Kieshra Shapeshifters

[Cara]

(ok, just to clear some things then, the Heart Tree is a giant tree. It is the "center" for all their religions. It has white bark, and red leaves, like the Heart Tree in Game of Thrones, except with a face. And when a person prays to it, they either can do a sacrifice, or give some of their own blood to the tree. This, then the tree absorbs in the moment.
As far as the White Walkers, not many people at all know about them. But they're basically humans. They don't have strange color eyes or hair like many of the Kieshra have (ie red eyes, green hair, ect). I was also planning on having them have the technology of guns but cerca 1800/1900s, nothing super modern. And Tosha isn't the only one who does not have a second form. Mersena does too So I'm working her into those plans as well.)
//

Hengi stared at the knife as he slid it silently into its sheath. May Enkil protect his soul, he thought. Sadly, he knew what these actions would trigger. Murder of a royal family member. But it was not his call to make. No, the sooner he could accomplish this mission, the sooner he could go after his brother.

Mersena was the first to spot it. Despite not having a second form, she still had the sight of a raptor. She could make out the distant sparkling of the city. It was on the edge of her vision, still she could see its beauty. "I see it!" she said. Dallion sat up, stretching. His hair was windswept and his blue eyes tired, but they brightened at her smile. "Damn, I can't see a thing," he said with a laugh. "What are you a falcon?"
Mersena froze. Dallion picked up on it, his smile dropping. "Oh," he said, realizing he had just stumbled on touchy territory.
In a flash, Mersena leapt at Dallion, a blade appearing in her hand from a hidden pocket in her sleeve. Dallion gave a shout and jumped back, but not quick enough. In the confines of the air balloon, his space was limited. She tackled him, bringing both of them to the floor.
"Mersena!" Dallion shouted, putting his hand up to defend himself. "Stop, wait..."
Dallion rolled onto his back, catching her knife in her hand. He had shifted into his demi form, allowing him the extra strength to fend her off. Even in just a human form, she was often underestimated, but she was strong, and fast. She moved to punch him with her free hand, and he caught her.
In one move, he moved, pinning her arms down, the weight of his body, holding her to the ground.
Dallion's expression was unreadable, but it softened when he saw that Mesena was crying.
"Mersena....?" he asked.
"Get off me!" Mesena growled.
"Promise not to try and kill me?" Dallion laughed. Mersena nodded. His face was still wary, but he loosened his grip. He took the knife and stepped away.
"Lord Enkil! What was that about?"
Mersena wiped her face on her sleeve. She didn't bother mentioning she had another dagger hidden up her other sleeve. "You... you don't care... that I'm a falcon?"
Dallion gave her a strange look. "No. Of course not. I don't discriminate," he said.
She took a breath. She had to trust him. He was so nice, and this was her only chance. "What if I told you I was...a Skafad?"
Dallion tried to keep a straight face, Mersena had to give him credit, but she could see how he was both repulsed and curious at the same time.
"Really a Skafad?" he asked. "I didn't know... I'm sorry, but I didn't know Skafads-- or well you could be alive."
Mersena gave a wry smile. That's what everyone says. My mother was a falcon of the White City and my father a wanderer from the Wolf nomads." She looked down. It was a shameful thing to be mixed. She was a mistake. She shouldn't exist. Couldn't exist. All other cases where Kieshra had a child together from a different race, the child could no survive. If it wasn't a still birth, it did not live too long past three. In all other places, it was legal to marry another race, just never to bear children. In the White City, it was illegal to even lie with another race. She was an anomaly. She shouldn't have survived, yet she did. Still it was not without its faults. Her body was bound in its human state. She was forever locked from either a wolf or falcon form. And strangely enough, she had red eyes, that mark one of the royal Serpentine family.
Dallion knelt besides Mersena, knife forgotten. He took her hands into his. "Mersena, in the short time that I've come to know you, you are a wonderful person and travel partner. It matters not to me, be you falcon, or anything. You are a friend."


The Queen glared down at Oluk. "Allies? For war is coming? How does such information come to you?" she asked. "We are not pushed easily to alliance with any one nation, mind you. It is this neutrality that has blessed my kingdom for many a generation. So you come to me here and now and ask for our help!?" she said, her voice steely. "Your sources better be good. I have more important matters to attend to than war amongst bickering nations."


Elmyra gave a sigh. "Thank you," she said, softly. She would just have to trust that he would keep his word.
"I cannot it explain," she said. Elmyra looked into the stars. It must be late. The dinner! "Prince Oluk!" she said, jumping to her feet. "We would be expected at my mother's welcome feast," she said. "Hurry this way. You should be fine enough to run. I will fly. I must leave," she said. "You need to change, as do I." Their clothes were dirty and stained with blood. Her mother would be furious, and her maids irked. It would be fine though. She could deal with cold bath water and her mother's frigid stares. She had done good tonight, and used her magic for... for good! It warmed her knowing that she had the ability to help.

[Galadas]

(okay, red tree, I’ll keep that in mind! :] also, I was planning to have some sort of agency that knows about the humans, and tries to find some way to make sure their world stays hidden from the White Walkers. They try to infiltrate the (are they tribes or cities or camps?) of the White Walkers and want to know what they are up to.)

Oluk nodded, though he felt a bit more uncomfortable than before, trying to think of what Darafv would answer would he be in his place. ‘My father, your majesty, he has been sending his men all over the country to find out what is happening. It’s the Serperntine that are out for war, they are rallying troops, scouting their borders as if they are waiting for an attack. They only have harsh words from the Golden Eagles, and are assuming they will find some reason to attack. There is talk of murder and treachery,’ he tried to explain. Though the fact that the Falcons had always remained neutral in war, didn’t make it very easy for him. He sat back, figuring his upcoming words. He sighed when Darafv appeared in the doorway, changed in a fine brown shirt with flowers braided into the silk of his sleeves. He looked rather dandy, and seemed to hold up some character, while in fact, Oluk could not miss the weird glazy look in his eyes.
‘Words is that both royal families plan to take down the kings of the other, would King Alamin Renner be killed, his sickling son is to be crowned next king, and the Golden Eagles believe in a fast victory should this happen,’ Darafv added. ‘I apologize for my lateness, your majesty,’ he said, making a small bow before he sat down besides Oluk. ‘I was given some horrible news before I had the chance to dress myself for dinner.’
His brother looked at him with a shady look, but changed that as soon as he figured he didn’t want to get them into trouble. He noticed a small piece of paper in the boy’s hand, and decided that while it was a lie, it was only half a lie.
‘What was this news, Prince Darafv?’ she asked, she didn’t seem to impressed by the words the two Bear Princes had used, but at least she didn’t seem to mind Darafv’s absence.
‘King Measters informed us that at the beginning of the evening, the prince of Serperntine, Prince Tosha Renner, has gone missing. Whether or not fault of the Golden Eagles, they all think war is at hand. If not, King Renner will surely create the possibility of war,’ Darafv informed the Queen. ‘I’m certain you will receive the same news shortly,’ he added, which was in a way an apology for the fact that he knew it before her. After all, it was her messenger that told him that at the hallway. He smiled kindly, and looked at Oluk for a moment, maybe in a way of an apology as well, but then he placed the piece of paper on his lap, and patted it, making known that he was to read it later.
‘My father does not want war, we have been known over the years as strong warriors, but with things stirring, it is not our intention to go out on a full war with either the Serperntines or the Golden Eagles. Which is why my father wishes for an allegiance with the Flacons of the White City, and not King Renner nor King Sensara,’ Darafv said.

The bald and the tall man had left him to himself, with Hillmya not far from his side, kneeling down at the heart tree, carefully studying a red leaf that had fallen from the tree.
‘A cure for my condition,’ he whispered to himself. That answer had made him reconsider. All his plans of trying to escape were thrown into the deep, because at that point of time he actually started to believe in their promise, he felt the urge of winning it for him, of being forever rid from the sickness that had haunted him from birth. He was starting to dream of when he would return to his father, cured and well, when he caught himself thinking to easily about it.
He would have to infiltrate a non-existing race, gather information, live with those people, while his father probably presumed him lost or even worse dead. Tosha shook his head, and he closed his eyes. He wanted to ask Hill what would happen should he say no, but he was not to talk to anyone until he had reached a decision. Sweat dripped down his head, it was a painful decision, because whenever he felt like he was heading to a close, he had another thing to think about.
He opened his eyes again, his bones ached now he had been sitting there for a while, but he could not stand until he knew where he wanted to go. He silently prayed to the tree, hoping by Enkil he could have someone beside him helping him with what to do.

[Cara]

(hmm, well I had a plan that the Bears of the North were part of the protectorate, no? I think that it's a pretty good idea that we can develop. The only problem that exists is even when they are in their human forms, the Kieshra still look.... very different and still hold slight traits of their animal halves.
The White Walkers, as I've said earlier are humans who cannot change. They are "normal" like us. They live in different lands across a vast ocean and a barren and mountainous north land. In the past the guardians of the north only protected the Kieshra from any unlikely intruder, but now the intruders are more frequent because one person was finally able to escape alive and report home with strange tales of people shifting into animals.... I like that...hmm.... what do you think?

And I'm posting an edit to the Falcons, which will serve one of my plans well. Originally I said that the races cannot mingle because the children of two Kieshra who are different will not survive, Mersena being the exception. Instead of including all Kieshra, I am only going to be using the Falcons. This means that all other races are able to bear children with each other, except a falcon and a non-falcon. No one know's why, but it is part of the reason why the Falcons are often so cold and aloof, as well as being much stronger than the others with magic.... If say, a wolf and a lion Kieshra were to have children, their children would be fine, and either be a wolf or a falcon, not a combination of the two.
////

The Queen was about to respond when Elmyra glided into the room. Her face was unreadable as her mothers. She airy fabrics of her dress floated about her giving her an ethereal look. She bowed to the bear brothers then to her mother and eldest sister before taking her place to the left of her sister, Sera. Her mother gave a nod of acknowledgement before responding.
"I am well aware of the tension and tales bruing in the east. These are of little concern to us."
Oluk wanted to scream at her, but he doubted this would do any good. Darafv looked just as upset by the tension in his arms.
"Our concerns are greater than the mundane affairs of the Serpentine house. What has been done is already set in motion anyway."
"What does Your Majesty means by this?" Darafv asked, confused.
"Tomorrow night, I suspect, if not sooner because of this... change of events... there will be an assassination," the Queen said.
"WHAT!" Oluk said, jumping up. "How can you know this? That treachery is this!"
Princess Sera jumped to her feet, eyes flashing. "How dare you talking to my Queen Mother like that!" she hissed. The queen put a calming hand on Sera's shoulder. Sera sat back in her seat, seething.
"I know because it will happen," the Queen said. "You speak to me that way again and I will have no choice but to remove you. I suggest we commence with the meal. Should you wish to continue into these matters, it can be taken up with the Small Council tomorrow morning."
Darafv and Oluk both bowed out, Oluk quivering with rage. As soon as they were outside of the hall, Oluk burt out, "How dare she be so presumptuous! Did that many any sense to you?" he asked Darafv.
"Hmm... Huh?" Darafv asked. "Yes. It did...."
"She.... she just dismissed us. We are practically her equal..."
"Hush brother. You do not want to be heard spouting such things," Darafv warned.
"I will say what I wan--" Oluk cut himself off as Elmyra stepped before them.
"Princess Elmyra," Darafv said, bowing. She nodded to them both. "Here, come with me. There are... certain things that should be discussed in a more private setting."

[Galadas]

(Yes, I like that very much. They picked Tosha because due to his sickness he doesn’t have strong demi features. For one he doesn’t have red eyes, but green, and his skin and hair are pale, so he could almost easily appear as a White Walker, or that’s what they think at least.
Protectorate could be it too, but neither Darafv nor Oluk know about the dangers that the White Walkers bring, else they would’ve used it when pleaing to the queen )

Oluk growled at Elmyra. ‘Whatever you want to tell, it can wait,’ he said. He seemed angered, and Darafv knew him well enough to let him nag about whatever he needed to nag about for a bit. He pushed his brother away from the door, afraid to be overheard.
‘Let her tell what she wants, Oluk, your rage won’t do us any good!’ Darafv replied, hoping it would ease his brother’s mood.
‘She acts as if we’re her bloody servants, Dar. Why would father send us here if he knows that she doesn’t cooperate, and that assassination, I’m sorry, but am I only one who thought that sounded like a threat?’
‘Yes you are brother.’
‘She gets on my nerves, Dar. She did just yet, and she will again,’ he roared, his teeth showing every time he said ‘she’, making sure not to speak her name nor her title.
Darafv shook his head, smiling uncomfortable at Elmyra, excusing his brother’s behaviour.
Oluk growled again, his hands were fists and he stamped on the floor violently. ‘I won’t hold it, a small council; no way I’ll survive it. Father sends us here not to do business, but to stay far away from Alaiska, I can prove that now, he gives us an impossible task to assure we won’t return until he has sorted matters.’
His brother looked away pained. He didn’t think it was that way, but the Queen did serve as a challenge.
‘I’m going back, Dar,’ Oluk suddenly said, his voice has calmed down, which told Darafv that he meant it and that there was little he could say to stop him from going. ‘Head to father, tell him that this is useless, tell him what the queen told us, and hope he has some other job waiting for me. You do your bidding, mine is elsewhere. I’ll leave on the morrow, I’ll take two of our guards, leave you with the rest. That’s final, Dar,’ he added, biting his teeth.
Whether or not it was a wise decision, there were no words that would make him rethink on his plans. The youngest brother only shook his head, his heart ached as he looked at the man before him. Oluk was born a warrior, and he was determined and impulsive.
‘I bid you farewell then, brother, be safe,’ Darafv finally spoke, as he placed one hand on his brother’s shoulder. ‘I’ll tell them you had urgent matters to attend to, but leave tonight, urgent is urgent after all.’
Oluk smiled shortly, made a small bow in Elmyra’s direction and went off. He was well aware of his surroundings, reaching out of their sight like a thief in the night.
The prince was saddened to know his brother hadn’t even taken his time to read the message he had given to him during dinner. But he turned to the Princess nonetheless. ‘I’m sorry for that, he’s not easily convinced. He won’t return, his pride is wounded,’ he said, watching her slightly as he recalled she had something to tell them, him and his brother, now there was only him.

‘Have you made your decision?’
It was the tall man they had sent for him. He agreed with the choice, but did not like the question.
‘No,’ Tosha replied, solemnly he was nowhere close to reaching his final. He had negative sides to it all and positive, but he didn’t know which road to take, because both scared him. The certainty of survival wasn’t there, and eventually he had to return home, he was their heir after all.
‘You shall need to do it fast, the lady Bealia cares for our journey, and she does not want to spend the night here,’ said the tall man.
Tosha couldn’t agree, here under the heart tree, he would not mind staying some hours longer, get some rest, keep off the road and think. ‘Fine,’ he replied, not knowing what else to say. He guessed lady Bealia was the shrunken old woman, since Hillmya clearly showed sings of knowing her.

[Cara]

Darafv looked helplessly from Elmyra to his brother. Oluk shot Elmyra a withering look before turning on a heel and storming away. Darafv looked back at Elmyra, but she was unreadable. Strange, he thought. The falcons were known for their aloofness. The world looked upon the Falcons with both anger, distrust, and fear. They were a people apart from the world; cold and isolated high in the mountains, with strange secrets and a dislike of the outside. Oluk should think it an honor that the Queen had even allowed them in the borders of her kingdom... A royal assembly hasn't passed the borders in almost eighty years. But what was the point? Why would the Queen allow them into her secret halls only to send them away with nothing but scorn?
Darafv looked Elmyra who was waiting for him silent and cool.
"Princess," he started, "I'm sorry..."
"Do not apologize," she said, cutting him off. She turned and moved away. Darafv paused, looking after his brother before following her. They stepped outside into the cool night. He never saw such brilliant stars, and the cool air helped to calm his frayed nerves.
Elmyra looked right and left, making sure they were out of earshot before turning to Darafv. She liked the night. It cloaked her face even more. The bears had excellent night vision, unlike her kind, but still she almost enjoyed the blindness of the dark.
"You must understand my mother..." Elmyra started. She was unsure how to begin, or why she was even speaking like this to the young prince. "she is a hard woman, but wise with many years." She paused again. What could be said? What would get her and Darafv in trouble? She had already broken one of their sacred laws, she didn't need to disgrace herself even more!
"You must understand that the territorial battles of the other nations means little to us," she said. "My Queen mother has greater concerns. In her dreams... she can get glimpses of things to come."
That made Darafv pause. It made sense. The Queen had spoken of the assassination, yet it had yet to happen.
"Once my mother has dreamed it, there is nothing that can stop it."
"What do you mean?"
Elmyra shook her head. "We have magic..."
"You healed me, I remember," Darafv said. There were always rumors of the ancient magic of the falcons, but many seemed too incredible or crazy to believe. After tonight, he didn't know what to think.
"That is not the only thing though.... there is a reason why our kind forbids mixed marriages," she said. "Our magic does not allow us to bear child with another outside our race... For some reason the child dies, and often the mother along with it. It is the both the gift and curse that Enkil gave us...." Elmyra let the words hang in the air. They were heavy and full of sorrow. She knew that despite it being speculation amongst the outside world, many people knew so little about the Falcons that it was based only off stories riddled with myths of magic and fear. I have never journeyed outside the White City, so I honestly know little of the world outside what I learn here," Elmyra admitted. "The day you found me was the farthest I had ever gone."


Mersena felt her heart race as she city came into view. Dallion and her worked the ropes and flames so that the great balloon lowered itself to the ground.
As they touched down, Mersena felt a weight land on her shoulders. She was born to fly, she felt it screaming in her bones. She longed to rip away this skin and grow wings like her mother, but she was stuck in this miserable single form.
Dallion wrapped a lazy arm around her, startling her from her thoughts. "I give you, my lady, the city of Skarine, capital of the Sepentine and King Renner."
Mersena felt herself smiling. It was the first true smile since... well in a long time. She touched the pendant hidden under her dress.
Mersena didn't know what to say. She made it! She made it! What now? Getting here had been her main goal. It would be the safest place to be, far from the reach of the Falcons and the murderous Queen.
She had the small book her mother had given her, but the writings made no sense. It was research her mother had been doing, looking into the magic of the Falcons and the Heart Tree. What would the Falcon Magic and the Heart tree have to do with anything? Nothing in the book made sense. All it was was scribbled drawings and random words.... On one of the pages, there were all names with Xs next to them. There were only a few left that did not have any markings. "Wait, Dallion did you say Renner?" she asked. That name! It was in her book.
"Yes. That is the name of the royal family of Skarine..."
Royal. She couldn't believe it. The name in her book was Tosha Renner.

[Galadas]

Hill kneeled down at Tosha’s side, taking his head in her lap as he fell from his position. For once she didn’t know if it was the sickness kicking in or him just being tired. It could be just that. He had slept through the night, but in horrible conditions for his health, which made it very unlikely that he would be able to travel another far distance without becoming rather ill. She cradled him in her lap, brushing his hair back as she stared out at the Heart Tree.
‘I know you wonder why I did it, Tosha,’ she whispered, knowing he wasn’t that far off yet that he couldn’t hear her. ‘And I know you’re angry.’
She felt the Prince nodding in her lap, his head moving slightly while his eyes were closed.
‘I did it for you, I’ve been watching you get sick and healthy as what seems to have been all my life. It doesn’t matter what I do, you always get more sick once I’ve healed you. You never get better, it’s frustrating, because I care for you, Tosha. When I was offered a deal that would include you getting the cure, I couldn’t say no. I want you to get better.’
She noticed that Tosha had opened his eyes again, his face was still pale and his eyes looked glazy, but she was used to seeing that on him.
‘I want this cure,’ he replied. His voice was low, as if he was afraid that by saying that they would think he had made his decision already. ‘But I’m afraid, Hill. I don’t know what to expect, I can’t take you along, which means I’ll have to take on my illness by myself. They could give me the cure beforehand, but I don’t think they trust me enough. If I decide not to do it… I don’t know what will happen, and that scares me.’
‘Sleep on it some time, here under the heart tree, I’ll make sure we don’t leave until you’re better,’ Hill replied, taking off her cloak and laying it over the Prince. ‘Sleep well, sweet prince,’ she whispered and placed his head on the soft grass. She knew the others would be mad, but she would not have Tosha travelling until he felt better. She took a few steps back and turned to see the tall man watching over her.
‘Is he sleeping?’ the man asked, he brushed his brown hair back and smiled. ‘The lady will not be pleased, Hillmya.’
Hill nodded. ‘She will not. ‘But it was her eye that caught Tosha, and she’ll not have him dead. Or that’s what I pray.’
‘He will do fine, no one knows where he’s going, so there is not a worry that they might try to find him. He’ll succeed, we’ll give him the cure, and he can go on his way.’
There was a small moment in which she wanted to tell the tall man how wrong he was. The Prince wasn’t easily convinced, and neither did he trust very easily. She decided to keep it to herself. ‘He’s afraid I won’t be joining him. He needs me, Turov. He’s sick half of the time, he would not survive it.’
The tall man only nodded, as if thinking something over. ‘Give him a couple of hours rest, we’ll leave when the sun is high.’

Darafv nodded, it was a frightful idea. He had known that Falcons could not marry outside of their own kind, but he had never thought about it much. For one, he was in love with Elmyra, or well, liked her enough to say that he might want to end up with her. But she wasn’t his, and she would never be. He felt a lump in his throat, as he wanted to reply. He felt sorry for her. Having to stay in the White City all her life, no matter how beautiful the city was, it was not worth never to see the outside world.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said, finally. He watched the forest, trying to find Oluk speeding off into the world with his two guards. He didn’t see them.
‘If I had been able to help you,’ he whispered. He knew he couldn’t. ‘You could come with me to Alaiska once,’ he said, trying to sound more confident. ‘I could protect you, I think I’ve proved to your mother already that I’m capable of protecting you.’ He thought about the man he had killed, how he had felt then. He had been naked and ashamed because of it, and didn’t even have the time to think about the fact that he had killed a person.

A hand falling over her shoulder woke Nima up, she opened her eyes slowly, seeing Oluk nod at her in order to make sure she was awake. ‘Prince Oluk,’ she said, blushing. She was sitting in her chair, sleeping as if she was a giant, probably had been snoring. Her head felt a bit heavy as she stood up to watch the Prince go through his stuff, not paying much attention to her more further. ‘Do you need something?’ she asked.
Oluk nodded, as he was diving into the big case with his clothing. He took out a dark pair of pants and found his armour at the bottom of the chest.
‘Are you leaving, sir?’ she asked, coming closer as she helped him get out of his tunic.
‘Heading back to Alaiska, urgently,’ he answered, didn’t seem to be much in a talking mood.
She nodded and gave him a different tunic to wear, one in the colours of their country, before she started with his armour. ‘Does Prince Darafv know?’
‘He’s well aware of it.’

[Cara]

Princess Elmyra nodded, looking into the darkness. “A crystal prison,” she murmured more to herself than to Darafv. “Once a year we make the journey to the Heart Tree to give our thanks and offerings to Enkil,” she said. “This year is the first year that I will be allowed to go,” she continued, realizing that for the first time in her life she would be allowed outside the White City.
“The Heart Tree…” Darafv said. He had never been. It was the only neutral territory in the realm, sacred to all. It was dangerous to get there, but many did make the journey to their Home. The Heart Tree was the only living remains of their god, Enkil, who created the Kieshra long ago. It was a protected place where magic could still be felt in the air. It made sense that the Falcons would hold the place in such revere and journey there frequently.
“I… I could ask to go to the Heart Tree,” Elmyra said. “It is a private thing, and now that I am old enough my Mother will have to let me go. And I could go alone, or at least with someone who would protect me.” The idea was forming in her head as she spoke the words. She smiled at Darafv, unsure if he could see her expression in the dark. “Come with me.”


Hengi pulled his cloak down over his face, shading his eyes from sight. He had paid the guards off. He would have to deal with the royal guards, but that shouldn’t be a problem. He smiled to himself as he moved easily through the crowded streets of Skarine.
He slipped into the shop he was looking for. The man looked up when he stepped in. The man looked to be wolf, but Hengi could be unsure. There was so much mixing and diversity in this place, it was uncertain what kind of Kieshra they were.
“Do you have what I have ordered?” Hengi asked, leaning onto the counter. The man stepped into the back coming around a moment later with a white package.
Hengi placed his money on the counter and the man took it without a word. He watched as Hengi opened the package. Inside was a pair of darts and a blow gun. It was made of sleek black wood, and the darts were light to the touch. He weighed them in his hand, mentally measuring the weight. Perfect. He gave the man a fanged smile.


Mersena watched as Dallion packed up the balloon and secured it in the woods, hiding it amongst the leaves. They were still well outside the city, but now Mersena could make out the bronze and golden caps of the palace. Beautiful!
“Tosha Renner….” Dallion said. “That is the king’s only heir. I hear the boy is very sick, but much is kept ‘hush hush’. Why?”
Mersena still felt suspicious about Dallion’s motives, but like he had said, she had to trust someone. As they started towards the city, Mersena took her mother’s book from her bag. “This was my mother’s,” she said, showing him. “It was her “research” yet I don’t know what any of it means. It was so confusing.
Dallion flipped through the pages. “Hmm, strange,” he said.
“I had no leads until this name,” she said. “It’s very secret, but I would really want to talk with him,” she said, knowing it was all impossible. He was royalty and she was… she was nothing. Illegal. Impossible. Shame.
“You would have a better chance kissing the Falcon Queen,” Dallion laughed, before seeing Mersena’s horrified expression. “Oh. Sorry. I forgot.”
Mersena sighed. “Well at least we are here. This city is bound to have something about my other’s research. This was one of the places listed in her book along with the White City and the Heart Tree. She mentions ‘The Guardians’ a lot. Have you ever heard of them?” she asked.
Dallion shook his head. “There are many guards, but I know nothing about the Guardians. The name for Akiaska is also called the Guardians of the North, but other than that…”
They were silent for a while, both lost in their own thoughts. Mersena froze when she saw Dallion staring at her intensely. “What?” she said, suddenly uncomfortable under his gaze.
“Your eyes,” he said.
Mersena shook her head, confused. “What about them?”
“They are red…” Dallion pointed out, as if she never knew that she had red eyes.
“So?”
“No one has red eyes. The only people I heard have them are the royal family of Skarine,” he said. “Your eyes would be a lot of unwanted attention.”
Mersena stopped, realizing how right Dallion was. They had posed a big issue when she traveled with her family and hid in the White City, but she never thought to wonder where else her physical appearance would cause her problems.
“What do we do then?”

[Galadas]

Darafv smiled back, though the darkness made it hard to see. But her question made him unsure, he felt the need to tell her yes, and that was the word that slipped between his lips. But he had to shake his head. ‘Yes, but I was send here by my father to complete a task, it wouldn’t feel right to leave without having accomplished what I came here to do,’ he admitted. He hated having to choose between friendship and duty, but he was a Prince of Alaiska after all, and though he hadn’t chosen his own occupation, he stood directly behind what he was doing.
‘I’m sorry, I would love to come with you,’ he started, but he didn’t want to apologize, he hoped she understood that he had no choice.

Oluk packed his back with haste, placing one bag over his shoulder; he patted Nima on her shoulder in his own way of saying goodbye, before he passed through the doors. The staircase seemed much higher than he had predicted, but he kept on pacing through it. Arriving at normal ground level, he noticed how far up they had been, and how heavy his limbs felt now.
‘Prince Oluk Measters,’ he snapped at a guard when this one came at him with a spear. Oluk was much bigger in his Demi form than when normal, and his horse didn’t like the idea of having him on his back. ‘Guards,’ he called, passing a small house a couple of meters away from the stables that had been used for their horses. ‘We’re riding back to Alaiska.’
The Falcon guards wanted to protest, but the Bear guards jumped to their feet as if they were set free. Two of them were chosen by Oluk to join him, the others walked back disappointed.
‘The night is dangerous, sir,’ one mentioned.
The Bear prince nodded. ‘It is, but it is much saver to travel at night than during the day. I rather meet unarmed bandits than annoying peasants.’
He didn’t look back if the guards agreed with him, but got on his horse, which shook its manes in fear, and headed to the gate. ‘Open it,’ he yelled at a falcon guard.
It didn’t matter here that the man was a falcon, because when a hairy man with dark eyes and a big frown yells at you, you better not ignore the fact that he has claws and doesn’t seem too happy about things. And thus the gate was opened and while changing back to normal, the three bears rode into the night. The dusk of early morning started to settle.

[Cara]

Elmyra nodded. She smiled though, not sure if Darafv could see it in the dark. "We better get back to the dinner. The main meal will be coming out soon. You best prepare for the Small Council tomorrow..." she advised, "and explain to my mother why your brother has stormed off."
Elmyra turned suddenly then and walked away.
As she turned the corner she almost ran straight into her sister, Saena.
"Saena!" Elmyra said with surprise.
Her sister looked similar to Elmyra, except her face was more rigid, like her personality, with cold, unwavering eyes. She was the eldest daughter of their Queen Mother. While Elmyra had been given more freedom, Saena had been trained in the arts of ruling a kingdom since she was young. Elmyra had too, but she could not hold a candle to her sister's brilliance and logic. Their mother was always comparing Elmyra to Saena, almost asking why she could not be more like her sister. She was too emotional. And everyone knew that emotions could get you killed.
"Hello sister," Saena said, with no inflection of warmth in her voice. She looked down at Elmyra, violet eyes black in the low light. Similar to her mother, she radiated power. When they were younger, Saena and Elmyra used to play. They had been taught together, but when Saena turned 14 it had all changed. Elmyra remembered it. Saena had made her first assisted journey to the Heart Tree. After that she was trained on her own, and Elmyra hardly saw her except for state affairs.
Elmyra bowed. "Sister," she said.
Saena looked towards where Elmyra had come. "What were you doing?" she asked.
"Nothing. Enjoying the evening..." Elmyra shot back. She was very good at lying, one of the best, but her sister was better. All falcons were schooled in keeping emotions locked away. They were meant to be creatures of logic and magic, and those two things did not mix well when emotions came out. The High Court was a cold and emotionless place. Often, foreigners failed to understand their ways, and left in upset. Elmyra could hide herself well, but lately she seemed to struggle.
Saena scoffed. "What did you tell the Aliaskan Prince?" she said, her voice sharp and quiet at the same time.
"I only tried to explain ourselves--"
"You do not speak for Mother or myself. Do not even speak for yourself, especially if it comes to any of our secrets. You are not to interact with the Ambassadors any more than needed, am I understood?" she hissed, gripping Elmyra's arm painfully.
Elmyra looked down and nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. Understood." she said, making note that her sister was her superior and heir to the White City.
Saena released her, and stepped away, hearing something that was coming. Elmyra didn't hear it until a few seconds later, when Darafv rounded the corner to enter the Hall.
"Greetings High Princess Saena," Darafv said, as he walked by.
Saena's face was unreadable as she nodded and let him pass. As soon as Darafv was out of earshot, she turned on Elmyra again. "This is the first time in many years we have allowed foreign dignitaries into her Inner City!" she said. "Let's try and have an uneventful night and not spill every secret we have to these strangers, hmm?" Saena said, her eyes unsmiling. Elmyra swallowed. Her sister knew. She knew that Elmyra had healed Darafv; she could see it in her face.
Elmyra nodded and followed her sister in the Hall where the food had begin to be placed on the tables.


Mersena walked stiffly through the streets. She hadn't been among this many people in a long time. Or ever? She clutched at the small bag at her side, pulling down her hood even more to cover her eyes. She pulled up the thin black band of fabric around her nose and mouth, so that only a thin slit was available for her eyes to see, and in the shadow of her hood, no one would ever see her eye color.
When Dalion had first suggested she wear this hooded face scarf, she had laughed at how ridiculous she would look, but Skarine was a city for all kinds if people and her garb of clothing stood out little amongst all the diversity. She had never seen so many kinda of people, and the number of mixed bloods was astounding. She couldn't even begin to guess what kind of animal keishra people were. She smiled to herself. She could get used to it here!
Dallion took her hand, and lead her through the throng of people.
"It has been a while since I was in the city, so I don't know if they own the store, but it is worth a try. The woman there always knew how to make a good stew," Dallion said, smiling.
As they walked, Dallion chatted. Mersena realized how much she enjoyed his company. He looked at her again, his stare turning intense. She was glad for the cloth that covered her face so that Dallion couldn't see her blush. They stopped outside a small building that had a faded sign out front. Mersena couldn't make out the image it was so old.
"Hmm.... you could pass for a sister," he said, more to himself than to her. He shook his head, "but even a fool would know were were not related."
"What do you mean?" Mersena asked.
"You need a cover story. Even though this is one of the most diverse and accepting places, there are many dangerous people, and the Falcons has spies everywhere," he said. "I know you have not told me everything - and I won't press you until you're ready - but I would like to attract as little attention here as possible," he said. Mersena agreed. He paused again. "If you were with me, then it would discourage anyone from asking too many questions," he said, watching her closely.
"With you?" Mersena said, feeling the blood rush to her face again.
Dallion gave a smirk that was both amused and warm. He took her hand and squeezed it, his face serious. "Are you ok with this? It would make it easier if we stayed at an inn. And safer. I will of course sleep on the floor, it is alright."
Mersena smiled back at him, but when she realized he couldn't see, she grabbed his other hand and gave a squeeze. He smiled. "You ready, Cale?" he said, using her falese name. The he opened the door and stepped in.


Hengi moved along the roof tops with ease. He always imagined being able to fly. It would make things so much easier, but the great god Enkil had never granted him such power. He had something better though. Venom.
His movements were quiet as he leapt onto the ledge. The castle was high and tall, but he as skilled at climbing. He let himself changed, his body rippling down with muscle and hardened scale. His finger became clawed as he dug them into the sides of the wall where the stones parted. Hengi vaulted up, his hands and feet darting out to grip the small hand holds of the stone wall. As he got to the ledge of the first window, he threw his arms over it, pausing to rest.
His breathing was fast, but he told his heart to stop racing and his lungs to slow, so that he might hear for anyone that could sound and alarm. Nothing. He took a deep breath, tasting the air. Nothing. Good.
He hauled himself up into the empty corridor. He brushed himself off. He had been informed where his prey would be and had been insured there would be no guards to stop him, but he could never be sure. Hengi pulled out his dagger and put it to his mouth. He bit down, letting the venom drip out into the shining steel. He watched as it settled into the specially designed section of the blade that could hold the venom. If someone was stabbed, the venom would travel through the bloodstream and stop the heart in about 27 seconds. He slipped the dagger up his sleeve. Now to find the King.

[Galadas]

‘My lord?’
Tosha felt a small hand on his shoulder, with little strength pushed him towards the ground, then released, cradling him back to the mortal world. His dreams had been horrible. He had been back home, the city was under fire and meanwhile Hengi told him about his mission, told it straight like he was talking to their father the King and not Tosha. One moment they were completely safe, the next an armoured convoy of soldiers with wings and dark eyes crept into the room, holding out spears and swords at the two of them. Never before in his dreams had he ever died, but before the hand shook him awake, he could feel his will to live and his life itself slipping away from him.
That hadn’t been the only dream though.
As he opened his eyes and looked at the heart tree, slowly all those others returned to him.
In one he had been in the company of a man with thick brown skin and hair, riding through the forest on horses with lots of hair. He didn’t know who the other person was, but he didn’t seem too happy. He frowned a lot, his brow was sweaty, and he gazed at Tosha a couple of times. But he couldn’t have been himself; he had never met the man or seen anyone like him. It was a stranger.
Nothing had really happened in that part of his dreams, but he could still remember the angered look in the eyes of the stranger, and he wondered whether it had been a real person.
Other dreams he remember less clear, there had been fires, deaths, he had seen a village destroyed, a lion attacking a Falcon and tearing it to sheds. Most had left him heavy by heart, while others gave him some happiness. He saw Hillmya lying against the shoulder of another man, laughing with ease as she stared at the burning sun. He couldn’t remember much of the other parts of his dream, but one he remembered well.
He saw a girl, a girl with red eyes, seemingly similar to his own, her hair was brown and almost black, and around her neck she wore a necklace with a green or blue crystal. She couldn’t have been much older than eighteen. Worst of all, she was looking at him, with some kind of sadness. Her eyes, they were so similar that he felt grief, but instead of showing such emotion he took a sword from his belt. It weren’t his hands though; they were stronger, more colored than his own pale skin. He wanted to yell, tell the person to stop with what he was going to do. The dream had faded right there, leaving Tosha with many questions.
‘My lord?’
Again that voice, making Tosha shift on his back, laying with his face in the sun, he touched the small hand that rested on his shoulder. A small child was attached to it, a girl, she had long brown hair and her ears were furry. She seemed fascinated by him once he was able to look at her, and pointed at his face.
‘Your eyes,’ she said.
Her voice was small, almost as if she was whispering to him. She brushed away his pale hair and kissed his forehead, pointing back at the tree as she did so. ‘You had dreams,’ she added. ‘My mother used to tell me that people who had dreams below the tree were blessed, if you kissed their foreheads you would be forever protected by Enkil.’
Tosha nodded, he wasn’t able to form words, his throat felt dry and his skin weak. He pushed himself into a sitting position, turning so he was facing the tree.
‘Most of the campers have gone, they say it was useless to wait for you, they say you won’t help us. Hill tells me you will choose whatever will be best for you.’
She stopped talking for a moment, watching him. ‘They say your bastard brother can turn into a really big snake, and they are afraid that he’ll come after you.’
The idea of Hengi coming after him did his heart well, he knew his brother would try and find him, but the question was whether he would think of the possibility of Tosha going North.

Darafv returned to his room, and jumped straight to bed. Nima shook from her sleep when he heard him come in. Oluk’s bed was empty, so she had taken the liberty of sleeping in it. She was thinking mostly about the oldest brother’s safety, but she couldn’t say whether her thoughts would help him on his journey.
‘Tomorrow some council, Nim,’ said Darafv, his voice filled with sleep. ‘I think we need our rest.’
‘I agree,’ Nima replied, closing her eyes again. She didn’t feel safe within the walls of the White City, she felt safer out in the forest, even if there were magicians about that wanted to kill princesses.

[Cara]

(Ok so I have a plan about the magic of the Falcons and a more elaborate scheme with the Heart Tree and their god Enkil I'll start explaining it as we go.)

Elmyra ate quickly and excused herself. She managed to thwart her guards that her mother had placed to watch her, and the moment she had the opportunity, she launched herself out her window and into the cool night air. The wind was a caress against her face as she felt her wings lift her high above the valley.
It was dangerous to fly at night; they were not like their avian counterparts, the owls, who had the most amazing night vision. She had to be careful not to fly into something. Even still, her sight was strong and the moon was full. She landed in one of the high gardens to pray.
It was peaceful here. The Sky Court was a silent place, except for the sound of the wind and the chimes that swung from the trees. The garden was ancient and in a holy place like this, she could feel its power.
It reminded her of the sacred Heart Tree, with its white bark and blood-red leaves. She closed her eyes, envisioning it. She stepped into a clearing where the flowers and trees fell away to reveal a circle with a stone bowl in the middle.
Elmyra knelt beside the bowl and took out a knife. With a quick flick, she moved the blade across her wrist, letting the blood flow into the bowl. She was numb to the pain by this point. Giving your blood was a necessary part of their prayer ritual to Enkil. She had been doing it for as long as she remembered. She let the blood drip into the bowl until it pooled black under the moonlight. She whispered a word, letting that warm feeling of her magic close the wound. She closed her eyes, her lips moving silently in prayer. No emotion. No feeling. Nothing.


Tosha turned to see Hill walking over. She smiled at him, glancing up at the enormous Heart Tree. “I am always awed at their majesty of the Heart Tree,” she said, looking up at the broad pale branches that hung out, its scarlet leaves giving everything a red hue as the sun shone through.
“Yes?” Tosha said, taking a moment to really look at it for the first time. “I didn’t take you as one who is so religious,” he said.
Hill laughed. “I used to be, but not so much now. Though every time I visit the Heart Tree, I cannot help but believe that it’s all true. I know the stories. How much is myth?" she said.
The little girl standing besides Tosha grew wide-eyed. “Ohh! What stories? Can you tell one?”
Hill laughed. “I guess we have time for one. Let’s see if I remember...” And Hill began the story of the Heart of Enkil.

They said that Enkil was beautiful. He was a young man, but no one can agree on his appearance. Some say he had white hair and red eyes, but there are others who say it was black and it shimmered with rainbows in the sun. Either way it does not matter.
Enkil had a brother, named Mazaras, and he was the creator of man. Enkil was given watch of the animals. Unlike his other brother, Enkil was ambitious and strong-minded, with great abilities. He could change into any animal he desired and communicate with everyone telepathically. Still he grew jealous of the powers of his brother, who did little in his job of overseeing his charges. Mazaras gave man the ability to think for himself and gave the people a heart, a mind, and a soul. He kept watch over man who flourished and killed the animals that Enkil loved. Enkil hated his brother. In an attempt to fill his heart with something more, he changed himself into a human to walk and lives as humans did. He was appalled at what he saw. They had no respect for the land they lived in and on the animals and plants that sustained them. Enkil saw how they ravaged the land, even killing their own. Moreoever, humans were weak! They did not have the wings of a bird, the strength of a bear, they smell of a snake, the claws of a tiger, the sight of an owl, or the swiftness of a horse, yet still they ruled over everything, and respected the power of the storms and seasons, but nothing else.
Enkil walked deep into the woods to meditate, and found the oldest tree in the land. It was an ancient thing, some people say it was older than he was. He swore vengeance on his brothers. In the shadow of this tree he met a young woman, Aliaine. She was as beautiful as he was with a kind and caring heart, and it was love at first sight. It wasn't long before he married her and they had a child together. That child was the first Kieshra, a falcon. A human who could shapeshift.
Together, Aliane and Enkil had many children and created the race of the Kieshra. Enkil granted Aliaine magic. He could give her all his powers, all except his immortality. For years Enkil searched for a way to give his beloved Aliaine the immortality she needed to live with him forever. His brother, Mazaras, loathed Enkil for taking away his charge of the people. The Kieshra were stronger than the skin walking humans and the Kieshra started to take over their lands. Even the magic of the peoples could not stand up against our might.
In revenge, Mazaras murdered Aliane. The pain of her loss was unbearable. Enkil decided that Mazaras needed to go. There was the War of Origin, where the Kieshra took over these lands, and killed all the skin walkers. Finally, at the end of his power, the humans dead or gone, Enkil executed his brother.
The Kieshra flourished under Enkil's rule as the Golden King. Cities and kingdoms were formed, and Enkil's most favored people were given places of power. Still Enkil grew tired of his life as a human, and the eternal watch of his Children. He tried to live with the pain of the loss of his Love, and the sorrow and guilt of killing his brother, but it was too much to bear. Enkil returned to the ancient tree where he had first met Aliaine. Under its canopy, he tore out his heart. His magic enveloped the giant tree, and become what we call the Heart Tree. The leaves turned red and the bark became pale, drained of all color. It is the only mortal thing that remains of Enkil on this earth, and is a link to our people. It was the essence of his love, pleasure, and loyalty, as well as his pain, guilt, and sorrow. By giving it our blood we can connect with the his Spirit. Some people say that on a silent night, you can hear the beating of the Enkil's heart.

Hill looked at Tosha and the child. She gave a wane smile, but her eyes were shining in wonder.
"I don't know how much to believe, but I know one thing. This is a place of ancient magic; it is holy. The Heart tree pulses with life! You can feel its warmth...." she said, gently reaching out to touch the tree. "So, what do you think?


The Queen sat back in her throne, staring at her hands. They were long and slender, talloned nails at the tips. She closed her eyes. Was this the wrong choice to make? She saw the strings of futures to come, but not all were set in stone. She had to continue to protect their secret, but her daughters were right. It was time to re-embrace the outside world. They would need to be united for the troubles to come.
There were many problems at hand, and she only had the strength to deal with so many. She had become one with the Heart Tree and had given up what which had once mattered. Now she had the powers of Enkil, but at the cost of her heart. No one could know that though. Only her eldest daughter knew of that secret.
A soldier ran up to her, breaking her thoughts.
"My Queen!" he said, bowing low before her throne. "The prince..."
The Queen sat up, glaring. "The prince?"
The man took a breath. He hadn't even had time to fold his wings, and they hung limp on the floor. She wanted to turn away disgusted at such improper form, but his message was urgent.
"Yes, Your Highness. The eldest son of Aliaska, Prince Oluk, has left the White City!"
The Queen jumped to her feet, her hands curling into clawed fists. She wanted to scream, she wanted to yell, but her face stayed neutral and calm, only the lines around her mouth tightening. "And where is Prince Darafv? Did he know of this?" What reason would that impudent fool have to leave her city?
"I, I do not know."
"Send a messenger to His Magesty, the king of Aliaska, right away. I have a message for him."

[Galadas]

As the trees sped by, and the road seemed ever long, Oluk became weary of the amount of sleep he had had. One of his guards rode beside him, watching the darkness across with a sleepy look. Yet, they might be very tired and all, the Prince didn’t feel much for sleeping by the road. He would wait until morning, he had told his guards. Once the sun was up, and the moon gone, they would take their rest, sleep for a couple of hours before they could go back on the road.
None of the guards seemed rather annoyed by having to ride all through the night, their horses were well rested, and really wanted to return to the cold north they knew. The weather was far too warm for them.
‘What about Prince Daravf,’ one of the guards had asked when they made another turn north.
Oluk sighed for a moment. He would miss his brother, even though he mostly hated him for being so annoying. ‘He’ll take care of himself, and of my stupidities.’
The guard shook his head. ‘You can’t be far from the truth my lord, your farther sending you away before war has started.’
Oluk nodded.

Tosha hadn’t been very religious, never. His farther only wanted him to learn the stories, and so he had, if from time to time he had enough energy to open a book. Books were horrible in his eyes, after a page or three the words began to crawl together, until there was nothing more than letters swarming around like bees.
‘Yes, yes! The story is so beautiful!’ the little girl shouted, she stood on her feet and danced around the Heart Tree, smiling as she did. ‘This is the most peaceful place in the whole world.’
The Prince wasn’t too fast on answering. He waited until the girl had disappeared behind the tree before meeting Hill’s eyes. ‘Nice story,’ he said, but he didn’t sound happy. ‘Did you tell it for a reason?’ he asked, at which she shook her head. He kept himself from mentioning the dreams he had had, he started to believe that there was indeed magic around this place. And he wanted to leave.
‘I told them to rest here, that being here would clear my mind, and hopefully yours as well,’ she said, once the girl appeared again.
‘Hopefully,’ Tosha replied, but he hadn’t settled on his decision yet. It was too hard.

[Cara]

Hengi closed his eyes, willing his body to stop shaking, as he loaded the blow gun.
It was laced with his poison, and would kill his victim in seconds. He sighed. It was still early, but the king usually went onto his balcony out after he woke. Hengi had been waiting patiently for the last two hours. At the distance, he could see the King of Hawkara come out on his balcony clearly in his sights. What startled him was the baby in his arms. It gave him pause. This was the only chance he'd get.
Hengi aimed and fired.
From a distance, he saw the king stumble back. Hengi could see the small white pin sticking in the back of the king's neck. 1....2....3...4....5...6....The king stumbled forward, and both babe and father tumbled off the balcony. There were shouts as people rushed forward to see what had happened. Hengi threw up his hood and melted into the city.


It was close to dawn when Elmyra found herself back in her bed chambers. She had a restless night, and despite the lack of sleep, felt fine.
She changed her clothes, opting for a deeper set gown. It was still early, as she made her way through the castle. It was always quiet; The White City was also known as the Silent City to those who had been within its walls, but there was a peacefulness to being alone here.
Elmyra was standing, overlooking a cliff, the balcony hanging out into open space. She felt someone come up besides her. High Princess Saena leaned over the railing, her wings ruffling softly as she moved.
"Did the Queen inform you of what that ignorant bear prince did?" she said, glancing at Elmyra.
"No, she did no."
Saena pursed her lips. "He fled back to Aliaska," she spat. "Things are moving more quickly than expected. Mother has called private audience with her councilors. You are to attend."
Elmyra only could nod, as Saena led them into the council room.
The head of the Queen's Mercy was seated to the left of the Queen. Saena took her place to her right. Elmyra sat to the right of her sister.
The Queen looked like she had not slept either, but she was a hard woman and it was difficult to tell.
"This morning, the King of Hawkara was assassinated," she said. No one argued or sounded overly surprised, that was the falcon way. "The eldest of the bear ambassadors left back to Aliaska without our leave. It brings shame on his house, and that will be remembered..." she said."This is faster than we planned..."


Mersena stared as the innkeep set a steaming bowl of soup before her. Dallion had ordered a soup as well with a leg of lamb.
"Oh I'm so hungry..." she said, bringing the spoon to her mouth.
Dallion was already devouring his food and could only nod. They had stopped and bought some extra clothes for Mersena, including a face cloth for her. For the first time in a few days she finally felt full. Content, she sat back to take in her surroundings. She saw all kinds of tapestries of color and races...All except falcons. Underneath her hood, she scanned the faces.
Mersena turned to Dallion and stood up. "I'm going back up to the room," she said. He only nodded, his attention on the poker game that had started a few tables over. Mersena made her way upstairs. Suddenly someone rounded the corner, shoving into Mersena. She tripped backwards, as his hand flew out and caught her arm.
"Ah, thanks..." Mersena said, looking up at the man. He was similarly covered, only red eyes staring at her. Red eyes.
Their eyes met, and the man froze. "You're a...skavad," she whispered.
The man suddenly shoved her back, a dagger appearing out of nowhere, so that it pressed against her throat.
"As are you," he hissed.
She glanced down, and his eyes followed, to see the dagger she had against up, pressed to his stomach. "Then you admit it," she whispered. "You're a half-ling..."
"I don't have time for this," the man snapped, as he shoved away from her, dagger still between them.
"Please... I need to know more. You could tell me. My room is upstairs. We could talk in private," Mersena said, uncaring at the moment about her own saftey. She saw he was curious as she was. Finally he nodded and they moved into the hallway.
As Mersena locked their door, she turned to the stranger, who was looking out the window, back to her. He closed the blinds and turned to her. "So, you're the one that invited me in..."
She nodded, not know what to ask him. "Uh..well... My name is Mersena," she said. He looked at her silently, red eyes watching her intensely. "And you?" feeling the uncomfortable silence between them. She could fee he was anxious to be gone, but his curiosity had gotten the better of him and now here he was.
"Hengi. My name is Hengi."

[Galadas]

By the time of the first daybreak, Oluk and his company had reached Alaiska, the land of the Bears. The horses were much less heated as the cold winds stalked upon them, but he had promised them all rest, while his own mind was restless with the capital and his father’s court being only two hours away from him. They rode on as the sun kissed their heavy leather armour, which didn’t seem like heat since the winds were much stronger, pushing the forward, into the land that was barren and filled with mountains, land for which the horses were bred. They moved quickly, their hooves made the ride up the mountains seem like nothing.
‘My lord, the sun is up,’ one of the guards said, after they had ridden another mile into the windy country.
Oluk didn’t want to reply, he saw in his mind how the news of him returning to Alaiska would come before him returning at all. He suspected the Queen would be enraged by his choice of fleeing, though he couldn’t call it fleeing for one. The city wasn’t too far away, where his father would most undoubtedly be readying for war. He wanted to be there so badly that he ignored his eyes that wanted to close, his body that wanted to shut down, and the guards wanting to do the same. ‘We ride to the capital, there you can rest all you like,’ he snapped. Without sleep Oluk became angered, and on a ride like this, where he didn’t have Darafv talking to him about stupid things, he found himself thinking.
His actions weren’t wise, but he found himself longing to be at his father’s side more than ever. Maybe something bad was going to happen. Yet he was torn between protecting his brother or his father.

Darafv had hoped to wake to the sound of the city in the morning, but there was no sound, and by the time his eyes opened the sun was already shining in through the window. He growled when he woke, blinking his eyes to the sun, as he got out of his bed to watch out of the window.
The white city was even more beautiful at morning, when the sun shone upon the towers and the silence fell upon it as something angelic. He took in the sight for a moment, before turning to the Oluk’s bed. Seeing how Nima lay curled up in the blankets reminded him that his brother had returned to Alaiska the night before. He wondered if he had already reached father.
With the smile fading from his face, he placed his hand on Nima’s shoulder, and she slowly opened her eyes.
‘Is it morning already?’ she asked, yawning as she stood to her feet.
‘It is,’ Darafv replied solemnly, as he looked inside the closet to find some fitting clothes.
‘When is the thing you have to go to?’ she asked secondly.
To that he raised his shoulders. ‘After breakfast maybe,’ he commented. He was starving, and maybe some food in his system would give him the right amount of bravery he needed to explain Oluk’s absence.
‘Can I join?’
Darafv looked at Nima for a moment, considering it. He knew where they had dined the night before, but he also knew from his previous visit where he could share breakfast with his followers. He wasn’t too eager to talk with the Falcons until the council, so he pulled on a velvet jacket, black, and a pair of trousers, also black. Buttoning the jacket completely up, he would return after breakfast to put a shirt on under it, but right now, he liked the feel of the leathery fabric against his cold skin.
Nima followed him in her light blue gown that had been damaged around her knees. She carefully closed the door behind them, as if them being awake was some kind of problem. And together the two of them headed towards the breakfast table.

By the time Tosha opened his eyes again – he was know for falling asleep without reasons – he thought he would feel the warm grass beneath his body, look upon the white bark and the red leaves, think about the tale again that Hill had told before. But when he did open his eyes, he saw he was once again in the cart. His head was bursting, like someone had just hit him at the back of his skull. He tried to sit up, but a hand pushed him back.
Tosha wasn’t one for getting aggressive, but he got really angered when he saw the bald man and the tall man watching him from upon their horses. They were on the road again, and he guessed by the wind that reached them, that they weren’t going back South.
‘This is outrages!’ he yelled, trying to sit up again. This time two hands grabbed him and pulled him back, he felt a stump object hit his shoulder, and growled. An other thumb hit his head as he tried to get up, using all his strength. He staggered back, seeing the two men that were trying to hold him down.
‘We could not wait for your decision,’ the bald man said.
Tosha shook his head, getting to his feet with incredible speed, making it impossible for the two men to reach for his shoulders. He jumped from the cart, launching himself at the bald man.
‘Tosha don’t!’ he head Hillmya yell.
From the corner of his eye he saw how she was bound to her horse, but it was too late already. He came crashing down together with the bald man, making the horse kick as it ran off. One hove crashed against his back, the pain was incredible, but the satisfaction of seeing the small man catch his breath was enough for him. He stood, stared at the tall man and tried to call for the energy to change into his animal form. Since he had no demi-form, it was far harder for him to change from human into animal.
‘Prince Tosha,’ said the tall man. ‘Your bastard brother killed the King of Hawkra, war will soon reach all of us. We had no choice but to move you out of there. You might not have agreed with our plan, but we believe you’ll gladly take the cure if it means you can return home to fight at your father’s side.’
The argument took Tosha aback. War! He didn’t want war, war was stupid and dangerous and could mean his death. But somehow, he had to agree, if he could return home at full health, he wouldn’t have to sit back and watch his father fight.
‘I want a horse,’ he commanded, watching as the bald man got up, his honour was probably scarred the most.

Oluk didn’t take the time to hand over the reins of his horse to one of the stable boys, he ran up the stairs, and saw them chasing the animal he had let go so suddenly. The guards retreated slowly; they probably wouldn’t be wanting to ride with him for a long time. He passed the doors, most seemed surprised to see him, but hugs and hello’s had to wait. He climbed the tower, later joined by one of his cousins, who had his questions ready, but never got to ask them.
With all the power his human body possessed, Oluk pushed open the doors to the royal room, the court, the Heavens, as it was called by his people. His father was seated at the head of the table, his throne dressed with furs from traitors and great warriors, all joined together as if they had all the same importance. It had been their ancestors idea of ‘equality’ and one day, Oluk knew, that throne would be his.
‘My son,’ King Carvvol growled, an emotion of mixed happiness and disappointed washed over his face as he strolled forward to hug his heir. He was a big man, with long brown hair and a strong body. He was at the same height as his eldest, but he seemed much bigger because of his wide shoulders and big furred robe. ‘You have returned!’
Oluk, who was always in his worse mood around his younger brother, seemed rich with respect when he saw his father. The man was his idol. He looked at the King first, then scanned the room, finding what he was guessing he would find. ‘I have, and I’m guessing you already knew I was coming,’ he snapped, his gaze on the Falcon who was standing in the corner.
Carvvol shook his head, he didn’t like disrespect, and especially not when the guest was right behind him. ‘A horrible move, may I add.’
The Bear Prince clenched his teeth. ‘What did she say?’ he asked, knowing that the Falcon had probably already given the message to his father, but he was eager to find out what it was it said.

[Cara]

(Damn, those must be some fast horses to make it from the White City to Aliaska in such short time! Hahaha…. Oh and most people don’t know Hengi killed the King. He was supposed to be a secret assassin, but he is known as the King’s Bloody Hand.)

The falcon gave no reaction to the acid in Oluk’s voice. That seemed to annoy Oluk even more. It was so hard to ruffle a falcon’s feathers. Despite the falcon messenger being garbed in plain light grey, there was a power that emanated from him. He looked so foreign amongst the strength of the bears, with a lean but muscled body. Oluk knew though that the man probably could arm wrestle and win, against most of the men in this court. Many of the other people in the hall kept glancing at the man. Hardly anyone ever saw a falcon, and Queen Circe had been loath to send out messengers, so rumors of the falcons continued to circulate. From Oluk’s experiences in the White City, many and most seemed true.
The falcon bowed gracefully before Oluk – the bear prince still outranked the messenger. “The High Queen Circe of the White City sends her regards,” he said, his voice still and smooth. “She is most…displeased with your decision to leave us in this hour,” he said. “You fled from your duty as a prince and emissary.”

Mersena looked at Hengi. She sat down her bed, pulling back her hood, and removing her face scarf. Hengi did the same. She was surprised to see how dark his hair was. It was a strange combination, but the eyes… She had never seen another Kieshra with red eyes. Hengi pulled over the stool from the corner and sat across from her. She could tell he wanted to talk with her, but another part of him didn’t. He fidgeted, seeming anxious and wary.
She tried and give him a smile, but he didn’t seem to notice. “What are you…?” he asked, breaking their silence.
“I’m a wolf,” she said.
He gave her a look as if he didn’t believe her. “And what else?” he said, his mouth twisting into a sarcastic smile.
“And…” she hesitated. “And…a falcon.” That seemed to take him aback.
“You don’t look very falcon,” he said, looking her over. “But then again… now that you mention it, I can see it. Yea it’s there.”
“And you?” she retorted.
“Ader,” he said…”Serpiente.” He smiled, showing fangs. “The other half, I don’t know,” he said, honestly. “I’m a bastard. I don’t know, and my father never told me what I am. I’m not even sure if he knows.”
“You… you must be falcon,” she said, looking at him. “How else could you be mixed and have red eyes? There’s no other way.”
He didn’t seem to like that. “Pah! Falcon…”
“Explain it then,” she snapped. “Look at me. Everyone other race can mix without a problem, but falcons… falcons are the only race that cannot have red eyes nor can their offspring be of mixed birth…” If Hengi’s mother was falcon, they were supposed to have died in the womb, never born. But somehow they had.
“Can you change?” Mersena said.
“I can shift into my snake form,” Hengi said, “but I’ve never been able to shift into another form. And that seems natural enough. Most Halflings chose either the shape of their mother or father,” Hengi said, seeming nonchalant, but she could see that the possible truth of this weighed heavily on him.
“You know what? This is stupid…” Hengi said, getting up so quickly that he knocked his stool over.
Mersena stood, jumping off the bed. “No. Please. You can’t go yet.” She had to know more. She had to learn the truth. Her mother and father had died trying to learn the truth and to find a way to break her curse.
He looked at her inquisitively. “You… you can’t change,” he said. When he saw her freeze he smiled. “I knew it. You can’t shapeshift at all.”
Mersena sat back on the bed, shocked. “How? How did you know?”
“I have a way of seeing truth.”
They stared at each other for a moment until a sharp knock on the door startled them both. “Cale? Cale you in there?” It was Dallion.
“Cale?” Hengi asked, looking at her. “Who’s that? I thought you were alone.” A knife had suddenly appeared in his hand.
“He’s a friend!”
Dallion knocked again. “Cale,” he whispered. “There’s soldiers downstairs looking for a person with red eyes…”
Hengi and Mersena looked at each other, and Mersena yanked open the door. Dallion jumped into the room, locking the door behind him. He gave Hengi a strange look which quickly turned to a glare. “They are after you, aren’t they,” he said, staring at Hengi’s red eyes.

Elmyra stared into her hands. Her mother pressed her fingers together, her eyes cold.
“I do not see everything,” the Queen said, concerned, although it didn’t show on her face. “And my sight cannot not see what is not the blood of Enkil,” she murmured. “So I do not know what exactly we are up against, but as it was foretold, that which was banished shall return to claim what was lost.”
The Councilors nodded gravely. Elmyra didn’t understand. What was her mother speaking of? She looked at her sister, who was staring intensely at their mother.
“What do you propose we do?” the head of the Mercy asked.
“For a long time, I thought that by not interacting we could escape, but I find that I… was wrong,” the Queen admitted. Elmyra was shocked. The Queen admitted she was wrong? In all her life, she had never known that her mother to be wrong.
“The Kieshra no longer believe…” The Queen continued. “They have forgotten what it means to be Kieshra. We war amongst ourselves when now more than ever we should turn to her roots and prepare.”
Elmyra knew this part. The Kieshra used to all have magical abilities hundreds of thousands of years ago, but that had long vanished. Most Kieshra didn’t even believe in Enkil, although they said the words and knew who Enkil was, they didn’t believe. Not really. The Falcons had their magic and strength, but they had stayed isolated, and because of this isolation as well, they no longer could carry children of mixed blood. The magic did not allow it.
“It is time that we send emissaries of our own to the Great Capitals.”
The Queen sighed and sat back, as if a great weight had fallen upon her. “My eldest daughter, Saeina, will go to the Sepiente.”
Saeina was outraged, although she sat back, her fists clenched white, but all she said was, “As you command, my Queen.” She knew her sister was upset at this, but she well not to show it.
“And my youngest daughter, Elmyra, will go with the bear prince, Darafv, to the north.”
Elmyra looked at this, shocked. “Wha—uh, as you command, my Queen,” she stuttered, earning a sharp look from her sister.
“Good,” the Queen said. “I will send word for Prince Darafv.”
“My Queen, what purpose do you have of sending your only daughters and heirs abroad?” the head Mercy asked. This was news to the other councilors as well.
“We need to show faith to the Kieshra that the falcons are Kieshra too. They seemed to have forgotten that. My daughters need practice in diplomacy and working with other cultures and peoples of this great land,” the Queen said. “I will send guards with them,” she said. “Council dismissed,” she said, ending any discussion.
Saeina stood and swept out of the hall, taking to the sky as soon as she was outside. There was whispering amongst everyone as they exited. Elmyra waited until the hall was empty before turning to her mother. As Elmyra stood to leave, she looked at her mother and for the first time, the Queen who always seemed as immovable as a mountain, beautiful, terrifying, cold, seemed to wilt almost before her eyes.
“Mother,” she said, softly. The Queen seemed far away.
“Elmyra, come here child,” she said. Elmyra approached the Queen carefully. She seemed old suddenly with lines appearing where they hadn’t been earlier. Or she had never noticed them. The Queen took Elmyra’s hands in hers, and suddenly she wasn’t the Queen but her mother. “My love, you must be brave and strong, as I know you are.”
“Mother… I don’t understand. I was almost killed and now you want to send me outside the White City? And to the bears?”
The Queen, placed a hand on Elmyra’s face. It was gentle. Elmyra had never see her mother this…emotional before. No that was not true. She had been kind to her the other day. “There are things you do not know, nor understand, and you do not need to know them yet. Dark things are coming, and I have tried everything to prevent it, but even my powers have limitations. I am doing this to protect you, hate or love me, it is for your own good.”
“I don’t hate you, Mother,” she said. The Queen smiled at this. “I’m glad,” she whispered. “You have a kind heart. Do not lose it.”
“Lose it?” she whispered, afraid.
“Our Heart will be threatened,” the Queen said, cryptically. The Queen stood, regal and strong once again. She placed her hands on Elmyra’s shoulders. “Know that I have always loved you, although you not have known it or felt my love, it was there.”