#I think she has a good heart & noble instincts but needs an awakening about the horrors of her family/reality of Westeros political landsca

[matchavanillalatte]

to be honest, I understand why GRRM is gonna have Bran be king…but i don’t really like it & feel there are, perhaps, stronger choices. That 10 year old kid has been living in snow drifts, eating mystery meat fetched by an Ice Zombie, turning into a wolf, and receiving visions from the decaying corpse of the Westeros equivalent of the head of the CIA. Don’t know if he’s ready to be politicking in King’s Landing anytime soon. Sansa however…

[anangelicday-mrwolf]

Wolfsbane : Noblesse Fanfic (post-ending)

(previous chapter)

Chapter 69 – Would You Take My Hand Now? 

“Man, I knew I was born with insight. And I knew you, sir, would pull this off like...” 

“Shut up.” 

“So you can't cope with compliments when they come from me? Did anybody ever tell you what comes around goes around? That applies to the manner of speech, you know?” 

“Then allow me to rephrase myself. I would so very viciously appreciate it if you could please zip those teeth of yours.” 

“...You might want to drop the manners, if that's how you're gonna use them.” 

“I'll be happy to. Shut your pie hole.” 

Despite being the victim of Frankenstein's curses-without-curses for 3 times in a row, Muzaka did nothing to bite back at him. 

Few days ago, he received report from Frankenstein and Lukedonia in relay of the situations from Seoul and nobles, respectively. 

And earlier in the morning, Frankenstein revealed himself in the werewolf realm without anybody's notice, to demand Muzaka to lead the way to the lab. 

As flustered as the werewolf lord was, the blonde human seemingly very inclined to drag him towards the lab if he were not to comply, he had never been so happy to have an uninvited guest. 

Because he could think of only one reason why Frankenstein would sneak into his domain to head straight to the lab - diagnosis and hopefully treatment on the mystery of his body's automated refuge during the nuclear missile incident. 

And Frankenstein, based on the research files from Ignes he had obtained in advance and the results from his treatment on Yuigi, eliminated to perfection the nanochips in Muzaka's head. 

A process during which Frankenstein wore that menacing, sinister looks from beginning to the end, which derived from Muzaka's testament on the behind-the-scenes through which Crombel's nanochips nestled inside his body. 

He was aware of the fact that Muzaka had once stayed under Crombel's hospitality, but he has never got a chance to learn what exactly he had been up to with Crombel during the time. 

And as soon as he was hit by the comprehension that Muzaka provided himself as a test subject for the dead doctor, Frankenstein held a show of how to directly bombard someone's head with every curse available in human language, minus any syllable that is definitely not meant for the underaged audience. 

Muzaka knew he was guilty; now he understood how the Crombel's suggestion he had regarded as a give-and-take deal turned into more-than-troublesome sword and shield against Frankenstein and the RK during their final showdown. 

Hence the werewolf lord assumed a silent rock this time. 

He doubted Frankenstein would accept an excuse that he had no idea Crombel would develop a weapon to control 1st Elder out of the nanochips he was planted with. 

Notwithstanding, Muzaka was a werewolf of manners. 

His personality and conscience did not let him forget his gratitude.

“Thanks, Frankenstein. I owe you big. So does Adne. Don't you agree?”

Muzaka peeked at Adne, who had finally risen from his bed. 

During his treatment of Yuhyung at Seoul, Frankenstein picked up from his patient that Adne fell unconscious due to the gas he concocted. 

While he was treating Muzaka, he injected into Adne the antidote he brewed with Yuhyung's recipe. 

Thus Adne opened his eyes, and even though he was advised not to force himself back on his feet just yet, he was watching how Frankenstein was wrapping up Muzaka's treatment, from which he could always learn something, according to him. 

“Oh, and I still remember our deal. I will grant you one... I mean, two wishes that you have, no matter what it takes.” 

Frankenstein's memory was just as fresh. 

He had marked that Muzaka owe him two wishes - one from their deal regarding the latter's body state, and one from his request regarding Lunark's affection. 

And Frankenstein already knew how he would expend the two wishes, before which, however, was something he must go through. 

Which required more than his power. 

He was reminding himself that it is about time for his helper to arrive, when the door slid open. 

The resonance of footsteps raised its volume, like the set of notes on a piano, and he spun on his heels as the final footstep waltz-rolled into his heart. 

And he was met with Lunark's face, not as startled as he had expected, although she did look as if she were faced with a person she had envisioned as deceased. 

He was met with her pink pupils, wide open and spilling alarm from their cores, and her half-open lips. 

The lips he once held in his own. 

As Frankenstein kept himself busy, choking the outburst of suggestive images in his head, Muzaka greeted his warrior. 

“You're back! You did good, Lunark. You did really good. What are you waiting for, Frankenstein? Shouldn't you thank your savior?” 

Muzaka speared the air with his nose, copycating a father showing off his proud daughter. 

Frankenstein gazed at him with annoyed, questioning eyes before he nodded. 

“I'll do that. While I'm at it, let me borrow her for a minute.” 

“...Say what?” 

Lunark and Muzaka sang in unison as they gaped at Frankenstein.

“It won't take long. So excuse me, but excuse me.”

Frankenstein did not even finish his sentence before his arm extended itself towards its target, and the next moment Lunark was tiptoeing her way out of the lab, caught by Frankenstein's hand. 

Muzaka and Adne could only stare at the door, dumbstruck by the event that befell in the speed of light. 

“Couldn't you at least give us a hint what this is about?” 

*****

'Why are we here?' 

Lunark flung her eyes about her, unable to settle down. 

Yet she could only retrieve her eyes at the pink poking her eyes. 

She and Frankenstein happened to be standing in the sea of wolfsbanes, the site that held the memoir of their first kiss still oscillating with gorgeous pink. 

Because of which Lunark could simply fumble in silence, lost in the details of the disaster from the past. 

And that was a cue for Frankenstein to begin. 

“First of all, thanks.” 

“Uh... What's that?” 

“Thanks for saving me at Lukedonia.” 

“O-oh... D-don't mention it.” 

“And sorry.” 

“A-about what...?” 

“You had to go through all that trouble because of me. And I almost killed you. Not to mention you had to break your long-lived bow.” 

“Uh... Oh... You mean the fact that I accepted the Noblesse's power and therefore broke my bow that I shall nurture my natural-born power without any experiment or body modification? Don't be sorry. I knew what I was doing, and I have no regrets whatsoever. Even if I were to go back in time, I would have made the same choice, although I have to admit that was the only option available for me back then. And, uh... No need to be sorry that you almost killed me. It wasn't you. It was the Dark Spear.” 

A hurried array of excuses naturally rendered Lunark speechless, which did not bring the same effect upon her company.

“When I drank the tonic with the components altered by 3rd Elder...” 

Days were not enough to dilute his nightmarish memories from the time.

The moment he downed the liquid, he could feel sleep - no, he could feel vertigo looming towards him, giving no time at all for him to look for a spare awakening or tonic. 

Like a tumult of unstoppable torrent from a dam cracked, the tsunami of sleep he had been long forcing in imprisonment engulfed him. 

He could feel the Dark Spear screaming in glee even before he blacked out. 

The weapon was screaming, Now it's all over!!! 

As he felt his legs and eyelids giving in, the best and the most he could do was picturing a series of faces. 

Raizel. 

M-21, Takio, and Tao. 

Regis and Seira. 

Gechutel, Karious, Rael. 

Razark, Rayga, and Tesamu. 

And...... 

Lunark. 

Soundlessly shrieking out her name was the last thing he did before his mind slipped away from his grasp. 

“That was when I realized how distinct my feelings have grown. I realized that my feelings for you can no longer stay unspoken.” 

As Frankenstein was stitching the air with a now-I-don't-care-whatever-happens tone, Lunark was still quiet. 

This time, however, she could not speak up.

'Did I hear correctly...? Frankenstein loves me...?!' 

Clutching tightly to her heart that had been fluttering like petals dancing in the moonlight since who-knows-when, Lunark kept attentive to Frankenstein's speech. 

“I knew what my heart was telling me, but I could only play deaf. The Dark Spear in me has grown powerful enough to jeopardize my control, after it took over Crombel and his Blood Stone. I was afraid it will hurt those dear to me... I was afraid it will hurt you. But thanks to you, it has lost the Blood Stone and became tame enough -somewhat - so now I have no more reason to avoid you. And most importantly, my master told me this. We should live our lives to the fullest during the time given to us, without any regret. We must look into our hearts to determine what it is that we really want. And we must make a choice for ourselves.” 

Sounds just like something from a soul born with eternal time but bound to the burdens of Noblesse, thought Lunark as she nodded. 

“And as I came up with your name in the course of my possession by the Dark Spear... I felt regret burning like hellfire inside me. I kept lamenting, if only I were honest with my feelings for just a little. If only I could at least give a signal of my feelings for you. Back then I'd thought my future is no more, so I'd thought I'll be losing you and the rest of my people.”

Lunark's lips were fastened seamlessly as she took in Frankenstein's voice, now turned into a whisper. 

For she had gone through something similar rather recently. 

When she was pouring Raizel's power into Frankenstein's body via kiss, she did not think about what will break beyond that point. 

The only thing she could think of was saving Frankenstein.

Ironically, at the corner of her brain she could view a list of highlights from her life. 

The list of every word and time she shared with Frankenstein, ever since they first met as enemies at Seoul. 

Her survival instinct screeched at her that she can no longer carry or cumulate these memories, which left bitter regrets in her heart for a second. 

She regretted that she did not confess her feelings or make more memories with him. 

And here she was, figuring out that Frankenstein had felt the same regret that had haunted her. 

His feelings were the same, so she could feel tiny expectation bloating like a balloon. 

“And recently, I almost lost you. I almost lost myself. I almost lost everything I treasure... And I shall have no more regrets.” 

So you mean...? 

Lunark could only reiterate the question stuck in her throat, when Frankenstein at last turned his eyes towards her. 

“You might be disappointed in me, since I've been staying single for more than 820 years. Nevertheless, would you take my hand now?” 

Frankenstein's confession was quite direct, truthful to his claim of being single for more than 8 centuries, which was regardless faded in the feathery texture of his voice and the heart-melting perfume from Lunark's cardiac muscle. 

Which was why Lunark let out a relaxed sigh of laughter in reply. 

“I could say the same thing. I had no reason at all to familiarize myself with romance so far... Why would you opt for a terrifying woman like me?”

“Because you're terrifying. Or should I say fiery?” 

Lunark did not expect him to remember the semi-jest she threw at him during their first encounter. 

She could once again revel at how deep her love is, feeling no cringe at all at his delicacy, and her hand was bound by a quintet of huge, slender fingers. 

“Which reminds me, isn't this near the spot we had our first kiss?”

A sentence was more than enough to drown Lunark's cheeks with streaks of red like bombs, and Frankenstein smirked. 

“The first one was an accident. And the second one was stolen by the Dark Spear, during a situation that will allow no chance in hell for a romantic mood... Which is why this time I'll do it myself.”

What?! H-hold on a sec!! 

The man did not spare a second for her to stop him. 

As outgoing as he is, his arm was weighed with strength just as audacious, and its mind-blowing aftermath soon took over Lunark's lips. 

And the werewolf was swept in the impression that the entire blood in her body was drawn to her lips. 

For each of strokes and rubs Frankenstein's mouth made, a rumbling noise one would hear from a freight train spread from her lips throughout her wholesome form, to raise full blooms of elation to every corner and plain of her body, not a speck to be left desolate. 

Lunark's hands, wobbling between sweetness and daze, soon secured themselves onto Frankenstein's chest, to slowly wind across his shoulders and around his neck. 

The two figures basked in the kiss more electrical than the first and more ecstatic than the second, while the pink petals of wolfsbanes surrounding them rippled like dancers blessing them. 

*****

A follow-up on their fluffy-soft and flowery-perfumed kiss in declaration of love, Frankenstein put on that signature full-of-poise smile of his. 

“Now it's time for us to deal with the remaining obstacles. But first thing first - I need you to get changed.” 

He pulled out from his jacket a white dress shirt, meticulously squared and folded in a clean bag of plastic. 

“Sorry. I know I should've brought a brand new one, but I have no knowledge of your accurate size. So I had to opt for one from my own closet. And don't worry. It's washed.” 

Lunark took the bag from him, locking her teeth from spilling that if it is from his collection, he is practically rewarding her. 

“But you'll have to grab one from your possessions as for the fabrics to cover your lower appendages. And it'd better be something comfortable for you to move in.” 

“Uh... Sure. But why would you offer this out of the blue...?”

Her eyes twitched in puzzlement, earning from Frankenstein an unexpressed pleasure of witnessing her loveliness, and he smirked and retorted with a brief explanation. 

“...What?!” 

And Lunark could once again realize how outgoing her man could be, as she rolled her eyes in bewilderment. 

(next chapter)

At last, ladies and gentlemen, Frankenstein and Lunark are official in my fic! XD It took 69 chapters for them to be together, but guess what - next chapter will be the final chapter for this fic. :P

As for Raizel’s advice mentioned in the middle of this chapter, I made a reference to the theme message from the original webtoon during its early seasons. We must live our lives to fullest during the time designated to us, making choices by ourselves and for ourselves. Back when the webtoon was ongoing, the only impression I got was that it sounds good to me, but nowadays as days pass and seasons change, I’m growing to agree with this idea more and more. Which is why I personally wanted to make a reference to this message in my fic.

Anyways, next chapter will be the final chapter for this fic. I’d like to say you’ve been doing an amazing job of keeping up with me so far, and I’d like to ask you to please stay with me for just one more week. Thanks so much! :)

[leonthecardboardunicorn]

The Oracle Prince, Chapter 12

Pairing: Viggo/Liz

Summary: We’ve found the gems of the Dragonkin, but now Hawkeye has their eye on the treasures of the noble families. The Foundation Day royal ball seems like the perfect time. Luckily, we have the help of the crown prince- Viggo?! 

First: Chapter 1

Previous: Chapter 11

Note: The cg that I used for a preview was meant to go this chapter, but I redid it. The first cg of this chapter is the redone one.

We returned to the ballroom with a mission. When our friends gathered again, they came with a list.

My heart sank as I looked over the list. Nobles of all ranks and varying countries, all missing just like Viggo's parents, just like Zeus's.

"They knew what they were doing," Albert said. "There are nobles from Queensblade, from Hinomoto.. If any of them die, it would be reason enough to start a war with Gedonelune."

"But if the Dragon of Time awakens in Hawkeye's hands," Hugo said, "it will be the end for all of us."

"All those people..!" Viggo cried. "What am I supposed to do?!"

This couldn't be the end. Everything we'd worked for- "Surely, there must be another way," I suggested, casting around for ideas. "We can.. we can find out where Hawkeye is keeping them, or- or-"

"There's no time," Felix said. "We have only a few hours until Midnight. Besides, we have no idea where they're keeping them."

"They would find another way," Viggo said, burying his face in his hands. He let out a bitter laugh. "Even if we saved them, even if we did everything right, they would find another way. They'd keep going until the Dragon of Time woke up, until my vision came true. This was.. this was what was always destined to happen, and I was an idiot for thinking otherwise."

Silence hung in the air as the truth fell over us. Hawkeye had played us for fools.

Felix broke the silence first. When he spoke, his eyes were distant. "You know, it's funny.. I always wondered if I'd meet him again, but I didn't think it would be like this."

Viggo turned to face him. "You.. met the Dragon of Time?"

"Once. At a party much like this. I'll never forget his kindness- or his strength. Even I was afraid. But he just told me not to let my heart grow dark. 'What you seek will come back to you in time,' he said. 'Don't let your heart grow cold, and I shall not let mine.'"

He closed his eyes. "But I didn't. I fell with pain in my heart, and I awoke in darkness. Because of that, this world nearly fell to ashes."

"..But I didn't," Lacan said, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Once upon a time, I awoke to the sky falling, encouraged by hate, just like Felix did. But this time, I awoke to a song, to friends being there to embrace me."

And something stirred within me as I heard Lacan's voice. A strange idea occurred to me.

Once upon a time, we had been afraid of so many things. We had been afraid to free the cursed prince of the Labyrinth. We had been afraid to awaken Lacan.

I slowly got to my feet. "I.. I think we need to awaken the Dragon of Time."

"What are you saying?" Viggo cried. "You know what'll happen if he falls in Hawkeye's hands-"

"So then let him fall in yours."

"What?!"

"We have the gems. We have the power, the heir of Siegfried. We can awaken him before they even have a chance. The Dragon of Time was once a force for good in this land, and I know he can be again- but only if its by your hand, by your choice! We'll awaken him with old friends to greet him, with joy in our hearts, not with their pain and sorrow!"

Viggo's eyes widened- and then he stepped back. "No. No way." He shook his head. "You have no idea what you're asking."

"Then are you going to let it all end here?! I know that isn't what you want!" The words came pouring out of me. "I know you care about your people, about stopping Hawkeye. That's what all of this has been for! I can't believe the man I know would never give up without a fight!"

Viggo was quiet for a long, long time. No one dared to speak. And then finally, he raised his chin and nodded. "..Fine. I'll do it."

I looked to the others. Each of them openly staring, but finally they all nodded too.

"If this is what you think is right," Zeus said, "we'll follow you."

"Heck, it could be kind of fun. Always wanted to meet the big guy."

"There's just one problem," Felix said. "We're still missing one of the gems."

My heart dropped. Despite everything, we'd still only managed to find five of the gems. We wouldn't have thought we would need all of them like this.

"I'm surprised that you haven't figured it out yet." I froze as I heard the familiar voice. I looked up to see Vain leaning against the doorway.

"You..!"

"Who are you?" Viggo asked.

"He's a friend of ours," I said. "Sort of."

"Does that matter now? Focus on the last gem. I suspect that you already know what it is, little bunny. I'm guessing you've seen it enough times by now."

“I-I don't know. We haven't found a trace of either of them-”

“Don't think of that. After all, all you need is one.”

I tried to clear my mind, trying to picture the gem.

Viggo spoke up first. “From what we found, it seems the gem runs in Jaden's family. Is there.. something that Cordelia carried?”

And I knew it. I could see it, shining as bright as day, a gem as silver as the wind. “That's right! Cordelia's necklace!”

Vain smirked. "Now you've got it, Goddess of Time."

“But even still, how would we be able to get it from her? She didn't listen to us before."

"Leave that to me," Vain said, getting to his feet. "Cordelia and I have.. a connection. I'll bring her to the Tower of Sorrow."

There was something in his tone that I couldn't place. But I had to trust him now. "Right, then we'll leave that to you."

Viggo's eyes widened, and then he nodded. "Then it looks like the rest is up to us." He turned to the others, and his voice turned stern. “Those of you with the gems, get to the Tower of Sorrow. We'll meet you there.”

“What about us?” Zeus asked.

“You're friends with Queen Zenobia, yeah? I need the rest of you to stay here and try to settle things while we're gone.”

“You can count on us.” The others nodded, their mission set.

"And as for us.." Viggo turned to me, tugging on the key around his neck. "It looks like it's time for us to head to the vault."

Viggo peeked over his shoulder, clicking his tongue in irritation. "The place is crawling with guards."

"There they are!" I saw the guards approaching us; I recognized the Oxford symbol on their capes.

I reacted on instinct, whipping out my wand. "Saggita Lumen!" The guards fell back with the burst of light, and Viggo turned to me in amazement. I smiled. "If there's no path, you've got to make one yourself, right?"

He laughed, honest and true. "That's the spirit." He twirled his pipe in his hands. "Pugnus Tempestus!" The mist turned into a fist, knocking the guards down as they tried to get back up. Blast after blast, he knocked them away.

"Viggo-"

"That should be enough." He put away his pipe and grabbed my hand. "Quickly!" He practically tore the key from his neck as he ran up to the door, jamming it in. The door glowed for a moment- and then slid open.

My breath hitched as I saw the room. Jewels glittered from the tops of the shelves throughout the room, decorating the walls. It was just as Viggo had said. "This must be.. all of the treasures of the royal family."

And there it was, lying on a table in the middle of the room, a belt shining with light. 'Everything we've been fighting for has been here,' I thought, walking up to the table. My hand reached out to the belt; it felt cold to the touch. 'With this, we can..'

Viggo looked over his shoulder. The guards were scrambling to their feet. "We don't have much time. We should head out."

"Right." I scooped up the belt. And once again, we took off- to our next destination, where everything would come to an end- the Tower of Sorrow.

We ran, ran through the forest until every breath hurt, until my legs felt numb.

'We just.. have a little farther to go,' I thought. 'I can't give up now.'

Viggo looked over his shoulder at me. He didn't look tired at all. "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine!" I said. But as I spoke, my knees gave in. I fell- and couldn't get back up.

"Liz!" Viggo rushed to my side.

I couldn't hold him back. Not now, everything was depending on him. "G-go on without me."

"Tch. I'm not leaving without you." Suddenly, he knelt down, easily scooping me up in his arms.

"Viggo!"

"If I'm doing this," he said, meeting my eyes, "I want you by my side." He said it so firmly that my heart was racing. How could I turn him down?

And suddenly we were there, at the Tower of Sorrow. How many times had I been here? How many times had I seen it in the distance? But I couldn't imagine we'd be here like this.

Stepping inside,  I saw our friends were already waiting for us- along with familiar faces. Headmaster Schuyler, Randolph, and..

"Cordelia." My heart clenched as I saw her, standing at Vain's side.

"Save the mushiness," she said shortly. "I had my own reasons for coming here, nothing to do with you."

"..Right." I still had many questions, but now was not the time for it.

She took out something from her pocket, a gem as silver as the wind. "This is what you're looking for, isn't it? Your little knight already scanned it for you." I looked to Felix, and he nodded.

"Y-yes, thank you."

"Liz, Viggo." We both turned at the sound of Randolph's voice. He was looking at us seriously. "They told us what you're planning to do. Are you certain about this?"

"Think carefully," Schuyler warned. "Once you do this, you cannot go back. This will have consequences for all of Gedonelune. Are you ready to bear that burden?"

I looked to Viggo, and I could tell he was as resolute as I was. Viggo nodded. "I am. Going back was never an option."

Randolph and Schuyler shared a look. And then Randolph smiled. "All right. Then we will follow where you lead."

One by one, Viggo carefully placed each of the gems into the belt. My breath hitched in my throat as I saw the gems shining on the belt.

'We did it. We really did it.'

"Here it is. Now all that's left to do is take it up to the Dragon of Time." I wondered if I was just imagining how Viggo's hands were trembling.

And I heard someone pounding, pounding at the door. The others immediately drew their wands.

"It looks like we've got company," Felix said. "You two, go on ahead! We'll take care of these guys!"

"Right!" Viggo grabbed my hand, and away we went, to where it would all end.

Finally, we reached the top floor of the Tower of Sorrow. We found her there, standing before the Dragon of Time. Daniel stood behind her with the king; the king was wrapped in chains of light.

Jaden smiled. "So you've chosen the life of your father after all. How heartwarming."

"Viggo!" the king cried. "Don't do this!"

"Silence." She turned back to Viggo. "Now then, little prince, hand over the gems."

"You're mistaken, Jaden." Viggo's voice was strong as he faced her. "I've brought the gems, but I'm not playing by the rules of your game. I will be the one to awaken the Dragon of Time!"

For the first time, open shock flashed across her face. "What?! Do you think you can fool us with that obvious lie? Hand over the gems!"

"It's not a lie, Jaden," I said. "Despite everything you've tried, we've found all the gems. If the Dragon of Time is destined to awaken, it will be by our hand!"

"T-that's impossible!" Viggo took out the belt, shining with light, and Jaden went pale as a ghost.

"Go, Viggo!" He ran towards the dragon-

But her expression hardened, dark magic gathering in her hand. "Daniel! Attack!"

"You'll have to get past me first!" I took out my wand. All I had to do was hold off Jaden long enough for Viggo to reach the dragon. "Saggita Lumen!"

Viggo dodged between them, and suddenly he was before the Dragon of Time. And, the belt in his hand, I could see him trembling.

He was afraid, and I couldn't say I wasn't. The world was counting on him. If we were wrong, then here and now would be our end. But I wasn't going to go out in fear.

"Viggo!" I cried out. "I know you can do this! You are the one who fought against fate to save this kingdom! You are the one who the Dragon of Time chose!"

And I could see his resolution take form as he faced the dragon. This time, there was no doubt in his heart. "I am Viggo of Gedonelune, heir of Siegfried! O Dragon of Time, hear my cry- and awaken!"

Slowly, the stone of ages fell away, and there he was-

And at long last, the Dragon of Time let out a mighty cry, rippling through the land. And in my heart, it sounded like a song.

Willem: I can't believe Hugo is finally back.

Hugo: I.. didn't go anywhere?

Willem: That is.. no, not you. The other Hugo. The dragon one.

Hugo: Wait, that's his name? I didn't know that.

Willem: Really? I thought your parents would have named you after him. Did you never talk about the Dragon of Time in the future?

Hugo: No, not really. We didn't have time for it.

Willem: Ha! Time. That's a good one.

Hugo: ..What are you talking about?

Willem: ..Nevermind. Anyway, next time on. What choice will you make?

[thedyingmoon]

💜 This I Promise 💜

***

LXIII. Lavender

***

When I saw her there, I felt the whole world around me stop. It's as if the force that pulled me to the ground was suddenly taken away by her, pulling me closer and closer, to wherever she was.

I met her there at one of the Elite Nobles' gatherings. It was the first time I met her, but I honestly thought I was taken away by her with just that one look of hers.

And when I heard her speak, I knew I was taken prisoner by this enchanting creature.

Yes, this enchantress.

"Why do you always have that look?" She told me once with that precious, little voice of hers.

"I always look like this." I answered back with ferocity, not really wanting her to notice how I felt about her.

"Oh, that's weird. But, you know, I like the color of your eyes." She said, then smiled at me - that smile that instantly melted my heart - seemingly not minding my rude attitude towards her. "My name is Lavender. How about you?"

Right there, I hesitated whether I should tell her who I was, thinking that she would surely despise me because of my Ackerman lineage, but there really was something about her eyes that kept me hypnotized. And when I told her my name, I knew it deep within my heart that I will forever be her prisoner.

She smiled once more, that smile so honest, pure and innocent, that knew no hatred or animosity.

"It's nice to meet you, Kenny Ackerman."

From then on, I looked forward to these boring gatherings. And the only thing that helped me endure them was her lively personality and company.

Sometimes, we would skip meetings together to go to King Fritz's garden. Right there, we endlessly talked about silly nothings like the weather, the nobles' stupid attires, and her own stupid piano tutor who would doze off in the middle of the lesson. Heck, we even talked about her favorite character from her favorite fairy tale, (F/N) (L/N), who was a girl who can grant anyone's wishes.

"Isn't (F/N) like Freida Reiss, then?" I asked her about that one time.

"No, she doesn't have powers like the Coordinate." Lavender told me. "You see, she grants them using her own strength and dedication and love. She will do anything to protect her loved ones."

"But, that's how she died, ya?"

"Yes, but it was a happy kind of ending. The Elf Prince, who witnessed all her hardships, brought her back to life and gave her wings and they lived happily ever after."

Hahaha, sure, why the fuck not?

We always do the same stupid thing for almost a year, and I thought that that year was the best time of my own miserable life.

But, just like any other stupid love story you can buy at cheap, stupid bookstores, every story has its own stupid plot twist, be it good, or bad.

Ha. Guess which one I got?

"Kenny, I would like you to meet Thomas Arlert. My fiance'" She said to me as she introduced the man I hated for the rest of my life.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Kenny."

"And, we're going to get married next month! You'll be the Godfather of our child, please, say yes."

Yes. And that's another stupid, plot twist for you.

Turned out that my precious Lavender was with child, and not mine, but that of that stupid Arlert guy I will hate for the rest of my life.

The news that greeted, no, that hit me in the face and laughed, was still on my mind as I watched my nephew grew stronger with his own Ackerman awakening. Even then, it was still on my mind as I left Levi to fend for his own.

I didn't attend the next Noble gatherings for the following week, and the knowledge of my absence was quickly spreading like wildfire. So, I had to show my face, even for just one time only, to not raise any suspicion.

Why? You can't just blame an old, broken - hearted man, ya hear?

Anyway, I did show my face, but it was after two years. And when I saw my Lavender again, she was holding this really tiny human she lovingly called, well, Lavender.

"What is that?" I asked her like I never saw a human baby before.

"My child Lavender. And I'm mad at you!"

At this point, I no longer cared. And she was the one who got mad? Come on,...

"Why would you get mad?"

"Because you didn't attend my wedding, and the Baptism, Lavender's first birthday, and,..."

On and on, she droned like a buzzing bee, not even noticing for a bit how this Lavender child looked at me. She had those huge (E/C) eyes that stared at me in awe, like I was fucking Saint Nicholas, or whatever. And when I spoke to her, something happened that reignited some old flame that had died deep inside my heart.

"What are you fucking staring at, tiny human?" I told her, then she giggled and giggled until the whole place was filled with her tiny voice.

"Kenny, I think she likes you." Lavender told me as she carefully handed me the baby.

And right at that moment, I felt some connection to her I couldn't quite explain. No, it was not that sensation I felt the first time I saw Lavender. It was, should I say, a whole lot different.

No, no, not that thing you're thinking of, 'cause that would be fucking criminal.

But, yeah. I felt something about this kid. And as I visit her from time to time, watching her as she grew up, that feeling only became stronger.

You see, I never called her by her name, Lavender. It just didn't sound right. So, at first, I just called her kid or brat. Whatever swings my mood.

"Hey, kid." I called to her. She dropped her doll and automatically went towards me. "How would you like to be called (F/N) (L/N)?"

"(F/N)?" The kid asked, probably wondering where I got that name.

"Ya. You like that?"

And after that, she giggled and giggled like that first time we met.

See? She likes that name! So, I called her that, but only when her parents were not around, which was almost everyday.

But, that one fateful day, just like any other day, started off as normally as possible.

I visited (F/N) once more to bring her Levi's old stuffed animal that the stupid brat tossed because he didn't like it. She took it with utter curiosity and looked at me with wide eyes.

"That was Levi's stuffed animal, and since he didn't like it, you can have it. I bought it from the Capital, you know. And I still have it with me, so you can have it." I told her.

"Who is Levi?" she curiously asked.

"Oh, just my stupid nephew."

(F/N)'s eyes grew even wider.

"Can I play with him?"

"Haha, yeah, sure, if he doesn't mind playing with brats like you,..."

And that was what really startled me. At that brief moment, I felt something weird at the thought of (F/N) having to meet Levi.

Then, a thought came to me: Lavender and I were never meant for each other.

But, could (F/N) and Levi be?

Like those other important times when my instincts were really kicking inside of me and telling me what to do, I took (F/N) and carried her all the way to the mansion to ask for permission to bring in my stupid nephew for the kids to meet and play.

But, as I've said, that one fateful day started off as normally as possible.

And it changed everything.

"Hey, Lavender, I was planning to bring in my nephew Levi so the kids could meet and play - "

"No! This is wrong! You should not have brought that book here! You're putting our lives in danger,..." I saw Lavender arguing with her husband.

"But, this is the real deal!" Thomas argued back, showing the said book to his worried wife. "We could make tons of cash if we sell this Underground!"

Lavender just smiled sarcastically. "Thomas, I thought we agreed upon this! We don't need that! We already have everything - !"

"NO! YOU have everything in the world!" The husband pointed angrily towards the woman I once loved and with igniting fury, he continued arguing. "Look at you! You're an heir to your grandmother's title, a future Duchess! While I'm here, as useless as ever, and just a fucking Honorary Noble who came from Wall Maria and  who just got recognized by the King by working my ass off. But, with this, we could make millions!"

"Rubbish!"

"Shut the fuck up, you hag!"

"Hurt her and I'll fucking kill you!"

Both Thomas and Lavender looked at me, surprised that I was there, listening in on their conversation.

"What in the Hades are you doing here?!"

"How about you, what is that thing you're holding onto that is even more important than your own family?" I started firing back at her stupid husband when Lavender finally had it, taking the crying (F/N) and left.

The next day, I found out that Lavender Fleminger and Thomas Arlert were accused of possessing a forbidden book about the outside the World and were sentenced to immediate execution.

"Please, I know you love Lavender." Claire Louise Fleminger, Duchess of Orvud and mother of Lavender, pleaded with me behind bars, since those madmen threw the poor, innocent woman into a dungeon for suspected connivance with the wrong - doers. "Save them, Kenny! Please!"

"I'll do what I can." I told her. "But, I could never promise that I would spare her husband."

And with that, I left her and went to the mansion, only to find Lavender and Thomas still arguing with each other, despite the warnings and threats they have received.

From there, I looked at the person I once loved, thinking only of those happy days we were together, of those endless talks in the garden, about the weather, about the silly clothes of the nobles, of the stupid piano tutor who dozes off in the middle of the lessons, of the fairy tale character named (F/N),...

... and I knew that she, along with her husband, who I will hate for the rest of my miserable life, could no longer be spared. And at that brief moment, she turned to look at me.

It was the last time we looked at each other like that.

Her stupid husband stopped firing shit for a while as he noticed this and went towards me.

"Help us, Kenny, I beg of you." The idiot said as he kneeled in front of me. "I already sent the book away from here! We no longer have it! My younger brother has it! Please, spare us!"

But, I ignored him and went towards (F/N), who was still crying, confused, and holding onto Levi's stuffed animal like it could drive away the demons that plagued her family. I took the child and turned away from that place, away from the rest of the Fleminger household,...

... away from the woman I once loved,...

... and probably still do,...

But, before I left, I heard her say this,...

"Keep her safe, promise me."

That was the last thing I heard from her before I left the house with (F/N) and my second - in - command, Traute Carven.

Before I heard gunshots coming from that place,...

I knew you assumed it was all good now. But, you're wrong. Even the storm that ensued the event assures you of this.

Eventually, they found out that the Fleminger couple had a child and immediately spread out around the city looking for her, even in the relentless rain,...

... even knowing that a child couldn't possibly have done anything wrong despite the mistakes of her parents.

After so much running and hiding, we pushed her there, at a farm in a remote village in Wall Rose. Traute and I have to, or else death would come to both the two of us and that innocent child.

But, just like any other stories, everything returned to normal. Traute's team who were loyal only to us made sure to pronounce Claire Louise Lavender Fleminger as dead to avoid further investigation. Rod's loyal dogs even released the poor Duchess after a month.

Then, after a month, I visited the family who took in Lavender.

"I came to ask for a little girl about this tiny."

"Oh! You knew the girl! We didn't even know what to do with her during that storm, so we took her in!" A ginger - haired woman, who opened the door, told me.

"Is she safe?"

"Yes." the woman said and pointed towards their vast field, where a (H/C) haired child was playing happily with a ginger - haired little girl of the same age. "As you can see, my Petra already considers the girl as her sister. But, will you take the girl now?"

"Oh, no, no, no. I only came to visit her. But, can you, please, take care of her? I'll send in whatever I can to help financially. I promise."

"What is your name, Sir?"

"Oh, my name is not important. Don't mind it."

The woman smiled at me, then sighed.

"But, we don't know what to call her. What is her name, Sir?"

I smiled at her, thinking of the girl who granted wishes with her own strength and determination, as told from the favorite fairy tale of the woman I still adored and will always love for the rest of my life.

"Her name,... is (F/N) (L/N)."

***

~ @levi4mikasa , @chocolate-mmilk , @yepps , @unhappysap , @shewolfofficial , @super-peace-fangirl , @fangurl-ontgeside , @nerdyphantomlady , and @emilyackerman78 . 💜

***

💜💜💜

***

[sobiwanfan]

For the Honour of a Lady

In a fitful rest, Obi-Wan tossed and turned. The drugs injected into his system after the battle caused him to remain asleep, though if he had his way, he would have awakened a long time ago. The sound of canon fire echoed in his eardrums. It felt as though he could not hear properly, as though everything was muffled. The bodies of his team, the troopers with him on the ship came before his eyes and he immediately felt a wave of regret come over him. Logically, they would not be here because they died, but for some reason, they were lying on the ground near the location Waxer and Boil brought him after they retrieved him from the wreckage. Finally, the medicine wore off and Obi-Wan blinked his eyes open. Immediately, he shut them, in order to block out the bright white light from the medical centre. After a moment, he opened them again and slowly sat up. The wounds he claimed were ‘not that serious’ were in fact far more critical than he allowed himself to let on in the midst of a battle.

 -----

Sabé was not a woman who easily fell prey to the gossip of the HoloNet News and trash-talk articles. However, with her friend on the frontlines, the former decoy took to keeping an eye out for any knowledge that might bear some truth. It was the only way she could bear witness of her friend. She hated the war, at the same time, in spite of the guilt felt, a small part of her was grateful for the opportunity that had availed from it. The HoloNet News was entirely inaccurate, portraying Jedi Kenobi to be an arrogant fool who surrounded himself with women. Sabé knew Obi-Wan better than that and did not take it to heart. Even so, it was still nice to see his visage again, to hear his voice during those rare moments when the cameras caught him speaking in the background to troops or fellow colleagues. It was the closest she had come to being in contact with him or even being witness to his life in eleven years. The last time she had spoken to him, they had been on Naboo and it was as the funeral of his master and mentor Qui-Gon Jinn. It was about as long since she had seen his smile, the way his eyes would light up and the warm peace she always felt in his presence. Though Sabé would not allow herself to admit it, not a day had gone by without her thinking about his memory. It was his memory that ensured that she never faltered in her duties and always strove to be the finest decoy and handmaiden the Naboo had ever seen. It had been so long, far too long. However, this was not how Sabé had hoped to see her friend again. Not like this, anything but this. The handmaiden was sensitive to the Force, but untrained. It was not her path to follow and so she chose to serve the Naboo Queen-turned-Senator Amidala. It did not stop her from feeling the emotions of others. It was Jedi Kenobi’s pain that she felt strongest on that day and she knew something terrible had happened to the noble knight. She could not leave right away; it was not permitted. Nor would it have been proper to walk out in the middle of duty.

  As a handmaiden, Sabé was trained to hidden in plain sight. It was a gift and a curse. Today, it was a bit of both. Duty ensured that Sabé kept her emotions separate from her. It also held her prisoner to a meeting that she suddenly had no interest in. While Sabé had not fought on the frontlines, she was more than familiar with the dangers of battle. Her training had prepared her well for it. It had prepared her for loss as well, but the idea of losing Obi-Wan was something she could not fathom. It was the practice of light meditation that ensured she could make it to the end of the day. In silence, Sabé cleared her thoughts and imagined she was in the famous gardens in the senatorial district with her old friend. She could almost smell the warm scents of wild flowers and Paogna tea, spice, and fresh water, just as she could almost see Obi-Wan’s gentle smile. If only it was real. The first chance she had, Sabé made an excuse to step out. She needed to contact someone, anyone, to learn what she could about the great Jedi Knight. Sabé only needed to turn on the HoloNet News to catch the latest events. As always, it was entirely glamorised and the truth was so watered down that it was difficult to find it at all. In fact, it was only an unintentional scan of the camera that alerted Sabé to her fears. Skywalker was talking with the reporters, his expression cocky but still stern, when Sabé noticed in the background that Obi-Wan was being placed on a cot and carried away by medical droids. It was all she needed to see.

 ‘The healers are going to need security to ensure the Separatists don’t take advantage of the situation and capture them for their own purposes. So we’re going to be getting some security to stand by and guard them during their journey like escorts. ‘That’s where you come in,’ Saché explained when Sabé approached her on the matter. ‘Soren-Captain Typho has it all under control. I saw to it that you will board this afternoon.’ Sabé thanked her and the security captain for their quick thinking and was soon departing for the shuttle that would take her to the planet of Geonosis. It would be another two days before she arrived. The medical centre was more like a hodgepodge building held together by old-fashioned nails and tarp. It was makeshift, but it was enough to protect the patients from the elements. It was upon her arrival that Sabé chastised herself for not bringing some holo-novels for him to read. She did not know how long he would stay and wanted to keep him distracted from the horrors he had experienced. Sabé, however, did not forget to bring the small sachet of Paonga tea. If what Rabé used to say was correct, it would help him relax and help with any inflammation of his muscles. In spite of the long years since she last set eyes on the great Jedi Knight, Sabé felt as though time had stood still. The war had aged him and he looked weary, but he was still every bit the young man she met all those years ago. If the doctors were aware of their friendship, they did not say. The fact they respected her unspoken need for privacy was greatly appreciated and Sabé promised herself to thank them later for their kindness. It took all of her strength not to succumb to her concerns and the silent longing she had buried for so long. Obi-Wan was alive and healing. There was hope enough to be found in this truth, so she held onto it. Quietly approaching, she instinctively bowed in silent greeting. She did not know why she did it; it just seemed the right thing to do. ‘Master Jedi Kenobi-’ she began softly before falling silent as she closed her eyes. It was difficult to ignore the weight of his wounds, the pallor of his skin and the many tubes, bandages, and medical equipment that surrounded him. ‘Obi-Wan—I’m so sorry my friend I came as quickly as I could.’ There was so much she wanted to say but the words would not come. It was with great caution she reached out to take his hand in hers, to give it a gentle squeeze. ‘You’re not alone, not anymore,’ she whispered.

<HR>

Even after speaking to Master Windu and Master Yoda over the holocom, Obi-Wan believed that he was back on Coruscant. Perhaps it was the medical droid that often came in to check on him or the way the bacta smelled so familiar. He could still taste it at the back of his throat. It reminded him of the many times he was injured and healing back in the Jedi Temple. There were many occasions when he was younger that such things happened, whether it was a lightsaber injury or learning a new fighting style. Sometimes the other boys and he would rough-house and take things too far, landing them all in the medical wing. The medicine administered to him kept bringing him in and out of consciousness. However, it was always one familiar face that came to the forefront of his thoughts, especially when the pain was almost too hard to bear. Sometimes, he believed she was right there beside him, even though it had been over a decade since he last saw her in person. In his head, it was just yesterday.

Sabé did not know how long she remained by Obi-Wan’s side. The minutes had bled into hours without her ever moving from where she sat. She could feel his pain, the numbness of the drugs that coursed through his veins. She was helpless to end it so she found another way to make his suffering a little more bearable. With a voice that was too soft for the nurses or med droids to hear, Sabé spoke of the past. She recalled with a sad smile the long conversations shared, and admitted that she still had his Padawan braid carefully hidden woven into the ribbons that hung from her blade. Sabé spoke of their time apart, the moments of her life that he had influenced without physically being there. To honour his name and the memory of their friendship, she strove to become the finest head handmaiden the Naboo had ever seen. Sabé would never be a knight, but she could strive to embody the codes of honour that Obi-Wan held so dear. There was no talk of the war, no negative thoughts expressed, only unadulterated gratitude and humble hope.

This time, when he regained consciousness, Sabé was really there and he had a hard time believing it, for the medicine also dulled his sensitivity to the Force. ‘Sabé?’ he asked, his voice light but strained due to the pain it caused his ribs. He blinked his eyes a few times, not believing them. Then he felt her hand in his own as well as the concern riddled in her expression. She was not the smiling young woman from his dreams, but a more mature and elegant form of his dear friend who was very concerned about him. Even without sensing things as clearly as he normally could, he knew her concern was for him and this humbled him. But his thoughts were disjointed and he still believed he was on Coruscant. Was this Naboo? Home? His heart wondered. He was home, wasn’t he? He smiled at her. He squeezed her hand. ‘It’s so good to see you, my lady,’ he softly told her.

 His touch was weak, but assuring just as his voice was slightly raspy from lack of use. Sabé instinctively gave a small bow in greeting. The smile of relief she wore did not belie the concern in her eyes. ‘The honour is mine, Master Kenobi,’ she replied. Her cheeks warmed at the sincerity she saw in his blue eyes.

 With an apologetic look, she politely excused herself to get him a glass of cold water from the other side of the room. She could only imagine how dry his throat must have felt from his healing sessions in the bacta. Her heart ached at the silent reminders that the noble knight was far from healed. It was as though it were just a few days ago when they sat together in the garden of Theed’s palace, running their bare feet through the grass. It was difficult then to speak of Qui-Gon’s passing, but the whole affair led to two wonderful things: a bright Padawan who was now a Jedi Knight, and a dear friend who he had known would not forget him, even after all of this time. ‘How have you been?’ he asked, hoping that his time away from the frontlines would allow him to spend time with her. He hoped her schedule would not keep her too busy, so that they could make up for lost time. How often he had thought of her! He wondered if she thought of him, but now was not the time to ask about such things.

Upon her return, she heard his question and could not help but shake her head in sad disbelief. Some things never changed. ‘It is I who should be asking you such questions,’ she said before admitting in shy tones that it did her heart good to know that his healing was progressing so well.

‘I am sorry I could not arrive sooner. I took the first transport available,’ she confessed. Sabé did not tell him that until a few days ago she had never taken time off, nor did she admit that she did not fully explain herself or that thankfully Padmé did not inquire.

 He shook his head at her apologies. For Obi-Wan, it was just so wonderful to see Sabé again that it was as if no time had passed at all, though it was clear by the fact she had grown so beautiful that time certainly had passed. He studied her with his eyes, since he was not able to move from the medical cot. Her long, brown hair, the curve of her neckline and the little smile lines on her cheeks that he longed to kiss, though he would not dare to ask. Her figure seemed longer than it did before, but it had ben so long, he could have been mistaken. Her figure was also fuller in all the right places and the only thing that was different from his dreams was that she had shoes on her feet, rather than running around barefoot which would be entirely impractical.

With care, she helped him sip on the water and was mindful of his injuries. As she did so, Sabé could not help but study her dear friend. Gone was the inquisitive young man, leaving in its place a wizened noble knight. His blue eyes still held a million mysteries and the peace she had only known from him. The chiselled features of his jaw line was hidden beneath a well-trimmed beard, but Sabé could see the hints of a smile on his lips. The reflection of the boy she knew was in that smile and Sabé promptly realized that he had grown only more dashing with time. Her cheeks warmed to the discovery and she bowed her head startled by the openness of her emotions. It was only in dreams that she allowed herself such thoughts that was until today.

 He blushed and grew shy when he realised he was staring at her. ‘I’m sorry-’

 ‘My apologies,’ she began in shy tones just as he was about to apologize. Sabé’s blush deepened though she could not help but smile. There was a time when they often accidentally interrupted one another only to profusely apologize for it. It was these little moments that she missed most.

‘I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s-been so long, my friend.’ To say she looked well would have been a dreadful understatement, so he couldn’t say more than this.

Sabé shook her head and gave him a reassuring smile. If Obi-Wan registered her watchful gave he was too much a gentleman to speak of it. It was his admittance that mirrored the words of her heart. Sabé fell silent as the weight of his words threatened to wreck havoc on her emotions. This was no dream, no vision of meditation or a trick of her mind. This was real. Overwhelmed by it all, Sabé weakly nodded in reply. She did not trust her emotions not to betray her. ‘What matters is that you are here, safe, and healing. That we have this moment to enjoy and remember,’ she whispered as unshed tears came to her eyes. As much she wished the circumstances were better, Sabé was grateful for what they did have and would never forget this fateful moment in time.

If Obi-Wan had noticed her staring at him, he was too busy studying her to pay it any mind. Her presence was soothing. Her voice, as melodic as he remembered, spoke to him of ordinary things. It didn’t matter what she spoke of, for Obi-Wan just enjoyed being around her again.

Sabé could not recall a day that had gone by when she did not think of her friend or wondered how he was fairing. His memory had given her strength and courage she had not imagined possible. It was his name she sought to honour. Now he was here, very much alive and real. The wonder of it all was almost overwhelming. She had long since accepted the truth that their paths may never cross again. Her only regret was that their reunion had occurred under such dire circumstances. She could only hope that in some small way her presence might provide him a little reprise from the horrors of the war.

 ----

As the days passed and he started to heal, the doctor wanted him to get out into the open air for a few hours a day. Even though he wasn’t yet able to be on his feet, it was nice to be able to be free of the medical centre. However, what was even better was to able to spend this time with Sabé. He knew that they wouldn’t have much time and he wanted to savour every moment with her. He was able to laugh now, though he had to be conscious about not laughing too hard lest he cause any damage to the repair being done by the bacta and the droids. But he was able to speak now and he told her about everything he had been up to since they last parted.

Sabé’s time with Obi-Wan had done more than just aid in distracting him from the war. It had helped her heal from the loss of her<I> sisters</i> and the turmoil that was transpiring amongst those who remained in Amidala’s service. Her experience in medical labs was limited at best, but Sabé did her best to assist wherever possible. It was the least she could do. The medical personnel had been so kind as to let her remain by his side throughout it all. Sabé never spoke of the lines she had seen on his face when she first arrived or the weight that was clear in his blue eyes. As the days passed, her relief grew as the colour returned to his cheeks and the life in his eyes had returned. It was the sound of his laughter that truly left its mark.

 ‘There were so many times I thought of you and wished I could speak to you,’ he admitted.

 Sabé blushed as he admitted to having thought of her often, but could not deny the humble joy felt upon learning that she was not the only one who missed their friendship. ‘I don’t think there was ever a day that passed when I didn’t find myself longing to talk to you-even if it was about the events of the day, or something I had seen that I thought might interest you. ‘There were so many times I just wanted to see how you were doing, to learn how your Padawan’s training was coming along. I wondered if you still were able to find time to meditate in the old gardens you spoke so fondly of,’ she confessed.

 ‘How I wish that we had the opportunity to do so.’ Obi-Wan continued, ‘I could sense whenever you were in pain or were feeling under the weather. I wanted to contact you, to see how you were, but I wasn’t sure if you remembered me.’

 Sabé shook her head as his expression softened. She risked gently touching his shoulder at he admitted he was not sure she would remember him. ‘How could I ever forget you?’ she said in all sincerity. There were no words to aptly describe how his presence had changed her life forever.

 Her gentle touch and the affection in her voice and in her eyes said all that neither of them could say. Even though Obi-Wan had the ability to read Sabé’s emotions through the Force, as he slowly recovered from his wounds, he was so incredibly pleased to hear that she had also been thinking of him. It was selfish, he knew, to wish for, to long for her, after so many years. Of course, he wanted her to be happy more than anything else, but to hear that she also loved him. He would never begin to suggest that he would want her to place her life on hold for him, for the two of them, for the future that might not come to be in this lifetime.

 ‘I almost wish the HoloNet News would speak of you and the other handmaidens instead of the politics of the senator,’ he said, knowing such things were hardly newsworthy to the public.

Sabé felt a little guilty for being able to keep up with Obi-Wan’s life while he remained ignorant of hers. At the same time, it was a blessing in disguise. Sabé knew how cruel the public could be and often felt frustrated by the slander placed against Obi-Wan’s good name. ‘I’m not sure if a handmaiden’s life would ever be considered news worthy-’ she confessed with a shy smile.

Blushing, the Jedi Knight reached over to his friend in an attempt to catch her hand in his, but due to his injuries and the tight bandages around his midsection, he wasn’t able to reach as far as he intended. Instead, he grasped her waist and blushing, he withdrew his hand. ‘I’m sorry—I meant to hold your hand,’ he explained. At the same time, holding her the way he had on accident felt right to him in a way that the recent manoeuvring of the Jedi in their participation in the war did not.

She was about to withdraw her hand as she did not want to cause offence or appear as being too forward when Obi-Wan accident caught her waist. Her cheeks grew a bright red as she bowed her head feeling suddenly conscious of her close proximity to the noble knight. His touch was not offensive; in fact, it brought a sense of peace only her heart could fully understand. However, Sabé was not a woman of worldly experiences and was uncertain how to politely respond. It was clear that her friend too was as uncertain as she was and his apology made her feel badly. The last thing she wanted was for him to be uncomfortable in her presence.

 ‘It is all right; I should have been more mindful of your wounds. I’m so sorry,’ she apologized. She felt responsible to touching his healed shoulder as opposed to his wounded one. If she had, he would not have strained himself as he had. The soft whispers of her heart caused her cheeks to grow even rosier. Sabé dreams would later be filled with the memory of his gentle hands holding her near.

 He was grateful that he hadn’t unintentionally caused offense to her by his accidental touch. However, he blushed deeper at the thought that he would like to continue holding her in such a way. He shook his head, smiling at their mutual apology. He wanted only to treat her as a proper lady ought to be treated and was glad that she didn’t take it the wrong way.

In spite of the shy gesture, Sabé would later dream of it that night and find peace in the memory of his innocent gesture. Sabé prepared them a pot of Paonga tea for them both before guiding him outside. The hospital did not have such things and it left Sabé grateful that she had brought some of her own. She did not know how long it had been since Obi-Wan had some and hoped that this too would help in some small way.

 He was glad that things had not changed and that he was still able to speak as freely with her as he did on the Nubian cruiser during their time on Tatooine. ‘Anakin always curses his homeplanet, but I’ve had only fond memories of Tatooine.’

 He admitted also his views on the Jedi Council, the involvement in the war, the missions he had been on and the things he had seen. He knew it wasn’t the brightest part of their long conversations, but she had shared so much with him while he was unable to speak and now he felt it was his turn. He was unaware of the media misconstruing his intentions. ‘It’s not my place to question the Council, but there are, I feel, many evil things this war has brought about. Most of us are trying to protect innocent lives, but I feel that we may lose ourselves in the process. Everything the Jedi stand for seems to be at stake here. ‘The fact that there are now younglings, Jedi younglings, thrust into the middle of battles… It doesn’t sit well with me. Most Padawans traditionally do not face these things.’ She listened in silence as he spoke of the horrors he had witnessed, the shocking revelations of the Council’s decision to send children to the battlefield, the millions of men who had been created solely for the slaughter. It left her speechless with horror at the unspoken weight of it all. The things he spoke of sounded nothing like the Jedi she had come to know at all.

 He spoke of Ahsoka and the others. He spoke of the things he saw happening to the other Jedi like Anakin and Ahsoka, the game they played in striking down droids. He told all of this to her and of his desire to put an end to the war.

His conclusion mirrored her own thoughts on the matter. Had Sabé been less of a woman, she might have openly wept for the innocent souls that were being destroyed and eroded away in this war of might. Though she was well aware of how the public saw him, Sabé respected Obi-Wan’s innocence and did not speak of the HoloNet News’ portrayal of him or the awful rumours that was spread in the name of gossip. She knew it would only hurt and humiliate him. It made her heart ache to know that Obi-Wan would eventually be forced back to the front, to live the nightmare that had become his life. However, Sabé was not a woman to dwell on the future and things that could not be undone, so she embraced the day and made the most of it with her dearest friend. Obi-Wan was so thankful to the Force to have this time with his dear friend and to finally be able to get off his chest things that had grown to bother him over the years. Though he was wholeheartedly loyal to the Jedi Order, he couldn’t deny that there were some decisions the Council made that he didn’t completely agree with, ways they handled situations that he didn’t feel were in the best interest of the innocents they swore to protect. However, it was master Yoda’s wisdom that he would inherently listen to. In spite of everything, he would continue to do all that he could to protect the innocent, though he knew he would not be able to save everyone. He apologised for the dark turn in their conversation, though he couldn’t deny how much better he felt now that he was able to talk to her about it. ‘To tell the truth, these past few days have been the happiest I have known in a very long time.’

He knew that she wouldn’t have all of the time in the world to spend with him. He knew that at some point she would have to return to her duties, but Obi-Wan never asked her about it. A part of him didn’t want to know when she would have to leave and deep down, he wished that she never would. It was dark now and the doctor wanted him to come back inside. But Obi-Wan requested just half an hour more so that he could view the stars.

 Sabé was grateful to doctor for fulfilling Obi-Wan’s request. She knew he needed the fresh air and this rare moment of peace better than most. She thanked them for their kindness and was soon turning her attentions back to the Jedi Knight.

‘Last time we did so it was on Tatooine, remember?’ He smiled at her before turning his eyes to the stars. She smiled at his recollection as her eyes drifted to the night sky. The positions of the stars were so different here, but no less beautiful. ‘I remember how beautiful it was, how the night seemed to cover the sky like a blanket,’ she said softly, ‘much like tonight I should think,’ she added.

He enjoyed the familiar tea, the one that they enjoyed so many years ago though it seemed like just yesterday. She spoke of the stars and this too caused his memory to recall the few nights they shared together on Tatooine, enjoying the beauty of the constellations which were so much brighter there on their long, dark nights.

 ‘Sometimes, when I’m meditating to clear my head,’ Obi-Wan continued softly. ‘In these meditations, I sometimes see visions. I’m not sure if it is a possible future or if it’s just dreams, but I saw myself as a farmer, cultivating plants and animals…and there is a garden…and you are always there.’

 Sabé’s eyes grew wide. For a moment, she fell silent, uncertain what to say or how to confirm that she too had shared these very visions. Such things were always changing and she never took them too seriously. This discovery was humbling and for a moment she could not help but wonder if for those brief moments in time their minds had touched through the Force, enabling them to unwittingly share their dreams. After a moment’s pause, she broke the silence. ‘I know this might sound a little disconcerting,but what you speak of I have also seen in my meditations,’ Sabé confessed. She was grateful for the dark as it hid her warming cheeks.

‘I don’t want to seem too forward or to cause offense, my lady,’ Obi-Wan softly began, ‘but I believe this—these shared experiences only confirm what I have thought for a very long time, ever since we first met…I believe our souls are linked, that we share a unique bond, one that unlike a Master and Padawan bond, cannot be severed over time or distance. I don’t know if I started this by accident when I was but a Padawan myself, but I cannot believe that the Force didn’t will it, for our meeting was not by chance.’

 Sabé briefly bowed her head as he referred to her as <I>my lady</i>. The subtle reference of title was touching and it humbled and honoured her. The explanation that followed was even more touching and humbling. She met his gaze, her expression a mix of hope, humility, and joy. It was as though she had been granted a wish only her heart had ever considered.

He was hardly a gifted poet by any means, nor did he believe that as the media-titled <I>Negotiator</i> that he had any gift with words, but he hoped that this explanation as far-fetched as it may sound to others, would at least aid in conveying the true feelings in his heart. To admit he loved his friend in a way that went outside of the Order’s allowable emotions would be selling their friendship short. He respected her too much to cause such an offense. In his heart, he knew now that he would, if it came to it, serve her as a knight would properly serve a lady, until his dying breath. Everything he did and the titles he earned were to honour her. Even though he was still healing, Obi-Wan lowered to one knee before her, requesting, ‘I believe the Force brought you into my life for a purpose beyond our understanding. May I have the honour of serving the will of the Force through you as I have done so without asking you properly for so many years?’

 Before Sabé had a chance to stop her friend Obi-Wan was on one knee. She wanted to warn him against pushing himself, but the Jedi Master had something else on his mind. In stunned silence, Sabé studied Obi-Wan intently feeling as though she had entered one of the legends she had memorized as a child. Only this moment was real and the knight was none other than her beloved friend and the heroine was none other than her. His words were unconsciously put to memory and would become a mantra during times of trouble. ‘I would be honoured, Master Jedi,’ she whispered in all sincerity as her hand fell to his shoulder. Her eyes held his own gaze, filled with all the love she felt, but could not say. Obi-Wan knew that Sabé understood and this, too, touched his heart. When she accepted, he kissed her hand in gratitude.

 Her hands soon slipped to his cheeks as she bowed her head and shyly spoke. ‘If it pleases you, Master Jedi, it would give me such pleasure to honour your name through my services as milady’s handmaiden, as I too have done so for years without ever properly asking your permission?’

 What he didn’t expect was to hear her request, that she too had also been honouring him through her service as a handmaiden. With blushing cheeks he nodded his acceptance.

------

 The next morning, he arose early to meditate before preparing to leave. He didn’t have to tell Sabé because he could tell by looking in her eyes that she knew it was time. He knew that this time things would be different for them. ‘Joy will always be found whenever I think on you and the time we shared here together. Your presence helped me heal in more ways than the medical treatments ever could. I won’t forget this in the days to come.’ For some reason, as he headed to ship that would take him back to war, Obi-Wan paused as a feeling of dread overcame him. Something was not right and he couldn’t put his finger on it. Something bad was going to happen, though he wasn’t sure when or what it was. He remembered his old master’s words about focusing on the present. He needed to do so lest he put other people’s lives in danger. Looking back at Sabé, he felt a familiar longing enter his soul, a longing that would have been heartbreaking to any other individual. He asked the pilot to give him a moment and went to give Sabé a hug and a kiss on the cheek. It was the first time he dared to kiss her, but in that moment, it felt perfect. He knew that she wouldn’t misinterpret it, but understand that it spoke of their friendship as well as deep desires that would have to wait until a war’s end and a re-examining of Jedi values to be explored. ‘May the Force be with you, my lady,’ he whispered. And with that, he was off once more. But this time, in spite of the pain at their parting, his spirits were far lighter than they had been in many years. The war would one day end and on that day, a new life for them would begin.

[italicwatches]

Animal Sentai Zyuohger - Episode 31

So my weekend plans didn’t so much get killed, so much as bloodily beaten with a crowbar until they stopped moving. Anyways, it’s Animal Sentai Zyuohger, episode 31! Here we GO!

-PREVIOUSLY ON Animal Sentai Zyuohger, Bunglay tried to go whaling. And made a whale very, very mad.

-PRESENTLY ON Animal Sentai Zyuohger, everyone’s trying to recover in the cabin, particularly Sela and Misao. After a brief comedy bit with Mario, Tusk’s got a traditional remedy, but a lot of this is just going to have to be slept off…

-While Cube Eagle searches the night skies, with Eagle at the helm…Why would Cube Whale turn on him like that…What happened to you, Cube Whale?

-Opening!

-Episode 31: When the Mega-Beast Stands

-Back up in the Big Bow, Genis lays out how he started secretly looking for whatever Bunglay was wanting…And seeing it as a very viable tool for the game. But to think Bunglay was willing to use something so base and vulgar as poison…Something must be making him impatient, don’t you think, Kubar?

-And Naria reports that Cube Whale has finally stopped in a lake…So it’s time for her to go out, in a custom GIFT mech…

-In the morning, Eagle finds Cube Whale in turn…And Sela and Misao are both forced to stay behind. The others just got flesh wounds, they can fight, but you two need to clear this shit out of your system.

-So Misao and Sela are left on their own, and of course, Misao’s dealing with tons of guilt as per usual. Not just his usual stuff, but…He feels like he’s the only one not contributing. Like he needs to do more, somehow…

-And Sela…Well, she can at least respect that. But it’s time they had a real talk.

-Bunglay, meanwhile, is looking for his prize…When Kubar comes to chat with him. And reveal what he knows…

-As Yamato finds Cube Whale…Whoooo is completely ignoring him.

-Back at the cabin, Sela lays out that Misao is, ultimately, trying too damn hard. She gets the drive to self improve. She gets the anxiety about not being respected. And she’s not saying don’t work hard, just…You’ve got to be willing to calm down, to breathe, or you’re just going to end up flailing at your problems without actually solving them….And that’s when they both realize they don’t feel weighed down by poison anymore. The toxins have been neutralized! They’ve got to get out there!

-As Yamato is trying to figure out how to get through to Cube Whale, who’s put up a literal wall of water to block him out…While across the lake, Naria prepares her tools, only for Tiger, Lion and Elephant to arrive! The fight is on immediately, with them trying to get to Naria, and force her into combat…Combat that she’s plenty good at.

-Yamato thinks, and thinks…And realizes his mistake. Cube Whale did not choose Cetas. No, he was born of Cetas’s will, and of the Earth’s strength…They were forged as one…Cube Whale has never known another…And he realizes just how far he’ll have to go, to be worthy of standing beside Cube Whale…

-Which is about when Bunglay finds him, and Instincts Awakened! Eagle splits a shot from Bunglay apart, keeping it from hitting Cube Whale, as the fight is on! Eagle won’t ask you to fight by their side, Cube Whale…But know this! You’re under their protection! He’ll keep you safe! Bunglay calls bullshit, leaping past Eagle…

-Only to get snared by Misao and Sela, who haul him in! And oh, now they’re mad. This just got personal. Instincts Awakened! Shark and The World(Crocodile ver.) leap into the fray, furious and full of will…

-As Naria manages to knock the other three back long enough to kick the mech straight to big formation. She lands it right into the lake, ready to snatch Cube Whale up! And this isn’t just the same GIFT they fought before…It’s a custom variant, made specifically for this, as it bombards the entire coast! And to make it worse, Bunglay still wants his prize, as Eagle is forced to unleash the Gorilla and hold him back…Everyone, get a mech going and hold her off! He’s got Bunglay!

-And so, they’re quickly marching in with Wild Tousai King, as the mecha fight begins…And this Custom mech is strong enough to stand against them, as Gorilla continues his fight against Bunglay…Both fights just turn into utter slobberknockers, with our heroes getting put down hard…Eagle even forced to take shot after shot to keep them from reaching Cube Whale, as Naria puts Wild Tousai King on the ground and prepares to finish them all off…

-And through it all…Cube Whale watches. And sees how these six youths fight. As Eagle brings up both his swords, blocking one ferocious slash from Bunglay, holding the energy back…As the other five climb and haul themselves back onto their command cubes, forcing their mech to rise…!

-This planet. And this great creature. Are UNDER THEIR PROTECTION!

-And that…That is what gets through to Cube Whale, as it sees the same honor as its old partner in young Eagle…A humble human, with a heart the size of a whale’s…A single shot of his spout fires out a massive spear to land by Eagle’s feet, a spear that he takes up as the music swells…And which can match up against Bunglay’s anchors, not just holding him back but overpowering him! In fact, the weapon’s large enough, strong enough…That he can throw it and manage to knick the shoulder on Naria’s mech! Cube Whale, now’s your chance!

-CUBE WHALE! The spear locks into its spout once more, as the great whale rises, calling up the Grand Champion Symbol….

-And so, Instincts Awakened! WHALE! Infused with its power, the Champion of Champions steps forth to join this noble beast of the sea…To stand together as one! They take to the sky, beginning a barrage upon Naria’s mech to force it back…But that’s not the only trick this old whale has! Charge up the Symbol…

-And forge, DODEKAI-OH! With the spear at mecha scale, the champion’s armour stands once again! Strike after strike crash into Naria’s mech, forcing it to stagger…And despite Dodekai-Oh’s bulk, it’s a fast thing, able to block everything she can throw at it and finally force the mech back! To give enough room to crunch that spear down into a crossbow shape, line up the shot, and…Dodekai-OCEAN SPLASH! The spear tip fires as countless bolts, cutting through the mech, as Naria struggles to hold the line…

-And Genis makes the call. Retreat, Naria. Leave the mech to fall. She returns, bringing a memory device with her, as the mech bursts into fire…

-Leaving Whale to give thanks, that Cube Whale so honored him with this opportunity. Thank you, for everything. And Bunglay slowly, but surely, staggers away…He’ll be back…

-In the aftermath back at the cabin, Cube Whale has joined the other Cube Animals, massive even at the small scale. And also Misao is too forward with this great creature.

-While up in the Big Bow, Genis accepts the memory device…And now, he has what he needs. They don’t need to capture Cube Whale now…Not when he has the data from it…

-Credits! Sou-wolfully! You rhi-know just what to do!

I’m not gonna lie, Dodekai-Oh is a little clunky, but that had some really good character beats. It’ll be interesting to see how they work it into the dynamic, and if it can be more than just another big stomp Minecraft-mech. I guess we’ll see next time, in episode THIRTY TWO of Animal Sentai Zyuohger! Wait for it!

[ctechnology]

The Attraction Trip-Wire

The Attraction Trip-Wire

That Awakens a Man's Deepest Longing for Love

Trip Wire:“A hidden trigger that sets off a series of explosive events.”

Deep within the heart of every man is an intense longing to be someone's hero.

This longing has ancient origins.

You see, the cause of this longing is written into the very fabric of his DNA. And there it lies, dormant… until one day, the right trigger unleashes its power.

I'd like to show you how to become that trigger, and how to awaken the full force your man's bonding instinct.

But first, a story. It's the story of human connection.

You can see how this works now

Before we can care deeply about someone, we must know something about their life story. Because stories evoke empathy. Stories allow us to picture ourselves in someone else's shoes.

Stories form the foundation of all human connection. They create the sensation of one shared life experience.

It's strange, but true, that we can even find ourselves rooting for thieves and criminals so long as we see their story unfold. Movies like Ocean's Eleven and The Italian Job illustrate this well.

In the movie, Ocean's Eleven, actors George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon make for a cast of likeable thieves. But beyond their good looks, we get pulled into the story.

We discover what's driving Danny Ocean's motivation to rob a casino. A casino that just happens to be owned by his ex-wife's new lover.

We can empathize with Danny Ocean's pain. And by the end of the movie we are actually rooting for him to get away with it.

To steal the money and disappear into the sunset with his ex-wife, Tess, by his side.

Perhaps stranger still is the way we respond to fiction in the first place.

A skilled novelist can have me on the edge of my seat, rooting for a person who doesn't even exist in real life.

Literary critics may scoff, but I actually liked the twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. I think my hand was actually trembling from adrenaline as the Volturi began to march across the field, intent on destroying Isabella's daughter.

But wait, that's all make-believe. So how could it cause a physical reaction in my body?

The answer, of course, is the power of story.

Since ancient times, stories have been the primary means by which humans communicated important information.

Because of that, our minds are literally wired for story.

Stories influence our emotions. They are at the heart of communication. Allowing us to feel connected to each other.

When I reach the end of my life, I know which people I will want by my side. It will be those who have witnessed my life story.

The friendly, pretty nurse may be a wonderful person. But if she is a stranger to me, it doesn't matter what positive attributes she has. I will still feel alone.

She does not know my story, and I do not know hers.

Knowing this instinctively, she will expend great effort to quickly summon my friends and family. The people who know my story.

To trigger a man's deepest feelings of attraction, you need to become a special part of his story.

You do that by revealing your needs, and allowing him to help you meet them. Why? Because it triggers his hero instinct.

Here's the formula for triggering a man's hero instinct:

Story + Need = Activated Hero Instinct.

A man's hero instinct compels him to seek a relationship that lets him take on the role of a provider.

That's why guys fall for a woman who knows how to trigger this attraction tripwire. It sets off a series of reactions in his emotional world.

It makes him happy in a way that's hard for women to understand. Because they do not share his deeply rooted instinct to become someone's hero.

Many women are vaguely aware of a man's desire to see himself as a provider.

They understand, for example, why he may become depressed and pull away from others during a period of unemployment.

But these same women fail to recognize the power of the opposite effect.

Make a man feel like your hero, and you unleash his desire to commit to something more.

He can't help it. He just starts to see you differently.It's as if your relationship unlocks a version of himself he has always longed for. It feels right in a way he can't put into words.It unleashes his protective instincts, the noble aspects of his masculinity, and most importantly, his deepest feelings of love and attraction.If that sounds good to you, click here to learn more about this relationship enhancement tool. It's something you can learn once, but then use for the rest of your life.You already have needs and desires.

Why not learn how to translate those desires into requests that trigger his hero instinct?

Then relax into the warmth and passion he is only capable of showing to a woman who has triggered his hero instinct. A woman who knows exactly how to become the central character in his emotional world.Ready to put this idea to use? Great! Because I've recorded an online video to show you a set of triggers you can use to get explosive results with this one simple technique. Click here now to see for yourself...

Creating Deeper Love

After watching this video, many women are surprised to learn a man can actually feel more deeply in love when he feels more deeply needed.

That seems strange, doesn't it? And yet that is the reality for men.

Many of us have a tendency to buy gifts of the sort we would like to receive ourselves. It can be like that with love.

We try to love our partner the way we want to be loved.

So you make him feel special. Yet he seems unaffected by that. You speak your own native love language to him. Apparently, he speaks another.

But I'm here to tell you about one incredible, universal method you can use to grab his attention by triggering his hero instinct.

Click here now to discover an unfair advantage that works with all men, in every phase of life. Help him finally see you as the one.

Wishing you all the best,

James Bauer

References:

Wendy A. Suzuki, et al. “Dialogues: The Science and Power of Storytelling“ Journal of Neuroscience 31 October 2018, 38 (44) 9468-9470; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1942-18.2018

Alison Wood Brooks, Francesca Gino, Maurice E. Schweitzer. “Smart People Ask for (My) Advice: Seeking Advice Boosts Perceptions of Competence.” Management Science (2015): Vol. 61, No. 6

Anderson, Cameron & Hildreth, John & Howland, Laura. (2015). Is the Desire for Status a Fundamental Human Motive? A Review of the Empirical Literature. Psychological bulletin. 141. 10.1037/a0038781.

[adyo34]

The Attraction Trip-Wire That Awakens a Man's Deepest Longing for Love

Trip Wire:“A hidden trigger that sets off a series of explosive events.” Deep within the heart of every man is an intense longing to be someone's hero. This longing has ancient origins. You see,the cause of this longing is written into the very fabric of his DNA. And there it lies, dormant… until one day, the right trigger unleashes its power. I'd like to show you how to become that trigger, and how to awaken the full force your man's bonding instinct. But first, a story. It's the story of human connection.

(Or you can see how this works now by skipping to the online video by clicking here.)

Before we can care deeply about someone, we must know something about their life story. Because stories evoke empathy.Stories allow us to picture ourselves in someone else's shoes.

Stories form the foundation of all human connection. They create the sensation of one shared life experience.

It's strange, but true, that we can even find ourselves rooting for thieves and criminals so long as we see their story unfold. Movies like Ocean's Eleven and The Italian Job illustrate this well. In the movie, Ocean's Eleven, actors George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon make for a cast of likeable thieves. But beyond their good looks, we get pulled into the story. We discover what's driving Danny Ocean's motivation to rob a casino. A casino that just happens to be owned by his ex-wife's new lover. We can empathize with Danny Ocean's pain. And by the end of the movie we are actually rooting for him to get away with it. To steal the money and disappear into the sunset with his ex-wife, Tess, by his side. Perhaps stranger still is the way we respond to fiction in the first place. A skilled novelist can have me on the edge of my seat, rooting for a person who doesn't even exist in real life. Literary critics may scoff, but I actually liked the twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. I think my hand was actually trembling from adrenaline as the Volturi began to march across the field, intent on destroying Isabella's daughter. But wait, that's all make-believe. So how could it cause a physical reaction in my body? The answer, of course, is the power of story.

Since ancient times, stories have been the primary means by which humans communicated important information. Because of that, our minds are literally wired for story.

Stories influence our emotions. They are at the heart of communication. Allowing us to feel connected to each other. When I reach the end of my life, I know which people I will want by my side. It will be those who have witnessed my life story. The friendly, pretty nurse may be a wonderful person. But if she is a stranger to me, it doesn't matter what positive attributes she has. I will still feel alone. Because she does not know my story, and I do not know hers. Knowing this instinctively, she will expend great effort to quickly summon my friends and family. The people who know my story. To trigger a man's deepest feelings of attraction, you need to become a special part of his story. You do that by revealing your needs, and allowing him to help you meet them. Why? Because it triggers his hero instinct. Here's the formula for triggering a man's hero instinct:

Story + Need = Activated Hero Instinct.

A man's hero instinct compels him to seek a relationship that lets him take on the role of a provider.That's why guys fall for a woman who knows how to trigger this attraction tripwire. It sets off a series of reactions in his emotional world. It makes him happy in a way that's hard for women to understand. Because they do not share his deeply rooted instinct to become someone's hero. Many women are vaguely aware of a man's desire to see himself as a provider. They understand, for example, why he may become depressed and pull away from others during a period of unemployment. But these same women fail to recognize the power of the opposite effect...

Make a man feel like your hero, and you unleash his desire to commit to something more. He can't help it.He just starts to see you differently.

It's as if your relationship unlocks a version of himself he has always longed for. It feels right in a way he can't put into words. It unleashes his protective instincts, the noble aspects of his masculinity, and most importantly, his deepest feelings of love and attraction. If that sounds good to you, click here to learn more about this relationship enhancement tool. It's something you can learn once, but then use for the rest of your life. You already have needs and desires. Why not learn how to translate those desires into requests that trigger his hero instinct? Then relax into the warmth and passion he is only capable of showing to a woman who has triggered his hero instinct. A woman who knows exactly how to become the central character in his emotional world. Ready to put this idea to use? Great! Because I've recorded an online video to show you a set of triggers you can use to get explosive results with this one simple technique. Click here now to see for yourself. After watching this video, many women are surprised to learn a man can actually feel more deeply in love when he feels more deeply needed. That seems strange, doesn't it? And yet that is the reality for men. Many of us have a tendency to buy gifts of the sort we would like to receive ourselves. It can be like that with love. We try to love our partner the way we want to be loved. So you make him feel special. Yet he seems unaffected by that. You speak your own native love language to him. Apparently, he speaks another. But I'm here to tell you about one incredible, universal method you can use to grab his attention by triggering his hero instinct.

Click here now to discover an unfair advantage that works with all men, in every phase of life. Help him finally see you as the one.

[korkrunchcereal]

A Bitter Return

Despite Aurelian wishing otherwise, his return to Quel'thalas was not met with all manner of celebration, parades and parties. Instead it was for duty's sake, for it would only be a brief respite before returning to the isles. He emerged from the farstrider retreat after finishing conducting his business, plates shifting as he cracked his arms. Overhead the sun was soon to set, the twilight of night slowly beginning to creep in. All around Aurelian the wind blew through the forests of Quel'thalas, autumn leaves rustling. There was an eerie sense of calm he had not been used to for some time, for his life had been combat and exploration for several months now.

"Did you tell them about Suramar?" Gardesia asked aloud, voice in a deathly echo. Aurelian turned, brow raised as the massive woman pushed herself off the wall she had been leaning on, darkened plates clattering. So she had waited for him out here; good.

"Of course not. Light forbid any of them begin to think my family is somehow a threat and I suffer blowback for it."

"For the better." She agreed, cracking her neck. "What did you tell them? anything?"

"No; they don't need to know my affairs lest they get it in their heads they can spout their opinions or 'advice'."

"Charming, Aurelian. I'm surprised you don't have more friends in your life."

"Your sarcasm is, as always, noted and ignored. Now shall we get to Silvermoon? I'd like to at least be at the Indaris estate there before dark. I'll even let you have a room at the estate."

"Truly a noble heart you have, cousin. Le-" Whatever answer or retort Gardesia was going to say was silenced as a bright flash of light appeared before both individuals, forcing them to shield their eyes. Narrowing his eyes, Aurelian could glimpse a great crack being formed in the fabric of reality itself, growing larger and larger until it was the size of a man. A hand instinctively went to his sword, waiting to see what emerged.

It was not any assassin nor terrifying being that emerged as the light took shape into that of a portal. A vast miasma of nothingness was behind that figure that hovered forth, her silks writhing like tendrils. Gardesia gave a soft sound behind Aurelian, for they both recognized who it was.

"Amalta?" Gardesia asked cautiously. The two had been lovers in a past life, and since Gardesia's demise and banishment, the two had not even seen one another, nor spoken. Aurelian's brow furrowed at the woman before him; she looked tired and haggard, and there was something in her eyes he rarely saw. There, in the swirling depths of her eyes he saw fear and uncertainty.

"Thank the stars I have found you two. Quickly, you both need to come with me." There was a sense of urgency in her voice which gave Aurelian pause.

"Amalta, what is wrong?"

"I'll explain when we get to castle Indaris. Much has happened in your absence, Aurelian. Come...both of you." Aurelian shot a look at Amalta, then at Gardesia. It had been his own decree to have Gardesia banished, and if she returned with them he would be forced to either enact the consequences...or renounce his own command. Sighing in defeat, Aurelian extended out his hand.

Without hesitation Gardesia moved, giving one last parting glance to Amalta before she stepped through. Aurelian paused, before stepping through. Around him the world was a chaotic affair of starlight and emptiness, threatening to make him puke. Alas it was near instantaneous as he stepped out of the portal, and onto the familiarity of stone. Immediately he could tell however something was wrong.

The stench of brimstone filled his nostrils, and the taste of sulphur and copper were on his tongue. A wave of nausea fell over him, nearly forcing the man to double over. His eyes began to water, the elf wiping at them. A gasp escaped his lips as his vision became clear. He knew he stood in the central courtyard, and yet there was no pristine elegance to it. Instead, there was destruction. There was rubble, ash and ruined stone everywhere...and there was blood. He saw the crimson stains alongside that of a sickly green, and though he saw no bodies he knew there was fierce conflict here.

"What has happened to my home?!" Aurelian whirled around; everywhere he looked there was signs of chaos. It looked as if a tornado had moved through the castle, and perhaps there had been judging from the stones flung everywhere. There was no beauty here, only senseless destruction to what had been perfect.

"You can smell it, Aurelian. Sulphur and brimstone? That's demon stink; looks like they hit here pretty hard."

"Gardesia is correct." Amalta's voice sounded behind the man as she at last moved through the portal, the shimmering magic fading behind her. "A demon's insidious machinations nearly destroyed this place."

"A demon planned this? Explain. Where are my siblings? Or Cyvar? And what of Calithiel, is she safe?" His heart was racing; please let nothing have happened to her.

"Lady Riverwind is safe." Amalta began, causing Aurelian to breath a sigh of relief. "I am afraid however..." she paused then, as if finding the right words.

"What?! Has something happened to Caledon or Vallera?" He snapped out in anger;an anger not directed at Amalta but manifesting at her.

"Vallera was poisoned and has been unresponsive for weeks now, and your brother...we're not sure if he'll live." Aurelian blinked, nearly taking a step back.

"I...my sister and brother both? What of Cyvar; surely he would have warned me of all of this."

"He was killed shortly after your sister was poisoned; we only found out after."

"After what? What the hell happened!" Aurelian's hand gripped like stone upon the hilt of his sword, though it began to shake. His heart was breaking at the list of calamities. He had not been here to defend his home and now he had lost nearly everyone. Amalta did not answer immediately, instead hovering forward to one of the stones to stare upon it.

"A demon by the name of Sathorion had possessed Caledon's second Calarius and influenced a series of events to tear apart the Gilded Lands. He had blocked my soothsaying powers with nightmares, and slowly poisoned your brother’s mind. By the time myself and Calithielwen found out his schemes, it was too late. We stopped him, but by then Vallera had been poisoned, Cyvar was killed and the castle was attacked and damaged. Before I banished the demon he..." she paused, shaking slightly. "he shattered Caledon. Many of Caledon's bones were broken, and he suffered a head trauma from which he has yet to awaken."

Cyvar dead, his siblings probably close to that too, and his home was near destroyed. How could this have happened? He had sent plenty of letters home, yet no one had responded. How could Caledon have allowed all of this? His grief was great, the man swallowing a lump in his throat that had begun to build. The rattling of his sword against its scabbard was barely a sound in his ear, as his blood thundered.

"There's more Aurelian. Part of the demon's schemes were elsewhere. The Ebonwood...it's been sacked." Aurelian blinked, grief momentarily held back.

"Sacked?"

"Lord Wyrmstorm is dead, and his lands burn. A great army of trolls broke through and destroyed Wyrmstorm's army upon the field of battle, due to sabotage and trickery by Sathorion. Even now they march I believe westward, and are lead by a cohort of Sathorion in disguise..." There was something else on the back of Amalta's tongue; something she was not saying. Aurelian knew her too well for her to be able to hide it.

"What are you not telling me Amalta." Amalta did not answer right away, nor turn to face either Gardesia or Aurelian.

"I...Lord Illova was also killed."

"What? By the demon?"

"No...by me." Gardesia's eyes went wide, finally speaking.

"Amalta, what do you mean by you?"

"I killed Lord Illova, to save myself and Lady Riverwind. In order to regain my powers of foresight, I had to submerge within the Scrying Pool of my lands. Warned by Sathorion, Lord Illova tried to halt us. I had no choice."

"So you murdered him." Aurelian answered, eyes narrowing as his voice turned cold.

"I did, and I will face the consequences to come... But that must come later."

"You're right. There will be consequences, for all of us." Aurelian took a deep breath, eyes closing. His hand had not left from the sword at his side, grip turning his knuckles white beneath his gauntlets. "My family is on death's door, my second has been killed and the Gilded Lands are descending into chaos. How much of the castle was damaged?"

"The courtyard was where the brunt of the attack occurred, followed by the eastern wing, for it was there the demons poured forth, upon the highest tower. The lower levels of the west were also damaged, but it was superficial at most."

"I see. Does Silvermoon know any of this?"

"I do not know; this all happened four days ago, and I have spent those days trying to scry for you both. It is possible another one of the houses sent word, such as Illova's son."

"With any luck, they have not yet..." Aurelian’s voice trailed off, the man becoming lost in thought momentarily.

"Aurelian?"

"The Gilded lands...My lands are vulnerable. A troll army commanded by a demon marches southward, a lord of Quel'thalas was murdered and one of the strongest castles in southern Quel'thalas was attacked. All of this is weakness Silvermoon can exploit; I'd rather not have them involved before I can clean up this mess."

"You care more about Silvermoon interfering th-" Gardesia began.

"I care about maintaining the stability of the Gilded Lands, Gardesia." Aurelian snapped, interrupting his cousin as he turned on her. "Silvermoon will blunder in trying to relieve us and only cause more problems especially among the more independently minded lords and ladies. If we're going to salvage anything, I need to make sure they do not step in."

"Bah; your politics will doom us all one day, Aurelian."

"Politics are what's going to keep this house going because right now I have a floodgate about to break open. As I see it I am housing a murderer, failing in my duty as warden of the Gilded lands and allowing a troll army to rampage across elven soil. Right now, I don't give a damn about anything but ensuring this house's survival and the survival of the Gilded Lands." His grief would wait now. Now would come the rage, and the anger. It was time to temper it into a weapon.

"Very well, but how will you deal with the trolls then? Indaris hasn't had a true army in hundreds of years, considering how you've let others fight instead." Gardesia was right, in her blunt way of speaking. The House of Indaris had often employed mercenaries or coerced other houses to fight on their behalf, and while they held a standing force it would not be able to stop the trolls. Not alone, anyways.

"Hmm..." Aurelian began pacing, doing what he did best; thinking, plotting, scheming. He was bitterly aware of the irony in all of this. It was, undoubtedly, his own inaction to aid Wyrmstorm that had sealed their fate and now brought chaos to his very doorstep. He knew not who or what remained of Wyrmstorm and their lands, but if they were marching west...

"Aurelian?"

"I'll need parchment and a quill. I have a plan...a desperate one admittedly, but it will work, I think."

"What are you planning on doing?" Aurelian shot a look to Gardesia, as if apologetically.

"We need to save Eyvor. I do not doubt he will put up a good fight, but on his own he will fall if what you said of Wyrmstorm is true. Together we might have a shot, but I need to know where the troll horde is as well as any other information. To make sure we can move fast and not upset any borders...I'll have to write to Serigal for aid."

"That chicken shit?" Gardesia spat out; their was little love lost between Gardesia and her uncle.

"Crude, but yes. We'll have to march through his lands to reach Eyvor, and I'd rather warn him and try to gain his support before soldiers suddenly show up in his lands and I risk offending or worse, threatening. I'm loath to ask for his aid, but I have little choice. Amalta, I may have need of your spellwork to travel and meet with Lord Ventosus and Lord Eyvor in person, and convince them of my plan."

"On this I will help, Aurelian." Aurelian sighed, finally letting go of his sword hilt, fingers aching.

"Good. Light, this is a mess. I...I need to see my brother and sister for myself, and I need to see Calithiel." The air was sucked out of Aurelian as he turned to move, feet crunching on broken stone and shattered pathways. Neither Amalta or Gardesia moved to follow; perhaps they sensed the turmoil broiling in the young lord.

He had lost much here; a friend and trusted confidant, perhaps his siblings and whatever other consequences were to come in the future. He nearly tripped over a scorched stone that had been uprooted, causing Aurelian to let out a string of curses. At least with these trolls he had something to focus his grief and rage upon. He did not care if they had a thousand soldiers or a hundred thousand, he would ensure those savage monsters would suffer.

His vengeance would be terrible and swift, this he promised as he walked through the ruins of his castle. Overhead sunset gave way to the moon’s glow, painting the world in shadows as the darkness descended.

[valheartandfriendsllc]

Who’s Your Spirit Animal? The Truth Might Surprise You

Do you know who your spirit animal is?

Even more important, do you have a personal relationship with your Spirit Animal? You should. They can help you in so many ways, as you’ll see. If you don’t yet, I highly recommend finding out. Because it might not be who you think!  And you may be missing their important messages and guidance too.

First, do you know what a Spirit Animal actually is?

A spirit animal is characterized as a teacher or messenger that comes in the form of an animal and has a personal relationship with an individual. Other names might be animal guides, spirit helpers, spirit allies, power animals, spirit totems, or animal helpers.

WHO is your Spirit Animal?

I’ve been taught that each of us has 9 main ones, and others come along when it’s important to get our attention.

In advanced Animal Talk Coaching & Mastery Club Platinum member Masterclasses I host in The Heart School of Animal Communication, students are guided to discover their spirit animals. The student’s discoveries were mind blowing, and the experience changed their lives for the better on so many levels.

My first experience with this was extraordinary.  During an unforgettable shamanic underworld journey while in an advanced workshop hosted by Penelope Smith, I was guided to find and bring back my partner’s spirit animal. Her’s was a wonderful, mischievous, creative and highly intelligent Monkey.

The monkey spirit animal is a powerful symbol of good luck. This is because it represents a playful and lighthearted version of yourself. The meaning of the monkey seeks to awaken your youthful and cheerful spirit, and the inner child in you.

Monkey rocked her world, literally and figuratively!  But that’s a story for another time.

An unlikely match…?  Meeting my spirit animal shocked me.

So who do you think my partner found for me? I would never have guessed this one.

I can tell you I was absolutely shocked when she returned from her journey and revealed my spirit animal to me.

I’d been imagining all sorts of wonderful animal spirit totems, like Bear, Wolf, Hawk, Horse… maybe the noble Mountain Lion, Eagle, or the nimble Rabbit!

I could barely wait to find out who my spirit animal was. But I never could have imagined the reality.

She said: “Your spirit animal… is a Snake”.

Facing my fears.

I could only gape at her with my mouth hanging open as I sat there, stunned. I couldn’t help but think there must have been a mistake.

It’s not that I don’t like reptiles, I love all creatures. But I’d never felt a strong affinity for snakes before, let alone considered them kindred spirits or a guiding Messenger.

I had a healthy respect for snakes, born out of several close encounters I’d had where I felt lucky to have escaped unharmed. Because of that snakes have always been a bit scary for me. They’re not warm or fuzzy or cuddly. In fact, they can kill people.

Surely she’d done the exercise wrong?

So I had to ask: “A snake? Really?” Honestly, I felt scared at first.

But, I took a few deep breaths, gathered my courage as best I could, and got ready to face my fears.

I tuned in to meet Snake.

In my vivid imagination and inner mental monitor, she was huge! She lay coiled around a large tree limb, calmly looking down at me.

Easily 200 pounds or more, she was a stunning iridescent green. She greeted me as I looked up at her.

I asked my spirit animal if she had a message for me?

She did. She talked to me about reclaiming my power and shedding toxic energy.

I was suffering in an abusive marriage. I knew exactly what she was talking about.

Then, she taught me about masks and identities. She told me that just like a snake sheds her skin as she grows, I would also drop away that which no longer served me.

She taught me about transmuting poison—changing and growing something that had been toxic into something beautiful.

I was suffering from advanced Lyme Disease at that time, and through Snake’s help, I began to recover.

She taught me so many things that I needed to learn in order to move forward from the period of life I was in and showed me the importance of boundaries, self-respect, and clarity. She also taught me to appreciate and use my own wisdom.

Are you ready to deepen your connection with animals and start really communicating? Look here to find out about all The Heart School of Animal Communication online courses, classes and Animal Talk Coaching & Mastery Club membership opportunities.  Get started today!

Your Spirit Animal is a Messenger for Clarity, Guidance, and Self Growth Dedicated to Your Highest Good.

Because of her insightful counseling that day I began making changes in my relationships and in my life. I learned how to defend myself better and began standing up for myself more.

It was a life-changing conversation. When I got back home from the workshop I did more research into the meaning of Snake as a Spirit Animal or Totem.

What I found out was so on target, I felt blessed and in awe of the Divine Gift I’d received.

The snake as a spirit animal is powerfully connected to life force and primal energy. In many cultures, the snake is revered as a powerful totem representing the source of life itself.

I found out that when the snake appears in your life, as spirit animal or otherwise, it likely means that healing opportunities, important transitions, and increased energy are manifesting.

Snake as a spirit animal is a symbol for healing

As I mentioned above, the snake represents life force. Being a reptile, it is very close to earth energies and is reminiscent of unconscious drives and primal instincts. When the snake appears to you as a spirit animal, pay attention to where you are drawing your energy and how you use it.

If you feel you have an affinity with the snake and think she might be your spirit animal, this could be a signal to be sensitive to your healing abilities, not only for others but for yourself as well.

Focus on cultivating sources of energy and support, especially as they relate to the earth and nature.

Snakes have been revered as symbols of healing powers and opportunities since ancient times. In Greek mythology, Aesclepius, the god of medicine, was depicted with two snakes climbing up a rod. This symbol, called the caduceus, remains today as a common association symbol associated with healing.

Snake as spirit animal—what does that mean for you?

When Snake shows up as your spirit animal, it usually means:

An element of healing in your life, either of healing others or being healed;

Transformation, life changes;

Lifeforce and primal energy is a factor in your life;

Spiritual guidance plays a large role in your life.

The snake as a spirit animal can provide guidance about any life changes and transitions in your life, whether they are happening on the physical, emotional, or spiritual level.

You just need to learn how to tune in and listen to the messages.

Tuning in, connecting with the animals and nature around me has been my path for most of my life.  Since I met Snake in 1996, I’ve developed my communication, healing and transformational abilities further and faster and deeper than I could have ever expected.

I feel humbled by that experience, and also in awe of the process of discovery that I have gone through.

Have you met your Spirit Animal yet?

If you’ve been feeling that it’s time to really start communicating with animals and/or you are ready to meet your spirit animals, begin your journey now. Start here at The Heart School of Animal Communication with your free ebook.

Once you have the basics down, you’ll be ready to join the Animal Talk Coaching & Mastery Club. Platinum members have all the Masterclasses including this one that will teach you how to find your own spirit animal.

Did you enjoy this article? Here are some other popular posts:

Buddy’s story: Our experience fostering a puppy mill dog.

How animal connection can heal our own wounds and trauma.

Easing stress for yourself and your pets in challenging times.

The post Who’s Your Spirit Animal? The Truth Might Surprise You appeared first on Val Heart.

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[captivesrp]

“Watch out below!”

Ffrewgí looks up and immediately, instinctively, presses himself against the side of the pit, his home for the past two days, as a shape drops suddenly in front of him.

A small girl crumples to the dirt. Ffrewgí stares in shock before his gaze moves slowly to his arms, flattened against the dirt of the pit wall. His useless arms. Almost to himself, he says, “I should have caught you!” as he rushes to the girl’s side. She does not respond as he tenderly turns her over and lifts her head. He can see the whites of her eyes through her cracked open eyelids.

“I am so sorry,” he whispers. He slips his arms around her and lifts her carefully, placing her down softly on his ‘bed’, a plot of dirt he has tilled to relative softness. He lifts her head and scoops loose dirt beneath it to form a pillow. Then he sits back and notices his racing heart. He breathes deeply.

“Well,” he muses to himself, “there is nothing to do but wait.”

Two hours later he checks her again, but her condition is unchanged. He considers calling for a witch, but does not know if there is one among the brigands---or if his call would be heard. He has been absolutely alone since Fuldryn had deposited him in the pit, though he knows he has been watched. His only tenuous contact with the outside world has been in the evenings, when a piece of chicken and a cube of cornbread are tossed into his pit, followed by a shovel---to bury his excrement, like a cat, he had been told the first night.

Ffrewgí sits back against the pit wall, trembling with weakness both mental and physical. “I’m eating better than I’d be, hunting for myself,” he mutters darkly, then shakes his head as if to banish the thought. He rests his head against the dirt behind him, staring up into the free air a spear’s-length above him.

*     *     *

“. . . bad luck too, huh.”

Ffrewgí comes blurringly awake, and jumps as he realizes he is not alone: a figure, a girl---the girl from earlier is sitting beside him. He relaxes. “I am glad to see you conscious,” he says with a warm smile.

The girl rests her head against the wall, her nearly-black hair splaying out and over her shoulders.

Ffrewgí stands. “I’m---” The blood rushes from his head, causing him to stagger. “I’m Ffrewgí,” he says, and bows politely in greeting.

The girl nods. “My lord.” She hesitates and then joins him on her feet. “Archora daughter of Adyrra, at your service.” Ffrewgí can see her conceal a smile.

“You’re making fun,” he says.

Archora’s dark eyes widen. “No, no! A formal greeting just caught me off guard, surrounded as we are by, uh,” she looks up at the pit mouth, “dirt and brigands.”

Ffrewgí’s heart sits heavily on his empty stomach. “It’s okay,” he says. “I probably deserve it.”

The girl ducks into his eye-line---though as short as she is she hardly needs to duck. “Buck up, Flurgy! You are very noble. I am sorry for laughing.”

Ffrewgí looks away. “It’s Ffrewgí.”

In his periphery he sees Archora drop onto a knee and strike a dramatic pose of surrender. “Ffrewgí, noble host, forgive me. I---” she looks up at Ffrewgí and relaxes her pose. Her eyes are genuine. “I am sorry, Ffrewgí. Sometimes I can’t help it---and . . .” she drops her gaze to the ground before looking back up, “and it felt good to smile. You are very kind.”

In the face of their misfortune, Ffrewgí cannot blame her for indulging in a little fun. “It’s okay,” he says, extending a hand. “Thanks, Arkora.” The name seems off even as he says it, but he cannot place the mistake.

Archora laughs, and then suddenly staggers backwards against the pit wall. A tear trickles from the corner of one of her eyes as she slowly opens them and looks at Ffrewgí. “Sorry, sorry,” she says, waving a hand. “It’s probably just your dialect. What tribe are you from?”

Before Ffrewgí can answer, Archora slides slowly to the ground to sit.

She says, “I’m just going to sit down.”

Ffrewgí sits in front of her, crossing his legs. “Did I say your name wrong? Are you okay?”

Archora gestures to her jaw, which is coloured with a huge bruise. “This ain’t war paint. And yeah, it’s ‘Ar-ch-ora’, with a bit of a guttural.”

Ffrewgí winces at the bruise. “Did they do that to you . . .” he commits despite the nervousness, “Argchoura?”

Archora giggles and shakes her head. Laughing, she says, “No. The witch was treating me from the edge of death when they came.” Ffrewgí watches tears that he suspects are not entirely from amusement trickle down her cheeks. “I hope they don’t need us for any heavy lifting.”

Ffrewgí does not know how to react as Archora continues to laugh. “I---I do . . . wonder why they have captured us,” he says, hoping to bring her down before she chokes, or something.

He does not get much more out of her that evening; with a couple words thrown into the mix she effectively laughs herself into unconsciousness.

When it is tossed in without announcement he sets a portion of their daily ration aside for when she wakes and wolfs his own half down quickly. Due to his nap or other reasons he staunchly but ineffectively refuses to acknowledge, sleep is long coming---

Oh, that extra food looks good.

*     *     *

Ffrewgí is awakened by the sounds of chewing. His stomach grumbles loudly, and Archora pauses her eating to look at him. “Sorry,” he says quietly.

The girl pops a final corner of cornbread into her mouth. “Was this half of your rations?” she asks after a thick swallow. “You are really noble.”

Ffrewgí shrugs, not correcting her and ashamed of it.

“I’ve never heard a name like yours before,” Archora says. She moves over to the wooden pail a pace from Ffrewgí’s left side. “This water’s okay, right?”

Ffrewgí nods. “It’s a bit muddy, but safe, I think.”

“Ffrewgí . . .” muses Archora, withdrawing her dripping face from the pail. “Are you an Yffewelden?”

Ffrewgí does not recognize the name. “No. I’m from the Celebres tribe.”

“Never heard of ’em,” says Archora, sitting on the opposite side of the water from Ffrewgí.

“We’re pretty small and relatively new, I guess.” Ffrewgí rises onto his knees and shuffles to the pail. He uses his hands to lift a few gulps of water to his mouth. “Only a fourth generation tribe---split from the Mculdre.”

“And the Mculdre were assimilated by the Refellwn and the Refellwn are the neighbour of the Breacalles and the Breacalles are a blood ally of the Woldens---that’s my tribe!” A smile brightens Archora’s face. “I guess storytellers really aren’t just for children.”

“The Mculdre were assimilated?”

Archora sends him a look. “How could you not know?”

“The Celebres were a nomadic tribe for a generation, so we lost touch.” Ffrewgí feels droplets of water drip from his chin to his shirt. He looks up at the mouth of the pit and tries to ignore the hollowness in his middle.

“Don’t you have storytellers? The ones we got would give ‘current events’ talks as often as they learned something new about the tribes.”

Ffrewgí shakes his head. “Our storytellers were just old people who told stories about their childhoods and the history of our tribe.”

Archora snorts. “Those aren’t storytellers. Storytellers are wanderers, adventurers, not connected to any tribe but connected to all of them!” She pauses. “Though, I guess, we had your kind of storyteller, too. Every village does.”

A woman appears in Ffrewgí’s view, approaching the edge of the pit with purpose. A male brigand joins her, standing up from where he had been sitting just out of view.

“How’re your charges?” the woman asks, not turning her eyes to her companion but studying Ffrewgí and Archora with an intelligent gaze.

“Quiet and inoffensive, Mistress.”

“Logain tells me the girl has energy.” Archora is frozen in the woman’s stare.

“Neither of them has moved much,” says the man.

“Keep an eye out, Bledig. That will be all.” The woman tosses her red hair over her shoulders and turns briskly, disappearing quickly from view. 

Bledig remains still for a moment before pulling back his lips and whistling through his gap-toothed smile. He turns away and disappears as he sits back down. “Last day of pit duty,” comes his voice, then a sigh. “That’s nice.”

Ffrewgí looks at Archora, who shrugs. The ensuing silence is broken by Ffrewgí’s stomach, and he turns away to curl into a ball.

*     *     *

That night, Archora gives Ffrewgí half of the meat off her chicken leg and Ffrewgí accepts it.

“In return for your kindness,” she says.

Ffrewgí wishes he had actually earned such a return. He wishes he had had the pride to insist she finish her portion of the food on her own, but he had left his pride in that longhouse back at home---and that a tiny portion, not even substantial enough to avoid slipping through the gaps in the weave of his basket whenever he thinks back upon it.

His stomach grumbles.