Four Souls: Deception
Author's Note: 10/24/03: Alright, technically I'm not horribly proud of this story anymore, as it was written when I was… oh, 13-14. But I just wanted to at least finish it off. Since the story is actually finished, I will post the remaining chapters, just to get it done and up. Hope you enjoy, regardless of the far to many original characters and screwyness.
PS: all other author's notes are from when I actually wrote the series. This one was just changed to give an update…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Van sighed heavily. Ever since he had returned to Fanelia messengers had poured through the gates, eager to speak with him or his generals. Three days, that was all it had been since their return and already he had held audience for at least 50 different emissaries from other provinces. Each one bore the same message: Bandit attacks have grown more frequent then usual, please send aid. Van knew what was behind this; it had to be Aloran's troops. The rebel general had been altogether to quiet lately and the attacks seemed too synchronized to have been an uprising of the usual rebel bands. What worried him the most was the lack of attacks on Fanelia. There had been one or two outlaw assaults, (Jade's note: 0_0 was it gene? ^_^(she's an Outlaw Star fan…)) nothing out of the ordinary, but all of the culprits had been found and either executed or sentenced to life in prison.
The most disturbing part was the lack of attacks by one of Fanelia's more infamous bandits, Marek. Van had been sending men out to find him for months. Those who came back alive told stories of horrific proportions. Many mentioned a monster with golden eyes and fangs; some even went far enough to say he was a demon. Van had guessed he must be some sort of beast-man. His old friend Rhum, had sent scouts out as well to find this man and so far none had returned. The only thing that kept Van from hunting this madman down himself was his advisors. Marek's lack of appearance lately bothered Van intensely. It was almost certain that he had joined Aloran, and now both were plotting against Fanelia, but there was no sign of where they had gone. It was a mystery he'd have to figure out soon, or else Fanelia might suffer a severe blow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lia had been unusually distant since their arrival. She'd go off on her own for hours at a time, just wandering the forests. The last two nights, Amana had seen her wake up screaming in the night, but Lia'd never mention it. This was one of those times when Amana severely wished she could speak to other humans. Lia seemed to be the only one with a gift for mind speech. She knew Van and Hitomi could mind speak with each other, but their telepathy didn't seem to extend beyond that. Aletta, now that girl showed some promise. If Amana could get Lia to train her, than maybe she'd be able to mind speak as well. Aurg! Mages! They were so secretive it was infuriating. Why couldn't they just admit they needed human companions?
Amana had nearly sworn to scratch Lia's eyes out if she turned Jeris down one more time. He was a perfect match for her. Now if only that would get through Lia's thick mage head! Lia had often told her that a relationship between the two of them would only end in heartbreak. So what? A fully trained Master Mage would be easily of equal status to a younger prince. But no, Lia had told her many a time that humans wouldn't accept a mage as a prospective princess. It all had to do with Lia's low rank. If she had been noble born, than things might have been different. How could Amana tell Lia that she was noble born, that her mother had been one of the most powerful mages in the realm? Lia would never believe it and if she did, the news would shock the girl beyond all hope. How could she tell Lia that her true destiny lay as heir to the dragon clan? This whole mess was going to take a lot of work…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Aletta followed Merle through the palace gardens. The cat-girl had been guiding her around the palace, showing her all the choice catnap spots (sounds good ^_^). As the two approached the gateway to an old shrine, they saw Lia enter. The girls hid behind the wall to watch. Lia continued towards the Fanelian family shrine. She seemed more distracted then usual, appearing to glance at things moving about in the air. She opened her mouth, as if speaking to something only she could see. Aletta and Merle were to far away to make out her words, but they heard the rustling in the bushes behind them quite clearly. "What are you two doing here?" asked Van.
"Um, nothing… Merle was just giving me a tour," Aletta stammered. Van glanced at them, and then looked through the gateway to where Lia stood.
"What's going on?"
"We don't know, Lia just walked in like she was in a trance or something and started talking to air." Merle's tail was twitching.
"She's not talking to air, I think she can see the spirits who dwell here," Van said quietly.
"Spirits?" Aletta looked wide-eyed to where Lia stood. A ripple in the air in front of her caught Aletta's eye. There was something there! Aletta blinked, and the movement disappeared. "There…there really are spirit's there." Van nodded, and then began walking toward the shrine. He stopped as he got close enough to see whom Lia was speaking to. Why was Lia talking to Folken's spirit? Both Lia and Folken turned when they heard him gasp. Folken smiled and beckoned him closer.
It's been a while, Van.
"Brother? What's going on?"
"Your brother was telling me about Aloran. It seems they worked together for some time." Lia didn't seem so distant now.
He was an ambitious one. If he'd had the opportunity, I'm sure he would have tried to take control of Zaibach. He didn't have the contacts I had.
"So you knew Aloran?" Van asked, confused again.
Yes, for a short time. He was one of the lower ranked sorcerers working under Dornkirk. He was involved in many of the fate-experiments done on children. Possibly even Dilandau's.
"So that's how he knew what to do with Jeris." Lia was deep in thought, worry creasing her face.
Most likely. I have to admit, the idea was ingenious. To create a telepathic bond between a person and their gymelef without the need to merge would have some extreme advantages. Van was shocked.
"You mean he has the same kind of control I have with Escaflowne, but doesn't feel the gymelef's pain?"
Exactly.
"But why chose Jeris? I mean a prince wouldn't be easy to find," said Lia.
The royal family of Lavia traditionally has gifts of their own. Now the Phoenix family has nowhere near as much power as the Dragon family, but both have draconian blood, and therefore the potential for unusual abilities. It's very possible that Jeris was telepathic before he was kidnapped, and Aloran somehow extended the gift to his gymelef. It's obvious that Aloran was trying to create a fighter who could destroy Escaflowne if it were necessary. If Aloran were after the kind of power Zaibach had two years ago, then Escaflowne would be considered an obstacle to overcome.
"But Escaflowne is still asleep," explained Van, hoping to keep his gymelef safe.
Aloran doesn't know you won't reawaken it. Jeris was probably being used as a precaution. I'm guessing that Jeris had a stronger gift than Aloran had expected if he's in Fanelia.
"That or just a very stubborn mind. A non-gifted person can still break a memory spell if they have help and if their mental power exceeds the power put into the charm. Jeris never had a gift worth training though," said Lia.
You're the mage. I suppose you know more about that matter then I. I'm presuming you helped him free.
"I did, Aloran's spell was a bit sloppy," said Lia, snickering softly.
Aloran created the spell? I never knew he was a mage.
"Not a very good one, he seemed a little out of practice."
I'm going to have to think this over…
"Then we'll see you again sometime." Lia smiled as Folken began to disappear. Van gazed after his brother's spirit, than turned to look at Lia.
"How did you know?"
"Know what?" Lia asked.
"How are you able to see them?" Lia grinned at Van's question.
"It's a basic part of mage-craft. I've always been able to see them. A sign of a potential mage is the ability to see spirits and other elemental creatures." Van glanced at the gateway, where Aletta and Merle were still watching.
"Let's go," he said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that evening Van found Hitomi in the halls. He hadn't really had a chance to speak with her since they'd arrived. He'd been busy with state matters. Hitomi looked up at him as he approached. "Van, are you ok?" the shorthaired girl asked.
"I'm fine, just confused," said Van, knowing he couldn't hide his feelings, or his tired spirit, from her even if he wanted to. Hitomi cocked her head.
"What's wrong?" she asked. Van let out an exasperated sigh.
"I don't know, Lia's confusing me again," he said, shaking his head. Hitomi giggled.
"She seems to have that effect on most of us. What's bothering you? You seem, I don't know, distant." Van sat down on the windowsill.
"I don't get it, but for some reason I feel like I've met her before. I know I've met Jeris. I mean, most people have met their cousins sometime in their life. He remembers it, but with me and Lia, it's like we know each other but neither of us can remember meeting." He squinted at the polished floor-stones, trying and failing to picture they're meeting.
"Maybe you were very young," said Hitomi, trying to help.
"Maybe, but how is that possible if she's never been out of Lavia?" Hitomi was about to comment when she slipped into a vision trance. She was in Fanelia, in the back garden of the palace actually. She could see Van and his brother Folken, all many years younger. With them were Varie, the woman Hitomi had seen in the vision of the boat and her children, and another woman with a son. Varie called out to her sons to come greet their guests. Folken had obviously recognized the unknown boy, who looked a bit like Jeris, but much younger. Varie and the strange woman embraced as if they were family. The other three were greeted more formally. The woman and Varie embraced as friends, not family and the children either bowed or, in the girl's case, curtsied wobbling. Van and the boy who Hitomi guessed to be young Jeris beckoned to the third boy and the little girl who both followed them. On that note the vision ended. Van was looking at her, a bit worried, but understanding.
"What did you see?" he asked
"I think you may have met Lia before, with her older brother. I had a vision where they were here, in Fanelia with Jeris and your aunt I think. You and Folken were in the garden and your mother introduced you to them." Hitomi was feeling a little faint. Van, noticing her wobbly stance, pushed away from the window and led her towards a hall bench. Hitomi smiled, gratefully.
"How did you know it was Lia?" Van asked.
"I've had other visions of her past. Always when she's under the age of six. You know, it's sad, but Lia doesn't remember anything before her seventh birthday. I wonder what it would be like to have no idea who your real parents are…" Hitomi trailed off.
"It's possible there's more to her than she or any of us know. Now that you mention it, I do remember that meeting vaguely. I think I was five. Aunt Malana and Jeris visited with the queen of Lavia and her two youngest children. But, if that were true than wouldn't that mean…"
"Yes, it would mean that Lia is the true heir to the Lavian throne. It does mean that."
"You don't mean these visions are true do you?" Van was completely shocked.
"My visions have never lied to me. I know it sounds crazy, so lets just keep it to our selves for now."
"Good idea," said Van, "Do you need any help getting back to your room?"
"No I'm fine, thanks though." Hitomi got up to leave "Van?" she said timidly, turning shyly around to face him. Van looked at her quizzically. Hitomi smiled. "Thanks for listening."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Another messenger arrived at sundown. Van saw him in the throne room. "Your majesty Van Slanzar de Fanel, I bear a message from a merchant convoy requesting the assistance of a healer," said the man, nervously. It was apparent that the courier didn't know how to act around royalty.
"What is the situation?" Van asked.
"I thank you for hearing our plea milord," (Van was visibly groaning from the pleasantries.) "Our leader has taken ill through an infection. We would request that a skilled healer be sent back with us to tend to him. He has been ill for seven days now and the infection is too far along for our own healer to handle." Van turned to see Lia stepping out from behind a curtain near the wall, obviously eavesdropping. Van was just hoping she would keep the situation official. Lia spoke up with a slight bow.
"With your leave, your majesty, I will handle the situation." Van was relived to find she knew how to handle herself during a formal meeting.
"I thank you. Sir, this is Lia-ani Landen, a visiting healer. She will help you. If it is convenient, you will leave in the morning." The messenger bowed and was led out by one of the guards. Van relaxed deeply, losing himself in the oversized throne.
"I get the impression that you don't like formal confrontations much," said Lia, approaching the impressive dais.
"Two years, and I'm still not used to this. By the way, why did you want to go with him?"
"I think I've seen him before in Port Orian and, if I recall correctly, there is no trading convoy that runs between Lavia and Fanelia. I want to see what's really going on." Lia was smirking with pleasure at her own cunning.
"If there's something behind this than you shouldn't go alone," said Jeris from a chair near the wall. He tried, but failed to hide his frustrated frown. He didn't like the situation. Lia and Van both balked, neither had seen him. "I'm going with you." Van stared rather dumbly for a moment, then regained his composure an explained in an annoyed voice,
"Jeris, we can't risk the only known heir to the Lavian throne in a situation like this! If you're killed, then your people will be without anyone to unite them."
"I can take care of myself, Jeris. Van's right, you're safer here," Lia spoke just as forcefully. Jeris stood up and walked swiftly over to them. He directly met Lia's gaze.
"Lia, if you get yourself killed over this I'll never forgive you for going alone." Lia looked down.
"Jeris… they know I'm a mage. They wouldn't have asked for a healer that skilled if they had expected someone without a healing gift. I have no need to hide my powers from them." The muffled thump of hearing oaken doors closing sounded across the room as the four former dragon slayers walked in.
"If your worried Jeris, we'll go with her," called Aethan. Jeris looked at them.
"You're sure? You'll keep her safe for me?" Jeris sounded worried now.
"Don't worry, we weren't chosen to be slayers because we're pushovers," Mandan grinned ferociously.
"Alright, then you'll leave tomorrow morning." Van ended the discussion. Jeris glared at his cousin, but left quietly with Lia behind him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning saw Lia and the slayer boys up early. They met the messenger at the palace gate and set off on horseback. It turned out that the trading convoy was closer to the capital than they had expected. This made Lia even more cautious. If the messenger's people were trustworthy, they would have brought their leader to the capital instead of leading them out into the woods. Aethan shared her concerns. The situation didn't look secure. The camp itself seemed comfortable and safe, but that only troubled the small group more. Yaren discreetly counted the number of men in the convoy, calculating the odds. Mandan rode up beside him. "How does it look?" the bigger boy asked.
"Not good, there's to many for us alone. You think they planned this?" Yaren questioned, feeling more and more paranoid.
"Wana bet money on that?" Yaren grinned at his friend in response.
"There's no point, I always win anyway," Yaren said, shamelessly bragging. Mandan sighed.
"That's only cause you cheat," said Mandan. Yaren's grin widened.
"Hey, what's a thief to do? Heads up, someone's coming." The pair urged their mounts to catch up to the other three of their band. The group was approached by two young men from the main tent. Both were unarmed, other than the odd matching metal staffs griped in their hands. Lia pulled up next to Aethan and Owean.
"They're mages, I'll bet my gift on that. They're really ready for us this time," she cautioned them under her breath. The taller of the two young men spoke up.
"You are the healer?" he asked, fixing his unnerving silver gaze on hers. Lia nodded. "Then come with us please." Lia dismounted and followed the two supposed mages. Aethan and Owean tried to follow her but she shook her head, motioning for them to stay put. Lia was led into a small tent. In the center, on a surprisingly unimpressive wooden cot, lay an older man. Lia knelt down and checked his pulse; only to lay hands on cold, limp flesh.
"This man has been dead for at least two days…" she stated calmly without turning around. "I've had enough of this game."
"Serves you right for being so gullible. You were easy to fool." The younger mage was grinning. Lia twisted her mouth into a cold grin.
"You think I couldn't tell this was a trap? You're the fools. You basically told me you knew of my powers by asking me to come. It was obvious."
"You think we'll give you a chance to use them?" The two released blots of lighting at Lia, hitting her before she could react. The power of the blasts knocked her unconscious.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jeris jumped up with a start, nearly upsetting his glass of wine.
"What's wrong?" The group at the dinner table was looking at him strangely. He sat down with his head bowed, embarrassed.
"N…nothing, I'm fine." Hitomi gave him a questioning look, then felt a dark sensation, chilling her to the bone. She slumped slowly back in her seat.
"Hitomi! What's wrong?" Van was out of his chair in an instant.
"A chill… something's happened." Hitomi looked up at Jeris. He looked shocked. He bowed his head again, but not in embarrassment.
"It's Lia's group, something's gone wrong. I'm sure of it."
"How can you tell?" Van asked, looking confused.
"I don't know, but we've got to help them." Jeris stood up and took off down the hall. Van ran after him and caught his older cousin's arm.
"Jeris calm down!" Jeris wrenched himself out of Van's grip. "Jeris we won't help them by just barging in there!"
"Don't you get it? Lia's in trouble! I have to help her, I can't let her go again!" Van watched, shocked as his cousin's expression turned from anger to defeat.
"Don't give up on her! Aethan and the others are with her; you have to trust them. She said it herself, there's nothing keeping her from using her powers. If anyone can make it, I'm sure she can… if only to get back to you." Jeris looked at him, confused, then looked down at the cool marble floor.
"I'm sorry, you're right. She can handle herself, but it's hard. I feel like I should be there, to take care of her. I've not been able to protect her like I should."
"You shouldn't beat yourself up about it," piped a new voice. "I'm sure brother, and the others will be back soon. We just need to take care of things here until they get back." The boys looked over their shoulders to see Aletta smiling up at them. "Lia loves you right? So then nothing will stop her from coming back, as long as you believe in her." Jeris smiled at his friend's little sister.
"You're right of course," he sighed. "They'll all be back. They'll come back safe, and soon."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lia woke in a small, dark tent. She sat up to see Aethan smiling at her. Than she noticed her hands were tied behind her; her feet were bound as well. "You're awake? Good. Yaren's still out, but he seems ok. You're the one we were worried about."
"Worried about what?" Lia asked, sitting up. Aethan winked at her.
"Hey, Jeris sent us to take care of you right? We do our job." Lia blindly examined her bonds. She grinned relieved; they were just simple ropes, easy to deal with. A low groan came from the other side of the tent.
"That damn bastard's gonna get it when I lay hands on him!" Yaren had finally woken up. Mandan, shocked at his companion's loud words, clamped his hand over Yaren's mouth. In retaliation, Yaren bit the offending hand.
"Yow!" Mandan yelped. "Geez" Owean shushed both of them with a scolding glare.
"If you three are done, than shut up and let me concentrate!" Lia hissed, glaring at them. Her skin began to give off a soft violet ethereal light. Closing her eyes, she concentrated hard and uttered an incantation. Lords of fire hear my call. Grant me thy power. The glow changed from violet to a fiery red. The ropes binding Lia's feet and hands burst into flames, as did the bonds of her four companions. Yaren sat up, rubbing his wrists. Owean and Mandan just stared stupidly at her. Yaren punched Mandan's arm.
"Shut that hanging trap of yours. You've seen mage work before." Mandan secured his jaw and instead rubbed his sore arm.
"Not since the civil war, and I was only seven then," said Mandan, protectively. Yaren just grinned.
"Looks like I still have the better memory" he scoffed. Mandan laughed. Lia was looking at them with a confused face.
"You've seen this before? Where?" Yaren sighed.
"Figures a farm girl like you wouldn't know. The dragon queen and her ladies used to be mages. Every midsummer, they'd put on an incredible show for the children. They used their powers to send showers of light into the sky in shapes and such. It was wonderful. I remember the year before the revolution especially. The queen brought two of her children with her, the two princesses. They helped with the show. The older one could do most of what the ladies could, but the little one, she was about our age I think, she called up this incredible purplish light. It took shapes like dragons and chased the other lights around the sky."
"Hey! I remember that! That was the first festival I went to. My father took Aletta and me to the fair to sell horses. It was amazing," said Aethan, obviously lost in a haze of memories.
"I missed it that year, my parents took me to see my aunt instead, and she'd just had a baby, you see." Mandan was smiling smugly at Yaren. Owean spoke up.
"I never went to the festivals. My father always said they were a waste of time. Must have been fun though. How about you Lia, did you ever go?" Lia frowned.
"I don't know, you see I don't remember anything before my seventh birthday. If I had seen it, then it's a pity I don't remember. It must have been pretty awesome. Anyway, now that we're free we have to get out of this camp and back to the capital," she urged. Yaren glanced towards the door.
"If there were guards they would have come by now, especially if they heard that. Either they're very drunk…"
"Or just not there," Mandan finished. He stood up and peeked out the tent flap.
"You're right, out like a light. Must have been drinking. It's clear, let's go." The five crept out of the tent. Aethan and Owean picked up the swords of the two guards. Yearn searched them and found four daggers to use. He handed two to Mandan, who grinned excitedly and took the offering.
"Trying to escape I see; foolish." The two mages stepped out from the trees.
"You'll never get past us." Aethan hefted his sword and stepped in front of Lia. The taller mage lifted his hand, sending a burst of lightning their way. A transparent silver-violet dome materialized around the escapees.
"Not bad mage, not bad. But defiantly not good enough!" The mages released twin bolts this time. Both were sucked into the shield. The smaller and probably younger mage glared, and released a stronger blast. Instead of being absorbed, this time the attack reflected back at the mages. Both leaped out of the way. Owean looked back at Lia. The violet glow had become more of a flame around her. Her eyes were full of fire and her teeth were gritted in fierce concentration. A nonexistent wind seemed to blow around her. Aethan didn't have to look back to know the source of the power protecting them. The silver-violet light shinned stronger with each blast the two enemy mages threw. The power around Lia began to collect into a ball between her hands.
"Everyone! Duck!" she yelled. The shield evaporated as she released the violet ball of light. The trees in front of them exploded. When the smoke died, the pale flame in Lia's hand illuminated the silent battlefield. The light reached the wounded body of the younger mage. The elder had escaped. Lia walked up to the unconscious boy. He was no more than fifteen. She knelt beside him and eased back into her concentration. Lords of spirit, hear my plea. Send me thy healing power. A soft light collected around the two as Lia's four companions watched. The light died abruptly. Lia stood up.
"He'll be fine, we should bring him with." Aethan caught her as she collapsed. "Damn, I over did it again. It's alright, I just need to eat and rest," she said, smiling shakily, determined not to let her weakness show. Aethan smiled.
"Don't you worry about it, we'll get you back in no time. Come on guys; let's get out of here. Mandan, can you carry the boy?" Mandan nodded. "Let's find some horses and get back as soon as possible."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jeris was at the gate to meet the group when they returned. Seeing Lia unconscious, he gently lifted her small, limp form off Aethan's horse and carried her into the palace without a word. A servant led Mandan into a room to place the young mage. Yaren discovered his friend there and dragged him down to one of the city's taverns for a drink. Van watched them go and decided to question them about it later; they seemed to have enough trouble now as it was. Jeris refused to leave Lia's side until she woke. Aletta and Merle came in and teased him until he grudgingly consented to break his vigil and eat the food they brought. The thought made Van grin. Jeris was a real worrywart sometimes, especially when it came to Lia.
Yaren and Mandan came back from the city late, both with ridiculously high spirits and disgustingly drunk. Owean had to go find them (they had gotten lost in the palace halls and collapsed in a giggling heap) to direct them to their quarters. Aethan had spent most of his time either with his sister or looking after the boy they had brought back. With some persuasion, Van had gotten the mage-boy's story out of Aletta's stubborn brother and the tale worried him a bit. What if the boy woke up and tried to kill someone? He'd have to have a talk with the mage when he awoke.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lia woke up around noon the next day. She discovered Jeris, asleep in a chair beside her. She smiled. Jeris was cute when he slept, just like a little boy. She poked his knee with a finger. He jerked awake.
"Huh? What? Oh, you're awake!" He looked relieved. Lia grinned at him.
"You didn't sleep there the whole night… did you?" Jeris sighed and nodded. Lia frowned.
"You really need to take better care of your self. I'm a big girl, I don't need a babysitter, and you know that." Jeris glanced at her, and then hugged her tight.
"I know you don't need anyone else, but I sure as hell can't lose you. Don't you ever do that to me again. Do you have any idea how worried I was when you came back unconscious? I thought you'd been seriously hurt." Lia smiled at his gruff tone of voice, but seeing him so distressed worried her. She hugged him back.
"I'm sorry. I guess I just overdid it back there. It's no big deal, nothing we haven't had to deal with before. I need to get back to my mage work. I'm sure we'll meet stronger enemies. I need to be prepared," she said, a mysterious sense of duty overtaking her.
"You never could sit by and watch, could you?" Jeris laughed softly. "Once you're stronger, I'll help you. We'll probably need as much help as we can get. Which reminds me…" Lia pulled back and cocked her head at him.
"What?"
"Young Aletta most likely has a gift of her own."
"Why do you say that?"
"Your cat, Amana, she can talk right?"
"Yeah, with thought speech," Lia said in a tired voice.
"I think Amana sensed it. She's been asking me about it since you left." Lia grinned.
"If she's right, she'll need training. That'll defiantly give me the training I need. I can begin her in basic mage-craft. Nothing fancy, but enough to help. If he wants it, I suppose I could help the young weather mage too." It was Jeris' turn to cock his head in confusion.
"What weather mage?" Lia giggled.
"That boy we brought back. He and another, older mage were the ones who attacked us. He was under the same spell you were. I think he may help us." Jeris smiled back at her.
"Alright then. I'll let you rest now." Jeris stood up to go, but Lia's arm pulled him back.
"Don't go yet. Please, stay with me? Until I fall asleep?" Lia tried to sound commanding, but failed to hide the fear in her voice. Jeris met her serious gaze and sat back down, holding Lia's hand. This new helplessness from her scared him a bit. Lia had never been the needy type; she had to be tough and resourceful to survive Lavia's dangerous turns.
"Is something wrong? You know you can tell me," he only hoped she would have the courage to admit a fault.
"Nothing's wrong… I just don't want to be alone," she whispered, frowning at her coverlet.
"I'll stay as long as you want me to." Lia smiled and closed her eyes. She fell asleep almost instantly. Jeris just looked down at her sleeping form. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, than stood up to go. Sleep well; I love you, you know, he thought as he left the room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The young mage awoke a few hours later in a small, nicely furnished room. Seeing he was alone, he sat up and looked around, his dark, longish hair falling in front of his olive colored face. He pushed the mess back and jumped as the door closed behind him. "Oh, your awake. How're you feeling?" He turned to see a girl about his age with a tray in her hands.
"Who… who are you?" the boy asked rather sullenly, his silver eyes watching her.
"Oh, me? My name is Aletta. What's yours?" asked the girl.
"Asnee… I think. Where am I?" Aletta smiled at him.
"You're in the Fanelian palace. You were hurt and Lia and her friends brought you back. By the way, do you have a brother? Aethan, my brother, said they saw two of you, but they only brought you here." Asnee looked down and clenched his fist.
"Pillan, is he safe? Pillan's my brother." Aletta frowned.
"Hm, I haven't heard of him, but I'll tell Van or Jeris, they'll know what to do." Asnee smiled.
"Thanks."
"Are you sure you're ok?" Aletta asked, friendly concern creasing her freckled brow.
"I… I suppose I just need a little while to sort this out," Asnee admitted quietly.
"Yes, well that's to be expected," Aletta replied lightly. "I'll let you eat and rest now. I brought you some food. See you later." She winked and walked out the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Aletta met her brother in the hall outside Asnee's room.
"Hey sis. How's he doing?" he said. Aletta smiled at him.
"He just woke up. You know, he's really nice. Don't be to hard on him, he didn't mean to hurt you guys, I'm sure of it." Aethan looked solemnly at his younger sister.
"He may be putting on a front."
"He misses his brother, I think he's ok. I'm sure he doesn't mean us harm… he's just in a bad situation. Actually, I think he's taking it rather well. I think Lia's right. He had to have been under that spell." Aethan smiled.
"Alright, for you I'll go easy on him. But just for you. Lia wants to talk to him later. See ya around, and watch out for Yaren and Mandan, they got pretty drunk last night." Aletta grinned and hugged her brother.
"Thanks! See ya later!" Aletta ran off down the hall. Aethan sighed and opened the door to the young mage's room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's note: Ohh, I think Aletta kinda likes Asnee. Let's see how this goes…