Author's Notes: Well, I haven't been away from this beauty for as long as some fics, but it's coming along. After this chapter it is on a temporary pause while I get my thoughts together. This is merely a bit more background of the fic. I must figure out how to transition into the next big parts… But do not fear, I will NOT leave this unfinished for long! I'd merely like to finish Reyning Down and get some thoughts in order, make a one shot and then get back to my beloved Renonalte x Rudelynth pairing… weird

whatevergirl: twitches Right… backs away You realize this is a fictional character you are talking to, right? If not you need to see a shrink.

This chapter is dedicated to Ktrenal because he keeps me going… Sanely that is.

Chapter 4: The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Something But the Truth

"Reno," Rufus said from across the table, "Brother, what are you plotting?"

In chock I look up to my brother, studying his smiling face. Just over six months ago we had cut the glorious black wings from my guard, one who still stood watch over me, even to this moment. Rufus seemed to know what since then I'd been doing more than studying to take over our people one day. The healer seemed to know that I was already preparing to replace Hhojyodeymga with Rudelynth as soon as the man's wings had again repaired.

"Tailye's words consume you my prince," he observed rightly."

"One should always trust the words of a priestess with the sight."

"But Reno…"

"He WILL be the High Priest before the year is out," I growled.

"No one will want me," the guard cut in. Even now I rarely heard his voice and would shiver with pleasure when I did.

"And why not?" I demanded.

"I am a half-blood," he said mournfully.

Half-bloods, a rarer thing than males giving birth to a child, were considered to be the lowest rung of our society. Only now can Rufus or I understand why Hojo treated Rudelynth like he has for so long. This is why his wings were cut, for Hojo thought a half-blood would disgrace the holy office. Some half-bloods could get away with it, especially if their mother had been the human. Those children could be readily accepted into human 'society'. It was the ones born of a Buterfluas that were rejects.

"So that is why you were in the military…" Rufus said with some hesitation.

"My father was a botanist. He was studying a new plant discovered in the Mideyan region when he came upon a small human camp…. When he returned home to Tailye and mother, he was with child. But he risked it, claiming that the child, I should not be blamed for human violence. Until I was five I trained with my old sister in the temples of Cytledorma, Dveyantriaenayotcheyvanyshlavarth and Kayathrandyl. She was supposed to be my Head Priestess of Cytledorma one day, when I was High Priest. But Hhojyodeymga… When I was taken to train under him, he asked of my past. I thought I could trust him… He had my wings cut and flung me into the army as a live target," Rude said, stringing together more words than he'd probably said during his many years in the army, "I became strong there, respected until Hhojyo, fearing my power, told my commander. Since then I've always been abused, raped for other's sick pleasure… I never should have become your guard my Prince…"

For several minutes silence hung thick in the air, both Rufus and myself contemplating this. My brother probably thought of the quiet man's sudden desire to speak the truth. On the other hand I was focused on the man himself. I could see him in a new light now. This was why he always disappeared when I was with Reeve at night, and why he refuses to touch me, or even eat with me. Such things would be forbidden, but even this knowledge does not stop me from wanting it or him. Yes, that alone has changed them most in this time. I've gone from delighting in his voice to needing to hear it… Dare I think it? I'm in love…

"Nonsense! I chose you Rudelynth, and you've protected me well. Once could not ask for a better guardian!"

"Then we must be prepared," Rufus said triumphantly, delighting in the plot, "We must have a way to counter Hojo when we place Rude at the head of the Priests and Priestesses. He'll bring this up. And his military service. And the cutting of his wings."

"We'll get over that hurdle when we get to it," I said, "Rude, come. We have a meeting to attend."

The guard nodded as I stood. I cannot be sure, but is that relief in his eyes?

Rudelynth

Despite the fact I told him the truth of my birth, Reno has not spurned me yet. It is confusing. Why would a prince accept me as his guardian? It cannot be just because of my supposed rights of birth, can it? I pray not, for his company is a comfort now… But he still sleeps with Sir Reevesyn, so I dare not get my hopes up. Just this morning I blurted my secret out to the only two nobles that treated me as a total equal. Yes, Rufus now hesitated around me, but not often. Reno… The Prince treated me no different than before, maybe even better.

"Rudelynth, please join me for dinner," the Prince asks.

Every time he has a meal alone he asks me this, and I always refuse. Why does he treat me like a friend when I am his servant, and a lying one at that? Yet I startle myself for the second time today by agreeing to the ridiculous request. Reno is highly shocked as I sit across from him, but so am I. I fear what will come of this.