《The Chosen Chronicles: HeartSheild》 Prolouge He awakes from yet another violent sleep. Same dream, same women in it. Nevertheless, no mention of what it means. Rumbles to the hull shake him to full alertness and without a second thought his handgrips to the comlink. About to speak the message came through, ¡°We`ve dropped out of hyper travel captain, awaiting your orders¡± ¡°Proceed with the orbital entry¡± he replies and suits up to address the bridge in person. The only sound the crew hears upon his entry is the rushing sealed air escaping the airtight corridor. He sits to his command chair, reading the status of the newest one hundred and eighteenth planets upon his search list. He addresses key view screens. Brought up by holographic projection his eyes gaze upon the screen with no borders or mass and as fast as he took his seat he again takes to his feet. Watching his face that he could read like a deep novel, his first to rank follows him out. Saying nothing in trail does his stay shadowed to his steps, strapped to his left arm. A G-17 guard rifle with energy-based rounds, three J047 system grenades coiled to his left collarbone above his uniform each packing a seismic burst capable of levelling a small city numbering around a million. The doors rush to an open state revealing the destination to the captain¡¯s feet, the transport bay. His heavy stepping boots take to the molecular platform with his Captain ranking pin reflecting off the intense lighting ¡°send me down¡± ¡°Please captain, let me alone accompany you at least¡± his first convincingly protested, the captain simply looked ahead ¡°you have command¡± he said finally and with a wave of his hand all went bright¡­then dark. Materializing to the target location was his scent welcomed by stale thin air, half-toxic as he remembered reading. His skin greeted by the burning tingle of the acidic atmosphere. He breaths deep taking in the torching fumes and weak oxygen. Exposed and common covered by only his uniform for armour did he proceed. ¡°Six hundred thousand years and still she burns with violence¡± was spouted taking step after roughing step to the catacombs to all but who knew them. Not even a trace of bacteria registered on the heliometer brought up above his armband but the feeling of her still was strong¡­she remains; Waiting only for him. Crossing through endless caverns of catacombs sights of amazing finds fill his vision. Corridors hold chambers of countless dead displayed in a manner of elegance, each chamber possessed six coffins and each coffin held engraving upon the marble casket tops, as if to tell out a short but important sequence identifying the individual resting. He proceeds to the next section while ever feeling the power of the energy increasing; coming to storage facility of some sort does his hand cling to a pouch upon his uniforms d¨¦cor. He shakes it contains as if to count the numbers inside, to its inner are devices holding a look similar to pons from a chess set. As he looks upon the chamber his lust for greed strains heavily, the illumination from his light brings the glimmering sharp shine of weapons many of the dead and gone must have held and used. A section to the chamber carved off from the rest by heavy crystal walls and moving to gaze what it held was his resilience beaten. Taking out the devices that housed a small electrical charge, he placed one upon each weapon to the sectioned off area. As he finished marking all the contents did his hand cross to his forearm pressing a button to his armband, in a bright sudden flash were all the weapons transported to his personal quarters. The ground started to shift violently¡­he knew he unset her, closing his eyes he takes his mind to deep concentration and its process bring the shaking ground to a still pause. Traveling onward, the feet of the captain brings him to a great library and a shelved presentation of many artifacts. Pulling from his chest pouch a small globe coloring blue, put to the ground. Moments later scan rays arc out from it in a 360 degree pattern bringing the globe to a floating eye level height, the captain read the degree of completion as the globe stores are writing contained in the books to his own digital compilation. Looking to the shelves the captain combs over the inventory, as if looking for something specific. Focusing his sight to containers and jars his hand moves to his side gripping a rod pulsing with flashing yellow lights, holding it horizontal in front of the jars the captain was able to virtually peel away the jar exterior revealing an image of what lies inside. Jar to endless jar he went along not missing one, none held what he wished. Housing thoughts of confusion the captain made another pass to the chamber walking slow, visually interrogating each item regardless style or type. One catches his eye, the great figure of a Dragon sculpted in the ceiling stone of the room. With thick muscled arms raise out they held an angle with both index fingers pointing to the ground right at his very feet.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Sephinroth!¡± came from his lips and to the ground at his feet he pondered, pulling an energy pistol from its holster he aims it to the brick and fires a concentrated short ranged burst. Dust flies to the air; the cloud engulfs deeps around him as it mixes with the harsh atmospheric climate. Waving his vision clear he stares upon the hole made in the floor, perfectly persevered as if whoever put it there knew this would all happen. There in the small crater made by his gun was one more jar, he scans quickly with the rod and grows an expression holding shock. No he didn`t expect to find anything close to what he needed¡­but here it lies, exactly what he read in lore and history. ¡°I can`t believe it exists¡± he says placing the small jar very gently to his hands, quickly he tags it with a device and flashes it away. A low tow humming comes across the room, the captain snaps up his head in attention. Pull his weapon in a split second having a holographic scope appear above it he heats the ammo chamber to ready fire. He says nothing, wishing not to reveal his location if something truly is present. Step in front of horizontal step he egresses toward a rounding cavern wall. The only other exit to the chamber he was in, his heartbeat steady, his weapon stable, as he had been in countless of these before. A long tunnel now fronts him, a quick shift of his fingers triggers his gun to flare mode and releasing two shots down the tunnel, he changes it back to war. Spiralling like fancy fireworks down the ever-declining ten-foot channel the captain positions to a knee anticipating an attack. Nothing¡­ no action occurs; he witnesses the firework flares pound into the wall opposing his measuring two hundred and fifty seven feet from his front foot. He retracts his war stance and rises to his feet. Taking a single step entry to the new chamber the captain¡¯s eyes are most entertained by the shift-shining glimmer of crystals holding all type of bluish color. He walks ever careful not to even disturb one set of the elegant pattern form. Moving to an open area to the room, he holds puzzlement as he looks to a well centered upon the room. Sighting into it the well holds liquid only feet from the top, he takes readings to the crystal generating massive energy and again to his person pouch he pulls the devices. Tossing one, as he knew it would connect does the device catch to the crystal side. However, turning to apply another does he feel a like impact to his uniform, turning fast the device rests at his feet, gone from the crystal placement. The captain attempts the act again, nevertheless the device again attaches for mere moments before repelling off. Catching it in repelling mid-flight the captain looks to the device, everything looks to be in working order. He strikes his comlink when a whisper greets his ear. ¡°Brain wave patterns, memory crystals¡± he seals an idea to his mind and moving to the door he looks to see no exit ¡°I need these as reference, I need to take them¡­you know this¡± The captain looks to the well and sees it ripple, closing his eyes as if to deeply listen to a voice that never took to the air he opens again ¡°proof! (Laughs a bit) you always were the cautious one weren¡¯t you, no one else could`ve ever found this place, but still never good enough¡± ends the captain going to the well wall side. He pulls a knife from his war belt and pulls up his wrist sleeve, a swift cut is mad across his skin. He drips the fresh flowing blood into the water, a crystal hovers from its placing into the air floating slowly towards him as the water ripples again ¡°Weak! I have not grown weak in my time; my resolve has never been higher (Whispers) I remember it all (Whispers) why is this still going on¡­you know who I¡¯m up against (Whispers) what do you mean, but do you¡± the crystal shard turns aiming it edge to the captain. ¡°No¡­wait something easier than this, less¡­way less than this¡­¡± the shard strikes his temple, the captain falls to the floor, all goes hazy; then dark. Part 1 His eyes close, focusing to slow the rate of his heart. Like a rapid beating drum, it was pounding; his eyes open again to the field filled with bodies. Allies mixed thick with the enemy, with beading sweat from his brow were both sight, and thought shrouded. His next move needed to be clear. It needed to be fast. Nothing short of perfection would due. A snap short from his peripheral caught the hidden advance of an enemy unit coming in hard and low. He grips tight to the relic in his possession¡­it was the most sought after item to the field. I have control he spoke to his own mind; I have clarity echoed back. His vision struck upon a figure baring his allegiance racing down field from him and on his heels, the enemy was. His sight matched as the figure gazed back to his location, holding open arms for the vital transfer. He judged the distance, he couldn`t afford to miss. It released whistling in a spiral formation closing in on the rear of the figure. The figure locked sight to the relic, the icon wished by all. The shifting air came to a pause, as the beacon was cradled, tucked into protection by the ally. Thud, Came impact from the enemy that was always to his flank. The ground grew large to his sight as both impacts strike the dirt hard. All went silent in the war as men from both sides crowded around the two fallen. Coiling back his arms from the relic, it lays still to the ground, turning his sight just inches behind he saw it¡­the goal line. ¡°He made it, point and match, the win goes to Droghans team¡± Tristan took first to his feet, extending his hand to his son Casavir aiding him to his. ¡°Nice catch son¡± pulling Casavir from the low smoldering dirt cloud ¡°Looks like young wins over the aged father¡± huffing in breath ¡°As it always should be¡± silence came over the two for mere moments and spinning the ball to his finger Casavir gloated ¡°According to the stakes, you guys get to cook the evening meal¡± Casavir watched as his father`s prideful look quickly drained, replaced by a faint grumble, recalling the bet made before the game. Casavir proceeded to re-join his team ¡°Oh and father, I prefer my boar meat lightly seared¡± Lobbing the ball to the air in arc formation was it targeted right to his grip. Looking upon it with eyes made up of ghostly-conjured spiritual energy, Drogahn switched to the coming sight of Casavir. ¡°Nice pass Drogahn¡± ¡°Nice catch¡± ¡°I think that pair you got now make you better than your old ones¡± Drogahn stared upon his holding a small grin as the light dissipating excess to his thick misted eyes steamed off just passed his sockets. ¡°I`ll still take the ones my mother gave me any day¡± Casavir never changed still childhood, deep meaning conversations were not his specialty nor did he ever try to expand his mastery to them. Holding short timed awkwardness wishing to jet away did a gaggle of young girls spectating the game grant him an outing. Drogahn was left flipping the ball to the air watching him go off, he`ll go for the thin blonde one. Drogahn thought grading the girls by physical appearance. Having the ball only half way in flight, he grips it from the air just ahead of another, ¡°I`m glad to your sight hasn`t off-keyed any other skills you retain¡± Drogahn turn hosting the ball under his arm placing his foggy sight upon his father. ¡°The barrier spell is holding this time, I think it`s permanent¡± ¡°Good to hear, don`t want them evaporating from your skull, again¡± Cloud laughed which ended swiftly as the sound of his grumbling brother was drawing closer ¡°As I said before it`s not easy to just write such a spell combination¡± Rain defended ¡°If I had my own magic- ¡°It would`ve been done right the first time, we know Rain¡­it was a joke, no need to defend¡± Rain breathes deep as exhaustion sets in hard ¡°Calm yourself before you drop¡± ¡°This ball thing is not my game,¡± Rain groans out in heavy in sweat ¡°How fortunate you are that since the ladies are gone to the guild market you can test your hand at the work by a cooking fire¡± Cloud extends, Rain scowls. ¡°We only have this opportunity because we lost, brother¡± ¡°It must be fate; the girls will be most pleased if you hold talent¡± Rain issued back a most displeasing glare. Drogahn leads to his father`s ear side ¡°I think you hit a nerve¡± Cloud leans back, ¡°Hard not to when he wears them on his skin¡± Rain shakes his head pacing away leaving his brother open to push a final button. ¡°At the cooking pit in an hour, honey¡± Clouds end with laughter catching Rain`s continuing complaints. The sight of war fills his vision as he looks around to the contact of metal on metal. He has seen enough blood for his legacy and kin¡­when will it all end. A voice echoes to his mind, never does it end, as mortals are as different as the blades of grass they fight on. To his left a soldier falls in battle, he bolts to his side. Resting the young knight to a soft silence blood coats the palms of his hands; he was only half his age. A child and wife wait on his return, heartfelt message ¡­another newly appointed widow will shudder out to his ears her aching cry. Taken angelic form now twice, he sees them as he would any mortal being, the angels of death. The farriers of fallen souls. The brilliant elegance to their very being blinds away the vision of the battle, shading the field of war. Their wings flutter like silk on the wind, she gently offers out her grasp of grace and with great confusion does the passing soul take to its hold. He grows inner with pain seeing the sight so beautiful, the powers he gave up could`ve saved this man`s life¡­and so may more others that he now had to watch fall to death`s grasp. He saved the life of his beloved wife, but now at the hindsight of things, he thinks the loss to be a righteous one. The angel looks to his face, seeing Cloud`s self suffering torment shining a grin to his despair. ¡°Fear not Cloud, he will be in good tidying¡¯s¡± she speaks across the air, ending with a flash Cloud`s sight was brought again to the view of the war. Cloud moves to the stilled corpse, taking to a knee, grasping the warrior`s hand into his. Cloud says a prayer aiding the guidance to his soul for a little extra light. The soul now gone, the hand tightens to Cloud`s grip. Cloud looks in shock at the man raising his head ¡°Cloud¡­Cloud¡± calls Tristan brining Cloud back to the scene of Silverspire`s kitchen, one he never left from in body, only mind. ¡°You awake¡± ¡°Yeah, just drifting thoughts¡± Cloud replies mourning the loss at the healing powers he needed to sacrifice. Putting a platter to his hands the elders to the youth live up to their vow from the bet they made; playing host to the young heroes for the evening before they ate. Gorging as if he may never see food again Casavir lays thick into his meal put before him. He stops as his audience holds a stare to him with forks and knives to their hands. ¡°What!¡± as food drips and drains from his mouth. ¡°Kityana in dragon form eats with cutlery¡± Drogahn protests in disgust ¡°she uses a lance¡± ¡°And in dragon form that`s a utensil¡± Casavir stops to ponder, shakes his head ¡°Slows the process,¡± he continues to massacre his bore meat by his hands. Drogahn, Ason a cuisine to Casavir and half-elven by race joins the dinning at a much leisurely pace. Also to the table sat Slade, a recently new recruit to the Shadowell community who held the race Asmarian. A race thought by many minds and rumours to be forever extinguished. He raced down the granite steps that spiralled to an ever-descending pattern. Reaching the bottom with a young woman in toe he stops at the sound of guards on approach, both remain shadowed and silent. A door across the way is the target and upon hearing the steps of the guards rounding the corner leaving sight, the two take to a sprint to the room. ¡°A Closet¡± she laid with judgement looking to him, she grows a sultry smile ¡°it¡¯s perfect¡±. They engage immediately into fiery passion with a fine crafted room housing their words of constant approval. A knight of the high noble court he was and she was a member of the Procturn Acolytes, both forbidden to engage in any such relations but it is near treason to do commit together. Finishing their heated moment, they retreat up the stairs entering the great hall. Dark it was having only pillars near lit with simple candle light. Walking from the stairwell did both look to a company of men, waiting for them. They held capes with the insignia of the high guard, same as the knight who looked upon them. There mithril blades still to the cases as the leader to the group motioned a simple hand gesture, the rest to hold of the two into custody. The leader, bound by a shrouded hood to his head had both forced up to his feet beside each other. ¡°Please¡­I can explain,¡± cried the knight in a plea to which the leader shifted his head. Faster than they could react with screams the leader put his blades to his hands, slitting both of their throats. Watching the blood pour from the jugular`s the company waited until death approached them both. ¡°A plague upon our ways¡± spouted the leader motioning again for the bodies to follow him out of the hall. Tolarius; City capital to the Alapicus mountains and coming up on the summer cycle will It mark the 180th when tragedy struck as the last king who held no royal blood to stand in his place took his last breath of life. The King`s death spun a mystery to some on the cause of his death and rumoured betrayal to others. Suffering from a power struggle that brought about the death of the king, one holds the yellow fever strip of guilt as well as the pending judgement. Before that day, law was by the King. To uphold the good will and protection to all souls that retain in the boundaries, but immediately following his death it was the only law left untouched. The four top families fought with words, titles, armies and weapons, hoping to put their crest upon the royal seal. A state of udder chaos was about to erupt when one unknown to all in name brought about a solution. A chalice grafted, imbued by her with a magical counter weight upon it; names were placed to the chalice rim hosting the names of the four families. One from each family are chosen by the magical cup of wisdom bounding them to the new governing council that was to take the place of the king, two females and two males. The families added to this an act of ceremonial marriage as a diplomatic way of keeping unsettling peace to the families. Life to the high elves now holds this way for the last eighteen decades. Other things have emerged from this city as well, rare metalled item forge by god-like talent, as growing rates of decrepitly and deceit forever widening wedges in the class ranks. A cold summer chill runs through the high elven city sponsored by low rolling mist, curling waves of live fire heat clashes in conflict exiting from the Silver Falcon. Home to both the art of smithy and ruler to an anvil now approaching it`s 300 year of birth. His hammer falls down hard upon the softened steel tempered to a red-hot illumination, sparks fly to the air landing hard to his hard hide apron that shields from the burn. The forging shape is nearly complete as his eyes lower taking to a hold upon the angle of the corner ridging; it is within six hammer hits. Grasping tongs, he submerges it to the cold-scabbed water bucket, flipping back with strong head shift his sopping sweated hair stream bellows to the air clouding his sight momentary. Applying to the roaring flames again, he takes to a brief rest, having his eyes gaze upon the north weld housing unfinished work. He was one of the most known smiths and forger to the city limits and surrounding towns. Remarkable feat as his age rounds to his twenty-eighth year. Again, to the fire, again to the rattling ping of metal construct he warships as priests to a god. Night brings the day to a close as he takes his first steps to the tavern, a personal compliment to a hard days¡¯ worth. Pushing open the doors, the smell of sweet nectar hits him fully and the structure made of cedar exfoliates it twice over. Only wishing for a time to his thoughts was in full hope but the chance dwindled with the act of a slight shove. A miniature pushed his way by; approaching the counter demanding a barrel of ale, taking sight of a young girl at a table he wished to claim. A girl of juvenile age sits on her own hooded and quiet. She sees him approach her and her veins run cold with fear, her eyes measure his height, which comes just beneath the tavern ceiling beams. Her little light blue eyes widen to a panic rendering her body frozen.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°You¡¯re in my chair girl, move¡± he spoke in aggression but so scared at his image she remained. He looks to the poor thing as he approaches the bar, she couldn`t have been here on good family terms. A run away no doubt but never would that merit the stinking breath of a walking cow in her face. ¡°If you hadn`t noticed she claimed that seat for the night, find another and leave her alone¡± taking his first sips of a fresh brew while holding a gaze to the horned bull. The horned beast swayed his sight scanning the room, ¡°who said that¡± ¡°Rude and blind, I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re not dead¡­there`s many who would turn you into a main course meal¡± the Minatare focuses to the Half-elven smith taking again to his brew. ¡°Care to say that again¡±, the smith places his drink to the bar table and walks calmly to the beast coming only to his elbow. ¡°Leave the young girl alone¡±. The bull was fast driving a gut punch to the smith dropping him to a knee; the smith recovers and retaliates only with a straight stare. The Minatare axe-swings his arm striking him in the high chest putting the smith to his ass, shaking his head the smith goes to his feet. Before a blink to happen the smiths head bounced off the bar table, the half-elf recoils his head straight feeling his face for broken bones. Relieving as nothing showed on the touch the smith brings a smirk to face, he spits blood from the cut gums in his mouth to the floor and faces the bull again. ¡°Had enough yet¡± the bull strains his arm for another strike when a laugh escapes the bulls¡¯ mouth, he relaxes his arm ¡°You¡¯re tough I¡¯ll give you that, got no sense but manhood where it counts¡­I like you¡± The smith uses his tongue feeling in his mouth for loose teeth, housing an irritated glare. ¡°it takes pummelling me to figure that out?¡± ¡°Anyone can fight, but real warriors are the ones who can take hits¡± the smith looks at the table on the topic, ¡°Leave the girl alone¡± ¡°Agreed only by one request, you drink with me¡± Nodding the bull grips his ale. Put to a container the smith used as a wash pail in his shop, moving to a table empty in the corner. The smith looks to the girl ¡°Kyle that blade you still owe payment for, square it off by a hot meal and a room for this young girl¡± ¡°You got it Ason¡±, Ason carves his elven eyes to the empty chair at the Minatare table and gripping his brew, Ason moves slow to the table. ¡°Thank you¡± sparked from the girl grateful to his intervention, he smirks to her with a nod noticing her tiny cute mouth dimples as she bared to him a smile. ¡° take care milady¡± he ends in talk. Mid night rolls to early dawn as Ason takes his first steps to his city sector, a lingering feeling falls to him and passing a look over his shoulder, he sees nothing to his sights. ¡°Who are you and why are you following me,¡± Ason mouths to his own concern, and continues on to home, the Silver Falcon. Thoughts drain his worry as the itinerary of the coming day surfaces to his mind, recalling a visit from his cosine was coming up Ason tries to remember if this was that day. If a stop at the market was necessary as he knows his companies apatite, but all thoughts cleared from his minds at the feeling of a hit to his back. Stumbling to a hard collapse Ason tried to keep balance and landing to his side, peering back to the sight of three figures emerging from a darkened street side. ¡°What did we tell you about coming around here¡± spoke one and as the light struck his face Ason knew his thugs, full-blooded high elves, befriended to one noble brat of a young being who Ason has had offs with before. Ason knew the proper greeting to him and his friends, ¡°Smilith son of Antone, I was traveling home simply, no other agenda¡± ¡°That`s left for me to decide¡± ¡°Of course sir¡± Ason rebuttals, in this city do the high elven families run the show of any street they walk to, all must be addressed to the proper titles and ones who don`t suffer. Ason stares to the ground on the confrontation of Smilith, Smilith looks to him waiting for a reason to strike, waiting for Ason to screw up on educate. Smilith grips Ason`s hair reefing back on it, ¡°Why is your left hand at your side, your right hand is the only one able to have freedom. Smilith drives his foot to the abdomen of Ason dropping him to the ground. ¡°That`s enough!¡± echoed across the street way drawing the high elves to the attention of a Minatare on approach. ¡°This doesn`t concern you Minatare, move along¡± ¡°I just came from your mother`s she told me for you to come home, and that she took it like the cow she is¡± No response of aggression came about putting a glimmer of disappointment to him, ¡°Nothing, you beat that half elf over one who disgraces your family¡± ¡°You are rude, smelly and a plague upon pure races, but your pure none the less¡­much higher up that this half tainted thing¡± spoke Smilith spitting to Ason`s curled up form. ¡°Just go Daryian, you don`t need this¡± Ason addressed the Minatare. ¡°The actions you show are ten times anything these will ever gain in life¡± Daryian spoke folding his arms, ¡°Wait you two know each other, from some run down bar no doubt. In fact you probably just came from drinking¡± Smilith nods signalling his friends to take up arms. ¡°And your holding my drinking partner to your mites let him go¡­now¡± warned Daryian, Smilith laughs ¡°your bodies filled with ale, we hold fifteen years of soldier training¡­care to change your tactics¡±. Daryian appraises the issue running his hand to his face, ¡°three drums of ale I have in me, but your right I will change my thoughts¡±, drawing his battle-axe, tossing it to the side he then pulls two hand axes to his grip. ¡°Children deserve to be beaten with toys¡± he smirks. At the early merge of the breaking dawn, Ason rounds the final corner holding his shop in sight. To his left was Daryian and with his arm slung over one shoulder he carried a large sac. Heavy weighted it was with sculpted forms to its skin as it barred the three pure blood elves inside limp and unconscious. Daryian had the sac on him as his earlier duties had it filled with fresh manure, but even left to dry in the sun the bag still to its inner held the foul smell thick and ripe. Daryian held a smug grin to the well-rounded justice he thought up, but Ason said not one word to him since the conflict ended. Daryian grew restless ¡°you know when someone does you a good deed, generally thanks are in order¡±, Ason looks to him and then to the sac ¡°You shouldn`t have done that¡± ¡°Sure I did, these elves were the shitty kind, and they needed to be sorted right. Besides I wasn`t just going to sit to the side watching that unfold as it did¡± ¡°They wouldn`t have killed me Daryian, the treatment is only even to embarrass and belittle me¡±, Daryian aims for a morality check ¡°To most worriers that fate is worse than death¡±. Ason halts to his steps ¡°You don`t get it do you Daryian, this act won`t go without reprisal. You`ll be hunted until your death now¡± ¡°I know the laws of this stupid town and how gutless they`re maintained half-elf, and further more boy this isn¡¯t my first offence here. You go get patched up and I¡¯ll pass by your way in a few days¡±, taking to motion passing by Ason. ¡°Where are you taking them?¡± ¡°To tie these critics to a borderline tree and donate their clothes to the local well-wash¡± having the sac rebound off a wall side. Ason brings the first smile to his face at the voice of Daryian baring a fake apology to the hit, he takes to his shop door locking it to stop the need of his services for a half day rest. His eyes widen to the world again to the hearing of a commoner squabble outside his room wall, he takes to a stand from his bed, spotting a figure in the rooms shaded corner Ason grips his blade that leaned to the side of his bed. With demands of intrusion the shaded figure, slowly came to the light, ¡°Is that anyway to treat family¡± ¡°Casavir? You scared me shitless what are you doing here?¡± ¡°Passing through to pick something up, I`m on Valtesh duties¡± ¡°Where`s your better half¡± ¡°Sleeping off our fun last night¡± ¡°Really, you finally bedded her, isn`t that against the rules¡± ¡°It is and he lies, wouldn`t let him touch me with a stolen manhood¡± carried a voice as Kityana followed in sight entering the room. Ason was quiet fond of the red dragon and her mere sight brought him to an initial fluster in speech. ¡°Kityana, good to see you again¡± Kityana glances a long pause to Ason`s carved upper torso as he rests wearing breeches to his bottom half, ¡°Right back at cha¡± holding a gentle grin. ¡°So what kind of mission brings you two to this city?¡± ¡°A catch and hold safe one¡± Kityana said back with reluctance knowing the issue that is yet to arise, sighting the sun`s position Ason holds confusion. ¡°What time is it?¡± ¡°Just passed mid-meal¡± ¡°Shit I¡¯m late, talk while I work at the forge to finish the order¡± Ason hastes putting on his apron. Kityana held no heart pounding romance for the smith, Ason the gift of conversation when it came to women. With common talk of their hairstyle changes or a new dress, he graft compliments that would make them melt, and being a dragon Kityana was not excluded or immune. Finishing ahead of the pickup wagon Ason started other orders pending and combining his craft with common tongue with his company. The wagon rider lightly gave a knock to the smith wall stopping the chat. Casavir froze to a judging stare; he focused to her golden blonde hair, simple made dress edged with embodied elegance. A well carved bodes combed under the material and her gentle voice speaking out ¡°excuse me¡± was as soft as a siren`s. ¡°Ason you have a very important customer¡± Casavir added and from a turn to his comment, Ason stopped his work. ¡°You¡¯re here, I¡¯ll get your order¡± she gently smiled waiting, watching him gather the order to a burlap bundle wrap. Ason left one out to admire and appraise but her eyes fixed to a marketing on the hilt, ¡°And this is¡±. ¡°The house sign of Belven, during our last talk you mentioned it, so I took the initiative and placed it on their¡± ¡°And the extra cost is?¡± ¡°Nothing, think of it as a token of gratitude for the constant business¡± ¡°I must pay you something¡± ¡°Really it is fine, someone as kind as you ending their contracts is more than adequate payment¡± she beamed a grin as her face warmed from the blush that surfaced, paying Ason he aided in the load of the weapons. Ason quickly introduced Kityana and Casavir and she responded with her identity and name, Ilaya. As Ilaya leaves Casavir watches her depart, ¡°Well she was nice¡± ¡°Casavir¡±, ¡°What!¡±, ¡°She`s Ason`s girl¡± Ason laughs, ¡°No she`s not mine¡± ¡°A work in progress cosine¡± Casavir adds while Ason takes a glance to Ilaya fading on horseback rounding the corner from sight. ¡°She`s out of my league cosine¡± ¡°Come now, you¡¯re a master smith, what is keeping you from hehe shall we say hammering that¡± Ason looks to him plainly ¡°One word¡­pureblood¡± and Casavir loses his playful banter. Kityana holds puzzlement ¡°Pureblood?¡± Casavir speaks serious ¡°She`s full high elf Kityana¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± Kityana asks ¡°These elves run under the old religion, pureblood relations only and only they are allowed and accepted. Regardless the race as long as you¡¯re a pure blood, you can do almost no wrong¡± ¡°Almost all towns have half breeds in them, even this one¡±, Ason looks ¡°And we are segregated to this city sector because of that curse¡±. Kityana aims her sight while focusing her tone right at Ason ¡°you are not cursed Ason, these laws and ways are unjust and out of line¡±, Kityana curls a thought ¡°Wait what was she doing here then, if pureblood are so shunned from mingling¡±. ¡°We can`t lay footing to their area`s but they may come as they wish to ours¡±, ¡°They think of the tainted ones as slaves practically¡± Casavir added ¡°I mean why risk embarrassment to be here?¡±, ¡°She`s a servant to the Balven house I think¡± Ason answered. Kityana shakes her head of the irritating topic she knew would be too big to take on, she rises from her seat reminding Casavir they should get to work on locating their mark. Reassuring Ason, they will meet him later at the gull wing tavern. With the search coming up empty, Kityana retired her mind to the bustle of the comers market held in the tainted city sector. Combing through Kityana shops for personal items of intrigue, a tap to her shoulder brings her attention to the girl seen earlier at Ason¡¯s shop a day before yesterday. ¡°Hi, Ilaya is it¡±, ¡°It is, and could I ask to you a favour, I forgot part of the payment still to Ason, could you give it to him. I would but my duties are keeping me¡± ¡°Sure¡± Kityana takes from her the bag of coins. ¡°Your maiden is one of good honour, most would¡¯ve finished payment, tell her it¡¯s a quality she should keep¡± ¡°You just did¡± Kityana took in the comment and then it hit her, ¡°Wait you¡¯re the maiden¡­Lady Ilaya¡± she nods in reply. ¡°And thank you for the advice, I¡¯ll use it well¡±, Ilaya turns to part at the call of her servant when she speaks again ¡°tell him I like paying in full to see such craftsmanship¡±. Kityana with an uncovering grin smirks ¡°Oh I will Milady¡±. Ason got next to nothing for free time during his career at Tolarius. Therefore, the time he had went to his next favourite pastime, horse riding. Galloping back to the local stable that was only prejudice to those who had no money, Ason turns in his horse. Just stalls over from his own he hears the troubling time one another are having with their horse. Willing to lend an aid Ason halts his offer at the sight of three full-blooded elves; one female two male. Laced with a garment that held enough value to match the stables themselves, she waited as the two others that were her servants readied the steed. Ason`s mind surfaced with private thoughts, the girl was very homely complete with a ridiculous blonde hairstyle and ungodly wide eyes even Ason held trouble turning from. It was like witnessing a collision by two wagons. With a violent pelt from the rear of the beast sends one male to flight, laughter sparks from Ason`s mouth he couldn¡¯t contain. Focusing on the chuckle the male eyes Ason, ¡°something amusing you filthy taint¡± ¡°Not at all a thought from my morning sparked humour that¡¯s all¡± ¡°Knocking you unconscious should end that annoyance¡± ¡°I won`t fight you, I know the laws of this city¡± ¡°The laws will not apply here, I am a high lady of the court and contest a challenge of valour, and to the victor will win my company for the night¡±. The full bloods pull from their sides standard issue blades and Ason eyes up the metal just above the hilt, he pulls a dirk from his ankle and as the two closes in to corner him the chuckle at the match up. They swing wildly as such servant-training claims and dodges, Ason notices them beginning to tire out and as the tenth set of swipes come to him Ason straight strikes with his dirk hitting above the hilt to each blade. The metal breaks at the weakened point of creation Ason knew about and bringing to the fight combat moves leaned at the feet of his great Ranger uncle the servant hit the ground hard. ¡°Let¡¯s go again you can`t get lucky every time¡± as the two rise again to their feet. ¡°Tell that to your girl and the services she provides in her bed chamber, theirs more men through her doorway than the city¡¯s main gate¡± ¡°Are you insinuating that she`s a whore¡± Ason readies his body for round two ¡°Tavern`s never lie¡± he sparked the men into combat that lasted even shorter, bringing them this time to the dirt unconscious. The lady rebuttals with a clap, ¡°The battle is won smith, you have my word and my time for the evening¡± Ason grade the women up and down, and coming up to her he passes her figure heading for the door. ¡°Smith!¡± halting Ason`s walk ¡°Your time is mine tonight¡± ¡°My time is with my practise and work Milady, besides those horses their look lonely and probably more you¡¯re standard anyway¡± ¡°Listen you tainted slave come to my call at once!¡± ¡°Listen to me you little dick stable I belong to no one, and as you retold¡­the city laws right now don`t apply¡± Ason exits. Part 2 Hammering away at the hot steel Ason hears the sound of a throat cleaning hard, looking to his entry he sees a man bearing the noble grade of title. ¡°I apologies sir I didn`t hear you enter¡± ¡°No apology is needed at this meeting boy, only gratitude is needed to be shown and settled¡± ¡°I don`t recall any favour`s done¡±, the human man of elder age approaches to Ason`s side. ¡°Do you recall the issue of a young girl in the gull-wing tavern a couple nights back?¡± Ason thinks. ¡°Oh yes, it came with an encounter of a less than pleasant and more than smelly bull on legs¡± ¡°My little Becca again wishes thanks, and putting a well-known name as her saviour the time I first heard of the incident brings to me a feeling to reward your claim¡± ¡°Really nothing is needed of you, she is safe then?¡± ¡°Aside from a well-deserved punishment for disobedience yes¡± Ason smiles ¡°Then payment is done in full¡± the man places his hand to Ason`s shoulder, ¡°Not so simple, my family has a life trade oath that is now upon you¡± ¡°I apologise sir nothing I seek is to your hand¡± the man looks to Ason recalling recent customer relations that in this area always are noticed. ¡°There is held every five years a warrior festival in the castle ball chamber; invitation only and I hold one to my possession. I find them boring to my part not being a warrior and such a trade will end the link. Ason shakes his head lining up the heat-tempered blade on the stone for another strike ¡°Mingling with nobles and pure bloods isn`t my idea of a good time¡± pulling back to a swing. The man looks to the work Ason had mounted to his show wall sliding his hand upon the flat edge of a blade, ¡°Ilaya will be there¡± Ason hits his thumb ¡°Damnit!¡± tossing it to his mouth, holding it and a long look to the man who bears a thieving smile. ¡°Son please you think such things can remain in the dark, my wife has garments made just down from hear and communing with the seamstresses do they have a knack for reading faces¡­even maiden ones. So tell me being at least a part man of war, if freedom from lavish life is what she seeks why come to hear when the fields of green and protective guards are to a single call¡± the man approaches as Ason submerges to surface a response, the man places to Ason`s hands the scroll issuing the invite. ¡°Go or don`t either way the debt is paid on my part but let me say this. My daughter went to the tavern seeking freedom and once their returned thinking not to lose the one thing all risk anything for¡­and doesn`t your heart think the same risk is now for you to take¡± and the man departs dropping a bag of gold to Ason`s feet from the weapon now missing off his show wall. Returning from a night of study Kityana opens the keep door reserved by the Valtesh in their prearranged arrival. Her keen enhanced awareness picks details from the room, Casavir was also here from his night out at the tavern and he wasn`t alone. Giggling fell upon her ears and shaking her head at his terrible stain of a talent she went about her evening time. Stumbling from the bedroom to the commons area, Casavir pulls another bottle of wine from his pack, catching the scent of cinnamon to his nose. ¡°Kitty¡­you here?¡± ¡°Yes¡± she replied with a stern tone, Casavir stands merging uncomfortable silence ¡°so how was studying¡± ¡°Disturbing this elven race has a very messed up history¡±, the tavern girl peaks out her head to Casavir`s lengthy absence ¡°Cass what is taking so long¡­oh¡­hi¡±. Kityana doesn`t even look to her but placing her eyes to the interior of a book she comments, ¡°You know you should maintain the habit of letting every harlot know to the places we stay, the tactics on it are weak¡± ¡°I`m not harlot and my name is Jochyen¡± Kityana looks to the girl ¡°Spell it!¡± the girl raises her finger taking the stage, then puzzlement and hard thought take hold of her face. Kityana shakes her head ¡°I rest my words and my case, now bed her already so I can get to my work¡± Casavir motions that he`ll be right there and the girl snottily shuts the door, he turns setting the bottle by the door looking upon his partner. ¡°Kityana please I know that look you¡¯ve found something what is it?¡± ¡°It can wait till you¡¯re in better shape and less company¡± ¡°I`m not that far gone now spill it¡± Kityana possesses to a smile ¡°Ilaya fancies Ason¡± ¡°No way she`s a noble¡± dismissed Casavir ¡°it`s true I spoke to her¡± ¡°She told you this did she¡± ¡°Through certain words yes¡± ¡°You¡¯re reaching Kit, she`s full blood high elf and nobility¡± Kityana presents to her feet ¡°Think about it Casavir, she`s a noble and risks such reputation to exploit herself with no servants of guards at her side. To pick up personally a weapon order from a half-blood elven smith¡± Casavir put through to the scene just told ¡°Wow you`re right but she is still nobility and drunk as I am right now I know my cosine. He won`t act on anything¡± Kityana takes a seat staring to her rider ¡°He has such a kind heart and deserves a women not afraid to line up her dignity¡± ¡°I can see his issue Kitty, the lady has much to lose being associated with him. As much as she might be willing to let it go, he isn`t. I don`t want to wage a verbal conflict when my to go meal is in the next room getting bored and very drunk on high grade wine, I¡¯ll see you in the morning¡± Casavir takes his leave. Watching him go she takes to deep thought and past relativeness to her father that she sees and fears is in Ason as well. To her own mind she hold dialog ¡° I won`t let this come to pass¡­if Ason won`t fight for it then I¡¯ll pick up the slack¡±. The lock clicks to a release and opening the well-used door Brynn first apprentice to the master of metal craft enters. The private chambers of his master was only assessable to the young acolyte through the passing will of his master, and as his heart is filled from the death of a mentor like father he only dreamed of having by blood. This was a sad day indeed. Brynn never saw the interior of this chamber but as the key lay now in his hand passed to him by means of a letter in his masters own hand, Brynn very much wished a look. The master`s most prideful works were to this concealing chamber, and moving around the room Brynn gains a chill on the air as if the spirit of his very mentor was now here taking him on the tour. Brynn felt overwhelmed by fear and anger, he wasn`t ready for this, not by his own judging mind. To fill the gloves of such a being would take years¡­decades of focus and discipline, Brynn has been repeatedly told; he was such a prot¨¦g¨¦. He rounded the iron work of a statue and his eyes filled with curiosity, ever going closer to a pair of glasses set to a table in the iron`s casting shadow. A feeling took to him that was conflicting, both to reach for them and stay from their power. His will to stay away was defeated however and to his hands, Brynn took up the pair of frames. He didn`t know what they were or could do but by quick assessment of their set up Brynn moved to place them upon his face. A bright flash filled his sight with momentary blindness; Brynn cried out in agony but stops his plea at the sight of his own form. Brynn saw himself running from something he could see, something dark and evil. Fear of sudden death filled his being, voices of a female and male echoed from his back as the lenses showed him running in terror. Brynn launched the frames from his face falling to the ground he started to shake. He knew what they were now as master Erza had spoken of the project before¡­Brynn just never thought his master could build them. The lenses of fate master Erza named them¡­the ability to see one¡¯s own demise. Night Comes to Pass¡­ He step through the threshold of the archway to the tavern called hollow ground, Ason hated this collection of wealthy and high titled sinners but his uncle loved it. Tristan welcomed the sight of study to the minds of ruthless evil and frequently poor put together backstabbing plans. To hear the fabricated tales of war heroes new and old pumping their reputation and even bigger ego`s. Tristan wished to hold discussion about a new order of weapons for Ason to conceive. As he took a fresh brew to his hand and his rump to a corner table seat, his reason for hating the place as he did just breezed through the doors. A high classed tavern it was, located in the middle of nobility row, his peace of unnoticed only lasted a short time, the boots through the doorway brought in elven pure bloods who hated Ason with equal passion enough to catch his sight moments after their entry. With his cloak, Ason hoped it would cover the silence of his presence and candle lit shade. ¡°Well look what we got here fella`s, seems a complaint is in order about the build-up of filth to the dark corners¡± Ason saw to the rooster that Ilaya and wishing to hold to his good natured behaviour Ason just took the wordful licks. ¡°You¡¯re not to be in here Taint, pure bloods only¡± spoke the ringleader of the group.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°This place is for fighters, warriors with stained to mind and blade from great beast and combat that fell at their feet¡± added one from the midst of the elvish party. ¡°Then as such credentials are needed I assure you he holds them all¡­and I¡¯ll disregard the tainted comment, this one time¡± announced Tristan on his silent entry that brought the scolding posy to a quickened hush and the lady Ilaya to a smile. ¡°Lord Tristan I - ¡°Didn`t see or hear me approach, Ranger do that¡­particularly the good ones¡± Tristan boasted glaring judgment to them ¡°What has been said about allowance here, what has he done?¡± ¡°The invitation here is made by law of the city, I speak the truth¡­Lord Tristan what has he done to have passage in here?¡± Tristan moves passed them to the bar gesturing for a drink, he steals some sweetened meat offered on a plate putting together his speech in his mind. ¡°In one feat was he outmatched and unarmed in the forest, picking through rocks and rubble looking for metallic filings right Ason¡± Ason nods ¡°He heard the cry of a man in terror and went to aid when he saw himself opposing the fierceness of a six headed hydra¡­or maybe it was eight. I¡¯ll have to ask the scout who`s life he saved, Ason do you recall the situation¡± ¡°Uncle please it was a fluke and nothing further¡± Ason defends ¡°Nonsense the man who`s life you spared stands right here¡± with Tristan pointing to a light armoured man aware of the conversation, Ason notices ¡°Atone¡± ¡°Ason good to see you, truth is spoken here. If not for his aid to me I would not be here today¡± ¡°Bullshit, how does a mere smith of weak skill take on a hydra yielding death?¡± ¡°I shall tell you¡± addressed the scout, the tavern buzz calmed to nothing as all wished to hear the tale. With addition of enthusiasm and a little boast of being eccentric the scout brought the story to life, all eyes were to the scout but Tristan`s. Occasionally his wondered to the lady Ilaya who was completely taken in her sight passed from the scout to Ason and back. ¡°Weren¡¯t you scared Ason¡± Ilaya asked, ¡°there is no time for fear at such times milady¡± spoke the scout spot taking Ason`s stage, ultimately saving it. At conclusion, the group rises with short disgust to take their leave, Ilaya remained seated. ¡°Ilaya were going,¡± she huffed in conflict. ¡°Korbin we just got here¡± ¡°And I refuse to remain,¡± with reluctance did she comply cracking hidden with all but him a smile followed by a wave he didn`t return, just a gestured tip of his goblet to show appreciation. The rules were set in stone at such conductivity. Nobility could address commoners in public times but never could they show it back. Ilaya never wished to leave but as a lady of the court she held a duty to hold company to those she was assigned to for the evening, her departure was changed by the arrival of the scout sliding up a chair joining his and Tristan`s table and company. ¡°Thanks for that show¡± Ason slithered downing his ale. ¡°All words were meant Ason¡± Ason held a stern hold to the scout ¡°What about the part about me slipping, attempting to run from it. I was lucky to grip that tree root stopping me off over the Cliffside¡± ¡°Ason that was after what I said¡­so I didn`t lie, I¡¯m glad it went over and you remained. Besides you told me yourself you just never saw the other seven heads¡± Ason glared taking another swig of ale ¡°It was a big bush¡± ¡°Courage was there nephew showing on top¡± Tristan added, Ason saw no win to his own sabotage and gave the debate to the scout ending the topic. Tristan and the scout hold a smirk to one another as a planning confession grew upon them, ¡°So who`s the girl¡±. Ason looks around, ¡°The one who was here with the boys, has beauty beyond compare,¡± the scout added. Ason answered. ¡°Ilaya¡±, ¡°Oh she has a name¡± harassed Tristan ¡°Worth dreaming about¡± added the scout; Ason looked to him straight ¡°Forming to a daily nightmare¡±. Tristan laughs, ¡°Thought on her are that often eh¡± ¡°No worries uncle she`s a noble, I don`t pretend to think she has interest¡± ¡°No interest, my boy I know women and a look like that hold more than wishing for a husband full of glory, keep her if you can son¡± Ason rebuttals with no comment and Tristan changes the subject ¡°To business then¡± as Tristan waves to have another round brought to the table. Morning light comes to the window of Brynn`s chamber, he takes a deep breath as today was his first active day without no master Erza to his shoulder and side. He readies himself for the day and with first light duties attended to heads to the metalwork chambers. The door shuts for only seconds when a knock comes to it; Brynn stops in inquiry ¡°Can I help you¡±. ¡°I need to speak with one called Brynn¡± Brynn`s blood runs cold, the voice echo`s through his head in recall as one from his vision while wearing the glasses. He moves to the wall with silence and looks through a lenses created by Erza for a peephole, Kityana and Casavir are to the outer reaches and knowing the images he panics. ¡°Uh uh Brynn`s not here¡± ¡°May we come in sir it concern`s his welfare¡±, ¡°You damn right it does¡± Brynn heaves off his breath moving items from the secondary exit way. ¡°He is perfectly fine and fair as he is¡± Brynn replies. Casavir looks to Kityana, ¡°Move, I¡¯ll take down the door¡± Casavir lines up a boot kick. ¡°Casavir wait the door¡­¡± (WHAP!) The door does not budge and Casavir crinkles his lips hiding the pain to his foot, ¡°Oh my god that hurt¡± ¡°The door is locked by metal and magic¡­sorry forgot to say something¡± Kityana grinned using her powers to slide the locks open. ¡°Forgot¡­right kitty¡± Kityana turns with a scorn, ¡°Stop calling me Kitty¡­Cassy¡± ¡°Where did you learn that? never mind that get the kid and¡­no ones in here¡± as Casavir scans the chamber. ¡°He ran off, double back Casavir to the street I¡¯ll go through here, he doesn`t know what`s going on¡± with Kityana following through the second exit. Her draconic speed caught Brynn in the third adjacent chamber in his evasion, ¡°Brynn wait¡± cried Kityana just catching sight of his form and huffing with heavy breath he stopped. ¡°So your Brynn, you need to come with me¡± Brynn turned looking around the room for options. ¡°Brynn I¡¯ll explain everything just not here it¡¯s not safe¡±. Brynn gripped some powder from a bag attached to his belt, ¡°I agree¡± tossing it onto some statues beside him; Brynn again took to a run. ¡°Let¡¯s find out if you¡¯re as strong as you are fast¡± Kityana held puzzlement and again gave him chase. Her sprint ended fast as an impacting fist from a brought to life statue took her by surprize, ¡°Damn it¡± looking up just to see a second fist strike her across the face lifting her air born into some wooden crates. Kityana took to her feet reassessing the issue, the two statues moved toward her. ¡°Animation dust¡­why didn`t I foresee that, Kityana he`s a Artificer girl think¡±. Wiping the blood from her mouth Kityana spell spoke forming a hammer to her hands; she took to a bolt toward one winding up a swing. With all force she had it thrusts to an unshaken halt. Slamming hard to the outer carapace Kityana`s body vibrated from the returning hammer stall, ¡°Damn it, magic immunity¡± she spoke as it belted her again to the air. Her hammer dissipated as she pounded to the ground, ¡°Smart kid¡± she commented readying for a battle that would take some time and lose her target yet again. He looks to his rear seeing no one in pursuit, ¡°Finally that should keep her busy¡± but starting to move he stops peering through the busy crowd at the sighting of Casavir in scout mode. ¡°Shit the other one¡± Brynn changes his feet keeping sight on Casavir but moves right into a on passing women who struck out with a minor startling shriek, Casavir`s eyes toss to the sounded commotion. ¡°Hey you¡± and Brynn bolts to a run with Casavir giving him chase. Pivoting around the busy market crowd Brynn navigates in panic; roads and walk sides jumbled, mixed to his mind. Seconds slow to the feeling of hours and with Casavir closing the distance like a hunting cat on his prey. Brynn in a fluster of wrong turns leads himself to an ally with no way out, ¡°Nowhere to go now Brynn¡± ¡°I won¡¯t let you take me alive, killing me won¡¯t stop anything¡± he spoke in self-preserved defence. Casavir panic in response ¡°Whoa Brynn I¡¯m not going to kill you¡± ¡°That what the other one said, then she attacked baring a magical hammer¡± ¡°Kityana, where is she did you harm her¡± Brynn smirks ¡°she`s busy right now¡± as he combed the area biding his time with talk until an item caught his eye ¡°As now you are¡± tossing again the animation powder. The sky to the elven city darkens, street torches lit and candle light now signals the halls of taverns. The door to the Valtesh reserved room opens and to his sight came his mount, housing dried blood to her face, hands and arms. ¡°Kityana my god what happened are you alright¡± raised Casavir with great worry to his face. ¡°I`m fine, our target had more skills than I first anticipated¡± she groaned as she leaned to the now closed door rubbing her neck, the sight of a young women came from the wash chamber baring a wet cloth and Kityana`s thoughts ran with disgust. ¡°Casavir for one night could you keep these women from this haven of lust¡± ¡°Relax¡± calmed Casavir as the scene unfolded with the women not lusting like a lost dog, she took from Casavir a bloodied cloth replacing it with a new one steaming from heated water. ¡°She`s helping me dose my wounds¡±. Kityana looked to her figure and face, ¡°Much prettier than the usual order, far from your reach anyway. What happened to you?¡± ¡°The same as you, I cornered Brynn tried to explain when he conjured something to attack me¡± ¡°What was it?¡± ¡°This thing was huge Kityana, like eight or nine feet and thick¡­never have I fought anything like it¡± the girl stopped in her leave to clean the bloodied rags ¡°you¡¯re not talking about the horse trough that came to life and attacked you are you¡± Kityana started to giggle. Casavir glared in half embarrassment ¡°At least I caught him¡± pointing to his bedchamber where she glanced to see their target tied up and unconscious. ¡°He said you attacked him,¡± Kityana snapped to defence ¡°Attacked him!¡± ¡°He said you had a hammer¡±, ¡°To defend myself from the two iron statues he put me up against¡± she speared in recoil. ¡°Hey don`t snap at me I thought you were smart enough to talk him to submission¡± ¡°I am he was skittish, at least I had a real challenge¡± ¡°Hay that thing was long and moved fast¡± ¡°Mine were iron and had magic immunity, yours was made of wood Casavir¡± Casavir stared seeing no words to regain his pride, he change the topic. ¡°I tried to unarm him but he only had that belt on him and a set of bracers that either could be removed¡± ¡°He`s a Artificer Cas, we`ll have to watch him close and wake him¡± Kityana concluded moving to Brynn`s side. Casavir looked to Brynn holding puzzlement ¡°What are we protecting him from anyway¡±. ¡°The seers never said directly, just to keep him from straying down the dark path¡± she replied combing her hand over Brynn`s face speaking some soft words in draconic. Brynn`s eyes open wide at full alertness, ¡°Relax Brynn we mean you no harm¡± ¡°Why am I tied up then¡± Brynn questioned with Casavir rising to his feet with heat ¡°Cause you assaulted us you little beast¡± ¡°Not helping Casavir¡± spoke Kityana waving her hand to spell ward the door closed. ¡°Forgive us Artificer, we took the wrong approach on you, there is something after you and we were dispatch to keep you safe¡± Part 3 Handing back his invitation with an issued head nod, Ason was granted access passed the gates to the high court ballroom. Ason had been here before but only briefly on times of special weapon grafting and imbuing, the last which was four years ago. He walked slowly having horse pulling carts and carriages pass him by, they carried nobility and rich purebloods. Buildings to this side of the gates held higher-grade structures, built even stronger and better than the common ones. Ason knew well the grafting skills of elves and when common grade forms passed way beyond the ability of humans, he was always amazed they could even be better. Approaching the front garden grass and boarder hedging, fountains and statues decorated the landscape; but above all the eyes wonder was another. The whimper of a girl echoing from the vicinity of the royal stables, Ason redirects to investigate. Inside Ason sights to a young elvish women crying with her face shrouded in her tucked up legs, ¡°Miss are you alright, are you hurt?¡± Ason questioned keeping a fair distance, careful not to corner her due to what he was. ¡°It happened earlier¡± as the girl sniffles rising her head, Ason¡¯s blood ran cold. ¡°I`m about to get even¡± Suna, the girl Ason insulted days ago whipped away the fake flowing tears and the stable door behind Ason slammed close. Ason spun his sightseeing two other familiars, members of a friendship ring for Korbin; Teggin and Devec. ¡°How the hell did you get in here?¡± Teggin bolted ¡°He was invited here¡± Suna answered as Ason remained silent, ¡°I took a peek at the list, after our first encounter, I know about you and Ilaya¡­a pity such a taint holds care for only one¡± ¡°Where`s your boss, bitch¡± ¡°Same could be asked of your manners and pacifism¡± Suna makes back ¡°I know the rules to this side of the gate, certain need of talk are abolished after crossing it¡± Ason lashes out. ¡°Then beating them back into you shall be part of your torment, tell me Ason do you know a lot about our historical culture¡± ¡°Oh please do tell me you¡¯re a teacher of history¡± ¡°Hardly, Korbin`s family is one of two from the elder council that is renewing the member terms¡± ¡°You¡¯re telling me that Korbin will become one to be on the ruling council¡± ¡°He holds a chance if his record of passed acts is the best yes¡± Ason holds a look to Suna as his mind heads to thought, ¡°Ilaya is from the other family isn`t she¡± ¡°Cute and smart, Korbin was right to be wary of you¡­his heart and eyes sight to her as his bride. And here`s the punch line even if Ilaya and him don`t wed, she still has too. She is the only one of age in her family to take up the position, either way she won¡¯t be yours in the end¡± ¡°You wished me to know this, you could be lying¡± ¡°True, the books are at your leisure to read and learn the same end and the same end it will be, I¡¯m a bitch for telling you and might be a bitch if I¡¯m lying¡­either way I¡¯m a bitch. I`m alright with that, part of my job in life to screw with people and if you weren¡¯t so loyal, you`d know that I¡¯m good at that too¡± ¡°Go to the infinite hells¡± ¡°Not before we put you in a ring of your own¡± Suna smiled backing up, Ason turns seeing the guys closing in. Ason readies himself ¡°Do your worst¡± a foot comes between his legs striking his groin and drops Ason fast to his knees, Suna pulls on the back of his head hair. ¡°I am their worst,¡± she whispers to his ear licking then kissing his cheek side. Suna pulls from Ason inner pocket the invitation, ¡°The only invite you got was from me¡­ I do despise rejection¡± ripping the invite to pieces. Suna looks to Ason still in pain and then to the guys, ¡°Don`t make a mess, we have a party to go to¡± Suna takes her leave and stops once again at the partly open door ¡°Make sure he stays alive¡­barely¡± The midst of dusk appears, Brynn unlids one eye, then the other. A scan to the room reveals Casavir in slumber to the corner chair, Brynn stops from working his hands to freedom. He peers across the commons area to the other side chamber with the door open hosting a scene of Kityana sleeping soundly. With gratifying relief that his short-term dream had come to life Brynn still in hand bounds breaks for the door. A violent impact brings his evasion to a halt but looking he appeared to hit nothing. A form moves around the air and recomposing the space Kityana now stares him in the face. ¡°You¡¯re sleeping¡± Brynn glances back to the chamber she slumbered in to see the bed free of her body; he lowers his head in defeat. ¡°An illusion to test your intellect and loyalty on your words¡± As she spoke Brynn judged the distance she made from the door, Brynn dashed again kicking the door down, he bolted not to slow his speed and hitting something again he looked up as Casavir gripped to his shoulders. ¡°Damn it¡± his mouth escaped displeased and Casavir shoved him back in the room, Kityana closed to his left side as Casavir circled to his right front. Brynn looked on both not with fear, but a smile and Casavir became puzzled. ¡°Your caught buddy, why the grin¡± ¡°Just as she had a plan so do I and with the exerted energy from the escape scene I have reached my goal¡­my hands are free¡± a lightning fast hand toss brought the Valtesh glaring to their own wrists now each with a metallic cuff, dizziness and fatigue follows with haste. They pass out having Brynn`s smug wave the last thing they see. He walks in seeing Ason roped to a structure beam, ¡°your name son and why you¡¯re here¡± Ason says nothing. He comes up to Ason, his armour gleaming off the moonlight. ¡°Son please your name¡± Ason remains silent, starring only to the ground at his feet. The high elf admires Ason`s weapon that now lays upon the ground with some blood stained to the blade, he takes it to his hands. ¡°Give it back to me, Elf!¡± ¡°Of course son¡± offering it back with no hesitation, Ason holds it to sight as the elf lays it on the ground. ¡°I never would rob you¡± he replies in defence as he takes to Ason look, his clothing upper classed now tattered, ripped and blood soaked. ¡°A little too well dressed for a night ride, wait I know this marking on the blade. Your Ason the half- elf smith¡± Ason looks finally to his face with confusion ¡°You know of me and my work, who are you?¡± ¡°Captain Knorrinton of the high elven courts¡± Ason grows with embarrassment ¡°I apologise for my mannerisms¡± ¡°The one thing you shouldn`t be is sorry, but where you should be is the question?¡± ¡°I was invited to the celebration¡± as he nods to the ripped parchment on the floor in the corner, ¡°Well son this party has a dress code and this ant it¡­unless there¡¯s another party going on I¡¯m not aware of¡± Ason cracks to a small grin at the humour and the captain adds with laughter. ¡°Thought so, who did this to you¡± Ason looks and says nothing. ¡°Fear of recoil eh? Fair enough, so let me say this. Will hiding their names change the outcome the next encounter?¡± Ason holds out deep hating eyes, ¡°Korbin`s little band¡± ¡°I see, well you`ve missed enough of the party, lets at least get you to it¡± offering a dagger for Ason to cut his freedom. Casavir opens his eyes again to yet another head pounding pain, ¡°My head, I¡¯m going to kill that prick¡± perching himself up, Casavir`s greeted with a sight and confused he turns to the right¡­seeing his own body. ¡°AH!¡± he sparks again looking to his own chest that hosts two breasts. ¡°Casavir why are you again yelling, this is something I thought you`d be used to and¡­and why can I see myself¡± she takes a moment for the issue to process and like a delayed reaction Kityana sparks with a small yell, ¡°We`re in each other¡¯s bodies¡± ¡°Kityana how is this possible, what the hell did that prick due to us¡± ¡°It must be these cuffs; they must due transference of some sort putting us like this¡± ¡°And what would that accomplish¡± ¡°Casavir do you always have to be this slow, exactly what is happening, us arguing and trying to solve this as he escapes completely¡­we again need to find him, just now we have to do it like this¡± Casavir looks down at himself and then to her, ¡°you get what we need to pursue this critter¡± ¡°And what are you going to do?¡± Casavir smirks ¡°I need to change¡±. Kityana`s eyes go big, ¡°No you don`t you¡¯re staying in my sight¡± as she in Casavir`s body grips her own wrists, Casavir applies Kityana`s own body strength against herself easily freeing Casavir`s grasp, pinning Kityana`s arms to her sides. ¡°Wow you are really strong¡­all those times you must have been stopping yourself eh¡± ¡°Casavir!¡± as she tries to break free of the hold, ¡°I need to change now¡±. Casavir shoves her back and bolts into his room, slamming the door shut Casavir braces it sealed with a chair to the inner handle. With one motion Casavir releases Kityana`s clothing, ¡°Kityana, you form is amazing¡± ¡°Put my clothes on and stop looking at me naked¡­now!¡± she hears the slap of skin from a hand ¡°Was that my ass you hit, Casavir if you put one mark on that body¡± Kityana looks down on herself, she pulls open the breeches staring to her new manhood, ¡°I thought he was compensating, I knew I was right¡± as she went to get ready. Gripping her sword Kityana spun to now see a maid enter the room, ¡°Hi¡± the maid said sultry. Kityana smiled silently and went about getting ready, ¡°You know Casavir if you want to try that again I will¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°Oh common you like it and said you`ve never done it that way before¡± ¡°We have never done anything with each other nor do I ever want to maid¡± ¡°I see you remember¡­see roleplaying can be fun¡± Kityana grew angry, ¡°Get out you maid slut¡± Kityana tosses her from the room and turning around she faces a mirror seeing him, ¡°Damn it, Casavir your gross, unethical and I want out of your body¡­get ready and lets go, we need to find Ason¡±. Escorted in his wake while hiding the pain of his assault, Ason recalls the rumours of what he has heard about the captain. Vicious and vile he was, killing without mercy and pillaged towns not of his banner for his king. ¡°I trust you have heard of me young half-elf?¡± ¡°I have¡± Ason said with a bit of fear, ¡°and what have you heard?¡± ¡°That you are strong, loyal to the crown you serve¡±, the captain turns to Ason with a half-smile ¡°Don`t believe all that you here, but I thank you for the sweetening comment¡­ah here we are¡± he ended opening a door for Ason to enter through first, Ason sights a young women. A servant girl most likely; tending down the cleaning to the room. ¡°Milord I did not expect you to return I will finish with haste¡± she addressed with a bow and word holding verbal concern. Ason looked to the contains, weapons and maps decor the walls and banners of various kingdoms draped from the ceiling. A bed stained with old blood was to the corner and with such old wood to form a frame; it must belong to a serf. ¡°Welcome to my quarters Ason, Jance don`t worry about finishing the room. I`ll probably just bleed on the sheets again by tomorrow`s end, but if I could milady make first an apology to keep you for one more task¡­the dear smith here needs to be redressed for the rest of the evening, some of my old knight clothing may form to him. Then you can be free of the days duties¡± the maid looked upon Ason rugged beaten look as a quick lust takes to her blood. ¡°Of course milord and with such kindness is your command never a problem¡± the good captain nods and Ason turns holding a look of doubt to his earlier thoughts, ¡°I have miss judged you captain Knorrinton, the rumours to your demeanour are as false as the sun is black¡± The captain nods again waving his hand ¡°go young smith, do not waste the evening baring to my ear falsies I already know¡±. The young maid takes lead of the smith to a joining chamber made from the captain¡¯s younger years, ¡°Strip please¡± ¡°I`m sorry not with you here¡±, she laughs ¡°just your shirt for sizing smith¡±. ¡°Oh sorry¡± Ason removes his shirt revealing to her eyes scars and near time bruising, ¡°The captain rarely brings home visitors and those he does were generally like this, which noble house did you cross¡± Ason said nothing. Again she chuckles ¡°Smith it`s alright I¡¯m his personal servant, friend¡­and healer¡± ending with her hand against his chest as the other takes his shirt from his grasp. A great feeling of coolness comes over Ason`s body and looking to his torso it now holds no marks, she grins going about to the closet. She emerges from it holding a set of leather hide breeches dyed black and a shirt-vest to match that was also dyed red, he puts them on and admiring himself to a side mirror. ¡°You sure he won`t mind me borrowing this assemble¡± Ason questioned ¡°It hasn`t fit me for years, you can have it son¡± Ason spun from the sound of the captain`s voice, ¡°it looks good on you¡­and I¡¯m sure it`ll impress her as well¡± ¡°Impress who?¡± ¡°Lady Ilaya¡± ¡°Who?¡± the captain laughs ¡°You words are believable, but I know facts that false you sentence, I am her protector, and the errands she takes on her own accord don`t escape my knowledge¡±. ¡°The way she looks I would`ve thought you would`ve caught her heart now that I know what I do about you¡± ¡°She doesn`t have a taste for men about war, you¡¯re not about that in her eyes¡± ¡°Then she`s wrong, war and battle are upon me being what I am while living where I do. The least I can do is have it harm only me¡± ¡°There is enough to notice that if she wishes to be part of something she will Ason, she may not like men of war but she is not afraid of battle¡± Ason holes a look to him deep, ¡°you go get integrated with the nobles you care nothing for¡­I¡¯ll go find the one you came for¡± ¡°She would not be at the celebration¡±, the captain laughs, ¡°She is high spirited like you Ason, she hangs around for a time and when she feels she has done her duty to her family name she retires to seclusion¡± ¡°Where is that?¡± ¡°To a place she wishes for herself to only know, naturally I do as well¡± Knorrinton grins. To the east garden retreat he headed to, he opened the passage covered in floral and vines to find the path guiding him to the mystical place where she deemed solitude. The ways were many but the captain knew the southernmost pond captured Ilaya`s heart and calmness more than the rest. Parting the final series of bushed blood scape Lilly¡¯s he found her. Lady seated to a large rock over hanging to the ponds depths she tosses the occasional pebble to its bowls, ¡°you can`t capture the great moments of the celebration out here¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. She doesn`t move from her form ¡°Great moments such as those take only short time to house their full effects, yet they linger like a bad taste longer than I wish¡±. The captain smiles to her back ¡°you never have had need for the fear in expressing your stance in independent thought do you, but the need for protection you could¡± ¡°If they wish to end my verbal rebellion than tell them not to doddle, I grow tired of their games¡±. The captain walks to her side allowing her to lay eyes to his nicely ornamental look, ¡°but such acts will not let you see the smith one last time, he has come such a distance on foot and pain to be here¡±. She sparks to awareness ¡°Ason is here at the celebration, why delay this to my ears¡± ¡°I appreciate your freedom of lyric`s milady¡± ¡°Many more will come to you I promise, but if such a guest has come tonight I should show proper attendance¡± the captain extends his hand ¡°Then let me escort you with haste¡±. Her dark red dress sparkled as crystal as the captain raised her to her feet, her blonde hair flowed with crisp curvedness. Her eyes were darkened as her dress as well as her lips damped with a red lushes wanting, her gown flowed down to her feet and a subtle scent of spore peddle bloomed from her skin; her favourite perfume. Her beauty well known in any attire she wore, and taking her back the captain holds tight a feeling of small envy. The ballroom was immaculate, holding stunning colors of blue orange and red. Floral in immense bouquets were the center on tables corners ledges and walls. Most was magically conjured for the event including live action events recorded in time, played back repeatedly to entertain the company were conversation failed. Ason took a seat to the bar, resting his arms to the marble counter her lifts one again to simply order an ale. Taking sight to the crowd he never wished to be a part of Ason scans the detailing, most were all pure bloods and almost all of the were nobility. The servants to each family matched in colors to their masters, but colors were the only comparison and identification. The simple look and design of the slaves were almost mistaken as floor tiles compared to the lavish elegance their master furs and rare materials were dressed in. Ason had to retract his statement for one however as she lowered off the stairway to the main room. Jance the young server of Captain Knorrinton wrapped in satin forming in a gown that could be mistaken as queen apparel. Ason had mistaken the captain very poorly, or he was very good at hiding his rumours. Ason scans the room again noticing a male of familiarity, swaying his hips as if a girl would approach his location. Ason looked straight ahead as he took a seat at Ason`s side. ¡°Casavir, I was beginning to wonder how long it would be before you should to this event, what are you at for the nightly count five¡­maybe six¡± Casavir held puzzlement, ¡°Elven fire ale¡± Casavir announced to the bar keeper as he was asked for aid and shocked Ason turned to Casavir. ¡°You alright Casavir, you look worried¡­ is there an unsatisfied customer hunting you¡± Ason laughed a little. Casavir looks back to him, ¡°We have a big problem¡±. The keeper placed the drink to Casavir`s reach and taking a swig he curled his head down coking from the potency and burning to his throat, ¡°I thought you ordered that for Kityana, Casavir you know you can`t handle those¡± aiding Casavir to keep him to his seat. ¡°Damn it, forgot no heat resistance, shit that burns¡± clearing out his throat, Ason tossed his ale to Casavir who took it downing it all. He cringes up his face as the taste soothes his scolded throat, ¡°Eyck ale¡­gross¡± ¡°Gross man you must be having a bad night¡± Ason retracts to thought, ¡°Wait¡­the walking, the drink¡­Kityana is this you¡± she looks to him with a shallow nodding. ¡°Like I said before Ason, we have a problem¡± The explanation is brief but to the point, Ason attempts to contain his humour ¡°So you got switched¡± ending his words with a smirk. Not much gets by the dragon of high intellect and though he shaded it as best he could she caught on the comedy he saw, growing now a facial scowl. ¡°You have no idea how I suffer¡± Ason`s mind ran around his own thoughts and laughter finally broke, ¡°I`m sorry but this is funny, you too especially. You are going to have to hire guards just to stop from killing each other¡± Casavir gets into Ason`s face. ¡°Only our bodies have been changed, I still have my dragon skill and spell power¡­and if not convinced I¡¯ll show you,¡± Ason quickly gathers his composure, as threats from her he knew never were a bluff. ¡°No of coarse not Kityana, glad all is in tacked, even your pleasant demeanour¡± her eyes shift to a presence now descending the stairs. ¡°Speaking of good behaviour I think yours is about to hit its peak nodding for Ason to turn, spinning his head Ason soul takes to a fright. ¡°Ason that Captain Knorrinton, is he here tonight?¡± ¡°Red cape with the royal seal to it in silver, you can`t miss it (not taking his eyes of Ilaya`s beauty). Kityana what should I do here¡± Ason asks in advisory but turning to where Casavir was only air takes the space, Ason quickly caches sight of the Valtesh`s cape floating into the crowd. Ason disappears to the crowd anticipating if one to the duo is here so must be the other and with no time was she located. Placing a scene and aura only Casavir would have did one elf fall dead drunk from a table with her to its other side. Kityana paws the group of coins mounded to the table¡¯s center her way, ¡°who`s next to take to the banner of beating me out of this chair¡±. Ason takes to the seat, ¡°Well, well, well¡­let the challenge begin¡± as Kityana clears the table for new beats, Ason clears his throat and stands briefly leaning to the table. ¡°Why you would presume me to be stupid enough to drink with you I don`t know¡­dragon!¡± her eyes glare to his face as the coins suddenly depart, echoes of cheater and fraud spill to the air and the fans of the new night entertainment part leaving them the only ones there. ¡°Do you see me wrecking your evening; I was on a role look, nearly three hundred coins¡± ¡°Casavir I know that`s you, you came to me already¡± he looks at Ason and knew his cover was blown from any wordily recovery, ¡°She never lets me have any fun, always all business. You know I just thought that since I have her abilities and gifts I¡¯d so her that she has many ways to aid our cause¡± Ason sits looking to the crowd as a look of disappointment falls to his face ¡°That little fibber, she told me she still retained her powers¡± ¡°The only she`s retaining is water, man I¡¯m so hungry and the food here doesn`t even satisfy. I don`t think this girl of mine eats, I¡¯m so starved I could eat a cow¡± Ason laughs ¡°What`s so funny¡± Ason gives It a moment to sink in on him being a dragon and with no reaction Ason gives up ¡°I let you figure it out cosine¡±. Ason again spots Lady Ilaya mingling around the room conversing with varies men; Casavir follows his eyes out to her ¡°Go talk to her¡±. ¡°I think I¡¯ll just go get a drink¡± ¡°Common Ason she`s just a girl¡± Ason houses a look to him ¡°I don`t wish to taint her life by putting me in it, image is everything to these people¡± ¡°You fight only your own fear on this Ason¡± ¡°If I give in to this will we both be fighting her parents, friends, her whole way of life¡­I can`t put her through that¡± ¡°You would just rather accept having from her the same respect you give to a horse¡± Ason simplifies the word ¡°It`s all I¡¯ve ever known, I can`t miss what I don`t retain¡± Ason ends with a pat to Kityana`s shoulder walking away through the crowd to the drink area. He orders a drink and lays five silver to the counter, placing down the drink the keeper lays his hand to the coins of payment. A set of fingers beside him puts pressure to two of them ¡°just because he is half doesn`t allow the right to charge him for the blood crime in all parts of his life, the drink costs three silver, not five¡± she ends sliding the two coins back to Ason. He looks to her; the servant Jance who dressed him earlier ¡°This is just what I know Jance, is normal for me¡± ¡°Then what you know is about to change, now set you drink down¡± (Smiles) ¡°I would like a dance from you¡± They take to the dance floor and then to each other as slow wales begin to erupt from the stage of the minstrels. ¡°You have such a soft touch for a smith of forging¡±. ¡°And you have a lot of extra time on your side being a servant to a place guard Captain¡± she blushes a bit ¡°he is very good to me, it¡¯s makes me angry that such talk about him goes so far¡± ¡°Sometimes they are useful, fear is a worthy weapon for instruction and command¡± ¡°You sound just like him¡±, Ason grins ¡°I`ll take that as a compliment¡± she enjoys Ason`s embrace for the time of the song and nearing the end do they bump into another couple on the floor. ¡°Sorry for the inconvenience oh Ason isn`t it¡± Ason looks to the act of the Captain with Ilaya as his partner. ¡°Yes that`s right, Captain Knorrinton¡± ¡°Oh you`ve heard of me have you, good things I hope¡± Jance takes to a smirk, ¡°only good things¡± ¡°Well then they`ve been lying to you for sure, I¡¯m most surly no angel¡± ¡°But a saint I would gladly say¡± added Ilaya, ¡°your most kind Milady¡± bowed Knorrinton and sparked to his eyes came an idea. ¡°I boast that we change partner¡¯s Ason for the next dance, unless there is reason not to¡± ¡°I would love to¡± Ilaya shot out, ¡°As would Ason, he was just saying how you were a sight of beauty¡± put Jance watching as Ason turned a light red. The captain extended his arm and Jance took it putting a light kiss to Ason`s cheek ¡°I thank you for the wales Ason¡± and they take their leave. ¡°Well just us now¡± Ilaya put to the air and bent her wrist out for Ason to take lead, he smiles a nervous smile and she feels the shaking in his hands as he takes her across the dance floor. She came in close to him and the scent of the blood floral was overwhelming his sense, ¡°That seemed a bit acted, do you know him Ason¡± ¡°Yeah I meet him earlier on¡± ¡°Oh you have been here the whole time, I never saw you before¡± ¡°I got caught up at the stables, a really nice welcome they held¡± Ason spoke, Ilaya caught his eyes flustering all around noticing they never really sighted to her, he seemed worried. Moreover, as they danced on the small movements of her replacing hold caused Ason to reveal slight pain from the before beatings, she noticed instantly but held her concern to the topic but not from another. ¡°Ason what`s wrong you seem very uncertain around me¡­or embarrassed¡± Ason looks to her with a serious manner ¡°Ilaya you shouldn`t be so openly scene with me¡± as he looks to eyes of judgement by almost all around them. ¡°You sound like my father¡± ¡°Ilaya I¡¯m half-even, this will only add spat and shame to your family¡¯s name¡± She looks at him returning the look of severity ¡°then let it, I may have been birthed to this family by I don`t shame it`s ways. I have seen many beaten people better in the common folk area than to the inner of these high walls¡± ¡°You mean the lower class¡± ¡°Only if you believe in the unseen structure¡± ¡°I believe that one made into common life should keep ones focus to things in there reach yes¡± ¡°And yet you would say such a phrase with me to your sight and hold, I know you fancy me Ason. And with that do I carry a secret (Whispers) I like you too¡± Ason sparks his awareness with worry to his face ¡°Ilaya I¡­ ¡°Nothing more tonight from us, I don`t wish you hurt again. Two days I will see you on the retrieval of my horse from you¡±, Ason was off guard ¡°What horse of yours¡±. She simply smiled, displayed a woman bow of thanks and retired from the floor and the evening. Placing his drink to the corner table Casavir`s form finishes a conversation with the border guard captain, ¡°And please remember captain not to provoke this man, just find his location and let us know¡± ¡°Understood Casavir, it`s good to see you again. How Kityana¡± ¡°she`s the same, smarter than me better than me¡± ¡°Well the way she treats you in bed you should admit to some skills she does better than you¡± Kityana`s essence burned with an incendiary flare. ¡°And as always will I get more than I bargained for from her I¡¯m sure¡±. He laughs as they conclude their business with a handshake and part ways, just in enough time for the sound of the crowd to dampen for Casavir`s ears to pick up a squabble with a well-known voice at the helm. Casavir`s male eyes pick up the quick departure of a young women followed by Kityana trying to slow her down, ¡°Honestly I wasn`t trying to look at you while you were in there, and about what I said- SLAP! ¡°Owww¡± ¡°I have never been that way with a women and never will I be, your pathetic¡­follow men around like we were engineered to¡± and the girl walks from her sight. Kitya na looks to her left as Casavir was to the sidelines, smirking in untamed grin. ¡°Did you forget who you were?¡± ¡°This is starting to get less fun; I want my body back now¡± ¡°Then why don`t you try working on it more and working less on the rumours of us sleeping together¡± Kityana surfaces a smile ¡°So you talked to the gate guys eh?¡± ¡°No the guard captain, how many did you boast this ruse to¡±, Kityana smiles bigger ¡°I¡¯ve lost count¡±. Casavir approaches with a look of intent and Kityana steps in, ¡°Common hit me, punch yourself¡±. Casavir looks to her and shaking his head just leaves with her still smiling following behind. The mixed bodied couple cross the threshold of the exit archway when a voice echo`s from behind demanding attention, Kityana snaps a quick look of worry to Casavir who caught it on her instantly. ¡°What did you do?¡± Casavir asked with a whisper. ¡°Nothing¡­maybe something so tell me quick, you as a dragon use your powers sometimes right, for town matters, like your strength and magic¡± ¡°You can`t use my magic and no I restrain my power unless life threatened¡±, Kityana smiles ¡°Time to improvise then¡± as the voice of a very angered elf came clear and close. Kityana grips to Casavir`s shirt ¡°Honey please this is the man that I told you about, the one presuming that I cheated him at the drink table¡± He addresses them and Casavir turns to see a warrior looking elf build solid as Straud was, ¡°You little thieving harlot I want my coins back, I was told you¡¯re a dragon¡­there immune to intoxication¡±. Kityana looks to Casavir ¡°Oh please lover you believe me don`t you defend my wording honour¡± ¡°You Valtesh, this is your horse skank¡±, Casavir`s eyes grow serious ¡°watch who your calling horse skank, you overflowing sac of Cornish shit¡±. The man smirks ¡°So I defence I see for her position, fine. I hold a challenge to you, to the death¡± Casavir sway with shock in his voice ¡°The death!¡± ¡°Are you possessed? This fight merits no such end unless you are putting the ante up with all you own¡± the elf hesitates with aggression as a crowd starts to gather, ¡°Fine till first blood with a blade¡± the crowd grows in soft bustle and only grows when Casavir agrees. They move out to the front courtyard and following the issued fight the captain goes to monitor and mediate. Casavir readies in a corner of the fountain, watching as the elf lord pulls his blade sharpening it; keeping his striking eyes to Casavir form. ¡°Who is this Elf?¡± Kityana shrugs saying something very soft, ¡°What was that¡±, Kityana looks to Casavir ¡°Chronus¡± ¡°Chronus paea¡­the blade lord¡± Casavir shoots from his breath ¡°Umm yep that`s him¡± Casavir glares to his mount ¡°You¡¯re an idiot¡± The captain addresses ¡°For this challenge is their one condition and on the amount of three hundred coins of platinum will the debt be paid or the accusation dissolved ¡°Casavir snaps his head to Kityana ¡°Three hundred¡­you screwed him for three hundred!¡± ¡°I hold to my defence that was hard to do, you have no idea how much I had to drink¡±. Casavir grows a thought ¡°you won against him right, he fell dead drunk¡± ¡°Yea that`s right¡­or he just has the worst balance a fighter could own¡± ¡°I can use this¡± as he scans around his person. Catching his eye to an item on the ground, Casavir fakes a fumble of his sword having it hit the dirt. Chronus laughs as Casavir goes to retrieve it, ¡°Maybe I should allow you two blades, then you might be able to hit me¡± Casavir grins ¡°till first blood right captain¡± Knorrinton nods ¡°Till first blood Casavir¡±. They take their positions for the fight and circling one another in battle judgement, Casavir sheathes his blade pulling from his belt side a dagger. ¡°Putting away you blade won`t have me show mercy boy, and my first blood shot will be the end of your life¡± ¡°I thought as much on that but as you have been talking have I found a flaw all fighters have¡­they can`t talk right¡± Casavir stabs the dagger into an item in his hand and squeezing it tight does the dead rat pour blood from its gut dripping to the ground. Chronus holds a laughing confusion ¡°And what was that to do, make me sick and withdraw¡± and Casavir shakes his head, ¡°It ends the fight moron, this captain is the claim of first blood and thus ends the fight with me drawing it¡± ¡°No it doesn`t¡± bolts Chronus, ¡°you stated the challenge for first blood, you didn`t designate whose blood to be dripped. There no law about this and tradition can`t be carried by a foreign occupant¡±, Chronus points his finger saying nothing to the argument, and looking to the captain he smiles at Casavir nodding to his reasoning that has kept him alive. Captain Knorrinton announces the logic is sound and with it comes Casavir and the designated winner, nodding back Casavir takes back to Kityana side housing a glare to the near miss brought on by her. A gasp in the crowd comes as Chronus`s blade takes to flight, Knorrinton grips his weapon unsheathing it to a spinning sore deflecting Chronus`s off to the ground. ¡°Take Chronus into holding, the cells for a night will clear his head¡± Commanded the captain and with it happening so fast Casavir only turned to see the assassination attempt resolved. The couple make it around one corner from all common sight when Casavir takes to grip his own tight dress, slamming Kityana to the wall side ¡°And next time, you clean up your own mess. Remember Casavir if you die in my body your spirit dies too and with it dies my annoyances I carry, all rounded for a day I win¡± she he lets her go and for another small moment in the joint time Casavir grows worry to his mind, crossing once again to far with her. Day three to the work week lunges in with the sound of copping horse hooves bringing Lady Ilaya to the smith`s shop, she gets off and with a lady bow and hand gesture sends the chariot lord on his way back to the keep. Out front, she sees her horse tied up and waiting, noticing another horse also tied by hers she wonders what events unfold to the smith¡¯s life and with intrigue, she moves to the door. She opens the latch soft as always peering in to see Ason in talk with his uncle over the detailing for the new weapon design; Tristan catches sight of her before she notices she was discovered and tosses a shoulder tap to Ason. ¡°Lady Ilaya a pleasure to make your audience¡± Tristan sees the lady holding a look of awkward confrontation and he spins an idea to have it quickly dissolved ¡°Ason I will run out for a breakfast for us and upon my return we will finish the order at hand¡± Ason makes some final quill points on parchment and looks up to see her still just looking at him, Ason snaps his fingers ¡°Ilaya I took the liberty to reshoe your horse¡± as he grabs one of the old ones showing her the ware down, ¡°She`s ready for your rump¡±. Tristan now located to the corner about to leave stops, rolling his eyes at the flustered comment. ¡°Umm not to say that`s all it wants from you is your rump, I¡¯m sure the rest of you it`s likes as well¡± She giggles at his nervousness now forming ¡°Thank you Ason, busy at work I see¡±. Tristan slows his readiness, half wishing to stay silent and eavesdrop to the conversation seeing Ilaya `s topic change for damage control. ¡°My uncle and I were just going over the etching work to the hilts¡± Ason finishes adding another sentence to the parchment, Ilaya begins to roam around the room looking to his skilful finished products on the show wall. ¡°A lot of work must go into the building of a sword¡­so how does one make such a blade?¡± Tristan lowers himself slowly tying his boots with a half-smile by her attempt, Ason gases to her half-shocked needing a moment to form an answer. ¡°Iron and heat generally combined with the skills to properly apply them¡± ¡°I think the lady is wishing for a lesson to the art, nephew¡± Tristan pipes up, Ason snaps thinking he was already gone from the shop. Ilaya lights up bright ¡°That would be great, I¡¯d love the learn from you if I could Ason¡± ¡°And what good timing right Ason, it was you that told me the best time to teach the ones wanting the skill is during the raw metal forming stage¡­it`s the one he`s about to start on¡± Ason stares to his uncle, his eyes getting wider and his face flushed with anxiety and panic, Tristan begins to smirk. ¡°Uncle please, the lady of court must have a packed schedule and ¨C ¡°It`s not anything that can be reassigned, were you starting tomorrow Ason¡± she intrudes with excitement on her voice. ¡°Yes but Ilaya you¡¯re a lady of the high court¡± Ason bares out his hand rolling for her to see the dilemma, she smiles a cunning trapping look ¡°and one who wishes to broaden her skill of usefulness¡­you begin at first light¡± ¡°Always before Milady¡± Tristan puts out, ¡°Then before first light I shall be here¡± she bows to end the talk and moves to the door with Tristan opening it to her. ¡°Till our first lesson¡± she states again as her feet lightly leave out of the shop almost with a flutter. Ason glares to his uncle, ¡°Funny uncle I¡¯d thought you had already left¡±. ¡°I couldn`t miss this Ason¡­and your welcome¡± as he now departs as well. Part Four The body of Kityana waits, leaning to the tavern side on the brink of losing her patience. ¡°Are you almost finished?¡± as another bite from the fresh market meat runs down her lips and chin. Casavir emerges from the dark alley allowing her to notice the dampened spot to his breeches, Casavir looks upon her with a feeling of defeat ¡°Well that wasn`t as easy as it looks¡­and do you have to be a pig as you eat with my body¡±. Glaring to the meat spice stains spackled to her chin and the stain rings around her mouth¡± Kityana waves the meat like a point stick ¡°First of all I¡¯m devilishly hungry so there`s no time for proper educate¡± wiping her mouth with the satin lace to her fine tailored dress ¡°Second¡­did you pee on yourself, haven¡¯t you ever seen me do it?¡± ¡°That`s gross why would I watch¡± ¡°Comm`on not even a peek?¡± Casavir glares to her ¡°I was already done when this happened¡±, Kityana concedes the comment ¡°Ah yes the formidable dripping¡­it can`t be helped¡± ¡°Great and oh I don`t care¡± he walks past her, she follows as they head to the rim of the city on the word of the border guard captain claiming he saw Brynn leaving the city south gate. Told by the gate guard Brynn had existed only a quarter day ahead of them, they move on foot casual, the chance he has a heading of destination is slim. In addition, even slimmer is his ability to navigate as good of the couple on his trail, as the foliage and wildlife fill around them leaving the city to only a dim fuzzy view Kityana gets a whiff of something foul. ¡°Damn what the hell is that?¡± sniffing around as Casavir stops, he grows a grin and her body takes to a dog snorting act. She suddenly turns and holds a grotesque look to Casavir ¡°That`s you!¡± ¡°Actually it`s you¡­the rest of the town folk just cover it up, when you¡¯re out here your sent is not masked and moulded by other bad smelly people. ¡°Well have a damn bath then will ya¡± Casavir looks to her and smiling she moves on passed him, ¡°Trust me Casavir, I¡¯m grooming your body on a constant¡­you just smell like this¡± ¡°Sorry about that, I¡¯ll try to fixed it¡± catching to his side. Rounding the bend of yet another pathway Casavir`s feet stoop at the sight of a big clearing ¡°ok this will have to do¡±. Kityana`s form meets his and looks around in puzzlement, ¡°Do for what?¡± ¡°Time to turn into Dragon form¡±, Kityana laughs but the straight face on Casavir drains the chuckle ¡°Are you serious, Kit I can`t do that¡± ¡°Time to learn¡± ¡°Forget it, I recall the issues you had told me during your time with Lalandra, it won`t work¡± ¡°Casavir, Brynn has a head start, he may have with him items to hasten the distance between us and him, he`s being hunted by a force we don`t know and lastly were body switched¡­we need an edge¡± Kityana houses a grumpy look ¡°What do I have to do¡±. Fast-paced does Brynn take light on his heels running; heavy stomping tracks give him chase. (Huffing) ¡°Thought Orcs were dealing type of brutes¡± Brynn escapes from his thinning breath desperately trying to keep distance from the Orcs numbering seven. Swerving and slaloming through trees and brush, Brynn clears the lightwoods bolting into the hilly grasslands. A spear hits the dirt to his left, then his right, left again. He pushes with a racing heartbeat; blood pumping fast, a small whirling sound comes to the air low to him then his feet hug together as one. Brynn`s weight tumbles forward having his face pound to the grass staining his skin, he takes to a quick spin eyeballing the seven slowing their pace closing in on the artifact master: Brynn fights to be free. As if death itself is coming to collect does the ground lose its light around him, casting over his body and the land, Orcs take sight to the sky. Brynn watches their eyes fill with panic as their feet again take speed added is the sound of thunderous flapping wings which draws his own eyes to the sky, his body freezes and his mind is in awe. Arcing down fast Brynn ponders as the red Dragon looks to have an uncontrolled decent and follows through with certainty as Kityana draconic form slams into the ground like a meteor rock, collapsing on top of the band of Orcs. Casavir`s form comes racing from a distance overlooking the devastation, ¡°I told you a gradual desent Casavir, you bent all the trees from your east approach. Rock and dirt roll draining off and away from the Dragon`s face, Casavir shakes his massive head and hairpins his neck to view his crater size hole, lifting his body Casavir forms discomfort to his face as his underbelly feels wet looking down to the spatter shots of blood under him. ¡°Wow you weight a lot¡± Kityana glares to herself ¡°Dragons are supposed to have that mass¡± she gritted with heat ¡°I think it¡¯s time to lighten up on the cattle Kit, your ass is getting bigger¡± ¡°It`s called maturing you dumbfounded dick¡± ¡°Oh yeah name calling, you¡¯re really mature¡± snapping back with his new deepened voice, ¡°I swear when were normal again¡­ (Brynn cracks a chuckle) and you, what have you done to us¡± ¡°I didn`t honestly think it would work, my master is amazing¡± Casavir stomps over gripping Brynn by the cuff of his caller lifting him off his feet by Casavir`s fighter strength, ¡°you`ll be joining him shortly¡± ¡°You said you weren¡¯t evil¡± ¡°You made a liar out of me¡±, ¡°Kityana!¡± She calms herself from the empty threat ¡°The next time we give you warning, take the advice. You were almost killed¡± ¡°Yeah by your flying horse¡±, Kityana pulls him closer ¡°Excuse me, did you just call me a horse¡± as Casavir snaps his reptilian head to defence ¡°Hey! It`s not like I can steer this flesh barn¡± ¡°Flesh Barn!¡± ¡°No offence Kit, Brynn we are not your enemy and what you encountered just now wasn`t it either, real evil is after you and we need to find them first to know what were up against, we need you cooperation and trust¡± ¡°You¡¯re a pathetic bitch with no future if a good plan to you is finding killers, you go jump into the fire of death if you don`t care about your life, I don`t either¡±. Casavir arcs his head in close and his eyes go narrow with aggression ¡°Care young one, understand we don`t actually need you to find who wants you gone¡± Brynn hangs to his face gulping, hard swallowing with fear lining his soul ¡°Ok I¡¯d concede the assumption to you I made might have been off¡± Kityana thrusts him down hard to his feet. ¡°Good! Now put us normal again¡± Brynn grins with embarrassment, ¡°Slight problem there, I didn`t actually make the item that did this, my master did¡­ (Kityana grows heated) But that doesn`t mean I can`t, I need to go back to the lab¡­I¡¯m sure it¡¯s there¡± ¡°How do you do something like that being what you are?¡± questioned Casavir ¡°I just grabbed a transmuted potion from the table he had¡± pulling a stone from his pocket ¡°This stone is the key to the transmutation but I need to experiment for the reversal¡± ¡°Then we go back¡± states Casavir as he lowers himself for the two to climb aboard, Brynn grows worried ¡°Umm maybe we should just walk¡±, Kityana nods ¡°I agree¡±. With the light still time away from showing does the day of the blacksmith get underway, the fire roosted hot, steam seeps from the door front as Ilaya`s first day of training began. It was as if she had done the art for years, consoling the fire pit, grinding the core stone and fold flipping the metal learnt in just a short few failed attempts. Ason was going to keep the lesson novice; she pushed to put the test to her mind and skill learning as much as most take months to get under technique. Ason kept to the forge, completely amazed at her endurance, pace and lack of concern she had for her image. Her hair put to a tight bun, and on casual glances, Ason sees the gather of soot to her skin and clothing. The pinging of the hammer brought Ilaya`s eyes to the tight cut build of Ason`s hardened arms, returned was a look from Ason, to her rear as it flexed tight as she applied more coal to the flames. Blades numbering five marks the halfway point to the day, the duet take for a much-deserved break. ¡°So how does a mid-meal work for a forger,¡± Ilaya asked, Ason said nothing. Walking past her to his living quarters that connected to the building, he returned in short with a slab of boar meat taken from his cooling cellar, Ason tossed it on the fire pit Ilaya just feed. He spun and turned the meat to a cooked state in minutes and with a pitch fork placed it sizzling to a wood chopping block, as if she was a male in a women¡¯s body Ilaya caught on to the pattern. ¡°I`ll get you a cloth for serving¡± Ilaya eyed up the juicy meat as her stomach growled from hunger, she gripped a dagger for cutting coal bags and carved out a chunk. ¡°No need¡± as she took it to a seat she had gotten for rest she put it to her lap ripping and gorging like she hadn`t eaten in days.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°Ilaya that will stain your clothing, I¡¯ll get you a plate¡± ¡°You don`t have one, I¡¯ll be fine¡­I`m hungry¡± she replied with a mouthful, ¡°you doing well¡± he told her and with a smile she continued to eat. ¡°You sound surprized¡± she added ¡°just don`t treat me as I am¡­ a lady of court¡± Ason was conflicted ¡°But you are a lady, Milady¡± and she gestured at the remark just made. ¡°That`s what I`m talking about, I`m so tired of speeches of caution, not too close Ilaya and do touch that you`ll get dirty. Ason I`m having so much fun¡± Ason raised his brows ¡°Wow work fun, that`s a new one¡± ¡°Better than sitting around getting fat and board¡± licking her fingers as she finishes the last of her meat cut, Ason offers her a water goblet and she downs it followed by a belch of meal satisfaction. ¡°Excuse me¡± she speaks soft, embarrassed. Short time passed and back to it they went; initiated by her taking a short leave to replenish the coal bags she used up. At the application of water to a thick iron bowl Ason placed to it a blade tip red hot from the start of edge trimming work, he pulls it up as the water is brought to a blade cooling boil passing judgement to his work. More was needed as he placed it again to the hot embers softening the metal, and with a flat edged hammer chisels to form a magnificent blade. Ilaya returns with a crate full of coal bags, gathered from the shelter Ason made for storage. Ason sees her grip her neck after putting down the small crate Ason knew held surprizing weight. Sweat was beading down her neck and front; Ason grew guilt at the sight of her high prised gown she wore not made for work now ruined. She flapped it`s front trying to put air to her skin, breathing slow but showing no success. Ason saw her hands gripping the midst of it and averted his face as she pulled it off her body in cooling desperation¡­at first. Slowly his head turns back; he notices a secondary layer to her outfit. A tight wrap looking skirt to her waistline and a similar look to her upper torso, he breaks with relief. Ilaya coated her hands in water putting the coolness to her neck; Ason halted his work at her scene. His eyes narrowed, focused to her exposed toned stomach that from the heat and sweat shown like a honey glazed ham. Ilaya let out a soothing sound of relief and Ason fought to contain his composer. Shaking his thoughts back to work at hand, he went again to the carving of the metal, putting the blade to the water it steamed up thick to the air, allowing Ason cover to again peak at Ilaya. She glances back catching him staring then to focus to another scene ¡°Ason your making a puddle¡±, Ason looks down then quickly pulls out the sword. ¡°Damn¡± as his dazed eyes see the leak to the bowl made by the sword point, using his foot Ason tilts the bowl to halt the free flow leaking, Ilaya laughs. ¡°Well at least we know the blade is sharp¡±, Ason smirked as his mind schedules a patch job for tomorrow. Putting the sharpened blade to a table rest Ason leans over the grip the bowl, applying strength with a grunt Ason goes to lift it when a sharp striking pain hits at his gut. ¡°Ason!¡± sparked Ilaya seeing his duress came fast to his aid, ¡°It`s nothing I¡¯ll be fine¡± Ason rubs off but the pain grows, Ilaya ignores his speech wishing to take the bowl from his grasp. He normally would allow it to happen but with such hurt Ason releases it to her control, Ilaya stumbles from the heavy weight of the water bowl falling forward collapsing onto Ason knocking them both to the ground. ¡°Ason I¡¯m sorry, are you hurt¡± shifting the bowl spilling the water, she lifts his shirt to see the severity when it shows dark and clear. Bruising covered his ribs and chest and at its sight, Ilaya holds a look for Ason to explain, Ason says nothing, Ilaya closes her eyes. ¡°They did this to you didn`t they¡± Ilaya concluded, she thought she saw him favor his stomach at the party but didn`t wish to wreck the mood. ¡°I¡¯m ashamed to be part of that family¡± ¡°Ah everyone got family they don`t like¡± ¡°I Don`t like any of mine, they`re heartless and cruel and care only about themselves and personal advancement, I`ll go get some ice for that¡± ¡°No point it won`t last in here, too much heat¡± Ason says looking deep at her, she looks the same to him, inching closer to his face. ¡°Too much heat indeed¡± came a voice from the doorway and both snap sight to see Tristan, ¡°Captain!¡±¡­¡±Uncle!¡±. Ilaya scrambles to her feet, ¡°Ason was hurt¡± she escapes in defence. ¡°At his lips?¡± replies Tristan with a grin, Ilaya blushes as an awkward silence come upon her. ¡°Actually I¡¯m here for you Ilaya, when you didn`t show for combat training the Captain ordered an all-out search for you¡­he`s worried¡± Ilaya spins around glaring at Ason, ¡°See what I have to live by, it sucks¡± ¡°You had another engagement Ilaya; you told me you cleared your schedule¡± Ason spoke slowly rising to his feet. ¡°I did¡­I just didn`t clear clearing it with my guard Captain¡±, Tristan spots her folded gown to the bench and taking it comes to her offering it out. ¡°Ilaya Knorrinton is a good man, let¡¯s not keep him worried¡± she looks at Tristan with a nod, Tristan`s hand guides her out to his horse. Tristan returns inside to see Ason firing his hammer to a wall side. ¡°Ason!¡± Ason looks at him hard ¡°She lied to me, why did she lie¡­I¡¯m as good as dead now¡± ¡°You`ll be fine Ason but maybe now you see what I do, her feelings to you¡±, Ason walks over and picks up his forge hammer ¡°Sorry baby, I won`t let her see me again, she causes too much trouble to her own life¡± ¡°Ason she desires freedom from the slave like lifestyle she has, watching you has given her hope, you have shown her hope and she wants to feel was it`s like¡± ¡°Then maybe she should get beaten once in a while like those we beat and spit on me!¡± Ason shot out in blinding heat and looking past the ranger Ason saw Ilaya at the door, tears rolled to her face. Ason shoved Tristan aside heading to the side door, Ilaya bolts to him gripping his arm. ¡°Please! Do walk out from my life, I wish I could be hit; at least I would know I was still alive rather than living the life of a ghost. I`ll end the visits, go on with my life, stop suspicion from their minds, I heard you the other night Ason. You do think your worthy well you¡¯re wrong, very wrong¡­Like Tristan said I love what you represent and in so doing I¡¯ve fallen for you¡­I love you Ason. I hate how you are treated, but if I can stop it I will, I will play along with their side until we can meet again¡± and at Tristan`s side they leave out the door, leaving Ason angry and confused. With the site of the Elven city to their eyes, Brynn sees smoke bellowing up from buildings near his workshop. The three bolt into the city racing down the streets till flames greet their eyes, Brynn home was engulfed in the fire. ¡°Master! No!¡± Brynn yelled and Kityana tackled him down at risk to any heroism. ¡°I need to get in there, my master¡¯s items¡­his work¡± ¡°You¡¯re his work Brynn, his knowledge is in you, that`s what they want to destroy¡± ¡°But I don`t even know this enemy, I haven¡¯t caused anyone harm¡­not to merit this¡± Casavir runs out again, ¡°Casavir!¡± ¡°Where is he, she going¡±, Kityana closes her eyes to concentrate. ¡°Casavir where are you¡± Whoa what the hell, where are you¡± ¡°I have not moved, our minds are linked¡­when you¡¯re in Dragon form, what are you doing¡± ¡°Watch¡± Casavir ends and moments go by when both and a crowd gathered see the red Dragon appear gripping to a water tower, Casavir tears away the lid dumping the water to the fire putting it out. Brynn and Kityana race to the innards of the shop home. Cataloging as much as his eyes could from a quick glance, Brynn holds a defeated look. ¡°Nearly half is gone, his work destroyed. How do I move on without such a legacy¡± Kityana comes to his side ¡°You are the legacy Brynn, his greatest creation and all that is need to move on¡± Brynn looks to Kityana. ¡°Never would expect such words from a male¡± ¡°Speaking of which, what part of this facility do you need to fix us, I¡¯ll give you aid¡± she pushed on and Brynn lead her to a side room. In panic from its condition, Brynn runs to the middle looking around, ¡°Oh my god, the vials¡± Brynn states looking to a multi-colored oozing muck on the stone floor. ¡°Please tell me not all you needed was in there¡± Brynn looks back, ¡°No, it was just the key ingredients my tools are still usable but the key was this, things that took my master and me months to gather due to its rarity. The vials must have melted from the high heat and the solutions boiled with them to the floor, there useless now¡­I`m sorry Kityana but until I get more you`ll be this way for a while¡±. Kityana`s hands gripped tight but not was it aimed to him, this was not his doing. ¡°Then now we have two reasons to kill this enemy, Casavir and I will have to learn to use one another until this is over. Gather what may be important Brynn, we need to find out who and what we are dealing with¡± ¡°We must be the first group in parchment to go actually looking for ones trying to wipe me off¡± Kityana looks to him again ¡°Not as dumb of a tactic is you might think¡±. Echoing the hall with his fine metallic pace of proper order Captain Knorrinton sees an old face on approach to himself, as the old ranger drew in close Knorrinton unleashes his worries. ¡°You should`ve reported this sooner where she was¡± Tristan cocked at his unwillingness to see plainly ¡°Knorrinton she didn`t wish to be found, all she wanted was a day off from the life she`s bound to¡± ¡°She needs to be under guard¡± ¡°Knorrinton please, we both know how capable she is and how thorough she thinks events through, well enough to get past your patrols and you even¡­me as well for a time¡± ¡°And that free spirit is what I fear will bring her death, wishing to better the stone carved structure the ruling families govern by¡± Tristan comes to his side tossing a arm to Knorrinton`s shoulder ¡°Walk with me old friend¡± and both proceed down the long great hall. ¡°Staren, you can`t protect her forever and you shouldn`t fear for her, she has more of you in her than anyone¡± He smiles ¡°You have not used my front name is a very long time¡± ¡°Titles mean nothing, your protection of her will go on¡± Staren looks to him bringing his trek to a halt, ¡°Those days maybe numbered Tristan, that`s why my fear is so high¡± ¡°To what do you mean¡± Tristan asked and Staren motions to a door they walked to, it wasn`t by fluke they approached this way, Staren wished to show Tristan his concern`s and from a snap order motion the guards unlock and open the great wood doors. To their sight came the council room of the high elven elders, a chamber Tristan rarely stepped in and following the Elvish Captain was the ranger led to the spiral Mithril stairway wrapped around the great chalice of wisdom. ¡°Always a wonder to rest eyes upon, that this creation by Terashayden herself governs the elves¡± Staren looks to Tristan ¡°Don`t be so thankful to this thing yet¡± Tristan holds wonder. ¡°What is wrong?¡± ¡°She has not been told yet Tristan, I havn`t brought myself to know how to tell her¡± ¡°Tell who, what?¡± ¡°Tristan, Ilaya`s been chosen from the fate pool to be wed to Korbin¡± Tristan sighs ¡°Oh no¡± ¡°It`s worse then you know Captain, with this final union will the four families be completely blood bonded to not have any other families needed for council, this consolidates their power and with it comes an old decree, if the ruling operation has unanimous vote they can extinguish the ruling royal line creating a new one. Tristan as long as I¡¯ve been alive have I seen the marriage unions come to pass and never did I make the connection, this last union will finally be enough to put Lazarus to kingship and on the throne permanently¡­this can`t happen, it shouldn`t have come this far¡± ¡°What are you suggesting Staren? This was an accident¡± ¡°I think the fate pool was manipulated somehow forging by request these unions over the years¡­to this end, but with such slow moving integration at it would no one suspect it to be tampering¡± ¡°You don`t think the union with Korbin and Ilaya was right¡± ¡°It shouldn`t have come around, they are too different in mind, by the laws of the pool it would never be recognized as a flawless binding, someone put her name in there¡± Staren just stares into the pool growing a look of concern ¡°I`m scared Tristan, for her. She won`t know how to change in time to quieten down her voice before she permanently silenced¡± ¡°They won`t kill her, they`d do it now if that was the case¡± ¡°They need her right now Tristan, her blood tie is the only thing keeping her alive¡± ¡°We have to keep this quiet, I¡¯m sorry about Ason and what has been done to him being here in this¡± Tristan nodded ¡°He`s tough he`ll pull through¡± then an idea dawns to his mind. ¡°I might have someone that can help us one this, I`ll meet you at the gullwing tonight¡± ended Tristan and both take an exit. P31-38