Ane paced around the hut. It was one of Mounty's old huts, where she and Daphne used to play often. She was contemplating and considering her decisions. She had been adding relative 'strangers' to her alliance, and they offered her their fellowship, but at what cost? She knew that Daphne was far from being the only victim of a fight. They still had to reach the Eastern Bay, and who knows what was awaiting them there? 168Please respect copyright.PENANAKLwqWODjXE
The heaviness weighed on Anevay's shoulders. When she had decided to started this quest, she merely expected some fighting here and there, but she thought it'd be an easy job. How wrong was she? Incredibly wrong. She realised she barely even had plans. How do you defeat the evil? How do you kill a devil? How do you conquer them?
Empty answers floated through Ane's troubled mind whilst she was listening to Daphne's regular breathing. Bethil sat by her side, and that warmed Ane's heart. She knew very well that if she'd be lying there, Elliot would be right by her side. She was glad that at least Elliot had joined her. Ane felt responsible for these fellows she'd dragged through the mud. Not only because she was a princess and she felt as if they agreed to fight with her merely because of that, but also because if they failed, it'd all be her fault. She couldn't fail.168Please respect copyright.PENANALNeOZyfulc
"Princess."
Ane looked up and saw Jarco and Elliot in the doorway. She left Bethil and Daphne alone after she nodded reassuringly to Bethil and followed Jarco and Elliot. She heard the crackling fire of a hopefully cosy bonfire. Logs were gathered around the flames and her comrades leaned against them, somewhat defeated glares on their face. Ane couldn't comprehend that. They had won. A blurry vision shot through Ane's head.168Please respect copyright.PENANAqLOo2Ce1FG
I couldn't see it. I couldn't see what happened. It was too dark, too faint. However, as soon as I heard Daphne's yell, I knew something was fully wrong. Sarkhan and Bethil immediately ran to her aid. Our Druid reached out to something lying in the dirt a bit further away from her, and it took me too long to realise that it was her horn. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAen4d5jj2DC
No. 168Please respect copyright.PENANA5PtYZLkjlC
That couldn't have happened.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlyVDx6i3MB
She lost her horn because she fought with me.
No time for self-pity, Ane, I told myself. I manned up and with some final blows, I could escape from Hayres' men trying to close up on me. Elliot helped me with this, for which I'm still thankful. I ran to Daphne and my feet led me in front of them. Hayres was scary. Incredibly intimidating. She held way more than just rubies in her blood. I knew that for sure. It was powerful as core-magic and the strength still radiated from her. She had an incredibly vital life energy flowing through her veins. I always expected rubies to have a red aura, slightly crimson, but the aura that fired up from within Hayres was black and toxic green. Truly maleficent, I'd say. Then it hit me; she carried quartz within her, which adapted to the soul's aura. Fine. Green quartz. No big deal, I told myself.
"How dare you," I spat. "You shall pay for this, Hayres."168Please respect copyright.PENANAZE6cUxS5jE
"You can't do anything, little princess," laughed Hayres. "What can you do?"168Please respect copyright.PENANA1m87lCkkvD
Taunting. And very tempting.
I let out a giggle, which I was surprised by myself. I dropped my weapon and opened both of my hands. Flames stoked up on my palms. To me, time seemed to go slower now. Within my veins, I felt the intense, exhuming heat run through my arms, aiming straight for my heart. The shock that shivered through my spine spread to my legs and my toes curled. I gathered the core of the energy flowing through my body, and up my throat I sent it to my head. It blinded me, so sharply. When vision slowly came back to me and the energy that I felt in my body had reached its maximum, I saw how Hayres raised her weapon. It all happened so leisurely that it felt like everything was slowed down. A little more, I told myself. Come on. Come on! It itched and tickled, and when it finally twirled into a height, I let it all out. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAk9wwBXfS5e
I sensed how my energy reached the furthest bits of its capacity. I felt everyone's pain that it reached, how it tore away every cell alive of one's body. I felt the strength that it gave to my allies, my comrades. I felt how Hayres suffered, how she screamed and fell to her knees, her skin burning away, her eyes losing sight, her ears losing sound. Skies were no limit. I ripped off the wings of Hayres' birds and gave life to my own men. I ate every bit of Hayres' toxic mist, clearing the skies, giving it a crystal clear colour. Hundreds of men plunged to their death and my comrades and humans felt the tickling sensation creep up their own spine.168Please respect copyright.PENANAfPUZJxw3Ra
I had been looking at the sky, my arms spread open. I blinked once, very slowly, and again. Sarkhan was carrying Daphne, Bethil and Lewir stood between a group of dead men. Elliot and Jarco looked around them, exhausted. Hallan and Marrie sought for air. Mounty and Mint were holding each other, trying to support one another. Livi seemed frozen as her eyes went over every corpse around her. I looked around as well, and noticed the chaos that I had brought. Humans, their weaponry shining in their hands, gazed at me. Aethul, who had been fighting along without anybody ever noticing, glared at one specific point between the aftermath. I followed his gaze.168Please respect copyright.PENANAVr2FCP6wxE
Hayres lay on the ground, her eyes bleeding and her horns crippled. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAeDqPALDgzk
"Someone still has to rule Sharran's Valley," spoke Sarkhan. "My brother Aethul and I could take the crowns. Our parents are, after all, no longer around."168Please respect copyright.PENANAVsY7zj0DAa
Ane didn't know whether to feel sorry or not. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAJcyMCU03Ts
"I shall stay with you," said Mounty.
"So will I," nodded Mint. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAZNe7ec6pwR
"Thank you. The survivors will appreciate this."168Please respect copyright.PENANABQ8CIBY3gQ
With the help of a bit of magic, the humans and aid from those who were oppressed by Hayres and her men had helped the alliance clean up Sharran's Valley. They were freed, now. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAwIndtnHu8y
"What would Daphnelle do?" asked Aethul.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlx9wTrFChZ
"I hope she will fight along with us, but I will not blame her if she would stay," answered Ane. 168Please respect copyright.PENANA2euM8wDYJw
"I doubt she'd stay," replied Livi. "She's lived life as a nomad. Sticking to one certain place is not her thing."168Please respect copyright.PENANAsutZZltDgr
"Whenever you need help," began Sarkhan, "be sure to give us a message. Druids, horned and humans will be by your side." 168Please respect copyright.PENANAzv8UG60pn4
He stood up, nudged Aethul who also stood up, greeted the group and went to the palace, on the other side of Sharran's Valley. Mounty and Mint followed the two after wishing their allies a good night. One thing was for sure; Ane had revealed her powers. They were quartz that she had mixed with sapphires. A risky combination, but it did the job well. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAwC0xCVzOJF
"I am impressed, Anevay," said Elliot. "I did not know you were capable of this. You are truly a threat to everyone."168Please respect copyright.PENANA1RPGGLzEec
"It was a risk that I took," Ane replied. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAMEtwPFA4zr
"It was a huge risk," nodded Jarco. "You could have destroyed yourself when you were at it."
"She saved us," said Livi, "calm down."
"I am just saying that you could have ended yourself instead of Hayres. You were crossing borders that you should stay away from," continued Jarco. "We could all feel how far you went."168Please respect copyright.PENANAnYGBbLvJBi
"I never once felt as if I could hurt myself. It was pure joy," said Ane.
"You are lucky, Anevay. Most of the people who were mixing gems have met their end that way," replied Jarco.
"How did you know I was mixing gems?" 168Please respect copyright.PENANAHBpNxRTuEj
"Quartz alone cannot do this, and I doubt that anybody else who mixes gems will even get a result like that," Jarco replied.168Please respect copyright.PENANAG2GT22Ex7k
"Royal blood," commented Lewir dryly. "What do you expect?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAbQ3Bcv3w6x
"Do you think nobility decides that much in whether we end up powerful or weak?" asked Marrie. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAEG0Gvo3CLq
"A whole lot," answered Jarco. "Either way, we should get some sleep." 168Please respect copyright.PENANAVmJegvw8Sa
Ane agreed. She was the first one to stand up, and asked Elliot if she wanted to sleep together. Elliot agreed to this and he followed Ane to one of the cabins.
"What a day," he said. "Shall we move to the Eastern Bay tomorrow or do you think we should get some proper rest first?"
"It has been a hell of a time," answered Ane, "I suggest we wait."168Please respect copyright.PENANAZYv0rr0x2Q
They both installed themselves in their beds.
"You were amazing," said Elliot. "That will definitely go down in history books."168Please respect copyright.PENANAP8yEfEVBgB
"I hope somebody wrote it down," chuckled Ane.168Please respect copyright.PENANA86WaaL7kIu
The two wished each other a good night and went to sleep.
Daphne awoke. She wanted to sit straight up, and Bethil made sure she didn't overdo it. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAqQ9SFg657S
"How late is it?"
"It's night," replied Bethil vaguely.168Please respect copyright.PENANA9WCQTJ7dhb
"What happened?" asked Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANAZGvtRkslyN
"Ane defeated Hayres. She rescued us," said Bethil. Daphne smiled gratefully. 168Please respect copyright.PENANApoWcfflYVy
"My horn... was it mine or Sarkhan's?" she asked.168Please respect copyright.PENANAQla41Q8zFa
"It was your left."
"It was Sarkhan's," whimpered Daphnelle. She shook her head and covered her face with her hands, sighing deeply. "I can't believe it."
"You'll be alright, Daphne," Bethil shushed. "Marrie has taken perfect care of your wound. She was very gentle, and she brought the horn. The elixir is still in it, but I don't know how this entire thing with horns and elixir works." 168Please respect copyright.PENANAsABYWvpAP9
Bethil stood up and came back with the horn in his hands. Daphne carefully lay her fingers around it and felt it burn in her hands. She took a deep breath and nullified the horn into ashes that fell on the sheets of her bed. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAHZ2K22Q6fv
"What did you do?" Bethil asked.168Please respect copyright.PENANAhpSHJ8mSfl
"Nullifying your sacred part is the only thing left to do when it has been stolen from you," Daphne sighed.168Please respect copyright.PENANApzsAdKvDkn
"So you lost a bit of your power?" Bethil frowned.168Please respect copyright.PENANAB2cFPpl4F6
Daphne didn't reply, because she didn't know the answer to that question. She figured the only way to figure out was to feel it, but then again how could she? 168Please respect copyright.PENANAvGRLCpYu31
"I will go sleep now," said Bethil. "Good night." 168Please respect copyright.PENANAWCrxRcXhmJ
Daphne nodded. A bit later, when she heard Bethil softly snoring, she left her bed and went outside. The cold air glided over her skin and she threw her arms around her chest. She wandered around the place, and saw how very few villagers were chopping the last wood of the day and how humans were cleaning up the final bits. They all greeted Daphne with respect.168Please respect copyright.PENANAwDmNhV82qH
The Druid reached an empty space of Sharran's Valley. It was the park, she noticed. She found a bench, and sat down. It was cold, but Daphne didn't mind it touching her skin.168Please respect copyright.PENANAyyVtJMLJbv
"Daphne."168Please respect copyright.PENANA6KMYNGo2ae
Alarmed, she immediately stood up and faced whoever called her. It was Mounty. 168Please respect copyright.PENANABJU05ZRsZS
"How are you?"168Please respect copyright.PENANASDah8hGS6l
"What do you think?" mumbled Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANAZPhc3OLkpN
"Sorry." 168Please respect copyright.PENANAacNSJTQdhx
"What will happen now? Will you be staying here?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAH8V0iWOBP0
"I will. And you must, too. You are married to Sarkhan now. You must stay here."
"How can you even say that after everything that happened?" scowled Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANApBwQyrWscd
"You can only heal properly if you stay away from warfare."168Please respect copyright.PENANAeZyzRMvvcK
"I am not talking about what happened today."168Please respect copyright.PENANAkvaFaXwGIT
Mounty didn't reply, and instead glared at Daphne with a devastated glare. She knew very well what Daphne was talking about at this moment. Why did Mounty have to visit the park at night again? She supposed that some things just didn't change.168Please respect copyright.PENANA70Yj598192
"I've never stopped loving you," whispered Mounty.168Please respect copyright.PENANAiekKClyh7j
"Don't you dare lie to me," snarled Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANA2dONrGxjUr
"It's true, I'm sorry," replied Mounty. "I'm so sorry!" 168Please respect copyright.PENANAdq7hZDb9d2
Daphne noticed the tears on her waterline glistening in the moonlight. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAbl03vqMJWl
"It's your own fault. I fled with you, left the only person who loved me, and you left me. For what? For this royalty in Sharran's Valley? I left my home for you and you ditched me. My life has been ever so grey ever since you left me with the rogues."168Please respect copyright.PENANA4X3yxJcDyB
"I swear I was going to come back. The chance just never came up. Forgive me, I am so sorry," apologised Mounty. She wiped away her tears and was trembling on her legs.
"I waited for you and wasted my years. And all that time you have just been mingling with Sarkhan. You only returned because he was tired of you. How did that feel?"168Please respect copyright.PENANA7fM3F8eV9A
"Sarkhan never loved me. He was so in love with you. He couldn't love me like he loved you."168Please respect copyright.PENANAweYEFOU64I
"And that's when you realised you had nothing to do here anymore and you simply returned."168Please respect copyright.PENANA3DNsmHyhpk
"It's so messed up," cried Mounty. "I love you, Daphne. Don't say that you don't love me anymore."168Please respect copyright.PENANAziRV4bCqJu
"Suck it up, princess," said Daphne. "My feelings for you died ever since I realised you'd never return." She turned around and walked away, and she allowed a few tears to leak.
Daphne remembered when she left Sarkhan to be with Mounty between the rogues instead. She had told him she craved a different love, which she did. They kissed one last time and Daphne fled with Mounty. They fell in love soon enough. Daphne remembered the day when Mounty said she needed to return to Sharran's Valley, but she would return to the rogues very soon, when everything would be over. They sent letters. Daily. Mounty told her about Sarkhan, and Daphne realised that Mounty had left because of him. When she confronted Mounty about it in a letter, she didn't deny it. They continued sending letters, but less frequently. At one point, it would just be Daphne who sent letters. The fourth week when she didn't receive a letter, she realised that Mounty had moved on. Scars were left unhealed and pieces were left broken, and nothing could heal the wounds anymore.168Please respect copyright.PENANApPU5hCS038
Sarkhan, eavesdropping from far away, had to swallow his grief as he saw how Mounty broke down in front of him.
Marrie sat in her room. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAtgPbO1YxtS
"Any thoughts, uncle?" she asked.168Please respect copyright.PENANA3yS3wQ6Un4
Hallan shook his head. He didn't know what to reply. Did he feel sorry? Yes. Did he regret it? No. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAA9QlWfCs3j
Hallan stood up and checked the cabin. Beds in a separate room, a tiny living room with a fireplace and a table with few chairs, over which hung dirty clothes that needed to be washed.168Please respect copyright.PENANAsavjPrhmdX
"It's good that you cleaned her wound. Will you be continuing your studies in medicine and botany when we're back?"168Please respect copyright.PENANANQDxGAlI7q
"We're returning?" frowned Marrie. "I thought we'd never return."168Please respect copyright.PENANAPgoawXn1Aq
"You know that we promised your father I'd bring you back safely."168Please respect copyright.PENANAOYZ9eZBqwL
"You never told me this," scowled Marrie. "I came with you to learn about nature and devour wisdom. I thought this was the point of everything! Why would you make me quit my studies and then return?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAYjWImUa9v2
Hallan's pained grimace revealed he hadn't told this before earlier. "When we went on this trip, I had no idea that this all would happen, Marrie. I'll be honest with you... I did promise your father I would bring you back. I just didn't know when. The time's nearing, though, obviously."168Please respect copyright.PENANATWhgFHGFQG
"Hallan. We cannot leave our fellowship. They need Druidic powers! They need –"168Please respect copyright.PENANApIQh197VVz
"They are amazingly strong without us, Marrie. We did our part."168Please respect copyright.PENANAMMVMNhxlTd
"We didn't do our part at all. You did your part, which led to great things indeed, but also to terrible loss."168Please respect copyright.PENANAu66auVlPH4
"Sacrifices need to be made," said Hallan.168Please respect copyright.PENANAvgbHwgBg3E
Marrie shut up, because she knew he was right. However, that didn't justify it. She couldn't leave them. She needed to accompany them, and Lewir. If it weren't for Hallan, she wouldn't have been here, but she wished she could continue on her own now.168Please respect copyright.PENANATayeGB7EId
"Hallan," she said, "I need to stay with them."168Please respect copyright.PENANAqb3xzXalMC
"What for? It isn't your duty to save the world. That's Ane's!"168Please respect copyright.PENANARbRuKTrnP3
"It's my responsibility just as much now," replied Marrie. "I'll continue to fight with them. You can leave, uncle, but I'll stay. End of the story. You can't force me to go with you."168Please respect copyright.PENANAUmP3K3gF69
"You're right; I can't. Your father will be sad, though."168Please respect copyright.PENANAzqj4tYYnCC
"Of course he will be," said Marrie, "but I'm staying."168Please respect copyright.PENANAUF7jxL7HAv
Marrie stood up as well and stomped to the bedroom, showing she wasn't pleased with this conversation. She remembered when Hallan and her father had a very long conversation about how Marrie was old enough now to travel with her Hallan. Few arguments later, it was time for Marrie to pack her bags – which she lost later on to several menrock and vultiffes. The rocky men and those sickly poisonous birds...
Ane yawned and turned in her bed one more time. The sun was poking, creating a contrast between dark and light on the wall of the cabin. When she finally decided to get out of her bed and put on her regular clothes, she walked into the living area. Elliot sat there already, having tea and biscuits. It was a cosy sight, and a bit too homelike. Ane got herself a cup of tea and joined him after yawning once more. Yesterday had definitely been quite the show, and she was exhausted.168Please respect copyright.PENANAMgTwcuBl2p
"Good morning, princess," greeted Elliot. "Did you have a good rest?"168Please respect copyright.PENANA9tjP5B5WcS
"Yeah. How late is it?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAAdwL3QuomB
"It is high noon," Elliot replied.168Please respect copyright.PENANAtv38rJCFaH
"I have been asleep for quite a while," sighed Anevay. "So, what are our plans for today? Will we already continue onwards?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAlZZko2J38L
"Maybe later tonight. We should have some talks with Sarkhan, Mounty and Mint, Willis and Aethul," said Elliot. "Discuss things."168Please respect copyright.PENANAdvGjcHWiRj
"Things like what?" asked Ane, whilst she took a sip of her tea.168Please respect copyright.PENANAHDGR0IMAJb
"How they will run Sharran's Valley," shrugged Elliot. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAudNDSIvfC2
"What do we have to do with that?" frowned Ane.168Please respect copyright.PENANAQJgxd9x3Gn
"Alliances, Anevay," Elliot explained. "We could easily have ententes with them. The Northern Bay would absolutely be in bliss!" 168Please respect copyright.PENANAdpbuOTwgzu
"I do not think the Northern Bay is too eager to make bonds with the Western Bay," mumbled Ane. "Rivalry still stands in some places."168Please respect copyright.PENANAx2zKqs6Afm
"It is beneficial for both parties. The north gets extra army, manpower and a whole lot of trading opportunities for big sums of gold, whereas the west gets a step to their redemption and extra manpower as well," said Elliot. "And trading goes both ways."168Please respect copyright.PENANAoX0wTUit1z
"We should discuss that with my father if we ever make it back," nodded Ane. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAfby6feAxrk
"When we make it back," corrected Elliot. "Want to go check if the others are awake yet?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAT2k9hgXGVx
Ane and Elliot both stood up and left the cabins. Everybody was already awake, noticed Ane. She saw Bethil and Daphne talking with one of the humans, she was Lewir and Marrie chattering and laughing like a silly, young couple, she saw Livi and Jarco helping with the set-up of a trading stall and she saw Hallan in the back of it all, also talking with a human.168Please respect copyright.PENANASgWOeh0ZOT
The princess approached Daphne. Marrie had cleaned her bandages. It was strange to see the Druid with one horn, but Anevay decided not to mention that.168Please respect copyright.PENANAqbrN4jO0EL
"Hi, are you alright?" she asked.168Please respect copyright.PENANAaU4jABc1sY
"I'm fine, thanks Ane," smiled Daphne. "How are you?" 168Please respect copyright.PENANAKJpAdWlHkM
"Tired," said Ane. "Have you talked with Mounty yet?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAGUdWpM2S6b
"Yesterday," Daphne nodded. "Why?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAfyZNXgAsch
"Just curious," replied Ane. "I am sorry about what happened yesterday as well."168Please respect copyright.PENANAdhDCwOiuVj
"You did more than anyone could've expected, princess," said Daphne with a somewhat serious face, slightly looking down to Ane merely because of height difference. "Thank you for rescuing Sharran's Valley from her."168Please respect copyright.PENANAxi13GEkv2C
Ane smiled a little. "I did what I could."168Please respect copyright.PENANAtT6ZDYEDNw
"It was very impressive," said Daphne, "and that's coming from a Druid."168Please respect copyright.PENANAUTBI0s6IuX
Anevay felt appreciated, but a bit uneasy at the same time. She did feel responsible for what happened to Daphne, but she wanted to stay strong and keep her head up. It wasn't her fault, but the lingering pressure didn't leave her. 168Please respect copyright.PENANANnfn824E2v
"Who is this?" she asked when she noticed the human who was quietly chatting with Bethil.168Please respect copyright.PENANAcDOTcWKhl8
"This is Sofessa," said Bethil, "one of Willis' close friends."168Please respect copyright.PENANAqwsSEWxuVO
"Nice to meet you, Sofessa," smiled Ane. Sofessa was on the smaller side, but she was very pretty with a quite complex facial structure as well. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAFDxbDch1JS
"Nice to meet you, princess Anevay," said Sofessa, whose hair was flaming red. "It is an absolute honour to see you in person!"168Please respect copyright.PENANAAhvstBg0ZT
"Thank you," said Ane. "Thank you for fighting for us yesterday."168Please respect copyright.PENANAessqSGwqe5
"You are welcome, Anevay," winked Sofessa before she turned around and left. Bethil greeted her quickly. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAQ8gZRu45yW
"People haven't shut up about you," he said. "You're the topic of the day."168Please respect copyright.PENANAHxaOSocD9K
Daphne, who had crossed her arms, grinned slightly and nodded. "You're awaiting tons of compliments and praise, princess."168Please respect copyright.PENANAkVvtSbjDOv
Ane uneasily smiled. Was that so, she wanted to ask, but wouldn't that come off as arrogant? Instead of the gossip she heard with her name in the headlines, the articles in newspapers about her cowardice, the people laughing at the king for having such a pathetic daughter, she now would feel the warmth of people's respect and appreciation. Ane wondered whether this would reach Kinslot. Her family. Iccarslot. Rok and Ghordo. Aris. She wondered if they ever searched for them. If they figured out that they fled with Daphne, the so-called witch. They were miles further now, which wasn't convenient.168Please respect copyright.PENANAeO0bzk9NFZ
"Ane?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAX2HkEt8dUd
The princess shook awake and she looked up. Bethil frowned at her.168Please respect copyright.PENANAiR6ojWWZh5
"Are you alright?"
"Just lost in thought," replied Ane as she shook her head. "So when can we talk with Sarkhan?"
"Now," replied Sarkhan, appearing from behind Daphne. "Come with me." He gathered all of the others, including Willis, and they all headed off to the palace.168Please respect copyright.PENANAGPCfAPMt7U
Aethul, Mounty, Willis and Mint were already sat in the common room, and the others joined them.
Ane immediately noticed Mint's difference. Her hair had gone from a deep black to a bright blonde. The hieroglyphs around her eyes that had faintly glistened during yesterday's fight were now a tad brighter, as if she had enchanted herself. Would that be bad to enchant yourself as an enchantress? Too much power or just experimental try-outs? 168Please respect copyright.PENANAR8QFih5HBc
"Don't ask," said Mint, "I got exposed to a whole lot of magic yesterday."
"She has gone from blue to red to black and now to blonde," said Mounty, "don't mind it. She doesn't have an original colour."168Please respect copyright.PENANA4SSqNTzSVf
Anevay, Elliot, Bethil, Daphne, Jarco, Lewir, Livi, Hallan and Marrie had joined the others. As the group was complete, former prince Willis took the lead.
"So, as a lot of you know, the time for a new era has come," he began. "Hayaresse has fallen, and so has her kingdom, because of the royal powers of princess Anevay of the Northern Bay. Sharran's Valley will be the new centre of the Western Bay again, filled with trading markets and opportunities. We can make this place beautiful and rich again. Thank you, princess Anevay and Hallan for the start shorts. We are also very willing to make alliances with you guys. Call for us, and we will send men and vultiffes and anything we can do to strengthen your army. We'll be an entente through thick and thin, I can promise you that."168Please respect copyright.PENANA8kebzzqNDx
"To show our gratefulness for redeeming Sharran's Valley, we will stand by your side whenever," added Sarkhan. "However, there is one more favour we need to ask you guys."168Please respect copyright.PENANAULVdcvLZzM
"What is it?" asked Ane. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAmShleLwKEs
"Redemption," answered Willis. Ane remained confused. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAi31rktWodA
"I do not understand," she frowned.
"As I said before, the time for a new era has come. Yet it cannot just occur. We must make the humans return to the Western Bay. Can you help us with that?" 168Please respect copyright.PENANARvZSZoP6Xg
"That'll take a long time to travel to the Eastern Bay and then back..." replied Bethil thoughtfully. "Wouldn't it be easier if we sent a message into the sky? Alarm the humans it's safe. Alarm them that their homes are saved."168Please respect copyright.PENANAEeNHTLlpZA
"Sounds like a good plan. It might take some days, but would you please stay with us until everything is over? The redemption for Sharran's Valley and the Western Bay will forever be placed beside your name in history books," said Willis.168Please respect copyright.PENANAe8RzznlzcS
Anevay liked that idea. The humans living together with the horned in peace, as they always used to have. Sharran's Valley as a great cultural center for trading purposes as well as social and political. The humans would have to travel far, but didn't they have carriages and horses? They maybe even had tamed dragons. Anevay was more than eager to meet some humans and learn how they lived. Would they know her as a princess as well? She was curious above all.168Please respect copyright.PENANAioeeWRzTSp
"Deal," said Ane, and she shook Willis' hand.168Please respect copyright.PENANAYgCLdYrcRQ
After that day, days went by swiftly. It was busy for everyone from Sharran's Valley and the comrades. Every day they met new strangers, new merchants and possible villagers of anywhere in the Western Bay. The fellowship helped rebuild the city, and during that time everyone had time to bond with each other better and stronger. Lewir and Marrie had made it pretty clear that they had taken an interest in each other. Jarco and Livi got surprisingly close as well overtime, and everybody noticed that – except, of course, them – and Anevay and Elliot got closer than before. Bethil had sought approach to Daphne multiple times, but to no avail. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAlvwz6NKaZR
A week had passed by since Hayres' death, and the fellowship thought it was a good idea to organise a feast. Lots of food, wine and beer. Litres of honey wine too, as it was Ane's favourite. The feast would be held Sharran's Valley's so-called palace, and everyone would be invited. New houses had been built by humans, who returned to live in Sharran's Valley where they belonged.
"Invite anyone!" said Sarkhan. "It will be amazing."168Please respect copyright.PENANAo4gqeppUwB
When night came that day and the banquet was ready to start, Anevay and Elliot sat in Ane's room and discussed the last pieces, including their clothing. Ane had put on a gold dress, which she swore was Hayres', and Elliot had put on a suit in a crimson colour. They both looked far too fancy, but it was after all their first formal event since weeks. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAkdVK3HOf7P
"You look gorgeous, Ane," complimented Elliot a bit shyly.168Please respect copyright.PENANAynQkMu9YLy
"Thank you, Elliot," replied the princess, "same goes for you."168Please respect copyright.PENANAmQZeOVbhdy
They turned their faces away from the mirror and looked at each other. Ane smiled a bit hesitantly, and was interrupted by the knock on Ane's door. 168Please respect copyright.PENANArExJUlgBbH
It was Daphne, who was invited in by Ane. Elliot left the room and went to Bethil, who was waiting outside. He closed the door behind them and left the two girls to themselves.
"You look very beautiful, princess," said Daphne. 168Please respect copyright.PENANACx384NNlOX
"So do you." 168Please respect copyright.PENANAycG2Z9jXCG
Daphne's gown was an intricate mix of cerulean blue and lilac and fit her surprisingly well.168Please respect copyright.PENANAMCOWy6sR0t
"I have a little brooch for you," Daphne replied and she held up the brooch in her hand. Her slender fingers were holding up a pearly amaryllis, its petals broad and bright. "This was my mother's."
"Why are you giving me your mother her brooch?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAPysz0Arqzy
"The amaryllis is a western sign for power and elegance. My mother gave this brooch to me before we left each other," explained Daphne, "and since I believe you will be a mighty reign one day, you will have the Western Bay's perpetual strength."168Please respect copyright.PENANAgpmnHrsCk3
"How did your mother get this?" asked Anevay as she held the brooch in her hand. It was heavy, but had an almost mystical feel to it.168Please respect copyright.PENANAFEddo40lLx
"She once reigned over Sharran's Valley, Anevay. That is the only truth," smiled Daphne. She helped Ane pin the brooch on her chest, and it matched beautifully with the dress. "Now, let's go have fun and good food."168Please respect copyright.PENANAbmpSX7j4PU
The girls left Ane's room and met Elliot and Bethil who were waiting outside. Bethil, whose hair had grown a tad longer since they had left the Northern Bay, was tied back back while most of his hair still flowed over his shoulders and he looked very much like a grown young man. He had slightly decorated his eye patch with gold leaf. Ane complimented him on this, to which the shapeshifter just blushed. Maybe he wasn't so grown at all.168Please respect copyright.PENANAbDxVAh5Jjx
Everyone was dressed gorgeously, showing wealth that they probably never even had. The hall had been decorated with silver, gold and rubies. This didn't fit inside of Sharran's Valley, but it was blindingly rich. The smell of chicken, turkey and luxury sauces stuck to the walls and wine and beer was richly shared.168Please respect copyright.PENANALTSVsfzqWQ
"I don't think I've ever seen this much joy in one place..." muttered Daphnelle.
Bethil nodded in agreement, then they all mingled with the crowd.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlRH5ft36JO
Livi and Jarco were sat next to each other, talking over some honey wine. Livi's ginger hair was curled nicely and she wore a forehead crown which had little drips of crystallised water hanging down. Her eyes were brighter than before, maybe because the blue of the water emphasised the blue of her eyes as well. A dark gown fit her well, and Jarco wore a suit with the same purple details as Livi's dress.
"Who thought we'd ever end up here?" asked Livi. "I lived a rogue's life before, and now I'm feasting with the most beautiful people in the world."168Please respect copyright.PENANAYArcLOtzY4
Jarco smiled and felt the buzz going on. "You are one of them," he said, incredibly impulsive.168Please respect copyright.PENANAJFYXZJiHmj
"Keep those pretty words for yourself, Jarco," winked Livi before she took another sip. She listened to the small orchestra, in the middle of the hall, playing unheard harmonies in refreshing symphonies. It was as if the music notes danced through the hall, along with the people who were intimately dancing together to the bright music. Lights shone rays of glister over the people who were feasting.
"Livi."
She looked up to Jarco, who had called her name, before she felt his lips against hers. She tasted the faint flavour of honey wine, but also the taste of his kiss. It felt rose-red rosy, but warm like tender flames and soft like clouds where angels sang along with the symphonies of the orchestra. 168Please respect copyright.PENANA4oxzcsjz7c
"Get a room," snarled someone. Jarco looked up and noticed Lewir, whose arm was around Marrie's shoulders. They both wore bronze and rose gold, which was a lovely fit for the couple. "Seems like you two already got a room," said Livi, nudging her head in the direction of Marrie's messy skirt of her rose gold dress. She flushed red and did her skirt a bit better, which had folded itself inside and revealed a portion of her upper leg.168Please respect copyright.PENANAoa61eGrGV4
"Hallan wouldn't be too pleased with that, Lewir," grinned Jarco.168Please respect copyright.PENANAmzU73F7Cjz
"Where even is Hallan?" frowned Marrie.168Please respect copyright.PENANAeUOPnWmD5P
The group of four looked around the hall, but between all the luxuriously dressed people, Hallan was nowhere to be found. His gold hair didn't show up anywhere. Marrie let out a worrisome groan.168Please respect copyright.PENANAVsAh2F8G6Q
"I don't want my uncle to be all by himself. He needs some stress off his shoulders," she said.
"He will be fine. Join us!" said Livi. Marrie and Lewir sat down, and they started to eat and drink and feast.168Please respect copyright.PENANA7WFHKu7MPm
Sarkhan, Aethul, Mounty and Mint were dancing. Sarkhan and Mint were dancing, and they were both splendid and followed each other's rhythm nearly flawlessly. Mounty and Aethul, however, just decided to have fun. Mounty was pleasantly taken aback by Aethul's colourful laugh. 168Please respect copyright.PENANA0sb6S3PoGx
Their joy didn't last long, though.168Please respect copyright.PENANAWUeQrRK4V0
They were brutally interrupted by Hallan barging through the door, immediately searching Sarkhan.168Please respect copyright.PENANATZMgyqfCyX
"Sarkhan," he yelled, "where is Anevay?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAa4aVUgTrfD
"How am I supposed to know?" asked Sarkhan. "Just search her."
"There's no time. They're here."168Please respect copyright.PENANAtq5DxXbvsY
Sarkhan released Mint. "Who are?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAGfs1NPeGbl
"Ghordo, Rok and Aris."168Please respect copyright.PENANAPwSWGbW4AS
Not much later, Hallan had gathered all of the comrades, and just when Ane wanted to ask what was wrong, the three remaining heroes barged inside.168Please respect copyright.PENANAID0UgwNsIb
Ghordo, stronger and mightier than ever seen before. Rok, more intimidating and furious than anyone ever remembered. And Aris, more stunning yet dangerous than Elliot recalled.168Please respect copyright.PENANAigRcHrgYrw
"Where are they?" bellowed Rok.168Please respect copyright.PENANAhe8Fz82Tnb
The alarmed crowd moved out of the way and made a path straight to the fellowship.168Please respect copyright.PENANA9seyei7bwk
"Rok, calm down," said Aris, and she lay a hand on his shoulder. She then turned to the group, but mainly to her son. "Which one of you killed Korlos?"168Please respect copyright.PENANA3GWUNmpatV
"I did," replied Daphnelle. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAfXeR3ra0xE
"You are Daffarimelle," noticed Aris, with a strange hint of respect.168Please respect copyright.PENANAEg7WRLcOs0
"And you are Aris, fortune of the four warriors," said Daphnelle. "You lost your wisdom."168Please respect copyright.PENANAJEYSKK1qXy
"We will make you pay," threatened Rok.
"That is a bad idea," replied Ane. "Your time as ruling four warriors has ended, Rok. Without wisdom, you are nothing. Aris has left your side, so luck is not by your side. Your strength is not sure if it still even wants to fight. And your heart, Rok, it is corrupted and poisoned."168Please respect copyright.PENANAcb9H4wVaS0
"Let us fight this out physically," proposed Ghordo. He drew his weapons. "Us three versus you three." 168Please respect copyright.PENANAwjddUj9guh
"Who is 'us three'?" asked Bethil.
"Fortune, strength and heart," whispered Ane. "Bethil, Daphnelle and I."168Please respect copyright.PENANAm8PgaY0qzn
"What about wisdom?" asked Jarco. 168Please respect copyright.PENANATmEshMntl9
"Their wisdom is dead, and I shall not put Elliot to danger with no cause."168Please respect copyright.PENANAtW9Npa5DOe
Jarco stepped back and gestured the others to do so as well. Elliot whispered something in Ane's ear before he also stepped back. The orchestra had left a while ago, making an arena.168Please respect copyright.PENANArnSyHaU5RV
"Let us take this outside," said Aris. "It would be a massive shame to destruct this palace."
The six went outside, followed by many of the bystanders.168Please respect copyright.PENANArOKzoZz8NG
"I am not wearing the proper attire," hissed Ane.
"None of us are," replied Daphne. "I can't believe that we're doing this."168Please respect copyright.PENANApOVElLVsmC
"Neither can I," muttered Bethil.
"Be careful with Aris," said Ane. "She may be our enemy, but she still is Elliot his mother."168Please respect copyright.PENANADoWedPacZe
"If she will attack, so will I," responded Daphne stubbornly. "Let's get this over with."168Please respect copyright.PENANAgjgzBq686B
"Fortune versus fortune, and so on?" proposed Rok. "I'd love to take this lad down."168Please respect copyright.PENANAA7tcGmCxF7
Bethil scowled. He knew by now that he was the group's heart and morality and he was filled with pride, but he wasn't eager to fight Rok.
"Do we fight till death?" asked Daphne, her eyes focussed on Ghordo's.168Please respect copyright.PENANAy3x4zOVQG9
"You'll be wishing you hadn't asked for that," he threatened. 168Please respect copyright.PENANA4VsWeMtWLg
"Don't give me your arrogant talk," hissed Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANAawnwKaPGaH
"Too much of a coward? You sure will die like one."
"I will not die as a coward. I'll live as a hero."168Please respect copyright.PENANAtaaNic8rXn
Ane searched for Elliot's eyes in the crowd, who nodded. His mother was Ane's opponent. That was a big cross, but what could Ane do? She turned to Aris, who seemed to have just as much trouble as Ane did.168Please respect copyright.PENANA1Qmd3UTPvF
"Let's fight," said Rok, and he attacked. He lunged straight to Bethil, who dodged by shifting into a tiger just at the right time, dodging his attack and swiftly rolling away from him.168Please respect copyright.PENANA0XytqUAjy5
Daphne and Ghordo used their most brutal strength, which was incredibly tiring and not one of Daphne's best choices. She had ripped her skirt off, revealing the pair of shorts underneath the lilac-blue corset. 168Please respect copyright.PENANA1ebjjDUaWs
Ane listened to the cheering of the crowd. Unbelievable. One of the most important events in history was fought right here, right now. The new era of heroes. Why was Rok so set on revenge?168Please respect copyright.PENANAAnrDpxxc4C
Anevay's fight with Aris was searing, and Ane was taken aback by Aris' excellent stamina and stealth. It was almost as if the two danced with each other, but then dangerously and viciously, risking their life for the beauty of art.168Please respect copyright.PENANA24bV5npqnS
Bethil's tiger form switched to vultiffe as soon as Rok launched his magical energy at Bethil, which he hadn't counted on. The vultiffe's wings were heavy, but as soon as Bethil had landed after dodging some of Rok's blows, he forged a weapon out of thin air which he used to block one of Rok's hammer blows.
"You fight like a coward, Rok," muttered Bethil. "How were you ever one of the heroes? You are blinded by might and corruption."
Even though Rok was heaps smaller than Bethil, the young lad still struggled to fight off Rok's attacks.
Daphne wondered how these three ever got to become the grand heroes. What had they done? They had maybe helped in fighting off the devils, fighting so-called evil, but what else? They had just been roaming around and enjoying life and their status as heroes. Even though Daphne only had one horn, her might was still grand within her. After she had forcefully knocked Ghordo back with the help of mere luck, she opened her hand. Flames and crystal danced on her palm, a pearly colour emitting from her hand. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAs8MORsml1J
Ghordo glared at it in fear while he stood up, and then noticed Daphne's glare.168Please respect copyright.PENANAS1KONQudhJ
Anevay and Aris were sword against sword. Both weapons were spawned out of thin air, and then had clung against each other.168Please respect copyright.PENANA0ehxOP9JFe
"I will not kill you, Aris," hissed Ane. "You are too precious for me."168Please respect copyright.PENANAiU9UYxEHlX
"I will never kill you, Ane, and it is your duty to end our chapter. It is time for yours now."168Please respect copyright.PENANAzR0DhNimfD
"How?"
"Once we are all dead."168Please respect copyright.PENANADn6QsNJgo3
"I cannot kill you. Especially not in front of your son. You never got to tell him you love him one last time," Ane said.
Aris sighed and pushed Ane back. "It is fine, Ane. He will know, and he will understand. Get him to the core safely."168Please respect copyright.PENANAYq956VwSyW
Bethil's final tiger form granted him the chance to jump onto Rok's back and bite his neck. He had never tasted human meat before, and he understood why as soon as he bit through, the blood dripping down both Rok's armour and Bethil's own beak. Rok yelled and dropped his weapon that he had used greatly. The fight had been tough and tiring and Bethil felt exhausted as he collapsed to his knees in his human form, Rok doing the same. He turned to Bethil, and tears were in his eyes.
"Rescue all of us," he whispered, just loud enough so that Bethil could hear it. Bethil frowned and approached him, but Rok fell down and closed his eyes. The cut in Bethil's leg bled, and he left the area right in front of the palace where the fight was held. Marrie immediately approached him and came to his aid.
Daphnelle's hand was bleeding and was sharply painful. Ghordo's quick, brutal attack was enough to throw her off-guard. Both brutes were tired and panted. Daphne nearly regretted fighting, and so did Ghordo. He prepared himself to attack one last time, but Daphne was faster. She dropped her weapon in her other hand, summoned the power again and lunged forward as well. The two brutes clashed, Ghordo with his sword, Daphne with her crystallised fire. 168Please respect copyright.PENANASHgy8qwP0M
Daphne fell to her knees and regained her breath. Behind her, Ghordo crippled, and died. Amethyst magic. Greatly harmful to your enemy, but just as harming to yourself.168Please respect copyright.PENANAQw0aNiecho
"It is just you and me now," said Aris.168Please respect copyright.PENANANz5n0UAdbJ
Ane went over her options, but they were scarce. She looked at Elliot in the crowd, helping Daphne up, and he nodded at her. It's fine, he meant. It's okay.
One burst of energy later, Aris was stumbling backwards, grabbing her eyes. Ane had thrown whichever magic orb at her, blinding her. When Aris fell to her knees, crying that her eyes were burning, Ane took position behind her, one arm across Aris' throat gripping her tightly, her other hand holding the sword against Aris' skin.
"Forgive me," whispered Ane into Aris' ear. "For fighting like a coward, and for this."
"Elliot," exclaimed Aris one last time, looking into nothing, her eyes bleeding, "I love you." 168Please respect copyright.PENANAYGijepfTFf
With pain in her heart, Ane sliced. 168Please respect copyright.PENANAx1aBrPDcdy
Earth shook, and Ane let Aris go. The skies cracked and seemed to tear open, leaking darkness and shadows. Black rain fell down, washing away Rok, Ghordo and Aris' blood, and it spoiled everyone's fancy clothes. It got cold. Everyone was alarmed, but Ane just stared to the sky above her head. The rain pour down on her, before the black clouds disappeared into mists and made space for blue sky again. The princess looked down again, to Aris' dead body, and she understood it.168Please respect copyright.PENANAACkaFs6xa1
"The new era," she mumbled. "It has arrived."