Pyralis was staring into the fire thinking about her life.
She had spent the day just mucking around with kids her own age, with no real responsibility and it was almost forgotten that she was there as Harry's bodyguard.
At least until Ibzan had intervened and rudely displayed his cold magic. It hadn't made them scared of her though, for which she was very thankful.
She had been Shujaa for so very long it was almost second nature to her but there were times when the responsibility of the position was too much for her. She had nobody she could share the burden with either. Of course the king would understand the pressure but he was too distant in age to really bond with. She couldn't lay her problems at his feet. He had enough problems of his own.
Then she had gone to the ritual and met the only other person who could probably understand her problems.
Ibzan was nine years older and the warrior of the Cold Mages. For the first day of their stay she did not talk to him. She was too shy. Pyralis thought he was one of the most beautiful people she had ever seen. Pyralis was not beautiful. She had a medium sized body and a fairly average face so she did not think there was much hope he would single her out for the ritual.
The ritual she was dreading, which required them to pick partners to sleep with. Pyralis was a virgin and absolutely terrified. She feared that she would not enjoy it or be any good. But her worst fear was that she might not be chosen. She didn't know then that her political status as fire champion guaranteed there would be a host of men vying for her attention. She could only think that she was too unattractive for any man to pick her. Why would they?
"They will be drawn to you," A voice had muttered behind her. Ibzan was lowered himself into a chair. It was the middle day of the ritual and the second feast.
"Pardon?" She tried to keep her face straight and her breathing even.
"Your thoughts rattle around loudly it is almost impossible to ignore them," Ibzan explained.
Pyralis blushed and wondered whether he had heard her thoughts about him. She kept forgetting that very talented Cold Mages could read your mind.
"Sorry," She mumbled.
"Think nothing of it." Ibzan had waved away her apology and poured two glasses of wine.
He passed one to her and continued talking, "You have beautiful black eyes that seem to call to you. They are full or fire and warmth. You are beautiful to anybody with half a mind."
Pyralis started as the last part echoed in her mind. Then she smiled. She couldn't help it when faced with such a charming companion. They spent that night and the next day talking and Pyralis found a common ally with the shared responsibility.
Ibzan felt the pressure of being the best in a hundred years while Pyralis was the youngest Shujaa ever. They bonded instantly and Ibzan found himself opening up to her like he had never done before.
Pyralis even found that she could forget about the dreaded night approaching.
Until it came time for the men to select their chosen. Pyralis wondered why men got to pick and one of the women explained it as an age-old tradition.
Pyralis heard the gasps of envy and anger as Ibzan selected her. It was very rare for the two champions of opposing magic's to pick each other. Pyralis had initially been relieved but panicked later.
What if she drove him away? She didn't need to worry though.
Ibzan had been gentle and careful and Pyralis had enjoyed the experience so much that she was sad to leave. The rest, as muggles say, was history. They were lovers when together and friends all the other times.
Sometimes they talked via mind but it was rare because even a man with Ibzan's strength could not maintain a link of that distance often or for long. Pyralis smiled at her memories and rubbed her nose.
She felt a gaze on her and turned to lock eyes with Lupin. He smiled at her and Pyralis grinned back. Lupin moved to sit next to her by the fire.
They sat in companionable silence for a while. Pyralis made the flames jump and form interesting shapes. Lupin watched fascinated.
"Could you really bring Nymphadora and I together psychically?"
"Yes," Pyralis nodded, "But I probably would not. It isn't right. Hermione and Ginny would throttle me though."
"Ibzan presented a very interesting case before," Lupin said.
"He told you that I was his younger lover?" It was not really a question.
Lupin nodded.
"Does that make you think differently of me?" Pyralis asked slowly. She knew that English witches and Wizards had different thoughts and ideas.
"It startled me but he was right. You are no child. But I will keep it to myself so as to no alarm Molly." Lupin made a face causing Pyralis to giggle.
"If you love someone, you should be with them no matter what," Pyralis was now cradling a handful of fire.
"Love does not conquer all," Lupin countered.
"No but you and the other person involved do." Pyralis caught Lupins hand and quickly dropped the fire into his hand.
He jumped expecting it to burn but it didn't. It took on the form of a little mouse and raced back and forward. It tickled more than anything.
"Did you think I would put scorching fire in your hand?" Pyralis asked, eyebrow raised.
Lupin shrugged, unsure how to answer.
"I have just proved that sometimes what you are sure will happen does not come to pass. With a little bit of help and manipulation it can end differently," Pyralis stood.
Lupin lifted his hand to give the flame back.
Pyralis shook her head. "Keep it as a reminder." Lupin smiled and nodded.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
As Pyralis was saying good night to all the people in the room she noted a significant absence. Harry.
She ran up the stairs. Ibzan was outside a shut door.
"He's hiding in here. I was watching him."
Pyralis didn't bother asking if Ibzan had found out what was wrong. Ibzan did not do things like that. Pyralis pushed open the door.
Harry turned to look at the door. He saw both Wild Mages but it was only Pyralis who came in.
"How are you?"
"Fine," Harry answered shortly.
"I think you misread my question. It was a polite way of asking why you are hiding in your room."
Harry regarded her with a surly look on his face. Pyralis guessed he was in one of his moods. Hermione had warned her of them. Pyralis stared back at the angry face defiantly.
Harry sighed, "thinking about Voldemort."
'That will put you in a good mood," Pyralis said.
Harry looked at her. She had said that with such a serious face that Harry couldn't help laughing a little.
"Would you like to talk?" Pyralis offered.
"I was just thinking that we spent all day just talking. Acting like kids. It was almost as if we had forgotten that Voldemort existed." Harry crossed his arms. Hedwig cooed softly.
"Maybe that's healthy. If you do not let go for a while I think you might go crazy," Pyralis said frankly.
"You're right."
"I know." Pyralis grinned. "I know how you feel. A huge responsibility and you are not sure you are ready to deal with it."
Harry nodded. "That's how I feel. I hate him enough to kill him but when it comes down to it will I manage to destroy him."
"I hope so," Pyralis said.
"What? No promises and assurances that I will beat him hands down?" Harry asked.
"I'm not a liar. I don't know what will happen. Ask Ibzan he thinks he knows everything."
"I'm not sure I'd like the answer," Harry said.
"All you can be certain of is you have people who love and support you, an army of Fire mages on their way and two amazing body guards," Pyralis gripped his shoulder comfortingly.
"Amazing?" Harry asked but he was smiling.
"Oh definitely. Besides Ibzan sent that thought. He's eavesdropping at the door."
Harry's gaze flickered to the door and a voice sounded in his head.
"I'm arrogant Harry but I'm rarely wrong." Then the presence was gone.
"He's hard to live with," Pyralis confessed. She was standing to leave.
"Thanks Pyralis. I don't want to worry Hermione or Ron. They've been so fantastic I don't want to disappoint them."
"They would never be disappointed in you, Harry. Besides you, me and Ibzan are going to start practice sparring tomorrow."
She left with a grin and Harry got into bed. He fell asleep with a soft smell of smoke.
MD666