Celtic Guardian: Well?
Me: Arghhhh! Ok, ok, I'm working on it. But I have writer's block.
Syaoran: Excuses.
Me: /shoves him out of the room/ Stay out of this!
Celtic Guardian: /taps his foot on the ground, arms crossed/
Me: /glare, vein popping/ Don't you dare.
Daisuke: Uh, not even I'm stupid enough to deal with a pissed off author.
Ken: /wisely pulls Daisuke from possible harm/ (no, not a Kensuke hint) Readers, please review. For our safety!
Me: Muses!
(BTW: If you want to understand this, you'll have to see the Author's note of my song fiction Blame it on the Weatherman)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Minuet
Saraia tossed and turned in her sleep, sinking into a deep trance that elves rarely went into. Sitting up, she gasped for breath as she wiped off sweat from her brow. Going to the window, she gazed out, flinging it open. A cool breeze came in and Saraia had a sudden desire to fly. Shifting into the shape of a falcon, she soared out, moonlight shining on her feathers.
Dia paced in his room. As one of shadows, he needed very little sleep. Running a hand through his black mane of hair, he sighed, feeling suddenly very weary. He was getting old, despite his youthful appearance, and the days ahead weren't helping.
Maybe I should consider going back to the Goddess, he mused to himself for a moment before chiding himself.
The Goddess took back only those She wished to come. She decided when one in Her service would return to her side. Pouring a glass of wine, he sniffed it before drinking it, just out of old habits. Hearing the cry of a falcon, he looked outside and saw a pure white falcon soar nearby his window. A trace of a smile flickered on Dia's lips. That was Saraia all right; he always seemed to recognize her in animal form.
~*~
"Perhaps you would like to visit the city?" Hikari suggested the next day to all of them. "Then we can show you some of the forests."
"It would be wonderful," Takeru said, looking at her with a certain emotion in his bright blue eyes. Saraia stifled a snicker. It was obvious the both of them liked each other. Yamato and Taichi looked amused as well.
They walked down to the city below, disguising their appearance so they resembled a group of people just having a brief outing. Taichi had to stay at the palace, Iori and Koushiro as well. Yamato had politely declined, preferring to stay at the palace with Daisuke and Dia. The rest found excuses to leave both Hikari and Takeru to be alone together.
"I need to bargain and find out something," Saraia said, walking off.
"It would be interesting to find out how they use magic here," Miyako said and Sora followed, along with Ken as well.
"That leaves us then," Takeru blushed as Hikari giggled.
"Come on, I want to show you this shop." She led him through a maze of streets.
A group of girls in scandalous and revealing clothing and decked out in cosmetics and jewelry gazed at Takeru hungrily from the doorway and windows of a building, until Hikari shot them all an icy glare to which they sniffed haughtily.
"I suppose I should know what trade they follow," Takeru said dryly.
"Prostitutes," she muttered with some distaste. "Come on."
She stopped by a closed door and tapped a soft rhythm on it. The door creaked open and she gestured to follow her. Inside, it was dimly lit and cool, with a vague spicy scent in the air, comforting and well adapted to the atmosphere. Piles of cushions and carpets were everywhere as silken hangings hung from the walls and ceiling.
"Hikari, so you came back and you brought a friend," a soft, slightly hoarse, voice came from a shadowed corner.
"Of course, this is Takeru."
A figure clad in silver rose gracefully. Whoever it was, he or she was completely covered, including a thin, full-length face veil of thin silver gauze. "Any friend of Hikari is a friend of mine. Care for some sherbet?"
"Yes, thank you," Takeru said. Was it just his imagination, or did the incense seem heavier for a moment, more like a blanket and sweeter? He blinked, and shook his head. The musical cascade of liquid falling into a cup came to his ears as the figure came bearing two goblets of the sweet drink. He took his and carefully sipped as Hikari removed her street veil of a simple brown cloth before drinking hers.
"Now, I see you came to play one of my instruments or explore one of my rugs?" the figure asked with amusement, voice now clearer.
"Yes, is it alright if I play the lap harp?"
"But of course, you almost always played it for all the days you have visited here." The silver clad figure slipped away like a ghost and returned bearing one of the most beautiful instruments Takeru had ever seen. It was a small harp made of forged silver that gleamed like solid moonbeams, each string perfectly made and supple, slim threads of silver. Set into the silver was gems, moonstones mostly but a few sapphires here and there. The figure gently handled the instrument like a child before handing it to Hikari. "Careful now, sing as well."
The princess took the instrument and strummed a few experimental chords. What came from the instrument was beautiful and ghostly at the same time, choruses of flutes and bird songs. She then started to play, singing in a soft, silvery voice. The song she sang was sad, of lost lovers and ages long past. Takeru was captivated by the music and was startled when it ended.
"That was. beautiful," he whispered.
She blushed. "The instrument's enchanted.. I think."
"Very true, and I want you to have this," the silver clad figure said, pressing Hikari's hands gently around the harp.
"But this is your most valuable instrument," Hikari protested, but her fingers tightened around the harp.
The figure laughed, a gentle, bubbling sound like water falling from a pitcher. "Music is so valuable when it is /shared/, Hikari. That is what makes it so beautiful, sharing it with others as well as playing for you alone. Keep it, it is drawn to you."
The instrument wrapped carefully in layers of silk and set within a carrying case, Hikari held it in her arms as she and Takeru bid the person good bye as they left. Watching them leave, the silver clad figure smiled from beneath layers of silk gauze. Young love was so innocent and they were meant for each other.
~*~
Saraia haggled a few more coppers off, the trader she was dealing with looking frustrated. She was an odd sight, especially because she was the only woman who wasn't wearing a veil about. She, Miyako, and Sora had refused to wear them. Obviously, women who didn't wear at least a sheer veil over the bottom half of their face weren't a very common sight.
Luckily elves were gifted the talent of varied tongues, so they understood all languages easily, therefore allowing her to bargain with the seller. The man was swearing that he was being impoverished. She raised an eyebrow, looking at the varied herbs she was purchasing. Then her eye caught an odd looking key, dirty and looking worthless. But her sharp elven senses detected odd carvings on it, as well as tiny gems.
"Alright, add that and I'll give you an extra silver coin," she told the trader, pointing to the key. Resigned, he packed her purchases as she paid him. Grumbling curses in Elven about mortal men, she strode out.
~*~
"Ah, so that's how they put magic into semi precious gems," Miyako nodded. "Very useful indeed."
"Often the rarer the stone, the better it will be in spells," Sora said, her hood covering the gold band around her head.
"True, rubies are known as protective stones and opals are the best at storing and generating magic, black being the top quality," Ken said.
"I would love to be able to do that," Miyako said.
"I can teach you the basics if you wish," Ken offered and she smiled. "Thank you."
Sora chuckled to herself. 'It seems like Takeru and Hikari aren't the only love birds around here.'
~*~
They went back to the palace some time later. Saraia gave the key to Koushiro and Iori to inspect.
"Fascinating, this metal seems like gold but is much lighter and harder than the usual kind," the red-haired mage said, inspecting it. Saraia then rubbed at it with a soft cloth and the dirt fell away easily, far too easily.
"This is Elven," she frowned, pointing out to a series of long, flowing delicately shaped letters. "'By moonlight seek the door, and starlight will reveal the entrance. Then the key shall turn, and the Orb shall form with the twelve.'"
"What in the world?" Koushiro mused.
"Hmm, if my legends are correct," the elf said, green eyes looking at the key. "It is referring to the Sapphire Orb. There is a substance that elves put upon rock to mark doors, it glows only at night. So there's a door that this key will open that will only be revealed at night."
"But what kind of door?" Iori asked.
"I am getting to that. The temple that holds the Sapphire Orb has no visible doors at all, according to legend. So first we have to find the door, then use this key to open it," Saraia said. "There are ten of the twelve already gathered in this palace, only two remain."
"Do you know all of their identities?" Koushiro asked eagerly.
"You, Iori, Sora, Taichi, Yamato, Miyako, Ken, Daisuke, Takeru, and Hikari," she rattled off swiftly, smiling. "And two more left."
"How can I be one of them?" the mage demanded.
Saraia shrugged. "No clue, sometimes we're just pawns on a chessboard. Try to drop hints to them, no need for Yamato and Daisuke, they already know."
"I'll try," Koushiro said. "I'll be doing some research."
Saraia nodded. "I have some work to do. The merchants here are little more than thieves!"
"Since when did elves have enterprising minds?" the mage said, raising an eyebrow.
"You haven't known her for very long," Iori put in quietly. "And I take it you don't know many elves."
Koushiro blinked before regaining his dignity and walking off, looking very much like an agitated cat. Saraia said that aloud, making Iori chuckle. Then she busied herself by unpacking her purchases.
"Sometimes mortals amuse me so greatly," she said, holding up a dried leaf to the light and examining it.
"It is nice to know how much we entertain you," Iori said dryly.
She laughed, a nice sound that people rarely heard from her. "I am just kidding." Then she put the herbs away. "I do hope I may see the forests around here. Some of my kind, distant relatives actually, live in Yagami among the tropical forests."
"That would be interesting," Iori agreed.
"Would you mind helping me with staff practice? I have too many things upon my mind and a good workout should help me better to concentrate and relax."
Iori blinked. "Of course. Just let me get my staff and change into something that is more suitable to that activity."
Saraia nodded. "Same here. Taichi told me that we could use the practice courts that the soldiers use. Maybe I can practice my archery as well. Meet me here then after you change."
They both separated. When they met each other again, Saraia was clad in a short-sleeved tunic of dark forest green and breeches of dark gray, and Iori was wearing something similar, only colored in faded beige. She had slung her bow and arrows on her back as the man was carrying his staff, the moon gem still embedded in the wood on top.
"You can borrow a staff there," Iori suggested and she nodded.
"Precisely, come on, he showed me where the training area was."
When they arrived there, only a few soldiers were there, milling around. Setting her bow and quiver down on a safe spot, Saraia set up a shield around it to protect them from harm. Then she snatched up a stray staff in a shed, making sure of its balance. Facing Iori, she nodded and the battle began.
They were both evenly matched and after exchanging furious blows, finally dealt with a draw. She then picked up her bow and quiver, heading toward the archery targets. A soldier stopped her.
"Where do you think you're going, wench? And not even with a veil for modesty."
"I am going to practice archery," she said quietly. "King Taichi allowed me access to the training areas at the palace."
"Ha, not likely," he sneered. "Do you even know how to hold the thing?"
"How about a match then between the both of you?" Iori asked crisply.
"Fine with me," Saraia said, shrugging.
"Good. Best out of three arrows," the soldier growled.
She smiled sweetly, a trace of icy distance in her beryl green eyes that hinted warningly not to take her lightly. The target was set up as the soldier got his own bow and arrows. It was a difficult one even for professionals, a white circle a foot and a half wide in diameter and with a bright red circle inside about six inches wide in diameter with a smaller white circle about an inch in diameter within that.
"You may go first," Saraia said politely, and grunting, the soldier shot his arrows slowly, one at a time.
Two arrows landed in the outer red and white circles and one landed in the dead center of the inner white circle. He smirked at her and said smugly, "Let's see you do better, girl. Someone has to put you back behind the veil where you belong."
She ignored him and plucked three arrows out of her quiver, handing two to Iori to hold for her. Stringing her bow with ease, she swiftly shot then snatched the arrows Iori handed her quickly, not needing to take her time with aim before shooting. The spectators nearby, who had gathered over time, gaped. Two arrows were embedded on either side of the arrow in the center, touching it exactly and the last split the soldier's arrow completely into two neat slivers of wood.
Saraia gazed at the soldier coolly. "Before you challenge someone, be prepared to meet the consequences. And for your information, women of my kind do not wear veils." Walking to the target, she jerked her arrows out and slipped them back into her quiver.
"I heard many legends of Elven skill in archery but it is another to see it take place," Taichi remarked mildly, leaning on a fence. The spectators jumped and bowed immediately to the monarch.
"That was just a mere exercise, your Majesty," Saraia said respectfully, bowing slightly. Despite the vast age difference, she felt some respect for him as well as a like for him.
"Please, I asked you to call me Taichi," he said warmly.
She raised a mild eyebrow but a trace of something like a smile flickered across her lips. "All right, Taichi."
*
That night, Hikari leaned against Takeru as they looked over the garden on a balcony.
"It's such a beautiful night," Hikari whispered.
The music of a flute reached her ears, Saraia was sitting on a wall nearby a fountain, playing a simple instrument constructed of finely forged silver. The moonbeams shone on the elf woman's hair, making the long blue green stands have a fine silver sheen and making her tunic and breeches seem smoother and softer, almost like silk, colored gray and green tinted silver. It was a picture like any child would imagine an elf to be.
"Not as beautiful as you," Takeru whispered then blushed.
"I beg your pardon?" Hikari blinked.
Dia walked below and looked up at her, moonlight shining on his white streaked raven colored hair. Instead of red, he was wearing black trimmed in silver. Saraia was still playing, but motioned to come up. He did, swiftly and easily running up the wall and landing beside her.
"I truly think you're beautiful, Hikari. Doesn't it mean sunlight?"
"Yes, and I thank you." She blushed.
"Hikari, I think you're the most wonderful woman in the world. Are you sure you weren't born an angel?"
"I highly doubt it." She laughed softly.
He leaned toward her. "There are so many qualities I can love you for. Your beauty, your compassion, your laugh, your spirit."
She smiled. "And you are gifted to have such honeyed and beautiful words, Takeru, as well as being so handsome and strong."
He then suddenly kissed her and she responded quickly, her arms wrapping around his neck as his wrapped around her waist. The two hardly noticed that the music of the flute had stopped and the player of the instrument was observing them with her companion.
*
Dia and Saraia watched the couple above with amusement. "Such a nice night for romance," Saraia sighed.
"Leave it to you to be a romantic," Dia grunted, but a twinkle was in his eyes.
"Do not even try to kiss me, Dia," she warned him.
"Perish the thought," he said mildly.
"Good, because I think of you only as a very close friend, nothing more. Why are you wearing black?"
Her companion shrugged. "I am of no place to question Her orders."
"The Goddess sent them?"
"Who else do you think? Are you sick, because I swear, you are sounding stupid."
"Sorry," Saraia muttered darkly.
"Besides, I have a bad feeling," he said softly, fingering the broadsword on his back.
"You too?" She turned to face him sharply.
"Death omens, no. Premonition: most likely yes, in my opinion anyway. Something nags me about what's in the far east of here."
She shrugged and touched his hand lightly. "It is our duty to help protect the twelve chosen, has not your Goddess told you that?"
"Apparently she smiles upon them and they are high in her favor."
"Me, I really have nowhere to go. I cannot really go home because there is nothing to do, except go on border patrols and mope about in the palace. But sometimes I miss my family." She sighed and he put a light hand on her shoulder.
"I wish I can attune to you more easily in those matters, Saraia."
"I deal with it easily, because I have my own family here, if not the kind of blood always."
Dia then dropped his hand from her shoulder and jumped down. "Get some rest, you need at least some."
"I just want to stay out here for a while," she said, swinging her legs.
"Suit yourself. Good night." Dia strode off. She watched him, then jumped down and went up to her room.
~*~
Takeru smelled the heavy, flower-scented air of the tropical forest and felt slightly thirsty. At least it was better than the desert, he reflected. The eleven (Taichi having to have been forced to stay at the palace for certain matters) riders rode on, a few guards trailing around. Saraia and Dia looked uneasy.
"Something wrong?" the blond asked the elf, who, over the short time he knew her, was becoming much like a sister to him. "I thought you would love to meet your kin who live around here."
"I do, but something isn't right," she responded tensely, her hand near her bow.
"I agree," Dia growled, not looking the slightest bit uncomfortable in his raven black clothing.
No sooner than they said that, then a group of the strangest creatures ambushed them. They were black skinned and frightfully ugly, with gruesome, grotesque faces and scarred, muscular bodies, all of them bearing weapons.
"Orcs!" Saraia snarled, already shooting her arrows and bringing down many.
"I thought they were myths!" Hikari yelled, holding on for dear life on her frightened horse.
"Well, keep an open mind, princess!" the elf woman shouted and shot an orc just about to ambush Hikari.
Daisuke, Yamato, Ken, Iori, and Dia were lashing out with weapons as well. Koushiro put his hands together, closed his eyes, and shouted, "Lightning Blaze!" Brilliant beams of lightning struck out several orcs, but more took their place.
"Hikari!" Takeru screamed and let out one of his most devastating attacks. "Hope Mantra!" Glowing runes decimated the orcs around Hikari.
Miyako and Sora were fighting fiercely, back to back, obviously used to that sort of fighting, with both magical and physical attacks.
"Storm Blades!" Miyako cried, invisible, fine knives of air cutting into her opponents.
"Blind Sight!" Sora shouted; her enemies blinded by the attack and she finished them off.
Slowly but surely, the ranks of the orcs were thinning but the fighters were getting tired. Saraia shrieked in pain suddenly as a moment's carelessness cost her three fingers on her left hand. Rather than nursing the stumps and risking the loss of precious time, she fought on with more viciousness than ever, bringing down more of the enemy. The remaining orcs were then shot where they stood with arrows, but not from Saraia's bow.
Elves jumped down from the canopy. They were different than Saraia, having hair of dark brown or black and blue eyes.
"I am sorry we were unable to come more quickly," one who was presumably the leader said, bowing.
"It is alright," Saraia said politely through gritted teeth, looking for a kerchief or a cloth to wrap her bleeding hand in and wipe off blood.
"Saraia! Are you alright?" Hikari asked worriedly.
"I will be fine. Attend to the others first. Daisuke has a nasty scalp wound you or Sora should look to."
Dia was wiping off his broadsword of the brackish, foul black orc blood. "I hate orcs," he said flatly.
"That's what you say all the time," Iori said, cleaning a shallow cut on his hand.
A sharp flare of pink magic came from Hikari's and Daisuke's direction. Takeru nursed several long but shallow wounds around his body. One of the elves went to Daisuke.
"The orcs often poison their swords, let me apply an antidote if needed," he told him.
"Fine," Daisuke shrugged, nothing left of the wound, and drank down the cool liquid the elf handed him, handing it around to Takeru and Iori, as well as others who had sustained injuries.
Saraia was having a quiet conference with the elves' leader when Hikari walked to her to check on her hand, and gaped in shock and surprise. For where the bleeding stumps of the elf's middle finger, index finger, and thumb used to be, there were whole, new fingers with nothing to mark what had happened to the elf except a bit of dried blood on her hand.
"Saraia, what happened?" she stammered. "I swear that your fingers were."
"Cut off?" Saraia smiled wryly, moving her fingers gingerly as if they were merely stiff. "Yes they were. But my magic centers on animals and I can take qualities of animals themselves. I borrowed the ability from certain reptiles that are able to regenerate tails and thus, my fingers are back. I've done this several times, therefore being rather experienced in it, but it is rather uncomfortable at times."
"Not even the most powerful Healers can completely regenerate limbs," Hikari choked, turning pale.
"I can only do this for my own body," Saraia said, examining her new fingers. "No need to be so afraid. I am sorry if it disturbs you." Her tone was comforting as she looked at Hikari with kind eyes. Then she turned to the male elf and resumed her conversation in Elven.
Shaking her head, Hikari staggered and nearly fell if Takeru didn't catch her. "What's the matter?"
"All of this killing and maiming that happened," she whispered. "How can some people take it so coolly? And why do people and creatures love bloodshed so much? And I am just like them."
"Maybe they're used to it," Takeru shrugged. "But sometimes, to protect the ones you love, you have to do things you normally do not want to do." He then embraced her. "You are never like that, never at all. You are pure and innocent, always."
"We of the Islands do not like killing," Sora said softly, prodding the dead body of an orc with her foot. "But we do it to defend our homeland."
"Our home is not within the Islands themselves, they are within our people, and we will willingly die for one another," Miyako said, adjusting the bandage on Ken's arm.
"If you need to throw up, do it behind the bushes over there. There's nothing wrong with it," Dia said in a gruff, but surprisingly gentle voice. "Even the greatest warriors have secret fears. So let me guess, you saw the elf lady regenerate her fingers?"
Bile rose in Hikari's throat but she shook her head for the first question and nodded in agreement with the second, suppressing the feeling. "It's alright, I will be fine. I just." Then she fainted in Takeru's arms.
"I wouldn't blame her, the first time I saw her do that, I threw up myself," Daisuke said, looking concerned for Hikari. "Then again, I saw her completely regenerate them in front of my eyes. Nasty, and I'll be blessed if I never see that happen again." He shuddered.
"Your friends may come back with us to our city," the male elf told Saraia. "It is in a way of apology for not for coming sooner, my cousin."
"It is alright, Garlath," she responded. "You did your best. We all need to get cleaned up and some need healing. I will contact Taichi through messenger bird, so he does not go on a rampage, raging for his sister."
She whistled an odd cry and a brightly colored parrot swooped down from the trees. After exchanging a few words with it, Saraia scribbled down a message onto some parchment and gave it to the bird. With a slightly harsh cry, the red and blue bird flew off.
~*~
Hikari woke up to hear the soft, melodious singing of the elves drifting into her ears and Takeru's anxious face by her side.
"Takeru?" she whispered.
"Hikari, you're alright!" He embraced her.
"Where are we?"
"At the sanctuary of the elves, who offered us their hospitality most graciously..."
"Then this is."
"Yes it is."
"I'm finally in Lythien," she whispered. "One of the great cities of the elves. Goddess, it is like a tale come to life."
"Then I suppose I would be a tale." Saraia's voice came from the doorway, along with her gentle chuckle. "A feast is being held, would you mind going? It would be best if you change, your other clothes are being mended. My cousin is a most gracious elf."
"You mean you're related to Garlath, the Lord here?" Takeru asked, eyes wide. "Then you're most definitely Elven nobility."
She smiled, albeit a bit wryly. "He's my cousin, just a few centuries older than me." She was wearing a simple long dress that reached just above her ankles and had a high collared neck. The cuffs of trousers peeped under it. Garbed in dark forest green that accented her eyes and hair with bits of silver trimming, she looked dignified, also wearing an elaborate silver and emerald circlet around her brow. Her emerald necklace was out, shining and sparkling like gleaming, frozen pieces of forest and solid green fire. Her hair was immaculately and intricately styled into a high knot with two decorous thin strands of hair framing her face. "There are clothes in the closet, for both genders, do hurry, it is not polite to keep elves waiting." She then turned and walked away, shutting the door politely after her.
Hikari looked at Takeru meaningfully, and he blushed, hurrying out the door hastily. When he returned in, Hikari was clad in a simple gown of a creamy white, arranging her hair into a braid. Takeru hastily dressed in a side room and emerged wearing a long sleeved leaf green velvet tunic and leggings of a slightly darker color.
"You look like an elf yourself," she teased him gently. "All you need are the pointed ears."
"Thank you for the compliment."
He lightly kissed her on the cheek and offered her his arm. Giggling, she took it. A passing elf directed them to their destination, looking amused. They entered a gracefully designed hall that was meant to be cool in temperature and full of light. At a table, their friends were already waiting for them, dressed in clothes in the style of the elves except for Dia. The Elf lord was sitting at the head with Saraia by his left side and wearing more elaborate clothing than what he was wearing out in the forest. He was busy in conversation with Saraia, a braided gold circlet around his head and his long, dark hair neatly arranged.
Looking up, he nodded graciously to Hikari and Takeru and directed them to seats at the table. "It is rare that mortal men visit our halls in such numbers, but we offer you our hospitality nonetheless." With a gesture, elves then gracefully set down plates of food in front of the guests.
"I thank you for your hospitality, my brother and I knew of elves, but not of a whole city here," Hikari said politely.
Garlath smiled, his eyes sparkling and wise. "We elves know how to avoid unwanted eyes and company when we wish. But perhaps we should have a word with your brother and his kingdom."
"Cousin," Saraia chuckled, gently chiding. "It is often not wise to speak of diplomacy and politics while one's guests are dining."
"True, so your father's and brother's influence have finally revealed themselves. No matter what, you are a princess, Saraia," he answered, gazing at her seriously yet fondly with his mysterious eyes.
She looked slightly annoyed at him as the members of the group who did not know her true heritage froze and stared at her. "I try to keep that information as little spread as possible, cousin." Her voice was ever so slightly stiff but she turned to them with an apologetic smile. "Continue to eat, my friends. I am not of that much of importance in my family, not even being the Heir."
"My apologies. I see you now bear the Gems of Fyora around your neck, as the princesses and queens of past generations have proudly borne them."
She looked more mollified but sorrowful as she stroked the necklace. "Life is a hard and high price to pay for a necklace of lifeless gems, cousin."
"Ah, you are right," he agreed then frowned. "Dark elves to the further north? That is unsettling news."
She sighed, pushing away her plate, which was barely touched and got up. "Please, I need to be alone for a while, Garlath." She then strode out of the room, skirts billowing.
Dia got up, but Garlath stopped him. "Please, when my cousin says something like that, it is best if you let her be."
"Why is she so troubled?" Miyako asked quietly.
"It is of her will to tell you," the elf lord said, his eyes with hidden sorrow. "Please, do not let that disturb you from your meal."
They ate in silence for the rest of the meal, and then got up. Koushiro and Iori were eager to find a library, and graciously, the Elf lord directed them to the place. The rest, he guided a tour throughout the city and the forests all around. Dia, Ken, Miyako, and Daisuke were wandering around after the tour and Dia's sharp senses heard someone crying softly. In a tree, Saraia was up in one of the lower branches, her face buried in her hands.
"Saraia?" Dia called up softly and gently. "What is the matter?"
"Go away, it does not concern you," her muffled, half choked voice reached them.
"Please, Saraia, we are your friends, we want to help you," Miyako said, in a surprisingly soft and compassionate voice.
"Nobody can understand this," she called down, turning away.
"Saraia, I've been with you through thick and thin, I'd think I've learned at least something about you during that time," Daisuke said.
"Even if we are not sure about how you feel exactly, we will do our best to offer the best of advice or comfort," Ken called up to her. "But it is your decision whether or not to accept it."
She slowly climbed down, her face streaked with tears. "I am a Kinslayer. Dark elves may have been of ill intent, but still, I killed them."
"It wasn't your fault," Dia said quietly. "It was us or them, and unfortunately it had to be us, and it wasn't just you who killed them."
"Their blood paints my hands," she whispered.
Miyako put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Let me tell you a tale. A child was once born long ago to the Amazons and abandoned by her mother carelessly. After, a kind woman with no child of her own adopted her into her family. When her blood mother, who had borne daughters before her, rebelled against the Queen of the Amazons, the girl fought to protect her queen, for she was the one who had taken her in when her blood mother had left her to die. They fought ruthlessly, face to face. Finally, the daughter gave her mother the killing blow. As the mother died, she asked, 'How could you do this to your own family?' The daughter answered, 'Because you are not my mother.' What kind of a mother would abandon her child to survive when helpless? We of the Amazons, the relationship of flesh and blood do not matter in bonds between kin, bonds of soul and heart do. The Dark elves are related to you however distantly, but they are never your kin. Maybe of flesh, but never of soul or heart."
Saraia gazed at Miyako with a new respect. "I thank you."
The shaman smiled gently, taking off her spectacles. "When Queen Sora took me in and treated me like her own blood kin, she became my heart sister. You see, what you did was not the slaying of kin, your highness, it was something you had to do to protect those you considered dear family to your heart and soul."
"Try not to get too depressed," Daisuke, said. "It just isn't like you, Saraia."
"Do you feel better, Saraia?" Dia asked quietly.
"Much. I think I am going to practice at the archery range for a while. Oh, and by the way, Miyako, Ken, there is a very nice waterfall and pool to visit at this time of night; it is not too far away. Why not visit?" She winked at them and walked off. Dia followed her and Daisuke walked off to the main building, yawning.
Ken blushed as Miyako looked embarrassed. "Well, that was interesting," Miyako said. "I think we should visit it though."
"A fine idea, my lady. After you." He bowed to her and she walked toward the sound of water.
Very nice was an understatement for the area that they reached. Water cascaded down in a series of terraces before falling gracefully down in a long fall and fell into a pond that was relatively quiet other than that. Water lilies floated serenely at the edges of the shores. Silver moonlight shone on everything as soft sounds of Elven music and birdsong floated in the air.
"Such a romantic place," Miyako sighed. "It is just like a dream."
"It is almost, a tale as well, being with elves," Ken said and Miyako raised an eyebrow at him.
"Were you just joking?"
"Of course, my lady," he smiled gently at her. It was the first time she ever saw him smile, and it smoothed his face, made it seem more innocent.
She laughed softly and pushed away a lock of his hair. "You should smile more, sir ambassador, it suits you."
"Please, call me Ken." He gently grasped her hand in his own. For a warrior's hand, it was surprisingly soft and smooth with few calluses, fine boned and well defined he noticed. "And you should laugh more."
Her heart leapt. "If you call me Miyako."
"Indeed." His face was near hers, his breath scented with mint and sweet wine. She shivered involuntarily. Good Artemis, what was going on? She stepped back slightly.
"Please, we should be outside."
"Such a night for love. and lovers," he whispered and lightly kissed her. "I -I am so sorry."
"For what?" she asked, dazed and surprised from the action.
"I do not want to take advantage of you," he stammered and turned away. "And your culture."
She gently turned him to face her. "It is alright, my vows to Artemis can be relinquished, as can any Amazon's."
"Are you saying you love me?" he asked.
"Yes, if you return the feelings," she answered and kissed him. Their kiss was long and sweet and they separated, his arms embracing her.
"I do not think we are ready-" Ken started but she nodded and pressed a gentle hand on his lips.
"It is not yet the time to share a bed. Someday it will come however, and I anticipate it to great extent." She smiled and lightly kissed him. Then she turned and walked away.
Saraia and Dia watched from the trees above, looking highly amused. "You are a dastardly matchmaker," he mock accused her, pointing.
"I am not," she responded in indignation, but her eyes were twinkling. "I only gave them a little 'push.'"
"Ha, you elves like to meddle, don't you?"
"Not as much as you," she retorted. "But that was sweet."
"Don't get too sentimental on me please."
"Oh give it a rest already."
"Someone is a bit more vindictive and ambitious once they get over self pity."
She made a face but turned sorrowful. "That event is not something to be taken lightly, Dia."
"I understand." In a surprising gesture of kindness, he put his hand on her shoulder and she smiled.
"What will I be without my friends, Dia?"
The singing and laughter of the elves hung like a peaceful, soft blanket over the forest, but beyond the protections of magic and light, things best left unnamed scuttled about in darkness.
Me: Arghhhh! Ok, ok, I'm working on it. But I have writer's block.
Syaoran: Excuses.
Me: /shoves him out of the room/ Stay out of this!
Celtic Guardian: /taps his foot on the ground, arms crossed/
Me: /glare, vein popping/ Don't you dare.
Daisuke: Uh, not even I'm stupid enough to deal with a pissed off author.
Ken: /wisely pulls Daisuke from possible harm/ (no, not a Kensuke hint) Readers, please review. For our safety!
Me: Muses!
(BTW: If you want to understand this, you'll have to see the Author's note of my song fiction Blame it on the Weatherman)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Minuet
Saraia tossed and turned in her sleep, sinking into a deep trance that elves rarely went into. Sitting up, she gasped for breath as she wiped off sweat from her brow. Going to the window, she gazed out, flinging it open. A cool breeze came in and Saraia had a sudden desire to fly. Shifting into the shape of a falcon, she soared out, moonlight shining on her feathers.
Dia paced in his room. As one of shadows, he needed very little sleep. Running a hand through his black mane of hair, he sighed, feeling suddenly very weary. He was getting old, despite his youthful appearance, and the days ahead weren't helping.
Maybe I should consider going back to the Goddess, he mused to himself for a moment before chiding himself.
The Goddess took back only those She wished to come. She decided when one in Her service would return to her side. Pouring a glass of wine, he sniffed it before drinking it, just out of old habits. Hearing the cry of a falcon, he looked outside and saw a pure white falcon soar nearby his window. A trace of a smile flickered on Dia's lips. That was Saraia all right; he always seemed to recognize her in animal form.
~*~
"Perhaps you would like to visit the city?" Hikari suggested the next day to all of them. "Then we can show you some of the forests."
"It would be wonderful," Takeru said, looking at her with a certain emotion in his bright blue eyes. Saraia stifled a snicker. It was obvious the both of them liked each other. Yamato and Taichi looked amused as well.
They walked down to the city below, disguising their appearance so they resembled a group of people just having a brief outing. Taichi had to stay at the palace, Iori and Koushiro as well. Yamato had politely declined, preferring to stay at the palace with Daisuke and Dia. The rest found excuses to leave both Hikari and Takeru to be alone together.
"I need to bargain and find out something," Saraia said, walking off.
"It would be interesting to find out how they use magic here," Miyako said and Sora followed, along with Ken as well.
"That leaves us then," Takeru blushed as Hikari giggled.
"Come on, I want to show you this shop." She led him through a maze of streets.
A group of girls in scandalous and revealing clothing and decked out in cosmetics and jewelry gazed at Takeru hungrily from the doorway and windows of a building, until Hikari shot them all an icy glare to which they sniffed haughtily.
"I suppose I should know what trade they follow," Takeru said dryly.
"Prostitutes," she muttered with some distaste. "Come on."
She stopped by a closed door and tapped a soft rhythm on it. The door creaked open and she gestured to follow her. Inside, it was dimly lit and cool, with a vague spicy scent in the air, comforting and well adapted to the atmosphere. Piles of cushions and carpets were everywhere as silken hangings hung from the walls and ceiling.
"Hikari, so you came back and you brought a friend," a soft, slightly hoarse, voice came from a shadowed corner.
"Of course, this is Takeru."
A figure clad in silver rose gracefully. Whoever it was, he or she was completely covered, including a thin, full-length face veil of thin silver gauze. "Any friend of Hikari is a friend of mine. Care for some sherbet?"
"Yes, thank you," Takeru said. Was it just his imagination, or did the incense seem heavier for a moment, more like a blanket and sweeter? He blinked, and shook his head. The musical cascade of liquid falling into a cup came to his ears as the figure came bearing two goblets of the sweet drink. He took his and carefully sipped as Hikari removed her street veil of a simple brown cloth before drinking hers.
"Now, I see you came to play one of my instruments or explore one of my rugs?" the figure asked with amusement, voice now clearer.
"Yes, is it alright if I play the lap harp?"
"But of course, you almost always played it for all the days you have visited here." The silver clad figure slipped away like a ghost and returned bearing one of the most beautiful instruments Takeru had ever seen. It was a small harp made of forged silver that gleamed like solid moonbeams, each string perfectly made and supple, slim threads of silver. Set into the silver was gems, moonstones mostly but a few sapphires here and there. The figure gently handled the instrument like a child before handing it to Hikari. "Careful now, sing as well."
The princess took the instrument and strummed a few experimental chords. What came from the instrument was beautiful and ghostly at the same time, choruses of flutes and bird songs. She then started to play, singing in a soft, silvery voice. The song she sang was sad, of lost lovers and ages long past. Takeru was captivated by the music and was startled when it ended.
"That was. beautiful," he whispered.
She blushed. "The instrument's enchanted.. I think."
"Very true, and I want you to have this," the silver clad figure said, pressing Hikari's hands gently around the harp.
"But this is your most valuable instrument," Hikari protested, but her fingers tightened around the harp.
The figure laughed, a gentle, bubbling sound like water falling from a pitcher. "Music is so valuable when it is /shared/, Hikari. That is what makes it so beautiful, sharing it with others as well as playing for you alone. Keep it, it is drawn to you."
The instrument wrapped carefully in layers of silk and set within a carrying case, Hikari held it in her arms as she and Takeru bid the person good bye as they left. Watching them leave, the silver clad figure smiled from beneath layers of silk gauze. Young love was so innocent and they were meant for each other.
~*~
Saraia haggled a few more coppers off, the trader she was dealing with looking frustrated. She was an odd sight, especially because she was the only woman who wasn't wearing a veil about. She, Miyako, and Sora had refused to wear them. Obviously, women who didn't wear at least a sheer veil over the bottom half of their face weren't a very common sight.
Luckily elves were gifted the talent of varied tongues, so they understood all languages easily, therefore allowing her to bargain with the seller. The man was swearing that he was being impoverished. She raised an eyebrow, looking at the varied herbs she was purchasing. Then her eye caught an odd looking key, dirty and looking worthless. But her sharp elven senses detected odd carvings on it, as well as tiny gems.
"Alright, add that and I'll give you an extra silver coin," she told the trader, pointing to the key. Resigned, he packed her purchases as she paid him. Grumbling curses in Elven about mortal men, she strode out.
~*~
"Ah, so that's how they put magic into semi precious gems," Miyako nodded. "Very useful indeed."
"Often the rarer the stone, the better it will be in spells," Sora said, her hood covering the gold band around her head.
"True, rubies are known as protective stones and opals are the best at storing and generating magic, black being the top quality," Ken said.
"I would love to be able to do that," Miyako said.
"I can teach you the basics if you wish," Ken offered and she smiled. "Thank you."
Sora chuckled to herself. 'It seems like Takeru and Hikari aren't the only love birds around here.'
~*~
They went back to the palace some time later. Saraia gave the key to Koushiro and Iori to inspect.
"Fascinating, this metal seems like gold but is much lighter and harder than the usual kind," the red-haired mage said, inspecting it. Saraia then rubbed at it with a soft cloth and the dirt fell away easily, far too easily.
"This is Elven," she frowned, pointing out to a series of long, flowing delicately shaped letters. "'By moonlight seek the door, and starlight will reveal the entrance. Then the key shall turn, and the Orb shall form with the twelve.'"
"What in the world?" Koushiro mused.
"Hmm, if my legends are correct," the elf said, green eyes looking at the key. "It is referring to the Sapphire Orb. There is a substance that elves put upon rock to mark doors, it glows only at night. So there's a door that this key will open that will only be revealed at night."
"But what kind of door?" Iori asked.
"I am getting to that. The temple that holds the Sapphire Orb has no visible doors at all, according to legend. So first we have to find the door, then use this key to open it," Saraia said. "There are ten of the twelve already gathered in this palace, only two remain."
"Do you know all of their identities?" Koushiro asked eagerly.
"You, Iori, Sora, Taichi, Yamato, Miyako, Ken, Daisuke, Takeru, and Hikari," she rattled off swiftly, smiling. "And two more left."
"How can I be one of them?" the mage demanded.
Saraia shrugged. "No clue, sometimes we're just pawns on a chessboard. Try to drop hints to them, no need for Yamato and Daisuke, they already know."
"I'll try," Koushiro said. "I'll be doing some research."
Saraia nodded. "I have some work to do. The merchants here are little more than thieves!"
"Since when did elves have enterprising minds?" the mage said, raising an eyebrow.
"You haven't known her for very long," Iori put in quietly. "And I take it you don't know many elves."
Koushiro blinked before regaining his dignity and walking off, looking very much like an agitated cat. Saraia said that aloud, making Iori chuckle. Then she busied herself by unpacking her purchases.
"Sometimes mortals amuse me so greatly," she said, holding up a dried leaf to the light and examining it.
"It is nice to know how much we entertain you," Iori said dryly.
She laughed, a nice sound that people rarely heard from her. "I am just kidding." Then she put the herbs away. "I do hope I may see the forests around here. Some of my kind, distant relatives actually, live in Yagami among the tropical forests."
"That would be interesting," Iori agreed.
"Would you mind helping me with staff practice? I have too many things upon my mind and a good workout should help me better to concentrate and relax."
Iori blinked. "Of course. Just let me get my staff and change into something that is more suitable to that activity."
Saraia nodded. "Same here. Taichi told me that we could use the practice courts that the soldiers use. Maybe I can practice my archery as well. Meet me here then after you change."
They both separated. When they met each other again, Saraia was clad in a short-sleeved tunic of dark forest green and breeches of dark gray, and Iori was wearing something similar, only colored in faded beige. She had slung her bow and arrows on her back as the man was carrying his staff, the moon gem still embedded in the wood on top.
"You can borrow a staff there," Iori suggested and she nodded.
"Precisely, come on, he showed me where the training area was."
When they arrived there, only a few soldiers were there, milling around. Setting her bow and quiver down on a safe spot, Saraia set up a shield around it to protect them from harm. Then she snatched up a stray staff in a shed, making sure of its balance. Facing Iori, she nodded and the battle began.
They were both evenly matched and after exchanging furious blows, finally dealt with a draw. She then picked up her bow and quiver, heading toward the archery targets. A soldier stopped her.
"Where do you think you're going, wench? And not even with a veil for modesty."
"I am going to practice archery," she said quietly. "King Taichi allowed me access to the training areas at the palace."
"Ha, not likely," he sneered. "Do you even know how to hold the thing?"
"How about a match then between the both of you?" Iori asked crisply.
"Fine with me," Saraia said, shrugging.
"Good. Best out of three arrows," the soldier growled.
She smiled sweetly, a trace of icy distance in her beryl green eyes that hinted warningly not to take her lightly. The target was set up as the soldier got his own bow and arrows. It was a difficult one even for professionals, a white circle a foot and a half wide in diameter and with a bright red circle inside about six inches wide in diameter with a smaller white circle about an inch in diameter within that.
"You may go first," Saraia said politely, and grunting, the soldier shot his arrows slowly, one at a time.
Two arrows landed in the outer red and white circles and one landed in the dead center of the inner white circle. He smirked at her and said smugly, "Let's see you do better, girl. Someone has to put you back behind the veil where you belong."
She ignored him and plucked three arrows out of her quiver, handing two to Iori to hold for her. Stringing her bow with ease, she swiftly shot then snatched the arrows Iori handed her quickly, not needing to take her time with aim before shooting. The spectators nearby, who had gathered over time, gaped. Two arrows were embedded on either side of the arrow in the center, touching it exactly and the last split the soldier's arrow completely into two neat slivers of wood.
Saraia gazed at the soldier coolly. "Before you challenge someone, be prepared to meet the consequences. And for your information, women of my kind do not wear veils." Walking to the target, she jerked her arrows out and slipped them back into her quiver.
"I heard many legends of Elven skill in archery but it is another to see it take place," Taichi remarked mildly, leaning on a fence. The spectators jumped and bowed immediately to the monarch.
"That was just a mere exercise, your Majesty," Saraia said respectfully, bowing slightly. Despite the vast age difference, she felt some respect for him as well as a like for him.
"Please, I asked you to call me Taichi," he said warmly.
She raised a mild eyebrow but a trace of something like a smile flickered across her lips. "All right, Taichi."
*
That night, Hikari leaned against Takeru as they looked over the garden on a balcony.
"It's such a beautiful night," Hikari whispered.
The music of a flute reached her ears, Saraia was sitting on a wall nearby a fountain, playing a simple instrument constructed of finely forged silver. The moonbeams shone on the elf woman's hair, making the long blue green stands have a fine silver sheen and making her tunic and breeches seem smoother and softer, almost like silk, colored gray and green tinted silver. It was a picture like any child would imagine an elf to be.
"Not as beautiful as you," Takeru whispered then blushed.
"I beg your pardon?" Hikari blinked.
Dia walked below and looked up at her, moonlight shining on his white streaked raven colored hair. Instead of red, he was wearing black trimmed in silver. Saraia was still playing, but motioned to come up. He did, swiftly and easily running up the wall and landing beside her.
"I truly think you're beautiful, Hikari. Doesn't it mean sunlight?"
"Yes, and I thank you." She blushed.
"Hikari, I think you're the most wonderful woman in the world. Are you sure you weren't born an angel?"
"I highly doubt it." She laughed softly.
He leaned toward her. "There are so many qualities I can love you for. Your beauty, your compassion, your laugh, your spirit."
She smiled. "And you are gifted to have such honeyed and beautiful words, Takeru, as well as being so handsome and strong."
He then suddenly kissed her and she responded quickly, her arms wrapping around his neck as his wrapped around her waist. The two hardly noticed that the music of the flute had stopped and the player of the instrument was observing them with her companion.
*
Dia and Saraia watched the couple above with amusement. "Such a nice night for romance," Saraia sighed.
"Leave it to you to be a romantic," Dia grunted, but a twinkle was in his eyes.
"Do not even try to kiss me, Dia," she warned him.
"Perish the thought," he said mildly.
"Good, because I think of you only as a very close friend, nothing more. Why are you wearing black?"
Her companion shrugged. "I am of no place to question Her orders."
"The Goddess sent them?"
"Who else do you think? Are you sick, because I swear, you are sounding stupid."
"Sorry," Saraia muttered darkly.
"Besides, I have a bad feeling," he said softly, fingering the broadsword on his back.
"You too?" She turned to face him sharply.
"Death omens, no. Premonition: most likely yes, in my opinion anyway. Something nags me about what's in the far east of here."
She shrugged and touched his hand lightly. "It is our duty to help protect the twelve chosen, has not your Goddess told you that?"
"Apparently she smiles upon them and they are high in her favor."
"Me, I really have nowhere to go. I cannot really go home because there is nothing to do, except go on border patrols and mope about in the palace. But sometimes I miss my family." She sighed and he put a light hand on her shoulder.
"I wish I can attune to you more easily in those matters, Saraia."
"I deal with it easily, because I have my own family here, if not the kind of blood always."
Dia then dropped his hand from her shoulder and jumped down. "Get some rest, you need at least some."
"I just want to stay out here for a while," she said, swinging her legs.
"Suit yourself. Good night." Dia strode off. She watched him, then jumped down and went up to her room.
~*~
Takeru smelled the heavy, flower-scented air of the tropical forest and felt slightly thirsty. At least it was better than the desert, he reflected. The eleven (Taichi having to have been forced to stay at the palace for certain matters) riders rode on, a few guards trailing around. Saraia and Dia looked uneasy.
"Something wrong?" the blond asked the elf, who, over the short time he knew her, was becoming much like a sister to him. "I thought you would love to meet your kin who live around here."
"I do, but something isn't right," she responded tensely, her hand near her bow.
"I agree," Dia growled, not looking the slightest bit uncomfortable in his raven black clothing.
No sooner than they said that, then a group of the strangest creatures ambushed them. They were black skinned and frightfully ugly, with gruesome, grotesque faces and scarred, muscular bodies, all of them bearing weapons.
"Orcs!" Saraia snarled, already shooting her arrows and bringing down many.
"I thought they were myths!" Hikari yelled, holding on for dear life on her frightened horse.
"Well, keep an open mind, princess!" the elf woman shouted and shot an orc just about to ambush Hikari.
Daisuke, Yamato, Ken, Iori, and Dia were lashing out with weapons as well. Koushiro put his hands together, closed his eyes, and shouted, "Lightning Blaze!" Brilliant beams of lightning struck out several orcs, but more took their place.
"Hikari!" Takeru screamed and let out one of his most devastating attacks. "Hope Mantra!" Glowing runes decimated the orcs around Hikari.
Miyako and Sora were fighting fiercely, back to back, obviously used to that sort of fighting, with both magical and physical attacks.
"Storm Blades!" Miyako cried, invisible, fine knives of air cutting into her opponents.
"Blind Sight!" Sora shouted; her enemies blinded by the attack and she finished them off.
Slowly but surely, the ranks of the orcs were thinning but the fighters were getting tired. Saraia shrieked in pain suddenly as a moment's carelessness cost her three fingers on her left hand. Rather than nursing the stumps and risking the loss of precious time, she fought on with more viciousness than ever, bringing down more of the enemy. The remaining orcs were then shot where they stood with arrows, but not from Saraia's bow.
Elves jumped down from the canopy. They were different than Saraia, having hair of dark brown or black and blue eyes.
"I am sorry we were unable to come more quickly," one who was presumably the leader said, bowing.
"It is alright," Saraia said politely through gritted teeth, looking for a kerchief or a cloth to wrap her bleeding hand in and wipe off blood.
"Saraia! Are you alright?" Hikari asked worriedly.
"I will be fine. Attend to the others first. Daisuke has a nasty scalp wound you or Sora should look to."
Dia was wiping off his broadsword of the brackish, foul black orc blood. "I hate orcs," he said flatly.
"That's what you say all the time," Iori said, cleaning a shallow cut on his hand.
A sharp flare of pink magic came from Hikari's and Daisuke's direction. Takeru nursed several long but shallow wounds around his body. One of the elves went to Daisuke.
"The orcs often poison their swords, let me apply an antidote if needed," he told him.
"Fine," Daisuke shrugged, nothing left of the wound, and drank down the cool liquid the elf handed him, handing it around to Takeru and Iori, as well as others who had sustained injuries.
Saraia was having a quiet conference with the elves' leader when Hikari walked to her to check on her hand, and gaped in shock and surprise. For where the bleeding stumps of the elf's middle finger, index finger, and thumb used to be, there were whole, new fingers with nothing to mark what had happened to the elf except a bit of dried blood on her hand.
"Saraia, what happened?" she stammered. "I swear that your fingers were."
"Cut off?" Saraia smiled wryly, moving her fingers gingerly as if they were merely stiff. "Yes they were. But my magic centers on animals and I can take qualities of animals themselves. I borrowed the ability from certain reptiles that are able to regenerate tails and thus, my fingers are back. I've done this several times, therefore being rather experienced in it, but it is rather uncomfortable at times."
"Not even the most powerful Healers can completely regenerate limbs," Hikari choked, turning pale.
"I can only do this for my own body," Saraia said, examining her new fingers. "No need to be so afraid. I am sorry if it disturbs you." Her tone was comforting as she looked at Hikari with kind eyes. Then she turned to the male elf and resumed her conversation in Elven.
Shaking her head, Hikari staggered and nearly fell if Takeru didn't catch her. "What's the matter?"
"All of this killing and maiming that happened," she whispered. "How can some people take it so coolly? And why do people and creatures love bloodshed so much? And I am just like them."
"Maybe they're used to it," Takeru shrugged. "But sometimes, to protect the ones you love, you have to do things you normally do not want to do." He then embraced her. "You are never like that, never at all. You are pure and innocent, always."
"We of the Islands do not like killing," Sora said softly, prodding the dead body of an orc with her foot. "But we do it to defend our homeland."
"Our home is not within the Islands themselves, they are within our people, and we will willingly die for one another," Miyako said, adjusting the bandage on Ken's arm.
"If you need to throw up, do it behind the bushes over there. There's nothing wrong with it," Dia said in a gruff, but surprisingly gentle voice. "Even the greatest warriors have secret fears. So let me guess, you saw the elf lady regenerate her fingers?"
Bile rose in Hikari's throat but she shook her head for the first question and nodded in agreement with the second, suppressing the feeling. "It's alright, I will be fine. I just." Then she fainted in Takeru's arms.
"I wouldn't blame her, the first time I saw her do that, I threw up myself," Daisuke said, looking concerned for Hikari. "Then again, I saw her completely regenerate them in front of my eyes. Nasty, and I'll be blessed if I never see that happen again." He shuddered.
"Your friends may come back with us to our city," the male elf told Saraia. "It is in a way of apology for not for coming sooner, my cousin."
"It is alright, Garlath," she responded. "You did your best. We all need to get cleaned up and some need healing. I will contact Taichi through messenger bird, so he does not go on a rampage, raging for his sister."
She whistled an odd cry and a brightly colored parrot swooped down from the trees. After exchanging a few words with it, Saraia scribbled down a message onto some parchment and gave it to the bird. With a slightly harsh cry, the red and blue bird flew off.
~*~
Hikari woke up to hear the soft, melodious singing of the elves drifting into her ears and Takeru's anxious face by her side.
"Takeru?" she whispered.
"Hikari, you're alright!" He embraced her.
"Where are we?"
"At the sanctuary of the elves, who offered us their hospitality most graciously..."
"Then this is."
"Yes it is."
"I'm finally in Lythien," she whispered. "One of the great cities of the elves. Goddess, it is like a tale come to life."
"Then I suppose I would be a tale." Saraia's voice came from the doorway, along with her gentle chuckle. "A feast is being held, would you mind going? It would be best if you change, your other clothes are being mended. My cousin is a most gracious elf."
"You mean you're related to Garlath, the Lord here?" Takeru asked, eyes wide. "Then you're most definitely Elven nobility."
She smiled, albeit a bit wryly. "He's my cousin, just a few centuries older than me." She was wearing a simple long dress that reached just above her ankles and had a high collared neck. The cuffs of trousers peeped under it. Garbed in dark forest green that accented her eyes and hair with bits of silver trimming, she looked dignified, also wearing an elaborate silver and emerald circlet around her brow. Her emerald necklace was out, shining and sparkling like gleaming, frozen pieces of forest and solid green fire. Her hair was immaculately and intricately styled into a high knot with two decorous thin strands of hair framing her face. "There are clothes in the closet, for both genders, do hurry, it is not polite to keep elves waiting." She then turned and walked away, shutting the door politely after her.
Hikari looked at Takeru meaningfully, and he blushed, hurrying out the door hastily. When he returned in, Hikari was clad in a simple gown of a creamy white, arranging her hair into a braid. Takeru hastily dressed in a side room and emerged wearing a long sleeved leaf green velvet tunic and leggings of a slightly darker color.
"You look like an elf yourself," she teased him gently. "All you need are the pointed ears."
"Thank you for the compliment."
He lightly kissed her on the cheek and offered her his arm. Giggling, she took it. A passing elf directed them to their destination, looking amused. They entered a gracefully designed hall that was meant to be cool in temperature and full of light. At a table, their friends were already waiting for them, dressed in clothes in the style of the elves except for Dia. The Elf lord was sitting at the head with Saraia by his left side and wearing more elaborate clothing than what he was wearing out in the forest. He was busy in conversation with Saraia, a braided gold circlet around his head and his long, dark hair neatly arranged.
Looking up, he nodded graciously to Hikari and Takeru and directed them to seats at the table. "It is rare that mortal men visit our halls in such numbers, but we offer you our hospitality nonetheless." With a gesture, elves then gracefully set down plates of food in front of the guests.
"I thank you for your hospitality, my brother and I knew of elves, but not of a whole city here," Hikari said politely.
Garlath smiled, his eyes sparkling and wise. "We elves know how to avoid unwanted eyes and company when we wish. But perhaps we should have a word with your brother and his kingdom."
"Cousin," Saraia chuckled, gently chiding. "It is often not wise to speak of diplomacy and politics while one's guests are dining."
"True, so your father's and brother's influence have finally revealed themselves. No matter what, you are a princess, Saraia," he answered, gazing at her seriously yet fondly with his mysterious eyes.
She looked slightly annoyed at him as the members of the group who did not know her true heritage froze and stared at her. "I try to keep that information as little spread as possible, cousin." Her voice was ever so slightly stiff but she turned to them with an apologetic smile. "Continue to eat, my friends. I am not of that much of importance in my family, not even being the Heir."
"My apologies. I see you now bear the Gems of Fyora around your neck, as the princesses and queens of past generations have proudly borne them."
She looked more mollified but sorrowful as she stroked the necklace. "Life is a hard and high price to pay for a necklace of lifeless gems, cousin."
"Ah, you are right," he agreed then frowned. "Dark elves to the further north? That is unsettling news."
She sighed, pushing away her plate, which was barely touched and got up. "Please, I need to be alone for a while, Garlath." She then strode out of the room, skirts billowing.
Dia got up, but Garlath stopped him. "Please, when my cousin says something like that, it is best if you let her be."
"Why is she so troubled?" Miyako asked quietly.
"It is of her will to tell you," the elf lord said, his eyes with hidden sorrow. "Please, do not let that disturb you from your meal."
They ate in silence for the rest of the meal, and then got up. Koushiro and Iori were eager to find a library, and graciously, the Elf lord directed them to the place. The rest, he guided a tour throughout the city and the forests all around. Dia, Ken, Miyako, and Daisuke were wandering around after the tour and Dia's sharp senses heard someone crying softly. In a tree, Saraia was up in one of the lower branches, her face buried in her hands.
"Saraia?" Dia called up softly and gently. "What is the matter?"
"Go away, it does not concern you," her muffled, half choked voice reached them.
"Please, Saraia, we are your friends, we want to help you," Miyako said, in a surprisingly soft and compassionate voice.
"Nobody can understand this," she called down, turning away.
"Saraia, I've been with you through thick and thin, I'd think I've learned at least something about you during that time," Daisuke said.
"Even if we are not sure about how you feel exactly, we will do our best to offer the best of advice or comfort," Ken called up to her. "But it is your decision whether or not to accept it."
She slowly climbed down, her face streaked with tears. "I am a Kinslayer. Dark elves may have been of ill intent, but still, I killed them."
"It wasn't your fault," Dia said quietly. "It was us or them, and unfortunately it had to be us, and it wasn't just you who killed them."
"Their blood paints my hands," she whispered.
Miyako put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Let me tell you a tale. A child was once born long ago to the Amazons and abandoned by her mother carelessly. After, a kind woman with no child of her own adopted her into her family. When her blood mother, who had borne daughters before her, rebelled against the Queen of the Amazons, the girl fought to protect her queen, for she was the one who had taken her in when her blood mother had left her to die. They fought ruthlessly, face to face. Finally, the daughter gave her mother the killing blow. As the mother died, she asked, 'How could you do this to your own family?' The daughter answered, 'Because you are not my mother.' What kind of a mother would abandon her child to survive when helpless? We of the Amazons, the relationship of flesh and blood do not matter in bonds between kin, bonds of soul and heart do. The Dark elves are related to you however distantly, but they are never your kin. Maybe of flesh, but never of soul or heart."
Saraia gazed at Miyako with a new respect. "I thank you."
The shaman smiled gently, taking off her spectacles. "When Queen Sora took me in and treated me like her own blood kin, she became my heart sister. You see, what you did was not the slaying of kin, your highness, it was something you had to do to protect those you considered dear family to your heart and soul."
"Try not to get too depressed," Daisuke, said. "It just isn't like you, Saraia."
"Do you feel better, Saraia?" Dia asked quietly.
"Much. I think I am going to practice at the archery range for a while. Oh, and by the way, Miyako, Ken, there is a very nice waterfall and pool to visit at this time of night; it is not too far away. Why not visit?" She winked at them and walked off. Dia followed her and Daisuke walked off to the main building, yawning.
Ken blushed as Miyako looked embarrassed. "Well, that was interesting," Miyako said. "I think we should visit it though."
"A fine idea, my lady. After you." He bowed to her and she walked toward the sound of water.
Very nice was an understatement for the area that they reached. Water cascaded down in a series of terraces before falling gracefully down in a long fall and fell into a pond that was relatively quiet other than that. Water lilies floated serenely at the edges of the shores. Silver moonlight shone on everything as soft sounds of Elven music and birdsong floated in the air.
"Such a romantic place," Miyako sighed. "It is just like a dream."
"It is almost, a tale as well, being with elves," Ken said and Miyako raised an eyebrow at him.
"Were you just joking?"
"Of course, my lady," he smiled gently at her. It was the first time she ever saw him smile, and it smoothed his face, made it seem more innocent.
She laughed softly and pushed away a lock of his hair. "You should smile more, sir ambassador, it suits you."
"Please, call me Ken." He gently grasped her hand in his own. For a warrior's hand, it was surprisingly soft and smooth with few calluses, fine boned and well defined he noticed. "And you should laugh more."
Her heart leapt. "If you call me Miyako."
"Indeed." His face was near hers, his breath scented with mint and sweet wine. She shivered involuntarily. Good Artemis, what was going on? She stepped back slightly.
"Please, we should be outside."
"Such a night for love. and lovers," he whispered and lightly kissed her. "I -I am so sorry."
"For what?" she asked, dazed and surprised from the action.
"I do not want to take advantage of you," he stammered and turned away. "And your culture."
She gently turned him to face her. "It is alright, my vows to Artemis can be relinquished, as can any Amazon's."
"Are you saying you love me?" he asked.
"Yes, if you return the feelings," she answered and kissed him. Their kiss was long and sweet and they separated, his arms embracing her.
"I do not think we are ready-" Ken started but she nodded and pressed a gentle hand on his lips.
"It is not yet the time to share a bed. Someday it will come however, and I anticipate it to great extent." She smiled and lightly kissed him. Then she turned and walked away.
Saraia and Dia watched from the trees above, looking highly amused. "You are a dastardly matchmaker," he mock accused her, pointing.
"I am not," she responded in indignation, but her eyes were twinkling. "I only gave them a little 'push.'"
"Ha, you elves like to meddle, don't you?"
"Not as much as you," she retorted. "But that was sweet."
"Don't get too sentimental on me please."
"Oh give it a rest already."
"Someone is a bit more vindictive and ambitious once they get over self pity."
She made a face but turned sorrowful. "That event is not something to be taken lightly, Dia."
"I understand." In a surprising gesture of kindness, he put his hand on her shoulder and she smiled.
"What will I be without my friends, Dia?"
The singing and laughter of the elves hung like a peaceful, soft blanket over the forest, but beyond the protections of magic and light, things best left unnamed scuttled about in darkness.
