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Born to Lady Kotori of Haso, and Lord Zeran, a Vedir from Grana. Akihiko had the ebony hair and pale skin of his father, but the brilliant crystal blue, dragon-shaped eyes of his mother. The family was a small Musa family in service to a Daimyo called Lord Tanaka.
Being the second oldest brought on a strange role at the age of five. He was continuously groomed to become a protector of the small clan. Someone who could move within the shadows like his father. He was taught a phrase but at the time he was unable to comprehend its meaning.
“What is your duty?” His parents would ask.
“To protect my siblings till the last cocoon burst open.” He replied.
Age 6-9::
His father was supposedly killed by a warring clan. Lady Kotori was forced to remarry a human. The son of Daimyo Tanaka, Lord Shu. On Akihiko’s ninth birthday, his mother gave birth to a boy. It would be her last child, due to birthing complications, but having an Heir satisfied Lord Shu enough to leave her other children alone.
Age 15::
Akihiko was sent to a special school upon his mother’s request. It furthered his skills in Ninjitsu, but also taught him how to ask questions and see things most would overlook. By the end of the year, he was placed into a special squad of investigators. He naturally excelled at the cases which held more mysticism and occult complications.
Age 19::
He was placed onto a new team as a rookie, and they had been given a case which almost claimed his life. A wizard had been terrorizing a village. His whole squad including his captain had been killed. Akihiko being the youngest, knew he had no chance against the Wizard, but had to try for the sake of the villagers. He tried to sneak up on the wizard for a clear shot for his shuriken. The wizard spun on his heels freezing Akihiko in place.
The words “that Aura?!” and a quick spark of light in his vision was the last thing he saw before waking up strapped to a table. The next three years were a blur of nightmares and torturous pain as the wizard performed various test to find out the source of the unusual aura.
Age 22::
What had been a beefy youth, was now nothing more than a starving pile of skin and bones. Dull noises of shouts and objects being broken filtered through the thick wooden door. Curled up in a ball in the corner, Akihiko had no strength to react as the door burst into splinters from a violent arcane explosion. The golden light stayed in his vision as a silhouette darkened the middle of it.
“He’s here!” The being rushed at him, but all he could do was blink. His breath was shallow and wheezed upon inhale.
“Captain! The Vedir halfling is here! He’s fading fetch the healer. I need a health pot and salves, now!” The young Kamasylvian ordered.
As the afterimage of the explosion faded, it was replaced with brightly illuminated green eyes. He felt his head tilt back and a liquid touched his dry cracked lips as darkness claimed him.
His eyes were still closed when he attempted to sit up, feeling stronger then he had in years.
“Easy now.” A hand settled on his shoulder with a gentle pressure.
‘that’s the same voice I heard in…. It’s not!’ He thought as his eyes snapped open upon hearing a voice other than the wizard.
A young Kamasylvian with sharp green eyes and long golden hair hovered over him, holding a bowl of Bone Broth. Akihiko’s mouth fell agape as a bright blush painted his cheeks.
“Tenchi?!” he managed in a croak, feeling the rawness of his throat.
A laugh sounding like music to his ears burst from the young man.
“No.,” he said simply. “I’m no angel. Here. Drink this. You’ll find you’re still very much alive.”
Akihiko reached for the bowl feeling the brief contact of fingers. He was alive and a brightly lit room full of colors he had almost forgotten. He chugged the broth much to the protest of the other who insisted he slow down. It was the best thing he had tasted in a long time.
“You’re at the house of Nakamura, Miko. She’s the healer of the white hawk clan. You’ll stay here till you’re strong enough to walk around.”
“Shiro no Hyabusa?” Akihiko asked in disbelief watching the golden strands bounce as the other youth nodded to him. His voice shook with fear as he spoke again. “The wizard?”
“As decreed by Grana, the man was killed and his soul trapped in a crystal. You are safe now.” The youth smiled warmly.
Akihiko broke down in sobs grateful, yet still fearful he was in an illusion. A look of pity flitted over the Ganelle’s features and he gently placed a hand upon Akihiko’s back reassuringly.
“The name is Theldynves, and who do I have the honor of meeting today?” He prompted hoping to pull the young Ninja from his despair.
“Stormlark-Naichengeru, Akihiko.” He sniffled.
“Stormlark? I like that.” Ves grinned sitting in a chair next to the bed. “Do you know the story of that bird?”
Akihiko shook his head no.
“The stormlark is a mythic bird which shows up during thunderstorms or a natural disaster. It helps those who are lost to find their way home, returning them to their loved ones.”
Akihiko noticeably sat up a little straighter. “It was my father’s name.” Although there was no smile on his face, his blue eyes sparkled.
The Ganelle troupe stayed for a week when they were called away due to a war brewing in Grana. Akihiko had fallen head over heels for Ves and was frantic when he heard he was leaving.
“Stay with me.” Akihiko pleaded.
“I can’t do that. My regiment leaves in the morning.”
“I can take care of you.” Akihiko insisted.
Theldynves held in a laugh as he shook his head no. “You’re not thinking clearly, Aki. You’ve been tortured for three years. You’ve latched onto me because I’m the first person who has been nice to you. The attachment will fade.”
“Then let me come with you. Surely your squad could use my skills.”
“Oh, Aki.” Ves frowned, fighting back tears.
The Captain of their squad stepped into the room. “Theldynves, turn in.” He looks Akihiko over, before leaving the room with Theldynves in tow.
When Akihiko woke up the next morning, there was jeweled hair clip on the nightstand. It was a yellow sapphire designed to resemble an Atanis Firefly.
Akihiko returned home a month later and was placed into an investigation unit which answered to Lord Shu. He was no longer the easy-going youth his mother remembered, for now, he never seemed to smile, and stayed aloof even from family. The only one who could elicit a smirk from him was Taeydrenn, and it usually ended up with Taey getting into trouble for his mischievous antics. On top of all that, Akihiko was constantly pestered by a young man named Artriean from the White Hawk clan, which was part of another Daimyo’s lands.
A Month Later::
It was the spring festival, and Taeydrenn was out hunting for Akihiko per request of their Mother, Lady Kotori. Akihiko had spirited away to a shaded spot, taking a much-needed break from the gathering crowds. Artriean joined in behind an old rice storage, whispering newly heard gossip with a soft giggle. Taeydrenn stumbled upon them as Artriean boldly kissed Akihiko.
“Aki?!” Taeydrenn called out louder than intended.
Both men turned startled by being found. Akihiko murmured something and Artriean left quickly going back into the throng of celebrating villagers.
Speaking hesitantly, he approached his little brother. “Taey?”
“Mother needs you. There is a family meeting.”
“Please, don’t…”
“I won’t.” He interrupted, indicating they should hurry back.
The announcement was about Taey’s engagement to another Daimyo’s daughter to forge a stronger alliance for Lord Shu. That night, Taey snuck out of the fort finding Akihiko sitting under a willow playing on a silver flute. The soft melody stopped as Akihiko pivoted his head to the side.
“Outoto?”
A broad grin formed on Taey’s face as he plopped down beside him. “She’s as dumb as a Stone.”
Akihiko laughed for the first time in years. “It’s brick, Taey, and you can turn the engagement down. It’s your right.”
“My father set it up. I can’t tell him no.” Taey sighed as his shoulders slumped. “Speaking of father, if he finds out about you. He’ll force you to commit seppuku.”
“I’ll be careful.” Akihiko looked down at the jeweled hair-clip in his hands.
“you get caught, you’ll both suffer.”
“Artreian’s clan and Daimyo have different customs. They aren’t bound by superstition.”
“I honestly don’t approve, but you could elope with him. You’d be exiled, but then, father wouldn’t dare touch you if you were under the other Daimyo’s roof.”
There was a light scoffing noise. “You don’t approve? Since when do I need your permission, Princeling.”
“You don’t really love him. You miss him still.” It had been a statement, not a question.
“Huh?” Akihiko seemed taken aback by Taey’s sudden perceptiveness.
“Your elf, Aki.” He pointed to the hair clip.
He quickly wrapped the clip in silk and placed it into a small hidden pouch.
“Why can’t you go find him?”
The vice which answered sounded pained. “Duty.” With a deep breath, Akihiko straightened back up. “If I leave, you must promise you won’t marry your Stone.” He smirked.
Taeydrenn puffed out his chest in mock bravado. “I swear.”
Akihiko rolled his eyes and laughed quietly. “Baka. Let’s go back, the guard is changing and they don’t need to know this was your idea.”
As they stood, the moonlight glinted off the tears rolling down Taeydrenn’s cheek.
Shaking his head, a warm smile spread across his pale face as he pulled a clean handkerchief out, handing it to Taey. “Don’t cry Outoto. I’ll keep in touch.”
“You’re the only one in the family who is nice to me, besides mother.”
“Remember, we don’t choose to whom or where we are born, but we can choose what we become.” Akihiko smacked his shoulder and walked off towards the fort.
By the first rays of the morning sun, Akihiko was gone. He had only taken a few sets of clothes and a family picture. By the evening, word had spread of Akihiko’s exile, but the Shiro no Hyabusa clan had already adopted him as one of their own with their Daimyo’s permission.
Age 30::
Akihiko was having dark nightmares which were growing in violence. Lady Kotori showed up at Akihiko’s home unannounced. She took him out to where her and Zeran, Akihiko’s father, had first met, by the river of her birth. She explained why he was having the nightmares and divulged the family secret as to why he had been taught to say his duty was to protect the family till the last cocoon burst. She teaches him a few tricks that he can now do with the blood awakened within him.
Age 33::
Akihiko was called into Lord Subaru’s services and placed undercover to investigate the black plague spreading further from Haso’s capital. It was showing signs of affecting towns on the outskirts, but no one knew how it was being spread. To keep anyone associated with Akihiko safe, the Lord filled out documents and a letter of Bereavement to the Naichingeru clan, sending it to Lady Kotori. It claimed Aki had died nobly in service to the Daimyo. His mother, however, knew better and got in touch with Aki through a communication spell.
Age 35::
Aki received a vision of Aito, the oldest of the Naichingeru siblings, dying. He sent a scout out immediately to get news of what was happening on Lord Shu’s lands. The reports coming in from their own lands were horrifying enough. A massive meteorite had slammed into the area where the summer festival was taking place. Reports of numerous wounded and dead came to them as if they were standing in a torrential downpour. Retreating to a small quiet room in his home, Akihiko filled an obsidian bowl with water and used it to reach out to his mother.
Lady Kotori was panic and grief-stricken. She informed him of Aito’s death before pleading with him in an almost incomprehensible manner.
“Wait! Slow down.” He shook his head to clear the cobwebs from it.
“His blood is dormant. If he survives and falls into the wrong hands….The ocean deity agreed to get him to Epheria swiftly. Please, you must keep him safe. Teach him as I taught you!”
“Who, Mother?”
“Taeydrenn!” She wailed, and the connection was lost.
Blinking back tears he rushed from the small room. He was busy stuffing clothes into a travel bag when Artriean walked in alarmed.
“What’s going on?”
“I must leave. I took an oath to protect my family.”
“Lord Shu isn’t your blood and you were exiled.” Artriean protested.
“This isn’t up for discussion.” He growled, his eyes almost turning silver from anger. “My little brother is in danger. It’s my duty.”
“Let me get you some food packed.” Artriean rushed off towards the kitchen, understanding there would be no argument in the matter.
They walked in silence to the boat dock where a trade ship heading for Epheria was waiting. It was taking refugees of the black plague away from Haso. Akihiko was one of the few who could pay the full asking price.
“You be safe Stormlark. I look forward to your letters.”
“Keep my books safe.” He grinned with a wink.
“Oh! You…” Artriean scoffed with a saddened smile, waving him off.
The ship took sale in the early morning mist from Port Ratt. Akihiko was given a simple cabin which was the size of a broom closet, but better than having to be in the cargo hold with all the others. He was surprised to see the crew not only skinny but lacking life in their eyes. He figured the fresh salt air would have enlivened anyone.
Later that evening, after a meager dinner with the crew, Akihiko perched himself upon the T-section of the mast. A group of sailors sat below him playing a deck of cards as opposed to watching out for pirates. He went unnoticed as they bantered back and forth. His head snapped down snagging words which at first seemed unimportant till he listened more closely.
The people in the hold would ever see port Epheria. They were being taken to Valencia to be sold as slaves, which the crew themselves had initially been. A rage overtook him as memories of the wizard came flooding back. Seeing red, he chanted his spell for concealment and leaped off the beam.
He landed onto the ship as it was pitched to the side by a rolling wave. Stealthy he slipped into the captain’s quarters. The captain snored loudly as he approached, and never stirred from his drunken sleep as Akihiko slit his throat. Another massive wave rocked the ship and he caught the flicker of the full oil lantern. He smashed it against the captain’s bed as the shot of a cannon rang out.
He emerged finding the place in chaos as a huge sea beast charged the ship.
“Nine Shark!” One yelled.
Ignoring the stammering Crew, Stormlark went straight for the grate pinned to the hull which held the other passengers. He pulled the pin out and ordered the men and women inside to get out. The ships’ crew finally acknowledged the smell of smoke as the first tendrils of it wafted from the captain’s cabin. Rushing to the aid of the passengers, some of the crew got them to lifeboats while others contended with the shark.
“We need to kill that beast or none of us will make it.” One fretted.
“I can help.” Akihiko offered.
They shoved a flintlock into his hands and directed him where to fire on the monster. By the time he had the hang of the gun, the ship was sinking. The ship was split in two with the beast final charge, as they nailed a shot through one of its eyes. The remaining crew along with Akihiko swam to the closest lifeboat.
“Will it draw more now that its blood is oozing out?” Akihiko inquired staring back at the bloody remains.
“yeah, but they’ll be too busy feeding on it to worry about us.” A person answered.
“Would you look at his eyes?” muttered a Sailor in a forced whisper. “Like a damn Drake.”
By morning light they were rescued by a Calpheon Naval ship. Akihiko got wind of a young Musa being found a few days earlier. Although it had only been ten years, Taey had changed much since the last time he had seen him.
What surprised him the most was when he approached Taey a week later to inquire about joining his team of traders. Taey had not recognized him at all and seemed to be listing to something dark hovering around him. Deciding to play it safe, Akihiko used a fake name.
“Vincent Stormlark, but my friends call me Drake.” He smiled disarmingly.
They shook hands and spoke a bit about where Taey planned on heading to for trade, but the young noble insisted he was in no need of a bodyguard or helpers. He seemed to be listening to something else that Drake could feel, but not really see.
As the Year Passes::
Drake finds out about the Noble in Heidel, and of Taey’s new shipping business. Soon, Taey seems wrapped up in helping a small adventuring guild that is setting off to do good in the world. Getting the name of Taeydrenn’s wharf manager, Drake begins his employ by taking chartered ships out, with the premise of making sure the people come back unharmed. He managed to save up for a small house in Olvia and uses the trips by sea to send and receive letters from Artriean.
One fateful day, Drake received a letter from his mother, not from Artriean. The information contained within was nothing short of horrifying. Lord Shu had caught the madness, slaughtering not only retainers and servants but Daichi, the third oldest in the Naichingeru line. When Lord Shu turned upon Maeko (Only Daughter of the Naichingeru Line), and Lady Kotori, Artriean has stepped in. Lord Shu was knocked unconscious, but for his efforts, Artriean died later from the wounds he had received. The ship Drake had taken a year back had been one of the last ships to Leave Haso, for it was closed off to all outsiders afterward.
Distraught, Drake piloted the ship full of people back to Velia. While in the Starving Grizzly, he received the image of his mother and sister, knowing instantly they had not survived the maddened fueled war in Haso’s lands. He drank himself into an Alcoholic poisoned coma, faintly remembering being slapped awake briefly enough to see Taeydrenn. His mind reeled at the thought of it being the after image. The one the spirits show before they slip away to the other side.
There was no sense of time when he woke a few days later. Slightly bewildered, he made his way to the first floor of the inn.
“hey Stormlark, this was left for you.” The innkeeper sat an envelope and very heavy coin purse onto the table. “Your tab is taken care of. I’ll get you some wake-up juice.” She walked away laughing.
Shaking as he held in his breath, he opened the letter fearing the worse.
~You’re clearly not meant for captaining a ship. You are hereby released from my services. We chose what we become. I provided you with severance pay, hope it helps get you back on your feet.~
The amount in the bad was three times the amount of a standard transport run. He wondered what he had said in his drunken state for he was unable to even remember what happened after he left the restaurant. He sighed as the thought of going home to the small house in Velia caused tears to spill down his cheeks. He knew instantly it would need to be sold.
It took several weeks before his mind was clear enough to consider other options, and with the house sold it felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. After hearing about strange occurrences and odd stones with mutated creatures, he headed to Tarif to dig up any information. After speaking to the paintings, he decided to make his home there. The waters were full of fish and he felt more at home helping people with occult-related issues. Getting a business license, he settled into his new place.
Barely a Week Later::
Drake returned home from his apprenticeship at the Stonetail Ranch. He had just fallen to sleep when he was violently awoken from a nightmare. Taeydrenn was being engulfed by a black storm cloud with red eyes and he was screaming out in pain. The cloud turned into a horrid beast flaying at any piece it could grasp a hold of. Drake shot up out of bed in sheer panic for he had no idea where his little brother was. He gingerly laid back, mortified and shaken when another image came to his mind.
“Oh no! It’s too soon!” He pulled himself out of bed.
The blood within his little brother had awakened three years too early. Thinking of the duty that had been placed before him his whole life made him feel miserable, for he knew he had failed. However, thinking of his mother reminded him of the water sprites from the underwater cavern. He knew they could tell him where Taey was. Grabbing a pair of trousers and slipped them on and ran out toward the river to ask for help.
3 Days later::
Around one am, on the third night, a knock reverberated on the door. Groggily he stood up shuffling to it.
“Yes?” He asked.
“The only response was more knocking. Irritated he swung the door open ready to take his frustrations out on the person verbally. A cloaked figure shoved past him and entered his home. Drake jumped back, fears of the wizard resurfacing, as he grabbed the closes thing to use as a weapon. A hand shot out of the cloak snagging his wrist with lightning fast reflexes. Preventing Drake from hitting him with the huge sunflower.
“That is my favorite flower, but I hardly think being smacked with it, is the best way to greet an old friend.” A pair of Emerald green eyes shone out form under the cowl. “Get dressed. I’ll take you to Taeydrenn.”
Side Story:: Wizard at the Grizzly
Drake sat at the table momentarily distracted from his second helping of Seafood Extravaganza, which had been beyond beautifully crafted by Niyatyri, the Proprietress of the Starving Grizzly. Turning his attention from the young lady with whom Elstaria conversed with, he dug into his second helping relishing the exquisite food served in a large lobster shell.
Well into the meal, the hackles on the back of his neck rose and his face instantly paled.
~ I know that energy. I felt it before when…~
He turned in his chair to see who had just entered the restaurant. An older man, clearly a wizard from the aura, walked in behind an ebony-skinned Lahn, in a daffodil yellow dress.
~His face is different. Not the same from…~ His mind blanked as if it had careened into a brick wall.
The sealed and locked door of an old memory closet threatened to burst. His brain rattled as if the memory was physical and not internal. He was on his feet and around the corner close to the kitchen before he knew it.
~Not the Same! Not the Same!~ He continued to repeat it like a life-saving mantra but he was floundering. His subconscious refused to believe it, screaming, Danger! Flee now!
He barely registered Niyatyri coming from behind the bar to check on him. His mind had forgotten about the back door he was already standing close to until she spoke. Spinning on his heels, he fought to pull the door open before realizing he had to push. He slammed into it with his full weight and stumbled out into the evening air.
The horse sensed his panic before he even climbed into the saddle. The moment he was on, the mare bolted away from the Starving Grizzly. She nickered in refusal as he tried to steer her toward Heidel, and continued to gallop onward across the Balenos river.
The horrifying memories from fourteen years ago, slammed into him as if it were an avalanche. Closing his eyes tightly, Drake bit into the side of his cheek to hold in a scream, tasting blood. The horse’s refusal to change course added to the antagonizing fear and his heart palpitated as he broke out in a cold sweat.
As the mare crossed the bridge over Balenos River, the water sprites reacted, sending Drake’s fear. The river erupted into a flurry of blue sparks as the sprites zipped off in two different directions. He barely heard an Olvian guard warn him to be careful as the horse dashed through the city nearly knocking the guard over.
Once the horse turned south into the Owl Forest, Drake slumped over in the saddle unconscious. Feeling the shift of weight, the horse slowed to an anxious trot doing her best to keep the rider in the saddle.
She entered Florin with a loud neighing and pawed at the ground to make a scene. The ruckus snagged the attention of the herbalist and several came to Drake’s aid.
“I’ve got the horse!” A demi-beast spoke, taking the reins.
A giant pulled Drake from the saddle as if he were no more then a sack of potatoes.
“He’s in shock! Fetch Chief Valentine quickly.”
The gathered group gasped as a few cerulean blue water sprites flew up to them. The Demi-Beast’s ears twitched.
“The second cottage on the right,” he instructed the giant.
“Okay.” He replied carrying his cargo off.
The Door was unlocked, and the giant set Drake down upon the bed as gently as possible. Chief Valentine entered shortly after, shoeing the nosy crowd of Shai away. He took Drake’s wrist checking the pulse there and at the sides of his neck. Then, Using a small lantern he checked his pupils.
“Only thing he needs right now is sleep,” Valentine whispered to the giant. “Come now, let him rest. I’ll check on him periodically.”
Nodding the giant followed chief Valentine back out.
Five hours later, Chief Valentine walked into the quaint home followed by a blonde haired male Kamasyvian.
“He hasn’t awoken yet but about a few hours ago, he started sobbing in his sleep and thrashing a bit. He also was beginning to show signs of a fever. So I forced a few elixirs down him.”
“Never woke up?”
“No.”
“You said he wasn’t sick though.”
“Something scared him so badly, his body is temporarily breaking down, which is causing him to become ill. You need to try to wake him. A familiar voice and face might help.”
Chief Valentine handed over a bulbous bottle with a thick purple serum. “Get him to take that. It will keep him from dreaming.”
The Ganelle promptly handed it back with a distasteful expression. “IT might be better to put that in a bowl.”
“Oh, it will do down easy enough.” Valentine waved dismissively.
The young man knelt next to the bed, brushing the loose strands of hair from Drake’s face.
“Do you insist upon meeting me in such a fashion?” He clicked his tongue, gently shaking Drake’s shoulder. “Vincent?! It’s Theldynves. Come on, snap out of it!” His voice was heavy with concern. “Damn it, Vincent!”
Drake’s eyes snapped open and he grabbed Ves’s arm.
“Easy. You’re all right.” Ves smiled at him.
Drake’s voice was harsh and cracked. “I remember everything.” His voice began to tremble. “The blood taken, the starvation, electric shocks. All the test as if I was some beast.”
Drake broke down sobbing and Ves pulled him into his arms. They remained quiet, letting Drake cry himself to sleep.
Valentine frowned forcing Ves to take the bottle. “Test?” He raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
Theldynves took the haughty bottle and set it upon the nightstand. His voice was a hushed whisper.
“About fourteen years ago, my father and his squad of specialist had been sent out to find a malicious wizard who was severely destroying the balance of Elos. We had tracked him to Haso, where he was razzing a town and had already decimated several others. Vincent was a Rookie inspector whose team had met their demise three years earlier. He had been a prisoner that entire time and had countless test done against his will.”
Valentine scratched the little bird’s head which nested in his beard. “But Vedir aren’t rare?”
“Vincent is only half Vedir. His mother was a Haso River Dragon.”
Chief Valentine’s eyes grew wide. “You mean that young man is a Sapphire Fukuryu?? A Luck Dragon?”
Ves nodded.
“No wonder the weather looked strange. Those things cause storms when they become upset. I must go keep the batch of elixir from destabilizing.” Valentine quickly rushed from the tiny house.
Drake rolled onto his side groaning in pain as Ves pulled his only chair near the bed. He sat down slowly taking Drake’s hand into his and leaned close whispering.
“Never get a break do we, StormLark? Here we are again and all I want is for you to whisk me off my feet, but alas, here we are.”
Drake sighed in his sleep, seeming to settle. Ves eyed the purple concoction on the bedside table with disdain.
“I adore you, but we both have our share of ghost whispering about now, down we?” He turned his attention back to Drake. “ We’ve lost our families in gregarious battles. Those horrific years you faced, and the civil war I’ve seen the front lines of. Do we still have a hope left, that we can change our stars? Should we even dare with all we’ve gone through and what is yet to come?” He leaned forward kissing Drake on his cheek.
His eyes fluttered open briefly and he squeezed Ves’s hand. He spoke as his eyes closed again. “Stay with me.”
Theldynves smiled sadly, watching Drake’s breathing deepen. A few tears trickled down Ves’s face as he gently caressed Drake’s cheek. A warmhearted smile graced Drake’s features as he remained in the depths of sleep.
“Only till morning.” Ves sniffed, laying his head onto the bed, still clinging to Drakes’ hand.
Drake woke with a start. The nightmare faded as his eyes adjusted to the warm morning light filtering through the glass panes of the small square window. Theldynves was slumped over in the chair using the bed for a headrest. His outstretched left hand was over his own. Shifting from his side to his back caused Ves to wake up.
“I didn’t mean to wake you.” Drake reached over slipping a few loose golden strands behind Ves’s pointed ear.
“I should’ve been up an hour ago.” Ves stretched out his cramped muscles and yawned. His hair cascaded across his face. “Shit.” He fussed. “Another scrunchy bit the dues. Sinew works best my foot!”
Drake grinned taking in the details of the room “Where are we?”
“in Florin. IN one of my temporary safe-way houses.. My horse brought you in last night unconscious. I was afraid you had received another lump till the sprites stated otherwise.”
Drake’s gaze fell to the bed as an embarrassed shade of red swept over his face. “I ran out of there like a coward. I can’t show them my face again.”
“What?” Ves stopped fussing with braiding his hair and leaned forward.
“I’ve shamed myself in front of my guildmates. I went to the Starved Grizzly for a bite to eat, and an older gentleman, a wizard, showed up. I knew even before he walked in the door. I could feel the energy coming from him as if a spider with electrified shoes had tapped danced across my brain.” Drake’s eyes swept up, fixating upon Ves’s bright green eyes. “I was so afraid, I couldn’t think. I just ran…I just..” He sighed heavily holding back tears. “What’s worse is he’s not THAT Wizard. What Right do I have to judge someone on another’s actions?”
Theldynves nodded in thought before resting his hand on Drake’s shoulder. “you could’ve done worse, Vincent. You could’ve ended up hurting him and yourself. Instead, you left, and although you’ll have nightmares for a while. They will fade. Remember who you are now and if your guildmates knew what had happened to you. I believe they’d have understood your reaction. Now, I have a quandary for you. What happens if that man joins your beloved guild?”
“That’s a damn good question.” He sighed shaking his head.
“I must go. It’s nice to see your eyes sparkle a bit.” Ves stood with another stretch.
“We need to stop meeting like this.” Drake attempted a grin, but feel back to melancholy.
Ves’s emerald eyes sparkled as he provided a quirky smile. “It’s the only time we get to be alone.”
Drake gave a half smirk with a roll of his eyes. “Come with me to Tarif. We could do good there.”
“Oh? And what do you do exactly, StormLark?”
“Get into mischief.”
“Ah, something you and your brat of a little brother are good at.” He moved for the door. “Speaking of Taey, as of last night, he was making his way to Calpheon.”
“Nani?!” Drake jumped out of the bed alarmed.
Ves swung the door open motioning for him to stay put. “He’s getting around well enough now. Let him help the guild. A change of scenery would do you both some good.” Ves hesitated at the threshold. His hair shined with the look of liquid gold. “We lost one tree a long time ago. It looks like we mightlosee this one too. I find it hard to believe that there is so much darkness despite how brightly our sun shines.”
Drake walked up to him speaking boldly. “Then let me be your light, for you’ve been mine.”
“I’ll not loose you too. Please take care of yourself, and if you come across that wizard again. Cling tight to the hair clip I gave you so long ago and lat Atanis clear your mind.”
“Ves?!” Drake called after him as he left. “Kuso! Wait!” He growled.
Theldynves’s agile feet paused from the brisk walk. He kept his back to Drake and whistled for his horse.
“Win or fail, like me, your duty will be fulfilled. Then what?”
Theldynves’s head tilted to the side, but he refused to turn around as the horse approached him.
Drake took a few tentative steps towards him. “I know this is not just important to you, but to all of Elos. Let me come with you.”
Ves spun on his heels and regarded him studiously. “Where is your horse?”
“In Heidel. Once there I can leave Taey a note to close my shop in Tarif for a while, and I’ve got money in Heidel so I can pick up new supplies.
Ves nodded curtly with a smirk. “To Heidel then.”
“I’m driving.” He strolled up to him with a wink.
Ves scoffed. “My horse.”
Drake kissed him on the cheek. “Your hair is gorgeous but if it whips me in the face from here to Heidel, I might just cut it off.”
“HA! I’ll let you think you’re in control for now, but once in the city, I’m buying a new scrunchy.”
Drake mounted the blue topaz colored mare and offered Ves his hand to help him up. Refusing, Ves hopped onto the back on his own. Drake turned the horse North.
“Oiy! Hands!” Drake’s face turned bright red. “Around the waist!”
Theldynves giggled mischievously.
One Month Later::
Drake sat up with a start and cried out, extending his hand out as if reaching for someone. A startled feminine gasp and the sound of heavy footfalls brought him fully out of the dream. He panted heavily taking in the room along with the people in it.
A pale and bewildered-looking Taeydrenn stood in the door frame of the room, while a dark hair sorceress stood, holding a bowl of broth to his right. Everyone seemed to relax as a yell came from the other room.
“Is he okay?”
Taeydrenn smiled broadly. “He’s Awake!”
“Ves?” Drake asked feeling confused as the bowl of broth was placed into his hands.
“No. It’s just Zan, but you did save Theldynves’s life though.”
In a blink of an eye, the bowl was empty, and Drake handed it back. “He’s not here?” He asked, eyeing a few pieces of unfamiliar furniture.
Taey’s voice sounded guarded. “He’s back in Grana.”
The confusion compounded as he recognized the bookshelf and dried roses on the wall. “He left or stayed behind?” He shook his head a moment. “Am I at my home?”
The Sorceress spoke up. “You are in your home in Tarif. You’ve been unconscious for about eight days now. Ves brought you here leaving you in my care. Taey arrived a few hours after you.”
The aches and pain in his body were making him irritable. “Why did he leave?”
“Duty,” Taeydrenn spoke as he walked into the room. “Excuse us for just a moment, Melody?”
“You have five minutes.” She frowned leaving the room.
Taey sat down in a wooden chair next to the bed. “He had Zan move a new bed in. None of us knew when you’d be waking back up, and Ves thought it would be better for you to have a softer bed to rest in.” Taey’s voice resonated with sympathy. “I’m so sorry Aki. He said his duty comes first, but he was acting as if he was terrified of something. Maybe that new weapon that struck you.”
“Is love always this complicated.” Drake leaned back on the round pillow.
“Love is extremely complicated, but the right one makes it all worth it.” Taey frowned as Drake scoffed and looked away.
“Where are you, Aki?”
“In my home, but not in my bed.” He looked back at Taey with a smirk.
Taey shook his head no with a serious expression. “I remember an older brother who would hang upside down from a ceiling beam, playing with a wooden toy horse to make a very ill little brother laugh so robustly, that their mother rushed in, in a panic. A brother who taught me that life is more then what duty or people force upon us.” Taey’s head tilted in an inquisitive manner. “I’m happy. Why aren’t you?”
Drake closed his eyes too tired to cry. “Haso was so peaceful. I had a chance at a simple life. I’ve lost everything. Our family, my fiancees and now it looks like Ves.”“Fuck that pointy-eared bastard!” Taey spat angrily.
A flash of a snide smirk flitted across Drake’s face before disappearing.
“You’re still in there.” Taey pointed with a knowing grin causing Drake to chuckle. “Sometimes, things in our past are only meant to guide us so far. We can’t continue to walk forward if the guide rope is attached too tightly.”
“Uh-oh. Does Kin, know you’re this smart?” Drake opened his eyes, studying Taey a moment.
“Well, I hope she doesn’t think I’m a mindless goof.” Taey chuckled.
The sparkle of the yellow topaz in the candlelight snagged Drake’s attention for a moment before Melody cleared her throat to get his attention. “Would you mind placing that into the wooden box over there? It looks like Melody is about to force medicine down my throat.”
Taey picked up the hair-clip and slipped it into the requested box. He spoke to Drake as he exited the room. “I’ll be right out here.”
“all right inspector.” She walked in with a wooden mug. “I’ve got rough new for you, but you need to drink this first.”
A pungent odor of wet iron wafted from the dark liquid. Even though Drake’s face twisted in revulsion his stomach growled loudly in need. He barely realized he was halfway through the cup when Melody told him from the doorway what it was.
“That’s Grass Hedgehog blood.”
He instantly redecorated his black marble dresser in a spray of blood as he spewed it out. “Nan de yo!” He coughed. “That’s not funny.”
Melody’s expression indicated she was not joking and despite the knowledge of what he drank, his stomach sat quietly content. His hands shook as he felt compelled to finish off the unusual drink. Melody walked back into the room sitting in the chair which had been miraculously missed.
“Whatever that magical weapon was it’s changed you. Your dragon blood saved you but at a cost.”
“I never told anyone here about my heritage.” Drake frowned.
“Taey did when he arrived. I’ve consulted the elders here. You drinking both this blood and the broth earlier proves one theory. You can eat food, but you won’t get nourishment from it. You’ll need blood now to sustain yourself.” Melody motioned to the cup. “Please finish that. I still have something to show you.”
His hand trembled more violently as he fought the urge to fling it.
“You’re not a monster.” She set her hand gently on his arm and looked directly into his eyes. “This is your home for as long as you wish it.”
Rivulets of tears spilled down his cheeks as he spoke. “But, those that take blood like on the contaminated farm are mindless walking corpses. Am I..?” His lower lip trembled and his voice caught unable to finish the sentence.
Gently, Melody grabbed his right hand and placed it upon his own chest. He was startled by how cold her hand felt, then gasped as he felt his heart beating a bit rapidly.
“Your temperature is higher by five degrees. The Elders believe it’s so you can get the full nourishment from the blood. May I?” She pulled the cup from his hands and set it upon the nightstand. “Now I need you to open your mouth and say Ah.”
Knowing melody was Tariff’s primary physician he obliged. She held a handkerchief up to his mouth and tickled the top of his palette. His face spasm-ed along his sinus canal and a sharp pain came from the top of his jaw. He leaned away from her moving his hands to his face.
“You’re all right. The feeling will pass.” She showed him a clear liquid on the cloth as he touched his top fangs. “Your new fangs are hollow and inject a venom into who or whatever you feed on. We had in analyzed. It’s meant to keep your prey compliant so they don’t get away or harm you while you feed. They also think it might cause a hallucinatory state on the prey.” She tossed the handkerchief into a wastebasket and grabbed the mug-o-blood, promptly forcing it into his bewildered hands.
“Please.” He leaned past her setting the cup back down. “No more. I don’t want to hear any more.” His face turned a few more shades paler.
“We don’t know anymore.” She forced the cup back into his hands. “You must finish that. There is another cup you have to drink. The draught we are preparing for you isn’t ready yet. The blood you need to survive has to come from other dragons, since you’re half Dragon and Vedir. Our top alchemist is working on a Black Dragon draught. Taeydrenn and a Lady by the name of Kinjita will have the recipe so they can make more for you.”
His breath came in short ragged gasp as his heart palpitated. “This is a nightmare.” His started as a whisper but grew in volume. “Moon drifters don’t exist! They’re something children are told about to get them to behave and not sneak out at night. What did I do wrong? You’re telling me I’m cursed for saving someone’s life?!”
He almost flung the mug at the door when he saw Taey regally standing in the doorway. His voice sounded calm but authoritative. “Melody go check on the draught. You’ve done enough for now.”
She winced and quickly left the room as Taey walked past her sitting back down on the chair. Drake shook in pure terror, looking as if he was about to jump out of his skin.
His voice trembled. “You can’t tell Kinjita, Taey. The guild can’t find out. I already fled once. I’m a coward. Tell them I died in battle.”
“Lie?” Taey scoffed reaching over and lightly smacking Drake on the shoulder. “Do you have to be such an Alpha, that you can’t handle a few others looking out for you. This doesn’t make you my responsibility. My Lioness and I have alchemy skills you don’t have, or else you’d be making your own stuff. Repay me with a nice horse or something.” Taey shrugged, giving Drake an expression as if he were acting childish. “Look at it this way, Aki. You’ve always loved the moon. Maybe there are more deities in this world than Atanis and Elion.”
“What have you done with my little brother?” Drake asked clutching the mug as if it was the only thing holding him to existence.
Taey offered a business smile as he leaned back grabbing a small hand mirror from the top of the dresser. “Hey check yourself out. Now I’m the one with the looks in the family.”
The moment Drake saw the red eyes and shock white hair a small cry of anguish escaped his lips and he started to sob. Taey jumped as Zan stormed into the room yelling at him.
“Damn it Taey. You have about as much tact as a nail in the foot. You idiot! You Haso Boys really need to open your eyes to the world around you.”
Zandariel was holding a squirming baby griffon in his hands and promptly tossed it onto the bed. The little creature nudged against Drake’s arm getting his attention. His mouth fell open in awe as the feathery critter pawed at him begging for attention.
“He likes you!” Taey exclaimed with a light laugh. “Pet him.”
Drake reached out in disbelief running a hand through its’ feathers. The griffon purred rubbing up against him.
“Never thought I’d ever pet one of these.” Drake smiled a bit.
Zan tapped Drake’s arm making sure he had his attention before he spoke. “Where one sees monsters another sees a marvelous, awe-inspiring creation of life. A human can be as monstrous as any Troll or Orc through his actions. Yeah, so what, you’ve changed? Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You’re alive, man. Why don’t you come with Taey and me to Heidel for some drinks? You need to remember Friends and family don’t survive by having one person protect them. They protect each other. Something I’m starting to learn thanks to the two of you.” Zan eyed the cup. “I think the doc said you’ve got another one waiting, so better finish that. Also, a bath would be in order. Suns is down. So you should hold up.”
After the second cup, the aches and pains were far duller than before. Drake headed to the river with a fresh set of clothes, passing Melody on the way. She handed him one of the bottles.
“I’m very sorry. I should’ve.”
“You do a damn good job. Thank you for looking after me.” Drake nodded politely.
Melody smiled proudly taking the other draught and two rolls of parchment to Taeydrenn.
Taey shut the door as he pocketed the two scrolls and set the other draught on Drake’s desk.
“I thought you hated my brother?” Taey asked moving into the bedroom.
Zan heard the wooden jewelry chest open and close before Taey came back out holding the Yellow Topaz Hair clip.
“I don’t hate him. I just think he is boar-headed.” Zan eyed him curiously. “Sticking your nose in the wrong pile, Kid.”
“Theldynves is a dick!” Taey’s eyes furrowed, and his fist clenched around the hair-clip.
“I thought your brother liked…”
“Zan!” Taey growled angrily. “That bastard left him after Aki saved his life. Ves doesn’t deserve him.”
“So, what are you going to do with it?”
“I’m going to send it back to Ves in pieces along with an angry-gram.” He huffed.
Zandariel reached out grabbing Taey’s hand. “Ves hates you Taey. He’s not going to tell you why he left, and besides, that’s Drake’s business.”
Zan grunted as Taey tried to pull away.
“Let go!” Taey snarled.
“Give me it!” Zan growled. “I’m warning you, Brat! You’re only going to cause unneeded trouble.”
Vanadiel squawked, flapping his wings in excitement as the two tussled over the sparkling object.
“Damn you old man. Aki deserves better.” Taey braced his left foot and pulled.
Their faces turned red from the strain.
“Old?! I’ll show you old, Shorty.”
Taey kicked out as Zan swung a punch. Both blows connected sending them sprawling away from each other. The hair-clip flew out of Taey’s hand bouncing with a yellow glimmer. Before either could react, Vanadiel snatched it up in his beak with a triumphant squeak.
“NO!” They cried out in unison as they scrambled for the little griffon.
Drake walked in feeling refreshed. “Hey guys.” he paused seeing both of them on the ground wrestling with Vanadiel. “That bored huh?”
The griffon roared in protest, finally getting free from both of them.
“Shyt! He ate it!” Taey’s face went pale.
“Ate what?” Drake asked with a small laugh as he walked past them to place the clothes in a basket.
“My… Ugh. Metal, wax sealer, stamp thingy.” Taey fussed out of breath.
Zan slapped Taey’s shoulder hard speaking between gritted teeth. “Brat! We can’t replace that so easily.”
“You should know better than to play with shiny stuff in front of a cat or a bird, and that’s both.” Drake laughed. “You’ll have to wait for it now.”
“Euch.” Taey and Zan spoke in unison as they looked at each other.
Taey handed Drake the small bottle of black dragon draught. “Ready to go?”
“I may need a horse.” Drake frowned.
“Yours is in the stable,” Zan replied getting off the floor. “We need to drop Vanadiel off at the house before we hit up the Lily though.”
At The Lily::
The three sat at the bar of the lily Tavern and Inn. Drake and Zan were on their third pint of Ale, while Taey was only halfway through his first one. Taey was already showing signs of intoxication. His nose and cheeks were bright red. They watched the townsfolks and adventures come and go.
Initially, Drake had worried about his eyes causing an issue, but everyone was so wrapped up in their own stories and concerns he went relatively unnoticed. Zandariel was doing everything he could to keep Drake’s mind preoccupied and came up with a sort of game. He eyes a young wizard walking over to a table to the right of the room.
“He’s not bad looking.” Zan idly commented taking a swig of ale.
Drake glanced over and scoffed lightly. “He’s straight.”
“What? How can you tell?” Zan scrunched up his face in mock surprise.
Drake sighed a bit bored. “The way he moves. Very rigid.”
“Bullshyt!” Zan frowned pretending to be disappointed, but he had the feeling Drake wasn’t falling for the act.
“Well, go hit on him and find out.” Drake’s hand shot to his left, preventing Taey from falling off the stool. “Hey, Mr. Lightweight. Slow down. That’s Ale, not wine.”
“I’m good.” Taey provided a goofy grin before chugging the rest of the pint. He flagged the barmaid over for another round. “Hey, Lookey! I’m catching up.”
“Oh.” Zan nearly purred almost forgetting why he started the game. “She’s got a vivacious walk.”
Drake eyed the long chestnut brown hair of the half-elf with curiosity. He rolled his eyes in thought as the elf turned around. ~Also straight. What a pity.~ “Wrong Pronoun.” He stated flatly, giving Zan an odd look. “You’re almost as old as dirt and you still can’t tell people apart, with as much as you fiddle around?”
Zan looked flabbergasted and leaned away from the bar watching as the half-elf turned to address someone. “Well shyt. He’s still attractive through. Guard my drink. I’ll be nice and toss you a bone.” Zan was about to hop off the stool when Taey cooed at something.
“Oh wow! She’s gorgeous.” Taey’s hands were wrapped around his mug as if it was keeping him planted in place.
“Some advice, Kid. Don’t ever say that in front of Kinjita, even if you’re three sheets into the wind.” Zan chuckled keeping his eyes on the browned haired elf.
“Why? I think she’d like her too!”
Drake spewed out his drink in a laughing cough.
“I didn’t mean it that way.” Taey protested loudly.
~Damn it. He’s straight. I should’ve taken Drake out to Calpheon.~ Zan thought with a sigh turning to face Taey. “Where is she?”
“Coming down the stairs in the black assassin garb.” Taey sounded mystified as he pointed to her.
Drake’s jaw dropped as he looked at her. “Kawaii.” He muttered, eyeing her outfit. “Dangerous beauty.”
The woman looked at Taey and Drake giggling at their expressions.
Drake smiled and nodded at her as he elbowed Taey. “Don’t be rude.”
Taey waved at her with a huge grin spilling a bit of his drink. Drake face-palmed turning towards Zan to express his interest in getting his little brother home when he noticed the pale face. Zan was staring at the girl with trepidation and she was returning the stare with eyes of hardened steel. Taey missed the interaction as he chugged on his second drink.
Zan cussed as a crescent pendulum on a golden yellow ribbon slipped down to her knees. Taey saw the flash of yellow and looked over.
“She’s a Lahn!” He exclaimed loudly. “I wonder if she knows Niya?”
“Go ask her Taey.” Zan spoke as he turned to flee to the far end of the bar.
“I want my maps!” The girl hissed as Zan sending the pendulum towards him.
The blade’s crescent point ever so slightly kissed Taey’s left cheek and brushed Drake’s left shoulder as it sailed towards a fleeing Zan. The girl tugged on the ribbon causing the pendulum to turn abruptly on its side as it smacked into Zan’s back with the body and not the edge of the blade.
“Boy, can you pick them, Zan.” Drake commented checking his shoulder for a cut.
Taey raised his hand to his burning cheek. There was blood. He frowned at the woman as Drake kept him from falling off the stool. The small cut was bleeding more profusely due to the alcohol in Taey’s blood.
She walked down the stairs speaking to them. “that was a warning Prince Naichingeru, to keep out of this fight.”
“I’m not a Prince.” Taey’s shook his head feeling the room spin.
“Oh?” She half-laughed looking straight at Zan who was picking himself off the floor.
Drake and Taey shot him an Accusing look.
Zan patted at the air defensively. “Look, it involved some mixed drink with Laudanum in it, and ended up with me handcuffed to a…. you know what?” He chuckled as an embarrassed shade of red graced his face. “It’s a long story.”
he jumped to his left rolling out of the way of the pendulum. Drake grabbed Taey’s shoulders hauling him over to a table he quickly overturned to be used as a shield.
“Having fun, yet?” Taey grinned drunkenly.
Drake noted Taey’s glassy stare, surprised his little brother had not passed out yet. He spoke loudly but softly over their makeshift barrier.
“Don’t do this kitten. Everyone is having a decent evening.”
“Do I look like a cat to you?” Savyne fumed.
Taey and Drake winced as a loud thunk was hear before the table was pulled away.
“You’re hissing like one!” Taey fussed back at her.
“Yowling, Taey. Snakes hiss.” Drake sighed.
“Whatever.” Taey shrugged.
“Got to go for her ribbon,” Drake whispered to himself getting a layout of the tavern.
The whole place erupted into a chaos of scurrying feet as a chair smashed against a wall inches from the Lahn’s face. Zandariel stood defiantly in the middle of the room taunting her.
“If you wanted another kiss, all you had to do was ask, Sweetheart.” Zan grinned.
In an alarmingly stout yell, the girl drew her noble sword and swung the pendulum in a counter-clockwise fashion before sending it towards Zan. He rolled out of the way, causing the blade to slam into the plate chest piece of a drunken warrior who had been sitting a table behind him. The warrior was knocked out of his chair landing with a heavy clang.
“Ouch. He’ll feel that in the morning.” Taey commented.
“He’s feeling that now.” Drake suddenly shoved Taey away. “Move!”
The pendulum sliced between them. Taey laid prone on the floor appearing too drunk to get back up.
“All right Dollface,” Drake growled menacingly. “Let’s play.”
he darted across the room away from the bar flinging shurikens at her. She blocked each one with her noble sword, with a snide smirk as numerous patrons fled from the Lily. A small group had stayed behind to help, as Zan rushed to help Taey off the floor.
“Where the hell, are the guards?” Taey fussed looking a little green.
Zan propped him up against the bar. “She probably paid them off. Stay here okay? We’ve got this.” Zan moved away as Taey nodded grabbing a pint off the bar-top.
The young male wizard they had taken notice of earlier, attempted to get a spell off. The Lahn slammed her crescent pendulum into his wrist breaking it and his orb. Taking her foot, she positioned it under the seat of a chair and kicked it towards a ranger readying her bow. Due to the brief distraction, the wizard got a small bolt off with his stave. The spell had been a minor one due to the pain from the fractured wrist, but it singed her dress.
The Woman saw red as she put her full strength into her next swing. The stave snapped in half as both it and the young wizard flew out the tavern door.
“Gods be damned! She’s sexy!” Zan panted from the adrenaline.
“Zan! Focus you Baka!” Drake huffed pulling out one of his Sura Katana.
He charged forward as the half-elf Musa charged from the Lahn’s left. She side-kicked the man with little less than a wink. The Musa caught the kick under the chin and somersaulted backward falling the ground unconscious. Drake prepared to swing down, but she twisted away with a high jump and flew to the other side of the bar.
An arrow nicked her shoulder. With a laugh, the Lahn instantly sent the pendulum towards the ranger. Zandariel grabbed a table spilling its contents onto the wooden floor and brought it up as a shield.
Zan yelled feeling his arm shudder from the impact. “Get out of here gorgeous! Find the damn guards.”
The bladed pendulum was embedded halfway through the center of the table. Grinning, the Lahn started to pull on the ribbon.
“Come here handsome. I want my maps back.”
he was almost dragged off his feet as the table was pulled across the bar. Performing a spinning kick, he held onto the table sending a twisting wave towards her. She countered the wave, managing to jerk the pendulum free from the table. It flew wildly shattering the glass Taey had been drinking from.
Drake charged forward when she regained control of her weapon. A shimmer of steel passed across his face, brushing a thin line across his nose as the golden yellow ribbon flew out to his right. He stared in amazement momentarily distracted from his assault. Bringing a hand up to his nose. Taey’s blade had sunk into a table effectively stabbing within a chain link hidden by the ribbon. The crescent pendulum was now pinned.
Zan rushed forward with a prepared knock out-strike, but received a kick to his nethers sending him to his knees in an agonizing groan. The Lahn let him kneel there as she struggled to pull her weapon loose.
“This is becoming very aggravating.” She growled using her noble sword to fend off Drake’s attack.
She picked up the closest object using it to both shield and attack. Drake had never been in a bar fight and the improvisation from the use of the chair threw off his focus slightly.
Taeydrenn spotted his blade stuck in the table. “How’d ya get there?” he wobbled looking down at his empty scabbard. “Huh? It flies?”
He drunkenly made his way over to the table ignoring the fight. His face turned three shades redder as he strained to pull the sword free. His blue eyes lit up as he noticed the pendulum dangling uselessly.
He looked up with a grin and yelled across the tavern. “Aki! Look what I did!” His mind barely registered the violent shove.
Drake swept his blade up in a blind deflecting blow as he shoved his shoulder into Taeydrenn, sending his little brother sprawling. The hit from the noble sword should have shattered his katana, but he had it braced against his arm. He drew a second katana from his hip, sweeping it up and towards the assailing Lahn. When she dodged backward, Drakes’ sword sliced through a leather pouch on her belt.
A blue glowing crystal sphere dropped to the floor. The Girl instantly dropped her noble sword with a gasp. She scooped up the crystal seeing Drake’s Semi-bewildered red eyes more closely. She fled out the back entrance leaving her weapon behind.
Several Serendian soldiers rushed in from both entrances. Zan got to his feet with a groan still cupping his nethers in both protection and pain.
Wincing, Drake sheathed his blades and cradled his left arm. “You okay, Otouto?”
Taey crawled a few feet before getting violently ill. Sighing, Drake stayed where he was, keeping his hands away from his weapons as a guard came over to him. Taey wiped his mouth on a cloth and straightened himself out as the guards came towards him. He produced a paper from a pouch, handing it to the one who helped him to his feet. He pointed to Drake, speaking with a slight slur as the guard’s eyes widened in fear.
“That’sss my bodyguard, and I’za confiscating that weapon. Whosse ur boss?”
“A thousand apologies your Lordship. The fight occurred during our shift change. Our superior is Cruhorn Wyrmsbane, Sir.”
Taey motioned for Drake to come over. “Grab those weapons, Ahi.”
Drake pulled Taey’s sword free and picked up the Woman’s weapon as well. He handed the sword to Taey who promptly sheathed it.
“That was a lucky throw. You realize you almost hit me with it?” Drake pulled the Lahn’s weapon out of Taey’s Reach before talking to the captain of the guard. “I’ll have Lord Naichingeru come in the morning to make a report.”
The guard took one look at Taey’s green-tinged face and waved them off.
“Taeydrenn!?” Zan hollered at him as the guards surrounded him.
Drake held onto Taey’s jerkin keeping him upright as Taey turned to see who was screaming at him.
“Let him sit for a night,” Drake whispered in his ear.
“There you are! Thaz me oth’guard. Ssaved my azz while Tin canns had cofffe.”
Drake nodded to the guard with a slight frown. Muttering under his breath, the guard ordered his men to let Zan go. Zan quickly followed Drake and Taey outside.“You owe me!” Taey grinned goofily. “I wantta hear about the cuff sstory.”
“It’s embarrassing, Kid.”
“Zan, you’re a walking brothel. How can you be more embarrassed then that?” Drake commented with a grin.
Taey roared in laughter snagging everyone’s attention.
“I’d tell you to suck it, but you’re not my type?” Zan huffed.
“Why? Cause I bite back?” Drake teased. “So does she. Yet you liked her enough to muck something up.”
Taeydrenn pulled away from Drake’s grip and walked away from them. He braced himself on a stack of crates and threw up.
“I do like her, but damn, she kicks hard.” He re-adjusted himself.
They both looked over at Taey briefly.
“You’re staying with us tonight, right?”
“Taey will be fine. He just needs some water, and rest. I really should get back to Tariff. I’m sure she’s done with you for now.”
“Not worried about Taey. There are three beds in the house.” Zan scoffed starring at Drake with Concern.
Taey wobbled back over, looking from Drake to Zan with a slightly alarmed expression.
“Get that out of your drunken head.” Zan fussed at Taey.
“Don’t worry Otouto. I don’t know where he’s been.” Drake’s eyes issued a challenge.
“Hey! I’m clean. I’m pickier then my flirtatious nature lets on.” Zan took a step towards Drake straightening the collar of his own tunic with a cocky smile.
“Tha Ssounded like a prop…”
` “Shut up, Shortstuff!” Zan hollered as Drake turned away doubling over in laughter. “I’m just trying to get through the rest of the night alive, okay? And why the hell are you so worried about what I do. We both agreed Drake needed some fun tonight.”
“You’re so old. He deserves better!” Taey scoffed.
“Short little punk! I’m not trying to get into his pants.” Zan was about to get him into a headlock when Taey nearly face-planted. “Oh shyt!” Zan managed to scoop him up before he hit the cobblestones.
“You got him?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll meet you at the house. Let me get this weapon sent off to the Guildhall.”
“Yeah, okay.” Zan rushed down the alley towards the Heidel house.
At The Heidel House::
Drake walked into the living room of the Heidel house finding Zan sitting in one of the plush chairs nursing a beer. The striker for once looked as if his age was catching up to him.
“Hey man, you all right?” Drake asked closing the front door.
“Taey’s fine. I slapped him awake and forced a glass of water down him.”
“That’s not what I asked.” Drake took the chair next to him spotting an envelope in his lap.
“Depends.” He sighed handing over the letter. “I didn’t give this to you earlier because of Taey. It’s from Ves.”
“You’ve read it.” Drake accused.
Zan attempted to hide his wince behind the beer bottle.
“How many of those have you had so far?” He inquired opening the letter.
“sixth one for the night.” Zan leaned forward with an odd expression. “you know I’m kind of curious. Why haven’t you and I done anything yet? I mean we’re both attractive and there seems to be a tension between us.”
“That tension you feel is me trying not to punch you in the face for being a bad influence on my little brother,” Drake growled, not looking up from the letter. “Besides, you’re not my type.”
“What is your type? I noticed you had a hard-on for that elf in the tavern, and don’t deny it. I saw the disappointed look when you noticed he was straight.”
Drake’s face contorted a bit as he tried to hide his emotions. “I’m not into one night stands.”
“You Haso boys. There can be more passion in a single night, then in a lifetime with just one person. You need to live a little.”
A solitary tear of blood and water fell upon the page smudging the ink. He crumpled the paper in a trembling fist.
“You know I had something that heart-wrenching once. Master Kamhui, my martial arts, and life teacher, took me to Calpheon for drinks. I woke up the next morning in the arms of several beautiful people and all that depression was gone. I realized life goes on.”
“You’re drunk Zan. Tuck Mr. Wrinkly back in your pocket and get some sleep.”
“Our personalities clash a little but if you don’t talk.” Zan laughed.
Drake gave him a serious no non-sense look.
“All right. Mr. Moody.” Zandariel stood with a grunt and wobbled towards the sleeping room. His hand pulled a book from the shelf and it landed loudly on the floor. “You need to read that.”
Drake followed him knowing what was about to happen. Zan barely made it to the bed before passing out. The bottle clattered to the floor as his torso landed on the bed, but the rest of him was on the floor.
“By Atanis, Zan.” Drake grumbled helping him into the bed.
Zan started to snore loudly in accompaniment to Vanadiel’s little whistling snore. Luckily, Taey had been propped up. Sighing, Drake pulled the comforter off the middle bed and went back into the living room.
He spread the comforter over the white fluffy couch and picked up the book Zan had suggested. He was well into chapter three when he heard the groan of hinges from the back door. Soft, slow footfalls moved towards the short set of stairs.
“Identify yourself before you get a shuriken in the throat. I promise I won’t miss.” Drake stared at the dark hallway seeing the small silhouette.
He watched her drop down to a knee and heard the thunk of something heavy rolling over the wooden floor. As the object approached him it gradually illuminated with a soft blue light.
“you’re not like the others. Why are you so far from home Dragon?”
~Dragon? She came here for me?~ He puzzled pushing himself to a sitting position. “Evening to you too, Kitten.” He nodded politely at her.
“Kitten?” She whispered coming down the stairs. “The inflection of that word is kind, not disrespectful. It’s your way of acknowledging and equal of the opposite sex. Feisty, delicate, yet powerful. However,” she shook a finger at him. “Doll-face was spoken entirely out of anger.”
“And if I call you Princess, it’s my way of calling you spoiled.” He chuckled picking up the orb. “This tells you I’m a dragon?”
“Half.” She sat across from him in one of the chairs. “It was given to me for a temple I guard.”
He marveled at it smiling to himself in thought. ~Still me, just a different style.~
“I came to apologize and ask for the return of my weapon.” She motioned for the Crystal Sphere.
He handed it back to her. “I can’t do that. You got really close to harming my little brother this evening and honestly scared the hell out of his business partner. I don’t know you enough to warrant just handing it over and barging into a home uninvited makes it look worse.”
“Brothers? Naichingeru? The eyes of course. Fire and water?” She motioned to Drake’s red eyes.
“Used to be water. Now it seems to be water and blood.” He frowned studying her facial features.
She looked at the crystal whispering to herself. “Blood? But, it’s blue? A good heart.” Her eyes met his again and she smiled disarmingly. “You understand. I just want what was taken from me. My maps and now my weapon.”
He regarded her for a silent moment having heard the whisper. “I understand, but we don’t need further miscommunications. Your weapon was sent along with a report to our Guild Leader. Go to the Kitsune Star Guildhall In Calpheon. Speak with Lady Kinjita. If she finds your words truthful, She’ll give you back your weapon and help get your maps back to you.”
“Only because you asked Noble Dragon, and I do sincerely apologize for harming Prince Taeydrenn. If I had known what he was, no harm would have befallen him.” She stood up, putting the crystal into a leather pouch.
Drake grimaced. “Few are privy to our heritage.”
“I’m Savyne. Guardian of the temple of the Six Elements of Elos. Even though you two are halflings, on my oath, it is already sworn for I keep the same secrets for the others.” She smiled a tad mischievously and headed for the back door.
Drake tripped over the blanket as he tried to get off the couch. “Wait!” He pursued her to about half-way down the hall before worrying about walking into a trap. “What others? Dragons? There are more like us?”
Giggling, she pushed the back door open, looking over her shoulder. “Tell My Darling Zan, I’ll see him again very soon. In the meantime, I’ll seek out Lady Kinjita.”
Drake folded his arms and leaned against the wall. “I’m sure Zan will be thrilled.” He commented to the closing door.
At Sunrise::
The first rays of sunlight started to filter through the window. Drake stretched with a yawn as he finished the last page of the book. Setting the book back on the shelf, he stripped out of his shirt.
“Oh, Shyt!” Zan touched his back causing him to jump. “Taey was telling the truth.”
“Keep your hands to yourself.” Drake snapped irritably.
“So that’s why Taey is so protective of you.” Zan looked at the numerous scars smothering Drake’s torso, chest, and back. “You know Taey decked me when I laughed about you running from the restaurant. I had no idea it was that bad.”
“Zan, you don’t know the half of it.”
“Did the wizard do all that?!”
“Most.”
“Please tell me the SOB died.”
“Fourteen years ago. Yes.”
“Fourteen? If you let that single incident of darkness cover your whole life you’ll miss out on the points of light meant for you.”
“Like the book, you suggested I read. The hero died never realizing the love of his life was there the whole time.”
“What book?” Zan scratched his head. “And, why are you sleeping out here?”
Drake pointed to the novel with a smirk.
“Holy Shyt, I really must’ve been plastered. This isn’t smut, this a parable.” Zan sounded disgusted.
“Speaking of drunk. You tried to get me and Savyne to have a three-way with you. Which made me extremely uncomfortable, so you changed the subject to marriage. In case you don’t remember, she said yes. Congratulations.”
Zan’s face paled till he noticed the grin Drake was fighting to hide. “You’re pulling my leg?!”
Drake burst into laughter. “Should’ve seen your face.”
“You Bastard!!” Zan picked up a few small books chucking them.
Drake continued to laugh, easily dodging the books. “You deserved that. You were hitting on my last night.”
“I’m so fucking sorry. I was drowning last night. The plan was to get you drunk and set up with some dude at the tavern. Taey and I were going to pay for the inn room even. I’m not saying you’re not attractive. Just we’d kill each other and take the house with us.”
Drake put his hands up dismissively. “It’s okay. Please, don’t try to help me like that again though.”
“Yeah, sure. Sorry.” Zan chuckled.
“By the way, she said she would see you later.”
“Wait!? So she really was here?”
“It’s the main reason why I’m going to sleep out here. You need to make sure Taey gets that report into Cruhorn Wyrmsbane.”
A pallid groan could be heard from the sleeping room.
“Speaking of Taey, I’ll get some coffee started.” Zan whisked off to the kitchen.
Drake walked into the room finding Taey clutching his stomach in agony.
“Did I do anything stupid?” Taey asked trying to look up at who had walked in.
“You redecorated half of Heidel in the color of, I don’t want anymore Ale yellow.” Drake chuckled.
“Shh.” Taey whimpered holding his head.
Drake lowered his voice. “We had told you to take it easy. I sent Kinjita the Lahn’s weapon along with a report of what happened. Zan is getting you a remedy for your head. You got a report to make this morning.”
Drake yawned again feeling the weight of the morning slam into him like a ten-ton sledgehammer. “Pugh.” He panted sitting down on the middle bed.
“Vanadiel get off the bed.” Taey fussed. “Why is the world still spinning.”
Drake smirked closing his eyes for what he thought was only a moment. Taey cried out as Drake slumped forward. He managed to catch him despite being hung over.
“Zan!” Taey yelled wincing at the sound of his own voice.
Zandariel ran in and helped to get Drake laid out on the bed.
“Is he okay? He’s going to wake up again isn’t he?” Taey fretted.
“After the bar fight, he played silent guardian and was up all morning. He just needs sleep.” Zan pulled the blanket off of Taey’s bed and covered Drake.
“Come into the kitchen. I got to get you as sobered up as much as possible. We’ve got to talk with Wyrmsbane today.”
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