Disclaimer: I don't own Howl's Moving Castle, but I would be ecstatic if I did!

Here's what I do own: Kyria, Naro, Loren


The winged elf soared on thermals, high above the mountains. She mused about how to exact her revenge on Howl, the heartless wizard.

He had killed her best friend, a wolf named Naro. Naro had been killed when Howl's castle squished him into the ground.

She had gone to him and asked for an apology, but had gotten only mocking laughter in return. At that point, Kyria had not dared attack Howl, for he was at the peak of his power.

That had been ten years ago. The elf turned and headed back for the castle.

She had decided to test him, to see if he had a heart now. He certainly seemed to; for without a heart there was no way he could love. And yet, he was obviously enamored of the silver-haired one, Sophie.

Kyria dove through a window, folding her wings to fit. She somersaulted and wound up on her feet.

The elf was greeted by a collection of wolves and big cats, all outcasts from their respective groups. She had taken them in at the brink of death, given them food and shelter. In return, they willingly served her. They were not slaves, or even servants. They were her friends, and she was theirs.

Kyria patted all of them as she made her way to the door. The elf gathered a small group around her. There were 3 wolves and 4 lions. She sent the lions to fetch Howl and asked the wolves to hang around. They dispersed, and Kyria collapsed exhaustedly on an armchair in the center of the room.

Howl arrived, riding on the back of one of the lions.

The elf thanked the big cats and they settled in the corner.

The witch turned her attention to her prisoner. "Do you remember me?" she asked.

Howl thought for a moment, then nodded. "You were the one whose wolf got stepped on by my castle, right?"

Kyria scowled, "Yes. Do you remember what you said when I came to you to ask for an apology?"

The wizard winced, but nodded, "I remember. I'm sorry about that. I was really selfish back then. I've changed, can't you tell? Sophie saved me by giving me back my heart."

Kyria nodded thoughtfully, "I suspected as much. Loren?"

One of the wolves, one with graying fur around his muzzle, got up and walked over. "Yes, Kyria?" he asked.

She smiled, "Could you take your group and fetch Sophie?"

The elder wolf nodded, then barked commands to the other two. They ran out of the room.

Kyria turned back to her captive, "Well, Howl, we'll just have to see what Sophie has to say." The elf summoned up a couple more chairs, stiff-backed and hard.

The wizard sat on one, not showing any surprise when his chains wrapped themselves around him again.

Sophie arrived then, much the same way Howl had. She smiled brightly and ran to the wizard.

The young woman threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. Howl laid his head on her shoulder, the only thing he could do considering the chains. Sophie finally released her hold and sat in the other chair.

Kyria grinned, the first spark of personality that had broken through the cold exterior, "Well, now that you're finished, I have a request. Not an order, a request. Feel free to refuse. I would like to know what happened that caused Howl to get his heart back."

Sophie sighed, "It's a very long story, but here goes. I was walking along the back streets one day…


…and so the prince went home and we set off in the flying castle. That's the story."

Kyria, who had been listening raptly the entire time, nodded. "I am going to have to think long and hard about this. Wait here for a moment." The elf stood and strode quickly out of the room.

Howl and Sophie looked at each other questioningly.

Kyria returned, looking exhausted. "Come with me."

Sophie stood and went to the elf. Howl tried to get up, but could not.

"Oh, right. Sorry." Kyria waved her hand and the chains loosened.

The wizard got to his feet and followed the others out. The elf led them past the library to a room that Sophie couldn't remember seeing before. They entered.

There were two beds, side by side, both big enough to hold two people. A stack of books and scrolls lay on a table in the center, with two comfortable chairs.

Kyria went to a door in the wall and opened it, revealing a small bathroom with a shower and bath.

The elf smiled at them, "I hope you like it. This is where you'll be staying for a while."

Sophie nodded, "Howl's staying here too, right?"

"Yes. Oh, that reminds me—" Kyria walked over to the wizard and gestured. The fetters on his ankles disappeared.

Howl smiled at the elf, who looked more exhausted than ever.

"I will see you in the morning." she said. Kyria left the room, the door clicking behind her. She walked down the hall to her own room. She closed the door and collapsed into bed. The elf fell asleep, her mind whirling.