Kieshra Shapeshifters

[Galadas]

(tell me of your plan! :3 )

Oluk was irritated, Darafv could smell it on his brother, he wouldn’t be glad with any reaction from the city when the Bear princes would come riding in with their princess. Meanwhile the younger brother was content, with Elmyra’s thank you, and them still being on their way to the White City, nothing could go any more wrong. He had taken down two attackers, and counted himself sort of a hero, hoping to get the time to write a letter to his dad about his heroic act.
They slowly made progress through the forest, Darafv’s horse feeling the load of two on his back, and Oluk keeping his eyes in the sky and around the trees. The sky was dark, and they all needed to cover themselves from the strangers within the woods. Yet, Darafv didn’t find himself worrying about it.
‘One hour, no more,’ Oluk told Darafv, before he could even ask. ‘We ride slow, your horse carries two, and whoever might have attacked us, there are probably more.’

Tosha pulled off a smile, though he never found such matters funny. His father liked the smell of blood and gore, but all the while wanted to protect his son from all of it. He never liked it, because it didn’t matter that he was sick, he had to be told right if his dad still wanted him to be king after him.
‘Father, might I have Hengi for myself now? It has been so long since I’ve seen my friend.’
And the King never said no, he just nodded and went on his way, returning when he thought it time, but he gave Tosha everything.
The prince waited till his father was gone, before turning to Hengi. ‘And what has my dad given you to do all this time? He always sends you away without a word of where you’re going.’

[Cara]

(haha, ok here's my general idea. I am sending Mersena to the Serpentine city of Skarine where Tosha and Hengi are. She is fleeing the White City.
So as you know thers is a war between the city of Hawkara with King Kawvn Sensar and King Alamin Renner of Skarine. The falcons of the White City are not involved in the war, but are aloof in their commitment.
Also, I have aligned Elmyra with Oluk and Darfv to get some interactions going
As far as what the bear who was executed, he was alluding to even a larger plan that I have yet to reveal!!!)

Elmyra tensed with every movement of the horse. She did not know how many bones she had broken, but she needed to begin the healing process. Darafv's arm was around her side, making sure she stayed in the saddle. If any of the falcons saw her like this...She couldn't think of that now. She pulled back from her body into her mind to save herself from the excruciating pain. She felt nothing. It had been a long time since her teachers had taught her the ways of healing. She was never as gifted as her sister Saena, the crown princess. The Falcons were gifted though with the deeper magics of the Kieshra. They could weave spells and magic of many kinds that no other Kieshra could. That is why they claimed to be the first of Enkil's children.
She mushed her energy into her broken limbs. Bone was hard to knit back together and took energy. She had studied the components of bone, muscle, tendon, and skin. To make it whole was a laborious process and it wasn't expedited by her weak condition.
Elmyra left some of her consciousness there so she would know when they neared the White City. Hopefully she would be in good enough condition to walk on her own and not disgrace herself any more than she had had to.

Hengi looked at Tosha, his face grim. "I should not have to burden you with my tasks..." he said.
"Hengi..." Tosha said.
Hengi started walking and Tosha followed him. As they walked Hengi started to talk. "Your father has... concerns. Regarding the war with the Avian people. And this last assassination has worried him even more."
"But it was not an Avian that killed ady Saran of the Third Court...." Tosha said, confused.
Exactly," Hengi said.
"I don't understand, Hengi," Tosha said.
"This way.." Hengi said, leading Tosha through the castle, away from the hustle and bustle of the court. "Speak softly," he said. They made their way back to Hengi's chambers. The rooms were very large and elegant, but not even close to those of Tosha's. The only difference was that Hengi commanded that no servants or guards be posted in or by his rooms, and more likely all the servants and guards were pleased to abide. Tosha knew that Hengi in his own right was an outsider. He was a loner; not many people were friendly to his friend, but Hengi never commented that it bothered him.
After Hengi closed and locked his door, he turned to Tosha. "I would rather not burden you with my worries.... You are my friend, and I trust you." His dark red eyes flicked to Tosha's. "And what I say lies almost in treason."
"Treason? Hengi what is going on?!"
Hengi sat back, looking at the flames. Tosha had never seen his friend like this. Hengi had always been reserved, but never like this. Not around him. His last task for his father had changed him.
"I am concerned that there is something.... I don't know...large going on. I don't know what, but my gut says that something is up. Today was just another hint at that. I wanted to know what that man would have said. Tosha, he said that we were fighting the wrong people. We are at war with the Avian, and I do not deny that this war is just, but... I have heard talk. It circulates the taverns of the small folk. The majority of the people dismiss it as rumors and tall tales, but I am not so sure." Tosha sat down, opposite Hengi. "There is something in the north. North of Aliaska..."
"There is nothing there but mountains and barren lands..." Tosha said. "You sound mad!" he said, trying to lighten the mood, but Hengi was unaffected.
"I don't have any evidence at the moment for my...worries. And truthfully I don't even know what they are! Your father is sending me on even more...tasks..." Hengi said, looking up.
"What kinds?"
Hengi sighed, obviously distressed. "He spoke with my not a day ago.... Tosha, do you know what my name is?"
Tosha was confused. Hengi was all over in his words. "You are Hengi. Hengi Renner, bastard son to the King, and my half brother and friend..."
Hengi gave Tosha a wane smile. "Not my birth name. My other name..."
"Oh...." Tosha hated thinking of Hengi like this. Everyone knew his other name. "You are the King's Bloody Hand."
"Exactly. I am a spy. The "secret" police. Father's agent; to do with as he pleases!!!" Hengi said, through clenched teeth. "Bloody hand....Pah!"
"What is it?" Hengi was obviously distressed, yet he still seemed hesitant to tell Tosha what was on his mind.
"Do you know how many people I've killed?"
"Uh... You never told me..."
"I have killed 37 people. All at father's command. There were probably more; others that got in the way, but there have been 37 people that I have assassinated."
Tosha had guessed that Hengi was not just an enforcer of the law and a spy, but an assassin. Yet Hengi had never admitted it. He hardly spoke of the missions that their father gave him. He kept it all t himself.
"You did it because it was your duty..."
"They all deserved death," Hengi said. "They were evil. They were criminals. They weren't royalty."
Tosha was shocked. "Royalty?"
Hengi looked at Tosha, and for the first time, Tosha could see fear and something else, in Hengi's face. "I have been assigned the mission to kill Kawvn Sensar, King of Hawkara of the Golden Eagles."

Mersena pulled her hood low as she trotted into the city of Amar. It was the second largest city of the Falcon's kingdom, yet here it was easier to blend in. There were many falcons, but it was a trading city, built on the mouth of the Gulf of Enkil. There were many different kinds of people. She had little money, but she could sell the horse she had stolen. Yet it was too useful. She sighed. She looked practically like a boy, and a poor boy at that. Her clothes were of soft worn leather, but her hair was matted and ragged, and short.
She dismounted and lead her horse through the streets, looking at the inns. She needed to see if she could get a ship that could take her to the Summer Isles, or even the city of Hawkara. She just had to get out of the falcon city as soon as possible. Only the Cobra of the Serpentine had red eyes like hers, she knew. They betrayed her wherever she went.
She made her way down to the docks.
"I am looking for a ship that is leaving as soon as possible for port in Hawkara or the Summer Isles..." she said to the first shipman she saw.
He looked at her suspiciously. "And what does one like you have for payment?"
"Won't do. Now shove off."
Mersena spent a good half hour trying to find a ship that would take her. She was just about to give up when a man called to her. "Young lady, lookin' for a boat ter take you south?" His accent was coarse.
"Yes!" she said, excitedly. "To Hawkara or the Summer Isles. I have...family there."
"And how might you be paying?" he said, eying her.
"My horse," she said. "He is strong, and swift. I have ridden him myself."
"Hmm. How abouts you forget that horse, and let me ride you instead?" he said, his smile lecherous.
Mersena took a step back, suddenly afraid. The man grinned, as he grabbed her wrist. He pulled her forward, his strong arms grabbing at her. Mersena struggled, as she felt his hands moving across her chest and down her body.
"No!" she said, but his mouth was on hers before she could let loose her cry. Her arms were pinned down by his, so she couldn't reach the knife at her waist. And she was a child of a Skafad. She couldn't shapeshift at all. Tears rolled down her face as she felt his hands ripping at the ties of her clothes. Just as she turned her face away, she felt the man give a gasp and grunt as he stiffened. She opened her eyes to see the point of a sword sticking through the front of him. Blood ran from it as the blade was pulled back out. He fell down in front of her as another man stepped up.
"Are you alright, miss?" he said, stepping over the man she had just killed. Mersena could only nod, as she attempted to cover herself. The man gave her a warm smile. "Here," he said, taking off his cloak. He wrapped it around her. "Come along. I know someone who can fix you up right. She probably has a good plate of food too. You look half starved."
Mersena followed the man back through the streets. This stranger out of no where had just saved her. And how he wanted to help her. The stranger lead her to what looked like a small house. It was dark by the time they arrived. He didn't say a word as he knocked. The door was opened by a woman who laughed and gave him a firm hug. "Ah! And the traveler arrives!" she said. "Come in! Come in!"
The man stepped aside to shed the light on Mersena.
"You bring a guest?" the woman said, looking at him. "Oh, sweetling! Come in!" Mersena stepped into the warm light of the house. It was small indeed, but homely and comforting. There was a fire in the hearth and she was cooking something. The aroma was sweet and made Mersena's mouth water. "Here..." the woman said, running to the pot. She served two bowls of soup and a chunk of bread, setting them on the table for the two of them.
"Sit! Sit!" she said, ushering Mersena into a seat.
"So who is this?" the woman asked, as the stranger, took off his hat and settled himself down into a chair.
"Dunno..." he said, watching Mersena as she scarfed down the entire bowl. "Found her down by the docks. Saved her from being had right on the warf."
"Oh dear..." the woman said, looking over at her. Mersena knew they talked about her, but she decided to say silent and enjoy the soup. She used the bread to wipe down the last of it. It was delicious. The woman sat down across from Mersena and looked at her. "Why she doesn't even look 20 winters!"
"I am 17," Mersena said finally.
"Oh and the girl speaks!" Mersena blushed. "What is your, child?" the woman asked.
"Cale," Mersena lied.
"Cale?" the woman asked, looking at her. "That is a falcon name." Mersena cursed her foolishness. Cale was one of her childhood friends. She should have used another name. This might be a falcon city, but not everyone was a fan of the falcon people. "Well my name is Ana. And probably Dallion here forgot his manners. Didn't introduce himself." She hit him lightly over the head.
"Hey, I was preoccupied, ok?" Dallion said. Mersena looked at him for the first time. He was actually quite young. Perhaps just 20 himself. He had dark hair and eyes there were as blue as the sky above the White City.
"What were you doing by the docks? They can be dangerous for young woman, especially alone."
"Well I know that now..." Mersena said.
"Good thing, Dallion was there," Ana said, smiling warmly.
"I was looking for a ship to get to Hawkara or the Summer Isles. Or even Skarine." Ana and Dallion exchanged a look.
"Why is that?"
"Uh. I have family there."
"Sounds like they aren't too responsible," Dallion commented, earning him another smack on the shoulder from Ana. "Well they're sending a young girl off on her own? Doesn't sound like they're too careful..." Ana shot him a look.
"My family... is dead," Mersena said, the first truth she had said to anyone. She felt tears sting her eyes again. Saying that truth out loud made it all the more worse.
"Oh dear..." Ana said. "I am so sorry...." Mersena didn't say anything. "Oh and look at your dress!" The shipman had torn half the front of it down, and the ties were all broken in the back. Mersena pulled Dallion's cloak closer to her body at the mention of her dress.
"Well I just might have a dress that fits you," Ana said. "I had a daughter once. Same build as you. Thin as a leaf. Let me get it..."
"What...what happened to her?" Mersena asked.
"Oh... she died a well..." Mersena could see that it pained her too, so she was relieved when Dallion broke in.
"Are you still in need of transportation?"
"Yes."
"Well it just so happens that I have a ship."
"You? A ship?" Mersena asked, looking at Dallion.
"Yep!" Dallion said, smiling now. His smile made his whole face brighter. "I'm captain of it and everything!"
"Oh, stop puffing your feathers," Ana said, "and tell her what you really have," as she handed Mersena a bundle of clothing.
Dallion rolled his eyes. "I have and airship."

[Galadas]

Tosha stared at Hengi as he took a moment to take it all-in, he wasn’t used to such conversations, not with Hengi, and strange enough not with anyone. His father seemed to always keep something from him, all the bloody and heavy things. Most were all because he feared the crown prince’s health could not handle it, now it seemed as if something else entirely was taken place.
‘You’re not going to do it right?’ he asked, seating himself down, feeling a rising pain in his stomach and a pinch on his spine. ‘I mean, we’re on the brink of war with Hawkra, this will only make it worse. Especially if they find out who did it, and if not, they’ll find a way to blame it on my father. It will be war,’ he said, shaking his head.
‘I’m the King’s Hand,’ Hengi answered. An answer that he knew wouldn’t satisfy his friend.
‘You’re the King’s son.’ Tosha paused, examining his half-brother’s quarters. ‘If this rumor about something beyond the borders of Alaiska concerns you, I’ll send out a convoy to see if there is really something at work.’ He said, annoyed by the whole thing. Especially because he wanted nothing more than that his father would start sharing everything with him, even if he was sick and weak half of the time. It was physical, not mental.
He held his hand up before Hengi could decide to answer. ‘Father will not ask about it, and if he does, I’ll make up some story about sending them out to get me something from Alaiska, no problem.’ He place his head back against the chair. His half-brother had no means of sitting down, he was never even allowed to when in company of royal blood. His father made sure there was always a difference between his natural born sons and daughters, and his bastards. To Tosha it was unfair, because he saw all of them as his kin.
‘If there is something out there, they will not come back.’
Tosha had tried not to think about that, willing to believe that whatever Hengi had heard, was no more than a couple of rumors spreading among country folk who wanted desperately to believe there was something more evil out there.
‘Then we’ll know there is something out there,’ he replied.
The two brothers looked at each other for a moment. In appearance they were so different, Hengi was strong and strongly build, while Tosha always seemed weak, though he had a built similar to that of his father. Their hair, their eyes, if it wasn’t for the knowledge of Tosha’s disease, one wouldn’t be able to say they had the same father.
The older brother sighed, he wasn’t sure what to say. He knew he didn’t have the power to keep Hengi from doing whatever his father had assigned him to do. ‘Let me talk to my father, give me a chance to tell him his plan will only start the war.’
‘He’ll know I talked to you, Tosha. I wasn’t supposed to.’
Tosha sighed. ‘Then why did you tell me if there is nothing I can do about it?’ His annoyance found its way to his voice.
‘Because I wanted you to know, and you asked me to tell it.’

The first sign of the city did not seem to surprise or bring with any feelings of relieve. Oluk was tired and irritated, he was probably think of throwing down the whole city with his claws, Darafv thought. They had been riding in silence, even up to the front gate no one spoke a word. Not if they didn’t have to .
At the gate two guards rode out to meet them, both on horses that were smaller than the four they rode on. The guards were dressed in white, their helmets shone in the light of the moon, and the two princes couldn’t read a thing from their faces. They held a tall spear in their hands, greeting the visitors with hostility rather than friendliness.
‘What is your business here, Bears?’ the first one asked.
Darafv stayed back, making sure he was settled behind Oluk and their first guard, hoping to make certain Elmyra wasn’t to be seen. The city was dark and silent, no would not encounter much trouble on their way to the castle. He hoped they would get the same room as earlier.
Oluk took out his own necklace, showing the sigil of their house. ‘Prince Oluk and Darafv Measters, sons of King Measters, King of Alaiska.’ He always said it with such pride.
‘You’ve been expected to arrive tomorrow,’ one guard spoke.
The eldest prince nodded. ‘We encountered some trouble within the forest, of which I shall explain to the queen. Our company is still there, but it is not safe. They will hopefully arrive in the morning.’
The guards nodded, turning their small ponies, and leading the four riders into the city. They hadn’t noticed Elmyra, which was a good thing. Darafv was far too tired to have to explain the whole thing, besides, he knew Oluk had no trouble telling the whole thing to the queen, he knew no mercy for the Flacon Princess, and would likely forget about what the story had of effect on her.
‘We’ll find it ourselves,’ Oluk snapped, when the guards demanded to lead the four riders up the hill to the castle.
‘As the prince wishes,’ one guard spoke, properly annoyed.
The two guards left them, closing the gate behind them, far too busy throwing angry looks at the arrogant prince to notice Elmyra.
‘Seems like we’ll get you safely back to the castle,’ whispered Darafv. ‘Or at least unnoticed.’
The company rode on, taking the same pace, they reached the castle in a minute or ten. Even there they managed to get through without question, for once the crown prince was happy that his older brother always managed to piss of everyone, it kept the attention on him, instead of the younger prince.
They left their horses at the stable, Darafv helping Elmyra getting of her horse. She didn’t say much, her gaze was far off, but he had no trouble understanding that she must have a lot of pain.
By then some curious eyes drew near to the Bear Prince helping their princes get back to her room. Some had laughs on their faces, others whispered in the dark, things Darafv couldn’t hear. He was accompanied by one of his guards, the other one having to join Oluk as he had the Queen woken to tell her off the attack in the forest.
‘Oluk will tell your mother about what happened,’ he told the princess, he hardly had to use any strength to keep her from falling, she was light, and she was strong no matter her wound. ‘I hope whatever you were doing out in the night wasn’t that rebellious that she’ll get mad about it,’ he spoke, knowing he had no way of comforting her.
They arrived at the door of her room as he spoke, he had followed her once or twice, so he knew where to go. A boy ran out of the room, and came up to help Elmyra, he flashed by without Darafv being able to say a thing about it.

[Cara]

Micken looked Elmyra over, as he and other servants took her from the bears. He lead her through the secret passages to the healers.
"Elmyra..." he said, looking at her with worry. "What did you do to yourself..."
Elmyra blinked, her vison still far off. "Micken, I'm sorry..." she said, her voice soft.
"What happened!?!" said the maester (healer) when he saw Elmyra. Micken helped her through the door. She was barely conscious, but Micken knew that she had drawn into herself to deal with the pain. She leaned heavily against him.
"I don't know. She was brought back in this condition with the embassy from Aliaska...."
"Damn bears! The Queen will have their heads if they did this to Princess Elmyra."
Micken didn't say anything as the Maester laied her down on the table. He watched as the Maester ran around the room, muttering to himself.
"So?" Micken finally asked, looking at Elmyra. She lay on the table, still as stone. Her wings were splayed out behind her.
"The Princess knows her magics well. She was able to contain the damage and start healing it. I don't know how many hours old this injury is, but I am impressed with the progress she has made," the maester admitted. "The Queen has requested her presence for tonight's dinner council with the embassy."
"Tonight!?" Micken said, shocked. "Will she be... ready?"
The maester nodded. "Silly fool, am I not the first maester of the White City?" he said, giving Micken a sharp look. "She will be fine by then. Her body has sustained much damage...the wing seems to be broken in several places, and she has a number of cracked ribs, and she is bleeding internally, but the magic of the falcons is strong. Tell the servants to prepare a bath and garb."
Micken left, glancing back at Elmyra. He couldn't imagine how she could get better so quickly, let alone by tonight! Had the Queen no heart? This was her daughter....


Hengi stepped back, looking at Tosha. "Please, do nothing about this or anything I have told you. And..." he hesitated, as if he didn't want to speak any more. "You should know that....we have for a few months now, been at open war with the Avian people. Your father hopes that this mission would end things before they began. As you know, the king has no heir apparent. It will give us time, after the chaos that will follow, to step up and deal with those who would do us harm," Hengi explained, as if to validate his actions not only to Tosha, but to himself. He paused as if reading Tosha's mind. "Your father cares deeply about you. He can be...misguided...but that still makes him your father."
"He is your father too," Tosha quipped back. Hengi didn't comment.
"When are you to leave?"
"I am leaving in three days time."


Mersena looked at Dallion with wide eyes. "An airship?" she said, confused. "I....what is it?"
"I'll show you tomorrow...." Dallion said, smiling. He shook his hair out, stretching. His hair was long and blonde with streaks of gold, pulled back into a pony tail.
"How do you know Ana?"
"She is an old friend of the family," Dallion said.
"I took care of his parents too," Ana said with a smile. She stretched her wings, and Mersena was reminded that it was law in the falcon cities that everyone walk around in their Demi. Ana looked to be some kind of songbird. She looked at Dallion. Long hair. Blonde. Blue-eyed. He must be a lion Kieshra.
"Well it is late. We will be leaving early tomorrow morning," Dallion said. "Night, Ana," he said, as he trodded up the stairs to bed.
Ana looked at her. "Cale, here are some clothes of my daughter. Try them on. There is a small bed that I made for you over there. Well it is a couch, but I hope it will do."
"Thank you. For... for everything," Mersena said, looking at Ana.
"Just rest child. You are safe."
Mersena nodded her thanks again. She thought a moment. Was she really safe though? Would she ever be?


The White City was said to be one of the largest cities in all the realms, and the falcons spared no expense in its design or beauty. It was called the white city, because all the stone was a unique white crystal. It was stronger than regular stone and had magical properties. The stone shone and glistened in the sunlight. It was set on the side of a mountain. The upper city was built high in the mountains, protected by the height and the sheer cliffs. Only one who could fly could reach its doors. Or someone who was undeterred from climbing a sheer drop of the cliffs. The lower part of the city was in the valley, imposing in its height and splendor as the upper part. There were other parts of the city that were built into the mountain side, where narrow steps and pathways lead.
Darafv and Oluk were lead through the giant white gates, leaving the first guards behind on their ponies. Beyond the gates, such beasts of burden were a rare sight. Darafv looked back at where Elmyra had been taken to. They must have wished that she not be paraded through the city in such a condition, to take her away as soon as they were through the gates.
A man dropped down from the sky to greet them. "Welcome, Princes of Aliaska..." he said, with a curt bow. His wings were large streaked with brown and gold. "to the White City. I am Marr of the Queen's Mercy."
They nodded in greeting. The Queen's Mercy was the Queen's own personal guard, and known to be home to some of the fiercest and also most brutal of warriors. It was joked about in the other kingdoms that they were the Queen's mercy, yet she had none to give by the sword.
"The Queen has requested your presence," he said, his face unreadable. "She waits in the middle hall of High Garden."
"High Garden? What about waiting in the Hall of Wings?" Oluk demanded. Usually when he traveled to the White City, they met the Queen in the throne room of the Hall of Wings. High Garden was half way up the mountain in the cliffs and the way was steep and perilous.
"I am to escort you to where the Queen awaits."
Darafv looked at Oluk. "We know the way to High Garden, Sir Marr."
"I am to escort you to the Queen," Marr said again, unmoved.
"I told your other guards before, that I can find my way alone," Oluk said again, annoyed. His tone did not disturb Marr in the slightest.
"Oluk..." Darafv said. "We may need his assistance..."
Oluk shot him a glare.
"And I would care to remind you that it is law here that you wear your Demi form... unless you wish to walk around in your first skin," Marr said, with a slight smile. In the falcon cities, one had to wear their Demi or full form, as only servants or slaves were not allowed to do so. To not shapeshift into your Demi was to face ridicule and shame; practically walking around naked would be better than not to be in your Demi. Especially for two princes of Aliaska, it was not only required, but expected. They had come prepared too, but Oluk checked himself and shifted the rest of the way.

They made their way through the streets by themselves. The majority of the people were falcons, and they wore their wings with pride. Some took off, as the approach of Darafv and Oluk. Oluk looked annoyed at this. The falcons were coolly respectful to others, and extremely loyal to their own. Only a few looked down and bowed when they passed by. It had been strange when they had laughed when Darafv had helped Elmyra off the horse. Falcons were usually very reserved and showed little emotion, if at all. They would definitely whisper about that for a while to come. He hoped for Elmyra's sake that she wouldn't be too wounded by the courtly whispers.
The steps were narrow and steep, and the path that was cut into the side of the cliff was even narrower. There was a railing, and Darafv held onto it for dear life, as he looked down to his left. It dropped away in hundreds of feet. Already the lower part of the city was small beneath them.
Marr walked ahead, though he walked freely and without fear. Well why not? If he slipped and fell he would just open his wings and fly! Darafv thought sourly.
It seemed like a long time before they stepped out into the beautiful scape of High Garden. It was a large hall, with vaulting ceilings, surrounded by beautiful plants, and even a waterfall. The architecture fit right into the stone of the mountain, while also seeming to become one with the garden.
Sitting on a silver throne before them was the falcon Queen Circe.
Darafv bowed as was appropriate. The Queen only gave a slight nod. "Welcome to High Garden, middle hall of the White City, Prince Oluk and Prince Darafv Renner. I hope the journey here was not too... laborious," she said, smoothly. The Queen, Darafv saw, looked like an older version of Elmyra. She had the same long white-silver hair, streaked with violet. Her eyes were icy though, a deep purple flecked with silver so they flashed in the light. So unlike Elmyra's who seemed...softer. The Queen had a cold beauty about her, her face was angular and smooth. Her dark blue gown of layered semi-transparent fabric, seemed to ripple and float about her with every movement. Her wings were even more incredible, spreading out behind her like a throne of feathers. Those two were silvery streaked with black and dark purple.
"The journey was fine, your Majesty."
The Queen gave them that little half smile again. Otherwise her face was expressionless and indifferent. "Good. Now you can tell me why we found my daughter half dead in your company."

[Galadas]

Tosha bit his lip in anger. He was mostly angry at himself, he was the crown prince, yet all he did was be a burden to his father and those that served him. He would never be a proper king, not if he was allowed to be. His half-brother though got all the mess, everything that Tosha wasn’t supposed to know, and every little thing his father needed doing that was far too important to let others do. ‘It’s unfair,’ he said, sounding rather like a child.
‘Please, Tosha,’ said Hengi, and that was all he needed to say to make the prince doubt himself even more. But he wouldn’t get his brother into trouble, that was most unnatural, it had always been like that, and he wouldn’t know how to change.
‘Just, just let me know what changes. I know father will keep it from me as long as he can, he doesn’t want me to know that we’re at war, and I don’t want to sit here waiting for it to happen.’ He stood, not sure whether he even thought that the conversation was over, he found it way too painful to even think of the fact that he could not do a thing to stop his brother. His legs felt weak as he placed his weight upon them, but he never showed signs of his disease unless he knew he couldn’t recover from them.
‘I will,’ the half-brother replied, though he didn’t seem too sure about it.
Tosha nodded. ‘And brother, please return, okay. Spend these three days with me, and return as soon as you can,’ he almost commanded. He was most frightened for Hengi’s life, mostly because he had no idea what his brother was capable off, and besides he trusted his father and his plans not.

Oluk was not at all impressed, this was all diplomatic, all politics, and to be honest, he was quiet bored about it to say the least. All he had wanted was to stay home at his father’s side, and fight along with his men in the coming war. Instead he was here, with those idiotic annoying birds and their customs. He liked his human form far better than his Demi form, his face was a lot stronger, and more hairy. The clothes he wore tight around his grown body, and he was less in hand of his own emotions and reactions, which was always a challenge. His brother looked innocent and sweet no matter his appearance, but surely they were both in trouble because he had gone sniffing around.
‘We were on our way to the White City when my brother Darafv and I witnessed the princess being attacked by an arrow, what she was doing flying off the forest is a question on my part.’
Darafv stared hopeless at the hall, and shot Oluk a few looks that he decided simply to ignore. He was honest, and surely a bit blunt in his explanation.
‘Darafv was so kind to protect your daughter before any real harm – I mean more than the scratch that she was given – could be done to her. We killed the two attackers.’ It was a short tale, he had to admit to that, but he was hungry and tired, so why make something longer than it had to be. ‘We have no idea to whom they were loyal and why they attacked your daughter. The only thing we know is that they used magic to capture the princess.’
The younger brother pinched Oluk before he could say anything that might offend anyone, since the always annoyed older brother was capable of such things. ‘Your Majesty, we have come a long way and witnessed a horrible thing, we only ask now to rest. What happened tonight may hopefully be discussed further in the morning,’ said Darafv, who had to admit to being tired himself. Besides, he had killed a man tonight, his first.

[Cara]

The Queen looked down at the two bears, emotionless and cold, but she stood nonetheless. "Of course..." she said. "You may rest and restore yourself, as I expect you to dine with me in a few hours time. Accommodations area already set for you," she said, her flinty eyes seeming to bore right into him.
Oluk was clearly annoyed at having to eat with the Queen, but he said nothing. Darafv nodded and the two bowed. They were escorted out by Marr who had brought them in.
As Darafv looked back he saw the Queen swiftly disappear from the hall. She moved so quickly!
Their rooms were in the highest accommodations both in honor and height. Darafv could see why the White City was so strong. It rested in the valley as well as the better part of the surrounding mountains. Only one with wings or a sure climb could reach many of the higher parts of the palace. Thankfully their rooms were high, but not so that they would need wings. As they were escorted out to walk down the narrow path from where they came, he saw the Queen sail overhead with a retinue of other falcons and her Mercy. He watched her flight pattern as she flew with strong wingstrokes to a high part of the palace. Just to gaze up at the stone walls hundreds of feet above him made his head spin.

Elmyra blinked her eyes open. She remembered being wisked away by Micken and other servants into the secret underground passageways. Then there was the maester. All that pain, the work at mending the bone and tissue back together correctly. She sat up, and stretched out her wings, smiling as she didn't feel that awful snap of pain. She was stiff, but otherwise unhurt.
"Oh you are up, princess," a young woman said. "Your mother will be waiting."
Elmyra got out of bed and was surprised to realize she was back in her chambers of the Sky Keep of the White City. It was one the highest parts of the palace, kept warm by the blazing fires in the hearth.
"I have a bath heated for you and your dresses are laid out..." she said, with a low bow. Elmyra nodded as she stood, stretching again. The servant jumped back, as Elmyra's wings snapped out as far as they could - almost 15 feet in full wingspan.
"Leave me," Elmyra said, as she made her way to the steaming water in the next room. The servant left her to wash, relax, and think. Elmyra sighed as she slipped into the water. She could wash and preen in wonderful silence.

Mersena woke to the smell of food. She jumped up, all the events of last night crashing into her. She felt for the knife at her waist, but found it gone. In a moment of panic, she looked around frantically, before seeing it on the table next to her. Besides it were clean clothes that Ana had left for her. She quickly changed, belting on the knife after. She pulled her boots on. She went to braid her hair before realizing that it was all missing.
Shaking away the nightmares of last night she made her way to the small main room where Ana was finishing up breakfast.
"Here you go dear," she said, with a smile. "Oh and you look lovely. The clothes fit better than I could have hoped!"
Mersena looked down at her clothes. She hadn't even realized what Ana had given her. It was a dress of a dark red, almost brown. It was old, but she could see that it was well-made and once a beautiful dress.
“Thanks...” she mumbled. Dallion came into the room then his shirt in his hand. Mersena looked down, blushing.
“Dallion, put your shirt on,” Ana scolded. “You are in the presence of a lady.”
Dallion turned and saw her and gave a bow, smiling. “Of course, my lady....” he said, pulling his shirt over his head. Ana handed him a bowl and Dallion sat, watching Mersena as she made her way to the table to eat. “Sleep well?”
“Yes.”
“Hmmm....” he said, a mouth full of food. “Well as soon as you are done, we’ll be heading out. Dress warm!”

Elmyra saw that the servant had left out a new dress. She had been fitted for it the week previous. It was of pale violets that almost matched the tint of her hair. The fabric was layered and see-through and gossamer thin. Her people knew it as cloudskin. It was soft as any silk and when she put the dress on; it hung lightly on her, leaving room for her wings as it swept around her body.
“You look well.”
Elmyra turned to see her mother. She paused a moment before dropping to her knew in a bow. “Hello, Mother.”
“Get up, Elmyra,” her mother said, taking her shoulders in her hands. “What were you thinking!?” she said, her eyes sharp. “Flying outside the city; and without an escort!”
“My humblest apologies, Mother.”
“And the state you came back in...”
Elmyra looked at her mother. “It almost sounds as if you were worried about me,” she said. The Queen dropped her hands and stepped back.
Elmyra moved to her mirror where she picked a brush. She saw her mother come up behind her through the reflection. “We were looking everywhere for you,” she said, her face expressionless.
Elmyra shrugged and concentrated on the brush in her hand. She ran it almost violently through her hair. “I am not Sena, what does it matter to you?” Elmyra said, her face blank, but when she looked up, she caught her mother watching her in the mirror, her face awash with emotion. Elmyra froze a moment and set down the brush.
The Queen looked at it a moment before picking it up and running it through Elmyra’s long silvery hair. Elmyra closed her eyes. Her mother hadn’t done this since she was little. She hardly remembered a time when her mother showed such warmth to her, much less touched her. To her daughters, the closest family she had, Queen Circe was as cold and fierce as she was proud.
“You may not be Crown Princess,” her mother started, “but you are still my daughter.”

Elmyra watched as her mother reached over her and picked up a thin circlet. It was a braided silver band inlaid with amethyst and crystal of the White City. The Queen, looking at Elmyra in the mirror and laid this gently on her head, tucking stray pieces of hair underneath.
“The royal embassy from Aliaska brought you back,” her mother intoned. “We have discussed with them about this attack on you. I doubt that your attackers meant to kidnap royalty, as I doubt you told anyone of your little rebellious plans...Yet they were aiming for a falcon.”
“I did tell Micken,” Elmyra replied, before realizing her mistake.
“Micken? That slave boy?”
“Uh... No. No I didn’t tell anyone...”
“Elmyra, do not lie to me,” her mother said, eyes flashing. She was once again the stern falcon queen of the White City. “That boy could be a traitor. How could I be so foolish?!”
“Mother...”
“ –I let him become too close to you. From now on you will have servants who know their place and where their loyalties lie! As for the boy, I will find out who he has told. He will pay with treason with his life – ”
“Mother! Nooo!!! Listen to me!”
“I will not have my family hurt again!” the Queen said, grasping Elmyra's hands. "Do you understand?"

Mersena's heart was in her chest. It was a cool morning, still too early for many people to be out and about. It was a beautiful calm, as Dallion and her made their way through the town. "Where is your ship?" she said, glancing back at the harbor.
"It is in a field just outside of town..."
When they arrived, Mersena eyed it nervously. She had heard little of airships, and had never seen one. This contraption looked like nothing of the wings of birds! He could a thing like that fly? She watched as Dallion made his way to the airship and started a fire in the main compartment. Slowly the sunken canvas filled with air. She gasped as it grew before her until it hovered above the ground, massive.
"Oh," was all she could utter.
"Ready?" Dallion asked, taking her bag and dropping it inside.
"I guess," she said, suddenly nervous.
Dallion smiled, taking her hand. They stepped onto the platform. She watched as Dallion worked ropes and tethers and soon they were drifting above the treeline. Mersena clentched the rim of the airship as they climbed higher and higher. Her heart fluttered and she felt...happy. Dallion looked at her strangely, but with a smile as she tilted her head back and laughed. With a nod he said, "Birds are not the only ones who can fly."

[Galadas]

Oluk resisted the urge to start yelling at his brother the moment they were back in a room together. Darafv could see that written all over his face, while he was still in awe about the queen. He lay down on one of the beds, dreaming of dining with the queen and het daughter. He closed his eyes and pretended Elmyra was seated right next to him, the younger siblings, still royal but not the heirs to the kingdoms. He was in love.
'Diner! We rode days just to get here, and instead of giving us rest, she invites us for diner,' Oluk muttered, sitting himself down and staring at the window. 'It wouldn't surprise me if she has never seen a damned road before.'
Darafv said nothing to calm his brother, all he wanted was to go to that diner, ver badly.
'I want to go home, Dar,' he whispered.
'I know,' the younger brother replied.

Tosha returned to his room, angered and weak. He did not know what was going to happen, but he hated that he had to wait. He slipped back under the sheets, and gazed through the window. For the heir every day was a new surprise, whether he would feel fine or desperate. He saw then that Hill's bed was empty, and wondered if she went to look for him. He would see in the morning, when he would also head out to talk to his father.

Hillmya ran down the streets, her lion body made little sound, as she cleared one alley after another until she was lost in the city of the Serpentine. She felt bad for leaving Tosha behind for a bit, but she had seen him sneak off to Hengi and thought, since they well good friends, he would not return early.
It gave her a window. She speeded down the street and changed back into her human shape in the shadows, pulling on clothes that she had carried with her on her back.
A door a few meters away was opened for her, an older lady showed her head. 'Very good of you to come,' she said, opening the door further so Nimya could pass.
The room was a small wooden cottage with a kitchen at the far end, and a table and two chairs on the right side. The woman went to the fire and heated up the flame, while her guest sat down.
'They plan on killing the ??,' the woman whispered.
Hillmya nodded.
'Far more dangerous things are out there and they begin to wage war themselves,' her voice turned to a shriek.
The lioness nodded again. 'I have not come to discuss politics. Might we venture on that path again I can only say that I agree, but can do nothing about it,' she said politely.
'Your patient is the heir to the throne, you have much more than you think,' she replied, as she made the two of them coffee.
'But still I can do none, he is a sick prince and his fate remains unclear.'
'Unless you find a remedy.'
'Unless I find a remedy.'
'For the fate of our world...'
'And the promise of peace, yes,' Hillmya thanked the older woman for the coffee and took a sip.
'They are close, close with the promise of life for your young prince, but I'm afraid we can do nothing until his bastard brother is gone from his side,' the woman whispered.
'Hengi has a task, he won't be sent after Tosha, bigger things are at hand.'
'We are still not assured that it is safe, Hill, still not.'
'Then try trust for a change, just once.'

Tosha blinked his eyes when he sensed someone lifting the sheet from his head.
'Are you asleep, my lord?' asked a voice.
He felt a hand brush his cheek and nodded shortly, falling back to sleep instantly as if struck by magic.

[Cara]

(hmmm I am intrigued!!! just a note, is the woman Hill poke to the woman that Hengi plans to assassinate?)
(I have a plan that could probably play into this with Hengi!)

Elmyra looked at her mother in despair. "You cannot do this..."
Her mother grasped her hands tightly. "I am your mother and your Queen," she said. "You are nothing but a child and you will do as I say. Tomorrow you are to help your sister work through the dealings with the Aliaska ambassadors. It will be good practice. I have far more important matters to attend."
With that, the Queen left, leaving Elmyra staring after her. No matter how hard she tried or how bad her eyes itched, the tears wouldn't come. The Falcons, known for their emotionless ways, could not cry.
Instead she fled to her window. She looked back at the door before jumping into the cold air. She felt the painless shift into her falcon form as her wings lifted up on a thermal. She flew out into the darkening night.

Mersena looked out over the edge of the basket. Far below the land had shrunken to a patchwork of mismatched forms, with ridges and hills like crumpled paper.
"This is amazing..." she breathed, feeling her heart, pounding in her chest.
"I love being up here," Dalion said, smiling. "The sun, the wind... You can really understand why the Avians stay in their Demi forms so often..."
"Yea..." Mersena said, her heart faltering. She had an instinct to hurl herself into the open air and spread her wings. Her fingers dug into the sides, her claws clamping on the wood.
"Are you alright?" Dallion asked, resting a hand on her back.
"I'm fine," Mersena said, shrugging him away. She didn't want him to see how upset she was about this. She longed to fly, and being in the air, flying across the sky in this contraption, made her want to fly even more. It was a physical ache of yearning. Yet she knew from experience that she would never fly. She would never shift into a Demi form, or any full form for that matter. She was a half-breed, never supposed to live, her parent's dirty secret that probably got them killed....
"When will we be in Hawkara?"
"Two days time if the winds are good."

Hengi paced his room before turning and throwing a dagger at the wall. It slammed into the wood, quivering. He walked up and pulled it out, turned, and threw it again, where it slammed into the exact same hole he had just created. In the other hand he had a bottle. He threw it back, draining it dry.
"Sir?" a woman opened the door, as Hengi threw the empty bottle at the wall next to her. She gave a cry of surprise, but easily side stepped the bottle.
Hengi looked over at her, almost not seeing her for a moment.
"What?" he growled.
"I come with your dinner," she said. She looked him up in down. The woman's eyes were wide, but there was a confidence there that Hengi found amusing.
"Come here. Leave the food on the table. I only have a desire for two things. This -" he said, holding up another keg of alcohol - "And you," he said, looking at her back. He reached out and brushed her face. She made no move to block him, but instead, stepped in, and ran a finger down the front of him. His face was flushed from the alcohol. He was leaving tomorrow, he deserved a night to himself. He couldn't remember the last time he had had this much to drink, much less been drunk. He always disliked being so not in control of himself.
Hengi felt his head swoon. He stumbled back, and the servant leapt up and grabbed his arms, steadying him.
"Come, sit down. You are in no condition to be playing with knives, my Lord," she said, leading him to his bead.
"Damn woman, I know what I am doing," he snapped, pushing her away, yet somehow she managed to get him to his bed. He looked at her before. He tried to focus on her face, but it made him dizzy. "I...I haven't seen you before," he said. He knew almost all those who worked for him, but she was new.
"Celia was sick; I am taking her place," she responded, easily.
"Oh..." he said, lying back. He felt her press herself against him. He sighed, closing his eyes.
"Let me take this from you," she said, reaching for his keg. He let her take it from his hand, and place it on the table. "May I have that too?" she said, motioning to the dagger at his belt. "I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself in this state..."
"Leave it," he said. He liked her, she was not like the other servants. She was brazen and forward, almost to the point of rude. Oh, he bet she would be fun...
The woman looked annoyed. "But my Lord..."
"Leave it!" Hengi snapped, his mood dissolving.
She put her hands up in defense nodding. Alright, alright. I meant you no offense, my Lord..."
"And stop calling me that. I'm no fucking lord..."
She nodded, stepping closer. Hengi looked at her, despite his spinning head, then grabbed her, pulling her face to his. Her kiss was sweet, but something about it was also bitter. He felt himself pulling away, but she wrapped an arm around his head, pulling him tight to her. He gasped, feeling giddy and alarmed all at once.
Suddenly she pushed him and he was falling back onto the bed. He realized then that he was shirtless and in his underclothes. He looked up at her. She was partially undressed as well, the upper parts of her breast exposed. His arms were splayed back on the bed, as she straddled him, a leg on either side of his. He blinked, his mind in a panic now. He couldn't move!
The woman smiled, her eyes flashing yellow. He looked to her hand. She had gotten his dagger.
"Oh, Lord Hengi, I have heard all about you and your prowess. You, the dreaded killer..." she sneered at him. "You are nothing. Is it ironic that you never lost a fight, until now?"
"That...this... isn't a fight," he said, struggling to speak.
"Really? It isn't an internal fight with your carnal hungers?" she said, taking the point of the dagger and drawing a line from his chin to his naval. "All men are the same..." she said. "Oh and the poison won't kill you. Don't worry. But this will," she said, digging the point of the dagger into Hengi's chest. Just enough for blood to appear.
"Poison? The drink?" he asked, ignoring the pain.
"This," she said, leaning forward, and pissing him. He turned his head away, but not before he felt her tongue brush the inside of his mouth. He tasted it then.
"Not poison... venom."

Darafv couldn't sleep. He waited until he heard his brother's deep breathing before getting up. He decided to walk some of the paths that he had seen earlier. It was dark, and he soon was disoriented. He found himself off a patch of gardens where a waterfall fell through them, hundreds of feet below. He had never seen anything so breath-taking and so foreign. It was beautiful even in the dim light. He was still restless, thinking about that man that he killed. He could still smell and see the blood everywhere. He could taste it.
He walked silently through the gardens, until he heard a voice. It was soft, under the thrumming of the waterfall. He walked slowly up. Turning the corner, he saw the open cove, where a tree grew out of the face of the mountain. It looked ancient. Kneeling below a tree was a young woman, her wings, open, her head touching the earth, hands outstretched in prayer.
He tried to back up, realizing he was disturbing something private, but his foot caught the edge of the stone wall.
The woman jumped to her feet, spinning around. "Who is it!?" she demanded, looking towards him, her face still and angry.
Under the dim light, her eyes did not work as well, but his did. It was Elmyra, princess of the Falcons.

Immediately the world became clear. Hengi blinked, sensing the venom spread through his body, locking every limb. She had pulled a trick that he hadn't thought possible. He used a similar trick, when he licked his weapons. That was how he coated his weapons with his venom, but when he stabbed someone, the venom went straight into the bloodstream. She hadn't done that at all... It was merely through touch!
Hengi looked up at the woman. She smiled at him, his dagger in her palm.
"Any last regrets?" she said, as she pressed the blade to his throat.

[Galadas]

Tosha slowly dropped out of his unconscious state, his ears ringing when he started to notice that the atmosphere wasn't anything similar to his bedroom. He opened his eyes slowly, resting his heart for a shock.
It turned out he was right, he was not where he was supposed to be. A bright blue sky gazed back at him, and below he felt the wood of the cart he was riding in. The prince turned his head and tried to move his body, the weakness that was so familiar had spread through his whole body and made it almost unbearable to move. Instead of worrying where he might be and with whom on this dark morning, he screamed out in pain, his throat aching with his voice.
A figure showed up by his side, pushing herself against him, and putting him down on her lap. He recognized the person, but his head was too heavy to focus.

A guard opened the heavy doors to the commanding hall, where the king was actively involved in what seemed to be a heavy conversation. It was not for this older guard to question what was happening, so he only called for the king in his loud voice.
King Renner turned to the man. 'What is it?' he asked politely.
'My lord, the prince, he's missing,' said the guard.
'WHAT?!' The king yelled in frustration, edging forward to the door where the guard stood. 'Tell me!'
'We found his room empty, my lord. There was no sign of the prince nor the lioness, all we found was a bottle of sleeping poison.'
The King was angered, that someone could escape from his castle with his first born son unseen. 'Search the city, find what you must that will lead me to where my son is!' He yelled. 'And get me Hengi!'

Hillmya sat in the cart ever since Tosha had awoken for the first time, the sky was still dark as it was early morning. She knew the King would've found out by now, but it would take a bit longer until he would know where to.
She cradled her prince's body in her arms, as she caressed his pale face. He would not understand why she took him away, but he was too fragile for her explanation to come through.
The older woman stared at her from atop the horse. 'He will not make it to the destination like that,' she hissed.
'Tosha has never travelled before, but he'll get a bit better soon.' She wasn't sure about his conditions yet, but they would never get him to safety if they didn't try.
'We'll reach the first stop in a few hours, make sure he doesn't wake till then.'

[Cara]

Hengi looked up at the young woman. "I regret having to kill you," he said. She laughed at this, raising her hand. As it swung down, Hengi twisted his hips and swung an arm around. The blade missed his throat by a breath. That was a little too close... he thought. She gave a starteled cry, as Hengi struggeled to grab the knife. She turned away, but Hengi weighted more, and his weight turned her hand just so... He grabbed it, the blade in her palm, and swung it around. She gave a cry as the blade slammed into her chest. Hengi felt the bone give before the blade stopped at the hilt.
"How...how...?" she asked, blood bubbling through her lips.
Hengi was on his knees, his arms limp by his sides. "I know my poisons. I have been building immunity against most common ones my entire life. True your poison was one I never tried, but it was close enough that I was able...to gain some control back." Hengi's entire body was still tingling, and he had limited dexterity in his limbs. It could be hours before that went away. His breathing was ragged too. For anyone else the poison would not only have paralyzed a person from the neck down, but killed them as well eventually when it stopped the lungs and heart.
He watched as she took her last shuddering breath.
Suddenly there was a knocking at the door. "My Lord your presence is requested by the King."
Hengi tried to respond, but he couldn't get enough air. The door opened and a guard walked in. He looked at the destroyed room. "My Lord! Are you alright?" He called for help and went over the Hengi. He stopped, eyes wide.
Help me, you bastard! Hengi thought, irritated. Then he realized why the man was staring. Hengi was shirtless, and the dead woman was almost naked herself. Hengi glared up at him, which spurred the guard int action. Hengi prayed that his father wouldn't hear of this, but he probably would.

Mersena couldn't slow her heart. She LOVED this! Dallion watched her, smiling. "So, Cale, what do you think?" Mersena almost asked who 'Cale' was until she remembered. A pang of guilt shot through her.
"I never knew flying would feel like this..." she said. She had seen it plenty of times though, growing up in the shadow of the White City. Her mother had beautiful wings flecked with gold. They had tried when she was very young to see if she would change, even a little, but nothing ever happened. She never changed into a wolf, like her father, or a falcon, like her mother. She was trapped in this first skin. Despite this, she still did have the strength and swiftness that her heritage granted her. She was headstrong, and fearless at times, but since her parents murder, she couldn't think of anything else.
Dallion was so nice to her. Would he be so nice if he knew what she was? She didn't like lying to him though.
"You have to envy those Avians!" Dallion said. "Care for some lunch?" Dallion asked. They sat down on the padded floor, eating some of the fruit that Ana had packed them.
"Care to tell me a little about yourself, Cale?" Mersena looked at Dallion, unresponsive. Dallion put his hand up. "Ok, sorry. I did not mean to pry. I just figured since we would be spending some time together that we get to know one another," he said, friendly.
Mersena thought a moment before responding, "My name is not Cale. It is Mersena."

Elmyra glared into the dark, squinting. Her eyes were predatory and sharp by day, but they were weak by night, and she had blown out the candle so that she might sit in the dark to pray.
"Hello?" she demanded. She knelt to fumble with the lamp.
"Princess Elmyra, do not be alarmed..." a voice said from the darkness. Elmyra stiffened, letting her fingers shift into lethal talons. Her heart was pounding. Had the men who tried to kill her earlier come back? Suddenly there was a bright light. Blinded, Elmyra instinctively reacted, striking out. There was a cry, the the figure fell away, clutching his face.
The person had lit the lamp, and now that Elmyra's eyes had adjusted she could see who it was.
"Oh dear Enkil!" she gasped, "Lord Darafv, I am sorry!" she said, dropping to her knees unceremoniously. Darafv pulled back his hands. They were sticky with blood. Elmyra felt her heart flutter. She called for help, but her voice rang off the garden walls.
"I'm fine, Princess. It is only a scratch...." Darafv said, wincing.
Elmyra tore a length of fabric from her sleeve and pressed it to Darafv's head. As she drew it away she could see he was right. It was more a gash than a scratch. It was deep into the tissue of Darafv's forehead and the bleeding didn't seem to stop. There was so much of it!
"Press this against your head to staunch the blood flow. I will fly for help...."

[Galadas]

Darafv took the fabric from Elmyra and pressed it against his skin as if the world was depending on it. He felt the blood dripping from his forehead to his eyebrow, and past his left eye. He held out his other hand to grab her arm slightly, making sure to keep his grip careful, as if he was holding a fish. ‘No, don’t go, I’ll be fine!’ he replied quickly. He let her go, and used his arm to get himself off the ground. He felt rather dizzy when doing that, but after a few moments of securing his position against the wall, his head had adjusted to the new height.
His heart was still beating, it had been surprised by the sudden attack, expecting that somehow he had run into another. He had been expecting Magic, a force that he, even with his intellect, knew nothing off.
‘You are hurt, and I will not have you walking, it will only make matters worse,’ she said, he was convinced he heard worry and caution in her voice.
Struck by this he shook his head once more. ‘Please don’t, I don’t want you to get into any more trouble. Point me into the direction of the healingroom, or how you call it, I’ll make up some story about hitting my head against a brazier or such.’ He didn’t know if they had braziers, but a lamp, a table, anything would do really. People mostly didn’t question him when he made stuff up, and he would try to convince them if they did.
Elmyra seemed to think about it, she probably knew he was right. She had been in trouble before, and things were only looking worse for her. He didn’t know what she was thinking, she looked so small and fragile all at one moment. He had scared her, he knew he had. She had been attacked only hours before, and here he was sneaking up at her. No wonder she tried to wound him, and succeeded in that. She was afraid, and he could not help feeling guilty.
‘Are you alright?’ he asked, leaning into the wall, wiping the blood from his eyebrow with his sleeve. His head was bouncing, and he was losing blood at such a rate that he thought he could pass out soon. So, she glared into the direction of the infirmary, and he started walking without warning.

While the sky darkened outside, Oluk found that the loss of light took him from his sleep, and sat up straight. Darafv was gone from his bed, probably stalking his girl, which he found funny, but he could not enjoy the thought that the boy was going out doing crazy things. Surpassingly he was responsible for the kid, and he hated it.
He wrapped his skin in a fine long coat, and staggered to the window, his body still half asleep. Diner would be called soon, and Oluk didn’t know any nice words to say to the Queen. He would freak out if his brother wasn’t there by his side, because with lack of rest, and the fact that he had his Demiform, things could only turn out for the worse.
He stared up as there was knocking on the door. Cautious he walked to it, opened it slightly and sighed when he saw Nima peeking in.
‘Has everyone arrived?’ he asked.
The fox girl nodded, waiting for Oluk to let her in. Her face was a bit more reddish than when she was in her Human form, and she had grown a tale that stuck from her breeches, and she had enlarged ears that were hairy. All in all, she still looked perfectly like Nima, the girl that always hung around Darafv since she was their servant. He always figured she had her eye on the younger brother, but he didn’t give him the same attention. Which was understandable, she was just a servant.

‘Can I come in?’ Nima asked, staring at Oluk for a second. He wore his undergarments, and only a long brown coat, that showed off his strong muscles. She did her best not to awe when looking at the older Measters sibling. He showed off his chest, and his hair demi-form legs as if trying to sway her in. She wasn’t foaled by it of course, he had never cared much for people looking at him.
‘Yeah, sure, but Darafv is out sneaking,’ the brother replied, opening the door more so she could get in.
‘He likes the castle,’ she replied, grinning slightly as they both knew that wasn’t true.
‘Give him wings and he’ll never leave this place again,’ Oluk said, though he didn’t sound as if he was joking. ‘We’ll be dining with the queen tonight, they will call us.’
Nima nodded. She was never invited for dinner, but she could help the brothers pick out a good outfit. They could not attend wearing their traveling clothes after all. The boys that carried the clothing were probably still on the stairs, she had sped along for a while, before deciding they went a bit too slow. ‘Shall I try and find Darafv?’ she asked, uncertain.
The heir to the kingdom of Alaiska closed his eyes and shook his head. ‘He’ll have to take care of himself, I’m certain he’ll manage to get back just in time.’
Oluk was never worried when it came to Darafv, expecting him to take care of himself, and while the youngest brother mostly succeeded, it seemed harsh to leave him to it, while he might not know when diner was starting.

Drops of water rushed down Tosha’s face, he could feel the calm of it, the cold pressure that it left behind on his burning skin. He welcomed it, still having his eyes closed. He did not remember having been awake before, or even where he was, but he knew by the way his back felt that he hadn’t slept in his own bed. His bones were aching, his head was thumbing slowly, but regaining steadiness as the water spread across his skin. A hand pressed a cold piece of cloth against his forehead, and he felt someone tugging at his shirt, rubbing his exposed shoulders with the carefulness that only Hillmya knew. He was certain she was with him, because without her he would be nowhere.
‘Is he awake?’ he heard a pouring old voice say some meters away. The way she said it made it look as if she wanted him to stay asleep.
A small shock when through his shoulders, as he guessed Hillmya was shaking her head. She hadn’t noticed yet that Tosha wasn’t asleep anymore, and maybe that was good.
‘They want to see him before we go on, wake him,’ the old woman replied, rather irritated all of a sudden. He heard scratching against wood, and realized he was in a cart, horses hooves stamped down on the floor behind him. The sun burned on his skin at his legs. He had no shoes, his body shivered at the thought of traveling.
When he pulled in one leg, Hill had figured he was awake. She placed her hand against the back of his neck, and pulled away the piece of cloth. ‘M’lord,’ she said, trying to smile as Tosha opened his pale eyes. He closed them again when the sun blinded him for a second, and she adjusted her position so she shaded his head against the sun. ‘How are you feeling?’ she asked. Her voice was reassuring, but he didn’t feel more safe.
‘Confused,’ he replied shortly.
She nodded, helping him sit upright. ‘I will explain later, I promise,’ she said, supporting him as he tried to stand. His body was heavy, but they had figured a way that made it less of a burden for her to help him stand. Once he stood, Tosha could overlook the whole place.
There were nine horses lined up at the trees, they stood at the edge of a small open place in a bright forest. He figured it would be the sun shining and lighting up the whole world, which was why he was blinded. But it was still night, the moon brushing the dark skies. He saw a giant brazier hanging above the place, which was warm, and rather blinding at first sight, but it did clear up the whole area. He saw the old woman, whose voice he had heard before. She was tall, bend a bit at her back, but still tall. Her hair was grey, and she stared at him with her piercing eyes.
A total of twelve men and women crawled over the small space, eating under the brazier, watering the horses, checking the second and the third car that stood a bit away from the one he stood on. It looked like any normal camp that sometimes stood at the castle, but he noticed that some of the men and women carried weapons: spears, swords, and even shields. They looked weary, gazed into the forest from time to time, and also eyed him when they thought he wasn’t looking. He realized all of a sudden that this wasn’t any kind of traveling. No, he, Tosha Renner, Prince of Skarine, had been captured.
Hillmya and a man with fresh brown hair helped him off the cart. He didn’t recognize any of the people, but knew they were probably all his own kind. He followed the two, his legs finally working again, his head didn’t feel heavy anymore, and finally he felt rested. But still his neck hurt, and his bones ached, yet he pretended nothing was wrong with him. Somewhere deep down he was crying out for helping, hoping Hengi had somehow noticed he was gone, and come to find him. Because even if he didn’t seem to be a prisoner here, even if Hillmya was at his side to reassure him it was fine, he felt like he was in trouble, that he was guarded by these people, and they needed him for something. He was confused.

The King of Skarine looked up slightly when his bastard son came into the room, fully dressed now, but too late in the eyes of Alamin Renner. He stood, greeted the man with only a slight nod, and walked over to him. The room had been cleared, he had send people around to tell his other children about the disappearance of their older brother, notify every guard to clear the city in search of his heir. He might not show it, but inside, Alamin was afraid they had taken his boy, they, the ones he fought, the ones that wanted war. Well, if it turned out that Tosha had been taken out of his city, they would get their war, and they would get it quickly.
‘Hengi,’ he called, a voice strong, and a face stern. He looked like Tosha only in the slightest matter, with his broad appearance, and his strong eyes that suggested that he, and he alone, was king of Skarine. ‘You are late, and you owe me an explanation for how they found you just yet,’ he said, but his look suggested that he did not need that explanation now. ‘Tosha is missing, his room is empty and the lioness is gone as well,’ he noted, and waited for Hengi’s reaction.

[Cara]

Hengi looked up at his father. He bowed lower, to try and mask the rage and pain that played across his face.
"I know," Hengi said, his eyes flicking up to look at the King. The king frowned at this. Hengi continued. "I was almost the victim of a near-successful assassination," Hengi said, venom in his voice. "The... woman they found with me... she was a viper and tried to assassinate me."
"You mean seduce you," the King said, a dangerous edge in his voice.
"That to..." Hengi admited, an edge in his voice. "But obviously, you can see, she did not succeed."
"Clearly," his father said. "And you believe this woman was the distraction, or well assassin sent to eliminate you while my son was stolen away?" Hengi didn't let his father see how those words stung. The king never called him 'son', never showed anywhere near the concern he did for Tosha. Hengi only ever called him the king.
"Correct, Your Majesty. That is what I believe. What would you have me do?" Hengi asked. "Do we know who took him?" He could go after his brother, but he had a mission that he was to leave today for. An assassination. What was more important to his father? He watched to see.

Elmyra watched the young man stumble forward, and she held out her hand. He grabbed it reflexively, before pulling his hand back. "I'm sorry, my lady..." he said.
"Don't be sorry, Lord Darafv," Elmyra said, abashed. "I should be the one apologizing...." she remembered to wipe the blood off her fingers, but now her dress was ruined. That could wait. She knew that head wounds bled a lot, but even still, it was hard to see how deep the gash was through the blood and matted hair.
"So, I fell....and... hit my head on the railing in the dark?" Darafv offered.
"That might be plausible, if you bears weren't known for having superb night vision," she joked, half-halfheartedly.
"Hmm..." Darafv said. "I guess that wouldn't work." He stumbeled again, which made Elmyra nervous.
"Please, my lord--"
"Darafv."
"Please....Darafv," Elmyra said, pulling him to a halt. "Sit, rest a moment."
Darafv wanted to protest, but he didn't want to make Elmyra more nervous than she already was. Little lights blinked across his vision. He stumbled again. Elmyra caught him and helped arrest his fall as he slid to the ground. "Oh. I guess I am a little more...woozy than I expected." He was surprised at how strong Elmyra was. Despite her size, she had been extremely fast and accurate in her strike. Had he not jumped back, the blow she'd given him might have been fatal, he realized with a start. And she was stronger too. But wasn't that what everyone said about the Falcons? They were the Enkil's Children.
"Let me see..." Elmyra said, pulling Darafv's hand away from the wound. Blood was starting to pool to the surface again. "Oh my..." Elmyra said. "Help! Someone!" she called. No answer. They were probably all down at the giant dinner her mother was hosting. It must be about that time. And it did not help that they were in one of the most remote places of the palace. Wings made travel easy in the Erie, and made distances negligible, but afoot, some of the places could be a hard hike.
Elmyra sucked in a breath.
"How bad is it?" Darafv asked, eyes closed.
"You need help..." Elmyra fidgeted. She could help him, yet it was not allowed... She could get in serious trouble. Would they hurt him though? Or her? No she was the princess, they couldn't execute her... But would they dare hurt an ambassador from a neighboring city-state? The bears of the north were at least on civil terms with the falcons. Should Elmyra do this, the consequences could be disastrous.
Still, the wound she'd inflicted on Darafv was more serious than she had originally thought. She could heal him with magic, but to use magic in front of an outsider, especially on an outsider... That was more than illegal. Normal citizens could be executed.

Dallion looked at her, his face unreadable. "Mersena?" Mersena nodded, a lump in her throat. "Why would you change your name... Unless you had something to hide...." Dallion said, as it dawned on him. "Why are you going to Hawkara with me again? You said family, right?"
"Yes...." Mersena said. She had decided to trust Dallion, but could she?
Dallion looked at her intensely for a moment, before looking out over the clouds. "I won't ask until you are ready," Dallion said. "Secrets can be just as dangerous as lies, though. Mersena, be careful. When you get to Hawkara, you must be careful with who you speak and on what. Although it is ruled by the Avians, it is a free city."
Mersena nodded, her stomach untightening. "Thanks."

[Galadas]

The King of Skarine shook his head, in a moment of thought he averted his eyes from his bastard son. He waved his hand, tried to decide which thing was more important to him. But he could not make a wise decision between his heir and the faith of his country.
‘ No,’ he said. ‘ I have enough people searching for Tosha, and your mission is just as important. We’ll find him, and if he’s not in the city, I’m certain you might run into him. They took my boy, Hengi, they alone have reason to take him.’

Tosha walked more towards Hillmya as he walked, because he was afraid of the other people around him. Not that he feared they might attack him, but because he guessed they knew something about him that he didn’t. He almost demanded from Hill to give him the answers he needed, yet that didn’t happen.
His attention was grabbed by two men standing by a huge tree with yellow leaves, they seemed to inspect it as if it was some kind of wonder, and he felt the power nature emitted as he got closer. He made sure he stayed at least one step behind Hill at all times, but now his attention had him doubt his own steps. He felt Hill’s hand on his shoulder, keeping him from moving an other step as the men turned their bodies in their direction.
One was small, with a bald head and two scary eyes, he seemed totally content with himself, leaning on a silver cane.
The other was tall, with short hair and a fluffy beard. He greeted them with a kind smile, and crossed his arms.
‘Tosha, these are…’
‘Bears,’ Tosha whispered before she could say a thing. ‘Bear, and Bears are not loyal to us.’
Hill shook her head and pulled him towards her. ‘Please, Tosha, you’ll ruin it.’
The tall guy didn’t seem to notice that ‘bears’ was meant as an insult, but the bald guy especially didn’t like it.
‘We are part of a team called the Protectors of the North, and yes, you may that that this is a name for all Bears, but I promise you, we’re a group alright,’ said the bald man, he was angry, one could see it in his eyes. ‘My name is Flevieus, and this is General Creek.’
Tosha nodded, he wanted to introduce himself, since that felt natural, but thought these people probably knew who he was, they kidnapped him after all. ‘And what am I doing here?’ he asked.

Darafv pretended that the wound was taking up all his energy, or staying awake was. He didn’t want her to get in trouble, that was never his intention, never. ‘Don’t do anything stupid, please,’ he whispered with a husky voice. ‘I’m not worth stupid things.’

Oluk looked rather out of place in a big hall with all kinds of high lordlings around him, even if he was supposed to be one of them, he didn’t look too comfortable. ‘Curse that stupid boy,’ he whispered, as he made his way to the table. Recognized the queen, a few of the men around her, though he had already forgotten their names. He wasn’t good with those. And of course he noticed that the princess they saved (yes her name he had forgotten as well) wasn’t present, which made him feel even more out of place. If they would talk about the attack now – which was highly unlikely – he would have to defend his own skin, and without Darafv by his side, that would mean insulting a few high lords before getting to his point.
He smiled diplomatic, and seated himself in the chair that was meant of him, making sure that the empty seat meant for Darafv was closer to the queen than he was.
‘I must apologize for my brother’s absence,’ he said, reciting words he had said a couple of times before. ‘I expect he needed some air after what has happened this evening, he killed his first, you see.’ A lie of course, Darafv had killed someone before, and he might not remember it, but he wasn’t a person to be dwelling on things happening in the past that only had influence on himself.
Oluk stared at the food, brushing his short brown hair. Dear gods, please help me before I make a mess of things.

[Cara]

(is that tree you mentioned the Heart Tree??)

Hengi nodded, bowing. "As you command, your majesty. I shall depart tomorrow at first light."

The queen looked at Oluk with piercing eyes. They were old and full of cunning.
"My Lord Oluk, it seems your brother is not the only late guest," the Queen said, the slightest frown on her lips. She turned to her eldest daughter and gave a nod. "Until she arrives, I rather not discuss the events from earlier today, but you can begin by telling me why you originally came to visit the White City..."

Elmyra bent down and placed her hand on Darafv's forehead. The other she placed over his heart. She closed her eyes, as she imagined flesh, muscle, and skin knitting back together. She even imagined the blood retreating back into the veins and arteries of the body. She felt the slightest pull from her center, as if someone was drawing the breath from her lungs. She concentrated, making sure that everything worked properly before gasping and falling back. She was no healer, that was certain, but every Falcon was taught the basics of healing. At the very least, the average person could prevent a person from bleeding out from a wound in an emergency.
She opened her eyes, and examined the wound on Darafv's head. It was nearly healed, except for a faint pink line running across the previously gaping wound.
"Princess Elmyra...." Darafv said, astonished. He traced his hands over the wound, amazed when his hand pulled back clean. "What... what did you do?"
"Magic," elmyra whispered, as if afraid saying it softly would make it any less real.
"Magic? I don't understand..."
"You can't tell anyone. Promise!" Elmyra said. "That kind of magic is a guarded secret of my people. I shouln't have helped you, but I panicked. I didn't know what else to do."

[Galadas]

(Jup, just trying to show how far they’ve travelled already, and well, heading in the way of the White City :3 )

Oluk was glad they could leave the conversation about matters from hours before for when both Darafv and the princess with the name beginning with an E would return. And he was pretty sure they were together, so that problem was fixed. He looked over the food when the Queen asked her question. Again this was Darafv’s area, he wasn’t one for talking, and his little brother clearly was.
Luckily for him, he knew the reason for their arrival in the city, he knew it all to well.
‘It is nothing more than last time, your majesty,’ he said, hoping he got that last thing right. He wasn’t used to talking to other royals, and being one himself, he called the King of Alaiska Dad or Carvvol.
‘Which was?’ the Queen asked. She didn’t seem to happy with her visitors, and Oluk didn’t need to know why, though he could guess her reasons.
‘To establish a Alliance between Alaiska and the White City,’ he said rather steady. He wasn’t feeling all to calm, which was his usual way of keeping himself in line while talking. His father said he had something called ‘anger issues’, yet Oluk didn’t know what he was supposed to do with that information. ‘War is coming, and the Bears could use allies, even if war might never hit our grounds,’ he said, speculating on whether he had said that in a Darafv-way enough, or if he had insulted them.

The bald man snorted, he seemed to think himself better than Tosha, and that was something he couldn’t stand much.
‘I require an explanation,’ he stated.
The tall man nodded, looking at Hill for a moment, as if she could explain it better, before taking the lead himself. ‘We need your help Tosha, and according to Hillmya here, you might be the only one who can properly help us with this.’
‘What do you need me for?’ Tosha blurted, he didn’t like all this slow talk and long words, for once, he wanted people to get right to the point. He was getting tired.
‘A new enemy is stirring in the North, beyond Alaiska. We call them the White Walkers, they are just like us, only they have no demi form, they do not change their skins, they are just humans. We are worried they are planning something, for ages we hadn’t heard anything from them, until the last couple of years.’
Tosha remembered Hengi talking about the same thing, but still he was sceptical about it.
‘You are both a diplomatic, and due to your condition, you have no demi form,’ the bald man added, saying the first part as if he was about to throw up. ‘You are a perfect infiltrator.’
Tosha shook his head, trying to take it all in for a moment. ‘You mean, you kidnap me just so you can ask me to help you with infiltrating a people that does not exist?’
‘For most, yes.’ The tall man, looked behind him. Only then Tosha recognized the tree: the heart tree. ‘But they do exist, and they have made camp about a two day ride from the capital of our country. We don’t know what they’re up to, but they would kill us if we came near, they seem to have forgotten us. They think we’re monsters. You stand the best chance of getting to talk to them, and this is what we ask of you. Without your help, our lands might be doomed.’
‘And not only theirs,’ Hillmya added. ‘but ours as well.’
Tosha sighed. ‘What’s in it for me?’ he asked, as if seriously considering it. Which wasn’t the case, he just wanted to know, while he made his plans of escaping. He was still kidnapped after all.
‘A cure for your condition.’

Darafv tried to wrap his mind around it. Magic? Logically he didn’t believe it, but his wound was gone, and his dizziness was slowly fading away. ‘Okay,’ he said, with a soft voice, suddenly tired, though he didn’t know why. ‘I won’t tell, promise.’