Hey guys, since things have been quite hectic I decided in my planning to slow this one down a bit. This chap is mostly dedicated to the guys that feel like my characters are always angry, or gives off a feeling like they want to kill something. Well.. there is some truth to that and it once again appears in this chap, haha maybe its useless its just the way i write! Although even though I said I would slow it down I still needed to include the plot points I planned to include, since I believe writing a chapter without any plot points is the same as me asking you to stare at a wall for the same duration as reading this chap. its a waste of time and if I were you i would swear at me....

Anyway enjoy. If you have not, pleas favorite, follow and rate.

Oh and leave lots of comments, where are my comments!

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55

A Day Off

Slyfer walks out of his tent feeling refreshed although still stiff all over. He can sense some changes have happened inside him, however his outward appearance has not changed except for the small piece of white fringe. He feels stronger yet again and was wholly surprised when he sensed his surroundings and realized that he could see traces of white and dark magic on virtually everything!

He sighs. –There is still so much about magic we do not know. Like the magic the old man used to make the King and the others float.- While taking a bath he had thought about the ‘feeling’ of the magic and tried to copy it to no avail. He did however discover that it had a mixture of earth and something almost similar to air magic.  Thinking of the morning’s events causes him to chuckle as the image of the Kings burned hair and angry face comes to mind. It causes his mind to also once again travel to the old man.

He sighs even harder than before. “Why do I always end up with more questions?”

“Such is the way of life is it not, we receive answers only to discover we have more than what we started with. Is that not what drives us onward? Leads us to discover and a lot of times makes us end up with more than we bargained for.”

Slyfer jumps at the familiar voice, he had not expected a reply. “Lady Venon, I am glad to see you unharmed.”

Venon falls quiet in surprise for a bit while her cheeks go bluer. “I did not expect that you will…umm I came here to let you know my brother wishes for an audience.”

Slyfer frowns. “Your Brother?”

She nods and points to the forest that was not there yesterday. “He is the leader of the Snow elves that were stationed here, Lord Barendur.”

His face quickly gains a look that says “do I really have to?”

Venon giggles at this causing Slyfer to self-consciously run his hand through his hair. Her dark eyes watches his every move and before she can stop herself her hand is touching the piece of white hair. Slyfer freezes at the touch causing her to realize what just happened and once again her cheeks go blue, almost purple. “Sorry I did not think, it just kind…”

Slyfer holds up his hands. “Don’t worry about it.” A bit of steel has entered his voice and she takes a step back while thinking,-what did I expect?-

A loud and suspicious voice rings out behind them, causing them to snap around. For some reason Slyfer feels guilty and he swears at himself for feeling that way. Turning around he spots Trisha leaning against a pole set in the entrance. A smell of wild berries wafts over from her in the cool morning breeze. Her hair is still a bit damp from the bath she just had. The smell brings back memories of their first time and Slyfer finds himself unable to break eye contact with the girl that so far has dominated his heart. –Things have been so serious and well it still is, I wonder if I can make some time for us?-

Slyfer looks at Venon. “Princess, as you can imagine, we are rather tired after the battle. My sister Jade knows of my interests and if there are any problems she can relay them to me.” Slyfer looks at where Arana had stood and the images of death and destruction fills his mind. His eyes glaze over and he talks more to himself then anyone around him “I just want to rest for a bit.”

The headlong rush to reach here coupled with the constant fighting has left Slyfer feeling tired and a little spent. The two girls watch Slyfer as he stands in the rising sun looking over the newly grown forest. Birds can already be heard as if last night had not happened, as if without a care they sing and frolic in the sky. Trisha watches Slyfer with his damp hair flowing in the breeze and the sun turning it into what seems like a halo, to her he truly seems like a hero albeit a tired one. Some of his fringe has been braided courtesy of VInx who had insisted on seeing him even though he was in the bath.

Venon still wanted to object, but after seeing his expression, she can’t help but accept. “I understand my Lord, I will let my brother know that you will not be available today.”

Slyfer turns to her with a smile that makes the parts of her face that are visible turn a bit purple again. “Thank you and I apologize if it brings you trouble.”

Venon bows and then turns to leave, but stops. “Is there any chance we can have tea like we did last time?”

In a familiar office in the capital a silver haired man is standing. The large man behind the desk has never shifted his gaze from him. “Completely wiped out?”

The silver haired man nods, swallowing hard. “Yes my Lord.”

“This boy did you manage to get his name? Where did he come from, what are his origins?”

The silver haired guy shuffles around, before saying. “We do not know.”

The big man falls quiet again. His face looks neutral, but the silver haired man is not an imbecile the man in front of him is like a snake. He can kill you just as soon as look at you without ever changing the expression on his face.

The big man sighs and shrugs. “If you were not a valuable asset your blood would be on the floor right now. Alas even though your incompetence irks me I will grace you with forgiveness this time.”

The silver haired man bows. “I thank you for your forgiveness my Lord.”

The big man nods as if the reply was expected. “Spread the word of what happened let us see what our enemies plan to do.”

The other man bows deeply and leaves, leaving the big man alone in his study. He stands up and walks towards the office window. His eyes settle on the bustling streets below and scan over the multitudes of people going on with their everyday lives. For an instant the neutral face disappears only to be replaced by one resembling disgust and gut wrenching hate!

Barendur sits in his tent across from him is someone he rarely gives any thought to, his sister. “So their leader does not want to see me?”

She shakes her head. “They have many leaders, however the one that did this,” she gestures around herself, “wishes to rest for a day or two before continuing on.” Compared to before her voice is cold. They may be brother and sister, but she is seen as his bargaining chip and nothing else.

“Have you tried to “negotiate” with them?” She swallows and nods not missing the meaning behind his words.

“Yes, but he is highly resistant to our… charms.”

Barendur snorts. “and what of the others?”

She is caught off guard, and a bit confused by his question. “What do you mean?”

“You said there are other leaders, have you at least tried to “negotiate” with them or has your little visit filled you with flights of fancy?” He snorts. “I can see defiance in your eyes little sister, has my question hit the mark?”

Venon snorts at him and stands up. “Do not assume that I would shirk my duty, you have not been in their camp, met with their leaders. These people may be of different races, you had the same history lessons as I, the dark and High elves have a long history of warring with each other. Why do you think these people have come together? It is because of him, they place their trust and hope on him. It will not matter if I seduce any other leader.”

He snorts, “save me your excuses, I will have someone more competent fill your place.”

“Hahaha, more competent? If we were to talk about competence, it is you that has utterly failed. The outpost is destroyed, our stronghold here is lost! There is nothing that guards the farmlands now. All because you followed orders like a good little-“

“Enough! You will not talk to me this way woman. I am aware of the situation and I do not need a woman to tell me what-“ A horn sounds followed by a call from the sentries.

“An emissary approaches my Lord!”

Barendur readies himself, putting on his best smile. When he exits, he finds three women surrounded by guards waiting outside. For an instant he freezes and the smile fades, but he soon recuperates and gathers his whit. He steps forward and gives the customary greeting.

Jade and the Queen greets him back, however Fira only scowls. She did not want to come, she still feels… strange. Her father forced her which resulted in her wanting to burn off all his remaining hair, but luckily she has regained some of her common sense and refrained from doing so.

He eyes her for a second not sure if he should say something. If this was their homeland then she would be taken away and whipped. –A mere woman thinks she can act this way?-

“Do you have a problem?” Her question catches him off guard. "you have been staring at me Blue Boy, perhaps you would like to boil in your own fat?”

Jade sighs audibly. “This is why I told your father that you must stay in your tent until you are…. Better.”

Fira snorts, her eyes never leaving Barendur’s face. She is openly challenging him! “No, I think it is a good thing that I came.”

Barendur clears his voice. “I, apologize it is your beauty that caught me off guard.”

She looks at him for a second…. Then ignores him and turns to the other two women. “He thinks we are idiots…. Can I burn him?”

Barendur takes a step back. –What is this, aren’t they supposed to be emissaries?-

A wolf bigger than the rest steps forward behind them. Fira turns to him then pouts. “Fine, if it’s for Slyfer I can put up with Blue Boy.”

Slyfer having heard of Fira’s attitude had sent Grey King over to keep an eye on her, since he felt a tad bit responsible for it.

The Queen, who through all this has had a perpetual smile on her face, steps forward. “I will cut to the chase young Snow Elf, in exchange for safe passage and as a sign of peace we will rebuild the fortress at our own expense. What say you?”

Barendur, opens then closes his mouth not sure of what to say. “I uh, I will have to discuss it with-“

The Queen lifts an eyebrow. “Discuss? I thought you are the leader here, is there someone else we can talk to?”

Barendur is once again caught off guard, he squares his shoulders and stands up straight. “I am in charge here.”

The Queen steps forward invading his space. She smiles coyly, “make a decision then young man.”

Barendur swallows as he looks up at her barely able to see over her breasts. He was taught High Elves are tall, but to see it first hand is a different story, especially when it is a woman that in his culture is nothing more than a tool. Her close proximity makes him feel pressured and he takes a step back.

The Queen puts her hand on her hip with a posture that says “I am waiting!”. Fira behind her mutters something about wondering if a Snow Elf will melt or burn when set aflame. Jade on the other hand watches all this with an innocent smile.

Barendur goes pale and with a voice that sounds more like a boy then a man squeaks out. “I accept your offer.”

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The Queen nods and smiles again. “Very good, you are young but wise in your decision.”

The Queen steps back and seemingly out of nowhere Jade appears smiling innocently. Where the Queen was overbearing Jade seems warm and cute. She gives a bright smile and takes out a paper. “Please sign here and here.”

Barendur looks at the paper in a daze. ‘What… What is it?”

“It is just proof of our agreement, of course. Words these days don’t seem to matter that much anymore.” Jades face has a look of sadness on it. “Men especially break their word the most; it is very rare to find a true gentleman, are you a true gentlemen? You will sign it, won’t you?”

Barendur huffs. “Snow elves don’t break their word!” He takes the contract and looks over it. “We are also not idiots, I will have my advisor look over the agreement before signing it.”

Jade shrugs and steps back. Barendur can’t help but hear Fira mutter how burning him would have been easier. The Queen smiles brightly. “Well then, we hope to receive the agreement soon. I will send over our best craftsmen to begin the planning for the construction.”

The Queen and Jade gives the customary greeting while Fira just stares at him with murder in her eyes.

When they are gone Barendur lets out a pent up breath. His sister behind him starts to laugh. “How does it feel to be on the receiving end of a “lowly” woman’s charms?”

Without waiting for an answer she walks past and joins the other three as they make their way towards the High and Dark Elf camp. Barendur’s face turns into an ugly mask as he hears his sister’s laughter. “It seems I have to teach her a lesson.”

As if sensing the eyes on their backs Fira suddenly turns around and once again stares at him. He can clearly see her mouth forming the word “burn” over and over again. He suddenly feels his knees go week. “Psycho that woman is a Psycho!” Turning around to get away from her eyes, he run-walks into the tent!

Oblivious to all this Slyfer is somewhere in a field with three other people. Wind rustles through the grass also carrying their laughter to nowhere in particular. Bugs chirp and birds sing. The sun above them feels warm on their skin staving away a bit of the cold coming from the breeze that has the scent of the sea on it.

Slyfer plucks another white flower and sticks it into Trisha’s hair, who is looking at him from above, seeing as his head is resting on her lap. Their eyes meet and for a second they don’t move. Slyfer finally breaks the silence. “Beautiful.”

Trisha gives him a confused look and he smiles at it before saying. “I think you are breathtakingly beautiful at this moment in this place, I do not want to be anywhere else but here with you.”

Her cat ears perk up in all their glory and a large and a dazzling smile beams down on him. Her tail that was comfortably curled around his hand while he caressed it tightens a little. “Slyfer you are not very good with these things, practically almost always angry, but sometimes you,” She leans down and her lips brushes against his forehead “… you just know exactly what to say.”

Slyfer laces his free hand through her almost black hair and puts the same hand on her neck before lightly pulling her down, their lips meet in a sweet and loving kiss; not as filled with passion and need as it was that night, but more with care and compassion.

Their lips separate when they realize it has gone deathly quiet. Slyfer lifts his head slightly and Trisha looks up. Luna is sitting in a squating position staring at them with Vinx on her shoulder. Her golden eyes are focused as if taking in everything.

Slyfer is the first to break the silence. “Uhhh Luna what’s wrong?”

Luna blinks for the first time since they noticed her. “Alpha, please continue Luna is learning!”

Slyfer chokes and starts to cough not knowing if he should laugh or cry. Trisha gives Vinx a look, but the fairy only shrugs. In truth she had made a deal with Vinx to play with Luna and keep her busy so Trisha could spend some time with Slyfer!

Their plan has now obviously failed. Luna’s eyes finally break away from them when a butterfly flies over in front of her. Trisha’s tail twitches involuntarily and she needs to physically force herself not to move and swipe at it. Luna however holds no such inhibitions. She starts to giggle and play with it. If she wanted to she could catch it with her enhanced body but Slyfer thinks she has obviously decided not to end it so quickly.

Luna runs after it into the long grass leaving Slyfer and Trisha to themselves again. She leans down and continues the kiss they just had. She breaks it and then kisses his forehead again. When she leans back Slyfer’s eyes are purple.

She laughs at him. “Now is not the time my beast.”

He bites his lip while looking at hers. “yes it is not, but I can’t wait for when it is time.”

Luna breaks through the grass still in pursuit of the butterfly and plops down laughing as she does. All their eyes automatically get drawn to it. The butterfly is a dark purple with small blue outlines on the wings that shimmers in the sunlight. It twirls around for a while above their heads before fluttering its way downwards and landing softly on Luna’s outstretched hand.

Luna smiles brightly, rather surprised that it landed and very happy that it did! Vinx twirls around them enjoying the moment in a way that only fairies can!

Then Luna eats it….

Silence….

All the smiles fade except for Luna’s who is looking at them innocently.

Trisha can feel Slyfer’s body start to shake and when she looks down she finds him laughing in a way she has never seen him do. She remembers this type of laughter, when you want to crack up so much that not even the sound of laughter can break out. Your stomach muscles start to cramp and eventually you struggle to breathe!  Then as if a dam bursts the sound of laughter erupts from everyone except for Luna who is looking at them confused.

Slyfer manages to get himself up and hugs the confused girl while saying between bouts of laughter. “Luna you are very unique, I hope that never changes.”

Luna still not understanding and no longer caring hugs Slyfer back contentedly.

They spend the day in the field late into the afternoon. It is only when the sun starts to set, changing the sky into a kaleidoscope of warm colors that they decide to head back.

In the capitol, all hell is breaking lose; news of the first outpost being destroyed has spread like wildfire, causing most to panic. In the center of Atlantia a great round hall that is in turmoil about the news. Voices filled with anger firing off insults and blame in all directions can be heard. In the center of the hall is a large and intricate statue, reminiscent of the best and most talented craftsmen that has ever graced Atlantia. The statue depicts a dragon with its wings inlaid with gold, outstretched the tips touching each other above its head that has eyes with large cloudy looking jewels. Its face is set into a snarl, as if threatening those who look at it. The tips of the wings above touch each other forming a perfect circle, set into this statue is platform where a speaker is meant to stand.  An old elf tasked with caring for the hall looks at the statue with longing. He shakes his head feeling pity that no-one has used the platform in a long time. Instead the “leaders” now scream and jeer from the thrones set in a half moon around it.

All of them look the same, plain squire and identical in every way. This is to remind those sitting here that every man, creature or beast in the hall is an equal. Many of the thrones are empty and those that do have someone seated on it, is nothing compared to those that once sat there in his eyes.

His gaze wonders to a particular throne and he sighs with longing. It is on this throne that the headmaster of the magic academy used to sit. Like many times before the Old Elf grips his hands, tightening them into fists. –Today I will do what I have been putting off for far too long, I will quit this place. What once gave me the highest feeling of honor, now only makes me feel ashamed.-

To be the caretaker of the great hall was a very sought after job back in the day. One had to be a historian, politician and most of all a true believer in what it stood for in order to get it. The Elf had hoped that the old days would return, that somehow, some way the people would see the truth, yet…

He sighs fighting back a tear. “They will not even notice when I am gone.”

On one of the thrones sits a familiar rather large framed human in silence, watching the people at each other’s throats gives him certain feeling of satisfaction that cant be compared to anything else. Most of all, because this is the result of his labor. He has a simple job, divide the council, let them fight. Make them blind to the poison and death that is slowly approaching. His job hear is to turn these people from all that it used to be and into a sty infested with liars, murderers and thieves!  To corrupt and disrupt, to make the eyes of the council blind while a hulking beast slips in between them and devour them whole!.

He lets out a soft chuckle and stands up. The people seeing this falls quiet. “Please, please do not let this news cause us to fight. Now is the time for us to band together and destroy our foe in one fowl swoop! Who out there can stand a chance against the collected might of this council!”

A Snow Elf stands up. “How do you know they are enemies, we cannot just assume and attack them!”

The human smiles revealing a perfect set of teeth. “Are the reports mistaken then, were we not attacked, was our outpost not destroyed! Will we only sit here and bicker, while the deaths of our sons and daughter’s go unavenged!”

Cries of agreement sound out, causing his smile to broaden once more.

The Snow Elf does not give up so easily. “You are mistaken, it is not OUR sons and daughters, but only yours and those of the Uruk. My people were sent away by your chosen commander to supposedly fetch a mage, in order to test the mind of my daughter! If there is any here who would start a fight it is definitely the Uruk!” He wanted to add that the commander probably goaded them into it, but he is not a foll to shout something that could so easily be turned around on him.

A loud growl is heard at this accusation. “My Orcs always listen, they not stupid, they know die if not listen!” The Orc that had shouted is old and decrepit, one of his tusks have already fallen out and its body has shrunk, the abundant muscle marking their race turned to fat. For the Orc race this is the greatest blasphemy, however the humans have made sure to keep him at the top, in order to ensure their cooperation.

All the leaders start to shout and scream at each other again.

BANG!

A loud ring fills the room. Blue eyes almost entirely covered by thick blond eyebrows stare at everyone in turn. The eyebrows curve around the eyes and meet up with a beard mixed with hair. The dwarf picks up the hammer that he had just struck down with. he starts to speak causing his hairy face to shake, which is the only indication that he is speaking! His gruff voice fills the silence. “I say we heed the words of the Snow Elf this time.”

This causes a pause. The dwarves and Snow Elves have never gotten along, disputes about nothing but snow covered land had been numerous as the stars. Even if the ground was useless they would fight for the sake of fighting, simply because they did not want the other race to have it. Hence when the dwarf agreed it caused everyone to pause. Even in the council the two would appose each other just for the sake of opposing the other.

“Master Dwarf, why is it that you agree?” Asks one of the representatives out of curiosity.

The dwarf’s eyes bore into the man. “Because I am not an imbecile, chances are the fight was started by the Orcs. However because once again I am not an imbecile! I suggest we ready the armies in case it is an invasion force. If it is not, then it is not and if it is, then we crush it like dirt beneath our boots!”