Second Circle, by lyradaemon

Chapter 8: Very Unexpected

A/N: I've managed to update! I've somehow got around the restrictions for this website, so everything seems to be ok…for the moment, anyway! I've done quite a lot of writing over the last few days in between revision; don't expect it to be like this again. Hope you like it!

Luc saw Eli flinch at the sharp flash of Grey strength. He saw her slightly bewildered look. She didn't understand.

But he did. He knew who had unleashed it – perhaps unwillingly – but he knew. Falian had struck a nerve in him the first time he had seen him, and he had been taught by his father to trust his instincts. Falian was no good; he had taken an interest in Eli, the most precious person in the whole world – despite their argument; and he did not mean her well.

That much was certain.

Before they had left the Hall, Daemon had taken him aside and made him swear that he look after his daughter. Luc had always seen Daemon as a reasonably calm and easy-going man (a trait, Lucivar insisted, which was very new), and so his seriousness when he had asked Luc had been rather startling. Still, he had made his promise – he knew Daemon loved his daughter dearly – and he was determined to keep it.

No matter what.

Luc kept close to Eli for the rest of the day, although she seemed not to notice him. He saw a distant, far-away look on her face several times, but he assumed she was just deep in thought so he wasn't concerned. He would only interfere if she appeared to be distressed, he told himself sternly.

The following day Aaron suggested they all go on a day-trip out into the Nharkhavan countryside. To Luc's dismay Eli agreed – he had hoped she would stay in or around Lyrkhava rather than dashing off into the middle of no-where – but he agreed to go when Arianna asked him, in order to keep an eye on her.

They set out early, before the sun had got going properly, in a lovely quaint carriage. They trundled slowly through the broad streets of the capital before finally emerging into a world Luc had never seen before.

Huge ancient forests rose up all around them, their tangled boughs creating a beautiful dappled green light on the soft forest floor. Hills rolled gently across the landscape, with tall majestic mountains in the distance. Great blue waterfalls cascaded down the mountainsides and into small pools and lakes scattered here and there. It all felt so peaceful and serene that Luc immediately felt a quiet happiness welling up inside of him; he gazed out the window, relishing the beautiful sight.

Arianna ordered the coach to be stopped near a small grove of trees beside a lake. It was just the five of them – Tristan having decided to stay home – and they all hopped down carrying various packages for the rather large picnic Kalush had packed for them. They made their way to a small clearing on the lake shore and settled down, spreading out the food on a blanket.

Suddenly there was a rustle behind them and then a young horse crashed through, literally skidding to a halt when he saw them.

:Oh. Sorry to intrude.:

Titian was staring, eyes wide, but Eli had already begun to speak. :It's alright, we weren't doing anything.:

The young Opal-Jewelled Warlord regarded Eli with an inquisitive look. :You're Lady Jaenelle's foal aren't you: He asked. His gaze shifted to Charon who was sitting next to Arianna. :As are you, Prince.: Charon looked slightly startled.

:Yes, I'm Eliene, and that's my twin brother, Charon, Lord…:

:Blackshadow. I'm from Scelt.:

:You're a long way from home, Lord Blackshadow: Titian said, recovering from her initial shock.

The kindred horse mind-smiled. :I am staying with relatives here in Nharkhava: he explained.

This seemed to startle Titian even more. She privately sent a quick psychic spear to Eli, :I didn't realize the Kindred went on holidays.: Eli giggled.

:You're welcome to stay, Lord Blackshadow: Arianna offered politely.

The stallion shook his head regretfully. :Thank you, but no. I have to go I'm afraid. But I am very grateful for you offer.: He turned after giving them a polite nod of his head, then galloped away.

But as he went, he sent one last thought. :Be careful.:

Eli started and quickly looked around. "Did you hear that?" She asked.

Charon looked at her, puzzled. "Hear what?"

"Oh…nothing. It doesn't matter." It must have been meant for me…

Luc had noticed her start though. He could tell by her startled glance at the direction the kindred had gone that he must have said something to her as he left. A warning…

Meanwhile Eli was sitting staring unseeing out across the deep blue lake. Why was everyone giving her warnings? First Daemon, then Luc, now the kindred. Was something going to happen that she didn't know about? Maybe she should weave one of her webs when she got back to Maghre – she had brought her things along with her – then perhaps she would know what was going on.

She made up her mind to get to the bottom of what was going on. Because whatever it was, it was getting really tiresome.

"You alright Eli?" Charon asked, concern on his handsome face.

Eli gave him a bright smile and nodded. "Yes Charon, I'm fine. Don't fuss. You're starting to sound like mother."

Charon rolled his eyes good-naturedly, then turned back to the conversation he was having with Arianna.

Eli sighed then turned, but found herself staring at Luc; he had been watching her. She blushed and averted her gaze, not before she had noticed the look in his eyes. Something between unease – for her or himself, she didn't know – and…but it couldn't be, could it? He couldn't love her…

She shook her head, clearing it of those thoughts. They aren't going to get you anywhere, Eli she told herself sternly. Stop being ridiculous.

They remained there, by the lake shining beneath the mid-afternoon sun, talking happily and nibbling on the various delicious things Kalush had prepared.

Then suddenly the sky darkened and rain began to fall. Huge, fat droplets, drenching them instantly.

"What in Hell's name…?" Charon began, gazing at the now-black sky. Overhead thunder rumbled and forks of lightning flashed, temporarily lighting up the heavy sky.

"I'm not sure, but it doesn't look good," Titian replied darkly.

"We should get back to coach, before it gets any worse," Luc said, turning in the direction they had left it. "Come on, before we get any more soaked."

"I don't think that's physically possible," Arianna muttered, shivering. "Mother Night, it's so cold." Charon wrapped an arm around her shoulders, ushering her after Luc.

They reached the coach as another flash streaked across the sky, leaving a sound as if the heavens themselves were being ripped open.

The five huddled in the coach, shivering and soaking wet with dark looks on their faces. "Where the Hell did that come from?" Titian asked, removing her sodden jacket. "I mean, it just appeared out of nowhere!"

"What are we going to do now?" Eli asked, looking from one face to another.

Just then, as a coincidence, a voice spoke. :Aria, are you alright:

:Papa: Arianna sounded surprised. :I-yes, we're fine.:

:Where are you: Aaron's voice said, layered in concern.

:We're in the coach. It's tipping it outside.:

:I know, we've got it here too.:

:What are we going to do Papa: Arianna asked, slightly worried.

:Well you can't get home tonight, that's for sure. Your mother thinks there's an inn somewhere nearby-:

:There is – we passed one on the way here, I remember: Charon said, interrupting. :It's not too far away, I think.:

:Good. You can go there tonight. It'll be perfectly comfortable, and it's the safest option. I won't have any of you out travelling in this – not unless it suddenly dies down.:

:Well, considering how quickly it came up, it's always possible: Titian put in.

:Hmm, you could be right Titian. However I'm not going to risk it; your parents would actually kill me if something happened to you. Having two Warlord Princes pissed with me would be bad enough. But explaining to the females why I let you travel? No thanks.:

They all grinned; they could just picture Jaenelle, Surreal and Gabrielle – not to mention Kalush – yelling at Aaron. It would make anyone terrified; even more so than being yelled at by Daemon and Chaosti (A/N: I haven't decided who Titian's father is; no, I'm not saying Surreal had a one night stand or anything, it's just that I don't think Falonar is good enough for her. But I don't have a replacement – yet, anyway – so just imagine she has someone lovely, gorgeous, and good for her!)

Aaron's mind-voice turned serious again. :So, you'll be alright getting there: He asked.

:Yes, Papa. Don't worry about us.:

:Well if I don't then your mother would. Which would you prefer:

Arianna chuckled. :Point taken.:

:Keep safe then, and hopefully we should see you tomorrow. You'll let us know if anything happens:
:Of course Papa. I love you.:

:I love you too Aria: Aaron replied, his voice full of tenderness. :See you tomorrow; goodbye, the rest of you.: Then he withdrew.

"Well, this shouldn't be too bad," Charon was saying, but Luc was listening.

:Luc:

:Prince Aaron:

If Aaron could have rolled his eyes, he would have. :No need to stand on ceremony: he chided good-naturedly.

:Sorry.:

:Keep your eyes open Luc. I don't trust this storm; not one bit. It seems as if-:

:It was Craft-made? I know, I noticed it too.:

Aaron's voice held admiration. :You noticed it too then? Did any of the others notice it, do you know:
:I don't think so. They sounded annoyed about it all; I'm not sure if Eli sensed anything.: Luc replied.

:Well, there's no point in worrying them. It could just be someone messing around without realizing the consequences.:

Luc wasn't fooled though, and he knew Aaron wasn't either. They just didn't want to suspect the worst; living in Kaeleer had that effect on people.

:I'll keep a look out and let you know if there's anything odd.: Luc assured Aaron

:Thank you Luc. May the Darkness be with you.:

:And you, Prince Aaron.:

Luc sat silently for the rest of the short journey to the inn, occupied with his thoughts.

A/N: Things are beginning to hot up…! Keep up those reviews; thanks to all those who sent them in! Much appreciated! Lyradaemon x