Missed me, eh? I haven't been working on the story recently (schoolwork and what-not), but I've finally found time to update. Here is the next episode - no fights, sadly.
{On The Hill ~ Kaze wo Kanjite ~ and opening animation plays....}
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Log 17: Heartland Farm
The evening passed quickly; Keith, in his angelic form, stood watch in Kathryn's room, watching her sleep as he held avellonis in his hands. The staff now had a cresent-moon crystal at its head, to denote Miharoshiandagia's presence.
At dawn, Fallon cracked open the door to the guest suite, finding the angel at relaxed attention watching the door. She stepped inside, arraying her lavender dressing gown. "Chieftan Wyvern told me you were here, lord angel," she whispered.
Keith nodded. "Yes, duchess." He stared intently at Fallon's hard purple eyes. "She told you that I now possess your former blade, Miharoshiandagia, did she not?"
"Miharo - oh, the Moonstone. Yes. You may have it - I'm no longer a Jewel Rider, and I cannot wield it any longer. It is yours, lord...."
"Keythedrian," Keith finished. "Thank you."
"The only Oblivion Gate in Denbridge is the one at the palace, and only invited guests use it," Fallon told Kathryn, Derrik, and Keith at the Oblivion Gate outside Fanasia that morning. "I suggest you visit the Herald - she is a friend of mine."
"Who is she?" Derrik asked.
"Tamara. She heads a farm in the Rivendells, near Denbridge. I have given word to her of your arrival - she will arrange an audience with the queen."
"Thank you," Kathryn smiled. "I hope to see you again."
The duchess laughed a hearty chuckle, like that of a man. "Don't worry, I'm sure you will." She turned to Keith with a grin. "Take care of her, Lord Keythedrian."
"I shall - I must," the angel replied.
With a silent request to the four tress of the Oblivion Gate, Keith opened a portal to the wild magic. He led Derrik through, then, after Kathryn activated Xariandagia's armor, he accompanied the sultana through the gate. In a flash of light, the portal vanished, leaving Fallon waving at the empty air.
Tamara, Herald to the Denbridgan queen, former Jewel Rider, and keeper of Heartland Farm in the Rivendells, was preparing rosehip tea when she heard a rapping on her cottage door. "Tizigane, open the door, would you?" she called, pouring hot water into a teapot.
A young girl, maybe in her twenties, ran from her room to the door, her forest-green dress rustling. She was like her mother, with pinkish hair and soft green eyes. She unbolted the door, opening it to reveal the three people outside.
"We must apologize," a tall man in the rear, holding a quarterstaff in his hands, said simply. "I come in the presence of Sultana Kathryn of--"
The girl - Tizigane - smiled. "Mother! Your guests are here!"
She backed out of the doorway to make room for her mother, dressed in a dress similar to hers. "Greetings," the older one said. "I am the Herald Tamara of Denbridge - formerly of Avalon. You must be Kathryn, Derrik, and ..." - she peered outside the dor, finding the tall man's wings enveloping the young ruler and her general - "... Lord Keythedrian. Come inside, I have some tea ready."