Hunt5

The Hunt: Part 5

-ZibbelCoot

Disclaimer:
All Escaflowne characters, places and such are ©1996, ©1998, ©1999 TV Tokyo, Sunrise. English adaptation ©1998 AnimeVillage.com and the dub version they tried to pass off as anime belongs to Fox I guess. However, Zorya Pele, Syrun, Galese and the Celet group (yes I'm too lazy to type them out) are my characters and I'd appreciate it if you ask me before using them. Also the song (the english and translation) is also mine so please don't use it without asking!

Author's notes:
Same as last time, happens 2 1/2 years after Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaea.
Again, thanks to everyone for the reviews and input. I was aware of the slayers deaths but since I hadn't seen the movie in a while I wasn't too sure. However, after rewatching it I've fixed the previous installments to fit with it. And as promised here's a link to the contest page along with the sketches of Zorya and Dilandau movie pics: http://homepage.mac.com/zibbelcoot/Contest.html




King Fanel, I can't allow you to do this! one advisor stammered, his pale face horrified. The King ignored the pencil necked advisor and proceeded passed him to his horse. He could hear Merle's light footsteps behind him, and paused.
I must go Merle, his voice barely above a whisper, but commanded the respect one got for being king. He could hear her still fidgeting and nearly frowned.
Van-sama, you can't- she began to wail, but was stopped as he turned around.
He looked at her, her beautiful face reddened by the cold air. Why can't you understand me Merle? Why can't you understand us? If Gaea is to be safe I must go. you know that.
Her delicate ungloved hands wrung against each other, as if the cat girl would decide what he would do next. But Van-sama- she began again. This time Van fixed her deep blue eyes with his own saddened deep chestnut eyes. The confusion and anger in the cat girl's eyes cleared, and she smiled. I'm sorry Lord Van, I understand now. He nodded, as if her words were all he needed to leave. The heavy furs swirling tightly around him.
One did not begin their travels in a Fanelian winter, especially in Adon's winters. Still, he had to know, and if going to the source, to the voice he heard, was the only way... so be it. He mounted the horse without difficulty, ignoring the other voices as they tried to protest. He allowed himself on last look at his kingdom, at the capitol of Fanelia. The castle of Adon had been rebuilt with practically no effort it seemed and could fall just as easily if the god of war was unleashed with the goddess' wish. her blue eyes caught his once more, and it was to her he offered a parting half smile to. With that bare flash of teeth he was gone, the horse thundering to a distant land he had never seen...
I understand Lord Van, Merle whispered, tears frozen to her eye lashes and cheeks. I understand...


Dilandau grinned, imagining another way to kill her. She'd avoiding every stroke meant for the neck, and he was no fool now. He'd strike elsewhere, impaling her on the blade, chopping off a limb or two...
he snapped, the wonderful images of blood and carnage gone from his mind. Shesta took a nervous step back, his blue eyes wide.
Its nearly dawn Dilandau-sama, shouldn't we prepare-
Are you questioning my preparations Shesta? Dilandau drawled, locking his subordinate's eyes with a cold stare. The blond shook his head nervously. Then go and prepare yourself. Search out their weak point, he amended and watched as the boy nodded and ran off. Dilandau let out a frustrated hiss, every time he was about to kill her, even in his day dreams, someone would interrupt him.
Just you wait, not even the princess will be able to save you, his thoughts cackled as he slowly got up from beneath the solid oak he sat under. The grin of anticipation did not leave his face as he approached Shesta and Korent, the former already in his trance. Where's the weakness?
The girl... the goddess of wings... the goddess of wings will be... Shesta croaked out, his pupils tiny dots of black. Dilandau froze in place. What could Shesta be rambling about? The goddess was gone!
he barked a hand raised to slap the boy out of his stammering fit. The blond blinked, his chin brought sharply downward, a look of fear in his eyes.

The weakness Shesta, you were to find the weakness.
Y-y-y-yes, I'll try again.
Do not try, simply do it. Trying is for fools who believe in chance and luck, he reprimanded, as the other slayer looked unconcerned. Shesta nodded slightly and tilted his head back, his eyes dilating once more. Dilandau stood back, his gaze never leaving the face of his subordinate.
T-the weakness I see it...
What is it, his voice disturbingly calm. Korent had a look of anxiety on his face but Dilandau ignored it. Korent had not accompanied them on the first raid with Shesta's abilities.
Master Dilandau is this norm- Korent's sentence was cut short by a quick slap.
Be quiet, he growled, not bothering to look at Korent's now bleeding nose.
I see it. It's the...


Wearily, Zorya trudged down another hallway, the familiar air of fear that accompanied her everywhere only a week ago was gone. Today had been her first day training with a real sword. She recognized it as being the kind only the elite of the royal guards held, as well as the dragonslayers.
She recoiled involuntarily as a chill ran down her spine. She did not want to think about them! Not the ones who wanted to- Be patient, you are safe goddess of wings. Zorya breathed a sigh of relief, believing in the voice. It had told her to be patient and as promised the dragonslayers had left.
Absently, Zorya rubbed her upper arms with her hands trying to work out the chill that seemed to linger in the air. The princess, her advisee, informed her the fall harvest festival had occurred a few days before her arrival and that there would be no excitement in the castle for the fast approaching winter. Fine with me, she mumbled to herself.
Dim torch light lit the way for her as she made her way back to her own quarters. The worst of the training hadn't been the maneuvers, it had been the sword itself. It was heavier, fit for a man to use but not a woman. The princess had insisted however, playing out the little cover they had created for both their sakes.
I guess with time I'll get used to it. Hell, when I get back I'll be the best fencer on our team, she thought with more than a touch of amusement. Zorya prepared to turn down one corner, her mind drifting. Just why had the fire picked her? Out of everyone in her school... why her? And what had Hitomi shouted in Japanese while the fire devoured her? So distracted by her own thoughts, Zorya nearly knocked down someone else walking towards her.
As it was, she was knocked backwards and fell to the cold floor.
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there, a baritone voice apologized. Zorya remained n the floor for a moment, inspecting her hands. A little dust covered them but nothing more. Ready to push herself up, Zorya looked up and saw his hand held out to her.
Really it was my fault, she replied, taking his offered hand. His lips formed an easy smile, his dark green eyes framed by pale brown hair.
If you insist. So, can I have the name of the person I just knocked down? Zorya showed him a smile of her own as she dusted off her clothes.
Zorya, and I nearly knocked you down. Satisfied with her dusting, Zorya turned her eyes onto his greener ones. And who are you? I can't say I've seen you around the castle before.
Takaru, archivist apprentice, at your service if you wish, he said with a small bow, as if he'd planned it all out before. It's a mouthful, but people are satisfied with it, even if I barely do anything here. Say, have you eaten dinner yet?

Then come with me, I bet I can haggle a few extra treats from the cook. Please, I'd like to repay you for putting up with my clumsiness just now. Zorya hesitated for a moment, the hairs on the back of her neck on end and she didn't know why. He doesn't look like one of the shapes. Zorya questioned that for a moment, and nodded her head. The voice and shapes were always together and she didn't fear the voice, then why am I afraid of them? Takaru smiled at her and began to walked down the hallway, Zorya just behind him.


The sorcerers watched their tool with a cross between disgust and hope. If Takaru failed, and it was quite possibly the clumsy apprentice would, they would still require Syrun's services. Especially if the dragonslayers returned before Takaru had accomplished his mission.
We should kill those fools already. They threaten the very deed, one spoke up, as if afraid to shatter the silence around them.
Kuaru is right, they may return and that child may try to slay our prize.
The goddess of wings will not be slain so easily, not by any hand but ours, the leader replied, causing the silence to resume. Well, it was silent except for the barely audible humming of Syrun, their misbegotten tool. Syrun, take care of the General. Is that understood?
There are double threats, Syrun barely whispered in his hums.
Double? But surely only he was the threat, with his imbalances... Garufo spoke up.
No, Syrun is correct, emotions are fickle and harsh things. She will face the others as repercussions no doubt. Syrun, you are to concentrate on the General, is that understood.
As you command Sorcerer. The sorcerers turned away, ready to leave their early crypt to the desolate song of an ancient extinct race. The Draconians...
Vi attede en lun. De simo fiden visse. De simo fiden omiese. Luminae si de cra-ru en nux. De cravi... Syrun's haunting tenor voice sung to no one in the closed space, but to one far away...


Dilandau turned in his sleep, a half snarl barely escaping his lips. Nearby his loyal dragonslayer slept on, not troubled by their leader's disturbed slumber. No... get away... get away from me! he whispered hoarsely, his hand beating at an unseen enemy.

Vi attede en lun
De simo fiden visse
De simo fiden omiese
Luminae si de cra-ru en nux
De cravi...

Dilandau turned again, fire on all sides of him. That was not the problem however, as four dark shapes were advancing on him. That and he was without his sword. He couldn't remember how he'd got there, or how they'd managed to disarm him. His eyes roamed the fires, searching for anything, anything that could be used as a weapon besides the fire itself.
Dilandau Albatou-
Descendent of dragons-
We've been waiting-
For you.
Dilandau smirked, his garnet eyes mirroring the fire all around him. You're even more foolish than that dragon then. Waiting for me and wishing for your deaths.
The goddess must live.
She must bring about the salvation of Gaea.
That whimsical shit again? I thought Folken showed all you mindless worms that the god of war favored the dragon clan. And you, he prepared to blast the all to kingdom come, a horrible twisted grin on his face. Are no match for one of the dragon clan! The psychic energy rammed outward, striking the four black shapes, which dissipated into a fine black dust.
The diseased snow gently fluttered to the fiery ground, causing dilandau to chuckle. Several idiots had tried to revive the plan of destruction created by Folken, and none had succeeded. None were good enough, none had his blood running in their veins.
The fires all around him died, leaving him in darkness, something that didn't bother him in the slightest. The sounds of war, a battle, filled the void surrounding him and Dilandau cocked his head to the side, his hand going for a dagger hidden beneath his white over layer. He'd get to have some fun where ever the hell he was after all. A deep red light swathed the ground around him and Dilandau recognized the place immediately, the battle on the Hiwero front. A feral grin distorted his face as his lips pulled back exposing his canines. She stood before him, covered in blood and soot, trembling in fear. You can't escape me! he screamed and brought his dagger around to slash at her.
Her lips did not move this time however, and dilandau realized his mistake too late. A blade, as strong as his own, cut through his midsection. He opened his mouth to let out a shout of surprise and only a trickle of blood flowed from them. Zorya's body seemed to change, her stature, her being... Suddenly she wasn't so afraid, she was haughty! Standing above him as he fell, grinning his grin! Foolish boy, she chuckled before he blacked out.
His eyes opened in time for his body to swerve out of the reach of another piece of cold tempered steel. Shit! What the hell is going on?! He cut down another bandit, yes he recognized the place now. This was where he captured the thief...
His legs moved of their own free will as he ran through the forest... knowing exactly where she'd be. Everything, everything was playing out without his intervention! As expected he raised his blade, ready to slash her throat. Instead of shouting out in shock however, she began to laugh, a horrible dark laugh. He felt two daggers fly into his back, tearing flesh and puncturing vital organs as they found their places. Once more dilandau tasted the harsh metallic blood in his mouth, and fell forward onto the grass. He'd been a fool to let her distract him this much. And when he got out of this place he'd let her know-
A fool Dilandau, nothing but a fool. Do you think I'll let you kill me? she chuckled, slowly crouching down to his level. Dilandau tried to strike out at her, but a paralysis had overcome his limbs. Her still soot covered face inched closer to his own, and Dilandau stilled his body. Was that the river he heard? No... it didn't overflow... it can't be! A debt is owed to me, and perhaps next time I won't be there to save your sorry ass, she breathed her lips just barely touching his own as she spoke. Like now.
The roar of the river was louder now and dilandau could feel its muddy tendrils already running up against his side. he couldn't die like this! He refused to be taken by the water.
Dilandau woke with a start, a film of cold sweat covering his whole body. A debt owed... a debt owed... a debt owed... his tortured mind repeated over and over as the mighty General struggled to regain control of his body. Only a dream... Only a dream... only a dream....


Takaru brought another false smile to his lips as she said something. I can't believe how quickly you're adjusting, coming from Asturia and all, he said easily.
Well, I've had help, zorya answered. Takaru didn't see how she could be the goddess. After all, she didn't have the beauty goddesses were supposed to have, or any intelligence for that matter if she hadn't figured out who he was. Weren't gods omnisentient? But what if I'm wrong and she's just counter planning me and has a dagger ready? I can't take any chances. And you've found your niche here too.
I guess I have. Are you doing anything now? I have to recopy some of the texts in that dungeon of a library. He rolled his eyes for emphasis, which incited a giggle from Zorya. The girl was far more forward than any other girl he'd met before, and that was the only thing that hinted she was not of Gaea, but something more. Of course, her story of the Abaharaki allowed her to cover that up. After all, what girl when stuck serving side by side with men for years would be a complete lady?
Why not, Cerel let me off easy today, she rubbed her arm absently, probably over a new bruise. You can't cover anything up, any person with less skills than I can see you're lying about who you are. And while her Abaharaki story explained why she could use a sword, it contradicted how she could not use the standard issue or the elite's katanas. She improved however with each practice and soon no one but his masters and himself would be the wiser. Lead on archivist Takaru, her face bright with a smile.
As you command Lady Zorya, he smiled again, this time he held out his arm to her. How long had it been now? Three weeks of pointless babble with her. Each day he hoped the order would be given to put him out of his misery. He couldn't stand to be with her another day!
The sorcerers interrupted him each time his dagger was drawn, their rank being the only thing that stopped him. They weren't in this hell of his, forced to spend as much time as possible with the girl. Zorya looked at his face for a moment, and to his arm. Takaru nearly screamed, why wouldn't she trust him? He'd acted like a perfect gentleman!
Ready to withdraw his offered arm, Takaru looked down. however he couldn't bring his arm back to his side as Zorya's had become intwined with his. What... but... Finally, I will be done with this, he smiled as he thought that and this time it was real. He'd be free of her now that she trusted him. he brought his face up and looked at her, the grin growing wider by the second. It didn't matter if he looked like a fool, she was his now and it would all begin.
Yes, lead on, she murmured as they began the trek to the library. You're mine now and nothing will save you. And to think everyone fears the likes of you! Trembles at the thought of what you can do, destroy or save Gaea, and here you are, wrapped around my arm. You disappoint me goddess of wings, but no matter, your time is already up.


Gatty pulled back on the reins, forcing his horse onto its hind legs. The soldier besides him did nothing as his body was sliced in half by the dragonslayer's blade. Why is it so easy this time? Surely Hiwero wishes for this war to end. Or do they know there's no chance against us?
A war cry brought Gatty out of his thoughts, a quick turn a downward motion; one more soldier down. No one was a match for the dragonslayers. Gatty craned his head to one side, searching for the others. dilandau would be upset if even one slayer was lost. He also didn't doubt that their General would hesitate to blame him for their mistakes and failures.
Latro! Watch your back! Gatty called out, knowing if the other slayer didn't hear the reminder they'd b short one slayer. he did not want that to happen, for his and the other slayer's sake. Lord Dilandau won't be pleased, Adim's sloppy and Latro's not listening! For the moment, Gatty ignored the soldiers trying to cut him to ribbons. His ankles dug into the horse's ribs sending it forward, pushing aside anyone who didn't want to meet their death beneath a lowly horse's hooves. Latro still had his back to him, and Gatty rushed forward, his blade drawn and ready... ready... A solider gave no warning to the slayers as he charged them, and Gatty took that opportunity.
Gatty, what the hell are you-
Shut up! You're getting lazy and I just saved your sorry-
Gatty! Latro! Formation! shesta shouted out. Both slayers did as told, maneuvering their horses around while at the same time aiding the Celet soldiers. From that point on Gatty concentrated only on the Hiwero soldiers, he could not afford to waste any thoughts on Latro.
The dragonslayer didn't know how long the battle went on for, only that his arms felt like lead. No! I have to continue, for Lord Dilandau. With each parry, every stab, every slash, he felt himself weaken. he couldn't go on, not at this pace.
I surrender! Surrender! a deep voice bellowed from within the cluster of grey and brown clad soldiers. Gatty knew better than to believe the mad rambling of a soldier pleading for his life and continued to cut the soldiers down, one by one.
Surrender? You Hiwero soldiers are even more cowardly than i remembered, he could hear dilandau's voice now, cool and calculating. Call off your men.
Stand down! Stand down! We've surrendered, the General complied and Gatty threw a confused look to Latro, not more than fifteen feet from his own horse. Lord Dilandau allowing them to surrender? Is he sick?
Now gatty could see Dilandau's face, high above the quiet crowd. The hiwero soldiers were waiting to be rounded up, like sheep for the slaughter, only they would be bound into slavery or an eternity in some dank cell. Only, we have no need for slaves or cowards, Dilandau chuckled and Gatty just barely saw the blade swing outwards and a spray of red touch the sky. Kill them all!
Gatty turned, his blade swinging once more. As Dilandau commanded, he would obey.


Dilandau held his dagger in one hand, his eyes focusing on the point. He'd almost hesitated back there, and he wouldn't tolerate a weakness like that in anyone, especially not himself. But that other commander had eyes like hers... that haunting grey with tints of green.
Lord Dilandau? Dilandau's eyes moved from the dagger to the slayer that dared to speak with him.

Shouldn't we be heading back to Waesir Palace? Dilandau closed his eyes, trying to grasp why a slayer would try to guess his next move.
In time. Gather the others. There's something I need to clear up, his words turned cold, his eyes still closed. Anger, all he felt now was anger as her face and eyes danced before his lidded eyes. The hunt could already be over if it weren't for the incompetence of his slayers.
The dark red eyes opened slowly, and watched the sparse forest before them. there she was, hiding behind a tree. I can see you girl. There's no point in hiding. In an instant he could almost see her dark red hair, peeking out from behind the tree, then her face as she turned. Grey green eyes nearly blended in with the shrubbery and thick vegetation. His eyes locked on those beguiling eyes and held them. He owed them...
tis tie it was Shesta who interrupted his thoughts. Wrenching his eyes from the forest, from her, dilandau fixed Shesta with an icy stare. Dilandau-sama didn't you hear me?
Didn't you see I was busy thinking Shesta? he retorted, and pushed himself up from his crouch on the ground. Idly he dusted himself off, wondering how Gatty managed to gather them all so quickly. Why didn't any of you bother to warn me, Dilandau's voice low and menacing. Confusion colored their faces for a moment, and Shesta took a step towards him.
Shesta started then silenced himself as Dilandau pulled the dagger back into his line of sight.
Well? You don't have any reply Shesta? Korent, Latro, Viole? Why was I spared by a mere girl when you all were there, the dagger in his hand waved around as if it had a mind of its own. And all the dragon slayers knew as well as he that Dilandau held no remorse for anything, not even a slip of his wrist...
Lord Dilandau that was more than three weeks ago- Dilandau's hand straightened suddenly, as the muscles in his right hand tensed ready to throw the dagger.
Yes it was, why Latro didn't you make an excuse then? With a flick of his wrist Dilandau sent the blade flying. The slayers before him barely saw the movement when they heard the cry of surprise from Latro. The blond haired boy was up against a tree, the dagger at his cheek. I missed... oh well, it will teach him. A thin trickle of blood had begun to flow downwards from where the dagger touched the dragonslayer's cheek. Well? Speak up, all of you.
Lord Dilandau, we would've acted if she said nothing. Dilandau fixed the speaker with a hard stare.
Would you Gatty? You might but what about the others. You weren't here for it! You have no idea why you're fighting, his voice gradually decreased in volume as the men watched him. Only Viole, Shesta and Gatty knew what he spoke of. only they could possibly know. He knew the power of the apocalypse, he had commanded it!
I protect you with my life, korent spoke up. Your fight is mine.
My life is yours, Cial affirmed. One by one the dragonslayers swore their renewed vows of fealty. this was not what Dilandau wanted. He wanted another battle, to distract him from her face in the forest. From the laughter he heard in his dreams. Gatty pulled the dagger from the tree, which made Latro clutch at his cheek.
I serve only you Lord Dilandau, Gatty, Shesta and Viole said at the same time. What about you Latro? Do you leave now? Marred and imperfect? What about you?
Your command is my purpose, Latro finished. dilandau watched the last slayer for a moment before walking to the make shift paddock. His charger grazed lightly on the sparse grass, stained with blood. The Celet soldiers had already left for their homes. Celena, where is home?
We leave for Waesir now. There will be no repeats of that incident, or I will find more trustworthy slayers.
Of course not, the fifteen odd voices chorused,each starting their preparations for leaving. Dilandau's pack was already over the back of his horse and he caught its reins. Let's move out!


Latro fought the tears he felt forming. Was he the only one that saw what was going on? That girl had Dilandau's mind in the palm of her hand! He wouldn't let her have his General! Not after serving nearly three years with him. Dilandau would see one day that he was the best, the best of the slayers and reward him.
I'll just have to kill her, that's all. than Dilandau will forget everything that happened and we can fight again, and forget. Then he'll see what slayer I've become! Latro touched the already forming scab on his cheek. he couldn't believe that his master had done that. Still, it was shallow, and wouldn't scar.
Latro took that to mean something more than Dilandau hadn't felt like marring one of his slayers. he took it to mean Dilandau chose not to harm him personally. I'll kill her for you Master Dilandau, just wait and see, he thought as he spurred his horse. the sooner they got back, the sooner Latro would be able to prove to Dilandau his loyalty.


Galese paced in her waiting room, fear gripping at her. What if he had died in battle? What if he'd found some naive country girl? What if-
Please princess, pacing doesn't suit you.
You said they were coming back! Where are they? she nearly whined, facing the room's other occupant. silvery blond hair cascaded passed the woman's shoulders to her mid back while clear blue eyes held Galese's dark ones in a steady gaze.
I told you that the General ordered their return nearly a week ago. The soldiers are due in today aren't they? What makes you think the Dragonslayers will miss the victory parade in their honor? Galese didn't answer, she rubbed her hands together trying to think of anything else but them. They will be here princess.
Where is she?
Zorya? With Cerel training. What else can a wounded soldier do?
She should be here, we have to keep up our appearances- Celena crossed her arms over her chest, her piercing blue eyes now on the same window Galese stood before.
I wouldn't recommend what you're thinking.
How would you know? I'm admiring the scen-
No, you aren't. While any woman in your position would give into temptation and have no restraint you are a princess, and I hope you have the sense of responsibility that comes with the blood and title. Galese stopped rubbing her hands and stood there. Celena was second guessing her own plans, and that could prove to be a problem. Especially if she managed to speak with him at long last in private. Would you disapprove Zorya? How can a puppet disobey its master or even disapprove of the jerky movements it has no control over?
She could see the whole population of Waesir out lining the streets, eager to see the victorious warriors. How many of them were women awaiting the return of their lover or husband? How many were hoping to snag a man for themselves before the next battle with Hiwero?
Galese parted her lips ready to say something but forgot it in an instance. The crowd roared as armored soldiers began to march down the street. From her vantage point galese could make nothing out but mere dots of color but surely the dragonslayers had returned as well... Celena have they?
Yes, you can see their banner, leading them. Galese did not think to even question how Celena had seen the banner when she was across the room and away from it. Her heart began to pound and Galese covered her mouth with her hands. She'd need to be there, for the procession into the throne room!
Fetch Zorya! My advisor must always be present when I'm with the king and his advisors, galese spoke in a rush, her cheeks taking on a slightly flushed tone.
I can't be here, not when he arrives. Celena's face was angled downwards, er eyes on the richly woven rug. I promised-
Fine, I'll get her myself! Galese ran passed Celena, her hands held her dress up in the front by a few inches. It would not do for the princess to be seen running through the palace and then fall on her face. No protest came from the room whose doors were thrown open, and for a moment Galese hesitated in her hurried pace. Was Celena that concerned with keeping a promise o one of them? Would she be the cause of some strife between them?
Being a princess has certain advantages and disadvantages, one of them being a girl can become quite spoiled and at that moment galese wanted nothing more than to see him. She pushed all thoughts that concerned celena out of her mind and ran down the corridor, ignoring the occasional guard she passed.
The sound of steel hitting steel rang in her ears as she breathlessly threw open a door on her right. Zorya didn't dare look at her, for Cerel was only waiting for an opening...
Cerel! Zorya! Stop this at once I'm in need of my adv- Galese stopped herself as she watched the dance between the two. Zorya pulled up her sword, nearly pushing Cerel back into a defensive position. then he charged forward, feigning a blow to her neck and instead trying to hit her right side. Zorya's blade caught his own and she spun around, knocking his blade up and out of his hands. her sword continued with the momentum of her arms and it came to stop at his neck.
Not bad, eh Galese?
Galese was speechless, though if it was from running from her room to the training area she didn't know. That's a definite improvement Zorya, Cerel spoke up, slowly inching away from Zorya's blade. What was it you wanted princess?
Zorya brought down her blade, her cheeks red from exertion and her bangs wet against her cheek. Um, Zorya my presence is needed to receive the victorious soldiers, she said suddenly feeling very self conscious. Zorya nodded, but looked to Cerel as if waiting for his permission first.
Go on. We'll continue the day after tomorrow. Galese smoothed out the skirt of her dress, pretending that it was suddenly very important. She adjusted in almost a month... We may yet keep this deception alive. I'll be free soon, just wait my love. Zorya sheathed the sword, handling it as easily as she might a tiny dagger.
Ready princess? Zorya asked quietly as she brushed back a lock of her bangs.
Of course Zorya, now, you are to stay at my side the whole time. Do not get lost in the crowd or else they'll separate us on purpose. Stick to the story and remember, stay by my side, Galese spoke in a hushed whisper as they made their way to the throne room.