A/N:

This is the edited version. Here are my answers, messages, and whatnot:

1. No, I did not get to read Lioness Rampant. But I am still uncomfortable of the fact that there are similarities with that book. I really should read that book.

2. CrimsonEnchantress has started a C2 community for HG/DM fanfics, so if you're interested, let her know.

3. Yes, I have an outline of this story. In my private notebook. Nobody can read it. It's for my eyes alone…mwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha….ahem…k, I'll stop.

4. The secret that Ella said she knew is just the fact that Tania is a girl-in-disguise. Nothing special.

Warrior Blood

Chapter 4: Silver Message

Many competitors began to come five days after Tania's arrival in Frell. She had no intention of joining the tournament, she was only good with swords and daggers and the tournament required all types of skills, but she went into the habit of studying the competitors. After all, there wasn't much to do in Frell. She was Farvon's apprentice, and he was recently busy with many things that did not need her or Lucas's help.

The competitors were obviously men. A woman joining such a…er…manly tournament was considered dishonourable. Or just plain silly. People would have chortled at such a ridiculous idea.

She noticed that the men all had muscles. Some with scary, bulging ones that had blue veins popping out (not a pretty sight), and some with nice muscles. Not that she was looking or anything. She was merely studying them. That was all. Completely professionally. No, seriously.

They spent most of their time practising in the palace's very large training field at the back. Most practised by themselves, doing fast and impressive moves (what Tania got used to calling as "exhibitions"), but the more confident (or cocky) ones challenged others to a "friendly" duel. Needless to say, there had been cases of real fist fighting…which, of course, resulted into the competitors having being more alert and cautious and having an "I'd rather die than let that mongrel win" attitude.

This was going to be one interesting tournament.

The competitors were mostly the elite…sons of dukes, earls, and counts, respected warriors, or generals. And even princes, but Tania had never met any of them. She just heard about them from whom else but the giggling ladies of the court?

Keeping her identity a secret was harder than she thought. During her first night in the palace, a maid almost walked in on her in her "female counterpart." After that, Queen Ella instructed everyone not to enter Viper's room because he valued his privacy immensely.

Lucas had rolled his eyes when Tania came to complain to him about the difficulty of being in disguise.

"Who cares if people find out you're a girl?" he had drawled. "It's no big deal."

She scowled and smacked him on the forehead. "Haven't you been paying any attention?" she almost screamed at him. "Who do you know that is a female warrior?"

Lucas replied with a blank stare. She triumphed at that.

"Exactly, Lucas. Nobody. And people want it that way."

"But you're too uptight about it," Lucas argued. "Relax, Nalyan."

She glared at him. "You don't understand, idiot. One slip up and my career is ruined."

"But doesn't it bother you?"

She raised an eyebrow. "What bothers me?"

"Hiding your identity. Keeping secrets."

Tania released a dry laugh at the irony. "Trust me," she said sardonically, "you have no idea. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to explode because I keep too many things to myself."

He shot her a look. "What do you mean?"

She paused, realizing that she was treading on a dangerous path. Her temper rose, and she glared. "Why are we talking about this? Forget it."

He glared back. "Fine."

That was a few nights ago. Tania was glad that he did not pester her more about her secrets after that. She knew that she was a mysterious person. She had known Lucas for about four months, and she had barely told him anything of her past. If she did, they were worthless pieces of information, the kind that could be forgotten in a minute since they were that worthless. She was glad that Lucas respected her privacy. She knew that he was curious about her past, the looks that he sometimes gave her said so, but she wasn't ready to reveal anything. At least not yet.

Dressed as Viper, she went down from her bedroom and headed to the training field. Sure enough, there were men already there, even though it was only eight in the morning.

Could such devotion be healthy? she thought as she watched them practise. She looked ahead and saw a familiar someone. Whoa. I'm surprised that he's actually trying.

With a wry grin on her face, she silently crossed the field and approached Lucas. He was too busy waving his sword around to notice her.

"Did you eat breakfast?" she asked, making him turn around.

He rolled his eyes. "Yes, Mother. Now go away. I'm practising."

Tania feigned hurt. "You're abandoning me?"

"You know I'm busy."

"Can I help?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Help? How?"

She smirked. "Do you want to duel?"

"In front of all these men?"

She shrugged. "Yes. Put on a show. Make them feel intimidated with you."

"You mean you'll lose on purpose?"

Tania's eyebrows shot up. "Eh, I didn't realize that. On second thought…never mind. I love you and all, but I don't want to ruin my reputation."

He rolled his eyes. "You are one selfless being, Nalyan."

She grinned. "I am, aren't I? Well, looks like I'm going to be alone for a while. I'll see you later." She turned and began to leave.

"Don't get into any trouble!" Lucas hollered.

She responded with a dismissive wave. "Sure," she said lightly.

Both knew that that was a doubtful promise.


Tania walked through the streets of Frell. She was bored and was wishing for some action. Four months of being in deep training with a Farvon, and in a boisterous city at that, had influenced her. Had she still been in Geldrin, she would have done anything for peace, but she was different now. It was almost disturbing. She thought she would never change.

I wonder what Kylee would think of me now? she thought. Her face then broke into an amused grin. She'd be proud. We'd always wanted to be good fighters.

And Darrin? an inner voice jeered.

She scowled at the thought. What about Darrin? He's gone. He's no longer part of my life.

Are you sure about that?

It was in this moment when she saw a flash of wavy blond hair amongst the massive crowd. Tania instantly felt her insides freeze. And there began this muffled roaring in her ears, as if she was by the seaside. Her heart started to pound loudly, like a steady but fast beating of drums.

Sure, he was an amazing warrior, but…

The young man began to turn to her direction, and Tania held her breath. It was as if everything was happening in slow motion…

It was not Darrin.

She breathed a sigh of relief and felt herself relax. Thank you, thank you, thank you… She frowned suddenly. What would I have done if it was Darrin? Surely he wouldn't have recognized me…?

A scowl formed on Tania's lips. Just as long as he stays away from Frell, then I'm fine.

She turned around a corner and was greeted by the bright rays of the morning sunlight. She winced slightly, headed for a shade, and stopped there.

She watched quietly as people passed her by. No one glanced at her. Her dark outfit blended her well with the shadow.

These Kyrrian people are so carefree, she thought as she observed them. The people were chatting and laughing, as if they had no care in the world. In Geldrin, it was different. At this time of the day, people would be hurrying down the streets, screaming at people to get out of their way because they were late. Geldrinians depended on the clock, almost worshipping it, while Kyrrians were laid back, as if they believed in enjoying what was around them.

No wonder they have such good ties with the Ayorthaians, Tania thought. Ayorthaians were known for being peaceful, slow-paced people. They were the type who enjoyed soft music, cool breezes, and silent outings.

They appreciated life. That was the best way to describe them.

Tania was about to leave from her spot and resume her walk when something caught her eye. It was something shiny, for the sunlight was upon it, and it was on the outer wall of a humble tavern. Curious, she left her spot and approached the wall.

She gasped softly when she realized what it was. It was a message, written with what seemed like shiny silver paint.

And it was written in her native language. Of the fairies.

Faeas, leithiah pulae sen o irveno metisila. Grefin o resis evialin. Rin aenos Dancing Flame.

Fairies, come to the grove at midnight. Follow the silver markings. Start at the Dancing Flame.

This was not the first time. This was not the first time Tania could understand the fairies' language. It had happened before, back in Geldrin. Only she had heard the language, not read it.

And the message was not written with the usual letters. No…the message was in some sort of runes. It had a lot of flourishes. It had this sensual feel to it. And yet, she could read it plain and simple.

Of course there would be fairies in Frell! They were all over the damn continent!
Ever since they (foolishly, Tania thought) abandoned their home, every human kingdom was secretly inhabited by a lot of them, living as simple people.

This message made her extremely curious. Why would there be a message calling fairies to the grove at midnight? And where exactly was this grove?

She started at the last question. Why would she care where this grove was? She had already denied her people. She was no longer part of them. Actually, she never really was.

A woman brushed past her, causing Tania to snap out of her thoughts. "Madam, excuse me," she said, making the woman stop.

The woman gave her a look. "What is it?" she asked suspiciously, eyeing Tania's black garb.

"Do you know who wrote this?" Tania asked, gesturing towards the writing on the wall.

The woman looked over Tania's shoulder, then back at Tania. "I don't see anything," she said flatly.

Tania blanched. "You mean…y-you can't see the silver paint?"

The woman shook her head. "No. Sorry."

"That's…all right."

The woman nodded, and with a polite nod, walked away, leaving Tania in a complete daze.

It must be some sort of special paint, Tania thought. Designed by magic so that only fairies are able to see it. She glared angrily at that. I don't need something to remind me who I am, thank you! She shot the silver writing a contemptuous look.

She stomped away, oblivious to a pair of piercing eyes watching her every move.


Tania weaved through the busy Frellan streets in a small daze. She wasn't sure how long she had been walking, but she didn't care. She had nothing else to do anyway.

Earlier, she had told herself not to think more of that mysterious message, but found that she couldn't. Damn it! She actually wanted to know what was going to happen in the grove at midnight.

She frowned. You want to find out what the fairies are up to, yet you abhor their race, her mind sneered. Disgraceful.

She winced. She did not abhor her race! She just didn't want to be part of it. There was a big difference in that. She didn't hate the fairies. She never would.

Grefin o resis evialin. Follow the markings.

Rin aenos Dancing Flame. Start at the Dancing Flame.

So the markings that would lead to the grove started at the Dancing Flame.

Tania snapped out of her thoughts when an orange rolled off a fruit stand. She quickly picked up before it could roll any farther, and handed it back to the elderly vendor, who gave her a thankful smile before placing the orange back in the pile.

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the same silver message, written on the fruit stand. She looked at the old woman curiously. Was she a fairy? She decided not to jump to that. A fairy could have put it there without the woman knowing.

She walked on, and it didn't take her long to find the same message written on a house's wall. A few minutes later and she saw it on a wine barrel outside a tailor's shop.

They were everywhere. It almost drove her mad.

She halted when she saw it. Dancing Flame. It was a small but cosy-looking inn, the type that had honest and overly friendly innkeepers. Tania hesitated for a bit as she looked at it, but later on walked towards it. There she found a silver arrow on one of the windows. It was pointing west.

There was no harm in finding out where the grove was, right? She was merely satisfying her curiosity. She would just go and find out where it was, then go to the palace and forget about it. No harm there.

She headed west. The next arrow was pointing northeast. She took a deep breath and followed it.

Soon, after a series of silver arrows, she found herself walking towards the outskirts of Frell. Her surroundings had already changed, from houses and shops and busy streets, to a vast, green meadow. The silver arrows were glaring brightly right in the middle of a dirt road.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, she saw it. The grove. It was a wooded area that was surprisingly clustered with lanelin trees. Tania frowned. She recalled back to months ago, when she read about fairies.

Weren't lanelin trees the dominant trees of Faylinn?

The extremely tall lanelin trees were indeed a beauty. They had the greenest leaves, with shiny silver edging all around them. They would always be a remarkable green, even during the bleakest and coldest winters. They were rare trees, for it was difficult to maintain them. Tania was actually surprised that these were able to grow in Kyrria. She remembered reading that only Faylinn soil was truly suitable for the lanelins, which meant that the ones before her should die soon.

Tania frowned as she stared thoughtfully at the grove. There was something special about it. Besides the fact that it was covered with the rarest and most beautiful trees, there was something else. She couldn't quite place her finger on it, but there was this…presence. It seemed familiar to her, but she couldn't identify it.

After trying to search for the answer and being unsuccessful at it, she forcefully shrugged it off and then thought, Good. Now that I have satisfied my curiosity as to where the grove is, I can put this behind me.

She didn't know how wrong she was.


A scowl was on Tania's lips as she walked back to the palace. And although her mask was concealing it, she still looked intimidating, for her brown eyes were flashing with anger.

Why the HELL am I still thinking about that meeting at midnight? she screamed in frustration. I thought I'm over this!

It was as if the bond between all fairies was wheeling her in. She felt as if she was being taunted, being reminded of who she was and always would be.

Suddenly, there was a shout amongst the crowd. Tania wheeled around in time to see a young, pretty girl running towards her, followed by three sweaty, breathless, and ruddy-faced men.

What happened next felt like it happened in slow motion. The girl turned her head, meeting Tania's eyes.

Something passed between them as their eyes made contact. Tania stared deeply at those pale blue orbs, sensing this…strangeness. She noticed the desperation in them, as if pleading to be helped.

Tania did not know what came over her, but a split second later, she found herself blocking the men's path. The three stopped abruptly before her and glared angrily.

"Get out of the way, fool!" one of them shouted.

Tania looked at them icily. "No."

Another stepped forward and sent her a menacing stare. "Get out of the way," he growled. "Or we'll make you."

She responded with a smirk and a quirk of her eyebrow. "By all means, do try," she replied, amusement lacing her voice.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "You're a cheeky fellow, aren't you?" He paused and eyed her up and down in a scrutinizing way. A smirk crawled on his lips. "I can crush your skull with one hand," he boasted. "And not even flinch."

"Oh, really?" From the corner of her eye, Tania saw that a small crowd had formed around them. So much for not getting into trouble. But it wasn't her fault! Really.

"Yes, really," the man said. He pulled out a sword, positioned himself, then smirked at her.

Tania replied by rolling her eyes. "Oh please. Another swordfight? I'm tired of those. Besides, you'll just lose."

The man's eyes darkened visibly. "You really are a cocky bastard."

"But I'm telling the truth!" she protested. "Just by looking at your stance, I can tell. It's all wrong."

The man snapped his fingers, and his two comrades stepped forward. "Three against one," he said smugly.

"That's just cowardly," Tania said. "Afraid of taking me by yourself?"

The man glared furiously at her. "GO!" he screamed.

All three of them advanced forward, razor-sharp swords in hand and angry, menacing glints in their eyes. The man Tania had taunted seemed the angriest: he looked very ready to kill. She didn't blame him. After all, whenever she was dressed as Viper, she tended to act smug. And whenever she was smug, she would tease her opponent. It was probably the outfit. It made her feel superior. Or maybe it was thought of her being the apprentice of a legendary warrior. That tended to make people very confident as well.

She quickly unsheathed her own sword. The blade glimmered against the sunlight, and the people around her held their breaths in anticipation. Tania assumed the fighting stance and focussed on her opponents.

Suddenly, the man in the middle lunged forward, but before his blade could touch Tania's, there was an interruption.

"Stop," said a sharp voice.

The noise died down immediately. Tania's attacker halted out of impulse. All four fighters in the ring turned simultaneously, and amongst the crowd, they saw a young man either in his late teens or early twenties. He was tall, with brownish red hair and pale eyes…just like the girl's.

They're related, Tania thought. As she looked at the man more closely, she found that it was obvious. Not only were the eyes the same, but the straight nose and pouty lips as well.

Behind the man were three others, also his age. Tania snorted quietly to herself when she saw some maidens of the crowd staring at them in great interest. Of course, Tania also thought the four were all very handsome, but she wasn't one to…goggle. Besides, she was supposed to be a man (well, more like a boy reaching manhood), so it would have been unpleasant if these young men caught her staring.

"Garret!"

Tania started. She had forgotten about the girl for a minute there. But there she was, standing naught but a metre behind Tania.

"Get my sister out of here," Garret, the youth with the light blue eyes, said.

Tania thought that Garret was talking to one of his comrades, but when she turned, she found him looking right at her. She raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Me?"

He nodded gravely. "Yes. You. We'll take care of this," he said.

She shot him an uncertain look. "Um…all right." She turned to the girl. "Let's go."

The girl nodded and left with Tania, but not before shooting her brother a grin and saying, "Go get 'em."


Tania walked silently. Once in a while, she would glance at her companion, who was still wearing a grin on her face.

She must admire her brother very much, she thought wryly.

The girl couldn't have been more than twelve years old. She still had a childish face and those innocent eyes. Well, maybe they looked innocent on the surface, but what was underneath could be a very, very different story.

She was a pretty girl. She had those eyes identical to her brother's. Her long, dead-straight hair was the colour of wheat. No doubt she would be getting a lot of admirers later on in life.

Tania took a deep breath. "So," she said, "why were those men chasing after you?"

The girl shrugged, as if it wasn't important. "I stole their coin purses."

Tania stopped dead in her tracks, staring speechlessly at the young girl, who didn't look unperturbed by her own, little confession.

Great, Tania groaned, I just helped a felon.

The girl raised a questioning eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"

"You're a thief?!"

The girl shrugged again. "I'm a special kind of thief," she replied.

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"I'm a thief who steals from other thieves."

Tania stared at her. "Is that even possible?"

The girl shot her a long look.

"Well," she said, "they're stupid thieves."

She smirked and calmly walked on.


"This is where I leave you," the girl said brightly as they reached the eastern side of Frell.

Tania frowned. "Where's your brother?"

Her question was soon answered when the four young men she had seen earlier exited out of a tavern. Tania wasn't near enough to see their faces clearly, but she could tell that they had been in a fight. However, they did not look bad, meaning they definitely won the brawl.

"Bye," the girl said cheerfully. She was about to walk away but halted, remembering something. "By the way," she said, looking curiously at Tania, "my name is Brynn. And you are?"

Tania stared at her for a while, studying her. The girl seemed unfazed by it as she waited patiently for an answer. Finally, Tania nodded once and replied quietly. "Viper."

Brynn shot her an odd look. "All right. Bye, Viper."

"Bye."

Her young companion smiled politely and then headed towards her brother and his friends. What Tania did not know was that as soon as Brynn reached them, they bombarded her with questions about the mysterious, black-clothed stranger.


Tania still couldn't get it out of her head. She just couldn't.

"What's eating you, Nalyan?" Lucas said, taking his place beside her. The two were in Tania's balcony, which overlooked River Lucarno and the palace's training field. Since it was nighttime, nothing could be seen except for a dark expanse (which was the training field by day) and twinkling lights from the long river water.

Tania sighed softly and shook her head. "Nothing," she said glumly. Of course, that wasn't true, but she couldn't tell him what was bothering her. ("Oh, by the way, I'm a fairy…wonderful, huh? I kept it a secret because I hate being one and I don't want people to use me for their problems…so, that's my story…" Riiiiight. That would really go smoothly.)

"Doesn't seem like nothing to me," Lucas said with a frown.

She sighed again. "Nothing I can't handle by myself, Lucas," she said wearily. "But thank you for your concern."

He shot her a look, then shrugged. "Fine. I'll see you in the morning, all right? Goodnight."

"Goodnight."


Tania couldn't sleep. It must have been half past eleven, or close to that. Her mind was unease and she had this…feeling. She felt as if something was missing. She felt as if she was supposed to be doing something and not lying in bed. Groaning in frustration, she threw her covers aside, wrapped a warm robe around herself, and went to the balcony.

She leaned on the railings and sighed as she watched the river water wink at her. The moon was full and bright, and the sky, which was covered by a soft blanket of stars, was cloudless.

A perfect night for a fairy meeting, her brain teased.

Tania glared. Why do I have the urge to go to this meeting?! she shouted. Why am I so curious? I thought I already turned away from THEM four months ago!!!

She couldn't take it anymore. She straightened abruptly and quickly went back into her room. She opened her closet, which had three or four dresses in it (Queen Eleanor had insisted). Not bothering to see which dress would match her hair and whatnot, she took the first one her hand touched and pulled it out. It turned out to be a nice, light green dress with a tight bodice that tied at the front, flowing sleeves, and a long skirt. She donned this and wrapped a dark forest green cloak around her.

Hoping that she would have no interruptions along the way, she left her bedroom, fully intending to attend a special meeting tonight.

A/N:

What's going to happen?!?! Dun, dun, dun…weird, I'm having déjà vu right now. My sister is in the other room, I'm typing this sometime during the night…I DREAMT THIS BEFORE! Seriously. Anyway, that was a random comment, but…yeah… If you have questions, I'll be happy to answer them.