1. My thanks to archmore and Shy-Shadow Reckless, who reviewed the last chapter. Everyone else who reads this story should thank them too; I was about to postpone the posting of the 2nd part of the trilogy until someone reviews "Shiera" (and trust me, after this interlude, you'll really want to get your hands on the next part). The threat is still there, people, so review!
2. I haven't noticed it before, but it's ever so ironic that "Farewell" was supposed to air on Valentine's day. And if anyone wonders why the title to that chapter isn't taken from its theme lyrics – "Farewell" is the track preceding "A Love Before Time" on the soundtrack.
INTERLUDE
Ecliptor have just finished the last round of his patrol, and as everything was in perfect order, he made his way back to his apartment. The quarters level of the Dark Fortress was quiet and deserted, as Quantrones were not admitted to this area of the space station, save on direct command. The corridor was perfectly still and dark, most soothing in Ecliptor's mind.
His nerves prickled. Before he could think Intruder, he heard the swish of a sword. It came from Shiera's rooms. He dashed down the corridor, glad more than ever that none other was present. He arrived just in time, however, to hear the unmistakable clang! of metal on metal.
The door was open. Hesitantly, he entered the room. Shiera's things were there, but the girl herself was missing. A ray of moonlight, coming through the single window, illuminated a small disc-like object lying on the floor. It was the fall – or rather, drop – of this object that made the clanking sound he heard.
He picked it up. It shone and glittered in his palm. He looked at it miserably. This is not good news, he thought. I must go and tell the princess. With a heavy sigh, he returned to the corridor and made his way to the princess's quarters. Shiera was taken.
He was woken by a kiss, he was sure of that, but when he opened in eyes there was no other person in his room. In the gloom darkness, his eyes made out a shape lying on his bedside closet, that wasn't there when he forced himself into bed. He lit the bedside lamp, and his jaw dropped in surprise.
One white rose and three red clovers, and below them a neatly folded sheet of paper. Carlos set up. The flowers were tied together with two ribbons, green and black. He shifted them with a shaking hand and picked the note. Something fell from the folded paper, but Carlos ignored it for the moment. He took in Shiera's writing.
Hi Love,
I'm ever so sorry for worrying you like that. I had to go – I'll explain it all when I come back.
But of course I'll come back to you. I love you. I just have to be away for a while, but not for long. And yes, you broke the spell, though I have no idea how you ever found out. As you did, please bring Emma flowers in my name. Lilies are her favorites, and I usually bring some of the red clovers too: they stand for loyalty and commitment.
Take Care, Love,
Shiera.
p.s. there's a message that should get to Zhane. Tell him they'll return when the sun changes.
Carlos read the note five times before putting it down and picking the object that fell from it. It was made from some sort of glistening, golden metal, which was very light nonetheless, about 5 cm in diameter. Within the thin metallic circle, the attacking figure of a fiery bird of pray was depicted. It was a symbol of some sort, but it meant nothing to him. He put it down and picked the flowers.
The implied attention behind the pick of flowers, and the entwined ribbons that held them together, sent warmness all through his body. The flowers were almost buds, and would last a considerable time. He breathed in the soft scent. I love you too.
Next time: the second part of the "Shadow Line Trilogy" – "Karone"!
The Rangers deal with the aftershock of everything that happened in "Shiera"; Astronema follows her heart; Phoenix interfere again, and sets Andros on the path to his sister; and the twelve-years-long burden of silence grows heavier on Zhane's shoulder, as it is about to be lifted…