moment. Their skills are growing in leaps and bounds because of him."
"But.."
Malik smiled. "Nothing gets past you. Raziel is strong but his flame has dwindled greatly since he returned. His heart is no longer in what he does."
"Sounds familiar"
"Yes."
"I have a feeling that all will be better very soon. You and I can rest finally in the Halls of Jahorn knowing that we have been surpassed by mighty students."
"You've never been wrong Ashyur."
The old necromancer smiles greatly and breathes his last.
"I shall see you soon. Old friend"
-------------------------------------
Raziel and a young Shadow Knight apprentice were practicing sword skills in the guildhall, when some commotion started up outside.
"Keep practicing, I'll be right back"
"Yes M'lord Raziel"
Raziel went outside and stopped one of the passerby's.
"What's going on?"
"A paladin has been caught at the front entrance. The council is deciding what to do right now."
"All this fuss for a Puritan?"
"It's not a Puritan, its an outsider a High Elf. And the elf has a one of our family crests"
Raziel snapped to attention at this.
"What did you say!?!"
"I said the guards captured a High .."
Raziel faded into the shadows.
"How rude."
---------------------------------
Inside the Council Chambers, the 5 Council members are discussing the recent turn of events.
"We should take precautions, this could be the fore front of a major assault upon us.
"One little scraggly elf and everyone gets bent out of shape. Just kill the little wench and return the crest to whoever it belongs."
"Touch one hair on any one who bears a family crest and death shall fall upon you."
The council turned to the new voice.
"Raziel! Leave the chambers at once! This meeting is for council members only!"
"I shall leave, but tell what crest was on the elf?"
"If you must know a black starfire diamond cut to dagger shape."
"...That is my crest."
"All the more reason to kill the elf. If it's your crest then they may know about your mission, they may be leading an assault on .GAH AGH..."
The council member begins to gag violently. He then levitated out of his seat and floated over to Raziel, all the while desperately clawing at an invisible hand that was choking him.
"Now listen and listen well you old, decaying, bag of bones. If so much as a hair on her head is misplaced, I will disembowel you and drain you of your soul! So you understand me?"
"GAH!! Let go o..AAAHH!"
The grip on him became tighter.
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!"
"Yes!!!"
Raziel fades away and the council member drops to the floor.
"Hmm. Ashyur was right as always."
--------------------------------
Arorua paced back and forth through her prison cell. She wondered what she was going to do. She wondered how she was going to get out of the cell. The light in the already darkened room faded for a moment. She turned towards the door, and a figure was standing in the shadows.
"You shouldn't have come, Elf"
"What I choose to do is my right."
"And it is that right which could get you killed. Why have you come here?"
"I have come to follow my heart. I love the man who gave me this ring. I love him even though we are opposites. Even though we are supposed to be enemies."
"In all my days, I would have never thought to hear those words. Arorua"
The figure moved closer and into the light.
"Raziel!"
"Hi Ar. You took a big risk coming here. If you hadn't kept my crest..."
"I know, but it was worth the risk. I love you Raziel and I realized that nothing can change that."
Raziel smiled and brought his hands together. They shimmered slightly as he then separated them. The bars in the cell began to bend and in a moment a hole was formed.
"Always the show off."
Arorua stepped out and they embraced.
"I'm glad your back. But we have 3 small tasks ahead of us now."
"What are those?"
"First we are going to have to talk to the Council. Next, I want to marry you in the way of my people. And three...well I shall leave that one up to your imagination." Raziel smiles evilly at Arorua.
She reddens a bit. "You are so bad."
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Now. Hold my hand" She squeezes his hand. "Ready?"
"Yes." They both fade into the shadows.
-------------------------------------------------
The Council is once again disrupted as Raziel and Arorua fade into the chambers.
"Raziel! Why have you released the elven wench from the prison!?!"
Raziel's eyes flash brightly and the council member feels himself being choked again. "Watch your tongue!" The council member is released and he gasps for breath. "I have released her because she is the one I have chosen to be my mate."
"WHAT! You would dare to sully our city with elven trash? And a Paladin at that?"
Raziel's eyes glow brightly again and the council member cringes slightly.
"Who I chose for a mate, is exactly that my choice."
Meya steps forward. "Raziel is right. But we reserve the right to choose if you will stay within our walls. So let us put it to a vote."
The council agreed and they call their votes. The first was Council Member Alshaquir.
Alshaquir looks at Raziel with contempt "I vote against."
Then Council Member Talnoshier "I vote for."
Then Commandant Seyjuah " I vote against."
Then it was Meya's turn "My inexperience prohibits me for taking a vote. I pass my vote to Lord Shroudstorm."
Then it was Malik's turn. He looked at Raziel and Arorua standing side by side. He smiled. He moved to them. He knelt down before Arorua and kissed her hand "Our City would be honored to have you with us. My vote is for."
Commandant Seyjuah grimaced slightly. "So the council has decided. Arorua and Raziel may stay. So mote it be."
----------------------------------------------
Night began to fall upon the continent. And underneath the training grounds, Raziel and Arorua are walking down a flight of stairs. They continue down the winding staircase until the come out to an open area. They stop at a small open-ended platform overlooking the area. To their right there are more stairs leading down into a small pool with a grassy area adjacent to it. The moon sparkles off the pool, gently lighting the area.
"This is beautiful Raziel."
"Yes it is. Are you ready for this Arorua?"
"Yes, I am. But are we the only ones here? Doesn't anyone watch?"
"Yes we are all alone. That is one of our traditions. The couple should be alone while performing the ceremony. It gives a sense of serenity, don't you think?
"Yes, it does."
Raziel holds Arorua for a moment and turns her, so her back is facing the open end of the platform.
"A marriage, is based on 2 things. Love and trust. Love got us both here. But trust is something that has to be earned. So, I have to know if you trust Arorua."
"Yes, I trust you Raziel"
"It is easily spoken, but not so easily proven. Arorua, if you truly love and trust me. Then step back off the platform."
She looked into his eyes and breathed deeply. And then she stepped off. Then she waited for herself to hit the pool, but she didn't fall.
Raziel smiled happily at her and then stepped off the platform himself. They both floated in the air above the pool.
"Glass?"
"No, its all me"
"O my."
Raziel held her in his arms and gently floated over to the center of the room.
"This beautiful Raziel." She leaned her head against his chest.
"And it's about to look a whole lot better. Close your eyes." As she did she felt his hand run across her eyelids. "Okay. You can open them"
Instead of seeing Raziel, she saw both of them floating in midair. She panicked slightly. "Its okay. I just bound our vision to something else"
"Ok." She relaxed and sighed contently as she watched the view slowly pan around them and slowly begin to float upward. She was about to ask what had he attached their vision too when she saw some shimmering orbs beginning to float up from the pool and circle them.
"Willowisps"
"Yeah."
The wisp began to float aimlessly throughout the room sometimes passing right above them, sometimes doing a circle around them, and a few times underneath them.
"O...I knew I should have worn something underneath these robes"
Raziel chuckled slightly, then ran his hand across her eyes again. Her vision shifted back to normal. He then repeated the same to himself. They looked into each other's eyes.
"Arorua, do you take me to be your husband, to have and to hold, to love and adore, from now and until forever?"
"Yes I do." She said and squeezed him tightly.
"Raziel, do you take me to be your wife, to have and to hold, to love and adore, from now and until forever?"
"Yes, I do"
"Then from now and until forever we are husband and wife." The kissed once more and held each other as the glowing wisps danced around them.
-----------------------------------
It was well after midnight, when Raziel exited his quarters above the training grounds. He quietly closed the door, so would not awake Arorua. He walked out to the training grounds and looked up into the stars. The sound of footfalls came behind him.
"You have an interesting choice in a mate Raziel. I would have never expected a High Elf, let alone a Grail Knight."
"Strange choices in mates seems run in the family, Father"
Raziel turns to face Malik. Malik chuckles. "Yes it does."
"Was mother worth the fight against the council?"
"A thousand times over."
"Why didn't you rescue her?"
"I didn't even know she was alive until, I found you. But that is no excuse. If I could turn the hands of time, I would go back and save her. But I cannot, I can only hope that she is happy in the next life."
"I hope so too."
Raziel turns back and looks back up at the stars.
"The halls of Jahorn are shining brightly tonight Raziel."
"They are expecting another to grace them."
"Do you know who they are expecting?"
*
Raziel slowly turns back to Malik, his armor gathering on him as he turns. He faces Malik, his armor completed enshrouding him, and he unsheathes his sword.
"You."
---------------------------------------
End Chapter 16
---------------------------------------
Chapter 16 The Future through the Past
---------------------------
Night falls over the continent of Odus, and high in the air a raven flies across the skyline. It swoops over the Ivory Bridge and perches on top of it. The raven shimmers slightly and is replaced by Raziel. He sits on top of the bridge and looks across the Geneve River that cuts through the continent.
Damn it.
/I don't know what to tell you Raziel. There was always a chance that she would find out./
I know, but why like that? Damn him.
/I don't think there was any good way for her to find out. What were you going to do, late one night going to say "o by the way Honey, I forgot to mention I am a Knight of Hell and I have come to spread the name of Cazic- Thule across the world. Now that is out of the way, lets go to bed and make a few kids."/
Sounded like a good plan at the time.
/.... Well at least you haven't lost your sense of humor./
Yeah...
/Well. Now that we are back in Odus, might as well go report to the council. /
I am beginning to not like the Council.
/Have you ever? /
Good point.
------------------------------
The boat to Butcherblock slowly pulls into port. Several passengers get off. Followed by the crew who are unloading some freight from Freeport. One of the passengers is Arorua; she exits the boat and moves onto the docks. She watches the waves gently lap at the shoreline, listening to the waves beat. She is remembering all that has happened in the last 8 months. The initial attack by the Crushbone orcs, the rallying of the continent to defend against them. Her mission to retrieve the great dwarven smith Gillagad from imprisonment, its failure, the loss of her friends. Then she remembered Raziel who saved her life from the 3 orcs. He had saved her from being killed several times in the time that she knew him. But why? He didn't need her to complete his espionage into Felwithe. Had he truly felt feelings for her? No. It was all a lie; a dog of Cazic-Thule knew nothing of such things. He only did it to cement his position.
She looked down to her hand; the ring as still on her finger. In her anger and sadness she had forgotten it. She reached down and took it off; then hurled out into the ocean.
Or at least that's what she wanted to do. For some reason she couldn't do it. She took the ring and placed into a small pouch and then set off for Felwithe.
--------------------------------------
The elevator rumbled to life as Raziel turned the bone key. It made it's slow descent into Paineel. After a few moments it stopped and the doors to the city appeared in front of him. The Skeleton guards snapped to attention and saluted him as he passed by. He walked through the winding halls and into a small grassy courtyard. He stopped for a moment and watched as two apprentice necromancers were playing with their first summoning. The skeletons of some small rodents were fighting each other. One eventually of the skeletons eventually collapsed and the victorious apprentice jumped up and down to celebrate her victory. Raziel smiled, he had missed much. There was a time when he knew every apprentice, know there were many new faces. He continued past them and through a portcullis and entered another grassy courtyard. On the far end was the Shadow Knight guildhall. He moved right passed it and into a glass mirror.
The scenery around him distorted slightly and he got that weird tingling sensation, that one gets when passing through a portal. He appeared in front of another mirror. This time near the Council chambers. He went to enter when a voice spoke to him.
"Long time, no see big guy"
He turned.
"Meya?"
"Yep"
Raziel noticed something was different about her. Then he noticed the pendant around her neck and that she seems a bit swollen.
"So who's the lucky guy?"
"You never miss anything do you? I got married to Phaeril, a two months ago"
"He is a very lucky man. He must be very proud," He said placing his hand on her stomach.
"Yes, he is. I know Melchoir will grow up to be a son to make him proud"
"Ashyur using his senses again?"
"No my own. Ashyur has been training me ever since I got back from Kunark."
Raziel knew what that meant. Ashyur had picked her to be his replacement in the Council.
"You are leading a charmed life. A good husband and you are going to be seated in the Council soon."
"Actually, I already am in the Council. Ashyur has been getting weaker and weaker. He rarely comes to the sessions anymore."
"..."
"But, I don't worry about it. He has lead a good life, and he is content."
"That's good."
They stared at each other for a few moments.
"I have to go make my report to the Council, I guess I will see you in a few then."
"I guess so."
Raziel turns back to the chamber doors and begins to head in, when Meya places her hand on his shoulder.
"You shouldn't let it concern you too much. You did what you could, now it is up too fate."
She removes her hand and leaves. Raziel pauses for a moment, then continues inside.
-----------------------------------
"So. He was an imposter like Mathasar?"
"Yes, M'lord"
"That is unfortunate. He took much from us and rallied a great many of our people behind him. But how do you feel Arorua?"
"I don't know M'lord" She trembled slightly. "I feel confused. I feel defiled, dishonored but I......"
The King rose up from his throne and moved in front of her. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "You will be alright, Young Arorua. Tunare will purify you of his touch. You will be fine Young one."
"Thank you, Sir."
-----------------------------
"That is all that happened in your time away?"
"Yes Commandant Seyjuah"
"You have done well Raziel. You have acquired much knowledge for us. "
"Thank you Sir."
"The arising of the Dread King was quite unforeseen. But it seems like he fell rather swiftly for a demon that nearly destroyed the Alter Planes."
"Yes, but it was that which allowed for his swift defeat. His powers had been drained over the course of history and his imprisonment by the Combine Empire furthered that."
"I see. And what of the cacodemon that infiltrated Felwithe?"
"His body was destroyed and as for his soul....."
"Ahh. Well done Raziel, you are dismissed."
"By your leave." Raziel turns and leaves the chambers.
"He is hiding something from us. What do you sense Meya?"
"I cannot sense anything from him Commandant. My skills still pale behind M'Lord Ashyur"
"I see. How much longer will Ashyur fare?"
"Not much sir. His strength is rapidly fading. I suspect it will be within the coming month."
"Ashyur, will be missed."
"Yes, he will"
"Do you think you will be able to replace him Meya?"
"No one can replace Ashyur, I can only surpass him"
--------------------------------------------
Arorua looked out her window within the Castle. She stared out and watched the stars dance in the night sky. It reminded her of when Raziel proposed to her, the stars were as clear, then as they are now. It saddened her. She had received the sacrament of purification earlier today, but why did she still feel these emotions? She got up for a moment and got her sword the Masamune. She unsheathed it and squeezed the hilt tightly and once again the holy blade ignited into sky-blue flames. She resheathed the sword and looked out once again to the sky and a tear rolled down her cheek. She rubbed her hand and on it was the blackened ring.
---------------------------------------------
"Malik. How has Raziel been faring over the last month?"
"Quite well, old friend. He is training some many of the apprentices at the moment. Their skills are growing in leaps and bounds because of him."
"But.."
Malik smiled. "Nothing gets past you. Raziel is strong but his flame has dwindled greatly since he returned. His heart is no longer in what he does."
"Sounds familiar"
"Yes."
"I have a feeling that all will be better very soon. You and I can rest finally in the Halls of Jahorn knowing that we have been surpassed by mighty students."
"You've never been wrong Ashyur."
The old necromancer smiles greatly and breathes his last.
"I shall see you soon. Old friend"
-------------------------------------
Raziel and a young Shadow Knight apprentice were practicing sword skills in the guildhall, when some commotion started up outside.
"Keep practicing, I'll be right back"
"Yes M'lord Raziel"
Raziel went outside and stopped one of the passerby's.
"What's going on?"
"A paladin has been caught at the front entrance. The council is deciding what to do right now."
"All this fuss for a Puritan?"
"It's not a Puritan, its an outsider a High Elf. And the elf has a one of our family crests"
Raziel snapped to attention at this.
"What did you say!?!"
"I said the guards captured a High .."
Raziel faded into the shadows.
"How rude."
---------------------------------
Inside the Council Chambers, the 5 Council members are discussing the recent turn of events.
"We should take precautions, this could be the fore front of a major assault upon us.
"One little scraggly elf and everyone gets bent out of shape. Just kill the little wench and return the crest to whoever it belongs."
"Touch one hair on any one who bears a family crest and death shall fall upon you."
The council turned to the new voice.
"Raziel! Leave the chambers at once! This meeting is for council members only!"
"I shall leave, but tell what crest was on the elf?"
"If you must know a black starfire diamond cut to dagger shape."
"...That is my crest."
"All the more reason to kill the elf. If it's your crest then they may know about your mission, they may be leading an assault on .GAH AGH..."
The council member begins to gag violently. He then levitated out of his seat and floated over to Raziel, all the while desperately clawing at an invisible hand that was choking him.
"Now listen and listen well you old, decaying, bag of bones. If so much as a hair on her head is misplaced, I will disembowel you and drain you of your soul! So you understand me?"
"GAH!! Let go o..AAAHH!"
The grip on him became tighter.
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!"
"Yes!!!"
Raziel fades away and the council member drops to the floor.
"Hmm. Ashyur was right as always."
--------------------------------
Arorua paced back and forth through her prison cell. She wondered what she was going to do. She wondered how she was going to get out of the cell. The light in the already darkened room faded for a moment. She turned towards the door, and a figure was standing in the shadows.
"You shouldn't have come, Elf"
"What I choose to do is my right."
"And it is that right which could get you killed. Why have you come here?"
"I have come to follow my heart. I love the man who gave me this ring. I love him even though we are opposites. Even though we are supposed to be enemies."
"In all my days, I would have never thought to hear those words. Arorua"
The figure moved closer and into the light.
"Raziel!"
"Hi Ar. You took a big risk coming here. If you hadn't kept my crest..."
"I know, but it was worth the risk. I love you Raziel and I realized that nothing can change that."
Raziel smiled and brought his hands together. They shimmered slightly as he then separated them. The bars in the cell began to bend and in a moment a hole was formed.
"Always the show off."
Arorua stepped out and they embraced.
"I'm glad your back. But we have 3 small tasks ahead of us now."
"What are those?"
"First we are going to have to talk to the Council. Next, I want to marry you in the way of my people. And three...well I shall leave that one up to your imagination." Raziel smiles evilly at Arorua.
She reddens a bit. "You are so bad."
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Now. Hold my hand" She squeezes his hand. "Ready?"
"Yes." They both fade into the shadows.
-------------------------------------------------
The Council is once again disrupted as Raziel and Arorua fade into the chambers.
"Raziel! Why have you released the elven wench from the prison!?!"
Raziel's eyes flash brightly and the council member feels himself being choked again. "Watch your tongue!" The council member is released and he gasps for breath. "I have released her because she is the one I have chosen to be my mate."
"WHAT! You would dare to sully our city with elven trash? And a Paladin at that?"
Raziel's eyes glow brightly again and the council member cringes slightly.
"Who I chose for a mate, is exactly that my choice."
Meya steps forward. "Raziel is right. But we reserve the right to choose if you will stay within our walls. So let us put it to a vote."
The council agreed and they call their votes. The first was Council Member Alshaquir.
Alshaquir looks at Raziel with contempt "I vote against."
Then Council Member Talnoshier "I vote for."
Then Commandant Seyjuah " I vote against."
Then it was Meya's turn "My inexperience prohibits me for taking a vote. I pass my vote to Lord Shroudstorm."
Then it was Malik's turn. He looked at Raziel and Arorua standing side by side. He smiled. He moved to them. He knelt down before Arorua and kissed her hand "Our City would be honored to have you with us. My vote is for."
Commandant Seyjuah grimaced slightly. "So the council has decided. Arorua and Raziel may stay. So mote it be."
----------------------------------------------
Night began to fall upon the continent. And underneath the training grounds, Raziel and Arorua are walking down a flight of stairs. They continue down the winding staircase until the come out to an open area. They stop at a small open-ended platform overlooking the area. To their right there are more stairs leading down into a small pool with a grassy area adjacent to it. The moon sparkles off the pool, gently lighting the area.
"This is beautiful Raziel."
"Yes it is. Are you ready for this Arorua?"
"Yes, I am. But are we the only ones here? Doesn't anyone watch?"
"Yes we are all alone. That is one of our traditions. The couple should be alone while performing the ceremony. It gives a sense of serenity, don't you think?
"Yes, it does."
Raziel holds Arorua for a moment and turns her, so her back is facing the open end of the platform.
"A marriage, is based on 2 things. Love and trust. Love got us both here. But trust is something that has to be earned. So, I have to know if you trust Arorua."
"Yes, I trust you Raziel"
"It is easily spoken, but not so easily proven. Arorua, if you truly love and trust me. Then step back off the platform."
She looked into his eyes and breathed deeply. And then she stepped off. Then she waited for herself to hit the pool, but she didn't fall.
Raziel smiled happily at her and then stepped off the platform himself. They both floated in the air above the pool.
"Glass?"
"No, its all me"
"O my."
Raziel held her in his arms and gently floated over to the center of the room.
"This beautiful Raziel." She leaned her head against his chest.
"And it's about to look a whole lot better. Close your eyes." As she did she felt his hand run across her eyelids. "Okay. You can open them"
Instead of seeing Raziel, she saw both of them floating in midair. She panicked slightly. "Its okay. I just bound our vision to something else"
"Ok." She relaxed and sighed contently as she watched the view slowly pan around them and slowly begin to float upward. She was about to ask what had he attached their vision too when she saw some shimmering orbs beginning to float up from the pool and circle them.
"Willowisps"
"Yeah."
The wisp began to float aimlessly throughout the room sometimes passing right above them, sometimes doing a circle around them, and a few times underneath them.
"O...I knew I should have worn something underneath these robes"
Raziel chuckled slightly, then ran his hand across her eyes again. Her vision shifted back to normal. He then repeated the same to himself. They looked into each other's eyes.
"Arorua, do you take me to be your husband, to have and to hold, to love and adore, from now and until forever?"
"Yes I do." She said and squeezed him tightly.
"Raziel, do you take me to be your wife, to have and to hold, to love and adore, from now and until forever?"
"Yes, I do"
"Then from now and until forever we are husband and wife." The kissed once more and held each other as the glowing wisps danced around them.
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It was well after midnight, when Raziel exited his quarters above the training grounds. He quietly closed the door, so would not awake Arorua. He walked out to the training grounds and looked up into the stars. The sound of footfalls came behind him.
"You have an interesting choice in a mate Raziel. I would have never expected a High Elf, let alone a Grail Knight."
"Strange choices in mates seems run in the family, Father"
Raziel turns to face Malik. Malik chuckles. "Yes it does."
"Was mother worth the fight against the council?"
"A thousand times over."
"Why didn't you rescue her?"
"I didn't even know she was alive until, I found you. But that is no excuse. If I could turn the hands of time, I would go back and save her. But I cannot, I can only hope that she is happy in the next life."
"I hope so too."
Raziel turns back and looks back up at the stars.
"The halls of Jahorn are shining brightly tonight Raziel."
"They are expecting another to grace them."
"Do you know who they are expecting?"
*
Raziel slowly turns back to Malik, his armor gathering on him as he turns. He faces Malik, his armor completed enshrouding him, and he unsheathes his sword.
"You."
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End Chapter 16
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