Ok, everyone! I'm so sorry for waiting this long to update this story. I haven't had anytime lately, especially with homework, projects and anything else that might be going on with school. So here we go. This is the 6th installment of The Legend of the Sun and the Moon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Endymion stripped himself of his shirt and quickly threw it into the corner of his sleeping quarters. He closed his eyes as his mind raced with the images of the Mahal Diolan. His thoughts looked to the memory of the woman, to every detail of her body as it had been just a few hours before when he had nearly lost himself to her. His eyes opened and looked across the dimly lit area then he took up a cup of warm mead that had been pored for him before he had entered. Ideas of the woman's curves and round breasts flashed in his mind. The picture of her soft wet white hair sticking to her body and the white cloth that did the same fixed in his mind. He flinched in anger then gripped the cup and ground his teeth. Searing hot fury boiled within him and moments later his clay cup went flying across the room and then shattered upon the ground.


He needed to stop these… these thoughts that plagued his mind. He needed a release, but he had none. There was no woman here to take away this horrible anger he felt or to sooth his disgust with himself. When they finally returned home his first destination would be to his cousin's bed. She would cure him of these evils that the Mahal woman overwhelmed him with.


A shadow of a man fell upon Endymion's door as a voice sounded through it. "Diolon, may I enter?" Nephile waited for no answer before he lifted the cloth and walked into the quarters. He looked to the cup before him, shattered upon the ground, then to his leader with a face of stone. "You asked for me, Endymion?"


The Diolon's eyes flew from the empty wall before him to the life long friend he had kept. "Yes, I did." He said plainly. His voice void of any emotion that might partake him. "I... I wanted to speak to you about our recent burden, the Diolan of Mahal. I've taken notice of you fancy for her." Endymion's tone of voice almost automatically lowered. The idea of Nephile, his good friend of many years, deflowering the woman... it enraged him.

Nephile's eyes shimmered of superiority, his stance straightened, and his knuckles cracked from gripping so tightly. "I don't know what you're talking about, Endymion. I've taken no fancy to that-"

"Of course, you haven't," the Sunsire interrupted. "But a good man of honest word has seen you. I remember clearly that I had ordered that no woman be touched with weapon or hand, and you Nephile, have ignored my orders and deliberately disobeyed me!"

Nephile still played the innocent, his lips trembled with frustration. He stepped forward so that he was just a foot from Endymion, his fists at his side clenched so that the skin was turning dead white. "I swear to you, Endymion." his voice became more forceful as his words came from his mouth. "I swear, I have not touched her."

Endymion's eyes became almost wild as he suddenly swung his hard fist into the Nephile's jaw, sending the man reeling. "You swear it?" He asked as he took his 'old friend' by the collar and held him up. "You swear to my face that you have not touched her? I have seen you, Nephile. Though I did not want to admit it to myself, I have seen you. Do you think me blind?!" He asked with hot force. "Do you think me a fool?!" When he got no answer from the man he pulled him closer. "Do you?!" He still got nothing, but released him just the same.

"I am not the only one that has an eye for the savage, Endymion!" Nephile got to his feet with some difficulty. "I am not the only one that wishes to bed her!" He wiped blood from his lip then proceeded to spit the rest out. "You know what spell she weaves. You have felt the strings pulling at you!" Nephile dared to step closer once again. "You want those legs wrapped around you just as much as I do!"

Endymion's eyes had been set on some maps that had been placed on his traveling table. His guilt had set in. He had wanted her. He could not deny the wild lust that he had felt for her at the waterfall that afternoon. It was true that the vision of her nearly naked body had made him mad with passion and if she had not stopped him when she had he would have most likely torn her garments from her body and taken her on that very beach. "She is not some cheap whore that you can just throw away when you're finished, Nephile." His eyes glared up so that he might take in the sight of the dreadful man.

"But isn't she?" A smile played across his face. "Isn't she just a whore, Endymion? A woman that you can take whenever you please? What else are the people of Mahal going to be good for when we defeat them? They're men will be slaves and their woman whores. What better way to start than with the purest girl they've got. They're very own sweet Diolan?"

Endymion was disgusted with what he had heard out of his General's mouth, but made no motion to reprimand him. "Get out, Nephile." The Sunsire Diolon demanded, his voice monotone.

"Diolon, you must unders-" But Nephile was quickly cut off.

"GET OUT!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sleep did not come easily for Endymion that night. He spent nearly three hours tossing and turning, frantically trying for that perfect position, but still it did not come. Frustration started to set in. Laying in that bed wasn't doing anything, but just making his temper worse. So, with one final sigh of exasperation, he lifted himself off of his pallet and out of the tent.

When he started walking he really didn't have a goal to reach, but soon he found himself in the center of the camp sight, where the soldier's tents were set up rather closely together, all surrounding one large fire. A few men sat on some logs that had been dragged over and other soldiers stood post as look outs, but most of the soldiers had retired for the night in their own tents.

Endymion walked towards the fire where he stood for a second behind one elderly soldier who sat alone, his hands clasped together as he sat in a state of what looked like relaxation. "May I sit?" The Diolon asked though he didn't know why. If he had wanted to sit he could have. He didn't need a soldier's permission.

The man Endymion had addressed jumped out of his thoughts, where ever they might have been, and back into reality. He looked to the Diolon in a bit of confusion then, as he just noticed who had addressed him he stood and saluted, his stance rigid and full of tension. "Yes, of course, sir."

Endymion sat and looked into the fire then raised and eyebrow as he noticed the soldier had not sat back down or even lost his firm posture. He sighed and rolled his eyes, annoyed with the formality. "At ease, soldier," the Sunsire demanded, his patients wearing thin.

The soldier lost his rigid stance, but did not sit. He twiddled his thumbs, not knowing what to do next. This was the first time that someone of such high rank had ever done this, whatever this was.

"Sit down," Endymion ordered and the soldier did so. "Just... treat me... like another soldier... Can you do that?" All he wanted was to relax and not have everyone feel like their were under some horrible scrutiny whenever he was about. "Can you do that?" He repeated for it was clear that the soldier had not heard him.

"Yes, sir." The soldier said as he turned back to the fire and stared into it. They both said nothing for a few minutes until the old gray soldier broke the silence. "Couldn't sleep?" His voice sounded much like a wise elder's might have sounded, for he was old enough to be one, for sure.

"How could you tell?" Endymion chuckled as he watched the flames lick the air, their slow hypnotic motions burning his eyes.

"Never, seen you out here, that's all." Silence fell over the two again until for the second time the soldier broke it. "What's troubling you, son?" In any normal situation it would not have been his place to ask such a question, but the boy really seemed troubled, not his normal strong self that the soldier had grown to know.

Endymion thought about the question for a moment. He knew what was bothering him. It was those damned thoughts of the Mahal woman, but to admit that to this elderly man. Was that really something for him to share? "See that tent over there?" He gestured the siren's prison. "That girl has caused me more trouble since we've acquired her than the entire tribe of Mahal has caused Totark in the last 100 years." He rubbed his eyes then ran a hand through his ebony hair. "I don't know what to do."

"Oh..." The soldier seemed as if the statement hadn't phased him. "You mean that whole thing with her running, and such. Yeah, the men were wondering when she would finally take off. Knew it wouldn't take long. The way General Neph..." He suddenly stopped. This was crossing the line. Disrespecting one of the Sunsire Diolon's Generals might be something he could do with one of the men in his own rank, but this was not a soldier. The Diolon was not a soldier even if he asked to be treated as one.

"Was I the only one who didn't notice?" Endymion asked, knowing what the soldier had nearly let out. "Was it really that bad?"

"Son," He paused, concern in both his eyes and his tone. "He was beating her every night. Now I know she be Mahal born and such, but... she's still a woman... Hardly a woman at that. I say she be no more than seventeen circles. Just ain't right if you ask me. Ain't right at all."

Endymion swore as the soldier went on with his bit.

"She cries, son. It's horrible to an old man's ears. Can't hardly take it some nights." He gripped his hands together then started to rub his thumb into the palm of his hand, like kneading clay that was his skin."

Endymion stood and looked to the tent where he had gestured before, his stare hard and angered. Patting the old man on the back, he thanked him then walked to the woman's prison. He entered, without announcing himself and found her tied to the same pole that he had found her tied to the first night he had approached, this time sleeping and huddled to keep warm. He did not take a step into the barren area before she stirred then awoke, startled and frightened.

"Pl-please no," Serenity cried her deepest fear seemed to be coming true. The horrible things that were said to be done to Mahal girls when taken by the Totark were burned into her mind. Purity would be stolen and although she had already been beaten she would be again. Tears ran down he cheeks from red eyes that seemed to have cried once already that night. "Please..." She begged. "No..."

Endymion didn't know how to react to the Siren's sobs. She looked at him like he was a monster about to take her soul and send it to the abyss. He could think of nothing to say and the only words that it seemed he could mutter were, "Does he beat you?" His anger evident for what seemed like the hundredth time that night.

Serenity cried even harder. The very idea of the pain the man lashed upon her was enough to make her feel it. The memory was still burned into her mind. She nodded and whimpered at the same time, but then grew silent and held her breath when the demon walked towards her and crouched to eye level.

"I'm sorry," He apologized. "I'm sorry about what he's done to you. You will be riding with Jedine for now on. And about what happened... today... at the beach..." He paused. "It won't happen again. You will not be touched." He stood up walked around to the back of the pole where he untied her hands. Then headed out the door.

Serenity rose to her feet and glared at the demon, her eyes like daggers. "I hate you." She said as he voice wavered from the former tears. "I hate you!" She yelled and ran at him pounding her fist on his back then his chest when he turned to meet her. He did nothing to stop her and nothing to protect himself from each blow. "I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you. I hate you." Her pounding slowed then stopped as she collapsed into him, tears now staining his tunic as she clutched onto the fabric.

Moments passed before Endymion finally laid the Diolan down on the soft grass and aloud her to cry in peace. He walked through the cloth door and back to his own chambers where he sat for most of the night, not allowing himself to even attempt to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Night moved onto day. The soldiers had picked up camp and started their journey up yet again. As promised the night before Serenity had been placed with Jedine for her entire ride and after the stop for the midday meal she saddled up with Jedine for the second time and never switched to the Diolon's like she usually had by the end of the afternoon.

Endymion kept his eyes forward for most of the ride and little conversation was held between him and his Generals, so the day went on slower than most. He would not even bring his sight to the woman of the party or his memories of the day before would return. The only thing he made sure he kept track of was the actions of Nephile who rode to his side. The only thing that made the Diolon uneasy through the trip was the way his dark haired General looked at the flower upon Jedine's saddle when the pair rode up to Endymion's side to report the status of the men that walked farther back.

Nephile's eyes would dart from their previous place to the Diolan and sweep her body up and down. His gaze would appear like an animal's as he licked his lips and gritted his teeth. To this Endymion would glare, but the man never seemed to notice, which infuriated the Sunsire even more. One more glance from Nephile and he would...

"Um... Sunsire? Did you hear me? We're coming close, Diolon. Permission to give the signal?" Jedine looked at Endymion as if something were wrong, in fact several soldiers including the Mahal woman were looking at him strangely.

"Y-yes! Of course. Announce our arrival!" Endymion rubbed his forehead is if he were suffering from a horrible headache. "Sorry Jedine..."

Jedine rose an eyebrow not knowing what to do. The Diolon had always been one to pay attention to the smallest detail. He never missed anything. He heard and saw everything that was going on and now... Now he was having to be repeated to. "Is everything all right, Endymion?"

"Yes, yes, everything's fine." Endymion waved Jedine off as if it were nothing. And it was nothing. Wasn't it? A fluke. That's all. Just a little mistake, but he wasn't aloud to make mistakes. He would have to watch himself. He was getting a little too emotionally involved with the woman. When they arrived home everything would be fine again. He would forget about the Diolan of Mahal. He would simply just stop thinking about her. "Jedine, send a scout. Tell the city to prepare a feast."

Jedine nodded then lifted his hand into the air to call for a scout. When one arrived the General gave him the orders and sent him on his way. Then, still concerned for the Diolon he turned with sympathy in his eyes. "Endymion? Are you sure-

"Yes, Jedine, I'm fine!" He yelled forcefully as he looked at the general and stopped rubbing his head. "Now! Carry on!"

"Yes, sir."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serenity was very confused about what had just happened. The Totark's Diolon had just blown up at his General and what seemed to be his best friend. What was wrong with him? She looked at the handsome demon for a moment and then realized what she was doing. She was caring for that Totark bastard! How could she? Was she mad? This... This man had destroyed her life and now she wanted to comfort him? Wanted to hold him when he was clearly in pain? She was disgusted with herself! This could not happen again. Never. She would just simply have to stop thinking about him when she arrived at the hell that was coming up. Simple.

After making up her mind about that issue Serenity was instantly wowed by the sight before her. There in the middle of a million trees stood a city so much greater than her peaceful Mahal. Totark was like a living breathing thing with houses made of sand colored stone. People could be spotted walking around doing their everyday things and towers of smoke rose from their cozy little dwellings. And in the middle of it all, stood a magnificent building that was of the same color of all the other houses, but was trimmed with polished black marble that glimmered in the remaining sun light.

"Welcome, Diolan to the City of Totark." Jedine smiled down to her from behind. His face stilled showing traces of hurt from his ruler's actions. "This is home."

Serenity smiled at Jedine hoping to make him feel better. He hadn't deserved what the Sunsire had said to him and even if he was the enemy he had proved to her over the span of the trip that he did, indeed, have a good heart. Unlike the demon monster that rode ahead of them.

Serenity suddenly jumped at the sound of a loud obscure horn that echoed at her side. That must have been the signal that the two man had been discussing before. Funny. It sort of reminded her of Mahal when the hunting party or troops arrived home. A sound just like the one that had been made a few moments ago could be heard for miles away, telling everyone to prepare for their coming. Like last time... Serenity stopped as he heart started to swell up. Last time she had heard that noise Kunzim was on his way home. She had thought he was doing to ask for his hand... but he hadn't. In fact he had been very mean to her by calling her a child and... and a young lady. She sighed at the thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Endymion tried to smile for his people as he rode his horse into Totark. Each one of his subjects held smiles on their faces and warm arms to great them with as they made their way into the heart of the city, but as soon as they reached their destination the crowd went silent as the people stood in aw. They were all staring at the Diolan of Mahal as if they had never seen a woman before.

"Endymion!" Came an excited young female voice from the palace doors. Reisha, dressed all in red, flew through the crowds and into the Diolon's arms as he dismounted his horse. "Oh, I missed you!" And as quickly as she had arrived in his arms her lips were set upon his mouth in a passionate kiss.

Serenity stared at the raven haired woman as she was helped off of Jedine's horse. She glared as a lustful kiss and didn't bother to avert her eyes as she addressed Jedine. "Who's that?" She asked letting hurt show just a bit. "His wife?" She asked her tone turning to malice.

"Reisha? No." Jedine laughed at Serenity's accusations, as he didn't catch either of her tones. "The Sunsire Diolon, married?" He laughed even harder. "I don't think I could even imagine him joining with another woman for the entirety of his life. No, Reisha, isn't his wife, Diolan. Reisha's just his lover. She's also the Diolan of Totark. The Diolon's cousin."

Serenity let out a silent sigh. The Diolon's lover. Just a cousin. She hated her. She didn't know why she hated her, but she knew she did.

Endymion broke the kiss with Reisha and looked over his shoulder, Reisha followed his movements as he face turned to blatant disgust. "Who do we have here?" She asked as she let go of Endymion and strode over to the Diolan of Mahal. "Lover? Who might this be?" Her eyebrow raised as her amethyst eyes sparkled.

The smile that had once been on Endymion's face faded as Reisha approached the siren. He quickly walked to Reisha and placed a firm grip on her arm. "Our prized for attacking Mahal, cousin. Let me introduce you to the Diolan of Mahal."

A sharp breath was taken in from all who stood around to catch the first glance at the army's arrival. They had expected her to be from Mahal, but to be the Diolan... that was utterly amazing. She was... She was gorgeous.

Serenity glared at Reisha. She couldn't stand her.

"She isn't too pretty, is she, Lover? Not with that nasty little face she has on." Reisha turned to Endymion knowing that he would agree, but was surprised to find a look she had never seen on the Diolon before. He most definitely never looked at her like that, like he could hardly resist her. She was horrified by the look. Endymion was her's! He was her's! And no little Mahal whore was going to take him from her.

Endymion didn't even know how to respond to his cousin. He knew he was supposed to agree with her. He knew it, but he couldn't. The woman was beautiful no matter what face she wore. These thoughts were terrifying. Thank goodness she would be taken away and dealt with by someone other than him within the next few minutes. "I expect you got the Scout's message, Love?" he asked to get the subject off hand.

Reisha glowered at Serenity for a few more moments before turning back to the Diolon. "Yes." She smiled as she moved closer so that she might fit perfectly into his chest. She stroked her hand up and down his torso, seductively and purred. "A celebration has been prepared and dinner will be served in the main hall."

"Perfect." Endymion said as he turned to his people. "Tonight, we celebrate! We have defeated out enemy once again and this time we bring proof of that. May all of you celebrate with food and dance. And women..." He smirked. "May not one of these men," He gestured to the army that stood behind him. "Go to bed lonely." There was a holler from the men and a giggle from the woman as Endymion picked Reisha up and walked into the palace, only those who were deemed important enough followed behind him for the Palace's celebration.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*** I know this chapter is shorter than the rest, but I sort of have an idea for next chapter and well... The next chapter starts right after this. So! I'm going to try and get that chapter out as soon as possible.... So I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next installment with be soon! Especially if inspiration and free time keep poring in like it has been.

~May the voices in your head turn up the volume!~

The Lunar Witch

Merry Meet, Merry Part, Merry Meet Again!