Unwanted Obligation (Lissa x Allatu)

[Lissa]

Were you given the choice to be born? Probably not. They certainly never were. Who are they? They are beings created in the image of ourselves, humanoids. Except they possess something that is quite spectacular that you and I can never possess. A simple term of who they are, are familiars to a lord or lady. A servant, slave, if you will. They live to serve and serve until their last breath. No no, not like a horse or cattle! These are more complex beings. Considered like an extension of one's weapon.

The world was never a safe and beautiful place to live at all times. Darkness resides and haunts the happiness of peace and its grace. It's jealous of the attention and adoration, disgusted by it all.

Yes, yes now we are on the right track. These familiar-like weapons assist lords and ladies on an endless list of tasks. Most of which is of course combat. When one is granted the right to a familiar they are given a living being. The knowledge behind familiars is limited to understanding the connection and use they have to their human commanders. Our ancestors practiced sharing an existence, companionship with these beings that they alone devised. It is like an ancient tradition practiced with out knowing how it came about, and, unsettles many people. Having a life linked to your own and at your command until the death of you both is kind of unsettling. Maybe it is even wrong? Why should one have dominion over themselves and then another? Is it right? Our ancestors left no clue about right or wrong, only a tradition when one was called to war.

Many chose to become warriors and warriors readily accepted the extra means of combatants at their side. It also meant a forever loyal companion to aid them in an effort. At least---that was most situations, an anomaly familiar here and there have existed.

It is unfortunate that familiars were devised for war and little else. Of course they have the ability to function as anything but a warrior, but, with the magical and deathly power built into their special beings they are hardly looked on as a scholar, lord or lady to rule a patch of land and some people lesser than themselves. Slaves with a purpose, you could say.



“Come my lord, it is time.” A man draped in a layer or two of light orange robes said as he tried to coax the heir in his direction. “You have no choice, I'm afraid.” He added lightly. “Please, come.” With his last motion of a boney hand he had the young man at the door and proceeding through it and into the room that would deliver him with a sight reserved for those designated a warrior of the kingdom and crown.

The room was simple, wooden walls and floors with stone built in around elongated pods full of liquid. Floating in the clear liquid were figures of males and females. Their eyes were closed and they wore no expression on their sleeping faces. None of them knew the fate that awaited their births onto the cool stone around the organic pods they slept in.

The older man dressed in orange guided the young prince around the room until he came to a single pod that seemed to have been forgotten. The organic matter around the edges had collected dust and seemed as if the keepers themselves had neglected checking in on this familiar and assigning her a commander. The older man took a swallow. “Your highness, this familiar has been overlooked on too many occasions. She's been residing in our dwelling for nearly fifty years. Something suggests that the correct lord or lady had never come around to select her as their own. And who else but you to take her and find the potential I know she has to posses. It never occurred to me to give her to anyone but you my lord, no one at all.”

Floating in the liquid was a naked feminine figure. In the water her black hair looked tinged with the water, not vibrant and elegant like it might have out of the water. Her eyes were closed shut, unwilling to lend a view into their color or personality.

In the older man's hands rested a large dagger crafted for breaking the tender portion of the see through pod. He lifted his hands up and presented it to the prince. “Give her life and your companionship, my lord.”

Prince Alistar was fueled with anger after speaking to his father. The muscular prince was one for books and leisure. He took solace in knowledge and believed that peace was the true way of life. Unfortunately, his father did not share his sentiments. He was to defend his kingdom until his dying breath. A fate that acted as an invisible dagger that pierced his heart.

When the conversation with his father had ended, the good looking prince was presented to an elder gentleman in orange robes. A unique little fellow that intrigued the prince enough to put his frustrations aside. 'You have no choice, I'm afraid.' Alistar felt the rage swell within him again but he decided to follow. Each step sending a pulse through his strong, lean build.

With a deep breath, he followed the old man into a room filled with something he had never seen before. A room filled with strange organic pods that held what appeared to be humans within. He had heard stories of familiars but he had never bared witness to one personally. The room made the young male uneasy but still he pushed on.

Before long, they approached a deserted pod. It was filthy with dust and inside held a beautiful woman with sleek black hair. He was raised with manners, so he kept his eyes away from her feminine curves and focused on the slumbering face. The old man spoke her purpose and he shook his head. "This is ridiculous, old man! I am no fighter. Certainly there is someone better to care for this creature." He said with a pleading expression.

In response to his attempt at reason, the old man held out a simple dagger. It caused the prince to swallow hard. Carefully, the man held out the dagger. His words making his unsettled stomach knot a little more. 'Give her life and companionship'. He repeated internally. "I.. " He started. The prince felt helpless which only enraged him further. "Bloody hell.." He spat before taking the dagger from the old man's hands.

"Gods above protect me..." He whispered before changing his grip on the dagger and taking a step forward. His heart was racing as he looked at the organic chamber before him. Alistar's life was to be one of peace and everything was unraveling. He was to join a war he didn't believe in. To bring life to a creature that was created to better him in a battle he did not want.

Slowly, he brought the blade up and ran it down the fragile wall of the chamber. Liquids spilled out until the woman fell into his arms. "I give you life, Familiar. Open your eyes and speak your name." He said in a noble voice. His practiced indifference faltering to his unhappiness of his situation.

[Allatu Dagon]

How long had she been dreaming? That smooth rhythm she received from the fluid she had resided in for so many years had disappeared and something of an odd, smooth texture—several textures, was touching her. The feels were so alien to anything she had experienced in her pods gestation.

Her eyes remained closed as she remained still against the anomaly that held her up right. When he spoke and asked that she name herself, deep green orbs broke black wet lashes and allowed her to view the man assisting her in remaining upright. He asked that she give him a name, her name. “Enya.”

The older man let out a sigh of relief as he heard the familiar's voice. He was almost afraid she would be a still born familiar and the shame he would have received for giving their prince a useless familiar . . . so much shame. “Good, good.” The man cooed as he walked up to them with a small light blue robe. “Cover her up in this and lets carry her into the preparation room.”

Enya was hoisted up into her commanding lords arms and carried carefully into another room where she was then laid out on a table and aided in slipping the robe on for the time being. A warm liquid was brought in and the cloth dipped in it, then applied to her skin to clean away additional residue from the pods liquids. Enya was cleaned and dried off shortly after. The robe was reapplied and the old man was quickly at her side sliding one shoulder off of her bare skin.

“I'm going to mark her with the royal seal, as she is your familiar my lord. You'll be receiving the same thing so that it is know that she is yours, and you are hers.” The elder man said as he brought over a thin device and began etching the design into the familiar's skin. She flinched and even let out many gasps, hisses and sobs as the flesh was broken and the ink forced into it. Enya looked away from the old man at his task and instead stared at the commanding lord that she was being given to, wondering what all of this really meant. In her gaze there was no hate or accusation that it was his fault she was being tattooed with his symbol. All that she had in her eyes, should he see it, was question for the situation and why she felt drawn into an alien world. Her purpose in it, to him, to them, was lost to her.

Few words were spoken as she traded places with the commanding lord. He was a lot more able to manage the device digging into his skin than she had been. When the elder man finished he released the pair but with instruction to take her to where she would reside and allow her rest and a few moments of explanation from her commanding lord. “Make sure you discuss the important details with her my lord . . . it's vital.”

[Lissa]

Alistar watched as the female familiar slowly opened her eyes. Those deep green innocent eyes. For some reason, her innocence only aggravated him further. It made her real and thus, his situation was as well. Still, the gentleman in him wouldn't permit him to just set her down and leave her. Instead, he waited.

The woman's voice was soft and fragile. Her name was one of beauty but it gave him little comfort. It didn't matter if she was the fairest woman in all the kingdoms. She was a familiar. Even worse, she was his. Due to reasons beyond his comprehending, he had been given this woman to protect him. How a woman would be of any use in combat was still baffling to him.

His thoughts became interrupted as the old man beside him sighed. The prince looked up at the old man with narrowed eyes. He didn't appreciate being commanded to do anything but nothing about this situation was in its proper place. With a small growl erupting from his chest, he adjusted the woman in his arms so that he could grab the robe. When he had it firm in his grasp, he lifted the woman up.

Alistar carried Enya with both arms with little effort. He followed the old man with anger filled eyes as he allowed himself to remember his father's words only an hour before. Carefully, the prince set the woman down on the table. He wanted nothing to do with this creature but he no longer had that option.

He took the robe with his other hand so that he was holding it up and then draped it tentatively over the woman. His deep chocolate eyes meeting hers for a moment before stepping back and letting the old man do what needed to be done. Normally he would be fascinated by how things worked. The prince loved learning but at this moment, he was preoccupied by his own inner thoughts.

The prince watched absentmindedly at the procedures to clean and prepare her. It wasn't until the old man spoke that Alistar looked refocused to his surroundings. "Very well." he said plainly although his tone betrayed his feelings of displeasure. As the man began to dig into her flesh to brand her, he saw the pain in her eyes. The sobs only adding to his frustrations.

She could barely handle being branded. How in the hell was she to protect him from the danger that was coming? 'This is preposterous..' he thought angrily. That's when she looked at him. Her gaze breaking through his rage and again showing her true innocence. Unable to deal with it right now, he turned away and let his eyes focus on other things.

When the old man signaled it was his turn, the prince sighed and turned back around before taking the woman's place on the table. His feet dangled off the side unceremoniously as he undid some of the lacing in his vestments. He only removed enough to display his bicep and looked up at the old man. "Just be done with it." He said to show that he just wanted it done quickly. There was no point in sparing him pains and postponing the inevitable.

When the elder man was done, Alistar lifted his shirt back to it's proper placement and fixed the lacing. He listened to the man's instructions and gave him an incredulous look. "How in the bloody hell am I to explain things to her when I don't even understand?" he spat before shaking his head. "Forget it. I'll take care of it."

He stood up from the table and looked at the girl before him. "Follow me." the prince said in a frustrated command. In long strides, he lead her to his bedroom where his father had the servants add a secondary bed for his newest companion. "This will be your bed." The dark haired noble said while pointing to it.

"You were created to be my guardian. We are to go to war with the enemies of my kingdom and fight for the freedom of the people. Rest well for I am imagining the luxury will be rare in the near future. Is there anything you wish to know before you sleep?" The prince's tone started with frustration. When he reached his offer to answer her questions, his tone had softened slightly in a strained attempt to not frighten her.

[Lissa]

The familiar stood in front of the object looking at it curiously before the dark eyed human male. She had barely been 'alive' for an hour or more and she already had learned hostility and frustration from him. A first impression she figured needed to be disregarded for later when he had it within him to be less upset. “You're upset with me.” Enya stated plainly. “It would be nice to know your name, my lord.” She replied respectfully.

The prince sighed as he sat down on the edge of his own bed. "I am not upset with you, newborn. I am upset with the situation. Your birth merely stings the open wound." He ran his hand through his short hair, a motion he did frequently when in thought. "My name is Prince Alistar." He said with a noble bow of his head.

Enya eyed the human male now labled with the name Alistar. He had a title of importance and authority. “What situation?” She asked quietly as she took a few steps closer to him so that she did not have to speak up. “The war you spoke of?” Enya asked, possibly answering her own question. “Why did it start, Alistar?” Her green eyes asked him with the authentic desire to know why.

Alistar looked at the familiar. It was obvious she was only trying to piece together the world she had been born into. He let his brown eyes look up at the soft spoken woman. Such innocence and purity. It was a shame she was only born to enter danger. "Yes, Enya. The war." He said with disdain. With another deep sigh, he looked into those piercing and inquisitive green eyes. "My father did not say. He only spoke ill of the queen that ruled our enemy. She is wanting to take control over our people and lead them into a time of darkness. Should she succeed, my kingdom will be nothing more than a ruin."

It was obvious that his words pained him deeply. The prince did not wish for his people to be harmed but he was not prepared for a life of battle. He was a scholar first and the thought of raising his sword to another left him anguished. Again, the rage began to bubble within him. He let his eyes fall away from hers and to his hands. With those hands, he was to kill.

Enya closed the gap when she saw him disappearing into whatever element that was upsetting him and silencing his speech to her. He had told her enough to understand what was going on to a degree. The cause for war was proper, defense for the defenseless and innocent. The familiar brought her cool hands up to his face and drew it up from its sulking-like bow. Her green orbs stared at him in earnest. “I cannot begin to fathom what this woman is like, or what her plans entitle to the defenseless. But it seems to sound like we have a means to prevent that.” She said with slight confidence. “Why don't you have the inspiration and defense that a leader of his people should?” Her eyes fell into a half lidded stare, narrowed to look at him in a relaxed manner. She did not understand his mannerisms or what irked him. There would be the need to find out until it upset him, she figured.

Enya’s approach was slow and steady but it still surprised the prince who was so lost in his thoughts. Her cool hands made him look up at her with sincere sadness. He was unable to hide his pain from such a pure soul. Alistar felt angry for what path his father had laid before him. He felt irritated that a woman was given to protect him. Most of all, he felt guilty for having to bring this beautiful and pure soul into the darkness that lie ahead.

He swallowed hard as she spoke softly but confidently. It was unusual for a woman to be so bold with a prince but she didn’t know any better. He brought his hands up to hers and looked deeply into her eyes. “I do not take pride or inspiration from the death of another. Such things are barbaric.” Hesitantly, Alistar lifted her hands from his face and stood up.

“I know you mean well, Enya, but do not approach me in this way again. A prince is not to be touched unless it is by a mate.” He said with a stern but gentle look. “Now rest. We will be leaving at dawn.”

She never meant that he should take pride in deaths. It seemed she had no skill with the human tongue. Was it barbaric to preserve life? The angle he came at in this situation of war was foreign to her and she did not understand. “Even friendship should be allowed some kind of reassurance.” Enya replied softly as she turned around and went to the odd shaped furniture that she had been directed to rest on.

The familiar laid down on the soft design and made herself comfortable, her face staring at the smooth cut stone of the wall. She had had enough sorrow for her first day alive. Whatever further troubled him would reveal itself in time, she would hopefully understand better by then.

Alistar nodded slightly. “You are quite right, newborn.” He watched as she rested down on the bed. Her slender form teasing him with her innocence. He turned away and walked over to his window. He let his hands rest on the window sill while looking out to the coming night.

His head hung in his anguish. How could his father expect him to go to war? The king had never had to lift his sword. Their kingdom was peaceful by nature and never required a stern hand. This queen is forcing him to betray his beliefs and that alone made him vengeful. He stared out until the night sky for hours. The sounds of his familiar sleeping bringing him minor comfort.

“Gods above.. please forgive what I must do.” He whispered before tearing his eyes away from the window and to his bed. This would be his last night of luxury for a while. To enjoy his handcrafted bed that cradled him since he was young. He removed his princely vestments until he only remained in his undercloths.

Slipping into his sheets, he let out a relaxed breath. Sleep did not come easy to him on this night. His dreams troubled him as they went through the scenarios of the future. Each more grim than the last. Eventually, the morning was upon them and it was time to leave the comfort of his home. He was to travel to the west and seek out his enemies.

With hesitation, he rose from his bed where servants awaited with his armor. It was something he had never experienced before. Usually during his dueling lessons, he was bare chested. Now, he needed to wear the gear of his knights. The only thing that made him stand out amongst them was a red cape that was attached to his armor. When he was done being dressed, he moved over to his familiar and knelt down. “Rise, Enya. It is time.”

Her back had remained turned to her human male all night long. Had she slept in her new accommodations well she was unsure. The fullness of a good rest was different in the human's versions of a pod.

Summoned by the human she slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position and looked over at him for a moment before she inched herself off the bed and stood up per his orders. Drowsy green eyes looked at him with little interest or opinion on the matter of having been woken sooner than her body might have appreciated.

He gave her an understanding gaze. “You may rest your eyes when we travel. There is a week’s ride ahead of us.” He feigned a smile to ease her discomfort before nodding to his servants. “They will be placing armor on you.” He said in a softer tone than the night before. He had settled in the night and no longer let his rage control his voice.

“I need you to listen to me closely, newborn. We are blood bonded. Should you die, I will feel your anguish and follow shortly after. My life is in your hands as much as yours is in mine. Take heed and do not hesitate to strike if either of us are in danger. Do you understand, Enya?” As he spoke, he looked deep into her eyes. His expression was serious but softer than the previous night.

“I understand what you say.” Enya replied softly. She was unsure he wished to hear what felt evident in her heart. The action she was to commit for defense, she had no knowledge of it or the know how to do such a thing.

Clothing was applied to her body shortly after her words with her commanding lord. Then a kind of armor suiting her build was applied on top of it. The familiar followed her lord out of the chamber room and down the halls of the castle.

Exiting the castle and to a large collection of men adorned similar to herself and her lord presented Enya with a greater idea of this war and what he spoke of. The lives he was concerned with letting die and drawing no confidence from that. Her green eyes sought out the human man's face as he spoke to those around him and then quickly ushered her inside a carriage and bade her to fall into slumber again if she could.

“Good.” He said before backing away and allowing the servants to adorn her in armor. His eyes looked her over silently until they were completed and gave him a respectful bow. When they took their leave, he took a step forward and ran his fingers over the armor to make sure it was all attached properly. Satisfied he gave her a small nod.

“It is time. Follow closely, Enya.” He said before leading his familiar through the halls of his home. Each step filling his heart with heavy dread. As they made their way out of the castle doors, they were greeted by a group of armored men; his knights.

“My knights. I thank thee for your commitment and guidance during these hard times. I will depend on thee to keep us safe in the months to come. Let us bring this war to an end swiftly with as little bloodshed as possible. Our victory isn’t from death or dishonor but of the tranquility that will follow in its wake.” He said in noble confidence. Alistar’s tone was clear and determined. His small speech creating cheers among his men.

He put his hand lightly on Enya’s back and guided her to the carriage. “The travels will be long and uneventful, gods willing. I have had my men create a bed for you here. Rest when and if you can. I need you at full strength when the situation calls for it.” He put his hands on her hips and lifted her up into the carriage.

When he was sure she was taken care of, he walked over to his horse that one of his knights held still. Wrapping his leg over the beast he called, “Let’s be off!” Although he sounded sure, his heart was racing with fear. He did well in hiding it though as the group took off down the designated path. Amongst them were rangers that were known for tracking and fighters to guard the Prince and his familiar.

A few days went by that were completely uneventful. They would press on as far as they could each day and camp at night. Food was rationed to handle the long duration of their trip. It was far from the luxuries he had grown used to and it only stirred his angst about the mission at hand.

On the fourth night, the prince had decided to take one of the watches due to insomnia. With his sword sheathed at his hip, he sat on a stump just outside their camp and took watch with a few others. It was quiet and he had begun to be lost within his thoughts when he heard the sounds of leaves rustling. “Friend or Foe? Speak quickly or I will carve out your tongue!” Called a knight who must have heard the sound as well.

Alistar narrowed his eyes and looked out into the brush before an arrow zipped past his eyes. “We are under attack! All men at the ready!” He commanded loudly as a group of the queen’s soldiers charged forth. The prince took out his sword and without hesitation, began to fight.

His movements were graceful and practiced. He dodged their swipes and as he did so, he let his sword snake behind the man’s legs and cut him behind the knees. His enemy dropped quickly only to reveal another directly behind. Alistar growled at his attacker and rolled on the ground to avoid a blow to his neck. With an immense battle cry, the prince was taking on two competitors at once.

---------- Post added at 08:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 AM ----------

Scuffling, scratching, howling and noises very unnatural to Enya's ears woke her from her slumber. Her green eyes grew wide quickly and began jumping from one direction to the next in an attempt to assess what all was going on.

When a noise sounded nearby she had only one assumption to what it could have been. Something had penetrated the flesh of a man, she now saw, and it had made the most gruesome sound she could have fathomed. Enya sat frozen where she had been sleeping as one of her commanding lords men ended the life of another. The familiar felt the eyes of the knight lock with hers in confirmation that she was alive and alright. “Find him, familiar.” Was all that he said to her and darted off into the night.

With the unofficial command she drew herself up and cautiously began wandering around the camp site searching for Alistar. Each man fighting, hiding or lurking startled her and she found herself feeling useless. The confrontation that these men were quite skilled at . . . she had no such knowledge. The concept of defense was understood, but, how she herself did it was not grasped.

Dark green eyes grew wide and almost petrified when she caught Alistar in the most elegant motion she had seen that night. The arcs, strikes, evades, the physical movement of his art of defense had captivated the familiar. She envied his execution and ability. If that was the defense that he had spoken to her the night before, then, she had already failed him.

He seemed to be lessening in his endurance and she could see the arcs, blocks and evades lessening in accuracy. A pair of hungry eyes stared at the act of the prince fighting against the dual assailants. Enya saw this and finding little instinct alive just yet, she sprinted in Alistar's direction and just in time was able to shove him out of the way of the drawn blade aimed at the prince's backside. The familiar landed on top of him, then rolled to the side. She remained still for a moment before the one that had sought out Alistar's backside had reassessed his interests and came after her instead.

Enya scooted away from the man on fours as he pursued her. Even if it had not been as elegant and well executed as her lordships, she had at least deflected him from his life being stolen. Now it had only turned and she was faced with the weapon wielding man interested in her own death.

Alistar fought with all of his might. All of his sword training hardly prepared him for what he was currently facing. Never before had he had to fight two at once. The odds were not in his favor but he pressed on knowing that his failures would mean the lives of countless others. His eyes narrowed with determination as he fought gallantly.

The harder he fought, the more he felt his endurance fail him. His side had begun to sting and his breathing was heavy and near panting. Unfortunately, his aggressors didn’t back down. With weaker focus, he brought his attention to one of the attackers and managed to stab him in the side. The look of death made the pecimist freeze with wide eyed horror. He had killed a man.

Before the thought could truly sink in, something, or someone, knocked him down to the dirt. On top of him was his familiar. He looked at the girl incredulously. Why in the world was she not casting something or fighting? What purpose would she have in making him collapse than if..

The realization that she had no abilities enraged him. Now, instead of having a protector he had to be one. He snarled at the thought under his breath until he saw what she had saved him from. An ugly brute riddled with battle scars. Alistar threw up his sword to block the man’s strike on the woman. As the man recovered from the prince’s actions, Alistar managed to stand up and start to attack.

He didn’t have time to be embarrassed or upset right now. He needed to neutralize the threat and bring back the tranquility of the night. With new energy, the prince’s artistic movements fell the brute with a swift swipe of his blade. Looking around he saw that his men had won this battle. His eyes then turned down at the woman. His fury now showing at full force. “As if my situation wasn’t bad enough, they gave me a useless familiar?!” He spat in rage.

Alistar’s brown eyes were cold and venomous as he walked away from her. It wasn’t her fault that she was a cripple to her kin. The thought that he was given such a creature from his father stabbed a dagger deep in the exhausted prince’s heart. Walking away into his tent, he let all of his emotions come out in the privacy of the cloth. Tears streaked his tan cheeks at the knowledge that he was now a murderer. The blood from the battle still dripped from his sword and fingers. “Why?” he asked weakly while looking up at the sky. “What have I done to deserve such a fate?”

Enya found his tent and slowly parted the flap and peeked inside. His backside was at an angle to her, so he did not know who was peering in on him just yet. The familiar felt cowardice and not worthy of facing him after handing a heap of disappointment into his life . . . he was already so distraught. Enya swallowed the silence into her throat and stepped into the tent and closed its door. She cast her eyes on the floor and bowed her head in shame and disappointment in herself for him. “Alistar . . . I'm . . .” Enya fell to her knees and bowed her head, hair falling in front of her face. “I beg your forgiveness and a second chance.”

Alistar gave up on the gods and let his head fall. His body felt numb with sorrow as he brought his bloodied hands up to his face. The man fell apart. Silent sobs erupted from his sculpted chest. Being the prince and leader of his men gave him little ability to overcome his actions. Night would be the only time he could try to silence his ferociously beating heart and troubled mind.

His breathing had begun to finally steady when the sound of someone entering his tent made him quickly swipe his tears. The action left blood streaking his face. He kept his back turned as he attempted to calm himself should it be one of the men seeking his opinion. Instead, he heard the voice of a woman. It was meek and so full of shame that it made him want to break down all over again. As prince, he didn’t have the ability to do such things so he pushed his emotions on an invisible ledge.

Turning, he looked down at the woman before him. She was on her knees and graveling. The beast within him went silent for the briefest of moments as he stood watching her. His brown eyes full of rage filled compassion. “I do not blame you, Enya..” He said after minutes of silence.

With a hard swallow he walked over to her and knelt down before her. “We’re blood bonded. Nothing we can do or say will change that.” He lifted her chin gently and looked deep into her innocent green eyes. “You are no longer my familiar, but my ward. Like everyone else from my kingdom, I shall protect you.” His words were true and gentle before he let his hand fall. The prince stood then with a sigh.

“This war is no place for a woman. I would send you back to the kingdom to live out your days but I don’t forsee that as being appropriate. I need you to stay by my side and keep your inabilities secret. The last thing we need is the men to think you are useless. Can you do that, ward?” Alistar looked at the woman in shame. Why would the gods give him a crippled familiar? What humor could they possibly find from his despair? To be given such a creature is one of the largest shames bestowed upon a warrior.

Enya's body flushed when he touched her chin and brought it up. His words after were kind and meant to remove any kind of sadness or continuing shame she might have possessed, but, instead dug the dagger even deeper than it had already been. Enya was hardly relieved. She did not feel redeemed or given a second chance in any way. All she felt was shame and then the order to keep it between the two of them. Enya could only comply. “Yes, my lord.” She replied sadly.

With out a word she left the tent and returned shortly with a bucket of water that had been warmed by the fireside. Enya averted her eyes from his own as she removed his bloodied, torn clothing and stripped him. “I understand that this exceeds friendship and service as a familiar, but I'm afraid I'm going to do it for you. I know you won't do it yourself.” The familiar said quietly as she worked and brought the cloth over his wound and cleaned around it firstly.

Her work was gentle and considerate. She said nothing as she checked every inch of him and made sure that it had been tended and ridden of blood or grime. Enya then dried him off and found sleeping garments for him. After seeing him dressed she ducked out of the tent with out a word and then returned with his meal portion and a nearly overflowing cup of mead. Enya offered it to him until he accepted and began to eat it. It was the least a useless familiar could do for her lordship.

Once she noticed he had taken interest in his meal she slid out of the tent once more, but did not return with anything or at all. Enya walked out of the camp, past the perimeter that had been marked safe by his men and kept walking. Just being in his presence beat her esteem and self worth down tremendously. How he even had it in him to be so kind and forgiving to her left her speechless. She was not deserving of someone like that, not after having failed him when he truly needed her.

Enya stalked out into the forest until she heard the near by river the men had gathered the water from and headed towards it until she found a tree near by the waters edge. She sat herself against the tree and drew her legs up against her body. The famliar's chin rested on her knees while dim green eyes stared into the water and its reflections of the moon light that did splash over it. “I'm so sorry Alistar.” Enya whispered to the water.

The familiar laid her head against her knees and closed her eyes. At least out in the forest she felt comforted by the trees. They did not judge nor seek shame or brilliance from her, only that she was there and alive. She would spend her night within the company of the trees, not locked up in a tent drowning in the self pity and sorrow she was wishing to swim out of.

Alistar gave her a small nod as she confirmed his request. He then watched as she walked away in silence. When alone in his tent once again, the prince sat down. His mind had been so consumed with everything else that he finally noticed his bloodied hands and the fact that they were trembling. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath before setting his shaken palms onto his knees.

His eyes opened after a little while to see Enya returning with water. His eyebrow raised at the woman in curiosity. What was she planning with such an item? The woman was beyond unique in her movements as she reached out and carefully undressed him of his armor and clothing.

His lean upper body was revealed as she innocently undressed him. Her eyes averting his revealed form. Such innocence while being intimate aroused him. The shame of his body’s natural reaction to such tenderness was apparent as he stood up and allowed her to continue.

The sound of her voice only added to his shame before she lowered herself to remove his pants. He closed his eyes to avoid seeing her reaction to his awakened member. It didn’t seem to phase the beautiful familiar for she began to dab him clean with her cloth and water. His breathing was slow as he reminded himself that she was unaware of the sensual actions.

He didn’t flinch as she cleaned a wound that he didn’t even know that he had. His muscles and sinew tensed as his body betrayed him. Every innocent dabble only increasing his shameful lust. Luckily, she had completed her task and dressed him in clothing for bed. The prince wanted to show his gratitude for her compassion but he was silenced.

She left again only to return with food and drink. Had he not been so deep in despair, he would have smiled but instead he spoke a quiet “Thank you” to her attempts to please him. He accepted the meal and mead and sat down to enjoy it fully. It wasn’t anything compared to what he had at the castle but it soothed his stomach and calmed the beast within.

His eyes only looked up from his food when he heard the flap of his tent once again. Enya had taken her leave for the final time of the night. He listened for a moment to try and tell if all was calm outside. Satisfied, he continued his meal and allowed himself to wallow in his sorrows. He took in a deep, heavy breath before setting his empty plate and mug aside. He then walked over to his elevated bedroll and fell asleep to silent tears.

Morning came swiftly and Alistar had set aside his griefs for the time being. He got suited back into his armor and came out of his tent. Shortly after doing so, one of the knights took it down while everyone else prepared for another day of travel. Alistar looked around for his ward to find that she was nowhere in sight. “Where is my familiar?” He asked firmly to any in ear shot.

“She had moved over to the stream, m’lord. She seemed troubled.” A knight responded plainly. He could tell that his words would only add to the irritated Prince’s frustrations.

“Very well. Get everyone prepared to move. I shall go retrieve her.” Alistar said in a regal tone. He then made his way through the tree line until he spotted the beautiful girl sleeping soundly by the tree. Memories of the night before flooded his mind and he blushed for a moment. Hopefully, she wouldn’t hold it against him.

The prince approached his ward carefully. “Enya... It is time to rise. We must begin a new day.” He said gently, not wanting to frighten the girl. His hand still trembled from his act of murder the prior night. Something told Alistar that the trembling was there to stay until he became numb to the thought of killing another.

Enya opened her eyes slowly as her neck lifted itself from the position it had rested in all night. The familiar looked up at her lord sleepily for a few moments before she stood up and began to fully wake herself. She simply nodded her head and followed him silently back to the camp.

As the woman woke herself, he tried to maintain a semi-friendly appearance. His heart was still heavy but he had saddened her enough. She was new to this world and already the only thing she had seen of him was anger and pain. He needed her to see the good in the world too; even if he couldn’t see it at the moment.

Seeing her nod, he turned and began to walk back to where they had camped. Most of the tents were packed and ready with only one remaining. They carriage was left half open for his familiar to rest should she need to. Alistar helped her get settled in and then leaped up onto his horse. “Keep your eyes open and your swords ready, men. We have already come across one scouting party. I can only imagine more battles lie ahead.”

Alistar gave his horse a small kick to the side to get it to begin moving. He then lead the party forward in a steady but fast pace. They were only two days away from their destination. The place where his army awaited for him to arrive and command them. The thought of being the voice of thousands left him uncomfortable but it wasn’t a choice anymore.

The prince wasn’t even quite sure what would be waiting for him when he arrived. Would they give him a large royal tent with the luxuries of his past? Or would he be stuck in some meager way of living and praying for refuge. Either way, he would have to deal with it. Alistar was always dealing with what he was given. No point in arguing with a king.

“My lord! It is an honor to see you on the field with us.” Captain Talyu said with a large smile on his lips. He retracted his hand from the shake and then saluted. “Please come this way.” He said directing them down the center of the campsite. “I hope that the camps inspire and please you my lord. We've taken few casualties so far and have a solid plan intended to repel that bitch's forces from or bordering lands.” He said with the utmost confidence.

Talyu guided them to the very last tent at the end of the row and allowed his prince and his female companion to enter. “Have a seat.” He said gesturing to the seats. The captain then seated himself and made himself comfortable before looking over to the prince and his companion. “Your trip, was it alright?”

As they approached the camp, they were greeted quickly by the army captain who had been leading the men so far. Alistar found his smile highly inappropriate given the situation but he felt the need to be civil. The prince raised an eyebrow to the offering of the captain’s hand. It must have been noticed for the gentleman saluted instead. With a small nod, he dismissed the salute and got off of his horse.

The Captain’s words were common for a man of his standing. Warriors were known for their crude tongue and unless it was used against him, the prince permitted the speech. “It all looks in good order, Captain. Let us pray the casualties remain low.” He said in his political tone while they walked.

Alistar allowed his eyes to peruse the tents and men that he passed. All were a sad reminder of where they were but it seemed as though they made a home of it. That brought him some minor peace from his unhappiness. He brought his eyes forward to see their destination. The tent was slightly larger than the rest. It was fitting for a Captain but not a royal.

Stepping inside, Alistar tried to hide his disgust at being commanded to sit. He knew the man meant nothing by it but it still offended the prince. “It was quiet all but one night. The Queen had sent a scouting party to fetch us. The only casualties were on their side.” The prince said plainly in hopes of hiding his inner afflictions. “Captain, may I introduce my familiar, Enya.” he said as he motioned to the beautiful woman beside him.

---------- Post added at 08:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------

The familiar looked up at the captain from the angle her head rested at. She gave him a slight nod of her head. Words seemed pointless and undoing of her with little to speak for. No skill, no reason to have a voice in a world dominated by men that fought hard and well.

“Ah, greetings Enya. I pray you tend to your lord well then.” Taylu murmured. The captain received a nod from his familiar and took little from the lack of words in defense of her service to him.

Enya phased out of listening to the rest of the gibberish of the captain that spoke to them. His words were meant for Alistar anyway, not her. Whenever he was finished she could not be more thankful than she thought she was. The two were quickly guided to their tent and given time to sit, rest and wash up before they were brought their dinner.

She ate in silence brooding over minuet things while she figured Alistar was managing a novel or two of details, information, feelings and his opinions on the matter. Enya wanted to say something to him and attempt to draw his mind away from it all for but a second or two. Though what would she say to him? She reminded herself that her words were probably pointless and held no true air to them, not like his did. Why would anyone wish to listen to something rather useless? Something only alive because its master was merciful, kind and too generous to its existence. Enya's eyes dimmed a little as she thought about her own self description through his eyes. He had think nothing but disappointment when it came to her.

Night time flip flopped into the sky quicker than Enya had figured it would. With an event lacking day having gone by she had thought the night would have crept up slower than it did. Enya cleaned up the tent of its dishes and set them outside the tent, then readied her lords bed and placed his items in their proper resting place. She pulled the covers back and then covered him up once he was resting on the bed. Enya gave a slight nod of a bow before she ducked out of the tent and stood in the cool night. There was no summoning of her back into the tent and leaving without a single word from her lips. She had done well and not said a word to him all evening. Hopefully he had enjoyed her silence and been able to concentrate on the tasks at hand. Enya bowed her head a little and closed her eyes. “I'm sorry Alistar. I really am.” She whispered.

The familiar began walking through the camp observing the men as they settled down for the night. Many made inappropriate gestures towards her, trying to coax her to join them. Enya made quick work of her feet and guided herself away from them before their drunken steps had time to catch up to her sober, flighty ones.

Humans were unique. She would give them that much. As much as she looked like one of them, she did not feel like one of them in any way. Much of nature spoke to her like a human spoke to another human. Enya almost felt alone if she was not near organic creations. Admittedly humans stifled her a little, often really. Even if it had not crossed Alistar's mind . . . she felt very alone. Simply having the company of humans around did not make one feel comforted or content.

She eyed the sky for but a moment before she heard the snort and grunt of a horse nearby. Enya's gaze shifted from the night sky to the animal that watched her with slight interest. The familiar's orbs flickered from the animal to the male humans nearby. None of them were paying her any mind. She took the cloak of their overlooking attention and crept over to the animal. He lifted his head and watched her as she fiddled with the rope that had tethered him to the makeshift post.

Once Enya had freed the animal from its post she threw herself up on its bare back and quietly guided it out of the camps borders. That night she felt stranger than she had after having been birthed. There were little words to describe the disgruntled feeling that kept itching at her mind and body. Something inside of her ushered her to leave the company of the human males and seek another something and do something about it. Or was it simply that something was calling her out to a purpose? Enya had been boggled all day as to what it was that kept nagging at here. Something ushering her into solace that night.

Finally taking the urge to leave and be separated from the human males she let the feeling guide her several miles before she was presented with a field of dancing lights. Enya felt herself trying to speak verbally to the animal. All that came out were moans and gurgled failed attempts at speaking.

She was looking at her lord’s enemy. Enya was dumbfounded with herself. How had she found them . . . .all the way out here? Did Alistar's captain know of the enemy's exact location? Enya felt something in her stir and edge her closer and closer to the encampment. Her dark green eyes glanced down at the animal as she felt his neck crane and him look up at her. “You think I should?” She murmured to him. The pitch black horse nodded his head with a slow bow. “Are you sure?” Enya was doubting the action greatly, despite the equine suggesting it was a great course of action.

Enya shoved away her doubt and focused on the horse's approval of infiltrating the camp. She dismounted him and started creeping forward into the boundaries. The animal followed her slowly, her only companion in that hour.

Slowly, inch by inch, foot by foot the familiar woman made her way into the camp of her enemy. She did not even know their actual name, come to think of it. Knowledge of proper referral had kind of disappeared when she allowed the information from the captain to pass through both of her ears. Perhaps an unwise choice, maybe. For here she was in the damn camp herself. Enya cringed when she realized she probably, yes, she should have listened. The man knew his profession and she was hardly an expert at creeping along tents and freezing when motion was detected or assumed.

Enya heard the horse following her every damn inch of the way too. “Shhh, just stay near . . here . . . or at least follow me after I've gone a good ten feet.” The familiar hissed under her breath. She saw the animal pause and utter a few grunts of annoyance at her paranoia. Enya glared at him even through the dark. “Don't start with me and just do it!” She saw the horse's head turn away from her to visually show his own personal annoyance. To think an animal of man had so much personality and opinion as its caretakers, Enya was slightly amused.

More bold and distance effective steps had the familiar able to make it a good third of the way into the camp. With the assistance of the camps men she found her way to the center, or as close to the center as she was sure could have been obtained, safely, and found a large bonfire lit. In all honesty the fire was a little over the top, and, from a war point it was illogical. These men felt too comfortable about a victory on land that were not their own. That arrogance frustrated Enya a little. To think that they thought lowly of her lordship’s men and aged fighters actually insulted her, despite her knowing her useless capabilities had already shamed the man. The familiar sighed. She needed to ship away her personal, hateful thoughts about herself for the time being. Focusing on the men passing in front of her fingertips was a little bit more important.

Enya poked her head around a pitched, empty, tent and caught sight of a half a dozen men dotting the large campfire. None of them seemed too eager to be grouped so that they could hear the other. She realized after a moment of observation that they were all grasping mugs and snoring here and there, drunk. Their slumber was in her favor, she figured. With that detail visually apparent she made a move between tents.

“What the hell . . . ?” A male voice muttered. Footsteps falling in the direction of the visual he caught.

Frozen in fear that he had seen her she did not take another step forward past the newest location she had chosen to migrate to. The man had seen her, she was sure of it. Where he had been to have been able to see her was a mystery to her. Enya had been sure she had seen all that there was to see around the campfire, she was sure! Yet this man had proved her wrong. The familiar cringed as she heard him walking up closer and closer to her. His footsteps mashing the grass and making rough noises as his leather boot scraped the bare patches of dirt that existed between grass clumps.

She remained perfectly still. He, sober unlike the rest, saw the figure mashed up against the tent and quickly grabbed the tunic neck and hauled her towards the campfire. “Figured I saw something. Didn't think I was drunk crazy like the rest of these worthless bastards. Nice catch, I have to say. Didn't think that females roamed these parts.” The man said as he bust out into a loud, rich laughter. His humor woke his slumbering companions as he tossed his find down into the richer soil that had been churned by constant traffic.

Enya looked up at the man with fear stricken eyes. Her look was enough to tell him he had found something worth his time. Either she was of random consequence or she was the enemy or . . . just a simple thief caught in the act of looting men. Simple as that, to him, maybe.

A fist fell to where she laid and roughly guided her face into his visual range. “Pretty thing.” He admitted out loud. “Wanna play?” The man grinned.

The familiar shook her head and made an quick and desperate effort to scoot herself away from the man that had drug her into visual identification. She was reigned back quite quickly and drawn into an embrace with hands groping at her breasts. “No no sweetie.” The man chuckled.

Enya fell limp as his hands began to roam and cheers echoed through the men present. She found herself numb for a moment. As if what little she had to concern her took those few seconds to filter through her brain and come to a conclusion. The bastard had to die.

She had a feeling rushing through her that was indescribable. The man began screaming and she had no reason to understand why. When he released her and fell the ground screaming bloody agony, Enya spun and eyed the man in flames. Her own figure was backing away directly into the fire with out knowing, though, even if she had known there was no physical recognition. The man was burning alive in a fire that would not cease. Enya had walked herself completely into the burning bonfire.

The figure of the familiar had been engulfed in it and all that took damage was the fabric she wore. Skin nor hair sizzled or hissed as it burned. She was completely unharmed.

“Witch! It's a witch!” The men howled as they tried to save their companion.

Enya's eyes grew wide and concerned as she looked down at herself and her centering in the bonfire. She stared at the man that continued to burn alive. Never had she thought or conceived that that would have happened from . . . what? The familiar was stupefied.

Men began gathering, circling the bonfire and quickly arming themselves. Word spread quickly and she only felt herself answer it properly. Her hands began coaxing the fire into her own being and into a circular motion which in turn fed the fires into a violent red, blue and green tornado created out of fire.

Mindlessly she guided the tornado through the men lined up ready to strike at the witch that had taken out a single man, lit him on fire by simple contact. Enya was engulfed in this feeling. Something about their demise felt so good, so right. The way she plowed through them all with the fire swirling in an angry, hateful manner. These men were falling in clouds of dust, running in directions they thought would save them. Ah she felt the energy burst within herself and the men that pressed close to her caught fire as well. They were all falling like moths to a flame, so fast, so quickly. Their pain irked her little.

As she soaked up the pleasure of the men coming at her and making worthless attempts at her life, the tornado of fire reeked havoc on the enemy and eradicated their campsite inch by inch. Tents were on fire, men were screaming for aid, assistance, back up and water. None such was going to save them from the tempest centered at the camp taking them out by ta fire they themselves had erected.

“Damn bastards.” Enya whispered as she stared at them all through the focused concentration she had given those that had come directly at her the last half an hour.

The enemy camp had been decimated, in total---on fire and quite utterly defeated with nearly three or four thousand dead men within the hour. Enya had taken the withdrawal of destruction oddly. Her body began to buzz with a numbness that left her wandering the borders of the burnt wood, a good three foot radius, before she felt her body collapse and her entire being give in. She curled up within the ashes of the fire naked and buzzed with a lingering effect of what she had just done. Something in her sang to her with praise. Promising her the destruction she had just permitted was right, it was damn well proper. The song of the praise warmed her and she felt something within her own familiar soul light up and smile. Maybe she had found it all within the desire to do what was right to her master.

How many lives had she just saved for her lord?

Alistar watched the lack of conversation that occurred after his introduction. Enya hadn’t spoken since the prince discovered her lack of.. well.. anything. She just tended to him like a servant would to make peace with her shortcomings. It was quite sweet of her and it hadn’t gone unnoticed by the busy minded prince.

Business began shortly after as the captain began to enlighten Alistar with their current projections of the war. The captain pointed at maps and spoke of battle stations that they had taken up. He spoke of their victories so far as well as their failures. He spoke of where they were planning to attack next and what to expect.

Alistar put in his input where he could and offered his opinions as he soaked in all the latest information. Being a learned man helped him follow along well for the most part. There were still a few items of war vocabulary that he had to ask clarification on. All in all, in the end, he felt confident in his understandings and where they were at.

When everything that needed saying was said, the captain lead the pair to their tent. Alistar st down on his bed with his head in his hands for a little while processing everything he had learned. It was hard keeping the facts straight but he had to do his best. His men were depending on him. He was almost surprised when food was brought to him. “Much obliged.” He said gently to the man that brought it.

The prince then looked at Enya. Still silent and deep in her thoughts. There was no doubt in his mind that she was beating herself up over something she had no control of. He sighed quietly and went back to focusing on his thoughts and his meal. She would speak again when she was ready. Until then, he had to focus on his own problems.

Before he realized it, night had fallen upon them. In the morning they were to seek out the enemy camp and eliminate them. The thought only reminded him of the night he had taken his first life. He could still see the blood on his hands even though they had been cleaned. His hands still trembled from the act but he did well in hiding it.

Staring down at his hands, he missed the quiet movements of his female companion. Without him even realizing it, she managed to clean up the tent and put things where he liked them. It almost surprised him how quickly she had caught on to his preferences. Just like before, she readied him to bed without words and even tucked him in when he laid down.

It made him sad to see her being so dutiful when she had no need to be. He could only hope she knew that. With a small smile in her direction, he closed his eyes and let himself fall asleep to the many thoughts, maps, and plans that floated around in his head. Before long, his mind shut off and allowed the dreams to take over.

The sound of birds, grunting men, and the chiming of swords woke the prince from his slumber. His eyes scanned the tent to discover Enya was nowhere to be found again. ‘She probably went to find a stream again..’ he mused before getting out of the bed and dressing himself in his armor. When he stepped outside he was greeted by the captain who was making final preparations before they charged into battle.

“Have you seen Enya?” The prince asked. His tone showing it was common for her to wander away during the night. After being told by many that they had not seen her, Alistar became genuinely concerned. ‘Please be safe..’ He thought with a heavy sigh. Just what he needed, even his ward left him abandoned. Could no one be counted upon?

After spending what time he could searching for his female companion, he finally came to terms that she had left him. It left him sad and enraged. With a snarl he gripped his horse’s reins forcefully making the creature huff in frustration. “Silence, beast.” He said venomously as he leaped up into the saddle. “Let’s get on with it, men.” The prince demanded.

Within a few minutes, the group was all on horseback and on their way to the enemy’s last known location. The ride took about two hours and as they approached, smoke was spiraling into the air. “What in the...” Alistar said puting his hand on his sword and charging into the embers of what remained. Remnants of burned bodies rested all over the ground. Tents were nothing but ash on the charred grass.

“Captain! Search for survivors.” Alistar said as he leaped down from his horse. The site before him was horrific and it made him nauseated. Although they were his enemies, it still pained him to see humans in this state. His eyes were wide as he searched the area.

The smell of charred meat and fire filled his nose and made him sick to his stomach. He swallowed down the vomit that was creeping into his mouth before he heard a call from behind him. “My lord! It’s your familiar!” The words made the prince stop dead in his tracks.

He turned swiftly and jogged over to the group of men that surrounded the woman. One was decent enough to cover her naked body with a blanket. “Enya!..” He cried. She looked so out of place amongst her surroundings. The prince knelt down beside the woman and gently ran his hands through her hair. “Enya.. can you hear me?” Not getting a response he casted narrowed eyes to a nearby knight. “Get her some damn clothes. We need to get her to a medic!” he commanded sternly.

The knight looked at his prince with surprise before quickly reacting and following the prince’s orders. He found cloak lying around and handed it to the prince. Alistar draped it over his ward with concern deep in his chocolate eyes, he then lifted the woman up into the air and carried her over to his horse. “We are going back to our camp. I want a party to search the area and find whatever is salvageable. When done, return to the encampment immediately. Am I understood?”

After getting various nods and words of understanding, he draped her limp body over the saddle before hopping up. He pulled her into his arms so that her back was resting against his chest and rode off back towards where they had come from. Alistar rode fast as he whispered into her ear. “You did good, child.” He kissed her head softly while keeping one arm firm around her waist so that she didn’t fall from the horse.

The ride back was troubling to Alistar. His familiar who he thought had abandoned him sat unconscious in his arms. Over night she went from being his ward to taking her proper place as his familiar. He felt proud of her and knew, at that moment, that they were going to be okay in the end of all this nonsense. She had restored his faith.

When he reached the encampment he very carefully got off of his horse and then took her back in his arms. The camp was silent as he was the first to arrive back and he carried the limp bodied woman into their tent. He laid her down on the bed and then went to find her sleeping robes. It felt odd to care for her the way she had been doing for him the past few days.

Carefully, he slipped on the night gown and removed the cloak she was wrapped in. Her body was as flawless as ever and it reminded him of the day she was born into his world. When he was done dressing her, he tucked her in and kissed her forehead. “Return to me, Enya..” He whispered before taking a seat on the floor beside her. There was nothing that would make him move until he could hear her sweet voice.

Enya twitched, her entire body made a sudden jerking movement as a voice familiar and complete with ownership resurrected the slumbering familiar. Emerald deep eyes broke their dark lashed seal and found the ownership of the voice. “I never left.” She replied in a soft, tired voice. Enya had not dreamt since the moment she had fallen into the odd slumber he had awoken her from. She had, she had only drifted in a time and place that had no name and or feel to humans. Almost as if she had entered a state that familiars only existed in and humans did not.

He nearly leaped at the sound of her voice. It was so soft and simple. He sat down on the edge of the bed and let his hand gently run through her beautiful hair. “I beg to differ.” the prince said in return with an honest grin. He let out a small sigh of relief as he looked down into her innocent eyes. “You gave me quite a fright this morning. I am proud of you, Enya. You did well last night.” He let his hand rest on the pillow beside her head as he leaned over her.

“I would like to submit a formal request that you do not wander off any more though. The gods only knew what harm could come to you.” His words were soft and gentle as he looked deep into her green eyes. It took him a moment to remember his standing and his smile dropped a little. He stood up and scratched the back of his neck. “You should rest.” He said thoughtfully in an attempt to hide his attraction.

A small frown appeared at her brows, though subtle, as she listened to him. He begged to differ? How so? Had she left? At that point in time Enya felt quite separated from the memory of leaving the tent and arriving back in it and in her lord’s company. Whatever it was he spoke of she had not caught onto just yet.

“Leave?” Enya mumbled as she watched his face and studied his eyes for further answers. “What harm?” She said now with a more apparent frown and hint of confusion. “I'm not too tired, Alistar. But what are you . . .referring to?”

He looked down at her and based on her questions and expressions, she was completely lost. Had her powers possessed her so much that she lost sight of herself? He frowned too and returned to sitting beside her on the bed. The prince was deep in thought how to explain for a brief moment.

“Last night, after you put me to bed, you left. I thought..” He stopped and turned his head away to hide some of his shame. “I thought you abandoned me..” The prince confessed quietly. With a heavy sigh he looked back at her. “I tried to look for you but finally gave up and lead the men to the enemy encampment. Everything was burned.. The tents were ash, the people were..” He felt himself get queasy again.

“It was horrible... and in the middle of all of it, was you. Unconscious and undressed..” He let his hand go back to her hair for a brief moment. “You were gone from this world for at least three hours, Enya.” His eyes showed his sadness before he pulled his hand away again. Letting his eyes focus on the hand, Alistar could see it was still trembling but more subtly.

Enya watched the odd mannerisms of her commanding lord. There was the feeling between them that made her understand what he truly felt had to have occurred. If anyone was correct it was him, and obviously not her . . at the moment.

The familiar brought her left hand out of the cover and touched the hand of her lordship. There was a gap she felt and needed him to bridge. When she felt his flesh some of it began to restore itself. He was correct. She had wandered.”I came to the camp. I found them. The black steed took me. He is my friend and I pray he is still alive and well, as I owe him much and my friendship . . .He grabbed me and the rest of my feeling clicked. I didn't allow it, I knew who they were and they all perished for it all. On the land of my lord I didn't allow them stand. There is more many miles away. Several lengths I do not know how to describe to you. They burned in penitence to the sin they were to committed to your people. I wasn't going to let them. I had allowed so much to fall at your feet prior to that night. And what would have happened to myself. I knew I had to destroy them. She's devious and deep Alistar. There are not words to describe what she has inspired them with. Your men would have died.” A series of tears broke free from the corner of her lashes. “You would have died.” Enya choked.

Alistar froze as her hand took his. He let out a small chuckle and placed his other hand on hers. The prince listened closely as she began to remember her actions. His eyes keeping locked with hers in the moment. Upon news that there was more, the prince frowned. Although Alistar was told about the queen, no one had managed to make him afraid of her like Enya was.

He gave her hand a squeeze as his eyes betrayed his inner thoughts. The prince was trying to keep himself in check but felt himself wanting to lash out. How had this come to be? How did a passive man with little thoughts of violence get filled with enough rage to want to kill? His brown eyes narrowed as his thoughts darkened but he saw the tears in her innocent eyes.

One of his hands let hers go and reached back up to touch her beautiful brown hair. “Hush now, dear one. I am safe and sound thanks to you. A debt that I will forever owe you.” He forced a smile on his lips before lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it gently.

Enya stared up at him. Some of her understood the adoration and appreciation she had just been bestowed. The rest of her felt unaware that he really understood the malice in the woman that drove the men she had obliterated. Yes it had been a few thousand and yes they had all died in glory of their own and hers too.

Words between humans spoken verbally were absolutely useless to her to explain what it was that was present in their future. Enya grasped his hand tightly until she felt his hearts pulse through his palm. It was then that she knew he would grasp it. “If you don't understand then you will all underestimate her potential. If you do that, Alistar I don't even know if I could save you from the damn woman. She's insane and plays from several fields within reality and beyond.” Her eyes wavered with several emotions and authentic worry. Enya was fully conscious now and with the contact, direct and so deep, of her lordship she was able to draw what she needed to piece the absence she did not recollect and that of which he did. “Alistar you have to understand the demon you will be fighting. If you wish to preserve the life you in yourself wish to fight for then please listen to me. And I don't mean verbally. I beg you listen to me within yourself. [i]LISTEN[/i[ to me Alistar. Deeper than words. If you can't, then at some point I know this war will be lost to you. I swear those very words. Listen to me, listen. Feel what I felt from the men I burned. Please . . . . when purity burns hell . . what do you think I feel?” Enya said in a voice that eventually faded as she too followed his mind as it raced to find what she had been feeling since the moment the enemy's hand violated her body.

Alistar was taken by surprise for her suddenly firm hold. Her green eyes stared deep within him and sent a chill down his spine. Enya’s words struck fear into the human prince’s heart. Even so, he still wasn’t giving her the type of focus she was demanding for she repetitively told him to listen. It was becoming frustrating to him so he closed his eyes.

With his eyes closed he noticed his breath had quickened. His heart was racing and pounding with ferocity. Tuning out the pulses he slowly began to visualize the truth. The queen would stop at nothing to reach her goal. She had summoned other-worldly creatures and promised them the souls of her army. Her power was beyond his wildest imagination and it left him feeling hopeless and afraid.

Then, he began to feel Enya’s surge of power and how she had dealt the hand of death to the queen’s men. He witnessed so much that tears escaped his shut eyes without his knowledge. There was no way to conceal the raw emotion that haunted his mind. Unable to take anymore, he took his hand away and opened his eyes in horror to the woman lying beside him.

“Enya... I..” He no longer felt the need to be strong before her. The bond they had just shared was powerful enough for him to know it was safe to show her his weakness. “I am terrified..” He confessed as he sobbed. How on earth was he to protect his people from such beings? When his father told him to go to war, none of this was part of it.

“I fear for my people... I fear for my kingdom.” He said looking up at her. Tears making his brown eyes sparkle in his despair. “How am I to protect them from things I don’t even understand?”

Without a second thought Enya sat up and her fingers were spread against his cheek and she forced him to lay back into the bed she too laid on. “You just do Alistar.” She said with a look that dug deeper into him than words and the look between a pair of human eyes, it was the gaze of a human and his familiar that he was now dealing with. “Try to understand that you are more than what you were before we were joined.” Enya said in a softer tone. “Two heads are better than one, aren't they?” The familiar said in a kind of elevated tone. “One never asked for the evolution in mind, spirit and physical to be instant. But it will happen, it will be required. If I didn’t tell you now, we might as well have handed our souls over to the woman.” Her eyes softened and a kind of emotion washed over the familiar. “Even if you don't follow all that I speak of do you at least understand some of it? I swear I don't babble. From what your own eyes witnessed and what I did in the name of you and your people I beg you believe me and fathom what I speak.”

The feeling of her hand on his cheek pulled him into bed beside her. He lied down on his side as tears continued to streak his cheeks. Her wisdom called to his heart. Her soft spoken words and gentle touch made his crying stop but he couldn’t look away from her. With her question, he nodded slightly. The prince was feeling like a child at the moment. The feeling made him angry at himself.

Alistar watched as her eyes softened and he fought the urge to caress her. “I believe you..” he said in a choked voice. Lying beside her in this intimate moment he reached up and touched her cheek. His touch was tender. “We can beat her..” he said in an attempt to convince himself.

The prince’s eyes looked as though he was waking up from a nightmare. “We need to send word to my father and let him know of what is happening... Maybe he can find mages that can break her connections with the other worlds?” He said in a stronger voice. Alistar’s mind began to spin with effort as he tried to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Enya smiled warmly. He saw, even if it was just the haze on top of the complete vision. Alistar saw enough to believe her and seek information and a means to an end. “Yes.” Enya murmured softly as her eyes fell into a half lidded gaze. “Of course we can, we will. Why else would I have waited fifty years for you, and only you.” The familiar said in a softer and softer tone as she fell alongside him. Her own figure resting comfortably next to his own which remained awake and watchful of the ever fading awareness of his familiar. She had expended all the energy and ability she had left in her. Whatever he had awakened was enough to share the message locked so tightly into her conscience and soul, he knew and would make sure that ends were met to defeat what she had seen through those she had killed.

He looked down at his companion with affection. Every move she made aroused him but he knew better than to act on it. Slowly, he noticed sleep beginning to capture her. To help it further, the prince let his hand rest on the nape of her neck and gently stroke her skin with his thumb. When she was finally asleep he gave her forehead a soft kiss. “Sleep well, my Enya.”

Alistar then got up from the bed to start making the necessary steps to stop the queen. He stepped out of the tent and pulled the nearest guard over to it. “Stay here and watch over her. Fetch me if she stirs.” He demanded only to receive a small nod.

Satisfied that his familiar was being cared for, he went on a hunt for the captain. It took him a few minutes but soon he stumbled upon the man. “Captain, Enya had bestowed a vision on me. The queen is playing dirty. I need you to send immediate word to my father and seek for his assistance. She is using magic and forbidden creatures to reach her end. We need to find a way to remove her ability to communicate with other worlds.”

The captain grinned up at the prince. “Oh really? You're quite serious about this aren't you? Don't think I'm mocking you, I want straight answer.” The captain said interested greatly. “And after the straight answer I truly do need that explanation so that I can convey the essence of what you're telling me, my lord.” He said with interest in his gaze.

The prince’s gaze narrowed at the fact that the captain dared question his order. “Do I look like I am joking, Captain? Do as you are commanded.” Alistar lowered himself so that he was eye level with the sitting captain. His eyes narrowed in annoyance that he needed to explain himself to such a man.

“The queen has summoned demons and spirits to assist her in battle. In payment for their loyalty, she is sacrificing her army. If you wish to survive the plague she is building, I would advise you learn your place quickly and do as you are told. Do not make me say it again.” His tone was firm, the nobility ringing true in each word. Should the man question him again, Alistar was prepared to do his worst. It took a lot for him to get to this point but the captain had offended more than one time and dared to question a command from his crown prince.

The mans head bobbed in several angles before he parted his lips. “Is that so.” He said in a tone that denoted no disbelief in his princelings words. “I never doubted you, I never denied you that I would accept your orders. I only asked for information that you had my lord. I'm afraid that if you don't communicate with me then there's little to send to your father or the scholarly he commands. The more I know the more I can get done and the more connections I myself can reach.” The captain said quickly. “I swear I'll make your orders and send them to your father and those that this vision concerns.” He said with his fist across his chest. “I swear it to my gave it will be done and I will not perish with out the message sent.”

He had given his word to his lord prince. The captain wrote the very message, within the captains own words, that his prince had spoke to him and sent two copies. One to the prince's father and the other to a scholarly based in magics, lore and superstition among their peoples. It would take a good week or so for the letters to arrive in the hands of those it was intended for. Until then the captain had deiced to keep his men stationed where they were. A warriors fear that despite the catastrophic loss, the monster would creep out of the land and seas so that she might strike again.


Several days later Enya had awoken from a sleep that had been extended far too long. When she woke up she was laying on her left side, an arm embedded under the pillow she had been given. In her blury gaze sat her commanding lord writing down text she was unable to figure form such a distance.

She watched for quite a while before she grasped the realization that she was able to speak. “Alistar . . . .” Enya said softly as she watched him turn and look at her in genuine surprise. For once she smiled amused and with authentic happiness. “What are you doing?” She asked him in her sleepy tone.

Aiden sighed and nodded his understanding to the captain. In his anxiety he had misjudged the captain’s attitude and intent. A simple mistake but it didn’t comfort the prince. He was now skeptical of the captain but didn’t show it. “I thank you.” He said genuinely.

They worked together for a while to get the messages written and sent. Satisfied that action was being taken, he began to work with the men to increase his sword fighting skills. He didn’t like not having practiced with multiple attackers so he had the knights simulate a real combat. Obviously they held back a little to ensure the safety of their prince but it didn’t stop them from challenging him. His endurance increased over the few days while his familiar got the rest she needed.

After almost a week, he was sitting down in their tent writing his battle plans when her voice made him nearly jump out of his skin. It had been so long since he had heard her feminine tone that it made him smile. He turned to face his beautiful companion and gave her a small smile. “Good morning, Sleeping beauty.” Alistar said playfully.

Her sleepy voice made his smile grow a little more. “Just trying to come up with ideas to stop the queen’s venom from reaching my kingdom. My father should be receiving our information on her intent sometime today.”

Enya gave an earnest smile as she kept watching the face of her lord. He had listened to her after all. That fact alone warmed her and she felt accomplished in what she done the moment he had listened to her. The smile continue and she let a pleasant on the rest of her face as he watched her.. “I'm quite alright now, Alistar” Enya said in a gentle tone. The linger content smile on her lips had had disappeared, it was all genuine.

He was authentic to his core. Alistar would do nothing more than grasp for the safety of his people and anything else he could do for them. Enya had never asked him what drove him in such a direction of inspiration or why he desired their lives to exist above his own. Or if he had considered a concept of,if he perished and the predicament at hand continued forward into a future he was not permitted to affect or save. Would he relinquish a life of his own, their own for that? Enya knew he wanted to simplify it to lessen his anguish and his own peoples. Though that was never easy, easy was something the weak and susceptible took on, not Alistar.

He saw her smile and it spoke volumes. She was happy. It only took a few weeks and for him to put aside his anger for it to happen. The prince gave her a small nod. “I’m glad.” Alistar said simply.

Setting down his quill, he stood up from his seat and walked over to her. Alistar sat down on the side of the bed and set a hand on the other side of her body so that he could lean over her innocently. “There is much to be done if we are to reach victory. We might not always have time for you to rest a few days. Is there a way I could help you practice so that you are more in control?” The prince asked gently.

It was obvious that she meant a lot to him now. One could say it was because of her finding her abilities but it was more than that. The real thing that harnessed his affection was the intimate moment they had shared when helping her remember. He could feel her heart beating, see her memories. They were one in his mind. A friend that he would be loyal to until the end.

---------- Post added at 08:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 AM ----------

A way to practice? Enya watched his face as she thought about it. “I'm not sure. I don't have an honest answer as to how I even . . .drew it from me.” For the first time since she had awoke she had a slightly doubtful look on her face. “I just, it was something I felt and it guided me to them. That is all I know. Maybe it was your will to have these men destroyed that aided me in finding and taking their lives. I'm not sure.” Enya paused. “Forgive me for making you sound as if you were a murderer thirsting for blood. I only meant that . . you wished their lives taken instead of your men.” She said in defense of her own words. “Would you trust me enough to take me to more of your enemy and allow only me to fight them?” Such an idea was the only thought she had within her to practice as he had suggested.

Alistar’s smile faded slightly at seeing her own turn to doubt. He listened closely to her words. The prince had to look away when she said that she killed them in his name. It took her speaking those words to realize how much blood was already on his hands without him even lifting his sword. Alistar frowned at this realization.

She continued to speak in defense of herself as if she had done something wrong. He looked up at her. “You don’t apologize. You did the right thing, Enya.” The prince said gently but firmly.

When she asked her question, he looked up at her with a furrowed brow. It worried him to know she wanted to fight alone but he understood the purpose. “We can try it.. but if I feel you are in any danger, I’m getting you out of there. Okay?” He let a hand run through her hair.

Enya caught his hand going through her hair as it neared her cheek. She held it firmly against her, eyes closed as she took in the deep feeling of comfort and contentedness him being there finally gave her. The familiar had finally made it into his trust, comfort, consideration and genuine care. She had no words for him for thanks, so the overall feeling she was consumed with at that moment was all she could share with him to let him know. “Yes.” Enya told him softly as she focused on the contact keeping her body and mind in a kind of holy state.

Feeling Enya capture his hand and pull it into her cheek made him smile. He let his thumb gently brush her alabaster skin. Alistar couldn’t help but smile at the woman’s innocent need of contact. Again, he fought the urge to kiss her. It was becoming difficult to remember that she was only to be his guardian. He didn’t know the rules when it came to the bond they shared.

Wanting to cover her in warmth, he took his hand away and laid down behind her. His hands wrapping around her slender waist to cradle her. Alistar just held her close hoping that it was bringing her comfort. He let his head rest against her back.

Enya found herself rearranged as her lordship situated himself behind her and wrapped her up in his embrace. “Thank you.” Enya murmured softly as she leaned her head against his chest, her head lolled a little. Newly attuned eyes closing slowly until they reached a half lidded gaze.

It was the contact, she realized now, that was kind of like a recharge. Enya needed to make contact with him after events so dramatic and devastating to her body. The companionship given from such contact and kindness reinforced their bond as well. Whatever loneliness she experienced the night before had completely abandoned her and she was left with a kind of bridge between them. A feeling of contentedness and wholeness.

Her fingers began lightly tracing along his arm that came around her. The strokes were almost like silent words. Every word written in the brush of her tips caused her own mind to flicker and her body to absorb wave after wave of refreshing strength and energy. The familiar smiled a little, knowing he felt the waves of energy transferring between them. He was replenishing her empty vessel.

A day or two had passed and Enya had completely recovered from her experience. Eyes were skeptical and concerned as they watched her. She had remembered Alistar speaking of their arrival at her resting location, it had scared some of the men. The majority of them had never witnessed a familiar in their lifetime. Nonetheless one that could obliterate a camp of a couple thousand on her own.

Enya met up with Alistar where he had tethered his horse and found the black stallion from the night of her adventure. She smiled and wrapped her arms around the animals neck tightly. “You survived, good man.” Enya murmured into his chest. She looked up over the animals withers and found Alistar minding his creatures tack. The familiar watched him with her hands thrown over the animal casually, entertained at simply watching his motions. When he finally realized she was staring at him she met his eyes with her own. “Alistar.” Enya said softly so that the conversation remained between them. “You never went into any detail about the camp, when you found me I mean.” She said quietly. “Or about me, besides my loss of the fabrics. I burned men, you said . . . but.” Her eyes wavered for a second. “Did I frighten them? Your men, I mean.” Enya paused as her eyes saddened a little. She had not wanted that kind of reaction to what she had done for them, not that they completely understood that that’s what had happened. “I can't remember everything that I did that night. It stops after a point. What did it look like happened? I mean the way the remains looked. I have an idea, but I would have needed to see the aftermath.”

Alistar said nothing as he continued to hold her. His eyes closed as he felt a slight surge of power. The more he held her, the stronger he felt about the woman. Slowly she was becoming his life force. Her happiness meant more than his own.

She began to trace lightly on his arm. It tickled slightly but he said nothing. He just let her continue in hopes of seeing more of that captivating smile. Alistar was trying to find a pattern to her doodles. To see if she were writing a note or something to him. Unfortunately, he couldn’t decipher.

They had fallen asleep in each other’s arms for the first time since her birth. Her companionship and physical contact made him feel stronger and a little more prepared. He had a mission before him and it was frightening. Still, Alistar was prepared to go in with a calm and clear head. The queen will fall at their hands and suffer her life choices in the after life.

Alistar had woken up before Enya on the day of their departure. The prince had gotten dressed and ate before tending to his horse. He brushed it down and was preparing the saddle when he thought he heard something behind him. Turning, he saw his familiar hugging his horse.

The prince gave her a warm smile. “Enya.” He said simply before she began to speak of the night she burned the enemy encampment down. Alistar frowned slightly as he nodded a little to her question. “Yes, dear one. You were so powerful that it frightened them. They don’t want to be at the wrong side of your attention.” His eyes were downcast as he spoke to her.

Alistar lifted the saddle up onto the horse as he thought of how to answer her other question. “Everything was charred and smoking. The men looked like overcooked meat.” He said with a heavy sigh. The visions still haunted him when he let them. “There wasn’t a living thing nearby, except you. You were completely untouched and lying in a patch of grass that your body protected. Around you was complete devastation.”

The prince hoped that his response would be suitable. Dwelling on the images brought him to a dark place that he had been avoiding. His human eyes had seen more than most already and it was only the beginning. He could only imagine what other horrific things he would see.

“But, was there a pattern to the destruction at all? I remember commanding something but I'm not sure I was . . . if I'm remembering it proper.” Enya said still caught up in what she remembered as truth and what was lingering to be sorted out.

“Uh.. well..” He said thinking hard about the scene he had witnessed. With a heavy sigh, he looked at her. “Yeah.. actually. Everything was swirling from the center of the camp. I think it was a fire pit?” He had no idea if that would assist her in processing but it was the best he could do.

Enya's eyes flickered for a second before a slight grimace came over her face. Her brows fell a little before she spoke. “Then I did remember correctly.” Enya said displeased her memory had not been something fictional dreampt up by her mind. “I had commanded the fire that night, the bonfire the enemy had made. I fashioned it into a tornado of flames and I made it fly through out their camp. I was upset then, from the moment he touched me to the second I had the whirling and cycling flames eating them alive.” Enya looked up at her lord for whatever kind of judgment or thought he had to her explaining, finally, how she really did it and with what.

Alistar frowned at her change in mood. Her words making the aftermath all make sense. He walked over to her and gently touched her cheek. “You did what had to be done, Enya. Do not regret it.” He said in a firm but gentle whisper.

[Allatu Dagon]

They had arrived at the outskirts of the second camp they had plotted on the maps. Enya felt every single pair of eyes on her as she dismounted from her new companion and looked over at her lord. She could see and feel the concern churning in him as she made motion after motion to separate and distance herself from him and the thousand swords behind her. “I'll be alright.” Enya said gently as she walked over to him and grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly and allowing their link to establish and calm him.

Enya headed down the hill and sprinted the distance of open area until she came into a more safer shrub dotted part of land. The men had set up camp around river and t he edge of a forest. Having the trees to slink through made her approach a lot easier and their doom a lot more silent.

The familiar crawled out of the forest and stood up at the edge of the camp near a few pitched tents. Her deep green eyes searched beyond the camp, past trees and up the meadows hill until she found Alistar on the edge dismounted and a hand on his sword. He was anxious and still worried. Enya gave a soft smile in his direction, even if he was not to see it. Now that he truly cared about the condition of his companion it made the world of difference in her performance and mindset.

She began walking casually through the tents, not having been found out yet, Enya threw out her fingertips and felt the flames flicker at the ends of them. As she walked she drew a line of fire into the fabric and leathers of the enemy's tents. It was not until her having passed through a dozen or so tents that men began to squawk and yelp about a fire.

Satisfied with their distraught mindsets and her new level of invisibility she darted deeper into the camp until she came face to face with knights. Enya stopped dead in her tracks when she realized she was being stared down by nearly three dozen men adorned in shining, thick armor and the largest swords she had ever laid eyes on resting on shoulders or lazily into the ground. Her legs felt planted to the ground where they froze her with their intimidation. The men she had roasted had been simple, worthless men of no thought. Flesh and fabric burned with out a second thought. Enya felt her breath escape her lungs as she and the knights continued to experience their face off.

Fists began to flex around the handles of their swords as they watched her. What they were waiting for she was unsure, but if she did not make the first move they were not going to hesitate and take it themselves.

Enya quickly threw her right hand into the air and from the tips of her fingers an angry fire shot from her being and snaked around its master quickly until it hugged her like a snake made of fire. The fabric it caught up against on her quickly burned away and left her only concealed by the flames. She was still intimidated by the knights, however, at the sight of her summoning and unmoving stance the knights shifted where they stood for the first time.

The familiar held out palms pulsing with flames, both swirled in spirals independently until small tempests of fire were born. Enya raised her hand and the tornado’s of red, blue and green fire doubled, tripled in size. She made a simple motion and pushed the creations forwards towards the knights in front of her.

Her creations were, with a team effort, deflected and sent wildly into the rest of the surrounding camp. Enya flinched a little at the knights ability to simply shrug of the tornado’s made of raging fire. Slightly irritated with their score against her she sprinted in their direction with out warning. The men quickly responded with drawn swords and went to make a group effort of slicing her into several pieces. Enya disappointed them with her figure falling to the ground and sliding under the heavily dressed and armed men. As she slid along the ground she left a fire trail that eventually cracked the ground and created a crater which took its ground walkers with it.

Enya stood up looking at the thirty foot wide hole that fell, what it appeared to look like, nearly to the center of the earth! Maybe not that deep, but she was unable to locate a sparkle or a shine from the knights. She glanced behind her when a fresh set of clatters came to her attention.

Men dressed in an array of armor and adorned with a variety of weapons had shown up to combat the sorceress that they now confirmed as the one that had decimated their sister camp. Enya smiled at them as she took step after step closer to them. Behind here the chaos was unraveling at its own pleasurable pace. Men were cooked alive, tents were bursting with smoke and fire, animals screaming and lamenting as they too darted away from the disaster at hands. Enya's two large cyclones continued to destroy the camp with out interruption.

She brought herself within arms length of the men that had come to do their best and bring arms against her. “You ready?” She asked them with an amused, aroused grin on her lips. Their faces were hard, angry and determined. She was going to butcher them. They were not going to lay a hand on her lord or his people. Enya would do all in her power to make his inner wish at little to no war or combat as true as she could. She knew how important it was to her.

With renewed inspiration she broke into a fresh energy. The fire around her snaked through out the men before her and drew them closer to her. Enya's fingers snapped onto the cheeks of the man brought to her first. Her entire body enveloped him into flames and then tossed him into the air and out of her sight. From where her lord watched it was an utterly decimating, brutal, bloody circus and she was the only ring master.

Quickly Enya picked men away from her and set them all on fire. Some ran for a chance at saving their lives and not roasting alive by the sorceress that had come to destroy them. Who this was none of them knew . . . .the queen would be deeply upset to have lost so much to a single individual.

When she had plucked half of the group that had arrived she paused for a second as she felt something send a jolt into her body. The familiar glanced down at her right naked shoulder and spotted the metal bolt that had embedded itself into her body. Enya felt the heat of her own fire causing the wound to sizzle a little from the metal attached to a good percentage of the bolt. Staring with utter hate at the man several lengths from her, sporting the weapon that had given her the wound, she grabbed it and snapped it in half and freed it of her body. Blood began coating her right half as she eyed the man.

Enya broke into a sprint, launched herself up into the air and brought herself down into his figure with an elbow burning angrily. She made direct contact in the center of his chest. The elbow embedded with flames broke the chest cavity spraying blood all over herself and her victim. “An eye for an eye.” She hissed as she stood up and glared down at the man who now laid motionless with a petrified face as his lasting image.

Staring up in the direction of her lord she saw them barreling down the slopes in their formation. She had several thousand men confidently coming to finish what she had started. The tempests growling angrily as they sought out more of what their creator had deemed dangerous and the enemy.