Sacred stones: Venatrix, a Fantasy story

Part 1. Present day Vernan

It was their eyes that bound them together as sisters. It was the first and only notion that spoke of their relation. The youngest was Ava, she was small for an elf, barely 20 years old, though to most humans she likely only appeared to be about 13. Her hair was bright and yellow like straw spun into gold. Delicate features and curved, mischievous, deep blue eyes. Her skin was darker and more callous than her sisters, golden from spending most of her days in the sun training.

The Oldest of the three was Sylara, and unlike Ava, her hair was bright like an afternoon sunset, warm tones of red, muted by blonde, thick and curly that framed her face and could barely be contained into a large ponytail. Her skin was soft unlike her sisters, never sharing Ava’s love for the outdoors, she always preferred to wrap herself into books or studying, enough to pass the time. Sylara shared their deep blue eyes; only hers were wiser only appearing to be 23, but in reality she had been aged by an extra 20 years. The burden of being the oldest sibling was enough to deepen that wisdom.

The middle sister was Orianna, unlike her sisters, her hair lacked nearly all pigment, similar to the color of moonlight, her hair was a pale blonde. Despite the calm hard expression that dulled her blue eyes, there was always a storm brewing. She had never been gifted with athletics or scholastic abilities; so instead she relied on her honesty, wit, and her bravery to get her out, and in, sticky situations. Despite being only 8 years younger than Sylara, she looked about 19. Not long ago the weight of being Curatrix rested heavily on her shoulders, now she was nothing, too old to be spoiled, yet too young to gain freedom.

“Ori, are you coming?” Ava’s words snapped her attention as she turned to her sister, the blonde elf snapped from her daze almost immediately; unaware of how just consumed she had been in her thoughts. She blamed the fire’s enchantment, losing herself in the fire’s flames, watching them slowly suffocate into a dark billowing smoke. Both her sisters were moving, Sylara was picking up things hastily and Ava was smothering the flames.

Slowly but surely she started moving, standing up her expression darkened just a little “Yeah.” She nodded, adjusting her cloak to cover her shoulders again. This was their life. The constant stress from moving so often since they were not allowed to reside in one place too long, the curse prevented them from that, especially when bad things started happening because of it.

At first they started trailing along with some of the more nomadic halflings. They were patient and open with them, easily sensing of their misfortune. On top of that it was much easier to welcome children into their tribe. Ava looked 10 when they were first exiled, Orianna appeared only 16, and Sylara who looked freshly 20. Just how long had they been wandering? After the first few years of being exiled from their own home by their father, they began to lose count. Despite the elves longevity, that allowed them to live double that of humans,almost 6 years of constant traveling could seem to drag on forever. Especially with their powers stripped from them, their lives and relationships in shambles. An unfitting punishment to a crime none of them even committed.

Orianna pushed away the thoughts. She hated thinking about the curse. She hated thinking about her father, which ironically was impossible because every time she looked in the mirror she saw him. Perhaps that was the first clue she would inherit the job of Curatrix, the guardian of Kolvar’s Emerald. The stone was named after the strongest Elf in Leandres’ history. Back when The Great War was raging on, it had been Kolvar who was the first to give up his power.

That was what the treaty called for. The Elves, Humans, Nymphs, and Fae pooled their divine power together and infused a portion of each into a stone. The stone was then distributed so no one race could ever be stronger than the other. It gave power to their race, allowed them to live in graceful ease. The Emerald’s magic was tied to the Earth, it allowed them to use magic, to compel people, connecting them to all living beings. Being the Curatrix gave you the most powerful of all magic, it’s source of power pure and as it’s possessor, they gained their power from not only the stone but the previous Curatrix, each ounce of magic was gained by being siphoned away.

“I hate this.” Ava’s voice came out like a whine; Orianna remained quiet, her brain once again reconnecting with current events. At this point her feet had gone numb from walking. Looking around at their surroundings Orianna knew they were alone, the boarder of the forest where Vernan hid only a hundred or so yards bellow the cliffs they had been walking on. Carefully they would tread close to the Nymphs territory instead of the Elves. Their father would have guards no doubt, so even if they were to set foot into the forest they would have to be on high alert. Walking away from her sister’s she stood at the edges of the cliff. The forest was large and vast, but her trained eyes could see the peeking buildings of their city.

They all hated it. “We all do.” Sylara mirrored her thoughts. In the back of their mind she could hear her sister’s conversation. She was paying attention, but it wasn’t her priority. Instead she was watching the woods. Mildly interested on what would happen if they were to step foot just for even a small amount.

“I’m so tired; we haven’t slept in a real bed in months.” She didn’t fault her sister, she was still a child, but it didn’t stop Orianna from rolling her eyes. Sylara was more considerate than she was. Orianna just wanted both of them to shut up.

Orianna first started to gain power when she appeared around 12. Most children would develop their power at about their first decade. Orianna of course had a natural affinity for compulsion. Her father noticed when she compelled the maids to let her and Ferris bring a bear cub into the manor or when she compelled her tutors to pass all her studies with flying colors. When she learned how to manipulate the earth, to grow plants and draw energy to adjust the plants to her liking, it became clear she would be the successor.

However it was different with her sisters, they each specialized in only one of Earth based magic. Ava had the natural ability to shapeshift, an old druidic tradition that only their warriors ever chose to master. Sylara specialized in potions, she had been exceptional in apothecary and alchemy. Her infinity over minerals and metals, expanded with sigils and potions.

She would never forget her father’s face when they learned she would be the next Guardian. She would never forget her father’s face when he exiled them. Most importantly she would never forget her father’s face because it mirrored her own.

“I don’t understand why don’t we just go home?” Orianna knew why they couldn’t return, but entitlement surged through her. Why should they have to live their lives in seclusion? Tension building in her blue eyes Orianna pushed her hood down to look at the woods, as if she was daring them, daring the guards, daring anyone and everyone to see her. “After all, we only get the repercussions if he catches us.” Orianna snapped out, she wasn’t angry at them, but at the world. After long moments of silence Orianna cocked to the side at the thought, her straight pale hair falling across her cheek. her expression unreadable.

“That would be suicide, we all know that.” Sylara countered, Orianna shot her a look of disdain.

“Besides we don’t even know what happened to Vernan. Do you think father hasn’t manipulated and spun this whole situation?” Sylara reminded her, Orianna knew she was right, Sylara was usually always right, but that didn’t make it any easier to hear. Orianna sensed her sister stepping close to her, grabbing her arm.

“You’re right, but how long must we tolerate this?” She spoke desperately, a brief flash of pain in her face before it evaporated to anger. “Being exiles? Being stripped of our powers? Being denied a life?” Her lips twisted into a distasteful frown. “Does none of that bother you?”

“Of course it does!” Her sister looked mildly offended at her comment. “Ori, what are we gonna do? Storm the house, steal the emerald? Take on father? Might I remind you, we are without powers!” Sylara countered, Orianna turned quickly, ripping her arm out of her sisters grasp.

“It’s better than this! We’ve been wandering around for 6 years, are we supposed to do this for another five more years. Then what? Ten? 20?” Both of them seemed to fall silent; Orianna turned to look at Ava, the youngest Elf was looking awkwardly between her sisters, clearly debating sides.

All of their eyes shifted in the tense silence. Sylara to Ava, Ava to Orianna, Sylara to Orianna. Their argument teetered on the edges of a full-fledged explosion.

“Maybe she’s right Lar.” Ava pointed out, Orianna felt a smug smile forming.

“If we go back we die.” Sylara was starting to sound more and more defeated.

“What are we exactly doing here then? We’re just walking until we die anyways.” Ava pointed out? Orianna knew they were winning.

“Yes I don’t see what's so different between walking to our deaths as opposed to sprinting towards it at rapid speeds!” Sylara yelled at her sister, throwing her hands up in the air.

“Come now Sylara, don’t you want to see Raven and Elias?” Orianna knew she was being petty, but she knew the buttons she had to push to get what she wanted. Sylara froze, her eyes narrowing into an angry pained expression.

“Don’t use them against me, especially when you just want to see Ferris.” Orianna felt the bile rise as she cringed at the name, she could still see him in her memory, vivid as always, warm brown hair chopped short in the back, the front pieces were long, feathers and beads decorating the strands. His eyes were endlessly dark, tanned skin all meshed together with a serious expression, Orianna knew though that even if he didn’t smile, she could see happiness in the way his eyes warmed up. Closing her eyes Orianna forced herself to push the image away. She was sure Sylara was doing the same thing. They all had loved ones back in Vernan, their city.

However she knew that if she was going to win this argument she had to push farther.

“You’ve missed Elias grow up for years. He was barely 14 years old when we left, are you really going to miss the other 180?” Orianna felt good being so mean, it made her sick.

“You’re not going to stop are you?” Sylara looked at her two sisters, Orianna stared her down. Her expression entirely serious as Ava shifted uncomfortably under Sylara’s gaze.

“No.” Both Orianna and Ava spoke together, both of their voices were soft yet one held conviction, and the other held hope. Shaking her head in annoyance, Sylara sighed loudly.

“Fine.” Sylara resigned. Her arms crossed across her chest, her weight shifting to one foot. “Let’s do it, let’s go home.”

Orianna and Ava’s eyes brightened into grins. “Under a few conditions.” She warned, this was how Sylara worked. There was no way should would go through something like this without a plan or regulations intact. “We scope out the place first, don’t talk to anyone, and keep your heads down. If we see father we run the other way-” Her gaze turned on Orianna. “Ori, I know you want to see Ferris, but until we know what we are up against, it’s been centuries, everything could be different.” Sylara looked at both of them, before a small smile spread on her own face.

Ava offered out her hand as Sylara took it, Orianna did the same. They stood there for a moment, sisters connected. Orianna would get her title back, they would get their home back, and they’d bring down their father.

The lights that lit up the outskirts of towns always reminded Orianna of dancing spirits. They bobbed and weaved about, illuminating paths. In reality they were nothing more than lanterns that hung on branches, masked my colorful opaque papers that gave a bright blue or green tint. Constantly blowing in the wind, swaying from the slightest of movements, only instead the sight of the lanterns now made her feel so nauseous. They felt hollow and empty, an uneasy feeling swept through her. Tilting her head she tried to call on the magic within her to quell her nerves, when nothing rose in her she felt her heart sank. It was a habit, something even centuries could ever break.

“It’s strange but there are no alarms, no traps or triggers…” Ava came up next to her with surprising silence. Orianna sat in one of the thicker branches of the large trees, her feet dangling as turned her head to glance at her sister and nodded. Without saying another word Ava was climbing down. Gracelessly Orianna hopped down after her sister, with a thud she hit her knees and landed awkwardly. One would have thought that after traveling for years she would have picked up some abilities to fight or move without looking like a bumbling troll, lumbering and breaking everything in its path. No such luck.

Within moments later Sylara’s hooded figure bobbed from the tree’s and stopped next to her sisters. They stood together on the outskirts, their hoods pulled down as far as they could go. Orianna had tucked her braids back, her sisters had done the same.

“He’s either daring us or careless.” Sylara’s voice was like a low whisper.

“No he’s taunting us.” Orianna was sure, her words gruff similar to a growl. Ava and Sylara didn’t bother commenting on her sour mood. Mostly because Orianna was always bitter and to even the smallest degree they were too. So instead Orianna just ignored them and pulled at her hood, as if she was trying to disappear under it, her entire body on edge at the thought of finally seeing their father.

“We’ll start at the Inn. Father never stoops so low to spend time there and it’s not uncommon for travelers to head there.” Orianna barked out, as if being near Vernan brought back her title as Curatrix.

“We should keep to the shadows, it wouldn’t be wise to draw attention.” Sylara warned, but Orianna was already walking. Ava moved swiftly, her tiny legs working hard to catch up to her sister, Sylara paused to study everything for a moment before following close behind.

Being in Vernan brought back memories that Orianna worked so desperately to suppress. In order to get too the city they would have to walk through the gardens. Flowers bloomed even at night, and just for a second as her eyes grazed over them Orianna could see lying with Ferris in the flowers.

Vernan was large, despite being in the center of the forest, the trees were cleared out, some sparsely growing beside the paths. Even from the outskirts of Vernan they could see the citadel standing tall in the center. Its walls bustling up to near impossible heights and if they dared to get close enough they would see the gates open, welcoming all residents.

Even in the lower parts of the city the nightlife was bustling. People leaving from work, stopping one last time to buy ingredients for supper, near the Inn life was active, elves didn’t brawl- Orianna’s blue eyes shifted between nervous to suspicion as she watched from under her hood. She felt a constant feeling of dread pooling within her. The elf hadn’t seen one of her kind yet, only an impossible amount of humans. Daring to lift her head up she paused for a moment, looking around, her cheeks turning pink from embarrassment, realizing slowly that this place was entirely human.

It wasn’t that Elves were ever so racist that they didn’t allow a variety of people, but there was a certain pride they held, an air of arrogance from their kind that made them difficult to get along with. If you could earn an Elves loyalty they would gladly go to battle for you.

Sylara pulled her cloak as she passed her, as if she was motioning her to keep walking. Surely guards would be patrolling this area soon enough so they couldn’t stop moving. With the Inn within their sights, Orianna felt comfort seeing the familiar brick paved building, the elegantly crafted wood sign, even with a town full of humans, she could see the small hints of elvish architecture.

Orianna didn’t speak to her sister, not even as they pushed the doors to the Inn open in a desperate search for a familiar face. The common room of the Inn was full of activity, torches hanging on the wall to give light to the room. Tables filled with rows and rows and rows of humans.

Orianna jumped as she felt something grasp her hand, looking over she saw Ava next to her, surprised the elf looked up at the bar and suddenly Orianna knew why. Her expression froze in horror as she stared at the Innkeep, without even turning around she could sense Sylara stiffening behind her. A dark haired human stood at the bar, her hair jet black, but when she stepped into the light they seemed to give off a blue sheen like the feathers of a raven, her skin was tanned nicely, too slender for a human. However her eyes were like seafoam, too green to be a human, high cheekbones, her eyes curved ever so slightly.

Sensing her sisters distress Orianna reached for Sylara’s hand only to be met with air and a bristle push as she walked past her to a table. She was moving swiftly, too swiftly, it gave away her unhappiness. Following their sister, the two other elves walked to the nearest seats at a table, sliding into the seats.

“Lar, that’s-” Ava was the one to start, however Sylara’s icy look cut her off.

“It can’t be.” However her words were not certain. “Raven’s not- Raven’s not human.” Sylara tumbled over her words, eyes searching around the room hopelessly. Even though the inn was loud enough that their conversation wouldn’t be heard, they all say silently.

“Look around.” Orianna ordered and they did, everyone single person in the room was human.

“What has happened? None of this is making any sense.” Ava’s tone was helpless, they were not prepared for this.

“Are you ladies looking for anything to eat or drink?” They wanted as Sylara tensed up, the voice was identical. Looking up Orianna hadn’t realized they attracted human Raven’s attention.

After a long uncomfortable silence she spoke again. “Well?” she started, her hands on her hips in a sense of annoyance. Sylara looked down at the table, her hands clasped together, knuckles white from strain. She moved quickly, so quickly that if Orianna realized what she was doing she would have stopped her pulling her hood up and making her face visible. Wisdom filled blue eyes, deep like the ocean, strawberry blonde ringlets peeking from under her hood.

“Yes actually.” Her words were slow and drawn out as she peered up at her, eyes full of hope, human Raven’s eyes widened with surprise.

“An elf?” They call could feel Sylara deflate “I don’t think I’ve ever seen elves wander into my place.” Sylara’s eyes drained of hope, just as soon as they filled up.

“Ah, just three glasses of wine.” Ava ordered, human Raven turned her head to inspect the wide eyed innocent looking elf.

“Aren’t you a little young to be drinking stuff like that?” She crossed her arms, looking at her, sizing her up.

“Ma’am I’m 25 years old, trust me, I can handle my wine.” Ava smiled sweetly, Elvish wine was one of the strongest drinks, mostly because they had access to the earth to make the grapes more potent. Never the less, her tone was like acid. Ravens attention turned almost immediately to the child running between the tables, holding a coin purse in his hands. Her expression turned motherly in an instant.

“I’ll get that for you-“ She started. “Elias! Quit running inside right now!” She was moving away from the table motioning to a little boy to come over to her, he looked no older than seven. Orianna glanced at Sylara who was staring at the human child with shock.

“That’s Elias, I know it’s Elias.” She told them, her words were barely above a whisper as Sylara pulled her hood up, Ava following suit. A few moments after reprimanding the child and pointing to the bar, they all averted their eyes.

At first Orianna thought she couldn’t possibly hate her father any more than she already did, apparently she was wrong.

After a few moments of silence Raven returned with their glasses of wine. Neither Ava or Orianna felt particularly thirsty, however Sylara took the cup and slammed it back almost immediately.

“Thanks.” Orianna spoke dismissively as she slid her four pieces of silver, making it clear they wanted privacy. Human Raven sauntered off before all three of them exchanged horrified looks. Sylara looked back at the bar where the child bustled around with food, grinning happily, hair poofing up from adorably lose curls

“That’s Elais and Raven. They’re-“ Her words were caught in her throat.

“Human.” Orianna deadpanned. Despite her empty expression, her hands were gripping the glass with ferocity. “I think there is something more important.” Orianna pointed out. “No one’s aged at all either.” Her eyes fluttered across the bar. “More importantly, that means whatever has turned them human it isn’t permanent...” She trailed off. Sylara was watching Elias, the child hadn’t even glanced their way once.

Sylara turned to grab Orianna’s drink and they watched as their older sister downed the second drink in one swallow and slammed it on the table, her hand clutching the glass. This was her sisters breaking point she knew it.

“Ava, get us a room.” Orianna ordered tossing the elf her coin purse as she snatched it up and scampered off. Sylara didn’t acknowledge them as she grabbed the last glass and downed that one just as quickly.

“Easy girl.” Orianna was standing up moving to her sister's side. She could see her eyes brimming red from tears and wine. It meant they needed to get her away. “Wait till we’re alone.” She knew her sister, that look of dread in her eyes. Quietly she helped her sister up, she sat there like deadweight refusing to move. Orianna forced her to her feet, practically dragging her as they walked towards the rooms. She could see Ava obtaining a key from Raven. Motioning her over, Orianna continued pulling her sister to the upper portion of the tavern. Sylara’s hair hung in her face like a curtain.

Then Ava was there guiding them to a room, unlocking the door, somehow slipping in front of them, her small face serious. Orianna lead her sister in and sat her down on the bed, kneeling in front of her, her hands on her knees. Ava sat beside her on the bed. As if a faucet had been opened Sylara looked down at her sister. Eyes wet, a broken sob escaping from her.

Authors Note:

So this is chapter one and two combined! The structure of the book will be off just a bit in the table of contents. This is just temporary as I run though and make small changes. Part one of this is entirely completed and I'm starting to condense the chapters into bigger ones in order to make room as well as more structured for new chapters in the oncoming part two.

3: Part 1. Unexpected Allies.

Part 1. Unexpected Allies.

“Elias and Raven, they didn’t even recognize me.” Her voice cracked, like a loud whine. It didn’t matter how old someone was, being forgotten by the one you loved would hurt. Fear washed over Orianna, if this was Sylara’s family, what happened to Ferris? Her hands on her sisters knees, she looked at their youngest sister Ava held her shoulders as they shook. They stared at Sylara in a quiet, unwavering pity, and support. “My son, my wife.” She leaned on her hands. “My family never existed.” They sat like that as Sylara cried.

“Sylara” Orianna’s voice was surprisingly soft. When she didn’t lift her head up her tone became much more serious. “Lar listen.” Ava touched her sisters face, lifting it gently up to wiped her eyes, her cheeks red. “I am going to fix this.” Her voice was shaking, not from sadness, but anger. The more she seemed to think about it the more rage built up until it was barely contained within her. To see her older sister cry like this, it infuriated her. “I am going to get the Emerald away from father, I promise you that I am going to fix what happened to our people. I am going to make that man pay.” Orianna promised her. Sylara’s expression was dark, Sylara who never held hatred in her heart. Her father finally cracked her.

“Do it.” She agreed. Orianna stood up and hugged her sister, it was a brisk hug, but one nonetheless.

“Now pull yourself together.” She stared down at Sylara, plan building up in her mind. “Don’t let him have the satisfaction.” Orianna ordered, standing up. Moving over to the door she opened it to look outside. “We need to work fast tomorrow, word will obviously spread that three travelers in town so disappearing will be best almost immediately.” Closing the door back at locking it she walked over to the window, pushing along the edges to test how quickly it could open and close. “You and Ava get some sleep. I’ll be on first watch.” Even in their own home they couldn’t relax. They would rotate like this, one of them would watch for a few hours and switch. It was efficient when they were traveling through areas with bandits, but even now in a locked room Orianna couldn’t shake the habit. It’s what they always did, watching the doors, protecting each other, it was all they could do.

Ava nodded and pulled Sylara down to lie on the bed. Her sister like a rag doll just following the direction she was pulled. She truly felt bad for her sister, but she couldn’t seem to bring herself to be anything more than angry. Moving to the end of the bed Orianna sat down on the floor, her back against the bed. Pulling her knees to her chest Orianna began taking her braids out, casually watching the shuttered window and the door.

She would fix this.

Orianna touched Ava’s shoulder to gently wake her for the switch, both girls were in quiet unison that Sylara would be the one to get a full night’s sleep. After being the first one to encounter the horrible pain of seeing her loved ones, she felt it was well deserved. Orianna had a feeling that no matter what she would not be prepared.

Ava sleepily sat up and let Orianna crawl into the bed with her sister. Laying down she pulled the covers up above her head, her sister stirred slightly, but stayed asleep. Orianna rested her head against her sisters back. Even as Orianna laid there to nervous to sleep, the fear that their father would burst into the room was too great, but after a few moments the exhaustion won over and a calm blackness overtook her.

Orianna’s sleep was interrupted by Ava shaking her to let her know she was leaving the room to collect food. The sun had just started to shine through and Sylara was already sitting up. Her curly red hair was tangled and puffed out. Wiping her eyes the pale haired elf stood up moving to look out the window. They were on the outskirts next to the inner town. She could see the citadels gates opened and people commuting throughout the city. They needed to start moving, staying in one place too long would probably tip their father off. Ava returned with bread and coffee for them. Orianna turned away from the window and took one of the coffee cups and pieces of bread gratefully.

Pausing for a moment Orianna smelled the coffee her eyes casting over to look at Sylara and then Ava. They quietly waited for any clues on how to handle their sister.

“We need to figure out what is going on here.” Orianna started as Sylara paused eating her food to look at them with a stony expression before getting out of bed and pulling on her cloak.

“I’ll go to the library.” Sylara knew that place like it was the back of her hand, if anyone could find information on the curse, it was her.

“Ava you’re the smallest so you check the back routes for areas to escape if needed.” Orianna continued, it was clear their sister was not okay, but she wasn’t going to push her on it. Orianna gave her sister a sharp look of silent communication, they needed to find a way into the manor.

“Ori, don’t go seeking out Ferris. Instead gather supplies in case we have to leave.” Sylara ordered her voice stern, Orianna didn’t bother protesting.

“We will meet in four hours at the library. We need to be serious about this, if father catches us we’re dead.” Ori told them, they all worked together, they had too especially if they ever saw their father. Sylara went first walking out briskly, no doubt to avoid seeing Raven and Elias. Ava went after her, finishing her coffee Orianna waited for a bit, she had absolute faith in her sisters to pull through.

Orianna left the inn with her hood pulled up. Her hair was pushed off her shoulders and tucked in her cloak. She stayed close to the walls of the citadel, careful to move between shops and avoid any guards. She felt so uncomfortable seeing everyone as humans. Especially since she grew up in Vernan and if she tried hard enough she could identify most of the people. She made a mental note to travel over to Magnus’ magic shop after passing through the market.

Starting towards the market, she felt a calmness rise in her. Despite the years everything looked the same, if everything hadn’t been so messed up by her father she might have felt happy to be home. Orianna’s eyes darted around as she searched quietly, watching as a human set her basket down to turn and look one of the stands full of fruit, Orianna followed behind her, allowing no room for hesitation as she walked past her picking the basket up in one swift movement as if it was her own. Smirking she pulled it in front of her she felt herself humming softly. Thievery seemed to brighten her mood, well that and there were already several sets of food in the basket. Pausing at one of the set up tables, she inspected some of the animal meat hung up, skins drying out on the table for purchase.

“Two rabbits please.” She told the merchant, barely looking at his face as she reached for her coin purse under her cloak. Holding the silver in her hands she finally looked up to examine the human. Orianna’s heart stopped as Ferris stood in front of her wrapping the meat in parchment. Orianna stepped back, Ferris, her Ferris was standing there entirely human.

Handing them to her Orianna couldn’t bring herself to move. One job, she had one job, to stay away from him and here she was standing in front of him. Orianna placed them in her basket, her knuckles white from holding the baskets handle.

“Are you gonna pay?” He prompted her. Orianna shook her head, breaking her daze and she handed him the coins.

“Right, sorry.” Her expression was meek.

“You’re not from around here are you?” He asked, raising an eyebrow at her, flipping the coins across his fingers. Orianna watched, her chest tight. Those hands that could fire an arrow with precision but also brush the hair off her face gently.

“I’m-” She couldn’t find the words to speak. At least she hadn’t started crying like Sylara did. Looking around nervously she felt herself backing up. She could not do this, not now. “Yeah, bye.” She turned and darted off. She heard a small protest behind her but instead she just headed towards where she could see some mercenaries down the walkway, selling treasures no doubt.

Pushing down the crushing pain in her chest, Orianna kept walking, blue eyes examining vegetables, fruits, and goods as she poked through the aisles. Ignoring the merchants that tried to convince her to buy things, she had been alive long enough to know what was worth buying.

Pausing a moment to check for guards periodically she could see two of them walking from the direction of the blacksmith just past the market, a tall blonde head bobbed behind them. Her heart stopped as the hair on her neck stood up, turning around quickly ducking her head she pushed against the crowd, fear ran through her, the color was identical to her own, the only other person with hair like that was her father.

Orianna pulled her hood down further, tucking stray strands of hair into her hood, not daring to look in that direction she dodged between carts as quickly as she could her heart racing as she turned back to look at the guards. They hadn’t noticed her yet they were still walking but not after her. Turning to keep ducking away she slammed into someone, behind the cart.

Orianna didn’t hesitate once, the elf grabbed the person she bumped into and covered their mouth, pulling them against the wall of the citadel. Pushing behind one of the back parts of the tent Orianna kept her hood down her head turned to the side as she waited for her father to pass. After several long moments the two guards passed by with a thin blonde girl walking behind them. Her hair was curled and pinned up, but human nonetheless. The blonde elf released the breath she had been holding, relief washing over her.

“You’re not going to rob me are you?” Orianna paused as the stranger spoke, her heart stopping from fear once again. Cursing loudly and blatantly, it was her luck of course. Orianna was speechless as she looked into golden brown eyes.

“Ferris.” She whispered his name on instinct. Looking around she shook her head. Instinctively she had run to him, how classy. The human lurched away, he was different than the Ferris she knew, yet he was still the same.

“Well, it’s safe to assume you are running from the guards and know of me somehow, you should probably explain before I decide to turn you in.” He pulled away from her, Orianna scrambled back reaching for her fallen basket, he caught her wrists and pulled her back.

“No, no.” Orianna recovered, her hood falling back slightly. She jerked her hands to pull it back up but Ferris was steadfast. “You’re very well known for your skill with the bow.” She was thinking quickly, not sure how to get out of this situation.

“So my reputation precedes me.” He sounded amused, letting go slowly bending over to pick up her stolen basket. Orianna’s heart ached, she could recall having a similar conversation with him before.

“Clearly.” Orianna felt herself relaxing, taking the basket from him, too caught up in the situation to realize her hood and entirely fallen down.

“An elf?” He paused looking at her with a curious gaze. Orianna looked away, pulling her hood up again. “Although, it's scary how identical you look to the founders.” He commented. Orianna gave him a questionable look. Founders?

“What would a- human know about elves?” Orianna stumbled on the words. He didn’t look insulted, only slightly amused. “Isn’t this a human city?” The words made her want to stab something.

“Would you like to find out?” She could hear him speaking, but she could also hear Sylara yelling at her for being so near Ferris. Keeping her expression calm she wouldn’t let it show just how much her heart raced.

“Well…” She trailed off, shifting the basket around, it felt so easy to talk to Ferris. “I am curious.” Ferris nodded once motioning her to follow her. Watching his back she turned around to look over her shoulder at the disappearing guards, the blonde no longer with them.

“Obviously you’re avoiding the guards.” He started looking behind at her. “So perhaps it would be good of you to explain that?” He prompted her. Orianna looked thoughtful for a moment. They walked towards the gates of the citadel before turning around at the sigh of the guards, Orianna hovering behind him as they got closer. The Guards made her nervous.

“I stole this basket.” She motioned at the food in her hands. They walked back towards one of the back exits in the wall used to take the trash out.

“But you paid for the meat.” Ferris spoke dryly as he led her to the library, Orianna chose to ignore him and stay silent. This was good, it meant that she could reconvene with Sylara. Orianna felt nowhere near comfortable being so close to the manor inside the citadel. She could see the hallways that lead to the throne room and the council room. He lead her into the main portion of the library, pausing in the main room where tables sat, rows and rows of books surrounding them. Above the center archway was a painted portrait of her family.

Orianna wanted to scream. Her face frozen in terror and disgust. She stood with her sisters and father. She was younger then, well-groomed and well dressed, just barely 14 at the time. He did this on purpose, she knew he did. Licking her lips Orianna kept the urge to throw up pushed down in her stomach.

“That fucking asshole.” She shook her head, the words just above a whisper.

Ferris looked over puzzled as Orianna stared straight at the portrait, just what had her father been trying to accomplish?

“Did you say something?” He prompted her, a small hint of amusement in his voice.

“No nothing.” She shook her head quickly before changing the subject to a more pressing matter. “So how did humans come to inhabit this city if it was once ruled by Elves?” Orianna chose her words carefully and slowly, using this to her advantage. Ferris still looking at her, tilted his head, his brown eyes glassing over for just a moment as his entire expression went blank, slowly morphing into confusion.

“Elves? We’ve always lived here. I was born and raised here. There has never been Elves here.” His words were calm and natural, yet felt rehearsed. Orianna stared at him, quiet for a long minute.

“How old are you Ferris?” she asked, he looked puzzled by the question, once again his eyes seeming to glass over.

“23.” He answered simply, Orianna frowned, nothing about this was right. Nothing felt right. Ferris wasn’t human, he wasn’t 23 years old, he was nearly 60 years old, and he should remember her. “How old are you?” He was looking up at the picture, searching it, Orianna’s lips pressed in a tight line to avoid saying anything.

“Ah, that’s a secret.” She looked away from the picture, she couldn’t stand it, especially when she had this uncontrollable urge to kill her father.

“What about a name?” He asked, Orianna froze entirely, cursing herself for letting Ferris throw her guard off so easily. She knew that she couldn’t tell him her name, not with her father just minutes away from her. She didn’t respond. “You know, I enjoy challenges.” He looked at her, his eyes dangerously close to a grin. Orianna looked utterly baffled? Was he flirting? She needed to get away.

“Be careful with that.” She warned him her voice even. “Not everyone likes being a challenge, and I’m sure your girlfriend probably doesn’t like you flirting with other girls.” Was it okay that Orianna felt jealous of herself? It made her sick.

“Flirting and making friends are different.” He told her, Orianna’s face went white. As if some strange god of fate was playing with her, the blond haired girl from the market burst into the front of the library, the doors slamming open as if they had been moved by magic. Pausing to look around as if she was lost only for her face to light up when she saw Ferris.

“So there is a girl?” She tried to keep her voice even, if not a little amused. The girl skipped over to them, her blonde curls bouncing as she waved at him.

“Isn’t there always a girl?” He pointed out as she stopped in front of Ferris. Orianna couldn’t speak, her voice gone. Her father was going to poison her, she was never a believer in coincidences, yet as the blonde hugged Ferris and kissed him on the mouth, Orianna knew this couldn’t have been an accident. Orianna resisted the urge to snatch those blonde curls and rip them from her head. Yet she restrained, her hands in tight fists, refusing to break eye contact with Ferris.

“Well as fun as this tour has been. I must go.” She said briskly, pulling her hood down farther. The blonde looked over at her, her arm wrapping around Ferris. Orianna kept feeling her heart break into smaller and smaller pieces.

“Oh, you must be the travelers everyone is talking about.” She turned a dazzling smile to Orianna, somehow it felt cunning, like she had a hidden agenda under that pretty face.

“Doesn’t she look exactly like the photo?” Ferris pointed out, Orianna turned away, she needed to get out of here.

“Oh wow, she sure does. Wouldn’t it be funny if she had two sisters that looked exactly like them?” She giggled at Ferris, clearly dotting on him.

“Yeah, hilarious.” Orianna interrupted her voice dripping in heavy sarcasm. “As fun as this portrait is to stare at, duty calls, errands to run, people to kill, and other… fun things.” She forced the words to be cheerful, pushing away from the two of them, making a break for the doors. He didn’t try to chase after her.

Exhaling loudly she looked up and around. Pushing her emotions to the bottom of her stomach, she pushed her hood down again. Turning back to look at the library and then towards the manor she started walking before nearly bumping into someone again.

“Damn it, can you not walk in my way- oh my god.” Orianna looked at the person standing in front her. A overly tall human with jet black hair, his eyes were an unnatural gold, one covered by a black eye-patch, his hands were in his coat pocket. Despite the curse she knew without a doubt that this was Magnus.

“In your way? You’re hysterical, and by that I mean not funny in the slightest, now you are an idiot and we need to go.” He rolled his eyes at her talking fast as he grabbed her arm, pulling her towards one of the back entrances, away from guards.

“Wait, what Magnus? I am literally in the worst mood right now.” Yet she let him drag her away.

“And I literally hate your misuse of the word ‘literally’, but we can’t all have what we want now can we? Also just out of curiosity, because you know, no reason but- Orianna are you in your right mind coming back here?” They walked in the direction of his show.

“That depends.” She avoided his question. “How did you avoid the curse?” She spoke in a low tone.

“Orianna I work in a shop full of magic, I’m more well-versed in sorcery then you or and your father combined.” He reminded her. They walked as fast as they could. Orianna couldn’t help but feel as if he was avoiding giving her a straight forward answer. Shaking it off she let relief that someone remembered her wash away her suspicions, this was Magnus after all.

Magnus had been Orianna’s friend since they were children. Her father had asked the magic merchant Corbin to tutor them and discover if they had talents. Magnus had been his apprentice and shared her love for mischief. Opening up the back door of his shop he lead her in before pushing past her and locking the front door.

“Where are the other two?” He asked her coming back. Orianna looked around the shop, it was essentially bare. Spell books lined the walls, tonics and other potions were set up on the table. People didn’t come in here to blather around and shop, they always came with a purpose. To enchant items, to have a tonic brewed, and to cast curses.

“Sylara is doing research, Ava is tailing our father.” She leaned on the desk. Magnus stepped over to her. “How have you survived this? Can you break the curse? Do you know where he is? What is his plan? Magnus, what is going-” She bombarded him with rapid fire questions as Magnus turned to look at her, bringing a finger up to her lips to tell her to shut up.

“How about we slow down for about ten seconds speedy?” Magnus raised an eyebrow. Orianna just glared at him. They stared each other down for a long minute before he huffed loudly and pulled a small pendant out of his shirt. It was a small and slender crystal with a purple tint to it. “It is enchanted to create a glamor. No I can’t. I do not as I try to stay out of his way for you know, fear of losing my head.” His fingers seemed to glow softly as he stared at it, the crystal lit up his form slowly seemed to morph back into an elf. “Is that satisfactory?” He finished. Orianna shook her head.

“No it’s not, but it will do.” There was just a hint of smile forming at the recognition of a familiar face. She didn’t realize just how much she missed contact with friends until it was staring at her. Pulling down her hood she practically tackled him wrapping her arms around him to hug him. He hugged her back touching her shoulders and giving her an uncomfortable smile. “You still have magic.” She breathed as he leaned back to look at her.

“Yeah, it’s hard to explain, and I’m glad you’re alive but on a more important subject, are you stupid?” He asked her moving away. “Coming back is dangerous and stupid, all for Ferris? He’s on tight lock down, you know that right? You’ve got to get out of here now; Aviliar probably already knows you’re here. Well not probably, he does.” He said the last words with finality, shaking his head. Orianna tilted her head in annoyance.

“You think we came back for Ferris? You think I came back for Ferris?” She raised her voice slightly. “For six years I have been wandering and homeless. I have had everything stripped from me and you think I came back for Ferris?”

“Whatever your reason is its stupid and suicidal and you need to get your sisters and leave.” He snapped at her.

“Not until I take down my father.” She shook her head pulling her hood up and walking towards the door. “He doesn’t know I’m here, we have been careful.” She paused to look over at her friend.

“Orianna…” His words trailed off. “So pretty, yet so stupid.” He looked disappointed. Orianna’s nostrils flared at him, she changed her mind, she hadn’t missed Magnus. “You came back with no plan at all. Just on a whim, and just a small tip.” He held his hands up, his expression deadly serious. “I can change my appearance, and if you think I am the only one that can do this you’re being naive.” He stared at her. Orianna paused for a moment. She didn’t believe in coincidences, her expression darkened.

“So you’re saying he already knows I’m here, and he’s disguising himself somewhere.” She sighed and rubbed her temples. “That’s why there are no guards in the forest, we’ve been talking into a trap.” Realization smacked her, as if someone dumped cold water on her she turned on her heels and sprinted for the door. “I need to find my sisters.” She couldn’t keep the panic from her voice as she fiddled with the lock. Pausing for a moment Orianna looked back to see Magnus reaching from behind her to unlock the door with much more steady fingers. “You didn’t accidentally bump into me did you?” She looked over at him.

“Come on Orianna, I’ve always got your back.” He opened the door for her. Orianna smiled at him and nodded once before pulling up her hood. “One more thing.” He stopped her. Digging into his coat pocket and pulled a small leather bag. Tossing it to her Orianna took it and pulled the strings open. A finely ground white powder sat inside.

“What is this?” She asked him touching a bit to her index finger and inspecting it. Her eyes widened as the tip of her finger disappeared.

“It’s disappearing powder, it’s all I have left that’s working, so use it wisely.” He stepped forward standing in the doorway to his shop the door just cracked open as he leaned on the frame.

“Thank you Magnus, I have no idea how I’ve managed to luck out with your companionship, but you won’t regret it.” She tied the strings to the bag and pocketed it into her satchel.

“I wonder too, and don't make promises you can't keep Ori.” He agreed dryly. Orianna just nodded at him once, longing twisted across her face as she looked back as he closed the door. She couldn't do this anymore, they had to bring down their father. Pushing down all her feelings she set her jaw with determination before taking off towards the library to find her sister.

Author's note:

The amount of reads this has makes me pleasantly happy. Especially since I've been working on furthering the story. Comments and critiques are welcome. This story is a rough draft and I'm always open to suggestions on what could make it better.

4: Part 1. All magic has a price

Part 1. All magic has a price

“I haven’t been here in years.” Orianna spoke in a hushed whisper as she slipped into the chair next to Sylara. Getting back into the library had been easy enough especially after Ferris and his fake girlfriend were gone. Poking at one of the books piled around her sister she rested her head on her chin. “Did you see that ridiculous portrait in the entrance?” She asked her as Sylara looked up from her book to eye her warily.

“Six years to be exact.” Sylara responded dryly, “Yes, I saw. Interesting enough, the history books, everything is the same.” She passed the book over. “Literally to a tee, I learned all of this from our tutors.” Orianna took the book from her sister and skimmed through the pages.

“Speaking of tutors…” Orianna paused, losing interest in the book, it had been just as boring as the first time she read it years ago. “Magnus avoided the curse, and something tells me he’s not mentioning all the details.”

“Do you think we can trust him?” Orianna debated on it, Magnus was rude and snarky but was he truly on their side? Especially when she knew there was more to the story?

“I think so. Magnus has always had my back.” She repeated his words. Whatever he wasn’t telling her wasn’t worth dwelling on. “He helped me out earlier, gave me this bag of disappearing powder.” She explained pulling the bag from her satchel. “He knows we were here, and father does to, apparently Ferris is his alarm trigger-“

“Ori you better not have sought out Ferris.” Her tone held a warning. Orianna gave her a meek look at clasped her hands together. “Ori! I told you not to see him!” Sylara exclaimed, her tone was nothing more than a hushed whisper.

“It was unintentional! But that’s unimportant.” She changed the subject briefly. “Whatever father has done to Vernan when he stripped our powers, it’s turned everyone into humans. Humans that don’t age, and not to mention have amnesia.” Orianna was racking her brain. “Ferris showed me the portrait but when I asked his eyes got all glassy and was suddenly he didn’t remember anything past the whole human spiel.”

“This has to be a spell. Whatever he’s working it’s powerful.” Sylara was closing the books. “It’s hard to believe the other Curatrixs’ haven’t taken any notice.” she had only met the other Guardian’s once, when it had been established she would take her father’s place. They all came together every once every decade. Orianna had to wonder what her father had been telling the other three guardians.

“They probably have, but if it doesn’t concern them, they won’t care. We need to get that Emerald back.” She fidgeted in her seat, every time she thought about Kolvar’s Emerald and her father she felt the anger in chest bubble up again. “If we get it, I’m sure we could reverse the curse he’s put on everyone. We could get our own powers back.” Sylara shuffled her books around as Orianna’s chair screeched as she pushed herself up out of the chair. For the past two days everything pertaining to her father was enraging her.

“Ori wait, what are you planning?” Sylara jumped up as well, Orianna shook her head and pulled up her hood.

“Probably something stupid.” Orianna huffed at her sister, as she stormed away she could hear her sister catching up behind her. She needed to find Ava and see about getting into the house. If she could just get that Emerald she could save Raven, Elas, Ferris, Magnus, and everyone in their town.

Pausing at the front of the library Sylara stood next to her, the amount of guards had increased. Magnus had been correct, their father had known they were here. Looking at her she pulled her hood down before reaching into her bag and pulling out the disappearing powder. She needed to seriously thank Magnus for being so prepared for her. Pouring a handful she passed half to her sister and kept half herself, just a small amount still in the bottom.

Dusting the powder on her she let it fall all over her cloak as it shimmered and settled, watching it fall her cloak disappear. Glancing over at Sylara she nodded in satisfaction as it glittered around her as well and her sister dissolved. Walking down the steps she pulled her hood down as far as it could go and headed towards the center of the citadel. Despite being gone for nearly six years, Orianna knew this place like the back of her hand. Passing through the hallways she headed for the gardens. Within the garden were plenty of trees planted. Large oaks spread out amongst the flowers Orianna could see the small bundle of cloth immediately, as if her eyes were trained to it.

The three girls grew up comfortably. Their house was large, small for castle standards but they still had four stories to play and explore. They had servants growing up and the gardens had been their mother’s idea, in order to cancel out the dull citadel walls.

“Sylara let’s get Ava.” Orianna ordered her. She wasn’t sure if Sylara heard her but after a few moments she saw the grass around her rustle in the direction of the tree Ava was hiding in. Walking towards it Orianna stretched out her hand and touched the trunk before peering up so her sister could see her face under the hood.

A few minutes later the branches rustled as Ava dropped down next to them.

“He hasn’t been here at all, just some girl.” Ava spoke up, Orianna stood there watching her sister lean against the tree to hide herself. “How are you two invisible?” She prompted.

“Magnus.” Orianna said simply. “If he isn’t there then good, I only need five minutes.” Orianna’s voice was just above a whisper.

“Orianna this is stupid.” Ava warned her. Orianna ignored her sister as she shuffled under her hood and leaned her head down to disappear once again.

“No really, Ava’s right. This is short sighted.” Sylara’s voice wavered from around her somewhere. She didn’t want to agree, Magnus had given her a chance to sneak into this building. She needed to take the chance.

“I don’t care.” Orianna snapped at them, leaving her sisters in the trees. Sticking close to the shadows, she let her anger slide into a killing calm.

Orianna walked back into the center of the citadel. She brushed past the guards walking the first floor was the throne room and the council meeting room, in the higher floors were the bedrooms and in the underground floor had the cells as well as the servant quarters.

Following behind a set of guards she peeked into the rooms looking for her father. She kept her head down and her footsteps silent as she pushed around the guards and up the stairs. Her father took Raven and Elas from Sylara. He took Ferris from her and gave him to another blonde haired girl, who knew what even happened to Adonis. She was going to get that Emerald, and fix all this. Furious she stalked into the hallways. The anger she felt ruining her nostalgic feeling about her home.

Finding her father’s chambers with ease she slid into the door and shut it before pulling down her hood. The room was large, a sitting room with a dining table in the center as well as a lavish couch and fireplace in the corner. Walking towards the table she pushed around some of the papers on top of it before moving in the joined room.

The bedroom held a large canopy bed with red velvet comforter trimmed in gold. The wardrobe and changing wall were in the corner of the room. Digging through the drawers of the wardrobe she shuffled through the clothes feeling around for a small gem within the cabinets.

“Looking for something?” An unfamiliar female voice rang behind her. Orianna froze dropping the things in her hands before she turned around slowly. Her hands went to the hood of her cloak pulling it up to disappear.

“Don’t think about it, I know there is a spell on it.” Orianna paused the girl that had been hugging and kissing Ferris stood in the doorway, holding a palm sized familiar green gem.

“You…” Orianna straightened up, her blue eyes narrowed as she looked between her and the door.

“How much of an idiot do you take me for?” The girl spoke up, Orianna watched as the air around her face rippled. As if her eyes were watering she watched the illusion strip away in a similar manner to Magnus’. Her father stood there holding the emerald, His hair was long and blond, half tied up she could see he was graying at the temples. His eyes had sunken in and looked exhausted but still smug.

Orianna’s face tightened, it had been a trap. “Is that a trick question?” Orianna forced out the comment, it was her only defense in deathly situations like this. Her father had seen her the minute they walked into the town. His smug turned in a frown briefly before he stared her down.

“I knew the first person you’d go for was your little boyfriend, so I had to keep precautions.” He chuckled, Orianna’s hands clenched into tight fists.

“How classy father! You turned yourself into a girl to seduce my boyfriend!” Orianna let out a small chuckle, clearly not as amused as she sounded. “You truly must have hit a new low.” she spat. Aviliar sighed clearly unamused as he glared at her.

“Clearly I am not the low one, however I thought I made it explicitly clear that if you were to set foot in this town again, I would kill you.” He stepped threatening towards her, Orianna took a step back her calves bumping into the wardrobe, yet she still looked at him with narrowed eyes. That anger she had been building up was practically overflowing, allowing her to cancel out the enormous amount of fear within her. Taking a second to think, she realized that he didn’t know Ava and Sylara were in the town just yet.

“What have you done? Why have you done this? Everyone’s human. if-” Orianna shook her head, forcing her words to stay even, she needed to buy time. “If you’re going to kill me, you might as well give me some peace in mind.” Orianna leaned into the wardrobe thinking of ways to escape. Watching her father hold the stone in his hand, she gripped the edge of her cloak. Her father looked amused; she knew he couldn’t resist bragging.

“The others were so upset you were exiled. I needed to keep them docile, yours and everyone's extra power is what is fueling this curse.” He motioned around them, satisfaction written across his face. “Now if you’re done asking questions, I’d prefer to get this over with, I have a date with your cute little boyfriend.” He smirked at her. Orianna’s nostrils flared her hands grabbed the nearest object within the wardrobe and hurled it at her father.

“I’ll kill you!” She hissed loudly as the larger elf dodged the belt she chucked at him and went for Orianna. His free hand flicked upwards as if he was grabbing her by the neck, he lifted her up almost effortlessly. Orianna struggled as he the air around her seem to dissipate as she grabbed at her neck, in response she only felt him tighten on her throat. She fought for air, the pressure closing on her trachea, vision blurring as she lacked the oxygen to breathe. Gasping she felt tears stinging in her eyes. Her head swam, Orianna was able to feel the heat from her face, she was turning red and then fading to blue.

“Let her go!” Orianna felt a sudden breath rush into her lungs, collapsing she coughed scrambling up and holding the wall for support her father’s magic released her as she looked up, Sylara was rushing to her grabbing and pulling her as Ava clambering on her father’s back and struggling to stay on as he tried to pull her off.

“I’m sorry.” Orianna whispered to Sylara as she picked her up just in time to see their father slam Ava into a wall behind him.

“Save it.” She snapped Orianna watched as one of gem clattered to the ground from her father’s hand. Time froze as they both scattered for it. Orianna ripping from Sylara’s grasp and their father ripped from Ava’s grip. Both of them launched themselves at the gem, colliding with his body as he wrapped himself around the gem like it was an explosive.

“You know, I tried to give you three a chance to live, you’re my daughters after all, but you just walked right back into the lions den.” Wind rushed at Orianna shoving her back into the wall as he her father picked up the emerald, Orianna’s head spun as she looked up at him, his eyes almost glowed from the stone as he hovered above them.

“Aww Daddy, how kind.” It was Ava speaking up, despite the crushing weight of the magic pushing them down from their father. If Ava looked smug it meant that they had something up their sleeve. Regret pooled into her chest, Orianna had let her anger get a hold of her and now she was going to die. Yet as they struggled on the ground and her father hovered above her, she felt hope drain from her. Kolvar’s Emerald was in his hand, his grin wicked. Closing her eyes Orianna was prepared for death, after a few long seconds she opened her eyes to the sound of Ava’s excited cry.

Orianna blinked a couple of times. Her first question wasn’t ‘Why is there a large wolf was hovering above me, snapping at father?!’ or ‘How am I still alive?’ No instead it was; ‘Did I really throw a belt at my father?’ Laying there on the ground she watched the wolf snarl and tackle him to the ground. Ava and Sylara scrambled up and hoisted their sister up, the wolf wasn’t snapping at them, she knew immediately why Ava squealed. Orianna was so surprised she was practically dead on her feet.

“Ava-” Sylara started, they ran as quickly as they could dragging Orianna with them.

“I might have forgotten to mention, I found Adonis. To be fair I also didn’t get the time to mention it either” Ava said quickly as she paused for a second as they heard their father screaming for guards. Ava face Orianna and grabbed her cheeks. “Listen, get yourself together Ori.” Her tiny sister glared up at her as Orianna looked back at the room with Adonis and their father. A loud yelp came from the room as Ava let go of her face. Her hand was like a blur as she raised her hand a loud smack resounding in the air between them as Orianna hissed her cheek burning from pain.

“Knock it off!” Ava yelled. Orianna shook her head her anger flaring up. “I haven’t explained nearly everything to you guys, but right now I have to save Adonis. Now get out of here now go to the Inn, find Raven.” Ava told them, walking around them back towards the room.

“Wait!” Orianna called pulling the bag of powder from her satchel. “This might come in handy.” She looked hard at her sister as she split from the group. Sylara and Orianna didn’t try to stop her as they looked at each other. Sylara’s expression wasn’t angry, but she knew her sister well enough to know that the quieter she was the more she was boiling behind that calm expression.

“Let’s go.” She said the words so low before turning around and taking off into a run. The Guards took notice to them quickly as they yelled at them to halt. Orianna could hear them yelling and grouping up as the elves made a break for the stairway, Sylara in front of her as they ran down them as fast as they could.

They made it to the bottom of the staircase only to be met with two guards. Who caught Sylara first by the arms and hoisted her up to hold her. There was no hesitation as Orianna slid between the guard and her sister underneath her arms and turned around and grabbed the guards chainmail plated arm pulling his attention to her. He let go of Sylara’s arm to turn on her as Orianna brought her hand up and twisted to break their grasp. Making a break across the room she jumped up and clambered against the hallway wall trying to pry off one of the unlit metal torches used during nighttime. Pulling one off the wall she turned around and swung just in time to hit the guard across the face as he reached out to grab her. He fell with a loud thud as the second guard yelled at her.

Looking up at him with the torch still in her hands her grip tightened as the other guard let go of Sylara completely as they lunged at Orianna. Sylara caught the brim of his cape and pulled back as hard as she could as the guard fumbled and fell backwards. Going out of her way to step on the guards back to keep him from getting up Orianna dropped the torch and grabbed her sisters hand she pulled her away running down the corridor as they made it to the entryway of the manor, Orianna could see the throne room and multiple people turning in interest to them. Orianna paused for a second.

“Hey! we’re over here and I’m here to murder your leader!” She screamed at the top of her lungs if she didn’t have every guards attention, she did now. Both elves looked at each other, Sylara’s expression was calm but there was pure unadulterated rage in her eyes.

“What are you doing?!” Sylara hissed as they all started sprinting towards them.

“Keeping their attention off Ava and Adonis.” Orianna spoke quickly as they started running again. They reached the stairs of the manor leading them into the courtyard of the citadel. Guards were surrounding them as Syalara and Orianna pressed their shoulders together, looking around.

“Now what genius?” Sylara looked around anxiously. Orianna looked for one of the back entrances but they were closing in around them.

“I don’t know, I didn’t think that far ahead.” She admitted shamelessly.

“In other news…” She spoke sarcastically, Orianna pressed her back against Sylaras.

“We get to fight.” Orianna glanced at her sister.

“Orianna you have never fought in your life.” Her sister reminded her.

“Not fair I totally hit that one guard in the face. I think he’s dead.” There was a small hint of pride in her voice.

“Are you doing this now?!” Sylara yelled at her exasperated.

“Yeah well neither have you and I was willing to give it a shot… I think…” There were five around them now, drawing their swords from their belts. Orianna’s eyes shifted around she needed an exit strategy, she needed… a distraction. Almost instantaneously her expression morphed into terror as she cowered and started screaming pointing at the sky behind the guards. Sylara looked around puzzled as the tension between them seemed to dissolve instantly as they turned their heads to look at what Orianna was terrified of. The minute the guards turned their attention away, Orianna grabbed her sister and pushed through them running for one of the back alleys leading out of the citadel.

“What idiots!” Orianna yelled over her shoulder at the guards as they ran pushing into the crowds of the market the guards still chasing after them. “I can’t- I can’t believe that worked.” Orianna huffed under her breath as they bumped against people heading towards the Inn.

“Orianna master of simple tricks and stupid ideas.” Sylara yelled at her. They burst into the Inn slamming the door shut behind them as Orianna leaned on it, both girls breath was ragged. Raven was at the bar with Elias who was sitting on the table. Two other guests in the room at the table quieted. Raven looked at Elias and whispered to him as the child hopped off the counter and hurried upstairs.

“Where’s Adonis?” Raven was rushing over to the two girls. “And Ava?” She

“Raven, he’s saved us, Ava went back for him, but someone got antsy and we now we need to hide, preferably fast.” Sylara explained catching her breath as Orianna listened just outside the wood door. Her expression froze as she realized what Raven had been saying. Raven was aware of Adonis? Just how much did she know? All three girls looked at each other. Sylara watched her suspiciously as Orianna said nothing. Ava was quick and feisty, if anyone could pick a fight and rescue the wolf she could, yet it didn’t ease her guilt.

“Underneath the bar is a cave cellar, it was used to smuggle alcohol so it opens up and leads out into the forest behind the town. For your sake you better pray Ava returns with Adonis.” Raven spoke finally after a moment as she motioned both girls to follow her. They stood in stunned silence before forcing themselves to gather their wits and followed her. Raven led them behind the bar, ducking underneath she pushed over crates of wine to reveal a small latch.

“Raven…” Sylara’s voice came out quietly, she was turning to push Orianna down the ladder, pausing before she ducked under too, looking at the human. Raven gave a weak smile. “Do you- Do you remember me?” Sylara asked her, the words came out strangled.

“I didn’t remember Adonis at first. I found him in the tunnels pacing around and, I remember thinking, ‘my brother is trapped as a wolf.’ Nothing has made sense to me since.” She told her as Orianna stood at the bottom of the ladder looking up at her sister. Sylara was halfway down the ladder and Raven was squatting down to talk to her “Then you three show up and I don’t know who you are, but I can feel it. I know you. Ava comes down to gather breakfast and she asks about Adonis and I realize you know something about the wolf whose apparently my brother, so I took her to see him and she knew immediately and so did he.” Raven leaned forward a little hesitantly, planting a kiss on her forehead, Sylara’s eyes watered at the action yet Raven paused for a minute before looking nervous. “If Adonis trusts Ava and protected you, then I’ll protect you.” She finished just as the doors burst open. Eyes widening Raven motioned Sylara to climb down, shutting the door just they could hear the faint click of the latch locking into place just above them. Orianna stood there as Sylara climbed down pausing a moment before she turned to look at Orianna, her face frozen in a sad expression.

“This leads to the forest, I’ve been down here before when we used to sneak away.” Sylara mentioned pausing for a moment to realize just what she had revealed to her sister. Orianna raised her eyebrows to look at her older sister. “Don’t give me that, you and Ferris weren’t the only sneaky ones, I just never got caught.” She pointed out, Orianna kept staring at her, as the air seemed to lighten for a second before the tension settled again Ava’s situation weighing heavily on them again.

“We need to get out of here now.” Her words were harsh and clipped, Orianna followed behind her, she knew full well this was her fault, she had gotten angry and now everything was ruined, Ava wasn’t with them, and all they could do was sit and worry.

Walking quietly, they stumbled through the dark cave, only really guided by their enhanced vision. Neither of them talked, the weight of Orianna’s actions caused enough sour blood between them, she didn’t want to add to the weight with the potential loss of her sister. After about an hour of traveling they finally found the mouth of the cave, the sun was just setting giving them enough of a warm glow to see things.

“You better pray Ava is okay.” Sylara spun on her sister, the aggression that had been building up finally pouring out. “You self-entitled idiot, you nearly got everyone killed because you couldn’t sit still, and now look, you’ve put Raven and Elas at risk, Adonis and Ava might be dead, all because you had to rush in head first without thinking!” Sylara raised her fist and swung, the punch connected with Orianna’s jaw and despite Sylara’s kitten-like strength Orianna still staggered backwards, her back hitting the cave wall. She deserved that and she knew it.

“I know he baited me, he knew exactly what cards to play, and I fell into his hands, but it won’t happen again.” Orianna felt the guilt in her stomach, stirring uncomfortably and unhappily.

“Do you think father isn’t going to ask questions? You endangered Magnus by exposing his magic, you’re so reckless and now it has caught up with us. If Ava doesn’t survive this, there won’t be a next time for you to mess up” She warned before moving to sit down in the farthest possible spot from her sister. Orianna slid down against the wall not saying anything. Sylara only chewed into her when she really messed up and this time she managed to single handedly ruin things, and now she needed a way to fix it.

“I wish there was some way to get my powers, if I could just get enough to level the playing field.” Orianna was talking to herself now.

“Just drop it!” Sylara yelled at her.

“He won’t kill Ava if he catches her, he’ll use her to bait me- us back...” She stared down at her hands, touching her jaw gently where she was hit.

“Please stop talking Orianna.” Sylara still sat turned away from Orianna. She did as she was told; she just needed the power to fight her father. After about ten minutes of silence Sylara spoke again. “How do you propose that? Getting the power to fight father?” It was clear she was unable to keep the acid from her voice.

“I’m not sure, but I’ll think of something.” Orianna didn’t look at her sister, instead she just let her head smack into the cave wall.

“Your thinking is what got us here in the first place.” She snapped, her head buried into her folded arms, her legs pulled up to her chest. “Do us a favor and don’t think or do anything.” Sylara didn’t say anything after that. Closing her eyes Orianna let herself be engulfed by sleeps blackness, at this point sleeping would be easier than worrying about Ava and Adonis.

5: Part 1. Waters of Ameliorate

Part 1. Waters of Ameliorate

Orianna wasn’t sure how long she slept, but she heard Ava before she saw her. Groggily Orianna uncurled her stiff body and looked up. Sylara and Ava both seemed to look up at the same time and scrambled over to their sister together, each of them grabbed Ava who was busy dragging a large wolf. Orianna ran to her sister’s side just as she dropped on the ground kneeling next to the unconscious wolf.

“You’re alive!” Orianna’s blue eyes watering her breathing heavy as she grabbed her sisters face and hugged her. Ava paused for a moment to before hugging her sister back. Sylara joined them, hugging both of her sisters. Next to her ear she could hear her eldest sister sniffling.

“Of course.” Ava comforted her sisters. “Once he was busy screaming at every guard to get you guys, I snuck up behind him and whacked him with this belt on the floor and it knocked him unconscious.” Ava explained. Orianna leaned back to give her a smug grin. Of course the belt helped them. “That powder you gave me was enough to disguise Adonis, it was easier to carry him without anyone seeing him. The guards were too busy chasing you throughout the town to think of me.” Ava let go of her sisters to turn and stoke the black wolfs fur. His eyes opened to stare up at Ava just barely conscious.

“Is that truly Adonis.” Sylara asked. Ava looked up at her and nodded, the wolf letting out a low growl himself as if to affirm it. “We have to help him Ori, or he’s going to die.” Ava’s changed the subject, her voice was terrified. Sylara patted her head and turned to inspect the wolf.

“It feels like a lot of his ribs are broken, they’re likely crushing his lungs. Where can we take him to heal? What can we go to help him?” Sylara was touching Adonis gently, prodding around, the wolf barely breathing.

“We will save him.” Orianna spoke determined. Adonis had risked his life for them, they would repay the debt. “Ameliorate.” Orianna still crouching next to the wolf, it was a dangerous suggestion to make. Orianna stood up as both her sisters looked up at her, Adonis’ ears perked up as well. “The lake, it could potentially heal Adonis, but it would also alert the Nymphs in the water of our presence.” She warned them, and if they revealed the sisters location, their father would be there to collect them and effectively slaughter them, she knew she didn’t have to say anything for them to understand the implication. She couldn’t put her sisters in that situation, but how could they understand? They had no idea how being the Curatrix worked.

Without saying anything Sylara was picking up the wolf. “There is no other option” She knew that was much helping Ava stand up she couldn’t look at Ava, her sister could have died and it would have been all her fault. “The Nymphs will know we are there, we don’t know if they’ll tell father, we could be walking into our deaths.” Orianna explained.

“Oh? Now you want to think about the good of the group?” Sylara snapped as she motioned Ava to follow her. “If we leave now Adonis might have a chance.” she finished. Orianna opened her mouth to protest, but instead Ava was followed Sylara as they were walking away.

“What if someone else takes him?” Orianna stopped them, Sylara paused and so did Ava. “If Raven is the one to put him in the water the Nymphs won’t know we are there.” She was rambling, “If you wait, I’ll run and get her.” Orianna was scrambling into the cave, not bothering to look back and see if they were waiting.

Orianna ran as fast as she could, nearly slipping as she took the cave turns without slowing or stopping, what originally took them an hour to run through the caves and find their way out was cut in half by Orianna’s urgency, finding the room with stored boxes she ran for the ladder and climbed praying that it wasn’t still locked and latched. Reaching the top rung Orianna pushed up on the door, Raven had moved the box off and left it open for them. Slowly she pushed the top open barely and looked above with just her eyes.

Her vision slightly blocked Orianna was able to see she Raven’s feet back behind the bar clearly moving around calmly. Peering out further she pushed her entire head out Orianna made a low whistle to grab her attention. Raven paused for a moment and moved over closer to her, her eyes flickering down making contact briefly. Finally after long moments she leaned down in front of her.

“What are you doing? Trying to get caught?” Raven hissed. “The leader's daughter was in here earlier asking for details on the three traveler’s location.” Her expression was hardened. “I can’t keep helping you like this, I have a son.”

“I know, but we need you one last time for Adonis sake.” Orianna’s voice was just above a whisper, pleading.

“What happened?” Raven looked concerned.

“They’re going to take Adonis to Ameliorate, but if they Nymphs figure out it’s us we will all die, if you take him in the waters you won’t give us away.” Orianna explained. “We don’t have much time Adonis will die.” Raven recoiled but she stood up and motioned her son over Elias’s tiny feet came running to her.

“Elias, go over to Silas, ask her to watch the Inn for me. Can you do things by yourself sweetie? Mommy has to run an errand, it’s just like we practiced.” Raven held her child shoulders, he was only 16 years old if he hadn't aged since the curse. Once the kid nodded and took off Raven turned and ushered her away from the ladder climbing down herself.

“What is going on, I deserve to know." Raven yelled at her, Orianna looked at her once before she sprinted, running as fast as she could Raven kept pace with her, leading the way as they hurried their way out of the cave.

“My sisters and I are being hunted.” Orianna started between breaths. “Adonis was Ava’s teacher and her guardian. They were about 16 years apart but somehow they were still best friends, Ava idolized him and she was precious to Adonis.” Orianna explained. “If I let Adonis die, Ava will never forgive me.” She didn’t mention that Sylara would never forgive her for mentioning this to Raven.

“Adonis is my brother, but he’s not my brother, he’s a wolf… I don’t understand.” Raven panted, the stamina of her human form must have started to kick in.

“Adonis is your flesh and blood, when the curse was casted Adonis must have been in his wolf form and has been trapped in there so the curse didn’t affect him.”

“Curse? What curse?”

“Our father put a curse on the village, he stripped my sister and mine’s powers and exiled us, if we ever were to return he’d kill us. He knew the village would revolt so he casted a curse and made a false lives for everyone as humans.” She paused for a moment as they reached the mouth of the cave. Her sisters nowhere in sight. “Shit they must have continued on. We have to catch up.” Orianna panicked.

Raven paused, her hands on her knees, panting. Orianna rolled her eyes and grabbed Raven by her arms and hoisted her up on her back. “It will be quicker this way.” Orianna spoke, holding Raven like a backpack she ran as fast as she could.

“So am I cursed? What else should I know?” Raven asked, Orianna didn’t say anything, Sylara wasn’t her secret to tell, instead she just kept running as fast as she could. The Nymphs were their neighbors, getting to the lake would take them a day’s journey at most and Orianna was already at least two hours behind, nevertheless she pushed herself, panting. “You’re going to collapse.” Raven argued, she could feel it, the way she was running.

“I have to save my sisters, I have to save Adonis.” Orianna set her jaw, determined to push on, her run turning into a jog. They didn’t wait for her because they didn’t trust her, hell even if they didn’t want her around and she still had to save them. She had too. Raven struggled off her back and Orianna dropped her.

“You’re stubborn. I am fine I can run myself.” Raven shook herself, rolling her neck as Orianna paused for a few seconds but still paced.

“If we take a shortcut we can shave off a few hours, meet them there or beat them. I can’t rest.” Orianna breathed between words.

“What good are you if you’re dead on your feet?” Raven pointed out walking past her.

“Probably better than Alive.” She retorted dryly, walking at a fast pace she changed directions. Her father had once shown her the shortcut, it was a path the Curatrix’s took to visit each other, and her sisters had no idea about it.

“You can’t mean that.” Raven protested, keeping up with her.

“I’m not going talk about this with you.” Orianna closed off the conversation as they rotated between walking and running for the rest of the evening. After what felt like hours of impatience Orianna could see the lake into view, her sisters just arriving with the wolf. Motioning Raven to run they both took off into sprints. Orianna felt that familiar bubble of anger rise in her chest as she ran full force wards her sister, unaware she was practically growling as she managed to tackle Sylar, who was in the process of just handing Adonis over to Ava.

Their bodies clashed as Orianna made a very savage noise toppling them over. Sylara was in too much shock to resist as Orianna grabbed the collar of her cape and slammed her into the ground. Strands of pale hair was falling lose from her braids, as Sylara grabbed Orianna’s arms and pulled her knees up kicking her off.

“I told you to wait! I could have shown you the short cut! But you’re too angry, you let it blindside you when I’m trying to protect us!” Orianna rolled over after being kicked off as she rolled back over as her sister crawled on top of her to grab her throat.

“Oh? Hi, kettle! My name is pot!” Sylara hissed as they rolled in the sand around the water. Raven was there trying to peel them apart as Sylara brushed her off and raised one arm to push her away. Only realizing her mistake as Raven tumbled backwards, her elvish balance and movement was dulled by her human form causing her to tumble right into the water.

Sylara jumped up in panic as Raven splashed into the water. Leaving Orianna on the ground, she scrambled up as well as Ava reluctantly let go of Adonis who she had been clutching as she watched her sisters fight. Sylara desperately scrambled to the water’s edge just as Raven was standing up. Soaking wet Sylara fretted at the edge. Raven stood, her black hair entirely soaked as she wiped the water from her eyes and shook her head.

“Raven I’m so sorry-” Sylara started. Raven kept her head down, slowly standing up in the water, she didn’t say anything. She just seemed to soak in the water. After long seconds, antagonizing, quiet seconds, she finally looked up. Her eye color seemed to shift, the muted hazel color turned to a more truer green.

“You two idiots are at each other’s throats right now? Of all times!” Raven waddled towards the edge pushing herself up. The three sisters watched as her body seemed to shift back to her normal self. As she pulled herself up on to the sandy edge of the lake her expression froze. Looking over at Sylara, realization hitting her hard.

“Lar?” Raven’s voice was just above a whisper, Sylara moved closer to her at the same time offering a hand to help her up. Her oldest sister froze as well; they both seemed to stare at each other for a long moment.

“Raven? What?” Sylara watched as both girls pulled each other into their arms, Raven’s hands wrapped around her neck, holding her as close as Sylara leaned back and looked at her touching her cheeks. Her eyes were bright and watery as she hugged her again.

“I remember you, everything felt like I was slamming back to me the minute I hit the water, your father, you and Elias.” Raven was petting her hair, dusting the sand out of her orange curls as Sylara just continued holding her tightly. Their reunion made Orianna’s heart melt, which was hard considering she was always so grumpy.

“The waters restoration powers.” Orianna started, Raven looked over at her, releasing Sylara but still holding her hand.

“How is that possible?” Raven tilted her head.

“Maybe the waters, I don’t know, maybe it has the ability to lift the curse physically? We don’t know if it will help with the magic, it might not help restore what was taken? I’m not sure.” Sylara was speaking to Raven, they didn’t stop staring at each other.

“Let's just get Adonis in there.” Ava reminded them, breaking there bubble. Orianna stood up and dusted herself off. Raven nodded and turned her attention to the wolf, pulling him from Ava’s grasp. She let go reluctantly and moved to stand next to her sisters as Raven carried the wolf into the water and sat down slowly, she submerged the wolf entirely but kept him in her arms.

Orianna took a step closer watching Raven and Adonis as she sat with the wolf in the waters, letting him rest there, the water giving off a purplish glow as the wolf sank into the water deeper and deeper. Ava and Sylara didn’t go near the water as Raven sat with the wolf in her lap. The water rushing and bubbling as the shape in the water shifted around. Finally the bubbling subsided and died down Raven lifted an elf from the water.

Orianna stared wide eyed as Ava gasped and ran forward past her sisters to the edge of the lake as Raven helped him stand up and help him out. Orianna pulled off her cloak and offered it to Adonis as he looked up at Ava who was grabbing the cloak and wrapping it around the larger elf. He immediately let go of his sister and moved to envelope Ava into his arms.

“You’ve gotten so big.” He grumbled at her as Ava made choking noises as if his hug was strangling her.

“You haven’t changed at all.” He let her go to look over at Raven. When the two of them stood next to each other they looked practically like twins. They shared their same dark hair and same blue-green eyes. Only Adonis tanned skin was riddled with scars. Leaning over, Ava helped him sit down on the ground as Raven moved to squat next to him was next to him.

“I’m very exhausted.” He mumbled lying back on Ava as his body pushed her over and fell on top of her. It was clear he was telling the truth, but as Orianna watched her youngest sister struggle underneath Adonis. He smiled and pretended to sleep.

Sylara leaned down and put her hand on Raven’s shoulder as they watched the two joke around happily. Orianna forced herself not to frown at the heartwarming scene unfolding in front of her. She deserved this and she knew that, she nearly got Ava killed and endangered them all. She didn’t get to be happy like her siblings.

“Adonis!” Ava squealed his name as he finally rolled over and she slid out from under him. Shaking her head she turned to look at the waters. Yassadral was just underneath this lake, she was so close to the Nymph’s city that she knew just one more step would alert them. Turning back to look over her shoulder Orianna saw the Sylara and Raven were hugging again, kissing this time, her heart sinking into her stomach. Ferris was still very much deep into the clutches of her father. Looking back at the lake she brought her hand up to her face, biting her nails as she racked her brain.

She had to gain power, she had to get Ferris free.

“Orianna.” Sylara called out to her, snapping out of her daze. All four of them were looking at her. Orianna straightened up and looked at them, they were probably still mad at her. If they wanted her to leave that was fine, she would find a way to do this on her own. After long quiet seconds Orianna held her hands up.

“You guys should get Raven back to Elias before anyone notices. Probably take Adonis too.” Orianna said, her voice was soft, prepared to be alienated from the only family she had left. “Find Magnus, he’s been disguising himself as a human, I’m sure he will be able to help you guys at least look human again. I’m sure you guys will be fine once it blows over.” Stepping towards the lake, she knelt down her hand just hovering above the water, she was debating on calling out to the nymphs.

“Ori-” Ava started.

“You guys should get out of here, the Nymphs will try and force a deal out of you for using their waters.” Orianna drew her hand back so she wouldn’t touch it, clasping them behind her back, she didn’t want to face her sister wrath.

“You’re right.” Sylara agreed. Orianna’s heart sank further.

“I’ll figure out a way to break the curse, I know after ruining things you guys really don’t want me around. I won’t do that for you again.” She didn’t want to look and see Sylara’s acid glare, and Ava’s sadness. The way they took off without trusting her earlier, but if her sisters would be okay with Adonis and Raven that would be fine. This was her burden alone. “Just watch after Ferris, father’s likely to use him-”

“Orianna” Ava’s voice sounded full of pity as she cut her off. Turning to look at her sisters she kept her expression neutral.

“I’m sorry for getting angry earlier.” Sylara spoke up, Orianna blinked, looking hopelessly confused. “We both let our anger get the best of us, and I should have trusted you.” Sylara was setting towards her sister, she felt her eyes stinging. Ava was whispering something to Adonis as she got up, walking over to her sister and hugging her.

“We wouldn’t make you do this alone.” Ava whispered, Sylara was there too, joining the group hug. Orianna held both her sisters.

“Everyone makes mistakes, but we will fix this, and we will do it together.” Sylara comforted her. Orianna nodded her head, she could feel the tears getting stronger. They stood like that for several moments before Ava and Sylara pulled away.

“Let's get Adonis somewhere safe to rest.” Orianna changed the subject as Raven helped her brother stand up, Ava on the other side. They carried him away as Orianna lead them back to the caves entrance, they walked more slowly.

“So what’s next, do we get Ferris to the lake?” Ava asked.

“No, he’s too close to Father, it’s best to leave him out of it.” She explained. “We need to focus on getting fathers powers away.” She hid every ounce of feeling, her anger once again pushing her forward.

“What about the other Guardians?” Adonis prompted, Orianna looked over her shoulder at the elf.

“We are unsure of their position, that’s why I couldn’t risk my sisters getting in the lake, they would reveal our locations, they would reveal you and possibly Raven.” Orianna explained.

“No not like that.” Adonis shook his head. “What if you were able to use their stones? Convince them to side with you and lend their powers.” Orianna paused, whirling around to have the conversation face to face.

“It doesn’t work like that-” she protested, cut off by Adonis who held his hand up.

“You’re a Curatrix, if anyone can use the stones powers it’s you.” Adonis shut her up, Orianna stared at him with a questioning look. Logistically he was right, but it all depended on what the other Guardians did, who they would side with.

“If that could work.” She responded very slowly.

“That sounds like a far-fetched plan.” Sylara spoke up, Orianna turned to look at her sister.

“You’re probably right, but what other plan do we have?” She shut her sister up turning to look at Raven and Adonis Orianna began to rack her brain. “We should start with the Nymph’s Curatrix first since they’re the closest.” She was pacing, walking back and forth as Ava and Raven set down Adonis, Sylara watching from a position against a tree.

“So we should turn around?” Ava asked, Orianna shook her head.

“No, Adonis needs the attention first, I’ve only been to their city once, and there is a maze to get underwater. Father always had a map, I couldn’t navigate us down there with just memory, I mean this was nearly 16 years ago.” She fretted, her arms crossed, her fingers tapping against her arm.

“So we just need the map.” Raven stated, watching Orianna pace with sad expression.

“Yes, but no one is close enough to get it.” Orianna finally paused and slumped against the ground. This was a hopeless idea.

“Not entirely, there is one person.” Raven spoke slowly. Orianna tilted her head looking alarmed. Dread filled her almost instantaneously. Ferris. Panic filled her almost immediately, she shook her head rapidly.

“No, no, no, no, no, no, I’m not putting him that close to danger, Father will kill him!” She emphasized. “Plus how do we know he will help?” Orianna was still shaking her head.

“Because if he loves you then even without memory he will do it.” Raven glanced at Sylara very briefly. Standing up her patting her brother’s head. “You four stay out here, I need to check on Elias, and talk to Ferris. I’ll return with food and hopefully the map. We’re about halfway out, so I’ll be back likely tomorrow morning.” Raven walked to Sylara and hugged her. Planting a small peck on her lips, Orianna understood, she wouldn’t give a meaningful goodbye because there was no doubt about it, she intended to come back.

Neither of them said anything, Orianna could see the communication working in their minds, a wordless bond. Ava and Adonis were like that too, and at one point her and Ferris had been too, it was what happened when you loved someone for years at a time.

All four of them watched as Raven darted off, still nimble even after years in a restricting human body. After a few long moments the four of them settled in silence. Sylara went to quick work building a fire, Orianna and Ava helped, they had been doing this for nearly six years, becoming accustomed to the routine, working silently, not having to speak.

Orianna didn’t try to talk to anyone afterwards, She just sat on the ground her knees up to her chest, watching the fire roar once it was built. They kept it controlled and small, not wanting to gain unwanted attention. It was clear that there was a solemn air around her, she hadn’t wanted to involve Ferris, not with him being under her father's pinky.

They slept in shifts as usual. Ava curled up next to Adonis who slept with one arm protectively wrapped around her the entire night. It gave her a small amount of peace to know that her sister would be looked after well. Orianna took the first shift, watching her sisters sleep while tending to the small fire to keep it going. Her fear keeping her alert, somehow sleeping outside felt like home now. None of the girls had been in a real bed for almost six years save for their one night in the inn when they returned to Vernan. Usually they slept wherever they could find, constantly squatting in empty cottages, barely staying in once place for more than a week.

The curse kept them from settling. As exiles they were forced into wandering. The magic that stripped their powers would curse the town, children would go missing, buildings would burn, robberies, they learned that lesson very quick when they first started out.

As her shift passed with near boring silence, Orianna snapped out of her thoughts, moving quietly she stepped towards her the two elves and leaned down to tap Ava’s cheek, prodding her awake. Her sister looked around alert for a second as she nodded once at her sister before untangling from Adonis’ protective arm from around her and moving to take watch by climbing into a tree. Ava was young but she was the fighter, before she could walk she could bite, and Adonis had been the one training her for years before they were exiled. It was just like her to climb into the tree. Watching her for a moment she smiled at her sister who promptly disappeared from sight, nothing gave away that she was even there, after all she was the quickest and most silent of all three of them.

Sitting back down against the tree, Orianna forced herself into a small ball, using her cloak as a sleeping back she rested her head on her arms. It was more comfortable to sleep this way, now that Ava was back safe and no one died just yet. She felt sleep taking over easier. The last thing she thought about was not her father, but Ferris and how guilty she felt being comforted by everyone’s safety accept his.

6: Part 1. Treasure hunts and prizes

Part 1. Treasure hunts and prizes

In the morning Raven showed up on Sylara’s watch. Adonis had been the first to wake up, helping Sylara smother their fire and prepare for the day. He refused to be cooped up and babied, it was clear he was still slowly adjusting to being in an elf form again. Orianna first stirred when Raven came forward looking like a human once again, immediately she knew Raven had been to see Magnus. She kissed Sylara on the cheek first and turned to Adonis, handing him whatever was in her hands. She carried a small sack as Adonis set it down in front of Orianna and Ava. Without another word Ava opened the bag and began digging through it. Clothes for Adonis, food, medical supplies, a few magic treats from Magnus clearly, and then more food.

“This is addressed to you.” Ava held a small piece of parchment out to Orianna who plucked it from her sister’s grasp. Opening it up she recognized Magnus’ writing almost immediately.

Dear Oria- I probably shouldn’t say your name in case this is intercepted. Whatever it’s not like I am some Oracle. So Orianna, you didn’t die. Congrats. However I recite my earlier words to you, Are you stupid? I gave you the powder for methods to escape not to try and take on your father. You always were a stubborn idiot. I guess I can’t complain since you learned it from somewhere, and we both know Ferris was always too much of a stick in the mud to teach you to be a brat. Anyways, The water heals the curse without healing the magic, Raven and I have worked out a plan to start awakening key trust-worthy people in Vernan.

You know usually magic isn’t cheap. So why I am doing this for free you ask? I have no clue, so count your stars that I- your genius, kind, and very loving- sorcerer is at your service. So there are a few healing tonics in there, another bag of powder, also this fancy crystal, please wear it, or don’t. I don’t care, but it’s there so I can watch out for you. I need good entertainment anyways.

You owe me,

Magnus.

“That asshole is trying to spy on me?” She shook her head, not intending to speak the words out loud. Magnus was always ten steps ahead, it was what made him so valuable and potentially so lethal. Closing the letter she stuffed it in her own satchel before eying the bag. “Give me the necklace in there.” Her tone was dry as she watched Ava fish it out and toss it to her. Holding it up she squinted at it. The crystal was a diluted clear one, fastened by a silver chain. “Are you happy now you overgrown child?” She yelled at the crystal before putting it around her neck.

The other gave her questioning looks but she just shook her head and rolled her eyes. Ava handed food out to everyone, but they were all in silent agreement that they would give a larger portion of the food to Adonis who in return, ate it savagely. No surprise after being trapped as a wolf for six years.

“What’s it like?” Ava asked him, he looked up at her a nervous subject.

“Some days I believed I was truly a wolf. If Raven hadn’t found me I think I would have gone insane. I know Raef is still a bird, I was around him for a couple months, but it was hard to watch his sanity slip away, I was worried I would be next.” He finished, Orianna listened in pity. It was dangerous for Druids to stay in an animal's form for longer than a day let alone years. “Then there was the issue with Aviliar sending a hunter to kill what remained of us…” He trailed off, his eyes seemed to drift off as if he was in thought. Orianna paused she stopped eating her bread to stare at him.

“What?” Her words were hollow, her father had done that? Looking over at her Adonis shook his head, he clearly didn’t want to talk about it.

“I can hardly feel it anymore.” Ava’s words were so soft Orianna almost didn’t hear it. She almost wished she hadn’t. Adonis didn’t say anything, he didn’t have too.

“So what is going on with the map?” Sylara diverted the heavy subject.

“Ferris has agreed.” She said the words slowly clearly choosing her words carefully, taking a moment to pull a necklace off, like the one Magnus had showed her it had a purplish glow. “He is going to get it next time he is with the leader's ‘daughter’ I’ve convinced him Elias wants to treasure hunt.” Raven explained clapping her hands together. Orianna let out a small relieved breath.

“I’ll bring it when he gets it. For now, focus on healing up and gathering strength.” Raven eyed them, her tone strict like a mother's.

“I can’t believe he bought that.” Orianna shook her head, bringing her hands up to her chin she looked up at Raven.

“I can.” Sylara rolled her eyes. Orianna shot her a look. “What? He wasn’t the brightest.” She reminded him. Orianna couldn’t say she was wrong. He wasn’t the smartest, but he had twice the amount of heart as anyone else. Raven didn’t stay long. Once Adonis had shuffled into some clothes and eaten more, Raven put the crystal back on and headed back to Vernan to check on Elias.

So they did as they were told and waited, impatiently. Taking the time to plan their route and how to get each stone they mapped out their events.

“Yassadral is just beneath lake Ameliorate we should head there first. If I remember correctly Elden was the Curatrix years ago.” Orianna spoke as she drew a map with a thin twig in the ashes of their fire. Ava, Adonis, and Sylara hovered around her as she made a small lake. “Then we will travel five days to get to Dalliya in the mountains.” She made a line to a bunch of triangles representing mountains. “Finally we’ve got to pass around Calamar and get to the port which would take a month's travel to Avades, which is a three day boat ride.” She finished looking up at her companions.

“Quick question.” Sylara pointed out, Orianna paused to look at her sister. “What if they don’t agree to lend you the stones? You would have had to consider this option.” She pointed out, Orianna was silent for a moment as her lips pressed in a hard line.

“Well we don’t really have that option do we?” Adonis finished for her. Tilting her head she looked at the dark haired wolf and nodded once. They all knew that it wasn’t an option. Having the lycans and the nymphs would give them an advantage, it would only increase tenfold if they could get the fae on their side. Orianna didn’t expect it to go smoothly, but if everything worked in their favor, getting back to Vernan and their families would take a matter of months.

“Fathers going to be on high alert, but if the Curatrix stay passive then we might have a head start. He doesn’t know our plan so we have the lead.” Ava spoke up, she was leaning on Adonis now as they all waited on news from Raven, biding their time until the elf returned.

As the week passed uneventfully, Adonis was gaining his strength as a human, even helping train Ava, and sometimes the other sisters. Worry began to bollosm in Orianna’s chest when Raven stayed away. Touching the crystal that allowed Magnus to spy on them gave her a sense of comfort. Finally Raven returned with another small bag, this one contained more food and this time it also held a parchment scroll.

“That beautiful bastard.” Orianna finally let the panic she had been holding for a week released as she took the scroll. Unrolling it and laying it in her lap she skimmed the page before looking up at her sisters. She vaguely recognized the map from her childhood, a bright smug grin spread across her face, blue eyes lighting up with mischief. “This is it! He’s done it! You’ve done it! We can trump father with this!” Orianna let herself feel excited as she jumped up and hugged Raven.

“You’re going to kill me.” She protested as Orianna tightened her hug and shook her.

“You’ve done so much to help us.” Sylara’s voice was shaky as she came forward towards them. Orianna stepped away and let the two of them have their moment.

“I’d do anything for you Lar, I love you.” Raven spoke so softly, she could see Sylara’s shoulders shaking, knowing immediately she was crying.

“Who would have thought a group of elves would be hiding in the forest.” A voice spoke from behind Raven, Orianna froze. Raven’s eyes widened, Ferris was standing a little farther back from the direction Raven had come. Ava stepped forward protectively in front of Orianna, Adonis on her heels to her defense as well. “I guess Dot was right about you having three sisters.” Ferris held his hands up in peace his tone dry.

“Dot?” Orianna threw her hands up and rolled her eyes. “He’s calling himself dot-“ Ava turned around and smacked her hand over Orianna’s loud mouth. “What a joke.” She snarled, her lips twisting in disgust moving Ava’s hand away. Ferris just exchanged glances with her, clearly surprised.

“Why did you follow me?” Raven hissed walking away to grab his arm. Ferris ducked out of her reach with ease and walked towards Orianna. Ignoring the two snarling elves, in front of her he pushed past them confidently.

“I knew you were lying about Elias, I wanted to know what was so important I was stealing from my…” His words trailed off, as if he was hesitating on saying them. “...Fiancée.” He finished. Stepping past Adonis and Ava she held her hands behind her back, her expression was calm yet anyone could clearly see pain clouding her blue yes.

“She needed it for me.” Orianna spoke up, her tone was cold and distant. Orianna knew she had to end this. She needed to keep her siblings safe, she needed to keep Ferris safe. “Leave.” She snapped at her companions. Her voice deadly serious, this was the tone not of a sister, but a Curatrix. A leader. None of them spoke for a second, Sylara gently tugged at Raven’s arm pulling her away to give them space. Ava and Adonis slinked back, Adonis had once been a guard, he would never leave her alone without being in a close enough range to come to her aid.

Once the group cleared out Orianna stared at Ferris, never losing eye contact as she stepped closer. “Something precious was stolen from me and I need it returned.” All lies derived from truth, it was what made them so believing. Ferris watched her with narrowed eyes, analyzing.

“I can tell you're lying, don’t ask me how, but I get this feeling you’re not being entirely honest.” Ferris crossed his arms over his chest, Orianna kept her face neutral, even as she felt her chest bubble up in anger and fear.

“Well, I don’t care.” She snapped at him, if there was one thing she was good at, it was lying. “If you tell your fiancee, I’ll kill her, slowly, painfully.” She smiled darkly, her chest hurting. She already intended on killing Aviliar, but no harm in threatening him either. “And you-your death is not swift, it will not merciful. I will have you begging for death, turning you into a pathetic, mewling, little worm.” Her voice dripped in acid. “Do we have an understanding?” She tilted her head, inclining it towards him, her blue gaze full of intimidation and power. Yet Ferris held strong.

“I won’t tell, not because I believe you, but you seem like the type of person who wouldn’t lie without a good reason.” He stepped towards her, an equally strong gaze, his brown eyes challenging hers. She cursed internally at Ferris. Even under a curse he knew her well.

“You should stop talking, before I rip that little smug look off your face.” Orianna knew it was bad to get so close, but she kept taking slow steps forward to intimidate him and send him running backwards, but the fool kept matching her pace, matching his glare.

“How many people are fooled by that look?” Ferris asked, her voice nonchalant as if he was having a conversation about the weather. Orianna wanted to grab his throat and strangle him.

“At least four.” She nodded back towards where her companions walked off, no doubt waiting on her. She was close, so close. Her hands reached out for his neck, to threaten him with violence. To cut off the air and silence him. However her fingers touched his throat, not harshly, but gently and moved to his face. Ferris reached up and grabbed her hand, a surprising yank and Orianna was leaning down, kissing the human boy who had once been someone she loved.

She felt his hands cup around her neck, Orianna melted almost immediately, a welcomed stun. Despite being human, despite wandering for nearly 6 years, she felt like she was home for the first time. Orianna’s eyes watered and within a split second, the guilt was enough to shove him off.

“You idiot.” She snapped at him, backing up. Ferris was silent for a moment, in heavy thought.

“I knew it.” Ferris looked excited for a second. Orianna backed up as he stepped forward. “I felt it, something.” He paused searching for words, his warm eyes looking at her with confusion. “Why? Since you came in here, something's been off.” He wasn’t condemning her, instead he was connecting things, Orianna shook her head.

“Knock it off.” She hissed at him, but Ferris looked excited, if a small amount confused.

“Knock what off?” Ferris pressed, Orianna turned away heading to her companions, her had swarming. This did not go as she intended. At all.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Ferris rushed after her, grabbing her shoulder and spinning her around. “Tell me your name?” He looked desperate, flushed, and full of mixed emotions.

“Ori.” She said quietly, she was going to hate herself for this weakness later. Pulling away she gave Adonis a pained look, he was rushing over to her instantly. “I need to go.” He let her pull away, Adonis touched her shoulders and moved her in the direction of her sisters, shaking her head she felt her resolve breaking. Turning her sadness into anger, she let it fuel her motive, her face morphed into a snarl the more she pushed the feelings, as she approached Raven and the others she was grumbling about Ferris, pushing past them towards the forest. Ava and Sylara met glances, small knowing smiles formed, knowing.

As they walked to the lake, an uncomfortable silence filled around them as Raven paused just before the water. Adonis stopped behind her, they turned to have a small conversation as the three sisters glanced at each other suspiciously, Sylara shrugged it off and held out her hand, waiting for the map expectantly. Staring at her older sister Orianna grumbled under her breath before pulling the map from her bag Orianna handed it to Sylara. Her sister unrolled it, her expert eyes scanning for information. Leaning over her sisters shoulder Orianna studied the map with her.

In the top right corner was a list of directions, written by her father. To get into their land it required breathing underwater. Something that could have easily been done with magic, Orianna knew this would be more difficult. The caves also contained fire coral which made one wrong turn potentially dangerous. Inspecting the directions she groaned out loud.

“How are we supposed to breath underwater?” She huffed in annoyance, kicking the sand at the water she looked over at Ava who was leaning by the edge of the water her hands on her knees as she peered inside.

“Branca clams.” Ava said slowly, as if she was drawing out a thought. Orianna turned to look at her sister. “Branca clams are supposedly able to give whoever swallows their pearls the ability to breath underwater.” She finished. Sylara tapped her chin, Ava looked up at her sister with a mixed expression of amusement and hopefulness.

“Do you think the lake has brakea- or whatever clams in it though?” Orianna asked, both elves shot her a look.

“Branca clams.” Sylara corrected her pronunciation almost immediately.

“Yeah whatever, we just need to find the green pearls and swallow them. Satisfied?” Orianna shrugged her shoulders stepping towards her pulling the map from her hands and stuffing it back into her cloak.

“I can’t go but Adonis can.” Raven looked at her brother who nodded. Turning to look at the siblings Orianna hadn’t even noticed they had wrapped up their little private conversation. Tilting her head Sylara walked to her partner’s side and wrapped her arms around her.

“I understand, someone has to keep Elias safe.” She agreed. “Please be careful Raven.” Sylara pressed her, Raven touched her lips to Sylara’s forehead in response. Orianna stepped towards the water, not interested in good byes. Especially when Ferris was constantly forcing himself into her thoughts, she couldn’t do this, she needed to stay strong and focused.

Pausing just before the water could touch her she took a deep breath and looked over her shoulder before taking a step in. She wasn’t sure what to expect, clearly none of the nymphs would just appear to smite her down, but maybe she expected one of those creepy water monsters to eat her.

Shaking her head at the ridiculous idea Orianna walked into the water deeper before she squatted down water seeped into her clothing, increasing their density. Ignoring the chill of the water she began sifting through the muck and sand underneath the water. Unsure of what she was looking for she felt around for a smooth clam or oyster. Moving to get on her knees she crawled on the shallow area, if she was going to search in cold water for a clam that might not even be in the water she might as well go all out.

“You’re so impatient” Ava’s voice sounded from behind her, Orianna looked over at her shoulder.

“Sorry if I’m not distracted by heartfelt moments.” She spoke sarcastically as her sister stared at her. “Some of us have things to do, if you want to sit around with your thumb in your mouth be my guest.” Orianna finished turning her attention back to her search. Ava was silent for a long minute before following suit and plopped into the water, diving under completely. Orianna paused for a moment to watch her sister disappear into the lake her yellow hair just beneath the surface. Soon after Adonis and Sylara began walking into the water as well. They all spread out within the shallow area of the water, searching for these pearls.

The water seemed to chill even more as the sun started setting. Orianna could feel her fingers pruning from being in the water for so long. Her companions wadded around in the water for hours with her, none of them speaking before Adonis finally slapped the water with his hands and collapsed back groaning. “This is useless.” He protested.

“Unless you can hold your breath long enough to make it to their village, shut up and keep looking!” Orianna ordered him.

“There is no reason to be nasty.” Sylara reprimanded her sister. Orianna gave her a snarl in response before she pulled her hands out of the water and ran them through her braids in frustration.

“Look what I found!” Ava perked up, Orianna paused, standing up she scrambled towards where her sister had appeared from beneath the water. “There is a clam bed over here!” The others lunged through the water as they came to a stop around Ava.

“How did you find it?” Orianna breathed as she kneeled down.

“Well I wasn’t complaining like everyone else.” She smiled gleefully as she began shifting through the bed Orianna looked at her expectantly, her younger sister folding under her gaze. “Fine, The koi fish surround it.” Ava said meekly before pointing it out to them.

Two large koi fish swam around, too large to hover to close to the shallow beds of the water, but instead they meandered within the deeper area, eyeing the four of them. Turning to walk towards the fish with interest, she wasn’t surprised they scattered immediately.

“Look this is it!” Ava yelled, her hands full of clams, pumping them in the air victoriously. Shaking her head Orianna gave her sister a small smile before moving over to her sister and plucking the shellfish from her sisters hands and examining it. The smooth black shell fit in her palm, a thin layer of slime coating it as she flipped it in her fingers and pried it open, her nails bending as she snapped it open, shaking her hands from pain dug through the soft muscle within until she felt the small tiny pearl. Orianna exhaled a sigh full of relief as she pulled the tiny stone out and held it up to the light, unable to keep the grin from her face.

Adonis and Sylara both fished through the sand grabbing their own. “So then, we really have to swallow this?” Sylara asked, unable to keep the disgust from her voice as she pried open the shell. Orianna continued holding it up in the light, ignoring her sisters tone as she squinted, closing one eye to get a sharper look at it. It was a dull green, like sea weed, muted by a black film that would likely only come off with vigorous cleaning.

“We swallow it.” Ava nodded her head once.

“Let me.” Adonis held his hand up at the sisters, his instincts to guard clearly kicking in. Without a second hesitation he pushed the slimy pearl to his lips and swallowed. “Bottoms up.” Adonis sighed as he waited for a minute.

Very slowly his skin began to grow waxy and scale-like as Adonis panicked and looked down at his hands, low wheezing noises erupting from him as he pressed his hands to his throat. Orianna could see slits starting to break into his neck. Adonis’ eyes searched the water and suddenly he dove beneath the surface. The three girls watched. Both her sisters mirrored each other’s horror, while Orianna looked mildly amused. She could see his head just below the water as he swam to the deeper end, minutes passed without Adonis’ emerging above water.

“I’ll take it as working.” Orianna snickered before mimicking him, Ava and Sylara exchanging hesitant glances before taking their own. After a few seconds Orianna’s skin tighten and neck tingle, her chest tightened as if her lungs had slowly lost all air. Touching her neck she felt gill like slits forming on her throat, thin wet like flesh webbed between her fingers.

Shaking her head she felt the feeling of suffocation, gasping her face heated up as she stared at the water, the same realization that Adonis must have come to hit her in an instance, she knew what she needed to do. Collapsing into the water she buried her head under the waves her body surprisingly light as she floated beneath the surface.

Her vision cleared up considerably as she blinked. She could see Adonis in the deeper waters, hovering close to them. The webbing allowed her ease with swimming, her neck tingled as she breathed in, feeling water rush into her system her breath returning to her. Looking for her sisters Ava seemed to be adapting well as she swam towards Adonis. Sylara was struggling a little, her red hair waving in the water around her like fire. Orianna swam towards her and helped her sister move, she could see the panic in her blue eyes, she could see her sister experiencing the same thing she was, and grabbing her hand she pulled her over.

They reconvened with Adonis and Ava as the Koi scattered before slowly circling around them. Their scales were a deep crimson red, while their fins looked like peach colored silk, ebbing in the waters waves gracefully. They were the size of horses respectively, their endlessly dark eyes staring at them. Orianna knew immediately that they were watching him so she watched in return. Starting towards the fish tentatively, she motioned the others to follow her as she swam over to the large fish, it’s large, black, bug eyes still staring at her.

“Are you here to see the Queen?” A soft, melodic voice danced into her mind, pushing her nervousness aside Orianna nodded once. “You and your companions must grab on then.” It spoke, while its voice was polite and sweet, she could hear the command in it. The voice prodded like a whisper in her mind, exiting as soon as it came. Looking over at her companions she attempted to speak.

"The Koi fish." She called out, as she opened her mouth water entered, she panicked from the fear of drowning, however she found it still easy breathe. Adonis was the first to touch the fish. At the end of the night he was still a druid and his connection with animals still existed even without magic. Slowly he grabbed the sturdier part of the fin, the three of them followed suit as they grabbed on tightly, finding it hard to grip the scales but not impossible as the koi pulled them down into the depths of the water.

At the bottom of Ameliorate held a small cavern within the rocks. They passed into the utter darkness of the caverns entrance, their vision dimmed slowly, fading into blackness. Orianna’s hands tightened on the fish. The Nymphs and the Elves had very different styles of rulings. The elves worked with a council, while the Curatrix held the majority of the power, the leader was not able to make decisions without full support of the council, the council was elected by their city and the Curatrix. They kept everything fair to keep their reign from forming a monarchy which was precisely what the Nymphs held. Their Queen, or king, was their Curatrix, the successor treated like their own first born heir, even if they weren't related by blood.

“Are you scared?” The voice breezed through her mind like a soft caress, comforting and terrifying in its own way. Orianna snickered to hide the truth in the words.

“Not likely.” They were quiet again, Orianna learned many years ago how to keep her voice steady even when she didn’t feel it.

7: Part 1. Deal for Avalon's Sapphire

Part 1. Deal for Avalon's Sapphire

The fish didn’t press her any farther as they passed through in the darkness, then slowly very slowly tiny swirling blue and white ethereal-like orbs seemed to awaken, growing slightly from the size of a small coin until they grew to the size no larger than someones palm. It illuminated the walls with a dim glow. Peering above the first she could see Sylara looking around as she was. They made eye contact and Orianna could see the nerves built up in her sisters eyes, nodding at her once she looked forward. The fish stopped abruptly as Orianna let go of them, the full density of her body allowed her to sink and touch the cave floor.

“This is so weird.” Orianna felt the words form as she looked over at Sylara and the others. Adonis was helping Ava control her body in the water. None of them responded to her as the fish swam backwards. “You’re leaving us?” Orianna asked, the fishes bug eyes stared at her unnervingly.

“The fire coral would burn us, we are too big to fit within the caves ahead.” Its sweet vice told her.

“Fire coral? They’re mining fire coral?” Sylara spoke up, Orianna looked at her with a blank look.

“Really? Did you ever study Orianna?” She signed as she stepped away from the wall motioning Adonis and Ava to do so as well. They both looked as lost as Orianna was. “None of you? Honestly…” She threw her hands up in exaggeration as they waited expectantly. “Fire coral is sharp and deadly, it’s said to contain a similar poison to jelly fish, even one scrape of it will torture you for two weeks if not more. It’s deadly poison!”

“That sounds delightful.” Orianna spoke dryly. “Thank you for leading us this far, I have my father’s map that should lead us the rest of the way.” She turned to the koi fish.

“My lady’s guards will wait for you at the entrance to Yassadral.” Their voice drifted away as they swam backwards turning out, leaving the four of them to stand in the dimly lit cave.

“So fire coral…” She turned to look back at her, Sylara stared at her. “How deadly are we talking?” Sylara made a frustrated noise and walked further into the cave. Orianna gave Ava a mischievous grin before following, pulling the map out she realized she had no clue how to read the map.

“Oh for God’s sake.” Sylara turned around and marched back to her sister snatching the map from her webbed hands. “Give it to me.” She held it out to look at it.

"Alright, we go this way, I think…" She paused pointing out to the innermost tunnel. Adonis stepped forward and plucked it from her hands.

“As a guard and a tactician, I think I am best suited to decipher this.” Adonis told Sylara who peered over his shoulder. “Close, but we’re going through the third one to the left. See we are here where the tunnels seem to narrow in and the fire coral starts to grow. The red ink leads us that way.” He lowered the map for Sylara to see, tracing his finger to indicate where they were.

“Well let’s get on with it.” Orianna motioned them forward. Nodding once Adonis lead them through the tunnel.

"Is this temporary?" Sylara spoke up, her hands were on the gils around her neck, Orianna just shrugged.

"No idea.” Her tone was nonchalant, unrevealing that she was also worried about it. “Back when I came here father casted a spell that held a bubble around our heads." Orianna explained as they followed the map, she turned her attention to the ethereal orbs as they walked.

"That's comforting." His tone was dry as he continued to navigate, they all silently understood each other, none of them willing to sit and take breaks without knowledge on how long the pearls effects lasted.

“I don’t say the truth for comfort. In fact the truth and comfort hardly ever have a correlation.” She inspected the webbing between her fingers.

“You know, I don’t remember you being as bleak as a child.” Adonis commented. Her face twisted into a look of disgust. She just grunted at him and fell silent.

As they got farther into the caves, Orianna could see the rows upon rows of fire coral. Orianna knew they had to be getting closer as the amount of fire coral seemed to be growing less. The walls of the cave seemed to smooth and become more refined. Finally they reached the opening, rolling the map up, she could see the light starting to brighten the walls of the cavern.

Pausing at the entrance to the city Orianna could see the city laid out before her. Although it wasn’t like a normal city, Yassadral was built into the coral. The coral had been farmed and grown to be connected and pieced together, hundreds of yards high. The branches spread out a built off each other, nymphs traveling around, living within them. Two Nymphs were waiting for them as they finally arrived. They were dressed in fine silk tops, covered by thick plating of steel, in their hands were large spears in their hands, gold with sapphire encrusted jewels. Their tails peeking out beneath the top, flipping within the waves.

"Curatrix." Orianna turned her attention at the title, she stepped ahead of her siblings.

"I am here to speak to the Queen." Orianna bowed respectively, her sisters following her lead.

“We are here to take you to the queen.” The first one spoke, his tone was strict as he stared at the four of them unflinchingly. Their skin varied in shades of blue, the one of their left was covered in scales, and their eyes were wide yet serious.

“Very well.” Orianna responded coolly, nodding and motioned them to follow. Orianna looked back over her shoulder at her companions before walking out of the cave.

The city was below the entrance of the caves. “The top of the stem holds our stables and we are going farther down the court is at the bottom, that is where her majesty will be.” The guard informed them. He guided them down. Orianna found it interesting how open it was. Instead of filling the holes of the coral, they expanded on it, creating everything to be open and spacious. The only things that were closed off were the shops, their walls still held small divots within the coral.

“That seems irresponsible, if the city falls the court will be crushed.” Sylara pointed out, she was never one to ignore logic.

“Yes but, if The Queen is on the bottom then you have to get there first.” The guard explained as he swam ahead of him with his companion. Pushing the urge to sight see, she told herself that she didn’t care, after all she was here for a reason. Avalon’s Sapphire.

As they pushed towards the center of the stem of coral Orianna noticed the small details of gold becoming more and more frequent, woven into the coral, decorated lavishly. The coral was willed as it brought them to large ornate doors, leading into a hall and then very clearly a throne room.

As they walked closer Orianna could see a Nymph, her skin was light blue like a fresh mid-day sky, scaled and lithe, she looked no older than Ava, but Orianna knew from the way she was sitting elegantly, poised on the throne, her fish like tail waving slightly, the skirts of her top flared out and hugged her chest close, a deep V cut low, the frills of it overlapping and billowing out and flowing around her in the water, her dark blue hair waving behind her from the water. Bright pink eyes stared at them, brightened by a small golden tiara on her forehead with a blue jewel right in the center, thin chainlinks of gold laid neatly in her hair. The elf knew the Nymphs liked to flaunt their wealth.

“Ah, the young elf.” Her voice was soft and musical, like the Koi fish, only verbal. Orianna bowed respectfully, she heard the others shuffling behind her, the others clearly following her movements. “I am surprised to see you without your father, and without magic.” She tilted her head curiously, clearly have been left out of the dark in her father’s plans.

“Your Majesty.” Orianna greeted her.

“You must be the wolf from a few days ago.” The nymph turned her head to look at Adonis, ignoring Orianna.

“I am truly indebted to you for returning my form.” Adonis bowed again, stepping next to her. The two guards who had led them in there took their places next to the Curatrix.

“Part of the perks of our magic sourcing from the water means healing, illusionary magic, emotional control, among other basic things. It is always a pleasure to help someone, we can discuss your payment later, for now I am curious as to why this Curatrix has no magic.” Her large eyes turned on Orianna.

“Right, your majesty-” Orianna started again, it had been years since she had to talk to a Royal, she wouldn’t admit that her diplomatic skills were rusty.

“We are both Curatrixes, well at least past ones, address me as Edlen.” She prompted her sweetly. Something about it made her sick. Taking a deep breath Orianna sighed and prepared to plead her case, so to speak.

“Six years ago when… It was determined I would take the position as Curatrix for our Emerald, but my father turned against us.” Edlen tilted her head, her expression twisting slightly, but Orianna continued. “He used the gem to strip me of my powers and title, and then for safe measure he stripped my sisters magic and cursed us to wander as exiles, if he settled down for longer than a week doom followed behind us.” Orianna paused for a minute to look at the Nymph didn’t show any surprise or concern, just mild amusement. It threw her off, keeping her expression calm she continued. “Fearing the town would rebel he placed a curse that gave everyone false lives and memories and made them human.” She finished. “Adonis was a wolf when the curse hit and forced into his second form-”

“So then why have you come to me? This seems like a matter your race should settle.” Edlen was clearly goading her, baiting her, trying to test her. Orianna wasn’t stupid, so instead she bowed her head again, this time her knees touching the ground. She is asking for a large favor she is aware, but Orianna was not one for begging, but she knew that she was out of options at this stage.

“Edlen, Curatrix of Avalon’s Sapphire.” She said the title with a slight amount of awe in her voice, she needed her favor, her voice was heavy. “I wish… I wish to borrow the gems powers and defeat my father and save my people.” She doesn’t lift her head, not even as she senses Edlen lifting up and floating towards her. She only looks up when she feels scale like lingers touch her jaw and tilt her head up.

“You have the audacity to ask for my sapphire.” She can see the fire in Edlen’s eyes, Orianna stared at her eyes filled with equal amounts of determination.

“I do.” She nodded once. “My people are at stake Edlen, I would do anything for them.” Orianna responded, Edlen tilted her head, looking down at her, her pink eyes condescending.

“Anything?” She prompted her, Orianna gave her a solemn nod. She could feel the burden building up as Edlen swam backway from her, a giggle escaping.

“Every month for a week I want to visit your village.” Edlen says suddenly. “With your Emerald returned you should be able to make a pair of legs for me, even if temporary, the compulsive magic that comes only with earth is perfect. That is my cost.” Orianna stares at her completely shocked, but all she sees is earnestness in Edlen’s eyes the condescending look was gone. For an instant she sympathized with her, being trapped under water, unable to leave and explore, especially having the title as a queen. To be flanked by guards constantly, unable to leave court, even that would get lonely.

“Alright.” Orianna agreed, she had no idea how to pull it off but to save her people, she would find a way. Edlen’s face lit up almost immediately with excitement as she pulled Orianna to her feet unable to resist the urge to spin her.

“But we will trade collateral.” Elden says quickly, her mood sobering as she remembers who she is, is a Queen and not some excited girl. Looking around at the guards they kept their expression neutral

“Right of course.” Orianna hardened her expression. “What do I have to use as collateral.” Orianna asked, she held her hands behind her back.

“I’ll take the little Elf until you return my stone.” She motioned to Ava.

Tension burst almost immediately as Ava made a small yelping noise, Adonis jumped in front of her, standing protectively. Orianna’s hands clenched into fists, her nails biting harshly into her skin, Edlen’s guards swam forward in front of their Queen as she floated back sitting gently in her chair, her smiled was bemused as she let her guards aimed their tridents at Adonis.

Orianna turned back to look at her sisters, her eyes darkened for a minute. She never had any intention of keeping the stone, and her sister was precious, but she was a leader, and she had to make the hard decisions. Looking at her youngest sister, pain flashed across her face and for an instant she is unsure if she could part ways even if it was only until after they took down their father. Glancing back at Sylara and Adonis, both of them looked equally horrified at Orianna’s clear, deliberating, expression. However when she met Ava’s eyes, she knew she had to do it, and Ava knew, Her sister’s tiny chin rose up, her eyes full of fear as she nodded at Orianna.

“My sister will be unharmed?” Orianna turns back to Elden , who looked amused,

“You can’t be considering this!” Sylara protested, stepping forward Adonis caught her before she instigated the guards. Orianna held her finger up to silence her.

“Only if my stone is unharmed.” She nodded at her, Orianna glared at her, rolling her eyes she sighed. “She will be treated as a guest, not a prisoner.” Edlen assured her. Orianna looked down at her hands Orianna nodded once at her sister. Ava pushed past Adonis, patting his shoulder gently before stepping towards Orianna, he grabbed her arm to stop her.

“I’ll stay with her then.” Adonis spoke up, Ava ignored him and pulled her arm free, walking past Orianna. Pausing Ava curtseyed for Elden as she motioned her to her side. Orianna watched her sister move to stand next to the nymph.

“You have to aid my sister in my place, Adonis.” She told him, ordering him. Orianna forced herself to remain calm, she is the Curatrix. She couldn’t let this be a weakness for her. She needed to be strong.

“I just get to see you again and you’re telling me to leave?” Adonis snapped, clearly enraged, annoyed at Ava’s decision. He moved forward Orianna turned and glared at him. This was not the time for emotions, they all knew this.

“It’s not up for discussion. Trust her.” She said the words slowly and surely, staring him down. “Like how Lar trusts Raven, I trust Ferris, and Ava trusts you.” Adonis visibly flinched but nodded once. Once the matter was settled Orianna turned to look at Edlen expectantly, without another word Edlen was up again floating over to Orianna she put her hands on the blondes shoulders.

“You’re asking for a lot Orianna, The others are manipulative, they’ll ask for insane requests or flat out turn you down. Our people have been at peace since Leandres’ Great War.” Her grip tightened on Orianna’s arms, crushingly. “Don’t destroy that.” She warned her tone deadly.

Orianna nodded uncomfortably, the weight of her request fully hitting her. Without another word Edlen removed her hands and touched her small tiara, her fingers seemed to light up with a faint pink mist as the sapphire glowed slightly, pinching her fingers she gripped the stone as it pushed out, elongating into a small thin sapphire the length of her pinky finger.

“Take good care of it.” Edlen told her quietly, placing it in her palm. Orianna nodded once and squeezed her hand shut, as she did her breath hitched. Her body cooling, her skin tingled, as if water was gently rushing over her body, as is just touching the stone brought that feeling of magic back. Exhaling loudly, Orianna closed her eyes a smile forming. Opening her eyes she felt them stinging from tears, her heart soaring. Her goal felt obtainable for the first time in years. Looking up at Edlen, the nymph smiled knowingly.

“Go then, save your people now.” Edlen ended abruptly, sitting back her fin flipping casually. “My guards Marin and Mako will lead you out.” Edlen waved them off, her personality shifting to something more nonchalant, however Orianna could see the happiness in her face. Glancing at the two guards who led them in the first time, Orianna didn’t have to ask if she was dismissed, frowning Orianna looked over at Ava and then back at her hand.

“I will be back for you Ava, no matter what.” She promised her sister, staring determined, unblinking. Ava nodded at her once, ignoring the two Nymphs ushering them away. Turning away before Ava could say anything to her, they all walked quietly, despite leaving the throne room the tension still evident.

Orianna held the stone in her hands her grip so tight, hoping that the tighter she squeezed the stone hoping to feel more of its magic, yet she was content with the hum of magic she felt in her. It had been almost six years since she felt this.

"Ava will be okay." Sylara was comforting Adonis behind her. She felt her stomach lurch, she traded her sister for power, just how different was she from her father?

“Ava is strong.” Orianna choked out bitterly, sounding angrier than intended. “She’s doing what needs to be done, I wouldn’t let anything happen with her, I wouldn’t.” Her voice was deadly serious as they walked. “For now, we put it behind us and we focus on getting the other three stones and stopping father.”

“I almost forgot how single minded you can be.” Adonis shook his head, Orianna ignored his comment.

“Can be?” Sylara prompted him. Orianna rolled her eyes as they paused at the center of the coral stalk. Nymphs paused to look at them, Orianna looked straightforward as they pushed forward back towards the fire coral caves.

“Is there anything we can do for you past this Ma’am?” Mako and Marlin paused at the start of the caves as Orianna and the others looked at each other. “Would you please request your majesty to send a message to the other curatrixs’ about my arrival in their providences?” She asked calmly.

“We will send word of the request.” She wasn’t sure which one was which, but she also knew it didn’t matter.

“Thank you.” Orianna bowed slightly to them. She could see her braids floating around in the water from her peripheral. She was ready to get out of this water. Without another word she nodded at her sister and Adonis and headed back into the caves. “Adonis we’re going to need the map.” She huffed at her.

“I can’t believe this all worked.” Orianna exhaled as soon as they were alone navigating through the caves once again.

“Yeah it only cost us our sister.” Sylara spoke, her cheerful tone was clearly fake, they went out of their way to stay away from the walls, Orianna ignored them. She chose to bear this burden so no one else had to; it was the point of being a leader.

“I’m doing what I need to do Sylara.” Orianna stopped in her tracks, turning to look at her sister. “I have done what I have to do.” Her nostrils flared. “So respect it. I don’t have any intention of letting anything happen to Ava, and if you don’t either then you’ll see to this go according to plan.” Her tone was final. Sylara opened her mouth to speak and closed it. “No shut up, get your head straight and focus on the plan.” She snapped before turning back around and continuing to walk.

As they reached the wider end of the cave, the koi fish were waiting for them. Orianna bowed and thanked them, they didn’t move, their bug eyes watching them. Sylara passed by her quickly, bumping her shoulder without a word. Adonis moved to pass her as well but Orianna stopped him.

“You understand right?” She looked up at him, she didn’t want everyone to think she turned her back on her sister.

“I understand, I don’t like it, but you’ve been groomed to be a leader, those two haven’t.” His words didn’t bring her any comfort. “That also means that if anything happens to either of them, it’s on you, not only as a leader, but as a sister.” He finished before heading after Sylara towards the large fish. Orianna shook her head as she followed after them, soundlessly grabbing the fins, they began their ascent to the shallow waters.

“How long does the pearls effects last?” Orianna asked as they reached the drop off. Looking at the fish she touched her neck and looked up, she could see the edges of the water just above her. Her attention was drawn back by a faint giggle.

“Silly elf, the waters have curative properties, they’ll remove them when you get out of the water.” The koi’s sweet voice explained in her head. Orianna nodded once and patted the fishes fin as if to thank the Koi. It stared at her before turning to float away back into the recesses of the pool. Looking back at her sister they shared a quiet look of pain. The sisters hadn’t been separated their entire lives, not even in those six years of exile. To do this without Ava would be hard.

Walking up she let her body rise out of the water, Orianna sighed as she felt her her neck tighten as they hit the air. As if someone was snapping bands on her chest she made disgruntled gasping noises, her nails raking against her neck, clawing at her skin, fleshy scales peeled off, sticking under her nails as she pulled and pulled. “Gods this is awful.” Orianna gasped the words, breath returning to her lungs as she rubbed her hands together the webbing clotting and peeling as it removed itself, like a the shedding of a snake.

Orianna pulled it off as quickly as possible, disgusted by the feeling of shedding, as they waddled from the pool, their clothes were heavy, soaking wet. Adonis was the first to rise out of the lake, helping Sylara and Orianna both out.

“So now we go for Emmyth’s Topaz since it’s the closest.” Orianna didn’t stop walking, willing herself to work through the weight of the wet clothes.

“We will have to avoid the borderlands between Vernan’s lands and Dalliya’s lands. He will have hunters waiting, just itching to bring us back.” Adonis walked with her. It was clear they were planning now.

“The Curatrix for the Topaz is human correct?” Sylara was recalling as much as she could. “Humans having a Curatrix though, like they need one, they already overpopulate the rest of us.” Sylara grumbled. She felt herself smile. They stood there.

“You’re not wrong, but the humans that hold the topaz are special.” Orianna wasn’t sure how to explain. Adonis eyed her, it was clear he would know being not only a guard, but a higher placed guard. “They’re cursed with lycanthrope.”

8: Part 1. Journey to Dalliya

Part 1. Journey to Dalliya

Orianna didn’t even have to look back to know that Sylara was digging through her soaking wet bag for her journal. That was her bookish sister, constantly keeping records of everything, turning to look at her sister. “I know that face, you’re withholding information.” She stared her down. Finally after a long minute she spoke.

“There is a catch.” Orianna finally admitted, pausing for a moment before starting towards the cliffs in wet clothing again. The two elves walked to catch up to her, she would keep on walking as fast as she could. If only they had horses, they could get there in two days instead of four.

“Isn’t there always?” Adonis was sarcastic, Orianna snorted. Grabbing her arm he caught her and spun her back to face, they weren’t getting very far from the lake like this.

“Oh that sounds lovely.” Sylara spoke dryly as she paused in front of her sister, touching her arms she began unclipping her sisters cloak. “Before you explain, how about we let the clothes sit out in the sun and dry. If we don’t eat we’re going to exhaust ourselves.” Adonis nodded in agreement, he was stripping off his clothes in that same instant tossing them at Orianna who caught them with utter confusion. Sylara had taken her cloak and grabbed Adonis clothes from her hands, looking around for a place to dry them.

“That will allow us to plan too, I think I’ve got some twine...” Sylara perked up as she handed the clothes back to Orianna. Impatiently Orianna held on to them as he sister dug into her wet bag.

“We’re really doing this right now?” Orianna deadpanned, her nostril flaring in annoyance.

“Yes. We are.” Sylara looked at her sternly, passing the clothes to Adonis who was in his briefs, calmly, as if he wasn’t nearly naked in front of two ladies. Sylara found the roll of twine with an, aha! Moment leading Adonis over with the clothes they stood at the edge of the woods hanging a line for their clothes.

“We don’t need a plan, we need to go Ava is sitting there, Ferris, Magnus and Raven are with our Father.” Orianna hadn’t even taken off her clothes as she followed after them as they set up the line and began hanging the clothes on them. Once everything was set up, Sylara undressed quickly, she hung her clothes up, only wearing the slip that went beneath her clothes.

“I’m worried too, but we can’t push faster than we need too, wet clothes can slow us down, make us sick, and are just uncomfortable.” She was the voice of reason right now, pulling her curly hair into a bun. “Now take off your clothes.” Once she was done with her hair she began pulling at Orianna’s clothes. Orianna knocked her hand away and glanced over at Adonis uncomfortably. The elf rolled his eyes and turned away.

“I’ll set up a fire and see if I can hunt some game.” He sensed her uneasiness before turning and darting off into the woods.

“I can undress myself, stop hovering.” Orianna snapped as she pulled off her tunic and belt, Orianna smirked and turned her attention to her bag as she emptied her bag out, laying the books, papers on solid ground to dry. Orianna began hanging her clothes on the line as well, finally pulling off her pants and boots. Opening her own bag out she set the items that Magnus had given her out to dry as well.

Orianna sat down in front of her items as she held the sapphire in her hands, twisting it between her fingers as Sylara fiddled with her wet books and Orianna surveyed their inventory. Magnus had given them more powder, and a few healing potions, nothing extreme, but useful nonetheless.

It didn’t take long for Adonis to appear again, carrying two medium sized rabbits, their necks cleanly snapped and began preparing a small fire. Orianna moved her free hand over to her bag contents to pick up a small dagger she carried with her as she held out her hand to Adonis. Dutifully he handed her the rabbits as Orianna began working quickly to skin the fur from the animals.

“So plan and story.” Adonis prompted Orianna.

“Right, so the Topaz is held by werewolves.” Orianna recovered her thoughts from earlier. “To most of us the title of the Curatrix is a gift, but for them it’s a little different. It’s a curse. Since the humans started Leandres’ war their punishment was lycanthropy, however Emmyth argued that only her blood should bear that burden.” Orianna explained. Adonis would know some of this information vaguely, after all the only reason Orianna knew was due to her job title. “The fae being the assholes they are, twisted Emmyth’s words so not only do the descendants of Emmyth bear the curse, but anyone who shared her blood. Since it was so dangerous most humans hunted the Lycans and killed them.” Sylara paused in her writing to look at her sister.

“How utterly barbaric, humans turning on their own kind like that.” Sylara shook her head. Orianna raised her eyebrows, as if she was waiting for it to dawn on her just how their situation was. After a few silent moments Sylara pressed her lips into a hard line. “Your point is taken, continue.”

“The remaining lycans founded Dalliya in the mountains, they have an agreement with Calmar that they will claim the babes who are cursed if they stay in the mountains. So since the gem is what causes the lycanthropy, usually the Curatrix is a symbol of disgust, the bane of their existence, a reminder, even if they’re the leader of the lycans, they’re still likely hated.” Finished with her thoughts, she went back to rolling the sapphire between her fingers, calling on the magic that filled her now to quell her nerves.

“So then getting the Topaz should be easy.” Adonis spoke up, Orianna had just finished pulling the skin from the rabbit. Handing it to Adonis, he set the meet above the fire. Passing Sylara the fur she started on the second, slicing down the stomach in a deep cut before continuing.

“Logistically yeah, but the werewolves aren’t known for their calm temperament.” Orianna pointed out before starting again. “I don’t think they will just hand it over. Especially since Edlen already made me promise her something so outrageous as to give her legs, which I have no idea how to do by the way.” Orianna added pausing skinning the rabbit to rub her face with her hands, briefly she let herself wish Ferris was here with her to offer advice.

“I’ll start looking for some spells when this is all over, or sooner, whichever comes first.” Sylara offered, Orianna nodded gratefully, her sister was fit for tasks like this.

“Normally to get to Dalliya from here it is about a two day journey on horseback, a week from Vernan. To get to the mountains it will be four days on foot.” Orianna was thinking now, planning as she still held the sapphire in her hands. “That’s the last stone close to us. To get the Amethyst is going to be a little trickier because the Fae reside on their own island and it is quite dangerous.” Orianna explained. “To be quite honest, the Fae probably already know we’re coming. That journey will be three months to go there and back” She adds the last part with slight unhappiness to it. To leave Ava there, for over two months. She didn’t want to do it, but she would have too.

“So then we need to obtain the Topaz at all costs, not only that but we need ally with the Curatrix.” Adonis agreed, he was still tending to the meat until it had darkened to an acceptable color, Orianna finished skinning the second and handed it to him as he set the second one on the fire as well. “That’s quite a handful, can you do it?” Adonis asked her. Orianna stared up at him, she knew he wasn’t being insulting, but he clearly underestimated her.

“We’ve been on our own for six years Adonis. I will do anything to free my people from this curse.” Orianna opened her hand to stare at the jewel, she wouldn’t dare let go of the stone, especially since it was the key to her sisters safety.

“So we eat and once those clothes are dry we get as much ground as possible.” Sylara stated, she had barely spoken, too busy taking notes in her books.

“That could take hours!” Orianna practically shouted. “We will survive if they’re damp.” Orianna looked to Adonis in support of her idea as he nodded once in agreement.

“Don’t team up against me!” Sylara let out an exasperated sigh, neither of them spoke, instead Adonis began carving the rabbit that was cooked and handing it to the sisters. “Fine have it your way, but know I am going along with it willingly.”Sylara reminded her, uncrossing her arms from her chest to take the meat.

“Lar, when do you ever go along with my plans willingly?” Orianna retorted as she bit into the meat and chewed. It was burnt and flavorless, but it was food nonetheless.

“A very valid point.” She muttered before eating her share as well. Once they were all on the same page they ate the meat, a silent determination shared between all three of them.

Orianna ate her food quickly, still in nothing but her slip, she felt uncomfortable, being in so little clothing. Looking up at the sun, they were already hitting mid-day, if they wanted to cover any ground they need to start moving.

“If we go around through the planes we can avoid getting to close to Vernan’s woods.” Orianna spoke, walking towards the clothing line, she ran her fingers along the cloth, touching the clothes, feeling them, they were partially dry, still a work in progress, but were wearable. Pulling her undershirt off the line she held the thin, tan, long-sleeved, cotton shirt before pulling the wool green tunic on over it letting the shirt fall above her knees. She felt a chill from the clothes as she pulled on her pants and boots, buckling her belt to her waist. Adonis moved to gather his own clothes, Sylara packing up their bags.

“Edlen hopefully has sent word to the Topaz’s Curatrix and will make things much simpler.” Orianna knew she had wishful thinking, she couldn’t expect things to go smoothly, but at least now with magic in her possession she stood a chance.

Moving she began to pack her own bag, placing things with care before pulling the empty bag that held the dust and slipped the sapphire in and tied the bag before stuffing it into her shirt. Pulling her cloak she fastened it and pulled her hair from her braids. Her normal straight pale hair was waved and still damp. Adjusting the strap of her satchel she waited for her companions to dress, smothering the fire so they could leave immediately.

The first three days of the journey were long, if they weren’t bickering then most of it was spent in a quiet and comfortable silence. Orianna was too focused as they walked quickly, wrapped in her thoughts about her sister, her thoughts about the stones, and her plan to stop her father, or well, her lack of plan. During their travel they stopping only to rest and drink water or eat. As if Adonis’ memories and duties during his time as a guard were slowly surfacing, kicking in, and the closer they got to Dailliya the more on edge he was.

It was no surprise that by the third day Adonis was shaking Orianna awake, only to see three large wolves waiting for them. They were the sizes of horses easily, clearly not normal wolves. Their expressions weren’t feral like most animals, but held intelligence behind their eyes, there was no question; these were three Lycans. Orianna paused, clamoring to her feet. Her sleepy eyes narrowed dangerously as she pulled the dagger from her satchel and pointed it at them. Something felt off, she could still feel the stone tucked in the pouch, safely stored under her shirt, but something was definitely amiss.

“Are you sent here by your Curatrix?” Orianna spoke up, stepping forward, the blades in her hand shaking. The black one slinked away from her blade meekly as the brown one stepped forward in defiance. The only odd one was the gray wolf who looked confused for a second and then slinked away meekly like the black one. The brown wolf didn’t look at her however, instead he locked gazes with Adonis who was staring back with a fierce intensity. A low growl escaped from the beast until finally one broke away and huffed at her, its hot breath just barely brushing her forearm.

“I’ve been requested to subside into the lower ranks of their pack.” Adonis spoke up, backing up her leaned down and aroused Sylara, never looking away from the clear leader of the group.

“Wait, why?” No don’t do it.” She shook her head ordering Adonis who tilted his head at her, breaking eye contact for an instant as Sylara scrambled behind Orianna. Adonis looked at the wolves again.

“As a druid, even without my magic it is still in my nature to understand the language of nature, Including animals. They know that but It would be giving them power over us, which is what they want.” He straightened up, the wolf snarled at him it wasn’t threatening, no it was a clear note of annoyance. “Something is going on though, that much I can tell. I can feel it in their eyes.” Adonis informed her. Orianna looked over at her shoulder at her sister.

“Lar, can you look up a potion or a spell, something.” Orianna demanded quickly. She felt Sylara rustle from behind her. she was shifting through books almost immediately. “Animal speaking preferably, I don’t’ want to inconvenience Adonis with any tiresome or inopportune bonds.” She rolled her eyes dryly. Despite her flippant attitude her hands were still shaking.

“As it turns out, I know how to do that. Orianna you’ve got magic, I’ll teach you.” Adonis spoke to Orianna, “Sylara watch them, scream if they attack.” He told her, his voice gentle before stepping up close to her. Orianna looked at the elf. His green eyes searched for something on her arms, he touched Magnus necklace he had given her to spy, as if he was demanding she hand it over. Orianna did as she was told.

“You know he’ll probably have your head for messing around with his things.” She pointed out, a stab at her friend. Using the crystal to spy, Magnus was always the type of man that enjoyed belittling others, including her. She didn’t mind dishing out whatever Magnus doled out as well.

“Yes well then let him try and take it, now repeat after me.” He began a low chant as Orianna followed along. He placed the necklace in her hands and directed her fingers to wrap around the crystal in a certain way. The magic from the stone she borrowed seemed to fill her. It unnerved her how foreign using magic felt, how exhausting it had become after years and years of no training. Pushing away the feeling she focused on following her companions lead, after a long set of minutes Adonis stopped and backed away. “It’s a druid thing.” He explained as he placed it around her neck. “Some of us can do it inherently, but others never developed the ability to communicate with nature, so we developed a spell to allow it within an object.” Orianna touched the necklace and then turned to look at the wolf.

“My name is Orianna, I am the Curatrix for the Emerald, and I’d like to speak to the Curatrix.” Her words were determined as she held her head high, putting the knife back in her bag.

“Now she speaks as an adult instead of imprudent child.” The wolf snarled at her. Orianna smiled at him pleasantly.

“Are you upset I called you all inconvenient among other things? I assure you I meant every word.” She smiled at him. The grey wolf made a cackling noise as if he was laughing however stopped as soon as the brown wolf snarled at him. She was baiting him clearly and they knew it. After a few minutes of controlled silence, the wolf spoke.

“Lucian has sent us to fetch you, as we ride you will explain the situation.” The wolf continued growling at her, Orianna blinked a few times the translation clearly in her head.

“Ride?” Orianna tilted her head. Looking back at Adonis he shrugged. No help from him. “There are no horses, unless you’re suggesting riding…” Realization hit her. Sighing loudly she looked at her sister.

“Maybe you’re smarter than you look.” The wolf barked at her but said no more. All three wolves lowered their heads to let them on. Orianna nodded forcing the hesitation from her expression.

“Fine but I’ll accompany that one, I'm sure he wouldn't eat me.” She breathed as she walked towards a larger grey wolf, it watched her with dark eyes, she reached and touched his fur as if she was asking for permission before pulling herself on. "Plus even if you did want to chow down on me, I can assure you I won't taste nearly as good as I look." She scoffed at him, a meager attempt to lighten the tension in the air as he lowered his head further when she pulled herself on the wolf.

“God this is uncomfortable, you feel it to right? Riding on you as if you’re an actual animal and not a person.” She was talking to herself more than the Lycan.

“R-right.” The wolf huffed a stutter at her. Looking at her companions she nodded at them once Adonis followed suit as well as Sylara, neither of them wasting time to pull themselves on to the wolves.

“What is your name?” She asked the large grey wolf, a curiosity. The wolf began a light jog falling to the back of the pack. He was silent for a long minute,

“Conri…” He spoke the words quietly, slowly. Under his breath. “You uh, shouldn’t speak to me.” His words were meager.

“My jokes are simply that, jokes. I didn’t not mean to disrespect-” She started.

“The only thing disrespectful right now is you talking to that mongrel.” The large brown wolf snapped, turning to look back on her. “He is a lowly serving boy. Nothing of importance, he is here with the other one to carry you and your allies.” Orianna frowned briefly, but built up a smile.

“Oh good! I enjoy mongrels.” She snickered, she felt uncomfortable yet it was their custom, she would not speak against their ways. Then again Orianna had never been very good at holding her tongue, or really being polite. “And who are you precisely?” The words were sharper than intended. “What makes you better than these two wolves, clearly they are doing as much work as you are, no?” Orianna asked, she felt the wolf slink down as if to hide.

“I am Lucian’s second Gurgen, Lucian is our Curatrix, the alpha. These two are nothing but low ranks in the pack, I don’t expect you, a impudent child, to understand. Especially when you are seeking our refuge.” Orianna’s head tilted. Refuge? What had Edlen told them? Just what was she walking into with these Lycans?

“Refuge?” Her expression darkened, unable to keep her annoyance at bay.

“Oh yes, we know all about you. Your father thought you’d be visiting us, he’s told us of your crimes.” Orianna froze, sharing a glance with Sylara, of course Sylara didn’t understand. She frowned at her.

“Father’s telling lies.” She told Sylara, she snorted in response. “I have committed no crimes.” Orianna’s words came out wavering, yet she pushed her back straight, defiance in her posture.

“So your sisters and you have not been exiled?” He asked. Orianna paused, her eyes widened. “However I was told there were three.” He pointed out. Orianna didn’t say anything, she couldn’t lie and say they weren’t exiled, speaking now could condemn her further.

“We have been, but whatever my father has told you is. A. Lie.” Orianna spoke up, it was all she could say.

“So you’re saying you, Orianna, did not cast a curse and kill thousands of your own kind, while also ensnaring druids into animals?” He asked sharply.

“I am a druid and I can assure you it was not Orianna’s doing.” Adonis spoke up.

“Yes we know, but your word can’t be trusted since she could have easily bought your loyalty by freeing you of the curse.” Gurgen spoke to him. “Your father sent a message to all of the other curatrix, explaining of your villainy and how you would be seeking refuge with one of us.”

“Then why not take me to my father now?” Orianna snapped. “Why put your wolves through this to carry us instead of just treating us like the evil dooers you say we are and ship us to him?”

“As much as your kind believes we are savages, our kind believe in fair trials. We will determine your guilt before we sentence you to a just death.” There was a dead silence in the air. It was clear he thought the lowest of Orianna and her companions.

“Yes but, my father-”

“Your father is a respected Curatrix and you will not slander his name.” Gurgen howled loudly. Snorting Orianna didn’t even bother hiding her disgust. “You will not plead your case to me, you will plead it to Lucian. Now silence.” They did as they instructed as the wolves broke into a run, it was clear they didn’t want to waste time with chatter.

By nightfall they had arrived into a small cave entrance, they slowed as they neared the base of the mountains. The mouth of the cave was wide enough for them as humans, but the wolves had to file into line to enter. Conri slinked to the back, bowing at Gurgan as he passed by. Leaning down Orianna couldn’t help but give an anxious pat.

“If this snarl is his only personality trait, I fear for my life, truly.” Her words were a low grumble, leaning next to the wolfs ear. Conri as a wolf snorted as their feet began pattering, the tunnel growing larger until they were able to lower themselves off the wolves. Once she was on her ground she touched her sister’s arm in nervousness.

Their bodies shifted to a much more human state, looking away as the men stretched, and clearly enjoying being back in their human bodies. Conri and the other boy ducked behind rocks pulling bags they had obviously prepared beforehand, full of clothes. Gurgan waited with them as both sisters diverted their eyes as he snatched the clothes from the others hands and pulled on the crimson red tunic, his hair was light brown like the fur, short and spiking in every direction. Turning her attention to the black haired boy and Conri who were finishing up dressing. Orianna inspected Conri, for a ‘servant’ he was quite striking. His hair grey, lying like the fur of the wolf against the top of his shoulders. The black haired wolf was nowhere near as tall as Conri or Gurgan, his hair cropped extremely short.

“Chain them.” Gurgan demanded. Conri nodded as Orianna gave him a startled glare.

“Excuse me?” Orianna moved her hands away as Conri produced three pairs of shackles from the napsack that had contained the clothes. Sylara backed behind her again, Adonis instinctively moving forward.

“You didn’t think we’d let criminals into our home without protection? Especially to meet our Curatrix.” Gurgan asked. Conri hovered in front of her, intending to shackle her first. His eyes were as grey as his hair, giving her a sympathetic look, and a small nod. Orianna stared at him, keeping eye contact with him. After a long pause she nodded and held out her hands. He gave her an apologetic look as he clasped them on to her wrists and locked them before moving on to her sister and Adonis.

“Well we are off to an excellent start.” Orianna’s expression showed disgust as her eyes narrowed forward, as leading them away.

9: Part 1. Mistrials and memories

Part 1. Mistrials and memories

Adonis walked next to Gurgen in the front, it was clear to everyone that he was the largest threat of danger, Orianna was sure he was fine with it, growing up the way she did, it was clear he was putting himself in any front path of danger. Conri was the guard that walked next to Orianna, the sapphire was still safely hidden in her shirt and that was all she worried about. Walking with her head held high, she knew Sylara was behind her with the third wolf trailing at the end.

As they passed throughout the center cave path, the smaller cave entrances that opened up new tunnels began to crowd with humans as they followed after them, staring and whispering. Gurgan led them in a straight path, it was clear they were being taken to the back, two large stone doors were closed, wolf like designs etched into them, depictions of man turning into an animal.

Gurgan glanced back at the two boys. “Open the doors!” He snapped at them as Conri and the other scrambled past them and walked towards the doors, pushing the heavy doors open. Orianna could tell that they were straining to push open the doors, but at last they creaked open to reveal a coliseum like room. Gurgan looked back at the three of them before leading them inside. Pausing in the center Orianna looked around the room.

The rows of seats were dug into the wall and raised high. The people that had followed them in began to fill into the seats, it was very clear they were a spectacle. Gurgan left them and walked to the front of the coliseum, three larger seats had been carved out, two men already waiting for them, as if he expected them. Adonis paused next to Orianna, Sylara stopping behind them as they watched him walk towards the steps and take a seat next to the man entirely dressed in black. The one that sat the highest and within the dead center she faintly recognized from her childhood. He had a large beard, burly and scarred, Orianna imagined he looked exactly how an alpha should. Gurgan sat next to him, followed by another dark skinned man, he was bald and his brown eyes were dark like an obsidian stone.

“So you are the would be Curatrix, as always Aviliar has been proven right.” The bearded man mused. “I am the Curatrix for Emmyth’s Topaz my name Lucian.” he introduced herself. “Your father sent a message to all the guardians. We are to turn you over to him if you came to us, and I have half a mind to.” His tone was deadly, everyone around them serious. Looking at her friends she restrained her words, choosing them carefully.

“With all due respect…” Orianna prompted. “If you hand me to my father it would be certain death.” She started, looking around she made eye contact with Conri who looked away almost immediately.

“I am aware.-” Orianna held her hand up to interrupt him. A daring move, but she didn’t care.

“I’m not sure you understand. It’s not just death for me, my people will be doomed too. My father lies to you.” Orianna spoke up.

“Your claim is outrageous!” Lucian roared. “I have known your father for a very long time, he is a kind man.” Orianna willed herself to keep from slinking back. They were like beasts, they could probably smell her fear if she let them.

“If you honestly think he isn’t capable of casting a curse like this than you are, respectfully sir, an idiot.” She stared at him. Sylara made a snorting noise, as if she wasn’t surprised by Orianna’s blatant disrespect taking the moment to begin talking again. “Six years ago he began growing weaker, fearing me he stripped me and my sisters of our power, he cursed us to wander and then cursed our beloved people to take the form of humans with implanted false memories so no one could stand against him.” Orianna stared at him. Her did not blink did not falter. Gurgan leaned over to whisper something in Lucian’s ear. Orianna felt her palms dampen, sweating as they talked amongst themselves.

“You cannot expect me to believe this.” Lucian finally turned away, prompting her.

“It is the truth.” Adonis spoke up, stepping forward. “We have two companions within Vernan, they can attest this if you lend us aid.” He looked over at Orianna once before back at Lucian “My word may not count for nothing, but it is still my word.”

“Druid.” Lucian acknowledged him. “Speak then, what is your name?”

“Adonis Revis, I once was Vernan’s Magistrae Guard.” He gave his full title.

“Why do you think we can trust your words?”

“When the curse was enacted I was in the form of a wolf, I remember everything clearly, My sister Raven had become a human and her son Elias as well. He banished my pupil Ava and her sisters, he ordered our Hunter’s Keep leader, Ferris Galaviel to hunt the remaining druids in the woods to keep his secret.” Adonis spoke solemly. Orianna’s eyes widened, unable to hold back the tiny gasp, her heart stuck in her throat. She hadn’t known that, thinking back to the two rabbits she had ordered back in town from him, had those been more of their warriors? Lucian turned to look at her.

“You seem surprised?” Orianna’s eyes burned, looking up she blinked tears back. She needed dignity here.

“I hadn’t known he forced the Hunter’s Keep to commit such crimes.” Her words were slow, disguised. Gurgan leaned once again to whisper something in the ear of Lucian.

“Do you have any proof of your claims?” Lucian asked. Orianna paused for a moment.

“I have no proof.” She looked down at her chained hands. “I’ve been to Yassadral and they have sided with me. If you speak to their Curatrix- Edlen she will explain.” It was all Orianna could offer.

“So you come here with this ridiculous fable with no evidence and expect us to believe your words?” Gugan spoke up now. “Where is your humor now elf?” He asked her, his tone was condescending; clearly he was enjoying her torment.

“Probably back at the forest with your dignity. Of course that implies that there is any there.” She smiled sweetly at him, it was in her nature to retort, even in dire situations. Conri let out a small snicker as all the eyes adverted to him. Meekly his head lowered, he knew he was in trouble.

“You think this is funny boy?” Lucian asked him.

“No sir…” His tone was nothing but a whisper, his hands gripping each other, twisting nervously.

“Since you find this amusing you will take them to the cells. Spending a couple days down there should hopefully sober you up.” He snapped at him. The gray haired boy’s shoulders lowered, as if he was a puppy being reprimanded by its master. “As for you three, consider this your trial, now we will discuss their fate. Boy, you will watch them until you are called for.” Lucian stood up, dismissing them.

“Talk about a mistrial.” Orianna’s face twisted into a snarl as watched the grey boy scurry over, his head down as he led them out and away.

Once he led them from the large room, Orianna’s shoulders slumped from such a prideful stand to a more broken one. She felt Sylara’s hand between her shoulder blades for a small comforting pat. Conri with his head down led them through one of the branched off tunnels. Eventually it lead them into a smaller barred room. The black wolf stood within the doorway to keep them from running as Conri unlocked the door and held it open for them. She couldn’t help but notice his steady hands even while his demeanor seemed to be a fretful one. Filing inside Conri stepped inside locking the door behind him.

“I’ll need your things.” His words were quiet. None of them moved to accommodate him, after a few long pauses he added to his sentence. “If you are more cooperative, um, perhaps they will believe your story.” He finished. Sylara sighed loudly as she pulled off her pack and handed it to Conri. He took the bag from her and then moved over to unlock her shackles. Adonis followed her lead and once his bag had been turned over he was freed. Orianna looked down at her hands, the sapphire was safe in her shirt, but that wasn’t what was bothering her, no she was bothered by this discovery about Ferris.

“Orianna…” Sylara prompted her, finally she moved to slid off her satchel. Conri moved to Orianna his hands unlocking the shackles of each of them with skill. Once her hands were free they were wrapping around herself.

“That’s what you were talking about Adonis, wasn’t it? When you said they sent a hunter… you… you never said it was Ferris.” Sylara was moving next to her, she grabbed her shoulders. Adonis didn’t move, instead his attention flickered to Conri who was holding the bags, handing them off to the black haired boy.

Orianna buried her face into her sister, now that they were alone she could mourn. A loud wailing escaped from her, followed by broken sobs. Her hands tightened around her sister as both Adonis and Conri stepped back from the two girls. Orianna crumpled to the ground with Sylara, her face buried into her cloak.

“He made Ferris kill people.” Her heart felt like it was breaking into pieces. Shattering like glass, small fragments that if they were touched would stab her. “He keeps taking so much, Lar.” Adonis moved to lean against the wall, eyes trained on the servant who shifted awkwardly at the sight.

“What does weeping girls make you uncomfortable?” He asked, there was a bitter tone in her voice. Conri looked down at his hands as Orianna lifted her face up from her sisters cloak. She had nearly forgotten that the boy existed for even an instant.

“No, I’ve had my fair share. I just can’t understand-” He started, shaking his head he backed up frightened.

“Of course you can’t.” Adonis snapped, cutting him off. “These girls have had everything taken from them. Even as we speak Ava is risking her life to ensure peace with the nymphs, and your Curatrix wants to hand them to their father to be slaughtered like lambs.” Sitting up, Orianna wiped her eyes. No weakness, no weakness, no weakness, she couldn’t afford despair.

“Lucian is hard, but not unreasonable.” Conri protested a weak and pathetic mumble.

“He is their leader Adonis, please be respectful.” Orianna wasn’t reprimanding him, it was a reminder. Adonis snorted.

“Coming from you? Don’t make me laugh.” He moved over now, bending down to pat her head. “Come on, I watched you grow up, you’ve always been a snotty, sarcastic brat.” He reminded her. Conri looked over at her before sliding down and sitting against the wall.

“You’re only about nine years older than me, you dolt.” She reminded him, pushing his hand away gently.

“We are at their mercy right now.” Adonis pointed at the cell door. “The longer we wait the longer I am from Ava, and more druids Ferris dubiously kills.” His tone sparked again, he wasn’t angry at her, but in general, it was infectious to Orianna. Especially after feeling so vulnerable from crying.

“Calm your temper.” Sylara hissed, her eyes darted to Conri, he had his eyes closed, his head leaning against the wall. “You’re making this room fill with tension.” Adonis threw his hands up in protest, but sat down next to Sylara and Orianna. Touching the pouch under her shirt with the stone inside it she felt more comfortable. After a few moments of silence Conri seemed to get up and walk towards Orianna nervously.

“Can I ask, uh, w-where is your third sister?” Conri asked Orianna politely, he sat down on the wall next to Orianna, handing her a piece of cloth from his pocket.

“Thank you.” She took it, smiling she used it to wipe her face. “She is with the Nymphs, not as a prisoner, but as a guest.” She added the last piece quickly.

“Why is that?” He asked her curiously. Orianna clutched the cloth and looked up at him, he had a gentle expression, but his eyes were different. They were serious and determined.

“You’re confusing, you are aware?” She looked over at him, her eyes narrowed. Sylara looked over at them.

“We stuck a deal, we must uphold my end as she is currently upholding hers.” Sylara explained for her, she looked at him earnestly.

“How did the curse happen, exactly?” He asked her. “Your father says you’re the one who casted it.” He tilted her head. Orianna’s eyes narrowed.

“Honestly? I did cast it.”

“Don’t give me that look of betrayal.” Orianna rolled her eyes, her lips pursed into a sour expression before she continued. “I was tricked. A child who knew nothing of what she was reading. My father pulled me from my magic lessons from my tutor and promised to tutor me.” She started, it felt good to talk about that day, to talk about everything. “I was so happy. My father never paid attention to us, he was so busy all the time, but once I had been deemed the next Curatrix he paid special attention. He was teaching me a spell, told me it was a ritual all the Curatrixs’ must do, when I did it I lost my powers. Once he had all his magic back he pulled my sisters. He placed us under a curse, we were exiled, if we wandered continuously without stop so nothing terrible would happen. So we did, for six years. There was a riot with the people, he stripped their power away from them and made them humans. It was to keep them docile, they would rise up against him when they found up what he had done to us.” She finished. Looking at her hands she looked up at Sylara and Adonis who were sitting close to her, watching him carefully.

“How do you know what Aviliar said?” Adonis asked suspiciously. Conri shook his head nervously.

“No, no, no, I overheard about it, uh, Gurgan keeps me around sometimes. I, I like to listen in, no one really knows when I am there.” He explained fumbling over his own words. “But if all that is true, how could no one have known?” He asked her.

“The Curatrix meet once every decade, they wouldn’t have known. The Nymphs offered aid, but it isn’t enough.” Looking at Conri she had this undying urge to prove her innocence. “You believe me right?” She asked him. Sylara put her hand on her should. “I was a child, barely 30 when it happened. I did not set the curse, I am trying to stop it.” Conri looked at her, a curious intensity, his gray eyes darkened. He stared at her for a long minute.

“Yes.” He said slowly. “But you cannot make such accusations about the curatrix without proof. Do you have any?” He asked. He stared at Orianna. They both looked at each other with hard expressions.

“This is my area of expertise.” Sylara spoke up, both of them broke their eye contact to look at the elf. “Orianna is not our bookworm. If there is proof or evidence I will find it, if it were possible….” She paused and looked at Conri sweetly. “My bag has my journals, my notes and books. If I could have it I can look through and find evidence.” Conri looked at her for a minute. Slowly he pushed himself up and walked over to the edge of the cell, he clicked the gate open and peeked out, clearly looking around for guards. Ducking out of cell he dashed over to her things and picked up Sylara’s bag before returning with it. Handing it to Sylara he sat down across from Orianna Without even a second thought she took her bag and began rummaging through it.

“Thank you Conri, I’m aware you are risking your head to help us.” Sylara mentioned as she began pulling out her books. A bright yet nervous smile formed.

“I uh, don’t want to see innocent people, you know, actually lose their head.” She smiled at his joke.

“Well, Sylara is the brains.” She pointed to her red-headed sister. “The brawn.” She added motioning to Adonis. “The- the dead weight.” Orianna slumped backwards, pointing at herself. Conri looked over at her and gave her a sympathetic pat.

“Quiet about that.” Sylara snapped. “You're know you’re not dead weight, you proved that at Yassadral. Stupid, yes. Foolish and rash, yes. Not dead-weight Ori.”

“I’m so glad my sister thinks so highly of me!” She spoke cheerfully, her hands clapping together with sarcasm. Sylara eyed her but returned to her books. She knew her sister understood that she appreciated her words. “I'm sorry you have to sit in here with us.” Orianna added to the Lycan, choosing to ignore Sylara’s looks.

“It's not unlike what I am used to.” He shrugged it off. Orianna frowned.

“Then I'm sorry for what you have to endure.” Orianna bowed her head. He nodded once and looked at his hands, nonresponsive. Looking over at her sister who was hard at work looking through her journals, Adonis was pacing throughout the jail cell. Leaning back with her head against the wall she closed her eyes and tried to ignore everything around her. She needed to do something rather than sitting here.

“So if your goal wasn’t refuge here? What is it?” Conri asked Orianna. Without thinking her hand went to the pouch within her shirt, she felt the Sapphire, reassured she paused for a minute, her eyes narrowing at him.

“You ask a lot of questions.” Adonis spoke up, stepping forward. The lycan shrank back against the wall.

“I’m sorry, I was, um, just curious.” He flinched. Orianna frowned at the spineless Lycan. At least she hid her cowardice, he just exposed his. “I'll see about getting you three some food, try and keep looking.” Conri encouraged them, scrambling up he practically ran from the cell. Moving over towards her sister, Orianna laid her head in her sister’s lap. When they were children Orianna had always found comfort in her sister’s motherly aura. She had been the only one of the three of them to know their mother, Lorlan Alvern. Sylara didn’t even pause looking in her notes as Adonis finally stopped pacing and joined them.

“I don't trust him.” He kept his voice low. Squatting down next to the two sisters Orianna didn’t look at him, instead she just stared at the wall.

“He's been courteous the entire time.” Orianna shrugged. “In times like this if someone wants to ally with us, we aren’t really in the position to refuse the opportunity.” Her tone was final as she touched the stone under her tunic once again. It was clear she didn't have any more to say on the subject, letting it drop.

Eventually Conri returned with handfuls of food. He locked himself into the cell with them. His head was bent low his gray hair in his face as he set the food down in front of them. “Forgive me it isn't much, just bread and cheese.” He apologized swiftly, his head bowed still as he moved towards the opposite end of the cell. Sensing something was wrong Orianna sat up.

“It is more than nothing, thank you Conri.” Sylara smiled at him and set the book she was flipping through down and took the food, passing it out to the three of them.

“Have you eaten already?” She realized looking over at him. He kept his head down, his shoulders hunched over.

“I uh, usually eat after I've prepared food for Lucian and the others, but I did not tonight because I am here.” He explained, his words were quiet. Standing up she walked over to Conri and bent down in front of him.

“It’s only fair then…” She tore the bread in half, handing it to him, doing the same with the cheese. He kept his head down.

“No it’s fine.” He moved away from her.

“Knock it off, I’m not nice this often, don’t take it for granted.” She warned him, whenever she moved closer, he seemed to move away. “You’re hiding something.” She huffed at him. Touching his shoulder she patted it gently. He looked up, she could see it now. Horror washed over her face as his expression dimmed for a second. Large ragged scratches raked across his neck and chest, his shirt stained red.

“What happened?” Orianna snapped, her blue eyes glossing over with pure rage.

“I left the cell, Lucian was mad, it happens. Lycan’s heal incredibly fast.” He explained. Even know the claw marks were starting to scab and turn red.

“How disgustingly savage.” Orianna stood up. “Take the food.” She handed it entirely to him. Walking over to the bars she grabbed ahold of them. “Hey! Lucian! Come here you savage coward! If you’re going to send threats this way then follow them through on me you disgusting-“ Adonis cut her off by grabbing her and pulling her away from the bars. Sylara’s eyes widened as Orianna was picked up off her feet. She was bluffing mostly, she wanted his attention, to confront him. Adonis dropped her next to her sister. Looking over at Conri, his eyes widened for a second an unreadable expression.

“We've had our fair share of days without food. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.” Sylara smiled at him, Conr looked generally distressed as Adonis hovered over Orianna.

“I can’t eat this.” Conri said after taking a small bite. “You need to eat, especially if they plan on revealing your fate tomorrow.” He smiled at the food handing it to Orianna. Slowly she reached her hand out and took it. No conversation passed between the four of them for a long time. Taking small bites, she watched her sister nod off within her and Adonis curled up by himself. Her own eyes felt heavy but she ignored the feeling. One of them had to stay awake.

“You're not what I expected.” Conri spoke quietly to her. His wounds from earlier were still large gashes. Standing up Orianna dug through her sisters bag.

“Sylara was a healer in Vernan. She’s likely to have a salve of some sort for those.” She finally pulled a few jars free opening each one and sniffing them. After a few moments she picked one of the jars and sat down in front of him. “I suppose that can be taken either way, now take off your shirt.” Orianna spoke dryly. Conri look appalled but she held up the jar expectantly.

"I-I can't." He pressed up against the wall.

"Don't make me rip your clothes off, its unlady-like." She huffed at him, turning her nose upwards. She paused for a moment realizing just how provocative her words were. "You know what I mean!" Her cheeks tinted with a faint blush at the sight of Conri's entire face turning bright red. Finally after a long second he pulled the damaged tunic off. She almost expected him to be all skin and bones, instead she found lean firm muscles, and scars.

Her eyes were wide as she stared at him, her breath caught in her throat. The Lycan's entire upper body was covered in scars. Thin silvery claw marks that had obviously healed over time. She could not see one space on him that wasn't scarred. Looking down meekly he stuttered out words. "I tried to warn you..." Clearing her throat Orianna ignored the scars and leaned towards him with the salve in her hand.

“You're calm, most prisoners I've had to watch some who were pacing or violent.” He eyed Adonis who was fast asleep. Orianna leaned forward applying the salve.

“Oh, I’m plenty violent.” She chuckled darkly. “In fact, you should be worried when I’m this calm.”

“I still think it's brave, you were to be the next Curatrix correct? I can’t imagine having the courage you have.” He watched her hands as she applied the salve.

“Bravery and recklessness believe it are not, are the same thing.” Orianna rarely admitted things like that to herself. “You won’t hear me say that twice.” She warned him quickly. Conri chuckled a little bit as she finished applying the salve. “My father grew fearful as my powers developed and his diminished. There is something off putting, however.” Orianna spoke slowly, leaning backwards against the wall, why was getting so tired?

“Off putting?” He prompted her, Orianna opened up her eyes, unaware she had been falling asleep.

“The feeling of supremacy, I don't like it. It's an abuse of power to me.” She closed her eyes again, leaning her head on Conri, he stiffened but didn’t stop her.

“It's the way our pack system works.” Conri spoke sullenly. Orianna snorted had no response to that. Instead she was unable to stop herself from dipping into unconsciousness.

10: Part 1. Revelations can Influence Decisions

Part 1. Revelations can Influence Decisions

Orianna felt her shoulders being violently shaken. Her eyes snapped open as her hands went into a defensive position automatically. Her incoherent brain couldn’t comprehend that Sylara was the one shaking her. All she could understand was enemy. Her vision was hazy as she tried to keep her eyes open.

“Orianna wake up already!” Sylara yelled at her. Her face was suddenly struck with enough force to snap her awake. Shaking her head Orianna was pulled up by her collar. Sitting up she looked around. Adonis was barely conscious as well.

“What happened?” She asked her sister. Sylara was scrambling around the cell. After a moment Orianna realized Conri was gone and she had fallen over and sleeping on the floor.

“He drugged us.” Adonis spoke up rolling over, his words shaky.

“What?” Orianna struggled to push herself up.

“The food, it was drugged.” Sylara was more conscious than the rest of them. Touching her chest she felt the sapphire safely nestled within.

“That piece of shit.” Orianna mumbled rolling over she pushed herself up. “How are you fine Sylara?” she paused, her sister was rustling through the bags. In the cell.

“Are you kidding? I was to be a healer? If I didn’t know this or was resilient against it I wouldn’t be a very good one now would I?” She asked her sister. Helping her straighten up.

“I knew we couldn’t trust him, so what are we going do?” Adonis made his way over slowly.

“We find out his real goal.” Orianna responded as she leaned against the wall. She wanted to see the best in the human. To believe he hadn’t drugged them purposely, that he was a good person, but she wasn’t an idiot. She didn’t trust anyone as far as she could throw them. The anger she felt it constantly bubbling in her stomach, rising very slowly to her chest. Leaning against the wall Orianna got her bearing together. Her arms crossed over her chest looking directly at the cell doors. Adonis leaned over Sylara’s shoulder as she rummaged through her books.

“I’ve got journal entries from that event day.” Sylara folded the page down. “Everything from that point is recorded as notes. It’s not much but it’s the only proof we got. The rest are just medicinal books or alchemy books.” She pressed the book to her chest and held it there.

“I’m not worried about that right now.” Orianna admitted, annoyance tinged her voice. “I’m worried about strangling that little deceitful bastard.” She moved closer to the cell doors as if she could sense someone rounding the corner. As if on que Conri burst into the cell, his hands shaking as he tried to unlock it and squeeze in. “Speak of the devil!” Orianna’s grin brightened as she launched herself at him. Conri slammed into the gates as she grabbed his shoulders and pushed back, her forearm against his throat.

“What’s wrong, you look anxious?” She prompted him, her voice as gentle as a serrated knife. “You probably should, remember how I said you should be more nervous that I was so calm? Yeah well now you should be worried because I’m pissed.” She practically spat at him.

“Ju-just relax.” Conri responded, Orianna pushed harder against him.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” She growled at Conri, he looked anxious, but she could see it in his eyes, he was calm.

“I’m sorry about the food. I knew you’d find out.” He apologized quickly.

“Tell me you had no choice, that they forced you to do it.” She asked him, unable to keep the distrust from her voice. He didn’t respond instead he just stared straight at her.

“That would require lying. Right now you don’t have time to act like a child with a temper.” His eyes narrowed at her. Orianna glared back at him.

“Adonis stop her.”Sylara called out from behind her. Orianna heard him snicker at her sister.

“Why would I do that? She can handle a worm.” He pointed out, Orianna shook her head and turned her attention back to Conri.

“What are you talking about? Why don’t I have time” She asked finally, after long seconds of pausing.

“I overheard them, they're sending for your father. We must get you out of here.” He grabbed Orianna’s arm and gently pushed it down, her anger evaporated into fear. “We have to go now, they've sent me to collect you, but I can't in good conscious sentence you to death.”

“How do I know you’re not lying to me?” She pressed him further.

“You don’t, but you have to trust me.” He finally pushed away from her but not roughly.

“I’m unsure if I can, but Conri what will happen to you?” She asked him, Sylara and Adonis both moved towards her, her sister grabbing her arm and pulling her over protectively. He didn’t say anything. Looking down he shrugged.

“That’s not important. What’s important is Lucian has made his decision and when I don’t show up with you then they’ll be coming here himself.” He warned, moving towards the cell gate he peeked towards the cell doors.

“I refuse to let you pay the price.” She eyed him. Adonis moved towards the gate, his body was tense, prepared to strike.

“Why not, he drugged us.” He reminded her. “Willingly.” Adding the last part for emphasis.

“Because that’s not what we do. We are not my father.” Orianna snapped at him.

“This is nonsense, enough chat, we have to hurry.” He pushed her towards the door, Adonis and Sylara as well.

“We haven't achieved what we came here for.” Orianna shook her head. Her hand went to her shirt as usual. One gem was not going to be enough, she had to try.

“Seeking refuge here is not safe. They won't grant it.” He protested again. There was something off about Conri, she couldn’t put her finger on it. Taking a deep breath she glared at him, determination set in her jaw.

“I was never seeking refuge, I am glad my father is not on to our plans however.” Conri froze, looking at her, eyes narrowed. Sylara grabbed her shoulder but Orianna shook her off. Adonis still stood by the cells door. Waiting to pounce.

“What is your plan?” He asked her, stepping forward towards her. Orianna pulled the pouch from her shirt and opened it letting the sapphire tumble into her palm. Conri’s eyes widened in surprise.

“My sister is with Edlen on promise I will return her gem. She has lent me the power to stop my father, I came here to ask your curatrix to do the same.” She stuffed it in her bag quickly. Pushing it back in her shirt. “If I don’t do this, if I don’t try, what was the point of coming here? I won't leave.” She stared at him. Sylara was shaking her head at her.

“And if it doesn't work?” Sylara snapped at her. “You'll have killed us.” Once again they were at ends with each other.

“Despite the overwhelmingly record times I have nearly killed us or done something stupid, I know that we can't do this without help from everyone.” Orianna countered, Conri was strangely silent. After a moment her expression seemed to darken, it was clear neither of them would give up their opinion. Sighing Orianna removed her bag from her shirt before handing it to her sister. “Conri can you take my sister and lead her out, I will stay but this gem must get back to Edlen, I won't go back on my word to her. Father only needs to capture one of us.” She pointed out. Sylara looked disgusted as she pushed her sisters hand away.

“You idiot. Then what? Think this through? Orianna how you gonna stop father without the sapphire? Or anything else? If anyone gets captured it should be me, you're too precious, if you die there is no Curatrix, he will be at full power.” She pointed out. Orianna continued to press the bag into her hands.

“He already is at full power! Just go, go get Ava.” She gave her sister a small smile. “Besides I’ve gotten myself out of stickier situations than this, don’t you remember that time with the faerie and the dragon’s breath ale?” She reminded her. Sylara rolled her eyes.

“We must go now.” He nodded at Orianna and touched Sylara’s arm, she looked between her and Adonis looked determined as he moved to stand beside Orianna.

“I will stay, I won't leave you here.” He told Orianna, she shook her head but he shot her a look at silenced her. Conri nodded at that as well.

“I will not be the only one to run in cowardice.” Sylara snapped, shoving past Conri and pushing the bag back in her hands. “Don't fail us, Orianna.” She looked at her sister with a hard expression, nodding once Orianna turned to look at Conri.

“You're willing to risk your life to help us, I will never forget that, but I cannot leave in good conscious.” Conris face was unreadable. “Not if it does harm to you for helping us, and not if it keeps my father in his seat of power.” With finality in her tone she looked between the four of them.

“Well that makes this decision easier.” He spoke slowly. As if one que the cell door opened as Lucian and Gurgan came in with snarls set in place. Orianna’s expression turned bitter as Conri straightened up. Lucian removed the black cloak from his own shoulders before putting it over Conri’s head. She realized immediately what was happening, the pendant on the clasp was a bright topaz jewel. Orianna’s face turned to utter anger as his entire demeanor changed.

“You're the curatrix.” It dawned on her. He smiled at her, a knowing smirk. Lunging at him Adonis caught her by the waist immediately and picked her up pulling her back. Gurgan moved in front him as he grinned at her, all the pieces clicked in her head. He had been graceful in every action despite his bumbling persona, His eyes had always revealed it. “You bastard you tricked me. I felt sorry for you!” She snarled at him. “I considered you a friend!” Adonis held on to her, moving his grasp to include her arms.

“Sorry for deceiving you. Lucian and Gurgan are my betas, but I wanted to see who you were Orianna, and I can assure you I am far from unimpressed.” Orianna paused. She had been drawn to him, trusting of him, no wonder. Her face red with rage, biting her lip she felt the string of insults rise to her lips, Sylara knowing eyes spotted this as she lurched to cover her mouth.

“Don’t you dare.” She warned her sister. “Do you want to be treated like a child?” She whispered fiercely at her sister. Orianna stared at her before slowly shaking her head. “Calm down, and act like an adult.” With that she released Orianna’s mouth.

“Then you know why I am here.” Her words were controlled when she finally spoke, grinding her teeth she stared at him.

“You can see why I’m at an impasse, if what you say about your father is true, then we didn't have time to waste.” He spoke quickly. “However if what your father says is true, I am allying a traitor.” Orianna didn't speak, slowly Adonis set her on her feet, it was clear he was getting ready to jump between them if it was needed.

“What is your verdict then?” Sylara asked, Orianna pressed her lips in a hard line her sister stepped forward now, both of her friends willing to fight if need be.

“You're companions would die for you, it is a good sign.” He started, looking back at Gurgan and Lucian he tilted his head and held out his hand, the lycan set a folded letter into his palm. “We got Edlen’s note two days before you arrived, she told us what you were coming for and what you would be asking of me.” He explained stepping forward. Adonis’ stepped forward now, both of them in harm’s way before her, noticing this he held his hands up in a peaceful protest. “I knew if you were aware I was the Curatrix you wouldn’t be honest, but after speaking to you, I believe you.” Orianna knew why he did what he did, but it didn’t mean she had to like it, or the fact that the pathetically spineless boy she pitied hours ago now looked like a self-centered smug bastard. She opened her mouth to say what she was thinking before thinking better of the decision. “However I simply can't just let you take the topaz and I can't take a companion from you when they are your lifeline and you have lost one already. In all the instances where I have met with the other guardians I found it strange the Curatrix hadn't been passed on yet, this makes sense. So, if Edlen trusts you, I will as well.” He finished his statement. Adonis visibly relaxed as Orianna exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. She wanted to collapse back on the wall.

“Your tactics may have aged me 10 more years.” A shaky laugh expelled from her. She was still beyond pissed about his plot, she wasn’t a fan of being made to look a fool, but she did it, she now had the backing of two allies.

“So you will aid us?” Sylara asked him, clarifying just what was going on.

“I will do one better.” He grinned, the serious expression he held briefly seemed to melt. “I will accompany you and the jewel and see to that the topaz returns to me personally.” He removed the broach slowly, Lucian and Gurgan both looked distressed, but it was clear they had no choice in the matter.

Conri stepped forward and she watched as his fingers seemed to light up with an orange aura as he pulled the stone from its casing. Looking at her seriously he held his hand out. Orianna held her hand out as he grabbed her wrist and placed the stone in her hand closing her fingers around it. Looking up at him he nodded once before she opened her hand to look at the stone that was as large as her palm.

Slowly her fingers warmed up, spreading to her palm, then her arm, as if she was standing next to a flame, the sensation of burning passed through her, filling her with magic from the Topaz, carefully she pulled the sapphire from her shirt. Letting the stones roll in her palm she felt the overwhelming burn of magic, warring elementals in her hands. Shaking her head she shoved them in the pouch, letting go. Her head spun and the magic left her.

“What a rush.” She shook her head, leaning against the wall. Sylara moved to her side.

“What happened?” Her sister looked concerned.

“I guess after years without power, and holding so much of it in my hands I got overwhelmed.” She looked at her sister. Conri motioned Gurgan forward.

“Send a message to the dwarves asking the leader to meet us as soon as possible.” He ordered him. Orianna paused, she had nearly forgotten that dwarves resided in the caves Dalliya was built in as well. Looking at Conri she set the pouch back in her tunic .

“It's funny you decided should accompany us, I intended to ask you to join us already.” She told him regaining her composure. Conri chuckled in response.

“Then my acting skills were superb. Come let’s get you out of these cellars, I've already sent wolves out to send word to the faeries of our arrival in a months time.” He motioned them to follow him as Gurgan departed. Leaning over he whispered something to Lucian, the large man nodded and walked out briskly, leaving the three of them to trail after Conri like ducklings.

“So what is your plan?” Conri asked, slowing his pace to match Orianna’s, his hands crossed behind his back, gray eyes shifting down at her, waiting expectantly.

“I haven't got that far, to be quite honest, I've been going with the whole do what feels right must be right thing.” Orianna admitted, Sylara snorted behind her as Conri frowned at her.

“She’s not joking.” Sylara deadpanned. “On a number of times she nearly got us all killed. It’s like her special talent.” Orianna shot her a dirty look over her shoulder.

“Good thing you have acquired the skills of a master tactician.” He spoke dryly. Orianna rolled her eyes, she didn’t need babysitters, and she didn’t appreciate the implication that she did. Her plans were great.

“Sylara is usually our tactician, so to speak.” She expained.

“And your younger sister is what?” She could tell he meant no offense, clearly gathering data.

“She likes to fight.” She said quickly. “She picked that up from someone.” Her voice raised, the comment clearly aimed at Adonis who turned to wink at her. Orianna’s face brightened to a small smile.

“Very brave, to leave a fighter, however very stupid, the druid can’t protect both of you.” Conri pointed out. She knew he had a point, Ferris at one point taught her how to throw a dagger, but as a child her father raised her with no knowledge of weapons, during their exile she tried to learn to fight with a sword, but it was useless, Sylara wouldn’t touch weapons, she said knowledge was her best power. In fact when they first were exiled Orianna never realized just how dependent she was on magic until it was stripped from her.

“So then what does that leave you?” He asked her, his tone grave. Orianna looked sideways at him. Back when she thought he was nothing more than a servant she told him she was the deadweight of them, but did she believe that was true? “Hesitation will kill you. You’re to take up the power of a Curatrix, a leadership position.”

“I know, yet-”

“No, Orianna, you’re not listening.” He cut her off. “You’re their leader, these people would die for you, they follow you. You’re to be inspiration to them. That’s what you are in this group, a leader. The leader.” He finished.

“You know, you’re pretty smart.” She complimented him. “A little pig headed, you got an air around you now. There’s something in you that overwhelms the kindness in you however…” The paused, thinking. “ There is a word for it…” Her thoughts trailed off a small grin forming as she glanced at Conri who bashfully pet the back of his head.

“Aw, you flatter me.” He responded, his grin seemed to grow to impossible lengths.

“Ah! Arrogant!” She finished her thought, ignoring him completely as her finger raised in an Aha! moment. Conri’s expression darkened, giving her a blatant look as Orianna smiled back sweetly. “You didn’t think I’d let you get away with tricking me?” She asked him, her tone melodic and sweet, full of absolute murder.

“No I suppose not.” He scratched his head looking away nervously. Despite the air of arrogance that surrounded him, she had a feeling that the boy she met in the cellars was still in there. They walked throughout the halls without attracting much attention. Pulling one of the torches from the wall. After a few moments of walking they headed towards the initial coliseum before taking a right turn into a different room.

“I’ve had my fill of flirting, we’ve reached the room.” Conri changed the subject briskly as he pushed open one of the stone doors. The torch in his hand touched the one on the wall, lighting up the room. It was a drawing room. Shelves of books lined all the walls around the entire room from floor to ceiling, all except one, the wall farthest from was filled with a variety of weapons. In the center of the room was a large table, It was clearly made for planning.

“Don’t flatter yourself.” Orianna spat the words at him as she entered into the room. Conri ignored her and moved to sit on the table, motioning them inside.

“Come in, come in, don’t be shy, we need to have a chat. We’ve got a lot to discuss as soon as Lucian and Gurgan’s return, figure out the next step takes priority.” He spoke as Orianna walked into the room, hesitantly she stepped towards the table across the room from Conri, Sylara sat next to Orianna as Conri turned and sat crosslegged on top of the table. Adonis chose to hover by the wall. A guard’s duty was never done.

“There is no chat.” Orianna replied in annoyance. “We head to Avades and ask the Faeries to lend me their jewel.” She shrugged, the decision was obvious in her eyes.

“So hasty, but your father has likely sent warning to Avades’ as well, he warned us that you were dangerous, you casted a curse to kill hundreds.” He reminded her. He leaned his elbows on his knees; his face cupped his hand, staring at Orianna.

“It is a lie!” Orianna turned defensive instantly.

“Lies or truth, it doesn’t change what he is saying.” He countered her. “So Orianna, how do you plan to ask the Fae for their gem?”

“Gods you are aggravating. How am I supposed to come up with a plan if you’re shutting down everything?” She snapped at him. Conri just stared at her his gray eyes serious as he waited expectantly. Orianna returned his stare with silent defiance.

“You clearly didn’t have much of a plan coming in here and I’m afraid the Faeries are not as generous as I am, you and I know that.” They continued their staring match. Orianna felt her temper rising again.

“Maybe not to humans, but as an elf, we are descendants. They tend to be in more forgiving moods with us.” Orianna pointed out, choosing her words carefully.

“It doesn’t change the fact you have no plan. You’re actively choosing to walk in blind, you say so yourself that they are more forgiving, but your father is also an elf and the Fae are the type of people who have always chosen to root for a winning side.” Conri slid of the table and moved around the table, walking over to the wall with the weapons, he was touching the broadswords hanging on display.

“So then what do you propose?” Sylara asked him mildly. Orianna watched as he picked up a sword from the wall, holding it in his hands. Inspecting it.

“Give them something they cannot refuse.” With that he tossed the sword at Orianna, her hands went to cover her head in a duck as Adonis moved quickly enough to snatch it before it hit her.

“What are you thinking?!” He snapped turning the blade in his hands to point it at him. Conri stood there calmly. As if it was planned Lucian stepped into the room, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. Sylara stood up, her chair raking loudly against the ground from urgency. Conri held a hand out to stop them.

“I was thinking.” He prompted the druid turning back to the wall to examine more of the weapons. “Is that this little lady needs to learn to fight.” He grinned, his fingers trailed to a long metal halberd before removing it from its place on the wall. Conri was thin and wiry and it worked to his advantage as his hands gripped the metal and he swung it on to his shoulders. Spinning it around on his neck before moving it to slice the air and aim at Orianna. “The Fae are thoughtful, they are cunning, and they are violent. Prove yourself to them and they will follow you for your power. Give them a show.” He smirked at her as he pointed the head of the Axe at her, Orianna realized just how much was larger it was than a normal halberd, larger than his head, the realization dawned on her that the weapon it couldn’t have been light.

“You’re crazy.” Orianna breathed. Conri just smiled. Twisting the Halberd down and digging the spike at the top into the ground.

“Mind catching me up?” Gurgan asked, finally speaking. Conri turned to look at his beta.

“While we wait for Lucian to return we are debriefing this journey.” He said quickly, turning his attention back to Orianna.

“I’ll actually agree with him on this. You need to learn to fight.” Adonis set the sword down. “Both of you.”

“Don’t agree with him!” Orianna protested, huffing loudly. “We learned years ago that fighting was not my forte.” She said the words much quieter, Conri walked up to her and sat on the table next to Orianna.

”It’s about three weeks journey to the seas edge, and then another two days to Avades’ isle, so we will send a message to the Fae asking them to expect us, and it is likely they know everything, they are faeries.” He started pausing to for a moment to look at Gurgan who was leaning on the table. “So we will ride out and in those three weeks we will train you as hard as we can, because Orianna, if we do not- you will fail.” He warned.

“And how do you propose we train and walk?” Sylara asked. Conri looked at her with an amused expression.

“We are not walking, we are riding, it will cut the day's travel in half, and just be ensure your successful, I will train you personally.” He smirked, turning to Gurgan he nodded at him. “I’ve sent for the dwarves, they’re good with silver, I’m hoping one of them can fashion something to make it easier for you to have the stones so you don’t get overwhelmed again.” He told her. Orianna tilted her head curiously, she smiled at him.

“I’m surprised you’re so thoughtful.” She responded, there was humor in her voice.

“I wouldn’t call it thoughtful, more constructive. Last thing we need is extreme amounts of magic out of control.” Orianna’s expression dropped at his dismissive tone.

In reality Orianna nearly envied him, he was smart, strong, and clearly quite the actor. He knew how to be a leader, how to think situations through and make the best plan. Skilled in combat and wise in war. Orianna wrestled her rage for her father down. These were lessons her father were supposed to each her, yet he didn’t. Instead he abandoned her, threw her in exile and left her to rot.

11: Part 1. What Words Can't Say

Part 1. What Words Can't Say

Bringing her hands up to her cheeks she leaned on the table in deep thought. Eyeing Adonis and Conri who were by the wall of weapons, chatting like old friends. Having Conri as an ally would be beneficial; however she couldn’t keep the poison from her mind. Thinking of her father, thinking of how inadequate her father had made her. She wasn’t a leader, she was a shitty child pretending to be a leader. Disgust settled in the pit of her stomach as she stood up abruptly.

Everyone seemed to quiet and look at her as Sylara pushed herself up as well, looking concerned. “I’m tired. It’s been a long day.” Orianna stared at her sister. Giving her a small nod to let her know she was okay. Looking over at the boys Conri walked over towards her.

“I’m not surprised.” He assured her. Looking over at Lucian he nodded him over. “We’ll go on recess until Gurgan returns with the dwarves leader.” He told the group. Orianna nodded once.

“I don’t suppose we will be sleeping in actual rooms this time Conri?” she asked, her tone was light, but her words were still clipped.

“No. You’ll be in the cells again.” He waved her off, Sylara’s eyes widened as Adonis stepped forward. Conri paused. “It was a joke; don’t look as if you’re going to rip my throat out. I had some rooms set up, don’t forget I slept in there with you all.” He reminded them.

“Yes, remind them that you deceived their trust.” Lucian rolled his eyes at his leader.

“How long do you think it will take for the dwarves to fashion something usable?” Orianna asked Conri as he led them out of the room. Conri shrugged as she followed behind him, he was clearly amused by her question.

“I guess it depends on their cooperation.” Conri shrugged as they walked, he matched Orianna’s pace as Sylara followed behind Lucian, while Adonis tailed from behind as they were being lead further into the tunnels.

“There are rooms for each of you. Mind you, they’re not as spacious or as luxurious as your probably used to since we are built into a mountain.” Lucian explained as they walked. Orianna’s eyes narrowed significantly.

“We appreciate the rooms no matter the size.” Orianna said calmly, her teeth clenched tightly in frustration. Orianna hadn’t slept in a real bed in six years.

“There are hot springs just down to the hall from the left.” Conri piped in quickly, explaining in attempt to dissipate her stress. A loud breath escaped from both Orianna and Sylara filled with excitement at the thought.

“I’ll be at your doors to collect you three when the dwarf’s leader arrives.” He smiled and turning away with Lucian, clearly giving them they wanted allowing them peace while leaving them standing in front of their respective rooms. Looking up Adonis was across the narrow hall from her room. He was leaning in the room, clearly checking to make sure everything was safe before moving to Sylara’s room adjacent to hers and then finally hers. Watching him peel back the curtains Orianna peeked underneath his arm to see inside as well.

The room was small, a quilt laying on a small bed stuffed with hay. A small round table sat next to the bed, a candle giving off a glow in the room. Pulling back when Adonis did she looked at both of them as they stood in the hallway. Exchanging silent glances. Their clothes crinkled and uncomfortable, worn down from being underwater, being half dried, and then being drug underground. At this point she just wanted to be clean.

“I’ll race you to the springs.” he prompted, Orianna felt herself break into a grin without even a small warning she darted down the hallway. Adonis sprang after her, chuckling as they pushed past each other. Sylara stared after them in mild protest, both Adonis and Orianna skidded down the hall taking the turn sharply.

For a minute she forgot her problems. She forgot the fact her father was hunting her. Instead she focused on the sound her feet made slapping on the stone, and the echoes of Sylara and Adonis, pounding on the floor. She forgot the fact Ferris was in danger. Choosing to ignore the curious looks as they found the hot spring, tumbling in the entry way their faces flushed their eyes lit with excitement. She forgot that Ava was with the Nymphs.

“I can feel it already.” Adonis paused he was pulling off the cloak and shirt that Raven had given him, surprised that he was undressing so easily Orianna blinked a bit she looked away as he pulled off the rest of his clothes and got in the water. Her problems seemed to crash around her as she looked at the water. A small group of humans were settled into the water they paused from their conversation to stare at them as Sylara skidded to a halt next to her.

“It’s not separated by gender?” Sylara had to ask. Glancing at Adonis who was sinking into the water, her dark hair fanning out in the water, only above his nose was visible from underneath the water.

“They’re not only humans, but they are Lycans, they literally transform and reform naked.” Orianna pointed out, watching the water. Her expression dark as she continued. “It’s probably not that big of a deal, I mean what do you expect?” Her words were under her breath as she tore her eyes away from the water to look at her sister. They shared a sympathetic look as they both began undressing. Dropping her clothes she stepped into the arm water, her entire body on edge as she slid into the water, her hands going to her hair to let the braids unravel and dip into the water. Looking back at Sylara she watched her sister pick up the clothes and begin folding them neatly before sliding into the water next to Adonis.

Letting herself relax she felt herself let out a low moan, sinking farther into the water gracelessly. The water warmed up her skin, slowly working its way into her body relaxing her muscles, her bones ached from their nonstop journey. It felt like heaven in comparison to the cold harsh water from Yassadril.

“How long has it been since we bathed like this?” Sylara asked her sister breaking the silence. The humans shifted around uncomfortably as Adonis hovered around, moving in the water at a slow and steady pace.

“Too long.” Was the only response she received, turning his attention to her arms and began trying to scrub the grime and dirt from her skin, eager to be clean. Orianna leaned back into the water, sliding underneath the surface as she dipped her hair in the water. The lack of soap was disheartening but nothing to be upset over. Even without it she scrubbed her hair as best as she could. Briefly missing the luxuries of her home from six years prior. The bath salts, the oils. Closing her eyes she rested her head back.

They stayed in the water until she felt the tips of her fingers crease, the skin pruning, telling her it was time to get out. Adonis retired first, but not before the humans had gone. Sylara left shortly after, both of them collecting their clothes from the floor, wrapping their cloaks around their wet bodies.

At some point Orianna knew she had to get out. Standing up she felt the head rush from the hot water as she stood up. The wet damp air of the caves left her chilled as she turned to leave. Clamoring out of the water she wrapped herself in her own cloak before ringing her hair out, twisting her pale blonde locks as the water dripped past her hands, throwing it up in a bun on top of her head, knotting it tightly. Scuttling over to grab her tunic and pants she wadded them into a ball and stuffed them in her satchel before wrapping her cloak around her tightly, her wet skin clinging to the fabric. She knew putting the clothes on would prove to be too difficult, so just hurried to her room.

Walking quickly, holding her cloak to her body as tight as possible, Orianna pushed back the cloth to her room and dropped the bag with a loud sigh, making sure the curtain was closed all the way, she reached up and pulled the knot out of her hair, letting it fall to her lower back, when she finally turned to inspect the room, she screamed.

“Woah, calm down.” Conri jolted up from his position on the bed as Orianna scrambled to pull her cloak around her again. He had been laying on the bed, holding a bag like he had been about to place it down. Both of them realizing she was wearing next to nothing.

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” She snarled at him as he held up his hands at her. “What are you doing in here.” She hissed at him moving a step closer still holding the cloak.

“I was uh, dropping off clothes to you and your companions.” He held up the bag before setting it down on the bed. Orianna eyes him wearily. “It’s not my fault you chose an inconvenient time to come back.” Orianna didn’t say anything, but Conri seemed to crack under her scrutiny. “Well that’s a lie, I was waiting for you, mostly to speak more without extra ears.” He finished sheepishly.

“Such an ‘excellent’ tactician, and you can’t even plan a meeting accordingly.” Her words had a bite to them, yet she eyed the bag before stepping past him over to the bag and freeing one hand and began pulling the clothes from the bag.

“A dress?” was all she could manage, pulling the cloth out, it was a plain white dress that buttoned in the front, thick stockings clearly made to cover and sturdy enough to wear, a smaller new satchel, and a new cloak, one similar to Conri’s only unlike the maroon shade of hers, this one was black with a silver clasp.

“Our women don’t like to wear pants, the dresses are easier to slip in and out of during a change. Men’s pants are loose enough to slide free of, I’m sure these would only inconvenience you more.” He explained as she inspected the satchel. “It’s why I added the wool stockings. Which were hard to come by, so you’re welcome.” He pointed out, Orianna had to admit it was thoughtful. “We don’t want you to look like a lout when you head to the Faeries.” He added the last part, completely erasing all her feelings of gratitude. Orianna glared at him as she clutched the cloak to her chest.

“Get out.”

“But I’ve come to talk with you-” He protested quickly.

“Get out! I can’t talk to you like this obviously, let me change.” She pointed out, her voice full of annoyance as she motioned to her cloak, he blinked a couple times as if he was trying to comprehend the situation.

“Right, okay.” He started towards the door. “I forget you elves are not as open as we are.” He rolled his eyes but she could see the excitement in his eyes. Shaking her head she waited until he ducked underneath the curtain to respond.

“It’s called dignity! Learn it!” She added after him.

“I’m waiting out here to hurry up!” His voice muted by the curtain, but she could hear him shuffling against the wall. Amused by the wolf just outside her door Orianna dumped the bags contents on the bed. Sliding the cloak off she pulled the small pouch from her bag, feeling the two gems in their bag before tucking it around her neck and pulling the dress on over her head, it clearly had been made for a stockier female. Elves tended to be more slender and lithe, so the dress was baggy, falling a few inches above her knees. She had a feeling it was meant to be longer, but Orianna had been too tall. The collar was loose as she buttoned it up. Digging through her old clothes she found her belt, tightening it around her waist so that the dress held to her as much as possible. The stockings seemed to fit fine. They were sturdy and made of wool, easy enough to move around in. However they ended at her mid-calf, something her boots would cover enough.

“You're taking forever.” Conri called after a few moments of silence.

“I’m dressed.” She yelled at him sitting down on her bed she began combing her fingers through her damp hair to detangle what she could as he flipped the curtain over and walked back in. Orianna didn’t look up at him as she began parting her hair to braid it.

“I figured you’d find some way to make shift the clothes, after all, being a bit baggy is much better than being a little shorter.” He moved to sit at the edge of the bed, crossing his legs, looking at her. “Here let me help, not to brag but I am excellent at braiding.” She grinned at her. Orianna’s eyes narrowed up a small smiled formed.

“That’s bragging.” She pointed out, yet she scooted closer and allowed him to touch her hair.

“If you want to hear bragging just wait till I tell you-”

“I appreciate it.” She cut him off, rolling her eyes as she felt a gentle tug on her hair, she could probably fall asleep. “You’ve done a lot for us.” She added as he finished one braid and pushed it over her shoulder.

“I can sense you’ve got a good heart.” He nodded at her. “Now your personality is another story.” He added the last part dryly as he finished braiding the second braid. “It’s why I gave you my Topaz.”

“They did always say dogs were the best judge of character.” She snickered at him as he gave her a tug on her braid. She touched the pouch underneath her shirt checking on the gems, feeling them assure her. The sapphire and topaz sat together in a small pouch.

“How kind of you, but Orianna I did come here for a reason.” He reminded her “You’ve got nothing planned out, or you have everything planned out. From one Guardian to another, you need to tell me everything.”

Orianna didn’t respond at first. Conri sat patiently as she stared at him, her chest tightened, the overwhelming feeling of embarrassment kept her from saying anything. Orianna knew the Lycan wasn’t being patronizing, she knew that. Yet all it did was remind her of her incompetence. “Tell me anything you can.” His hand touched hers in a reassuring manner.

“Look I know I don’t have a plan.” She started, her tone defensive as she snatched her hand back away as if his reassurance burned her. “My talent was compulsion.” She started. “In retrospect it always felt good to be able to compel people into what I wanted, but once we were exiled, when we were outside Vernan. I realized just how useless I was.” She wasn’t sure why she felt comfortable enough to share this, perhaps it had to do with the bond of being not only leaders, but also a Curatrix that made him so approachable to her.

“Lar was going to be our healer. She was exquisite in brewing potions and using alchemy. When we were exiled her studious nature only worked in our favor. It was the same with Ava. She was to be in the Guard. The second to Adonis who was the magistre. She kept us alive. However I have been useless. I never learned diplomacy or developed strong skills. Being a curatrix is a blessing and a curse, you know that. I could do plenty but I could also do nothing. I took advantage of my compulsion and it crippled me.” She stared up at him. “So I don’t have a plan. I didn’t have a plan when we confronted my father and Ava nearly died. I didn’t have a plan when I went to Edlen and begged for help. I didn’t have a plan coming here.” She finished standing up and moving away to pace across the room.

“Being a Curatrix is a curse to me.” He started sitting down on the bed. “Humanity as whole is about fitting in, it’s about being a part, contributing to a society.” He started. Orianna paused to look at him. “Children born as Lycans are left in the woods to die. They called it purging. We patrol for new babies but they hardly ever survive if we don’t find them fast. There are so few of us. Twenty at most. Even to the Lycans the Curatrix is a brutal reminder of the curse. Lycans will respect me, sometimes they’ll befriend me, but even behind my trusted seconds eyes I can see the blame.” He explained calmly. “When the Curatrix here is found, we are scarred.”

“What?” Orianna paused. Turning to look at him. Conri smiled sadly.

“It heals, with just a faint scar, but they call it penance. Every Lycan gets to leave one slash on the new Curatrix. The wounds get severe, but they always heal. Lucian was the last Curatrix, he raised me as his son. Treated me so I did not scar the way he did.” He finished, standing up he walked over to her and pulled up the sleeve to his shirt. She had noticed them first when she healed him, but thought nothing of the tiny white scars riddled his body.

“I’m very sorry.” Orianna apologized, pity in her heart. He shrugged it off.

“It’s life. You have had your hardships, I have had mine. What happened to me does not invalidate what has happened to you, I can teach you all that I know, maybe that won’t be enough, but there is one thing I learned.” A small smile formed, it was a smile of mischief and sweetness. “If you feel useless, then it’s your duty to change that.” He patted her shoulder. Orianna looked at him skeptically, but nodded at him once.

“When I was named Curatrix my father seemed happy. I attended one meeting, after that my father began to lose his power, he was distant wouldn’t leave his study, I was worried. He stopped teaching me anything involving leadership or being a Curatrix. Sylara would research what she could to give me and make up for it. It wasn’t enough.

“Then all of a sudden he was fine again. He started teaching me magic, a specific spell, said it would finalize my submission to being a guardian. It was a lie. He taught me how to cast the curse. All of the elves were stripped of their powers. Druids who were in other forms were stuck like that, Elves reverted to humans. It was chaos. He stripped me of my powers, and my sisters, told us to leave placed a wandering exile on us.

“Ferris stayed in contact he hid us in the forest despite being human. People aided us and tried to fight for us. One day they stopped coming and we couldn’t keep sitting around. Only recently did we find out that with him back in power as the Curatrix he took everyone’s memories and gave them false ones, for six years they’ve been waking up, thinking it’s the same day living fake lives to keep them in check.” Orianna paused. Conri looked surprised, but full of empathy. One thing Orianna could respect about humans was their range of emotions, how full and bursting they seemed to be. It was only their redeeming quality. The rest was just chaotic, violent, war crazy. They enslaved Orcs after all.

“After the exile we started traveling, without magic we had no identities we were nothing. Some halflings let us bunk with their cargo. You know how they are, Nomadic hippies. Nice though, Ava loved it. I am sure she would have stayed, but we decided to head back. We didn’t know everyone’s memories were gone. Sylara’s wife Raven found Adonis her brother, she did know why she had a wolf for a brother, but we took him to Yassadral and Ameliorate and it healed him and woke up her memories. Edlen helped us, Ava is with her so I can return the sapphire.” She finished.

“What do you intend to do after you get the amethyst?” He asked.

“I’m going to go back to my people I’m going to break this curse and take back my emerald and take my power, then imprison my father, he will go to trial, be found guilty and sent to the gallows… or worse I haven’t decided yet.” Her tone was harsh now. “After what he’s done with Ferris and the others, I need to save them.” Orianna shuddered at the thought of Ferris. It tore her heart into pieces to think about.

“That’s a very vague plan, A very revenge, hate filled plan.” He warned her. She could see the pity in her eyes, briefly, very briefly she had let him in, but her walls were back up, defense back on high.

“So what?” She snorted, eyes narrowed. Conri shook his head and stood up.

“Luckily I am here to help like I offered, I know you’re not stupid enough to refuse my help, especially when I am so graciously lending you my own gem.” He patted her knee. “We could even start right now.” He grinned and winked at her, standing up to leave the room. Orianna’s face wrinkled up in disgust at the thought making him laugh.

“You know everyone says elves are rude, self-centered and unappealing.” He looked back at her. “But when you do that you look kind of cute.” He gave her a knowing smile as Orianna groaned and collapsed back on her bed, her hands closed around the small bag with the jewels in it.

“You are literally the worst.” She spoke up at him. Her chuckled at her and ducked under the curtain leaving her alone.

Sitting back up she looked down at the clothes she was wearing, Conri had already done so much for her, clothes, shelter, not only the topaz, but gathering the dwarves to help her. Standing up she stepped out of the room and walked to her sisters, peeking in the curtains she was surprised to see Sylara sitting on the floor, her back turned to Orianna, her red hair in a tangled mess, her clothes scattered on the floor, still damp from her hair. The contents of her bag were spilled all over the floor and Sylara was sawing at something vigorously.

“Lar?” Orianna called out to her stepping inside. Her sister turned to look over at her, her blue eyes wide and damp as if she had been crying. “Lar what’s wrong?” She came in quickly, leaning down next to her sister.

“There was uh, a knot.” She explained quickly, wiping her eyes, setting the knife down. “I couldn’t brush it out, it was too tangled, I got frustrated, let it get to me and cut it out.” She explained, Orianna grabbed her sisters shoulder and turned her gently. Part of her wild curls were missing, a gap from her hair too painfully obvious. Picking the knife out of Sylara’s hand she gently touched her sisters cheek.

“It’s childish, I know it’s childish to be worried about my hair at a time like this.” She started, her voice shaky and full of self-deprecating disappointment. “Just take it off.” She told her sister. “I can’t look at it anymore.”

Orianna didn't protest, without another word Orianna took the knife and climbed on to the bed sitting her sister between her knees she directed her head down and began gently cutting away at the hair. Sylara stayed silent as Orianna began talking.

“Remember that time that Ava swapped my bath tonic with the dyes we made from pink berries?” Orianna asked her. Sylara didn’t say anything. “I was so upset when my hair turned pink, you laughed and Ferris laughed and I screamed.”

“Yeah I thought steam would have come out of your ears you were so mad. You didn’t talk to Ava for two weeks.” Sylara finally spoke up.

“Ferris took me outside, told me that now I looked as beautiful as the flowers to cheer me up. It was so silly to get upset about, but I was.” She spoke wistfully, remembering that day when Ferris pulled the flower free and put it behind her ear. “I realized that Ava didn’t switch the tonics to upset me, she did it to give me a reason to be upset.” She explained still cutting away at her sisters hair and watching it drop on the ground, scattering around them like red flames. “Father had been ignoring me, I was failing classes, and no one was teaching me to be a leader. I felt like a failure but I couldn’t get upset, so she gave me something to be upset about, to release those emotions so I felt better.” She finished a small smile on her face as she moved to the side of her sisters hair.

“Even as a child Ava had always been so empathetic.” Sylara spoke up.

“We’ve been through a lot Lar, I know leaving Raven was hard, and I know leaving Ava was harder. If your hair was what you need to use to get your frustrations out, then do it. If you need to yell at me, then do it.” Orianna was nearly done cutting her sisters hair.

“I don’t understand when you became the wise one.” Sylara commented dryly.

“I’m not wise, I’m just learning.” She commented finishing the top of her sister’s hair, she didn't mention her conversation with Conri, or the fact it had changed her opinion no matter how small, it had. “There all done.” She finished and turned her sister to look at her. Very slowly she pulled the sapphire from the pouch underneath her shirt. Closing her eyes she let the magic fill her, the cool sensation washing over her as she very slowly conjured water around them, pulling it from the air and the walls she pushed it together, a bubble the size of her palm forming. Opening her eyes she exhaled and flattened the water, bringing it to her sister so she could see her reflection.

Sylara looked surprised as she stared at herself. Her hair was short, covering just half of her ears, the back laying in whispy curls against her neck and the front falling just above her eyes her blue eyes looked wider as orange curls hugged and framed her face. Sylara’s hand covered her mouth, her eyes watering again as she looked at herself. A small smile forming as she looked at her sister.

“It suits you.” Orianna’s smile turned to a broad grin as she felt herself break a sweat from holding the water.

“It feels lighter.” She exhaled, removing her hands from her face to touch her hair. “I look like Elias.” She breathed. A shaky chuckle escaped. Letting the water fall into drops on the ground she practically threw the stone back in the bag and leaned back on the bed. It had been so long since she used magic, and it was exhausting but at the same time it was exhilarating.

“That felt amazing.” She breathed as she wiped the sweat from her brow, she felt her sister move to lay next to her, their shoulders touching. Looking at her mirrored blue eyes she felt herself chuckle, both of them giggling next to each other. Reaching over, Orianna touched her fingers to her sisters gently, feeling her sisters fingers twine with her own.

“We’re going get Ava back.” She spoke out loud, unsure just which of them she was trying to comfort.

“And the others.” Sylara added, both of them gave tight lipped smiles, nodding at each other. Touching the pouch with her free hand she felt herself closing her eyes, unaware of how tired she truly was.

12: Part 1. Strings of Magic

Part 1. Strings of Magic

Orianna woke to the sound of banging on the wall. He entire body shot up as she jumped off the bed, her hands coming up defensively as Sylara also scrambled up she realized Conri was standing there peeking his head in, his white hair hanging on his face as grinned at the two sister.

“Rise and shine, I got good news girls.” Conri sang the words with excitement as Orianna breathed a loud sigh.

“You frightened me half to death!” Orianna yelled at him storming over.

“If only your fists did as much damage as your looks.” He snorted. Orianna didn’t respond.

“You said you had good news?” Sylara changed the subject as she walked up towards the two glaring at each other. Conri seemed to quiet, his slate gray eyes analyzing the girl and her short hair. The three of them stood in silence as Orianna waited for his reaction, ready to jump to her sisters defense. Yet to Orianna's pleasure he didn't say anthing before continuing.

“The dwarves are here, and they’re almost finished with the bracelet.” He explained not breaking eye contact with Orianna, his gray eyes full of confidence as she resisted the urge to punch him.

“When did they get here? Why didn’t you wake us sooner?” Orianna snapped at him, he shrugged.

“You were asleep I figured you needed it.” His sweet smile was full of dark amusement. “Besides you’re going to be in too much pain to sleep comfortably for the next month.” He reminded her, tapping her on the nose. “Oh we’re going to have so much fun!” His words were genuinely full of excitement, but she could also hear the snark within them.

“I hate you so much.” Her face wrinkled in disgust as his just brightened further.

“Enough banter.” Sylara pushed past her sister and Conri. “Let’s get Adonis and go meet up with them.” Orianna knew by her no nonsense attitude that she was still grumpy from being woken up.

“I’m coming.” She spoke quickly. Walking out after her sister, She was already leaning into Adonis’ room, gathering his attention he stared at Sylara for a long minute when he saw her hair. He stood up and wrapped the elf in a hug. Sharing a sweet minute of understanding and silence. One the minute was over the three of them join the others in the hallway where Lucian, Conri, and Gurgan were waiting. . In the hallway, Lucian, and Gurgan were waiting. Conri stopping right behind her. Taking a minute to adjust her braids the three lycans lead them out of the tunnels towards the drawing room they had once been in.

A smaller heftier man sat at the table as they walked in. His hair was a darker red than Sylara’s, his skin tanned and riddled with scars. When they walked in he looked up at them and gave them a big broad smile. She could see now, his hair was streaked with gray, his nose to wide for his face, a toothy smile set in place.

“Ain’t you a site for sore eyes.” He called out at Orianna. She blinked a couple times, her expression confused. “I haven’ seen you since you were a wee lass.” He told her getting up from his seat.

“I don’t remember.” Orianna said sheepishly.

“I’m not surprised.” He grunted, walking over towards her, the dwarf about as tall as her waist. “Your father ne’er let you three meet strangers. But you-“ He pointed at Orianna. “I saw you peekin’ out into the room when my pop and I delivered you all weapons.” He explained. Orianna barely remembered it, but she understood slowly.

“I must have been young.” She admitted. “I apologize for not remembering.”

“Think Nothin’ of it.” He clapped her arm.

“Old Lucian over here’s been tellin’ me what Aviliar ‘as been up to. I’m proud you’re trying to stop him.” He nodded at her.

“Thank you, uh-?” She prompted him for a name.

“Thid’dar” He responded. Orianna smiled at him sweetly.

“Thank you Thid’dar for helping us out.” She bowed at him respectfully.

“If only I could get her to be that nice to me.” Conri spoke up from behind her patting her back with a harsh pat.

“It’s probably ‘cause I’m prettier than you boy.” Thid’dar joked with Conri as he moved back to the table. Conri flipped his hair over his shoulders and scoffed. Orianna rolled her eyes at them.

“Luckily what ya’ll request wasn’t anythin’ complicated.” He waddled over, picking up the small bracelet on the table. “Makin’ the bracelet was easy. It’s blessed silver, the charm on it will balance the magic, keep it flowin’ without bein overwhelmin’ the only drawback is you’ll have to give it time to work, the magic has to settle in you.” He held out his hand for the stone. Slowly Orianna pulled the pouch from her neck and handed it to him.

He took it and reached in the bag, his large fingers expertly twisting it and snapping the stones into place. Once he was finished he handed it to Conri to inspect.

“You work fast.” Conri looked at it with interested eyes. Thid’dar scoffed at him.

“We dwarves have been makin’ things like this since before time was a thing. Just ask them fae.” He pointed out. Conri walked towards Orianna and touched her wrist, bringing it up so he could slide the bracelet on her wrist.

Orianna’s eyes widened as she felt the magic spread through her body, this time it didn’t make her dizzy, it warmed up her body, a smile broke on to her face as she forcibly kept her heart beat steady, her breathing even. She hadn’t felt the rush of magic in so many years. The constant flow, coursing through her body.

“I ne’er seen someones eyes brighten up like that.” Thid’dar commented as Orianna’s smile tightened into a grin. “That’s gonna be dangerous.” He looked over at Conri, warning him. He shrugged at her.

“Or fun.” His grin darkened with amusement, his arm crossed against his chest, gray eyes gleaming as he stared at her. Orianna looked startled but shook her head. Turning to look at Adonis and her sister she stepped towards her sister.

“So then with this business finished we can leave.” Adonis stepped forward. Orianna nodded in agreement.

“Woah, slow down.” Lucian held his hands up to stop him.

“No, he’s right.” Orianna intervened quickly. “My sister is currently captive and so are my people. I have no intentions of wasting any more time than I need to.” She snapped at them. Conri was oddly silent.

“Rushing off doesn’t solve any issues, everyone can see it, you three are running on empty fumes.” Lucian pointed out, Orianna snickered. As they bickered Conri was stepping towards the wall of weapons slowly picking some off the wall. The first was a very nice sword, one he was sliding into his belt.

“Don’t you know? That’s the only way we run.” Sylara was supportive, but Orianna could hear the condescending tone in her voice. Turning to look at Conri who was pulling the pole axe from the wall as well, ignoring him she turned her attention back to the others

“It keeps me in tip top shape.” Orianna stretched her hands up, rocking back on her heels before motioning her sister and Adonis to follow her towards the door.

“If you call this your top shape then I am severely underwhelmed.” Conri pointed out stepping towards them, he cut Orianna off at the door, his hands full of weapons.

“Be quiet.” Orianna huffed at him staring up at him, pushing one of the swords into her hands, Orianna stared down at it, weapons were inconvenient, she didn’t have the need for one, looking back up she went to hand it back to him, but he was already moving away from her. She could hear the other wolves shuffling behind him.

“Well if you can’t beat them, join them?” She could hear Conri telling his comrades as they exited.

“I am not sure that applies here.” Sylara pointed out, Orianna let out a low groan, she was going to have to deal with this for a month, likely more. Looking down at the sword in her hands it was sharp and heavy, chips within the steel were the blade had been worn down from previous battles. Ignoring the chatter around her Orianna walked next to her sister, still unused to seeing her with such short hair.

Everyone seemed to quiet down as they hit the base of the mountains. Reaching the entrance Conri stepped in front of the three elves, peeling away the illusion that stood in front of the mouth of the caves. Pushing away the shrubbery Orianna followed after him, a small smile formed at the sight of the sunlight just beginning to hit the tops of the tree, the light still barely lighting up the world into a dim gray.

“It would be in our best interest to go through Calmar and then to the port. Traveling through the woods is going to allow for openings from Vernan’s Hunters Keep and Guards.” Orianna said turning to look at the others, carefully she was trying to place the sword in her belt without looking entirely inept.

“Going through Calmar isn’t ideal either; Aviliar could very easily eyes on all major cities.” Conri pointed out.

“My sisters and I have been traveling for years we can get through Calmar, the woods are our specialty, Adonis is a fighter but he’s only just returned to his body, you’ve armed my sister which is likely more dangerous to us than to anyone else. We should only travel within the woods if it is necessary.” Sylara joined her sisters side of the argument. Conri raised an eyebrow watching them as Adonis nodded in silent support.

“Plus if you want to teach me to fight with uh, this thing” She motioned towards the sword. “Doing it this way will ensure everything goes according to… plan.” Her words were skeptical.

“Then it’s settled I suppose.” He nodded at her as once. “We will follow your instruction and ride to Calmar, pass long their borders as far as we can and route around Elven borders, all the while we will get you prepared for the Faeries court.” Turning to look at his subordinates Conri clearly giving them his entire focus. “We’re heading towards the coastline, there is a port there.” He told them. Nodding at Lucian and Gurgan he grasped both of their forearms. “I’ll be back within two months, hold down the fort, keep searches up for children, you find one, bring them in, you know the deal.” His words were under his breath but still audible. .

Sylara stood with Adonis, passing out small things of bread between the three of them. They ate it quietly as they discussed their personal matters. It was not their business so there was no point to intervene. They quietly ate their small amounts of bread, preparing themselves to leave as soon as they finished. Once Conri came to stand with their small group, Orianna knew it was time.

“So where are the horses?” Sylara asked him, Conri looked puzzled for a minute.

“Horses? Is that what you thought I meant by riding?” He sounded amused.

“What else could you mean?” She started, it clicked and her expression froze, realization spreading across her face as he grinned mischievously at her.

“You’re joking?” Sylara’s voice was panicked, looking betweent he group she tried to find confirmation that he was not serious. Orianna continued to nibble on her bread quietly, she wasn’t about to intervene in the topic. “Tell me that’s a joke.” She demanded, after another slow minute of silence dragging on her worried expression filtered to annoyance. “There is now way all three of us could fit on you.” Sylara pointed out, her arms crossing against her chest.

“Good thing we have a druid with us then.” Conri pointed out, finally breaking the tension, his tone was light as he stepped towards Orianna, grabbing remaining bite of bread from her he bit into it and grinned at Adonis. Orianna’s nostrils flared in anger, her hand touching the sword, the idea to stab the Lycan briefly popping into her mind. “Let’s get to a clearing. I call dibs on this one.” He patted Orianna’s shoulder, breaking into a brisk jog away from her, obviously sensing her distress.

“I’m a person not an object you can’t call dibs on me!” She yelled after him, throwing her hands in the air. Sylara and Adonis exchanged glances as they pushed after him as well. Orianna sprinted over to him. “Hey!” She grabbed his arm, stopping him. “Hey asshole, listen to me.” She practically snarled at him pulling him in her direction. Conri paused to look at her, his expression in the constant stasis of smug.

“Orianna I already know where this conversation is going to go.” Orianna paused at his words, her eyes narrowing.

“Oh yeah?” She prompted him.

“Yeah, like this. ‘Conri even though you are so devilishly handsome and wonderfully gracious for letting me borrow your stone. I am here to complain and banter until I get what I want because I am sooooo special and burdened with a glorious purpose.’ And then you’ll glare at me until you get what you want” He mimicked her, making his voice high-pitched, acting as melodramatic as possible. Orianna stared up at him completely at a loss for words.

“Do you ever think of what you’re saying or do you enjoy speaking nonsense?” She asked him, moving her hands to her hips in defiance. “Also I do not sound like that.” She added the last part briskly.

“I’m under the constant assumption that everything I say is always right, so no, I don’t think before speaking.” He shrugged. Orianna looked flabbergasted.

“He’s got a point.” Adonis spoke up catching up to them. Conri’s smug grin looked overly satisfied for a second, until Adonis continued. “Not about being right, but about you being stubborn and getting what you want.” He finished. Shifting her weight from one foot to another, her face twisted in disgust.

“I do not always-“ She started but Adonis cut her off immediately.

“You’re forgetting one very important thing. I don’t have access to my powers.” Adonis reminded him. Orianna bit her lip, throwing her hands up and walking back towards her sister who was behind Adonis, she didn’t have to speak for her sister to understand what she was thinking.

Why did we allow the mongrel to come along? Her look seemed to say. Sylara gave her a sympathetic pat, but turned her attention to the others. Traitor.

“Right.” He tapped his head, as if he was remembering something. “How forgetful, what would you prefer? A horse or wolf?” Conri asked him. Adonis looked to shell shocked to respond yet Conri didn’t even seem to wait for a solid answer. “Good point, Wolves are faster.” Turning his attention to Orianna’s glaring contest with him he smiled sweetly. “Orianna if you will?” Conri held his hand out. Orianna stared at him dubiously before stepping back towards him.

“What do you want me to do?” She asked him lifting her hands to look at the gems on the bracelet.

“Fire’s magic is all about resurgence and power, but it’s also about new starts and more importantly, changing.” He explained. “Because of the curse, shifting to us is easy magic, but with both stones it should be easy enough to unlock your Druid’s powers.” Conri smirked and leaned forward to whisper something under his breath. “Not to mention your father will feel the loss of power, no matter how minuscule.” It was clear he was tempting her, playing to her revenge filled heart.

“How.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Adonis, her hand curling around the bracelet. Tightening her grip she looked to Conri.

“I’ll walk you through it.” He offered holding out his hand. Orianna let the silver on her wrist go and took his hand as he pulled her towards Adonis. Looking up at Adonis nervously, he watched her and gave her a small and confident nod. “Place your hand here.” He pulled her hand and placed it on Adonis’ chest, his own hand hovering over hers. “Close your eyes, and concentrate.” She did as instructed. “Pull on the magic and let it fill within you.” She could hear him in her ear, his voice calm and prodding. Taking a deep breath she felt the raging powers of the stones swirling around in her veins, battling to overwhelm her with sensations of heat and coolness, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being invaded, the magic wasn’t like the earths magic she was accustomed to, yet after a few minutes of settling it felt natural.

After a long minute she heard Conri speak again, nearly forgetting where they were and who was around them. “Reach into Adonis, find the string of magic that’s been muted or severed, bring it into you and connect it.” He directed her, giving a small curt nod she used the touch she initiated on Adonis to feel out his spirit. Unlike her blood that constantly felt the rush of magic, she felt nothing in his spirit. Her face tightened into disdain as she continued to extend within Adonis, feeling for any magic like she felt within her. After a few moments she finally found it. The familiar faint buzzing of the Emeralds magic. As if she was reaching out to touch it, she pooled the Topaz and Sapphires magic into her, forcing herself to attack to the small string of magic. Trying to feed him the power, to connect those mystic druid powers and give them life again. The raging in her seem to die down slowly, her mind that seemed alit with warring colors drained to black slowly. Yet she could feel it in Adonis, she could feel him withering under her touch, grunts emanating as she continued.

She felt the line of magic snap. Buzzing in place, whatever magic Adonis had given her father was free. Opening her eyes her head swam. The world spinning as the edges of her vision seemed to blur before darkening. Pride radiated through her body, the helplessness and weakness she felt from her father’s hand seemed to dissipate some. Victory and confidence were her last feelings she felt before blacking out, that and shock from the site of Adonis curling over and transforming.

Orianna woke up to soft pillow-like fur underneath her as well as a slow rocking movement. Blue eyes opened slowly, trees passed around them at a moderate pace as it dawned on Orianna that they were moving. Sitting up she moved slowly to keep her balance.

“Relax, it is just me.” Conri’s voice was in her mind. Reaching up to touch Magnus’ crystal she frowned, nearly forgetting that he had given this to her to spy. Shaking her head she looked around, Sylara and Adonis were nowhere in site.

“Where is my sister?” She asked him immediately, Conri seemed to pick up his pace at that moment.

“After Adonis took the shape of the wolf similar to me, he and Sylara took the weapons and packs and ran ahead, I was carrying you but could not travel fast with them as I did not want to drop you.” He explained. “But now that you’re awake…” Without another word he took off into a run, letting a small yelp Orianna grabbed fistfuls of the wolves fur for support.

“How long was I unconscious?” She asked him, bending her head down as he ran.

“Only about three hours, Calmar is only a day and a half times travel, they are to set up camp just outside the city, we will make it into Calmar tomorrow.” He explained.

“I passed out for three hours?” She sounded stunned.

“Naturally, what you did with magic isn’t easy, you broke a curse, albeit a small fraction of a curse, it is still no tiny feat.” He explained.

“Could I do that to myself?” She asked him curiously. “Or someone else to me?” Her thoughts drifted to Magnus and his mysterious aversion to the curse.

“Not likely, you passed out within minutes of completing it. I’m sure you would die before unlocking someone as powerful as yourself.”

“Charming.” Orianna deadpanned.

“Don’t worry we still got an hour or two of a journey.” His tone was smug, even as a wolf.

“Oh god, do I have to hear your voice this entire journey- ah!” Orianna flopped over as Conri lunged and jumped over a fallen tree, she had a feeling he did that on purpose.

“Relax Ori, I am good company, savor this because you’re going to hate me when we start to spar.” He laughed at her. Orianna ignored him and shook her head, without a doubt she knew he did that on purpose.

Conri gave her no time to relax. Once they saw Adonis and Sylara sitting and relaxing, Conri practically dropped her and shifted back to his human form. Sylara greeted him by tossing a bag at him, without another word he dug through the bag and pulled clothes on quickly. Once he was dressed he pulled the sword that he had tucked in his belt earlier and looked at Orianna.

“Let’s get started.” He grinned at her. Orianna frowned at him.

“Are you kidding, we just arrived.” She exclaimed, her arms folding across her chest in defiance.

“Yes and in about three hours the sun will set and we will have wasted a day, so now pick up the sword and lets go to that clearing.” He pointed at the small spot, her heart sank in her stomach.

“I just did exhausting magic Conri-“ She protested.

“Not every fight will be in ideal circumstances, you may be tired, or half alive, but when you’re being hunted as you are now, having the upperhand is something you will never just be given.” He warned her, looking at Adonis and Sylara for help they shook their heads.

“He’s right Orianna.” Adonis spoke up. Looking betrayed she pulled the sword from her belt.

“This is the worst idea.” She warned him. “You’re going to regret this.” It wasn’t a threat, no, she was practically insulting herself. Yet Conri didn’t budge, instead he lead her over and stuffed the sword in his belt.

“Since we’re starting from scratch I’m going to teach you how to hold a sword.” He explained. “Lift your arms up, you dominate hand will rest just below the handguard, the second on the pommel, like such.” He stepped towards her, adjusting her grip. “This gives you better movement to swing. He followed through the motions with her. The sword was heavy in her hands, making her poise limp. Slowly he began showing her defensive positions to swing the sword, working with her patiently.

Orianna followed obediently, her eyes focused on her hands, her upper arms starting to sting from the weight of the sword as well as using muscles she never trained. Within the first 30 minutes Orianna had already broken a sweat, her grip tightening and Conri forced her to repeat small defensive movements until the sun set.

By the time they reconvened with Sylara and Adonis, a small fire had been built, collapsing next to her sister she ate hungrily. Conri sat the farthest from the group. His feet crossed as he looked over at the edges of Calmar’s city. She felt sorry for him almost immediately, yet she understood. Standing up she walked over to him, her blue eyes glancing at him sideways.

“It’s hard isn’t it.” She prompted him, he looked over at her just as she looked forward. “Looking at a city that should be called home and not recognizing anything about it.” Conri didn’t say anything, they both knew she was referring to Vernan.

13: Part 1. Time to Train

Part 1. Time to Train

Walking up at dawn Orianna and the others gathered their camp up without speaking and heading for the city. As they neared and began seeing the small outlying villages and farms they took caution to keep their hoods up and their faces hidden as they neared the city.

Calmar was stretched out in a large horizontal line, lying on the edges of a large bordering wall that was taller than anything imaginable, even taller than their citadel walls. Walking into the city Orianna paused to look at the wall. It held back the contents of Moardred, the country lying next to them that held everything nasty and made of nightmares. Trolls, Ogres, Cambions, and Goblins all dwelled over there. Keeping out those with the instinct to maim and kill.

“Never been to the wall princess?” Conri prompted from behind her. Anger spiked up in her as she spun around to face him and glare at him.

“Say that again and I’ll cut your tongue out.” She snarled at him, jamming her finger into his chest angrily. A smirk widened on his face as he stuck his tongue out to prompt her. Nostrils flaring she reached for the dagger in her bag before Sylara’s warning tone stopped her.

“Stop fighting like children and stop drawing attention to us.” She chided her sister. Scrunching her nose up she stared at the Lycan.

“You’re lucky.” She told him before brushing past him and walking further into the city. Most humans didn’t bother them as they walked through the city. They walked in pairs to keep from appearing too strange. Orianna walked with Sylara as the boys walked farther behind them. They passed through the city uneventfully, choosing to leave Calmar and stay on the outskirts of the city with the other farms and villages just barely a mile from the larger city. Once they were settled between villages Conri pulled her over to train.

“You’re ruthless.” She followed after him.

“How sweet.” He smiled innocently at her before drawing his sword and pointing it at her. Pulling her own sword, he didn’t hesitate to swing at her. Sloppily and slowly Orianna raised her sword to defend her left arm as he flanked right and swung. Orianna’s feet twisted as she moved to block, tumbling over from her lack of balance and the force behind the swing. Falling over she landed face first into the grass, the sword flying from her grasp.

Pushing herself up on her elbows her cheek swelling slowly from her face plant she glared over her shoulder at him. “This is going to be my whole day isn’t it?”

It was. Conri trained with her as ruthlessly as possible. Teaching her how to handle the weight of steel hitting steel. Only pausing from his assaults to reposition her feet and correct her footwork before backing up and continuing the barrage of attacks. Logistically she understood what he was doing, teaching her to dig her feels in and brace for the momentum from attacks of a much stronger person.

“Did they not teach you any weaponry?” He prompted her as Orianna stumbled back, the heavy sword flinging from her grasp and landing in the dirt just feet away before she tumbled backwards herself. Looking over at him, she wheezed, her throat tight from overexerting herself. Instead of moving to stand up, she collapsed back on the ground, flinging her arms out on either side of her, palms upward at the darkening sky.

“I was never good at it to be quite honest.” She spoke bluntly, there was no need to lie, he could easily tell she had no practice. “Why learn to fight when I could easily compel people into doing what I wanted.” She pointed out. Conri walked over towards her, hovering over her, looking at her with curious interest.

“How’s that working out for you?” He snickered at her and moved to sit down on the ground.

“Not so good considering I’m getting my ass handed to me by a human and every part of me hurts.” Her tone was dry as she sat forward reaching for the sword.

“I’ve been learning how to use weapons since I could walk, don’t take it too harshly, princess.” She knew he was only using the nickname to bother her, and it was working.

“Use that nickname again and I’ll make sure something sharp goes through your throat.” She joked savagely. He rolled his eyes at her and chuckled at her threat.

“Then pick up the sword and learn to fight.” He stood up offering his hand out to her, Orianna took his hand and pulled herself up before taking the sword.

“What do you think I’ve been doing?” She asked him and she ignored her burning muscles and raised the sword.

“Getting knocked on your ass.” He added before swinging at her once more.

A week later.

Passing through Calmar was easy enough. Within the week they reached the edge of Ravenna’s plains, the plains stretched out past the mountains and connected Calmar to the port. However the few sparse trees that littered around them made it clear that they were just next to Vernan’s border. They walked instead of riding now that they were in the open, during the night they slept in shifts. Conri would run a parameter as a wolf it took them a minute to get used to Conri taking his shift as a wolf, but after the first day or two, Orianna found the sight of the grey fur to be a comfort.

However during the day Conri trained Orianna. Once she had succeeded in holding the sword he began teaching her how to strike. The steel sparked as she met his attack with her own, pushing the blades, she felt her hands shaking from the tension as she side stepped and let the blade slide off her own.

“You’re getting better.” He complimented after besting her knocking the sword from her hand in one swift movement before lunging at her and forcing herself backward, her feet crossing each other as she tumbled to the ground.

“Don’t make fun of me.” She panted, pushing herself up off the ground, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

“I’m not, but I think I’ve figured out your weakness.” He started, rotating the swords blade within his hands before sliding it into his belt. “I’m thinking tomorrow I’ll start training you by using my Halberd.” He explained. Orianna paused reaching for the sword to stare at him with wide eyes.

“That will kill me!” She protested, shaking her head rapidly.

“We need to get those clumsy feet of yours to work deftly.” He pointed at her legs. “If you can’t rely on straight force to overpower others, you need to be fast on your feet and make the killing strike when you swing.” He explained his logic, moving back to head towards their camp. “Once you get the basic handle of a weapon down, we can experiment with your magic, stretch that muscle.”

“You’re going to run me into the ground dead.” She deadpanned at the thought of fighting and wielding magic.

“Please, you’re too bitter to die.” He smirked at her, Orianna shot him a glare but didn’t say anything in return.

Days passed as they walked and fought. Orianna pushed herself as hard as she could, but with the halberd it was much harder to handle. Most of her moves were defensive, hardly ever able to get a strike or blow off on Conri as he twirled such a large axe-like weapon around with near cat-like grace. Her body was bruised from constantly rolling to her feet, a technique Conri implored she heavily learn. (Mostly by swinging at her and expecting her to dodge rapid attacks) Yet once she was able to bring her footwork to a reasonable pace, holding her own had become significantly easier.

Or at least she thought.

The minute Orianna felt like she might be getting better Conri upped his handle on the weapon, making it very clear he was holding back. The weapon swung downwards and slammed into the ground as she jumped backwards, the sharp tip scraping her cheek as she leaned backwards in their current fight. Unaware of just how much Orianna was bleeding she readied her sword just as he moved to hit her, winding up the large weapon he swung it as she tried to use the blade to block and take the damage as she ducked under his swing, rolling and pushing herself up with the momentum. Breath ragged she wiped her cheek, her fingers staining red from the blood. Conri stood across him her his halberd pointed at her. Her hands were shaking, muscles sore from the beating she was taking, constantly being stuck at, prompting her to be defensive.

Conri gave her a second to breathe before moving again, the large Axe portion of his halberd soared next to her head, she had barely enough time to move, her newly acquired balance betrayed her as she hit the ground, her grip tightening on the sword to keep from losing it. He swung again, before she had a chance to recover at stand up. Orianna shoved the sword up, holding the flat part of the blade causing the metals to spark as she blocked the axe, just inches away from her face. Her breath hitched as she pushed with all her might and rolled away from him as Conri circled around her, pushing herself up into a crouching position her throat was tight from exhaustion, sweat dripped in her eyes making them burn.

“You’re getting faster.” He told her, dropping his halberd into the ground. Walking towards her he offered her his hand and helped her up. Shakily she nodded.

“Sometimes I really do think you’re trying to kill me.” She told him, Conri laughed and wiped some of the blood from her cheek absently.

“Nah, then I’d be bored.” He assured her, Orianna stared at him, surprised at the gentle touch. They stared at each other for a minute before he moved to take the sword from her. “Let’s get some food.” He gave her a push back towards camp where Sylara and Adonis were waiting.

Collapsing on the ground, Sylara moved to see her cuts and bruises, poking and proding her body for injuries. Orianna winced as she did so. Adonis and Conri talked quietly, sometimes during this time they would take a minute to spar as well.

“He’s always looking for a fight.” Sylara huffed under her breath, Orianna briefly turned her attention to Conri and Adonis who was clashing at such a force Orianna was sure she would die from.

“Humans are savage creatures.” She noted, unable to help thinking about the way he wiped blood from her face.

“You truly are getting better Orianna, I barely recognize you sometimes when you’re fighting, but you get that same look in your eye you did as a child.” She told her cleaning up her wounds and bandaging them.

“What look?” Orianna prompted her curiously.

“The one that says you don’t know when to quit.” She grinned at her sister. Her short curly hair was now starting to cover her ears from their journey; after all they had been headed for the ports for nearly three weeks.

“You mean determination?” She asked her, unaware of just how much her sister watched her fight with Conri.

“No more like pure stubbornness.” She snorted, Orianna smacked her arm lightly. Her expression mocked being offended before breaking into a larger grin.

By the time they reached the shoreline Orianna could hold her own in a fight. Her muscles still sore from sword fighting, but she was learning to be offensive. Their travel across the plains was hard, stopping to train made it impossible for her to fully recover and renew her strength.

Each morning her sister would shake her awake and whatever ache that had been dulled by Sylara’s medicine seemed to return tenfold the next day as they traveled. Adonis walked next to her today, they spoke quietly. Sometimes Adonis would have input on her training that Conri didn’t.

“You’re good at thinking on your feet Orianna.” He told her briefly. “Because this is only something you’ve been learning for a month, everything you learned will never be enough to keep up.” His words were harsh, but honest.

“Thanks for the pep talk” Orianna gave him a hard look, Adonis just shrugged and continued.

“In order to defeat someone at this stage you’re going to have to outsmart them. Stay on defensive and look for a weakness.” He told her briskly. Orianna tilted her head in thought. “For instance, a halberd is a heavy weapon; it takes a few seconds to wind up each attack as well as a lot of coordination.” Adonis slipped her the information so casually she almost had to second guess he was indeed helping her.

Orianna thought hard on his words, with the halberd he had so much reach that it was near impossible for her to get close, but if she could get near his feet and knock him off balance she might be able to win.

The next time they sparred, Orianna watched Conri, she tried to count the time he spent before an attack as she played defensively, focusing purely on moving out of reach. Just as Conri struck at her as Orianna pushed it to the side with the blade, stumbling in her step. Her breathing still ragged as she dodged in towards him, bringing her sword in towards her body to stab him.

Within his range Conri snapped back almost immediately, moving to dodge her strike and bring the pole of the halberd in a sweeping motion he deflected her attack. However Orianna didn’t give up, instead she dropped down as he reared up to swing at her, using Adonis’ advice she moved out of the way of his attack as the axe head buried into the ground, however instead of removing it, he switched sides of the weapon, the spear-like end pointed at her as he brought the pole of his halberd down pushing her towards the ground.

Orianna kept a firm grip on the sword as she fell. Pulling her elbow up she attempted elbow him in the face, as a last ditch effort, however he just evaded it easily.

“That was very brave, stupid but brave, you almost got me.” He told her clearly amused, leaning on his axe he hovered over her. Taking her opportunity she moved suddenly to kick the pole of his halberd down the weight and forced from his feet, he staggered backwards, a small tsk of annoyance coming from him as she shot up from the ground and slammed into him, her grip on the sword gone as they tumbled over to the ground. His hand slid down on the handle still gripping it as Orianna knocked his hand away.

Triumph glowed on her face as she looked down at him. She had him pinned and for once wasn’t the one on the ground. Sitting up she pumped her fist in the air in success.

“How about that?” She laughed at him, without realizing it the halberd was in his hands as he pushed her back on to the ground, swinging the halberd up loosely until it was back in his hands.

“It was a nice try.” He complimented her, his expression smug as he swung at her again.

They reached the port within the next day. Orianna practically collapsed at the Inn as Conri went off to purchase tickets. Sitting down she realized most of the people here were part fae, mixed with humans, dwarves, halflings, and even elves. Looking over at Conri who had returned with four boarding tickets he sat down with them as they all ordered food.

“They’re all part fae?” Orianna asked him, Conri shrugged.

“They’re probably not allowed on Avades for being mixed blood.” He said in passing, clearly not having much information on the subject or really wanting to talk about it. “We have an hour or two before the next ferry leaves, so eat up and head out.” He finished talking as they all chose to eat in silence. Within a few days Orianna would be on Avades and would be begging for the amethyst.

As they headed for the boat Orianna followed everyone on, looking around at the wooden surface she realized that if training on ground was hard, it would be even worse being on a boat. As if sensing her thoughts Conri laughed and put a hand on her shoulder.

“Use this time to relax, there’s no point in trying to train you on here, it’s deadly and I’m sure you’ve reached a level where you might succeed in a fight.” He added before moving past her to join the others. Orianna’s face turned red from embarrassment as she stood still watching him walk away.

“Wait what? Might?!” She yelled after him, her temper rising as she caught up with him grabbing his arm. “What do you mean ‘might’?” She glared at him, eyes full of annoyance.

“I was joking.” He deadpanned, looking at her curiously. “Trust me, I think you’d die before giving up. Even if you lose both arms and legs.” He teased her, yet she knew he was serious about them. They had grown close over the month they traveled.

“Thanks.” She added awkwardly, unable to know just how to react to a compliment. Their conversation seemed to drop off with an awkward intensity as Orianna moved away to go find her sister.

The few days on the ship past with ease. They were fed two meals a day and not many other passengers were on the boat. Apparently, no one liked going to the Fae’s island. Orianna had a habit of staring out at the large body of water they had to pass through, looking for the sight of Leandres’ or even Avades. It was clear being surrounded by water made her uncomfortable, but there was no option available to her.

“You’re staring awfully hard at the water.” Conri’s voice surprised her as she jumped, looking over her shoulder she saw him move to rest his arms on the edge of the boat and watch with her.

“I can’t swim, so it makes me nervous.” She admitted sheepishly. Unsure of what she would trust him with such information, especially when they hadn’t spoken since their awkward conversation at the beginning of the boat ride a few days prior.

“Oh so Orianna the great has weaknesses.” He teased her, grinning at her as she looked at him in annoyance.

“I never claimed to be great.” She reminded him. “I think you fit that self-entitled name much better.” She added hotly, turning to look back at the water.

“I’ve always liked the sound of Conri and great in the same sentence.” He mused, clearly trying to work his way under her skin, it worked. Instead of responding she just leaned on the edge of the boat, her chin resting in her hands, thoughts consumed of the challenges she would be facing as well as her home.

“So, Ferris? What’s he to you exactly?” He asked her, breaking her concentration on the water. It was clear that the name was a no entrance territory, yet as she looked over at Conri whose expression was surprisingly serious and earnest she couldn’t resist talking about something Orianna usually avoided like a plague.

“We were always together even as babies. Galaviel and Alvern are two of our governing families so we played together and before everything that happened we were engaged, we had been engaged since we were 10 years old. I guess in your respects as a human you would have been four or five.” She added the part quickly. He tilted his head and looked at her curiously.

“So how old are you?” He asked her.

“Don’t you know never to ask a lady that?” She huffed at him, he just looked at her expectantly, waiting for an answer. “About 40 years old.” She finally added with a large sigh.

“When we were in Dalliya you were surprised he was hunting druids, so you didn’t know?” He asked her, gently prodding her back to the subject.

“He was in the Hunters Keep he was a disturbingly good shot.” She started, her words heavy. “My father erased his memories with the rest of Vernan’s and to add precautions he also changed his appearance to match a woman similar to me and implanted fake engagement memories to replace me. Then if that wasn’t torture enough, he made him hunt down the druids stuck in their beast forms.” The words were heavy on her chest and hard for her to admit, but once she did she felt a tiny bit lighter.

“What do you plan on doing when all this is over?” He asked her after a few long seconds of silence. Orianna just shrugged her shoulders and leaned back to stand up straight and look at him.

“Who knows, honestly? Things may too be broken beyond repair. After all, it’s my fault Ferris got the worse of it, because he was close to me and so my father knew he was a weakness that he could exploit.” Her eyes were stinging, at the thoughts. Hastily she wiped away any tears, it was clear this conversation was over for her. “What about you, any special ladies?” She changed the subject, trying to lighten the mood by nudging him with her arm.

“One I think.” He looked from the water to the sky, tilting his head backwards his hands on the edge of the boat. “She lives outside the mountain, and is engaged, but you can’t help it when you feel it right?” He chuckled, but the laughter sounded empty, his expression unreadable, turning to look at her he grinned and patted her shoulder as if nothing had changed. Orianna didn’t say anything, there were no words. Instead she just stared out at the sea.

“Let’s just get this over with.” She changed the subject again, talking about unrequited love and failed love was no how she wanted to start off her last journey.

“You know if this doesn’t work you can stay in the mountain.” He offered. Orianna smiled at the thought but shook her head. “I mean you’re kind of fun when you’re not swearing revenge at the world. Not that I would enjoy it or care, but you’re not boring so that’s a plus.” He offered, touching his grey hair nervously.

“I refuse to let this fail Conri.” Orianna’s tone was deadly as she turned away from the sea to look at the boat. She could see Sylara coming towards them with food, giving her sister a silent grateful look, she was glad this heavy conversation would be interrupted soon.

“Then at least come and visit.” He stepped away from the edge as Sylara neared the two of them. Stepping towards her sister, she handed her the food and then Conri as well. It was clear he knew the conversation was over, backing away he waved at them.

“I’d like that.” Orianna nodded at him smiling a small weak smile. His smile brightened to genuine joy for a brief moment before he took the food.

“I’m gonna speak to the captain, see how much longer we have.” He told them clearly excusing himself to give them space. Orianna nodded once before turning her attention to her sister.

“You guys are warming up.” Sylara pointed out handing her a cup of wine, likely cheap, and a bowl of questionable stew.

“He's helping a lot.” Orianna nodded at her sister once.

“Mm, I feel he has ulterior motives.” Sylara took a sip of her wine, eyeing her sister carefully. Looking skeptical Orianna slid down on the floorboards her back against the side of the boat and began eating.

“You think he's going to turn on us?” She asked between bites.

“Not in the least.” Sylara was amused even more.

“Then what's the problem?”

“We both have seen the way he looks at you, he's got a crush.” Sylara spoke seriously. Orianna choked on her stew.

“No way, he was just telling me about the girl he cares about.” Orianna defended him, setting her food down.

“Oh yeah?” Sylara gave her an interested look. “Orianna I know how hard it's been with Ferris, but remember human lives are very short, and what's been going on can make you vulnerable.” Sylara warned

“I'm not falling for some wolf boy, Lar quit overthinking.” Orianna shook her off, feeling uncomfortable with the topic. Picking up her food again she began stuffing her mouth with food ignoring her sisters skeptical looks. Her thoughts temporarily preoccupied with thoughts about Conri and his apparent crush. A girl outside the mountain? It likely wasn’t her, Sylara just simply misunderstood.

14: Part 1. The Seelie Court

Part 1. The Seelie Court

“We should be arriving within the hour, are you prepared Orianna?” Conri looked at her seriously. She nodded once. Conri had returned shortly after her conversation with Sylara, dragging Adonis along with him. They sat in silence was the boat trekked towards its destination. Very slowly, the small landmass began to show on the Horizon, growing larger as the island came into view. With her nerves striking, Orianna went back to training with the sword by herself. By the time the ship was docking Orianna was sweating and huffing.

Conri caught her attention as he waved her over, she could see Sylara and Adonis had gathered around the ships edge prepared to leave, stepping towards Conri she tucked the sword under her belt and looked up at him. “You’re determined to do this?” He prompted her.

“Are you testing my convictions?” She asked him as she raked her fingers through her hair.

“No, you are way too deep into this journey to possibly consider backing out.” He pointed out, they stood facing each other in a few moments of silence. “You should wear your hair up when we meet with the Faeries.” He blurted suddenly. Orianna paused and gave him a questioning look as she looked at her braids lying against her shoulders. “Long hair is a weapon that can be used against you, if you tie it up then it will be harder for them to grab.” He explained quickly.

Orianna nodded once and began unraveling her braids, her thoughts drifting back to when he had braided her hair for her. Her cheeks turned pink as she remembered. Curse Sylara for making things into something when there was nothing there. “Noted.” She said at last. Brushing past him to get to her sisters side as quickly as possible.

Walking towards her sister she began to unravel her braids and began pulling the crinkled waves into a lumpy and messy bun as they boarded off the ship. Conri approached them and passed by as he jumped off, balancing his halberd on his shoulders. Adonis stepping off with him first to help Sylara and Orianna off the boat.

Watching Sylara take Adonis’ hands as he lifted her effortlessly onto the dock, Orianna moved and grabbed his hand as he moved it to his shoulder and grabbed her by the waist, picking her up and helping her off the boats edge.

Standing side by side with her companions, Orianna Breathed in, she felt the chill hit her lungs like ice as she looked around. The island was cloaked in snow, despite there being no sign of the storm as they were arriving, it dawned on her fairly quickly that Avades was swamped in magic. The snow bit into her, as she pulled her cloak hard against her shoulders, secretly thankful for the long-sleeved dress Conri had supplied her with.

“I wonder if you regret cutting off your hair now.” Orianna muttered lowly to her sister as she shot her a disdainful look.

“Enough out of you.” She spoke as she pulled the hood up, the black cloak engulfing her face. Orianna did the same as they walked off the docks and towards the port. The boys followed behind them as she lead them away from the seas edge, as they stepped further on to land, Orianna could barely make out a faerie with three wyverns in tow ahead in the distance.

Orianna always found faries’s appearances were always so appalling, it always dumb founded her how they could be descendants of such beings that were nearly impossible to look at. The case was not different here; as they neared Orianna fought the urge to look away in disgust or even fear. Her blue eyes held mock confidence as she lifted her chin, straightening her posture and stepped in front of the party.

This fae was no different, like the others he was inhumanly tall and gangly. Skin skin so stretched over wiry frames that it looked as if their bones could twist and break so easily. This particular faeries’ skin was a sickly grey color. His eyes red like fire, and hair to match, curly bright orange hair that seemed to glow. When he smiled his teeth were stained black, his clothing looked to be stitched poorly together from silk, his tunic covered her neck and was long flowing down past his feet and spreading out. The color a vibrant blue, setting off the blood red cloak that billowed out around him, snowflakes seemed to nestle on him before sizzling and melting, as if his hair was actually fire. Orianna didn’t say anything as she studied him, he returned the silence with a quiet patience.

“I am Reuvel, I’ve been tasked to bring you before the Seelie courts Queen.” He motioned two of the wyvern’s forward. The large scaled beasts bunkered towards them. It’s front legs folded up within its wings as it’s claws scraping the snow across the ground, it’s large barbed tail hovering slightly. Curiously Orianna walked towards the beast. The smaller female stared up at her with silted green eyes. She felt the crystal around her neck give a slight humming feeling as she offering her hand out towards i. The beast sniffed at her, it’s snout about roughly the length of her forearm, as if the Wyvern was accepting her. A smile grew on her face as she pet her head with hesitance, letting it get to know her.

“She’s pretty.” Orianna breathed as she looked back at her friends, Conri was silently staring at her, his expression in awe before he seemed to snap back into awareness and move behind her, offering his hand the same way. You’re pretty. A petite voice rang in her ears as the beast snorted playfully at her. She had nearly forgotten the charm that allowed her to speak to animals was still working on Magnus’ crystal.

“Get on we’re wasting time.” He barked, his voice cracking like he was trying to be scary and failing miserably, the way the faerie looked at the Wyverns told her that he agreed.

Sylara looked unamused as she did the same with the other wyvern, her steps hesitant as Adonis followed behind her, moving carefully, prepared to attack. However once they realized the beasts meant no harm, the air seemed to lighten up.

Satisfied Orianna moved her hand back and walked back towards the Wyvern’s side. Conri was behind her as she tried to pull herself up, her arms still weak from training so hard. A small protest escaped from Orianna as she felt Conri’s hands on her waist, pushing her up with a firm grip as she climbed on, her face red. Once she was on, he pulled himself up, seating himself behind her. After her sisters warnings being close to the lycan made her feel uneasy, yet she found herself leaning towards him, unconsciously searching for warmth.

Once they were all seated on the Wyverns Reuvel slid effortlessly on to the third wyvern giving it a small pat before it reared up on two legs. It’s wings unfurled and Orianna realized that the beasts wings and front legs were one in the same as it launched into the air. Hold. The voice told her again as both Wyverns followed suit and launched into the sky. Shrinking against the beast, Orianna felt Conri’s hands reach past her and grip the wyvern, his arms offering support like a cage for Orianna. Gratefully Orianna looked forward over the monsters head, the Wyvern flapped its wings occasionally as they glided through the snowy air, forcing Orianna to realize just how cold it was.

By the time they landed Orianna felt like her face was turning blue, her cheeks red from the harsh bite of the freezing wind. Without wasting a moment she slid off the Wyvern practically making a lunge towards her sister. Sylara looked amused at Orianna’s distress from the flight over, but didn’t say anything as Reuvel paused to let their small group reunite. Adonis stepped infront of the two sisters, taking the lead as Reuvel nodded them in the direction of a large castle like gate.

As they walked inside Orianna paused to look at the garden area, the floor had been paved with red brick and the walls crawled with vines, flowers dripping along. Not given enough time to admire they pushed forward into the castle, out of the courtyard and into the halls. Different fae hovered around them. They all had the clear vulgar humanoid form, a mixture of beauty and terror seemed to be a common trait among their kind.

Ignoring the intense looks the faeries gave them, they were led into the throne room. A woman sat, her feet lying across the arm, dangling a grin on her face as they entered. Her hair was like sunlight, golden and glowing walling in waves around her, piling onto the floor in silken bronze stands. Her eyes were black in their entirety, a small hint of purple showing through. The faeries skin was purple, like someone had dipped her in lavender. Her dress was yellow with purple petals billowing out, the tips of her thighs peeking out from where she sat. Around her neck was a long chained necklace a small pendant hanging on the end.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my favorite Curatrix.” She sat up, her feet twisting to cross her legs. Orianna felt annoyance gather in her stomach as the Queen so clearly eyed Conri. “And have I heard all about you.” She whistled turning her attention to Orianna. She felt her resolve weaken under the stare of those empty black eyes.

Yet whatever resolve she had left to muster, Orianna pushed it forward before speaking. “Whatever my father has told you-” Orianna stepped forward starting.

“Oh quiet.” She demanded waving her hand, Orianna’s words died on her lips. “The fae.” She started, her hands flicking out to motion behind her. Orianna could make out the faces of many creatures watching them. “My fae come in all shapes and sizes, we are invisible, visible, even spirits. We are everywhere and we like to gather information. I know about your father’s curse, I know what you’re seeking, and I know you hold two of the four gems. The question is-” She paused standing up, the petals shifting as they fell to her ankles. Her hair seemed to float with slight ease as it trailed behind her, touching the back of her calves as she stood up. “What do I get out of helping you? What will you do for me?” She asked walking towards her. Adonis stepped forward in front of her, the guardian in him was ever active. Glancing up at Conri she saw his hard expression frozen on his face. Sensing the tension from Adonis, Orianna touched his shoulder to stop him before stepping past Adonis.

“What would you like?” Orianna breathed, the words rocky as she stared at the deadly queen.

“You elves and mortals couldn’t offer anything to me.” She laughed her steps like air as she flitted back towards her throne. “However, I do have a soft spot for you Conri.” She batted her eyes at the silver haired wolf. The annoyance that built in her stomach whenever she addressed him, seemed to give her the confidence to speak. Yet as she opened her mouth to beg her to reconsider, Conri seemed to beat her too it.

“Eliana, I implore you, things are out of balance, and everything is chaotic and messy and as much as you enjoy chaos, you like your chaos organized, the longer this unbalance and unrest sits the more chaotic this is going to get.” Conri spoke up. Orianna kept her mouth shut, she felt a small sense of shame. He had told her she was a leader, but too her it only seemed that Conri was babysitting her through all this.

“You have a point, if you were to ask I’d help you, but to give power to a helpless girl. I’m not fond of that idea.” Eliana pointed out. Orianna’s face burned with fury. She felt the need to prove herself, to prove that she was strong enough to carry this weight. Strong enough to do it with responsibility.

“I’m not helpless-” She started, her sense of entitlement seemed to fall off the minute the Curatrix’s gaze rested on her.

“No, but you lack guidance, your leadership qualities are pathetic, so put it bluntly. So little elf, if you want my help so badly, I request that you prove yourself. Give me a good show, prove to me that you are worth investing into.” Eliana laughed grinning ear to ear as she looked at their small little group. “So let’s start with something simple.” She mused as she jumped forward, her feet barely hitting the ground as she touched Adonis’ face and pushed past him to Orianna.

“You have potential I can see it, but your motivation is short lived. Your heart is filled with revenge and if you follow this path you’re bent on it will be your demise.” Eliana reached out and touched Orianna’s face. Her expression faltered as her eyes spotted Magnus’ crystal around her neck. “That is old magic, made by the only ones to rival us.” She said absently, Orianna frowned, how easily the faerie queen had been distracted at the sight of the crystal. “Watch yourself, little elf, you’re playing with a dangerous fire.” She tapped the crystal. She must have sensed her confusion as Orianna stared helplessly at her, what was she talking about? What did Magnus have to do with it? “You have no idea do you? What you’re dabbling with, who you’re dabbling with more precisely.” She leaned back to take a good look at Orianna’s baffled expression, clearly enjoying her distress. “So little elf, I’m intrigued, which is very bad for you.” She chuckled darkly. “I will initiate three challenges, I won’t tell you them, but they will try you, and if you open up to them you’ll learn the qualities of a leader, if you don’t you will die-“ She let out another dark giggle. Letting go of her face, Orianna watched as she turned to Conri who was still standing behind her. “Either one is fine by me, but first, I can’t let the puppy save you in these trials.” She touched Conri’s shoulders, his posture rigid as he stared at the queen. “Consider this a little motivation.” Her words were dark, spoken very slowly. Reaching up she kissed Conri’s lips, her teeth like sharks, biting into his lip drawing blood. Orianna felt her chest tighten, Conri’s silver eyes wide as she pulled away from him.

“Begin.” Eliana laughed and stepped away as Conri wobbled as he reached for Orianna’s shoulder for support, his hand flying to his mouth as he stumbled, losing his balance and crashing into the ground. Orianna turned to catch him before he could tumble to the ground, he dragged her down with him as Orianna looked at him, her dark blue eyes full of panic. Unable to move as Conri began wheezing and choking on his own blood, his hands gripped Orianna tightly before going slack, his eyes rolling before closing. Eliana flittered away and left the room, a haunting giggle.

“What has she done?” Orianna touched his face, his expression seemed to be in pain as his clammy face pulled away from her. “He’s burning up.” She called out to Sylara as all of them rushed over to him. Moving Orianna out of her way Sylara’s blue eyes held no amusement as her healer side surfaced. Holding up his head she began examining him. Peeling his eyes open she touched his face.

“Dilated pupils, fever, loss of breath...” She examined as she reached for her bag to dig for things. “It seems like he’s been poisoned, we need to figure out what and how so I can make an antidote.” Sylara touched his forehead again, pulling out small vials from her bag. “Magnus gave you healing potions correct?” Sylara turned her attention to Orianna who sat there too stunned to do anything. Nodding quickly she dug through her bag, her hands shaking as she handed her sister the small blue vials. “With this I can keep him in a stable condition. Laying on the floor isn’t going to help him, let’s get him to a bed for rest.” Without another word Orianna stood up and draped her cloak over Conri.

“Do that.” She nodded once before heading towards the exit of the throne room, only stopping to look back over her shoulder once before hurrying out. Bursting through the doors she looked around for Eliana. The faeries in the courtyard quieted as Orianna stride into the center of the yard and looked around at all them.

“Where is the Seelie Queen Eliana?” She demanded, barely able to contain her anger. Her expression darkened as none of them responded. Drawing the sword from her belt, Orianna lunged at the nearest faerie, a green haired, green skinned, flower girl. Her hands wound into the girls hair and her sword came to her throat. “Let’s try this again shallwe?” She prompted them all, seething rage vibrating from her as she yelled loudly. “Someone get me Eliana!” She yelled at them as two or three of them scattered.

Within moments Eliana was there, annoyance in her eyes. “I never expected you to listen to me.” She started towards Orianna, the elf held her ground as she neared. “Of course, I expected the vengeance route; tell me how’s that working out for you?” Just as she spoke the sword was knocked from her hands as vines twisted around her feet, gripping her upper arms, with one flick of the Queens wrist it slammed her into a wall.

“What did you do to him? Would you truly kill him for fun.” Orianna hissed at her. Ignoring the ache in her body as the vines tightened around her, she could feel the circulation slowly freezing from the grip.

“Not fun, but for a lesson. What did I say about this path? I saw your decisions in the mountains, you need to learn to use your head. As a leader your patience will be your strongest asset Orianna Alvern.” Eliana came closer. Orianna searched herself for the power from the gems. Her hands lit up in fire, spreading to her shoulders as it began burning the vines away. Pulling herself free she dropped down from the wall. “You make reckless and hasty decisions when your emotions could your judgment. Every second you spend here charging at me like a child, your friend gets closer to death.”

“Because of something you did to him.” She reminded her. She kept her tone calm, trying not to raise her voice as she let the magic release itself, her head swimming from the burst of power. Clearly fighting Eliana on a battlefield that wasn’t hers wasn’t doing her any favors.

“Then you should get to work, even after this attack I’ll be considerate and let you use any resources available here. Clocks ticking Orianna. You want to be the leader, start acting like one and not some child throwing a tantrum.” She snapped, a wicked grin spreading across her face as she turned on her heels, walking away quickly. Orianna glared as she walked back to the room. Adonis was waiting for her but Sylara and Conri were gone.

“The fire-head faerie, Reuvel he took Sylara and Conri to a room.” He explained, as if he already knew what she was going to ask. Nodding once Orianna walked past him.

“Good, Conri’s best bet is going to be with my sister, right now we need to find out what he’s been poisoned with.” Adonis followed after her as she began digging around the citadel, asking around for a library. No one seemed to want to help her after her outburst.

“She’s a faerie, which means that any poison is likely natural and not alchemical.” Orianna began racking her brain for a new course of action, much to her dismay the Queen was right, she need to calm down and think with a clear head. “It came straight from her, so we look for flowers or animals that are naturally poisonous.” Orianna looked over at Adonis as he began tapping his chin, clearly trying to recollect on anything he may have learned from his time studying as a druid.

“There’s Azaela, uh Bloodflower, Caladium, Wolfsbane, Angel’s trumpet, Lobelia, Opium, Henbane, Belladonna… wait Belladonna-” He paused for a second thinking hardly, his eyes seemed to widen with excitement as he grabbed her shoulders.

“Belladonna is a purple flower with black berries, the berries are poisonous, but think what color is Eliana?” He prompted her, Orianna’s breath caught as her hand went to her mouth in shock.

“Purple, she’s purple. It’s nightshade! Could it really be nightshade?” Orianna started, the image of Eliana popped into her mind. Lavender skin, the petals of her skirt the same, her eyes that black plum color.

“What are the symptoms?” Orianna prompted him. Adonis was quiet for a moment as he tried to recall what he could

“Dilated pupils, vomiting, hallucinations, disorientation and delirium. Conri fell into a comatose state immediately and usually convulsions precede-“

“Death.” Orianna finished, cutting him off the image of Conri collapsing next to her flashed through her brain. “We need to someone to confirm this…” She glanced at Adonis, they both seemed to spark the same idea.

“Reuvel.” She pointed at him, he nodded once. Without a second of hesitation they were racing off, looking for the fire-hair faerie. They found him in the guest quarters, standing outside the room with Sylara and Conri.

“It’s nightshade isn’t it? The Queen was made from Belladonna.” It wasn’t a question. The faerie stared at her, he didn’t speak, but Orianna knew it was an affirmation. Pushing past him into the room she looked at Sylara who was setting something cool on Conri’s forehead.

“It’s nightshade Sylara.” Orianna said quickly moving to Conri’s side, his eyes were barely open as he tossed his head away. “If he starts convulsing it means the poison is almost through his system.”

“So we need the berries, I can make an antidote with the berries.” Sylara assured her. Adonis stepped into the room as they looked back at him.

“Where do we find them?” Adonis asked.

“She’s not going to make this easy is she?” Orianna spoke to Reuvel as he stood outside the room, peeking in. This time he shook his head, agreeing with her. Balling her fists Orianna forced herself to stay calm.

“Off the top of my head I know they need dark and moist locations, limestone is a plus. Are there any caves on Avades?” Adonis prompted him, once again there was no response.

“We’re wasting time, come on. I have an idea.” Orianna pushed back to the entrance of the room. Grabbing a hold of Reuvel’s shirt she pulled him down to her eye level, her blue eyes as sharp as daggers.

“I want to borrow a Wyvern or two.” Orianna demanded, he looked at them shocked for a second.

“You can’t.” He started automatically rejecting her idea. Now she was going in the right direction.

“I can, your Queen gave me clearance to anything I need here, now my friend is dying and I need to save him so please.” Orianna stared at him intensely. Taking a deep breath she released the collar of his shirt. “Please.”

“Fine.” He spoke after a long pause, exhaling loudly. He motioned Orianna to follow him as she raced after him, Adonis on her trails.

“What are you thinking?” He asked her, catching up to her with ease.

“A birds eye view.” She grinned.

They made it to the stables in time as Orianna clapped her hands together. Reuvel seemed to shift his demeanor entirely at the sight of the Wyverns. They seemed to bounce at the sight of him, excitement and happiness in their dark eyes. “You’re a big softy.” Orianna looked at the fae. He looked over at them, no reaction formed but she could see it in his eyes.

“One more thing. can I ride the one from earlier. I liked her.” A smile formed on her face, Revuel tilted his head before nodding once, leading her further into the stables.

The Wyvern was looking at her when Reuvel opened the gate. She was watching her with knowing eyes as Orianna held out her hand. The beast nuzzled into her hand, taking that as an okay Orianna let her hand slide up to her head and the spines of her horns.

“Kae’Dran.” Reuvel spoke up as Orianna led the Wyvern out.

“Hm?” Orianna looked interested, turning her attention from the beast.

“That’s her name. Kae’Dran.” He repeated, before turning to look at Adonis whose attention was on the one across from her. “His name is Xaphan.” He told Adonis. Orianna turned back to the Wyvern and continued leading her out.

“Well Kae’Dran, nice to meet you. I’m Ori.” She walked her out of the stables into the clearing a few yards from the stables. Adonis was right behind her with Xaphan.

“What are you planning to do with them?” Reuvel asked her.

“We’re looking for a cave, or someplace damp and moist that could grow-”

“Belladonna.” He finished for her, nodding once Orianna turned her attention to him completely. He seemed to be more forthcoming with information now they were away from the castle. Briefly Orianna wondered how far the Queens wrath reached.

“If we don’t find the berries to make an antidote with, my friend is going to die.” Orianna felt the Wyvern come up from behind her, sniffing her braids.

He smiled at her, a tight lipped smile. One that didn’t reveal his blackened teeth. “The Belladonna grows best in the caves just south of Avades, but if Eliana is sending you out there it is likely been… adjusted or has a trap set.” He warned her. Kae’Dran seemed to find her braid edible as she snapped at it shoving it in her mouth. Orianna turned and glared at the Wyvern she dropped the braid immediately. “Don’t fly the Wyverns over the forest, land them and walk them through or they won’t go near it. Kae’Dran is a baby, but she will go if Xephan does.” He explained quickly. The Wyvern snorted at him angrily as he moved to pat her head affectionately.

“Thank you for your help, I promise it won’t go unrewarded.” Orianna offered her hand out to shake. Reuvel took it and shook her hand once. Turning her attention to the Wyvern she patted her head and walked towards the side of the beast before pulling herself up.

“Let’s head to the south caves please Kaedran, if we can hurry, someone’s life is at stake.” She tapped the Wyvern on the side her wings unfurling, pushing up on two legs before launching into the air, Xephan and Adonis right behind them.

No one dies. I promise. Her tiny words flittered through her mind as Orianna pet her head affectionately. They flew quickly, Orianna kept her head down to avoid the bite of the wind. By the time they found the forest, Orianna directed the Wyvern to land shaking from the cold she slid off. Adonis following her lead.

“How do we find these things?” Orianna asked as they stood at the base of the woods, pausing for a second and looked at her hand and focused hard until a small fireball formed. “God I’ve missed magic.” She shook her head as she looked at the Wyvern who was staring wide eyed at the fire. Walking inside the forest, Adonis walked next to her, the two Wyverns trailing behind the beasts curious more than afraid.

“Well moist so we need to find an area that’s damp maybe leaky, or has a source of running water…” Adonis spoke thinking, he was looking around at the forest, following the slightly beaten path.

“Kae’Dran can you locate the caves?” She looked at the Wyvern’s who head was just by her legs, staring up at her. Yes. Without another word the Wyvern lept, as if it was skipping, and waddled off ahead of her into the woods. “Hey wait!” She yelled chasing after the beast as she bounced excitedly in the direction they needed to go.

15: Part 1. Amphisbaena's Final Trial

Part 1. Amphisbaena's Final Trial

They walked with purpose and in a hurry as the Wyvern led them through the forest and to the cave as promised.

“Can you smell berries? Nightshade? I wonder.” She looked at the beast, who huffed loudly following with blowing hot air in her face. Orianna blinked. The Wyvern’s head tilted at her, her eyes bright with amusement. Rolling her eyes Orianna refused to be swayed by the damn things obvious intelligence.

When she ignored her, Kae’Dran shoved her muzzle into her face, practically knocking her over. Adonis steadied her, the elf hadn’t even noticed how close the guardian had gotten. “Alright got it, let’s just go.” she hissed at the Wyvern, shaking Adonis’ hand off as they stepped into the caves with two Wyverns in tow.

Taking a moment to breath Orianna held her hand up, her eyes seemed to cloud over with focus as she summoned the magic within the stones, a small blue flame flickering in her palm before erupting to a large orange ball. Holding it in her hand the Wyven crouched down low letting out a low growl at her hand. Orianna shooshed her and began walking.

Fire, fire, fire, fire Kae’Dran’s child-like voice chanted with disdain.

“Don’t be a baby.” Orianna turned to look at the Wyvern, the beast sank away from her but pushed on as they walked down the winding tunnel. Pausing a moment before reaching in her bag for the roll of cloth bandages, an idea springing in her head, maneuvering to grab it she tossed the roll to Adonis. “Rip this.” She ordered him still holding the fireball, their only source of light.

Adonis did as he was told and ripped the cloth in hand. “Tie it to Xephan and Kaedran’s tails.” She told him. The wyvern made a protesting noise. She gave her a hard look. Once he did Orianna held the fireball to the long cloth and let it set on fire, before moving to light Xephans.

“They’re Wyverns so the fire won’t burn them, as much as she likes to be a baby about it.” She explained. “Hold up your tail Kae’ Dran.” She waved her hand to release the ball and motion the Wyvern to do so.

“Light, smart.” He agreed.

“Let’s split up then. I’ll take Kae’Dran with me, you take Xephan.” she nodded at him, “Go into some of the western most branches of the cave, I’ll go east.” Adonis didn’t respond, no instead he just looked over at Orianna with a hard stare.

“Don’t let anything happen to you, now we’ve wasted too much time, Conri is dying we need to hurry.” Adonis reminded her. Without another word Orianna motioned for the Wyvern to follow her and they split up. Kae’Dran sniffed the ground eagerly, her tail swaying around with curiosity as she pushed around. Orianna used to light to look for any signs of plants. Occasionally she would touch the ground, looking for a dampness.

Orianna paused halfway through her search. Her fingers dusty with a light brown yellowish powder.

“Limestone…” she paused “Let’s go this way Kaedran.” Orianna pointed in the direction of the rock. The wyvern looked up at her, her dark eyes unreadable as she tilted her head and motioned her back the opposite way, before walking in that direction. Orianna lunged forward and grabbed the Wyvern’s wing to stop her. “No, no, knock it off.” She yelled at the Wyvern who tried to drag her away.

“The limestone was that way and the damn plant grows in that.” She hissed as she stopped the wyvern.

Bad smells, bad smells Orianna. She cried before stalking away from her, the light fading. Looking back in the direction of the limestone Orianna made a low growling noise.

“It’s probably the plant, obviously!” She yelled but the Wyvern didn’t return. “Fine be that way you damn oversized lizard!” She yelled at the Wyvern a loud far away snort in return. Sighing she chased after the disappearing fire. The Wyvern must have been moving quickly because Orianna had to jog to catch up to her. “Kae’Dran you brat-” she paused surprised. A running waterfall could be heard, pausing behind the Wyvern her grin brightened.

“You bastard lizard you’re a genius!” Orianna walked past the Wyvern making a protesting noise. Plants were growing just beside the trail of water. “Come over here so I can see!” She yelled at the Wyver, but the Wyvern went to ignoring her and sniffing the water. Dropping down she began feeling around the plants, the dim light from the fire made it difficult to see but she found the berries.

Kae’Dran let out a loud wail drawing Orianna’s attention just as a large claw slammed down towards her. Narrowly rolling away Orianna bolted up the berries out of her reach. Her shoulder hurt from her roll, but she used the momentum to push herself up.

Of course that bitch queen wouldn’t make it easy. Looking up Orianna felt the neck on her hair standing up. This wasn’t like the Wyverns. The beast in front of her was large. It’s body was scaled an elongated like a snake, staring at the head of a dragon she stepped back away from its sharp teeth as it slithered towards her. Touching the sword on her hip she was about to draw it when it snapped at her. Orianna let out a small yelp as she jumped backwards tripping back into the patch of berries. The snake slithered around her feet, the width of its body easily crushing her legs as it trapped her. The head struck out at her again as Orianna brought her hands to cover her face, holding the sword she jammed it in its mouth, the sword piercing into the roof of its mouth. The beast shrieked as Orianna pushed herself against the ground and moved out from under the beast. It thrashed as it tried to wiggle the sword loose. Looking over at Kae’dran her eyes widened as she saw a second beast cornering the Wyvern.

Orianna’s eyes widened, it wasn’t a second beast, the damn thing had two heads, one on each end, completely lacking a tail.

Drawing her breath, she tried to steady herself as she moved away from the trashing beast, hands were shaking as she dug through the patch with the flowers and, looking for the berries. Behind her the beast was roaring, as Kae’Dran was wailing loudly, right before her wings out stretched and scurried off. Orianna’s eyes widened, the Wyvern had left her. She was alone to fight this beast.

“Thanks for nothing!” She yelled at the Wyvern, her attention being forced back to the two headed beast as its second head moved to look at her. The one that was currently eating a face full of her sword, she knew she needed a weapon. The fire was useless to her. Looking over at the water, she tried to pull the water to her, to try and crystalize it, the water wobbled but wrapped loosely around her arm. Holding her concentration she could feel the sweat forming on her forehead as she tried again to freeze the water, all three sets of eyes watching each other. Slowly with her free hand she leaned down to touch the berries, the monster snarling again. As the head finally snapped its jaw shut the sword slicing through. It made a loud screech as Orianna took the distraction as an opportunity to pull the plants free with the berries on them, the second head of the beast lunged.

Ducking away from the jaws, Orianna slid under the beast and moved again, trying to focus on crystalizing the ice. The water slithered away from her hand, starting to harden. She could do this, she had too. Orianna’s sapphire eyes narrowed as she stared at the beast, there was no one to save her, the only one who could save her was herself. The water froze at the surge of determination as she tossed it like a javelin as it struck the back of the snake, the beast wailed but all it did was turn on her.

The beast thrashed as its large jaws snapped at her. Orianna prayed to Conri, thanking him for putting her through such strenuous training. The beast that had stuck his jaws together with her sword swung at her, knocking her over, before she could think to dodge, her eyes widened as she hit the ground, her body skidded into the dirt, feeling the burn against her face she covered the bag to protect the berries. Waiting for the creature to eat her Orianna, felt the pain in her chest as. A gust of wind and a loud familiar wail, as Orianna peeked her head up to see Kae’Dran rearing up on her hind legs, her wings outstretched flapping at it, trying to intimidate the monster.

Pushing herself up Orianna turned to see Adonis and Xephan crashing into the room as well. Realization struck her heard, the Wyvern had called for backup. Shaking off the surprise Adonis picked her up by her arm, tender touches to see if she was okay, her hand flew to her bag, opening it to check on the berries.

“Leave and get the berries to Conri.” He snapped at her. Assessing the situation.

“What- No, no way.” Orianna stepped towards him. Both Wyverns had their barbed tails waving, like they were about to strike. She watched as Xephan lunged, landing on top of the beasts head with the sword. The weight of the wyvern made the head crash into the ground as his barbed tail stabbed through its eye. Orianna looked down at her hand again, the small amount of magic welling up in her from the gems once more. Holding her hand out she motioned to the steam again, her moves more confident than they had been last time, touched her finger to the palm of her hands, she watched as the water slithered to her like a snake. Slowly she began swirling it in a circle, blue water and wrapped around her wrist forming as she slowly lifted her finger up, the stream following, freezing into a very long and thin shard of ice.

Kae’ Dran flounced over to Orianna’s side as Xephan sat on the snake, the two headed beast wasn’t sure what target to pay attention too. The head chose to snap at Orianna, It didn’t waste time with Kae’Dran or Adonis. Instead it made eye contact, the beast knew she had the berries and she could just see Eliana’s taunts.

The front head swung out as Orianna raised the shard of ice. The beast flanked however, turning its attention to Kae’Dran, Orianna chucked the ice into the beasts side as Adonis lunged at the same time. Yet the beast ignored them as its jaw clamped shut on the wyvern. Orianna’s face went white with rage as the Wyvern screamed.

Her heart leapt with her as she lunged at the beast without thinking. Orianna jumped, wrapping her hand on the ice impaled in its side and swinging herself up as she pulled the stabbing the ice free and clamored over to its head.

“Orianna what are you doing?” Adonis yelled at her as the snake monster reared back to shake her off, yet Orianna ignored it and held on tight, climbing on it’s head she stabbed the ice into the monsters eye. The dragon head let Kae’Dran go and shook around as Orianna grabbed on with both hands. She let out an inhuman screech as she touched the shard of ice and willed it to explode covering and freezing its face. Orianna held on as the beast’s jaw froze and continued to freeze, slowly it’s movements died down. Like stone, it turned brittle.
“I don’t like it-” She started kicking as hard as she could. Feeling the magic circle around her foot. “-When you eat my friends!” She screeched unable to control her rage as the horn’s seemed to shatter and disconnect, his head dropping. Orianna jumped down as it crashed into the ground, her attention on Kae’Dran as the Wyvern limped a step towards her before collapsing.

“No, no, no, no.” Orianna panicked as she fell to her knees on the ground. Kae’Dran was building a massive pool of blood where the monster and bitten into her. “C’mon you’re okay.” She told the Wyvern as she touched the wound, she wanted to stop the bleeding, she had too.

Adonis and Xephan rushed over as the Wyvern looked at her with distant eyes. Pulling the large beast into her laps she wrapped her hands around her head and petting the Wyvern, to soothe her. Orianna felt its front legs stretch out, it’s wings covering her face and pushing her off.

Do… lo...t...m Orianna paused she could hear the faint blurry voice, broken and scattered. Grabbing the necklace she held on to it tightly, trying to strengthen the magic again, she looked at Adonis and back at the Wyvern. The charm must have been wearing off without her even noticed. Touching it she repeated the incantation from before with more ferocity.

Don’t look at me… She could hear the Wyvern wailing. Orianna peeled the wings away.

“It’s okay Kae’Dran.” She murmured. “I am so sorry, I wish you would have run, you didn’t deserve this.” She stoked her head.

I tried to save you. The Wyvern’s wails were soft.

“You did save me.” She assured the Wyvern, so child-like, so innocent. It broke her heart. “But I am here now, I’ll be here for you.” She told the Wyvern.

Thank you. The Wyvern’s wailing died out, hard shallow breathing as Orianna pet it’s horns and it’s nuzzle, ignoring the blood that was spilling over her dress. She sat there until the Wyvern’s breathing finally died off, Adonis put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her up.

“Don’t let the Wyvern’s death be in vain, we have to push on and save Conri.” He told her Orianna nodded wiping her eyes. She hadn’t realized she had been crying until now. They hurried over to Xephan who was staring at his sister. Her heart broke at the sight, but she didn’t waste time, patting him she reached out with her magic.

We will protect you, we must go. She assured him as his dark eyes looked at her in silent understanding. Xephan took off running, leading them out.

Once they reached the open air Orianna checked her bag for the berries. A few were squished but most of them were safe. Adonis helped Orianna climb on Xephan before he did himself. The Wyvern wasted no time taking off. Not bothering to hide her face she held on to Adonis’ shirt his back blocking the wind, her blue eyes red and her expression dim.

By the time Orianna landed she could see Reuvel waiting in the clearing. His expression darkened as they landed. Dropping off she stumbled, her heart still heavy in her chest. “I’m sorry.” Was all she could manage. Orianna pulled the berries from her bag and set them in Adonis’ hands. “Get these to Sylara now.” She told him, he didn’t respond, instead he just took off in a sprint, her orders clear to him.

“Where is Eliana?” She asked him. Ruevel patted Xephan who was staring back in the direction of the caves. No doubt searching for his fallen sister.

“In the flower gardens.” He started, Orianna patted his shoulder and walked past him.

“This is her fault.” She didn’t turn around to speak to him as she headed for the gardens. By the time she got there she found Eliana sitting by the edge, a small blue glowing orb fluttering down into her palms. Her expression was sweet as she whispered to it. Orianna’s eyes darkened as she stomped towards her.

“You! You put that beast there.” She hissed, Eliana paused looking back at Orianna who was covered in blood growling angrily. Petting the small orb she whispered to it and turned her attention.

“That beast was Amphisbaena.” She said solemnly. “It didn’t eat meat, actually it ate berries.” She let the orb float from her slightly before pulling it back with magic. “It is not my fault you took its food.” She said simply.

“It killed Kae’Dran!” Orianna’s voice rose to a high pitched shrill.

“A Wyvern? Why is that my concern?” She continued to pet the orb as it circled around her.

“Why?” She asked her dubiously. “It is not just some pawn for you Eliana. She wasn’t just some creature, she was a being, and she had emotions- feelings! It’s part of your court one of your subjects.” She reminded her. Eliana smiled.

“It is noble that you care for all those under you, but unreasonable. You are facing a war right now, and there will be sacrifices. Those berries were important and those that follow you and trust you are willing to die for you if they think you are worthy.” She sounded amused her attention turned back to the playful orb.

“I’m not worthy for people to die for me!” She yelled, Eliana ignored her, turning her attention away from Orianna.

“Kae’Dran saw that you were a worthy person to die for, Reuvel saw your passion for your friends. You lack guidance and training, but as a leader you will be worthy of that sacrifice. The realization that there will be death in war, blood will be on your hands. How you handle it and how you live with it is what makes your heart great, if her death had not hurt you, then you would not have passed the second trial.” She spoke slowly but surely before blowing a kiss at the Orb who fluttered happily.

“I faced the first trial?” Orianna blinked, clearly not on the same page.

“Confronting me and choosing the route to save your friend without injuring me.” Eliana pointed out, the thought had never even occurred to Orianna to use the fae herself. “Proving loyalty to the fallen comrade and not leaving your friends to fight your battles, are all signs of bravery.” She finished Orianna watched as she waved her hands at the orb as if the magic pushed her away from the faerie, it fluttered around a few flowers before landing on one. “Is that the one you pick?” She tilted her head, clearly not talking to her. It dawned on Orianna that the orb was a spirit. “A dragon lily, how cute.” She laughed as the orb settled into the white flower.

“What are you-” Orianna turned away as the bright light emitted swallowing the flower entirely, mixing together the outline of a small body forming slowly, very slowly. The light began to peel away like falling petals of a flower revealing a faerie inside. Orianna’s jaw went slack she had never seen a faeries birth before.

A small child sat covered in petals. Her hair as black as night, spiking out like horns, on top of her head were horns that matched her skin. Stepping closer Orianna saw the the skin looked similar to dragonscales. The child had sharp elongated claws and teeth, her wide eyes terrifyingly blue that for a second Orianna thought she was blind. Slowly the colorless child peered up at her, her eyes warming up.

“Kae’Dran?” Orianna paused. The faerie looked at her, Orianna realized she couldn’t have been older than six in human years. Her face warmed up as she stood up and looked at her hands. Eliana sat back and watched as the child ran to hug Orianna. Orianna patted her head and picked her up.

“Orianna.” She whispered her name as Orianna hugged her fiercely. Still hugging her she looked at Eliana.

“Why Eliana.” it wasn’t a question it was a demand.

“Selflessness, honor, and bravery, the Seelie court will always reward that, but to cheat death is no easy feat.” Eliana stood up. Orianna put Kae’Dran down but still held her hand.

“So then what do you want for it?” Orianna asked, stepping in front of her.

“Take her.” She started, her expression earnest. “The Unseelie will be in unrest, wanting something for the life, keep her safe and take her to your land.” Eliana looked Orianna directly in her eyes.

“This is the third trial isn’t it?” She looked at her skeptically.

“What gave it away?” Eliana smiled a sharp smile.

“If I say no, I’ll fail, you wanted me to show a form of leadership. Taking Kaedran to my lands is a show of good faith and potential creates a strong ally-“ She spoke sharply, her eyes narrowed, underestimating the Seelie Queen would be a bad idea. “-or a spy between us. It’s as Conri said, your kind like chaos, but you like chaos when it’s organized for you.” Orianna stared at her.

“You’re learning.” She congratulated her.

“I’ll take Kae’Dran, but not for you. I’ll take her because she deserves a good life and I can give her that. If you burn me on this Eliana, you’ll be starting a war. ” Orianna stepped up, her shoulders straightened.

“I have no intentions of burning this agreement.” She began taking the necklace off from around her neck, the gold and purple spiral. “Consider it a strong ally. A bond of heritage.” Eliana placed the jewelry in her hands. Looking at it now she could see the translucent purple gem within the gold, nodding once she flipped the necklace over and peeled the gem out from the back.

Blinking Orianna felt the power surge into her. Her eyes widened, she could feel it brimming up, the final stone from the final Curatrix. She felt breeze kissed. Like being wrapped in a cool wind that would carry her anywhere, all she had to do was lift up her feet. Taking a deep breath she pulled up her sleeve and let the gem seem to shift size and fit within the silver bracelet.

All she had to do was face her father. Nodding once Orianna looked down at Kae’Dran with wide eager eyes. Without another word she bent down and took Kae’Dran’s hand.
"Thank you Eliana.” She nodded at the fae once before turning to go find Conri.

Adonis stood up when Orianna entered with a child trailing behind her. “What’s going on? Where is Sylara?” Conri was on the bed, tossing and turning as she looked around for Sylara who wasn’t in the room. Moving over towards Conri, Orianna knelt down by the bed and touched his forehead. He was burning up, his eyelids moving rapidly. Whatever he was doing it was freaking him out.

“They said he was conscious for an hour or two but he kept hallucinating. Sylara is with Reuvel and they are making the antidote.” Kae’Dran followed her quietly, moving over to her side.

“Reuvel is a very good, very kind person, he will help.” Kae’Dran assured her. Orianna looked over at the child and nodded. Adonis turned to look at Orianna and paused seeing the small child.

“Is that-?” He paused. Orianna nodded. Adonis smiled and dropped to his knees to hug her. Kae’Dran smiled and hugged him back.

“She’s coming home with us.” Orianna informed both of them. “She’s family now.” she tilted her head and smiled.

“Welcome to the family then.” Adonis grinned as the small girl grinned back. Conri shifted in his sleep, a violent jerk that rattled Orianna to her bones with fear, distracting her from the heartfelt moment. Moving to sit on the edge of the bed she smoothed the silver strands of hair from his face.

“Pull it together Conri.” She touched his forehead. His face seemed to calm as he relaxed ever so slightly. Turning to look at Adonis she held up her wrist with all of the precious stones. “We get to go home Adonis, we get to go home.” A small smile grew as she looked at him.

“It’s not worth it if it costs us Conri.” Adonis countered, reminding her.

“I didn’t realize you cared so much about the human.” She looked back down at him as he slept.

“I could say the same to you.”

“He’s like a cancerous tumor, growing on you until you can’t live without it.” She rolled her eyes. “Which is why he can’t die.” She added clearing her throat, distracting herself from the seriousness of her words.

“Sylara and Reuvel will come through.” Adonis assured her, Orianna nodded as Kae’Dran hugged her. Wrapping her arms around the child she let her comfort her while she watched for changes in the Lycan.

“He’s not going to last much longer.” Orianna shook her head as they waited quietly, the clock ticking down on them.

16: Part 1. Consequences of Confrontation

Part 1. Consequences of Confrontation

Orianna was on her feet the minute the door opened. Ushering Sylara and Reuvel in, they wasted no time with formalities as they pushed past them and lifted Conri into a sitting position, tilting his head back Sylara efficiently fed him the antidote.

“Is he going to die?” Kae’Dran looked up at Orianna. Reuvel’s eyes widened as he turned to look at the child. She didn’t want to lie, so instead Orianna stayed quiet. Bringing her feet up to her chest she sat at the edge of the bed, ignoring the two fae as they looked at each other in surprise. Conri seemed to calm down entirely and fall into a sleep as they laid him back with the antidote in her system.

“Eliana mentioned that we could have used her to make a cure, but we sought out a method without violence.” She told Sylara filling her in.

“Speak for yourself, we took down a two headed snake.” Adonis reminded her. Orianna stayed quiet.

“That explains all the blood.” Sylara grabbed her sisters arms. Orianna looked down at the white dress Conri had given her, it was completely ruined.

“It’s Kae’Dran’s blood.” The words felt hollow as she looked at the child. The faerie seemed to shrink down at the memory.

“I’ll see about getting you some clothes.” Reuvel told her, his quiet voice barely audible as he turned on his heels and exited. Sylara moved past her sister to check on Conri, she felt for a pulse before visibly relaxing.

“It’s stronger, now he just needs rest.” She assured Orianna.

“Lar, when this is over, do you think things will go back to normal?” Orianna asked her, still watching Conri as his breathing stayed even, taking comfort in the rise and fall of his chest. The lycan had come to mean so much to her, without even realizing it. To lose him would have hurt her.

Reuvel returned to the room with a handful of clothes for Orianna, setting them on the bed she barely even noticed. Her full intent to stay by Conri until he woke up. Sylara and Adonis gave them space, preparing another boat back to the mainland of Leandres.

Orianna didn’t even realize she had fallen asleep until she felt something touching her hair. Her blue eyes opening sleepily she looked around as he nudged Orianna’s head, clearly trying to wake her up. Rubbing her eyes she blinked a couple times, memories and realization flooding back to her as she jumped from her position, nearly tackling him.

“You’re alive. I’m so glad you’re alive.” She hugged him tightly. Conri hugged her back after a moment of drawn out hesitation.

“I knew you’d save me.” He patted her back awkwardly. Orianna could feel him shaking, tired and exhausted from the stress of being poisoned.

“I fought a two headed-dragon-snake-thing.” She told him offhandedly, unsure of what to say.

“That explains all the blood.” He grabbed her shoulders to pull her backwards and look at her. “But you didn’t die so I assume you got what you needed.” Orianna nodded once and held up her wrist to show him the third and final gem.

“I got the amethyst. We can stop my father now, we can break the curse.” She pulled back to look at him. Conri smiled brightly at her as he pushed himself to sit up. “Take it easy Conri, you were poisoned.” She reminded him.

“It will take a lot more than that to bring me down.” He waved her off as he took a minute before standing up. “That’s great! Now there is just one thing left. Well two things.” He looked down at her. “You need to change and we need to get your magic up to speed.” He tapped her forehead. Orianna groaned at the thought of more training.

Eliana didn’t meet with them before they left.

With Conri on his feet, no matter how unsteady; Orianna finally relented and changed into the clothes Reuvel had brought her. Orianna knew immediately that the clothes were very finely made. Spider silk likely, a long, deep blue tunic that matched her eyes fit nicely on her slender frame. The buttons linked together with gold trim, a matching web lace fell on her shoulders. Keeping the Wool tights on she pulled her pale hair into a knot before touching Magnus’ crystal for comfort and heading to meet up with the others.

Reuvel waited with them Xephan was with them and Kae’Dran played with the Wyvern, clearly happy to see her brother again. “So now we get to head back home.” Orianna looked at her sister and Adonis.

“What exactly is the plan?” Conri asked her. His face was pale and she could see he was still recovering from the poison, but there was no way he would allow himself to fall behind, she could tell.

“Since we don’t have to avoid Vernan’s borders it shouldn’t take us too long to get there.” She explained.

“Orianna that would be suicide.” Sylara reminded her.

“I know but making a dramatic entrance is good. I want to get captured.” Taking the necklace off as she held it up so she could look into the crystal.

“If I’m correct and Raven and Magnus have been building a little army of rebels, so we have that on our side.” She explained.

“So you want to get us all captured?” Sylara crossed her arms over her chest in annoyance.

“No just me.”

“Because that sounds like a great idea.” Conri’s words were dripped in acid and sarcasm, earning a deathly glare from Orianna.

“It will be fine because you’re going to be the one to turn me in.” Her expression was smug as she watched surprise cross all of their faces.

“I don’t like this.” Kae’Dran’s tiny voice wavered with uncertainty.

“No one does.” Conri agreed almost instantaneously.

“I’ve thought about this, okay?” Orianna looked at her companions with determination. “When we get close to the city Sylara you take Kae’Dran and Adonis with you into the tunnels and find Raven, reconvene with that group. I’m sure father will want to make a spectacle of whatever he thinks he can do to me.” She explained quickly.

“What If this goes wrong and he tries to kill you on sight?” Adonis pointed out. Orianna smiled at him.

“I thought about that, but with Conri and I as decoys it will keep eyes off everyone else forming within. Conri and I will be the ones to get captured. Well not captured, Conri is bringing me in. Turning me in rather, he will hold off anyone who tries to interfere especially since he won’t want to damage the reputation he’s built.” Orianna finished explaining to them.

“Don’t sit us out we can be more use.” Adonis protested.

“I know, that’s why you guys are going to be rounding up everyone, when the curse is broken it’s going to be a madhouse and Sylara, you will be able to help the injured druids that will be free, anything to keep the chaos down.” Orianna reminded her sister, all of them knew that Orianna was right, Sylara wasn’t a fighter, but she could still keep everything together.

“I understand.” Sylara nodded, they all seemed to agree. “I can’t believe my kid sister has actually thought up a plan for once.” Orianna casted a glance over at Conri, meeting the other Curatrixs had affected her. Teaching her lessons that her father never did. Smiling at him, he met her with his own.

With silent confirmation between all of them, they prepared to face their final and hardest challenge yet.

They didn’t pause to train in their travels. The minute they hit the mainland of the country they set off towards Vernan. Adonis and Sylara traveled in the sky with Kae’Dran, keeping a Wyvern’s eye view as Conri and Orianna headed for Vernan. As she expected by the time they hit the edges of the forest the others were far ahead of them and Conri was wrapping her hands in rope for their ‘captured’ persona.

“You ready?” He asked her. Orianna nodded once. Looking down at the bracelet she pushed it up on her forearm to hide it within her sleeve.

“Sorry I lost your sword.” She spoke apologetically to him, watching him adjust the sword on his belt and resting his halberd on his shoulder, a sad glint in his eyes as he walked behind her, her hands behind her back. She knew the rope would be easy enough to burn when the time came but it didn’t stop her nerves from being on edge as they neared the city.

Conri paused for a second and stopped walking. Her expression alert as Orianna turned around to look at him.

“Conri-?” She paused he held a hand up, looking around in the trees. Just as she did as well she felt him grab her and push her behind him, spinning as he slammed his halberd down on the ground.

“Come out, come out wherever you are.” He warned, a low whistle, Orianna sucked in a breath as she spun around to look for someone in the trees. Conri raised his weapon as someone dropped down in front of her, a bow in his hand. Orianna froze as Conri whirled around placing himself between them.

Ferris stood there, his expression unreadable as he pulled his bow up aimed at Conri. Both men were defensive. Orianna felt completely frozen as she stared at the person she loved. He still looked human but the happiness from last time was missing.

“Ferris.” Orianna breathed. Conri glanced back at her before turning her attention back to him. His expression seemed to darken as he realized just who they were facing. Ferris blinked a couple times.

“Ori.” Orianna lost all will and forced herself to run to him, pushing past Conri she wrapped her arms around him, he dropped his bow and did the same his hands cradling her head. “Gods Ori, you’re so lucky I found you and not one of the other patrols.” He held her.

“You remember?” Orianna looked up at him. She could feel Conri’s uncomfortable stare, her face turning pink at the thought. Ferris’ expression seemed to glaze over as it had been when she asked him about the portraits only just a few months ago.

“… I…” His expression froze, darkened as if he was recalling everything. Lowering his hands to her shoulders he held on to her but stepped away. The distance stabbed at her heart. Stepping back towards Conri, she looked back at him to see a neutral yet uncomfortable expression.

“Ferris?” Orianna prompted him, Conri was moving forward, pushing her behind him.

“You shouldn’t be here.” He warned her. Orianna shook her head.

“No, I’m done running, so I need you to do your job.” She looked at Conri expectantly who made protesting noises. Moving his halberd out of reach. Orianna glared at him before he sighed and relaxed his stance. “Take me to my father, and make it convincing.” She warned him. Ferris’ brown eyes seemed completely distant, but he nodded once. The expression seemed to unnerve her, but she went with it.

He practically dragged Orianna back, and while she was grateful for the acting, the fact Conri looked entirely calm unnerved her. The way Ferris pulled her along made her arms hurt as Conri trailed behind. She asked for this, it was all a part of her plans and she couldn’t blame Ferris for going along with it.

As they walked through the town, multiple humans followed after them. Watching intensely as he dragged her to the manor she grew up in. Bringing her to the large home he dropped her on her knees before her father. Orianna gave a dark laugh.

“No disguises anymore father?” She asked him, he tilted his head and looked over at Conri.

“Thank you for turning her over.” He nodded at Conri. Looking over her shoulder at him, she saw a calm and cocky demeanor shift across his face as he moved his halberd around on his shoulders. “Ferris you can show him out.” Her father dismissed him. Ferris seemed to snap into an alert position as horror crossed Orianna’s face.

“You’re still playing this sick game.” She growled at him as Ferris stood next to her father, a blank stare. “You used him to get me back.”

“With all due respect Aviliar, I think I’ll stay for a bit, I’m interested in how this pans out.” He talked over Orianna, a smug smile as he stepped past Orianna. Her father paused but nodded.

“You wish to see her sentencing? Of course.” He looked down at Orianna. His eyes on her made her skin boil with rage. The fire within her seemed to shimmer up as she fought to keep it down, she wanted to lunge at his throat now but she knew it wasn’t time. “Orianna it is a sad day but I’m sentencing you to death, for terrorism in the form of a curse, and for the murder sentences for all druids.” He spoke gravely. Orianna looked up at him, her eyes full of hatred, her body shaking as the fire seemed to light in her hand, she couldn’t hold it back anymore. Building a small fireball in her hand to burn the ropes she looked at Conri.

“Aliviar a question,” Conri stepped forward drawing his attention away from the burning. Clearly he was stalling time for her. “If she enacted the curse, why didn’t it break when you had her powers stripped?” He questioned him, walked forward now, the heat around her hands made her wince as she felt them finally snapping under the weight. “Why is everyone still loyal to you as well, that doesn’t look like loyalty in his eyes.” He swung the halberd off his shoulders and pointed it at Ferris. Her father looked at him and then at the guards.

“It’s because it’s compulsion. My magic. My specialty.” She growled as the last bit of the remaining ropes snapped. She was free.

“Kill him.” He ordered Ferris and the others. Ferris paused and drew his bow against them, the guards surrounding Conri as he stepped back towards Orianna. Standing up Orianna felt the wind in the room rush around her, flinging her arms out the guards slammed back away from them, a gust of wind knocking them into the wall, everyone's movements froze.

“Well father.” Orianna stood up straight, rubbing her wrists as she watched the guards from the corner of her eyes. “It’s time we had a little chat.” Orianna brought her hands up once again and used a gust of wind to slam her father back. He hit the wall and crumpled as Orianna walked towards him.

The guards regrouped and went after her as Conri swung his weapon, slicing through the air to stop them from approaching her.

“Those are…” He trailed off as Orianna touched her bracelet. Using the magic made her surge with power, feeling the adrenaline hit her hard. “I need those I can- I can live forever.” He yelled standing back up, the ground shook as Orianna stumbled to keep her balance, and earthquake forming just under her. Vines seemed to slip from the cracks, wrapping around her ankles and legs.

Her hands lit up in fire as she ripped the vines off, too distracted to notice her father jumped towards her knocking her on the shaking ground as Orianna rolled away from her, her burning hands seemed to cool as Orianna slammed her hands on the ground, ice spread out from her hands, formed around her father as he moved to dodge only causing him to slip and fall. The earthquake temporarily quelled as she stood up.

She couldn’t believe this, she had the upperhand. Drawing the circle in her hands she formed a ball of ice and tossed it at him. It built up around him and trapped him. However no matter how high her hand was, the condescending look on his face made her still feel like she was losing.

Her father laughed motioning backwards. Orianna turned to see Conri struggling with three guards and Ferris backing away fighting him with his bow. They knew not to kill them, that much was obvious. Rage built within her again, the fire seemed to build in her hands again.

“Orianna these people have been your weakness and they will always be your weakness.” He snorted, the ground began shaking again this time under him, cracking the ice and freeing him. Orianna stepped backwards to form another gust of wind was only met with fire, she needed to get a grip on her emotions. Controlling so many different elements seemed to be overwhelming her. Her father waved his hand as the ground split open once again and tripping her. Orianna felt her ankle catch and twist as a sickening snap echoed in the room. Screeching from the fire hot pain in her ankle she held her foot as both Conri and Ferris looked up from their fights.

Her father hovered over her, reaching down to grab her arm with the stones on it. The ice formed over her wrist like a gauntlet to protect it. “Don’t you dare.” She warned him as she scrambled back, white hot pain distracting her with every movement.

“Do you think for a second I wouldn’t take your entire arm for that much power?” He prompted her. Orianna couldn’t handle the warring emotions that the magic brought in her. She needed to do something. Leaning back she pushed her hands forward, another gust of wind summoned to push him back. He toppled over as Conri let out a strangled gasp.

The odds were stacked against them, sitting up Orianna pushed herself up, limping on her ankle as Conri took down another guard just as Adonis burst in with Raven, and a handful of people, swarming the guards. Kae’Dran came rushing towards her, her sharp teeth snapping and growling. Orianna pushed herself towards her father, ignoring the pain as she summoned another gust of wind to slam her father back just as he started to stand again. He hit the wall again. Orianna summoned more ice to swallow him up. Her hands forming more ice as she continued to walk towards him.

“That’s where you’re wrong Farther, because right now, these people are my strength.” Orianna held the formed chunk of ice as she stood above him.

“Ori, think of what you’re doing.” He seemed desperate. Orianna’s lips twisted in disgust.

“I’m doing the right thing.” Orianna snarled and brought her hands up, a ball of ice engulfing her fist. However the ice shattered as an arrow pierced into it. Turning to look over her shoulder she saw Ferris crouching on the ground his bow drawn, clearly still fighting.

It only took a second of hesitation for Ferris to draw another arrow and fired at her, her expression widened in shock as she watched him. At first there was nothing, but then she felt pain more antagonizing than her ankle, the pain shot from her left eye to her ear, shock coursed through her as her hand dropped.

Conri was next to her in an instant. He held her shoulders turning her to face him. She felt everything shut down in her body, her face felt wet with blood as his hands pressed against each side of her face wiping the blood.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” His voice was soothing. “Just a flesh wound.” He sounded panicked, his eyes searching for confirmation that she wasn’t about to explode in hurt and rage. Directing him to look into his grey eyes he continued to assure her. Pushing herself to focus Orianna gave him a curt nod, her vision dampened by the blood, she didn’t notice the second arrow until it was embedded into Conri’s throat.

Conri gasped, a gurgle escaping, his body seizing as Orianna snapped back into her own mind. Touching the arrow that was lodged within the Lycan’s windpipe. Her eyes widened as the front of his shirt slowly began to turn red from the blood pouring from his neck.

“No, no, no, no, no please.” Orianna was grasping Conri’s body as he fell forward, his hands dropping from her face. Her voice cracking as he looked up at her a pained expression slowly fleeting.

Blood mixing as she dropped to her knees cradling his body, the tips of his steel colored hair stained red the arrow still jarring from his neck, his skin fading to the color of his eyes and hair. Oriana felt her eyes stinging from the blood mixing with the tears. “You can’t die, this can’t be happening. You’re not allowed.” She ordered him, he just looked at her, continuously trying to open his mouth and speak but failing.

Everything in the room fell away. Conri stared up at her, his hand reached up and touched her cheek attempting to wipe the blood from her eye. Smiling at her, she hated that smirk, but right now all she wanted to do was keep that smile alive. His hand fell short however as his eyes rolled back and his head dropped. “No, no, no.” She gasped, shaking his shoulders, his body limp. Her wrist burned like hot iron, but she didn’t care. She didn’t care about the stones, she didn’t care about the Emerald, the only thing she cared out the dead boy in her arms.

A shatter erupted across the room threatening to launch her backwards away from the body as she held on the force of the blast knocked them backwards. The room filled with an ethereal red glow, the sound of a dragon like roar shook the room as everyone fell silent. The air seemed to dissipate and spread through the walls leaving them all to be affected.

Orianna couldn’t tell if she was crying or her face was wet with blood. Her chest felt numb as she held on to Conri for her life. The blast and pushed them on to the ground, Conri’s body was crushing her. Pushing him off, her heart broke further as she looked at the empty shell of a body. She had to remember Eliana’s words. She had to remember that people would sacrifice their lives for her. That people would die and she could make it in vain.

She wouldn’t let Conri’s death be in vain because she would roast her father alive with the magic.

Straggling over to her father, she felt the magic lacking as she tried to summon the energy to roast her father. A deathly aura emanated from her, her hands clutched at her sides as she hovered over her father. She could hear Eliana’s warnings. Vengance would be her downfall, but at this time she didn’t care. All she wanted was to make her father pay.

He sat on the floor clearly affected by the blast. Orianna’s blue eyes were bloodshot as she paused in front of him. If she couldn’t use the fire, she would use ice. Moving her hand up she forced the ice into a sharp shard, it hovered with air aiming at him.

“Listen Orianna-” He started, her nostrils flared anger lit in her eyes. “Doing the right thing isn’t like this.” He pleaded.

“I don’t care about the right thing. I stopped caring about it the minute you murdered Conri.” Her tone was dark as she launched the shard directly into her father's chest.

There was no satisfaction or sadness. No anger evaporating or a weight lifting off her chest. Her father crumpled as she formed another shard of ice and launched it into her father. Her teeth clenched as she formed another, than another, than another. The magic left her body as she exhausted it with her rage. She didn’t speak as Orianna collapsed on the ground as she began searching for the emerald.

Her father’s body was slick with blood and water as she pulled the emerald free. The fighting seemed to continue around her. Her eyes widening as she unclipped it from his collar and held it in her hands. She felt her power fill her, absorbing everything that was long overdue. Her eyes widening her skin crawling like it was going to burst.

“ENOUGH!” Orianna let out an inhuman screech, the magic in her words filling the room. “THIS CURSE ENDS NOW.” Her body felt hot as the other stones amplified her compulsion tenfold. The room quieted as the curse seemed to snap like a band hitting her chest. Everything that had been taken from her flooded her. She knew everyone felt it as well.

Magnus was next to her as she stood up. “Out of my way.” Orianna whimpered as she moved her ankle wrong, she was heading back towards Conri’s body. She didn’t even realize that her old friend had been with the fray of people fighting.

“Hey, hey, hey it’s okay.” He told her, following after her. Orianna was shaking from the sudden blast of power and the shock of death surrounding her. If she felt overwhelmed before

She felt utterly devastated now. Falling down to her knees, she pulled him into her lap as she closed his eyes and held on to him, if she could just summon the magic to heal him. She could heal him, she could do it. Desperation filled her as she tried to summon the magic, something felt off, but she didn’t care.

“Orianna no.” Magnus seemed to understand what was going on. “Necromancy is illegal and you’re borderline losing it.” He put his hand on her shoulder to calm her. He was right, and she knew it. Looked up she could see Ferris was within in her vision, looking down at her and then at her father. His expression dark.

“Orianna you need to get yourself together. We’re not done just yet.” Magnus informed her. His hand on her shoulder.

“There’s so much power, I can use it, I can use it to heal him, okay?” She told him, staring at the Lycan.

“No you can’t, that power is something even you can’t mess with. He’s gone Oriana.” Magnus was with her, Raven and the others swarming her vision. Slowly she turned to look at the Emerald in her other hand, she knew they were right. Very carefully and every slowly she began to release the magic within her. She felt some of the overwhelming power leave her.

“Is that better?” He asked her. Orianna nodded once.

“Yeah a little.” She looked back at Ferris who was now gone from the room. “Find him.” She ordered at Raven, the elf nodded once and disappeared.

“We need to break the curse.” Orianna stated coldly as she stared at Conri. Magnus moved to lean down in front of her. He touched her shoulders and made her look at him.

“You already broke it.” He informed her. Orianna couldn’t bring herself to muster any emotion, no shock nothing. “Mourn later, Orianna we have things to do.” He reminded her, despite his blunt words his tone was gentle.

“I’ll go find Sylara, you get her together.” Adonis without another word, turned and disappeared. Setting Conri’s body down she pushed herself up, Magnus grabbing her arm and helping her up. Her ankle throbbed and her eye had swollen shut.

“Let me see your face.” He demanded, Orianna turned her head to look at him. “Good news, he only hit the outer corner of your eye, but it messed up your cheek pretty badly. I can heal it-”

“No, leave it.” She moved away and turned to look around, everyone was scattering about. Their magic and memories returning. “So then the human part.” She was limping away towards the exit, Magnus caught her.

“Your ankle is likely broken, calm down.” He chided her.

“I need to free my people.” Orianna was hurrying. “We need to find that book. we need to find that spell.” She was focused. Magnus walked with her, keeping her moving at a faster pace.

“Tell Sylara to search father's belongings- wait where is my sister?” She prompted her. Looking over at Kae’Dran who was on her other side following her. When had she gotten here?

“Ori the stones.” She pointed out. Orianna looked down to see the bracelet on her wrist. The topaz had completely shattered and only a few fragments remained, the Emerald in her hand held a large crack in the stone.

“That can’t be good.” She noted with little interest as they walked back into the center or the citadel. Her eyes widened as they walked into a disaster. Screams erupted everywhere as people ran about. Three large wolves exploded from the group, chaos breaking around them as the scent of blood overwhelmed them.

17: Venatrix: Part 2

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