As the sun settled on the land and the light began to fade, Saryn leaned against the wall, the bottom of his foot resting on it, his arms crossed. Beleryn came out of the front entrance of the inner-city gates, stopping his movement next to Saryn.
“My lord, a snowstorm is brewing, and based on the winds, it seems that it’s going to get even worse. We should go inside soon,” the dark elf said, a worried expression on his face.
With a small chuckle, Saryn launched himself off the wall to clap a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You worry too much, Beleryn; though, this storm is oddly reminiscent of the night when Mother died. Even after ten long years, I can’t shake that night from my memories.” His eyes got a faraway look as he stared out across the snow, thinking about the events that led up to this day. The clouds were just as dark then as they are now.
“Yes… I remember that night like it was yesterday,” Beleryn muttered as he watched the storm develop. “I was sad to see her go and I know Selene took it hard as well. I hope we will find the reason why she passed… I saw her earlier before your brother went on his nightly patrol, and she was perfectly fine.”
“I know it’s only been a decade since she has passed. There have been several times where I’ve needed to lean on her for advice especially with relationships,” Saryn stated, waiting to see when Selene would show back up then pulling something out of his pocket.
“What do you mean especially with relationships?” Beleryn said as he looked at his friend with a puzzled expression. “Are you and Selene having issues?”
“Quite the opposite really. I wish mom was here to see this,” Saryn said as he held out his hand to reveal a gold ring with silver vines wrapping around the ring up to the center where intricate silver and gold leaves circling around an amethyst.
“May I?” Beleryn said as he held out his hand.
“Sure,” Saryn said as he grasped the ring and dropped it into Beleryn’s hand.
“This is a very fine specimen,” Beleryn said as he inspected the ring closely then hands the ring back to him. “It definitely compliments her eyes.
“That ring looks beautiful, my lord,” A female said.
“Indeed, it does. I just hope she will like it,” Saryn said. “You won’t say anything, will you, Melin’dra?”
“No, I won’t. I promise,” Melin’dra said.
“I just hope she will like it. It cost me a lot to get this sculpted the way I wanted. I want you to hold onto it until I'm ready for it,” Saryn said.
“I have no doubt that she will love it,” Beleryn said as he nodded in agreement. “Both of you were destined by the Gods to be with each other. I have known this since we were kids.”
“If you gave this to me, I would’ve said yes in a heartbeat and not because you’re the prince,” Melin’dra said. “Hey Bel.”
“Hey, sis,” Beleryn responded in annoyance. “What are you up to?”
“I came by to see what the two of you were up to,” she said. “What exactly are you both doing out here just sitting on the wall?”
“We came out here to wait on Selene to come back with her supplies,” Beleryn replied.
“Speaking of which, here she comes. It looks like she has some people following her,” Saryn said raising an eyebrow. “Do you know of anyone that was supposed to be coming?”
“Not that I know of, but they look oddly familiar,” Belyryn said, as he squinted to get a better look at the figures walking with Selene.
“I have to prepare for my initiate’s final trial tonight,” Melin’dra said. “I won’t be at dinner, so don’t wait up.”
“I won’t count on it,” Beleryn retorted, crossing his arms.
Melin’dra said, smacking the back of Beleryn’s head then looked upon Saryn like a cat in heat before taking her leave. “Bye Saryn.”
“See ya, Mel,” Saryn replied.
“This fellow startled me as I was purchasing my supplies,” Selene said as they inched their way over to Saryn and Beleryn.
One of the people following Selene was clearly human and wore plate armor with a tabard slung over it. A crest of blue dragon wings and a shield decorated the ends. A claymore was sheathed across his back, ready for use at a moment’s notice. He wore a grim look on his well-groomed, but familiar, face. Saryn’s eyes lit with recognition. “Sir Gregory, is that you?” Saryn shouted, happy to see an old friend on this dark night.
“Aye, indeed it is,” Sir Gregory said as a smile shot across his face. “How have you been my friend?”
As they got closer, Saryn noticed that the two individuals behind Sir Gregory had an untouchable air around them, one that screamed of a different species. They were taller than Sir Gregory but they were dressed in the same garb.
“I have had better days, my old friend,” Saryn said as pushed himself off the wall. “What brings you to this side of the land?”
“I am investigating a curse. I have reason to believe that you may unknowingly be a part of the curse. I brought a couple of friends with me; Drakkons of the noble Daekarian race.”
The Drakkons pulled off their helms, exposing pearlescent white and blue scales to the surrendering sunlight. Their faces were decorated with horn-like growths, from chin to the back of their heads, and they showed no emotion, the perfect guards. They both had wings protruding from their backs. Everything about them screamed predator, from slit pupils to their elaborately decorated plate armor and weapons.
“Saryn, I would like to introduce you to Bavarax and Narziros, two brothers who worship the same god as I do. Bavarax has an extensive rapport, he fought back Rallizir’s demon and evil Daekarian armies that swarmed around him. Narziros is one of the High Templars to Norrinth, who was assigned to travel with me to help rid this curse that I am in search of.”
“Very impressive, Bavarax, I would enjoy having you by my side in the heat of battle,” Saryn said as he looked up to the towering Drakkon, shaking his hand. “Let’s get out of this weather. Have your stomachs ready because we are about to dine like kings tonight,” He said, turning around, motioning everyone to follow him. “You’ll have to tell me who this Rallizir is.”
They walk inside of the Castle as they are welcomed by a well-lit foyer that transitions into the Great hall. Along the walls of the great hall are paintings of Saryn’s past relatives, who once ruled over the kingdom. On each side of the walls are stone fireplaces that light up the room. In the middle of the room is a fifteen-foot rectangle-shaped table that looks to be made out of oak. Past the enormous table is three obsidian thrones with the initials of the family on each throne.
“What was your sister up to this time?” Selene whispered, raising a jealous eyebrow.
“Just the usual,” Beleryn said. “Be lucky that Saryn has his eyes set on you. Mel, would steal him in a heartbeat.”
With much annoyance, she began to whisper in hush tone, “Tell me about it. She won’t have much eyes for him when I tell him that I'm pregnant.”
“Wait, what?” Beleryn whispered in excitement, stopping his movement, taking her by the arm.
“Don’t say anything, I want to surprise him tonight,” Selene said.
“Is that a reason why you went into town?” Beleryn said. “I’m guessing going by the sage’s shop was just a ruse?”
“Sort of, but I did need some more ink and quills,” Selene replied.
“Father, we will have more guests joining us for dinner,” Saryn yelled as he and the others entered the empty room.
His father, King Vel'dryn, and his brother, Vyr'kas, walked into the room.
“I was already informed by Vyr’kas,” Vel’dryn replied to Saryn. Looking past Saryn, the king said, “Sir Gregory Draconis, it has been a while since we have last seen you here in Talimdryl,” Vel'dryn said with excitement. “I am interested to hear what you have done since you left our humble city.”
After bowing, Sir Gregory replied, “King Vel'dryn, I was tasked with a quest when I got back home. I have been investigating a de-aging curse for several months now. So far, I’ve only seen villages where rifts of darkness have tainted the area including your humble city, which has spanned from the time of your father.”
“That was almost seven hundred years ago,” Vel’dryn said worriedly as he clapped his hands in a quick and loud succession. The sounds echoed throughout the halls. “This conversation is best suited over dinner.”
A few minutes later, waves of food start to pile into the hall as cooks and servants alike bring in various delectable foods from fruits to various meats as Vel’dryn walks behind the crowd. Saryn and his brother, Vyr’kas, stood in front of their throne as everyone else stood behind their chair waiting for the king to properly signal them to be seated. Vel'dryn walked in front of his throne, motioning everyone to sit down and to start eating.
After Saryn made introductions between the newcomers and his family, King Vel’dryn turned to the drakkons and asked, “Before we get to the problem at hand, I did notice that we have new guests that I have never met before. Pardon my rude behavior before, but whom might you two be?” Vel’dryn asked.
“I am Bavarax, Knight-Commander of Vraax and defender of the innocent. I have been a warrior since I was young and was able to join the corps,” Bavarax replied proudly.
“I am Narziros, High Templar of Vraax and punisher of the undead. Like my brother, Bavarax, I joined when I too was young and able to join. I decided to follow a different path that did not only consist of war, but also to heal the wounded,” Narziros responded back.
“It is very nice to meet you both, but I do have to say I have never seen your kind before. What are you, if you do not mind me asking?”
“We are drakkons of the daekarian race. We come from the land known as Vraax, located on the other side of the world. The History of our race is too vast for our visit here. When we are young, we choose our path of good or evil. It is sad because most of our race choose to be evil for wealth or power. It mostly pertains to the dragons that raised us.” Bavarax said inquisitively.
“How do you know Sir Gregory?”
“Sir Gregory was raised among our kind. His parents were killed in a tragic fire by a dragon named Rallizir. The dragon known as Norrinth adopted Sir Gregory when he was but a baby. When he was seven, he trained with both my brother and I,” Bavarax said proudly. “After Gregory swore to protect the innocent from all evil, Norrinth knighted him. I can say that I am proud of what he has accomplished so far.”
“Who exactly is Rallizir?” Saryn asked.
“Rallizir is a black and green dragon, who allied himself with Zineus after his sister, Sharathyr was chosen by the Vraaxian High Council to rule over Vraax as High Queen. After the invasion of Dir’lunde led by Rallizir, Zineus, and their armies, Rallizir was defeated by Sharathyr and Norrinth then locked away in a cage somewhere far away from here,” Bavarax said as he stuffed his mouth with food. “Sharathyr knew that in order to keep him from escaping, she must guard it. That’s when she gave up the mantle as High Queen and bestowed the honor to their brother, Norrinth, who has now reigned over Vraax since.”
“With Zineus?!” Selene inquired. “Zineus has been dead for two-thousand years.”
“The Malevolent One has Mirla carrying out his last will before he died,” Sir Gregory replied. “I believe it is her or the artifacts touched by his darkness that is causing this curse.”
“That would mean Mirla is over two-thousand years old!” Saryn stated as the thought of a human being as old as his race is completely unheard of. “How is a human that old?”
“We don’t know,” Sir Gregory said then looks over to Saryn. “However, we do know that she was resurrected after your father killed her during the Invasion of Talimdryl. So, she could have been resurrected multiple times or used dark magic to make herself immortal.”
“I have to ask,” Vy’rkas interrupted, placing his utensil down on a finished plate. “Going back to what you said about Vraax, exactly where is it?”
“In a place far from here,” Narziros said. “One must be invited or Daekarian otherwise no mere mortal may lay their eyes on its beauty. Such a tragedy, but necessary to keep our kind safe from the outside world.”
“Then why are you really here then?” Vyr’kas snidely remarked. “Is it prevalent for your kind to be seen by “mere mortals”?”
The motion of Saryn’s utensil moving toward his face mouth stopped as he turned his head towards his brother in disbelief.
With a swift slap to Vyr’kas’ face, the king scolded, “You will respect our guests!”
“Yes... sir,” Vyr’kas grunted as he rubbed his face, where a colored hand print rested upon it.
“It is fine, my lord. Most people either fear us or scold us,” Narziros said as he watched Vyr’kas shamefully rubbing his face. “To answer your question, Drakkons may leave home in order to bring back supplies for our race or missions for the betterment of Vraax and its surrounding continents. Dragons are forbidden from leaving Vraax unless they have been naturally gifted with a shape shifting ability.”
“Anyway, you did a fine job raising Sir Gregory,” the king said. “I’m proud of at least one of my sons and the other one when they aren’t being disrespectful. Vyr’kas, being the younger of the two, joined the ranks of the soldiers as General of Talimdryl. Saryn did not take commander of my army like I thought he would instead he runs the Shadowed Wolf’s Den, a guild of assassins and rangers that my father implemented during his reign. I am proud to say when something confidential needs to be done, I can count on him to take care of it.”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Saryn placed his utensil down onto the plate of half eaten food then sat back in his chair elegantly, turning his attention over to Sir Gregory.
“Sir Gregory, you had indicated to me that you are here to investigate a curse and that I may have been affected?” Saryn said, pondering what he may have been affected with.
“Saryn, I have noticed that you are somewhat shorter than your father and your brother. At first, I did not think anything of it, but over time I have noticed in my travels that only humans were affected by this until I realized Saryn’s condition was more than just a coincidence,” Sir Gregory said as he placed his utensil. “As my investigation became more in-depth, I have noticed that it wasn’t just making them short, it was de-aging them until they died as an infant,” Sir Gregory replied, turning his attention to Vel’dryn. “So, let me ask you, King Vel’dryn. When did you first notice that Saryn wasn’t growing anymore?”
“Well, let me think about that.” Vel'dryn said, placing his hand on his chin, bumping his finger repeatedly against his lips, trying to think of where the place that fits the description that his old friend had given. Then a light bulb goes off in his head, placing his finger in the air. “Ah, I know of the place you speak of. When Saryn was very young, he was going through his trials to transition from a child to a young adult when he was thirty years young. A tradition that we follow to be respected by our peers. His trials consisted of three parts: a history of our culture and past, knowledge of skills, and applying everything that was taught in a final grueling test. As a part of his test, I had Saryn venture forth to the old temple of our people long since abandoned. I had instructed him that somewhere hidden in the temple was an item used to administer the rite of ascension. He finished his trials and was able to retrieve the book. I did feel that something was wrong, but he looked fine to me so I did not press the issue.”
“May I see this book?” Sir Gregory asked eagerly.
“I have some business to attend to in the city that took precedence before I knew you were going to be here,” Saryn replied. “We can meet tomorrow after breakfast. I’ll have the book and we will be heading to the ruins where I found it.”
“All right, we will stay here and browse around the Merchant District. Should we meet you at the outer-city gates?” Sir Gregory asked.
"Sure," Saryn said warmly.
"Alright, after breakfast it is,” Sir Gregory said as he picked his utensil back up. “We'll see you there."
After the conversation about the curse, everyone breaks into smaller conversations as they finish up their dinner. The sunlight faded from the windows as nightfall began to take its place. The servants came around the table to collect the plates and Saryn makes his usual request to give whatever food that is left to the servants and to the people of Talimdryl, who could not afford to feed their families. The servants bow graciously as they leave.
“I do not know why you always send our food to the people that are lesser than us,” Vyr'kas whispers to his brother as he headed toward his room.
“These are our people,” Saryn replied. “Just like you do with our military, you take care of them and they respect you. If you do nothing for your people, it could incite violence against you and it would destroy our economy and our way of life. So, they help us with our standard living so giving back to them to show our appreciation shows how great of a leader you are and they will follow.”
“Whatever, they’re not my people. My people are ones who fight with blood and honor. These people are just slaves to my every whim,” Vyr’kas said as he walked away. “Forgive me for I must take my leave, I have an early day tomorrow.”
“I don’t... understand,” Saryn said shocked in disbelief, lifting an eyebrow as his brother leaves in a very unusual manner.
Selene and Beleryn walk up to Saryn as he watched his brother leave the Hall. Selene takes Saryn’s hand and sees the distant look on his face as if he was thinking about something. Belyryn stands next to his friend places his hand on his left shoulder.
“You seem as if something is wrong?” Selene and Belyryn ask together as if they both had the question on their mind.
“I don’t know if you have noticed, but after mother died, Vyr'kas seems as if something has changed about him. I can’t put a finger on it, but I can feel something is wrong. I worry about him sometimes as if mother’s death had a bigger impact on him than it had on me,” Saryn said with a worried expression on his face. “It’s like he’s grandpa all over again.”
“I kind of see what you mean,” Beleryn said as watched Vyr’kas disappear up the stairs. “His comment towards Narziros was a bit brash.”
“Maybe he is having an off-colored day,” Selene said. “Remember last week when he saved the servants from the fire in the kitchen and dispatched the guards to help.”
“Yes, I remember, but that indirectly affects him too,” Saryn said. “I’m talking about his behavior towards them. He told me that they are just slaves to his every whim.”
“Wow, that is a bit out of character,” Selene said. “I guess we will have to watch over him.”
“I agree, but from afar,” Saryn said. “We need to ensure that he doesn’t know we are watching him. Beleryn, do we have anyone that you can trust with this type of mission?”
“Not at the moment,” Beleryn said. “I’m assuming that you’re wanting one of ours to watch over him?”
“You assume correctly,” He said.
“I’ll talk to some people,” Beleryn replied.
“This assignment remains a secret,” Saryn said as he peered over at his father and the rest, getting drunk and laughing. “Knowing Sir Gregory, they won’t be going to bed anytime soon. Let’s go.”
Saryn, Beleryn, and Selene exit the hall to the eastern wing of the castle as they head towards Saryn’s alchemy lab. Along the walls are tapestries in elaborate designs of Saryn and his family displaying their accomplishments, which look to be made a very expensive thread. Almost covering the dark, marble stone floor, is a crimson-colored runner embossed in gold designs along the edges of the fabric.
“Beleryn, write down a report for a list of things we will need to get tomorrow,” Saryn said as they walked down the long corridor, placing his hands behind his back.
“All right, I have a few names of who is needing to do the final test, but I will get you the full report by tomorrow morning. Have a good night, you two love birds,” Belyryn replied as he splits from the group and headed towards his room.
“Have a good night,” Saryn and Selene said in unison.
“Selene, I have a surprise for you,” Saryn said as he grabbed her by the hand.
“Surprise?” Selene said with an excited, yet puzzled look on her face as she turned her head to look upon him. “Saryn Morvin Thur’ryndil, you don’t typically give me surprises. What makes this day so special?”
“Well, today marks the day we met ninety years ago,” Saryn replied as he looked into her amethyst-colored eyes. “That day was filled with mixed emotions, but I wanted to give you something magical.”
“I totally forgot today was that day,” Selene said as her voice started to break. “I wish mother and father were here. All I have left of them is what was in our family’s cart.”
“I think you’ll like what I bought,” Saryn said.
“I just hope it wasn’t expensive,” Selene replied.
“I can’t promise anything,” Saryn replied with a smile.
Saryn and Selene walk to the stone stairwell at the end of the hallway. As they get to the bottom of the stairs, they encounter a smaller hallway, which is a replica of the one leading to the great hall with torches lining the long corridor. As they reach the end, they are met by a single arched door made of cherry oak.
“Before you give me that surprise, there is something I’ve been wanting to do for you” Selene said, walking past the door followed by Saryn as he closes it.
“For me?” Saryn said with a puzzled look as he looked back at Selene. “Is this something new?”
“Nuh uh, it’s a surprise,” Selene said as she waved a finger at him.
The room is gargantuan in its size. To the left side of the room is a large exquisite corner desk with several cabinets attached to the wall that has filled vials and large jars in several cabinets and empty ones in the rest. The contents of the vials can be seen having liquid and powdery substances varying in color. The large jars contain different types of roots, flowers, and glands of venomous snakes and spiders. On the desk, bifocals with several lenses connected to one of the lenses. An elegant mortar and pedestal that has seen its fair share of uses. Several empty jars and vials towards the back of the desk and several papers lying on the desk, which looks like notes be taken and pictures are drawn on the paper. Along the walls are bookshelves with books filling each shelf as well as a several cages full of venomous snakes. To the right side of the room, is another large exquisite corner desk that also has cabinets attached to the wall and has large jars. The contents inside of the jars have large uncut gems varying in color. On the desk, papers with script and images on it indicating that research was being done as well as a jeweler’s kit to cut and examine gemstones. Along the wall are bookshelves filled several books and tomes ranging from small to large in size. On the floor in the middle of the room, are six medium-sized glyphs engraved into the floor with a large glyph in the middle. Selene immediately goes over to her desk and pulls three large jars from her cabinet and grabs her staff leaning against the wall.
“In order to do this, I will need your weapons,” Selene said as she grabbed a flawless cut sapphire and ruby from her jars and a couple of flawless cut emeralds as well.
Saryn grabbed his two short swords and the two main daggers that he uses from his weapon wall mounts and hands them to Selene.
Selene placed the weapons down in the center of the glyphs with each blade of the weapon opposite of the other. She knelt down and places the ruby on one of the short swords and the sapphire on the other. Then places one emerald on the hilt of the two daggers. She pointed the crown of the staff to each of the weapons, reciting a ritual in what appears to be Ancient Elven. The area started to swirl in purple and green cloudy mist as Selene’s eyes and the tattooes on her arms, chest, and neck of ancestral elvish sigils and lines began to glow a blinding white light as the light in the room began to darken. She began to speak in ancient elvish as she pointed her staff to the ruby. She muttered again pointing her staff to the sapphire before moving her staff toward. All of the gems begin to glow bright with their respective colors. She continued her incantations as she raised her staff in the air, slamming the end of it into the ground in a swift motion. The gems began to melt into the hilts of the weapons, where only half the gem is now able to be seen. Runes began to engrave into each of the blades. Saryn’s eyes enlarge with amazement as he watched everything transpire. The purple and green mist receded back as her eyes and tattoos return to normal.
He looked from his swords back to Selene, shaking his head, unsure what to say to the feat she just accomplished. Selene is enamored with the success of her spell.
“Your abilities have significantly increased,” Saryn said, impressed.
“Pick up your weapons; I’m not done,” Selene said, practically bouncing with excitement.
Saryn knelt down to grab both of his short swords then stands back up. “All right, so what do I do now?” Saryn asked waiting for further instructions.
“As you know, each race has their own “brand” of magic. It is used by using the caster’s native language to cast any kind of magical spell, along with a device such as a wand or a staff. Grandmasters do not have to speak, but you still have to use a magical device. With enchantments, it is somewhat the same concept, but the only difference is that it allows non-magic users to use what is enchanted; it always has to be spoken since it acts like a ritual. The user has to use the root word to enable and disable the effects of the magic. The enchantments will never lose their effects except under two conditions; if the user’s item becomes inoperable or the item comes into a possession of another that is not the original owner without doing the transfer. Also, when an item is enchanted, it will also be engraved with runes based on the name of the effect. For these two you'd say “Fire” and “Ice”. To deactivate them you must speak the words that are associated with their destruction "Squelch” and “Melt”, but in the tongue of the caster’s native language. Go ahead and try it out.”
“All right,” Saryn said intriguingly as he looks down at his short swords. “Incendiu và Glacia,” Saryn exclaims loudly. One of the short sword’s blades began to turn red hot erupting into flames shortly after as the runes light up in a crimson red color. The other blade began to ice over as white snow started to fall off the blade, giving off a cool feeling in the immediate area of the blade. The runes of the blade light in a bright white color. Saryn’s eyes light up watching the new effects that have been added to his weapon. “I am going to enjoy using this,” Saryn said excitedly admiring his newly improved weapons.
“Try your daggers now. Remember, you would need to use the destructive words to disable the effects,” Selene said, smiling at Saryn, watching him admire the gifts that she gave to him.
“Éteindre afară và eriyik,” Saryn muttered as the weapons magical effects begin to fade. Saryn walked over to his desk, placing his swords on it then walked back over to the middle. He knelt down to grab his long, slightly curved daggers and waits for further instructions.
“All right, so with these you will need to state the word “Poison”,” she said.
Saryn looked down at his daggers, anticipating what is about to happen. “Mérava,” he said boldly. Once he activated the enchantment, the runes on the blades begin to turn dark green in color as the blade’s look as if nothing changed about them. “Is it normal for this type of enchantment?” Saryn said with a puzzled look.
“Of course, my lord, the poison enchantment is unique. Touch a surface and you will see what happens,” Selene said, smiling at the puzzled prince.
Saryn walked over to the wall of the room, placing the tip of the blade on it. The tip of the blade began to bleed out a dark green liquid. Saryn took the blade off the wall and the tip of the blade turns back to normal. Saryn’s eyes light up with amazement. “Vastatszer,” He said disabling the enchantment’s effect. “This is wonderful Selene and I really do appreciate this. Now, I have something for you as well,” He said as he walked over to his desk placing his daggers down, opening a drawer pulling out a little box. “This is what I bought you."
“You should not have done that, my lord.” She said with a smiled with a blushed face, placing her staff against the desk.
“I couldn’t help it once I saw this,” He said as he walked back over to Selene and handed her the little box. “Something told me that this was the perfect gift for you.”
Selene opened it up to find an eagle claw pendant that has a translucent orb that the claw is gripping. “I thought this was lost,” She said as a single tear ran down her blushed, smiling face.
“You know what that is?” Saryn replied.
“Yes,” Selene said as she pulled out the pendant, dropping the box without remorse. “This was one of father’s most treasured artifacts. This was around his neck the night of the attack.”
“I didn’t see it on him when they rushed your parents into our infirmary,” Saryn replied.
“It must have been lost within the rubble of the Greenhills Inn,” Selene said, her heart feeling heavy, displaying her loss over her gentle face. Her eyes began to build up with clear liquid.
“What does it do?” Saryn replied.
“The orb will glow if there is a presence of black magic being used or have been used if it was used the color of the orb will be faded,” She said. “He was so paranoid about dark magic users that he bought it from the wizard here after the invasion of Talimdryl. I honestly can’t thank you enough for bringing this back to me.”
“Would you like for me to help you put it on?” Saryn inquired as he held out his hand.
“Sure,” Selene said as she wiped the streaming tear, handing the pendant to him.
“I wondered what he would think if he knew that we were together,” Saryn inquired.
“Somehow, I think he knew that we would end up together,” Selene responded as a smile shot across her face. “Papa always seemed to know aspects of the future. I wish I could be as good as he was. I’m at just a fraction of his power.”
Saryn moved around to the back of her, placing the amulet upon her chest. She grasped her amethyst-colored hair with sapphire highlights, pulling it out of the way. Saryn pulled the two ends up around the back of her neck and clasped them together. Selene turned around as she peered down at the long, lost treasured heirloom.
“You’re harder on yourself than anyone else. You should give yourself some credit,” Saryn said. “Remember when our crops were dying and you made it rain.”
“Yeah, but weather manipulation is just a tenth of what he could do,” She said as another tear streamed down her face. “I know you’re just trying to make me feel better. I love you, Saryn.”
“I love you too, Selene,” he said as he placed his hand underneath her chin then lifted up her head.
Selene watched as he looked into her eyes as if peering through the deepest parts of her soul. As he wiped away the tear falling down her soft, midnight blue skin, still gazing as if he found that one person to fulfill all of his dreams and desires.
“Saryn?” Selene said, unsurely.
“Yes, my love,” Saryn said worriedly.
“How much do you really love me?” Selene inquired.
“How much do I...,” Saryn said, interrupting his train of thought with another. “What do you mean by that?”
“Just answer the question,” Selene responded.
“You mean the world to me. I would give up my seat on the throne just to please you,” Saryn said, noticing the simple smile she began to create on her face.
“Would you do the same for them?” Selene said as she placed her hands on her stomach.
“Them?” Saryn said with a puzzled look before looking down at the placement of her hands. Finally understanding what she’s saying, it began to flood his mind with different emotions.
“Saryn?” Selene said worriedly.
“I’m sorry,” Sayn said, snapping back into reality, realizing that he took longer to respond to her question. “Yes, I would give it up for them as well. Speaking of, how do you know that you are bearing a child or children in this case? I haven’t noticed you showing yet?”
With a sigh of relief as she rubbed her abdomen, she said as she slowly rubbed her lower abdomen, “I can feel two new energies forming slowly inside of me. It’s unlike any magic that I have ever witnessed before.”
“When did you start feeling this?” Saryn asked.
“It’s been about six weeks,” Selene said, gazing upon him with heartfelt eyes. “I just didn’t know what it was until I realized that whenever I am with you, the energies become stronger as if there was a connection between it and you. I saw the Templar right before I went into the sage shop. He verified that I was carrying two children. You’ll help me, right?”
“Of course, I will,” Saryn said. “Should we inform father?”
“No, I want to wait until the time is right,” Selene replied.
She moved her face closer to his as their lips pressed gently together. The soft, passionate intimacy slowly erupted into flames of desire as they gently placed themselves upon the floor, yearning for one another.