in collaboration with the lovely @SunsetRoses who endured more of my madness than I thought possible"Spreading Her Wings/New Horizons"
Sousiel's eyes followed her mistress' movements suspiciously, nervous tension building in her demure frame. Lorelai had been acting strangely since she'd returned from her meeting with Medusa and Rebecca. She muttered things under her breath, she'd collected all of her personal writings over the years and ripped out specific pages, and perhaps most concerning of all she fiddled with her grandmother's war mask, the last gift she'd received from her family before their purge.
"Mistress...?" Sousiel finally thought to intervene as Lorelai collected her bottles of Last Breath from her ritual supplies. They were rare in the extreme, and whatever Lorelai needed them for would have to be dangerous in the extreme.
"What... what are you doing?""Dragons Sousiel... Dragons." Lorelai turned to her familiar grinning, but an all too familiar madness burned in the woman's steel grey eyes. Those same eyes had twinkled over villages they'd razed, and over the broken body of Hector Digard.
"I'm ready now, I've learned what I need to. Liz's initiation was the final insight I needed into what this all means.""Lorelai... there's no war anymore, you don't need to do this now." Sousiel attempted to calm her mistress.
"Don't you think you should wait? Until you're whole again?""You were right all along. I can't be whole when I reject the second half of my legacy." Lorelai stroked the demon's cheek affectionately.
"I've spent my whole life gaining a Dragon's terrible wisdom, it burns in my mind. Things Man Should Not Know. Now I return to the place where my dynasty was founded, to claim its savage fury for my own.""Of course Mi'lady." Sousiel nodded, her tension only having increased.
"Give me a little bit to prepare myself and gather your blade." With that she ducked out of the room, leaving Lorelai to her pacing and muttering.
Sousiel half walked, half ran through the halls of the castle in search of Liz. Liz was sane, mostly anyway, and Lorelai either needed talked down or some serious back up. She passed empty room after empty room. Her search of the training yards had borne little fruit, and Lotte and Abby were spending time with Alyssa this afternoon.
Finally she spied the blonde huntress in one of the many smaller cafeteria's, apple in hand, speaking with some witch that was probably too stupid for note.
"Liz! Hi!." She ran up to the woman and grabbed her sleeve, tugging her away.
"I need ya for a bit, sorry... whoever you are."Elizabeth had been having a polite chat with a younger witch about her family, and what royalty was all about. It was turning into a great discussion, when Sousiel stormed the small cafeteria and began pulling on her sleeve. She waved at the witch, who knowingly backed away and carried on with her day.
Elizabeth turned to look at the demon, who had apparently rode out her previous bout of sadness.
”Yes, Sousiel? What is it? Is this about Lorelai?” She walked with the demon outside of the cafeteria, so they could discuss the situation privately.
”What happened?”"She's going to become a Dragon." Sousiel deadpanned. Realizing that likely wasn't enough information she continued in a hurried tone.
"She's returning to her citadel in hell, where she intends to complete the final steps of her descent, and become a literal fire-breathing, winged, giant Dragon.""Aaaand she might be crazy, or inspired, or... something." Sousiel pulled at her sleeve again, urging them towards Lorelai's tower.
"Either way you're sane, I'm not, she might not be. I was hoping you might.... something."Elizabeth’s mouth formed an ‘o', as Sousiel explained Lorelai's plans. She had seen Lorelai's Dragon firsthand, it had guarded her from the tendrils of the Lady Nocticula. She didn't know what was so horrible about it, but Sousiel seemed rather concerned.
”What do you want me to do? Stop her? Get an explanation out of her? Help her?” Liz began walking, pulling Sousiel along with her on the way to Lorelai's tower.
”Is this about her meeting with Medusa, what happened? Has she been acting intrigued lately, or is this the first signs of her wanting to become a Dragon?” "She is a Dragon... or... " Sousiel struggled for the words to explain as they made their way. A minute had passed before she continued.
"Von'Strausses, when they become old enough, and powerful enough, can become Dragons. A Dragon is not a savage beast, like the projection you saw in Nocticula's realm. They're incarnations of the terrible wisdom and savage might that is the Von'Strauss' birthright. It's been centuries since anyone's made the attempt..."She hesitated a moment, calming herself.
"And even longer since anyone's survived it. I... I don't know what I want you to do. I think she might be capable, but I don't want her to go alone. I'm tasked with bringing her back so I can't join her there, where she most needs me."Elizabeth chewed on her lip, biting down hard enough to draw blood.
”If anyone can make it through the process, it's Lorelai. I've never seen the other members of her family, but she is a strong contender.” She felt her own heart pounding, a rush of anticipation boiling over. She wanted Lorelai to be successful, she craved the smile on her face when she came back a Dragon.
However, there was that chance, that Lorelai would not make it through. That was where Liz would intervene, if there was any doubt in Lorelai's mind, she would stop her Mistress from going through with it. Or...she would help her.
”I don't see how I can help her in the process, I have no access to hell myself. The only way I could help is from the outside.”"You'd be surprised." Sousiel said grimly as they finally arrived at the door to Lorelai's room. She pushed it open to reveal Lorelai in her traveling leathers, her blade strapped across her back, and her grandmother's war mask hanging at her hip.
She turned to them grinning.
"Sousiel! Where we-" It took her a moment to notice the huntress amidst her excitement. She moved quickly to the woman and embraced her happily.
"Elizabeth! Here to see me off?"Elizabeth was about to give Sousiel a response, when she entered the room. Being next to Lorelai was like standing next to a giant ball of energy, emotions ran through Elizabeth in waves: rage, a tired sort of resolve, and desperation. It made Elizabeth feel weak, and useless, but her Mistress converted it into a curtain of happiness.
When Lorelai came to embrace her, Elizabeth took action. She clutched the woman and forced her to remain still.
I’m so sorry, Lore. You can't do this, not in this state. She thought, her face remaining cool and emotionless.
”What happened at the damned meeting, Lorelai? Why are you so hell bent on becoming a Dragon? Don't hide it, I can feel you.” She kept a tight hold on her Mistress, but moved her back so they could look at each other face to face.
Lorelai's eyes bored into Liz's. Her emotions fluctuated between rage at Liz's sudden insolence, and a strange warmth from her obvious concern. Something the woman had said picked at her, but in her current state she simply couldn't piece it together. Eventually the strange warmth won out, her resolve and rage sputtering out in the face of Liz's honest concern.
How long had it been since someone had told her she couldn't have something? Not because they didn't want her to have it, but because they feared for her during its acquisition? She closed her eyes and leaned into the huntress, as the false strength left her body.
"Damnit..." She whispered into Liz's shoulder.
"I have to do this Liz... I have to."Elizabeth placed her head atop Lorelai’s, rubbing the woman’s back to soothe her.
”You don’t have to do anything, Lore.” She muttered calmly, her low voice humming against the brunette’s skull.
”Sometimes, you just can’t be expected to save everyone’s ass. What you want to do is dangerous, you could die.”Liz tried to drive the point in hard, but she didn’t want to spark any fierceness from Lore.
”What happened, Lore? You can tell me, there’s no point in hiding anything from me. Life-long partners, remember?” She chuckled, soft and gentle.
"The civil war... is over." Lorelai said weakly.
"I'm supposed to be happy about that, and I am... I just can't stop thinking about how Medusa gets to live and Vespa doesn't.""I can't stop thinking about those two red-headed girls I love so much, about Alphonse, about Elina, and about you Liz." Lorelai pulled back to look Liz in the eyes. Her steel grey irises were a far cry from the confidant ones Liz had grown accustomed to. She looked old, tired, and alone.
"Vespa was taken from me because I was too weak. It will never happen again. Not with you."Elizabeth wanted to shake Lorelai, the poor girl was pinning everything on herself and it just wasn't fair. For now though, she would comfort her, because her worn eyes spoke greater volumes than she ever would.
”Vespa is gone, Lorelai, but she is always a part of your heart. I may sound like any other when I say this, but would she really want you to go after Medusa, and risk your new family, just for vengeance?”Elizabeth shook her head, as if to answer for Lorelai.
”Vespa is what you had, but look at all you have now! Two beautiful daughters that will love you, a knight to protect you, a demon companion who has been with you longer than any, friends like Alphonse.” She paused, catching her breath so she wouldn't become emotional.
”Lorelai, you are my Mistress, but you are also my friend. I will not let you hurt yourself, because you doubt your capabilities. You are strong, you have always been strong. Don't break yourself, it isn't worth it.” Elizabeth smiled, tired but full of compassion.
”At least don't go into it alone, you talk about losing me, but could you imagine the pain of losing you? I would never forgive myself, for letting you walk into danger.”"To be looked on with such affection. It warms an old woman's heart." Lorelai moved over to sit on the bed.
"I still have to do this, but perhaps now I'm better prepared." She smiled at Liz resolutely. Gone was the rage and pain, replaced with a calm determination.
"Would you really come with me? Where I go none have returned from, would you really risk that at the behest of the monster your father told you stories about when you were a girl?" Lorelai's eyes wandered over the huntress appraisingly, as if searching for the answer to a question that escaped her.
"I'd have you stand by me, but only if you're sure. I know now what I want, my mind is clear, and you need not fear for me." She said reassuringly as her eyes returned to Liz's.
Elizabeth watched Lorelai appraise her with a lopsided smile, she was getting used to the witch looking at her in this way. Meanwhile, Elizabeth searched the witch's eyes for any sign of resistance, when she found none her features relaxed tenfold.
”The only thing that ages you is your emotion. You are tired, Lore, and I will fix that.”Elizabeth's eyes sparkled as Lore brought up her father.
”If only he could see me now, fraternizing with the enemy! Oh my mother would have my head, but only after begging the priest to bathe me in holy water!” She winked, before allowing her face to shift into it's most serious expression.
”If there was anything I could be a hundred percent certain about, it would be accompanying you. You were there for me, when I was on the edge of insanity, I will be there for you. I have no doubt that you are capable, but having a partner makes everything more enjoyable, does it not?” She moved over to the bed, grasping her Mistress’ hand and giving it an encouraging squeeze.
”You need not fear for me, either. You will not lose me, I'll stick around until you can not bare it.”"I'll hold you to that Liz. May the day come when we look at each other in disgust." Lorelai laughed, leaning her head on the woman's shoulder.
"Let's be away then, before I lose my resolve."
Lorelai's citadel was located in a strange city deep within the inferno.
Alushinyrra was a sprawling city carved of a luminescent purple stone. Glistening domes dotted the horizons, along with towers that stretched into the eternally dark sky. No stars could be seen, and no sun would ever rise here. A strange red moon was all the natural light the city benefitted from, the streets lit instead by faery fire and fox lights contained in glass spheres.
Despite the city's overwhelming beauty its streets teemed with strange creatures and savage demons. Hulking balors walked shoulder to shoulder, discussing business as their minions skittered fearfully in their shadows. Tempting succubi crooked enticing fingers and laughed huskily from the doorways of brothels and in darkened alleys.
"Welcome to Alushinyrra, the capital city of the Blood Moon Isles within the abyss." Lorelai gestured grandly to the cityscape.
"My home before I returned to the material after my long absence."Elizabeth strode through the streets of Alushinyrra with a great sense of pride, mostly shown to appease Lorelai. Everything here made her want to stop and stare, point and sigh in wonderment. The moon called to her, its red beams setting an eery hue on the landscape, covered daintily by the lights hung on every street. Towers rose into the eternal sky, and she wanted to explore them all. No kingdom could compare.
The denizens also amazed her, each a peculiar species that could never fail to impress. More than once, she found herself wandering over to a succubi, wanting to explore their perfect bodies before remembering the task at hand. Her smile was one of a fool, or a child who had never seen the way human kingdoms lit themselves at night.
Liz brought her attention back to Lorelai, who gestured at the lands before them proudly. Elizabeth huffed, taking it all in with a heavy breath. Her heart pounded joyfully, she wanted to take Lorelai and dance within these streets, before the beasts and monsters.
”Lorelai, it's beautiful here! I can see why you would choose it as your home, you must know so much about the citizens and the buildings.” Then her vision cut short, and she began to wonder.
”Tell me, aren't they curious that a human is in their presence? It can't be an everyday occurrence.” Her tone was hushed, she snuck glances at those around her, as if they would attack her at any moment.
"I'm a Dragon, and you're my Knight." Lorelai laughed happily. Her eyes had been following Liz's explorations of the city, or at least the very small bit of it they'd managed to see thus far, she never thought she'd share this with anyone. Yet here she was, with a hunter no less! To top it off the huntress fluttered about with an endearing girlish wonder, not fear. Liz was truly a special woman, and she was lucky to have stumbled upon her.
"They recognize the old blood, and are likely more worried about us than we need be of them."She strode to her companion, linking her arm through the other woman's.
"The night is young yet Elizabeth, and we've plenty of time to tarry. What shall we do?"Elizabeth laughed, the explanation so simple it was almost impossible.
”Oh of course! Shame on me to forget, Lady Lore.” She winked, her eyes still wandering and exploring the vast city. Why couldn't they have magical expanses such as these in the mortal plane? Or maybe they did, and there were entire cities like Castle Bloodrose, tucked away only to be found by those with the markings of a witch.
Elizabeth found her arm linked with Lorelai's, she mustn't have been paying attention, because it took her until the woman called for her to notice. Her cheeks stained a pale pink, and she giddily guided her partner along the well worn path.
”I haven't a clue, Lorelai. I do know, however, that I have one of the best guides out there. Surprise me.” She said it as if everything here wasn't a surprise.
Lorelai nodded and led them to a street corner.
"I know a dance hall I was rather fond of when I was younger. I do believe we'll start there." Shortly a carriage being pulled by a demonic parody of a horse came to a stop in front of them.
"The Rapture please." She called to the driver before guiding her companion into the carriage's satin lined interior.
"Of course Mi'lady." Once they were inside it pulled away. Lorelai lounged languidly on the plush bench-seats, her eyes watching the city pass them by. Her mouth was curved in a soft smile of contentment.
"There are other cities like this." Lorelai turned to Liz.
"Some even more wondrous."She frowned for a moment in thought as she examined Liz's features.
"You know... I never thought I'd be here with anyone. Much less a hunter." She laughed, color coming to her cheeks.
"You're quite odd Elizabeth, odd and wonderful."Elizabeth relaxed on the plush seats of the carriage, her hands exploring the satin. She was excited to travel, and go dancing with Lorelai. What a rush that would be, to practice her waltz in the abyss, as if it were just a quaint little town.
She turned to Lorelai, who told her how strange it was to be here with anyone, especially a Hunter. Liz chuckled, her eyes satisfyingly finding the blush on Lorelai's cheeks.
”I had never once thought I would be in a city in the abyss, about to dance with a Witch. Some of the best moments are ones you could never imagine yourself in.”Lorelai had just begun to wonder what she couldn't imagine, or rather wouldn't imagine when the carriage came to a halt, bringing a merciful end to her dangerous train of thought.
"Indeed, who knows what else the night may have in store?" She winked at the huntress, for reasons she couldn't divine, and stepped out of the carriage before the blush overtook her face.
The Rapture was a massive, multi-floored dance hall. It bustled with creatures of painful beauty; succubi, incubi, visiting faery nobles, and other wonderful creatures glid gracefully across the black floors of the dimly lit hall.
Taking Liz by the arm, Lorelai guided them through the vaulted archway that was the entrance, and to the first floor. The dance floor itself was a series of large elevated rings around a central glass pillar. A strange upbeat music filled the building from bearded humanoid demons within the central structure, as their hands danced across instruments both familiar and strange.
The outer edge of the room, which Lorelai guided them to first, contained lavish white sofas complete with small stained glass tables for drinks. More beautiful creatures flitted about this area, some socializing, while others seemed to be servers.
"When in hell..." Lorelai turned to Liz, grinning mischievously, before plucking a pair of shot glasses from the tray of a passing waitress. She offered one to Liz.
"Shall we?"Elizabeth was guided into the dance hall by Lorelai, who she used as a sort of anchor to keep her from stumbling. The place was full of beautiful creatures, some of which had Elizabeth drooling. She wasn't used to so many incubi and succubi, and the mixed concentration of which made her both uncomfortable and ecstatic.
The music in the hall pounded through her ears, causing a mad vibration in her chest. It was a beautiful cacophony of familiar instruments like the violin, and unfamiliar ones full of bass that sent tremors down her spine. It wasn't until she was sat on a couch that the fog of the music cleared from her mind. There, in the presence of Lorelai, she felt soothed.
As drinks were passed, Elizabeth grabbed an extra shot off the waitress’ tray. The succubi winked at her, before scampering off to serve another customer. Liz turned to Lorelai, the same foolish smile on her face as earlier.
”I feel rather weak here! Too many beautiful faces, when I need to focus on the only one that counts.” She smirked at Lorelai before taking her shot glasses and gulping down the liquid inside.
It lit a fire inside of her body, her nerves dancing wistfully.
”God, it's been a while! Haven't drank a drop since I came to the castle.” She smiled, getting up and grabbing Lorelai by both hands.
”Let's dance, Lady Lore.” She pulled her partner along, heading towards the dance floor. Once there, she began leading Lorelai in a fast waltz. It was like second nature to her, even though she hadn't practiced in such a long time. She spun the Dragon around in long arcs, trying to match the pace of the music.
Lorelai spun across the dancefloor in giddy circles, entrusting herself to Elizabeth who proved to be much more versed in the waltz than she. Her head was abuzz from Liz's comment just moments ago. Her mind conjured for her every memory of their past flirtations as the drink settled into her body. Liz's hand at the small of her back sent a pleasant buzzing sensation along her spine. The huntress' eyes bored into hers, and other sights seemed to fade to the background of their dance.
The Dragon was not foolish, and knew she was posed with a choice. Fight these strange sensations, or give in, at least for tonight. Liz was a radiant young woman, and her enthusiasm for the wonders she'd seen had already kindled an old passion for her work she'd thought long gone. She was also her Knight.
Lorelai's face bloomed in a bright smile, her eyes glittering darkly. If she couldn't entrust herself to Liz, then who could she trust? She set aside all thoughts of resistance and let the music become her pulse, Liz's touch her anchor, and her Knight's face dominate her vision.
"I swear, I used to be this fun all the time." She winked, drawing closer.
Elizabeth slowed the pace of their waltz, until it was more of a sway than a sophisticated dance. She was entranced by the way Lorelai lit up in the pale light of the hall. Other sights faded away, even the incubi in the corner of her vision lost their appeal. Her heart fluttered rapidly, she was taken by her Mistress’ happiness. It was what she craved, to see that expression all the time.
”You still can be, Lore. I'll help you.” As Lorelai pushed in closer, Liz wondered why she wasn't moving away. She was supposed to be the voice of reason, she had specifically said that she would never lead Lorelai on, or give her false affection. She had fought almost vehemently against Sousiel, saying she would never. Yet here she was.
Was it really false though? The way her mind zeroed in on Lorelai's features, how her pulse skipped when Lorelai winked. That was real, so why fight it? She was alone, all alone in Lorelai's tower all the time, while Lorelai chased others. Now her Mistress practically offered herself up to her. She wouldn't resist, it would only damage her fragile heart even more. Moving closer, she planted her forehead against Lorelai. Their bodies were molded together, Elizabeth holding her waist tightly.
”I won't hurt you.” She promised, her breath falling hot against Lorelai's cheek.
Lorelai's mind buzzed happily as their dance slowed, her senses filled completely with Liz. She wanted... more. She didn't quite know what that meant in her state, but she wanted to be closer, to drink Liz in to her heart's content. Liz said something about helping her with something, the words largely lost on her, and the woman's kind voice echoed warmly in her ears.
Their bodies drew even closer, and Lorelai tingled with joy. Her heart pounded in her chest as she was tucked into Liz's warm embrace. She felt like a girl again, young and hot blooded, so full of life in this moment she couldn't imagine how she became the woman she was before.
Then with a breath of warmth on her cheek she heard Liz's promise. Her mind regained a sudden focus, struggling against the implications of those four words.
I won't hurt you. She pulled back just enough to scan Liz's eyes. There, in those deep sapphire pools, she saw no hesitation.
"R-really?" Lorelai's voice was vulnerable yet hopeful as tears welled up in her eyes.
”I won't, I'm here to protect your heart, alongside your body.” Elizabeth said, her voice confident and full of affection. She looked into Lorelai's gentle eyes, her own unwavering. It was so rare to see her true emotions, and Elizabeth reached out to stroke her cheek, ready to catch the tears when they fell.
”As long as you trust me, I'll keep you safe. Okay?” Liz smiled softly, making a silent vow to keep Lorelai safe. She couldn't hurt the witch, her heart was ravaged, and it would take time to sew the pieces together. She knew she would never be Vespa, and she could never share magic with her like Elina. The only thing she could do was stay by her side, and watch over her.
”And...if you ever decide that I'm not worthy, I'll be fine with that. I'll still protect you, no matter what.”Lorelai's mouth opened once, twice, thrice, each time closing before words could escape. What words were there? Here was a woman that knew she still bled, felt, and cried. Who'd offered to protect her heart as well as her body. She felt safer in Liz's arms than she had in decades. Tears spilt over her eyelashes as she nodded.
"Y-you'll always be worthy."She leaned up to press her lips to Liz's for the first of what she hoped would be a lifetime's worth of kisses, marveling at the soft warmth of the huntress mouth. When she finally broke the kiss she tucked her head into her love's chest.
"I'm yours. For as long as you'll have me."
Lorelai hadn't drank succubus nectar in ages. The drink had been the source of many a regrettable morning for her in her younger years, and once again she'd woken up after imbibing the honeyed liquor next to a woman she'd had no romantic attachment to the day prior.
Her eyes roamed around the darkened room the proprietors had provided the new couple, mostly to ensure they wouldn't share their newfound passion on the dancefloor. The simple but lavish room was painted black. To either side of their large bed, garbed in midnight silk, were small tables. There stood sconces in the corners of the room, each with a dimly pulsing purple crystal that bathed the room in an intimate light.
Finally her eyes fell on the most attractive feature of the room, her companion. Liz's sleeping visage was composed in a passive contentment that warmed Lorelai's heart. Her blonde locks fanned out over the black pillow in stark contrast. The thin black sheet left little to the imagination as Lorelai glanced over the contour of the woman's generous curves adoringly.
Lorelai's need for sleep was minimal, leaving her a few hours likely before Liz would awaken and they'd set their minds towards the task at hand. In the meantime she returned her head to her companion's shoulder, tucking her body tightly against Liz's comforting warmth, and thought. She examined herself closely for any sign of that most abhorrent of sensations, regret. Curiously she found none, and her anxiety increased at the revelation.
The next target of her introspection was for that winged beast love. Surely enough its stirrings had begun, and it sat perched in her soul without any sign of being displaced anytime soon like its cousin infatuation. She watched her new love's chest rise and fall with each soft breath, marveling at the closeness she felt. More curious was an unabashed hunger than burned in her chest, to deepen that closeness at every opportunity that might arise. To consume Liz, for good or ill, until she knew all her secret pains and dreams.
She silently cursed Vespa and Alexina as she calmly resigned herself to her fate. They'd swung open the door to the wondrous sickness of love, which had proven to be her greatest strength as well as the source of her deepest pain. She would not balk in the face of that winged beast that perched in the soul. Love and strength were a reward for the bold, and she'd treasure this wonderful woman fearlessly and without reservation.
Unless, of course, the night they'd shared proved to be a regrettable one for Liz. Then she'd turn her will towards the destruction of these enthralling feelings, as she had for the poisonous love she'd felt for Elina. She could only hope she'd prove strong enough to kill that which, for a moment at least, had restored her mind and renewed her spirit.
Elizabeth’s night was dark, no dreams clouded her mind. It was peaceful, her form almost paralyzed throughout the night. When she woke, she momentarily questioned where she was. Around her was a black room, lit only by a faint purple light dancing along the walls. She tried to shift, but found herself anchored in place by a warmth along her side. Her memories of the night before flooded her, bouncing around her head with a rush of excitement. It quickly dulled into a slight headache.
”Oh, Lorelai, what did I drink?” Liz said the words as if she regretted the night they had shared, that was far from the truth. Though she did feel a bit upset for going back on her words, she couldn't help but encourage the swell of joy deep within her bosom. She tilted, swinging her arm over Lorelai and pulling her closer.
”I have a proposition, one I know you will refuse, and yet I must offer it anyways. Today, instead of putting yourself into peril, we lounge about...forget worries for a little while and then head back to the Castle.” "Succubus nectar, that's what I get for drinking before looking." Lorelai considered Liz's proposition. It was tempting, just spending a lazy day enjoying each other's company and exploring more of the city. As much as she'd love to, she knew she had to complete her task here before her resolved faded.
"Tempting, but alas this is something that needs done."Her hand trailed up and down Liz's stomach beneath the thin sheets.
"We'll have one more night of rest though. In my citadel, it should take me the lion's share of the day to prepare." She giggled into the huntress' shoulder.
"Whenever I can get up the motivation to leave this exceedingly comfortable position that is."Elizabeth ran her fingers through Lorelai's hair, the motion smooth and gentle, as if Lorelai was a fragile item waiting to be broke. She knew they would have to be active, and possibly even scour the town to search for items in the ritual. She couldn't bring herself to move though, the way Lorelai stroked her made her eyes flutter shut, her body betraying the need to work.
With a groan, she forced herself into action. She couldn't slow Lorelai down, not today. The sooner they finished the process, the better. Moving swiftly, she got up from the bed and tore away the silk sheets. Then, with a silent chuckle she grabbed Lorelai's bare hips and lifted her from the bed.
”No dilly-dallying, Lady Lore!”Liz spun the small woman through the air, the motions waking up her body. Once Lorelai was set down, Elizabeth proceeded to scan the room for clothing. Her blush grew at every soiled piece she stumbled upon, until she could hardly face Lorelai.
”Do you have a change of clothes?” She asked, her voice timid but bordering on humorous.
”I really don't think you should wear these.” She laughed, holding up Lorelai's lacy underthings.
Lorelai giggled as Liz twirled her through the air. The insight into this whimsical side of her knight was welcome, if unexpected. Her eyes followed the woman's search for their discarded clothing with affection. It seemed at every turn Liz revealed another endearing trait.
Lorelai's face colored to match Liz's as she examined the sorry state of her undergarments. Her heart still pounding from the sudden trip through the air she nodded.
"I hardly expected to need them for... that, but yes. I did bring some."She dug through the small bag she'd brought for a new set of intimates, blushing as she recognized her evident taste for small and lacy articles.
"I... I swear I own something more tame." she said shyly as she slid a similar pair of panties over her legs, these ones red.
Elizabeth decided to give her privacy, shielding her eyes from Lorelai's nude form. She tossed back Lorelai's outfit, unsure if she had thrown it correctly, and started getting dressed in her own. As she began tying up her hair in her signature braid, she considered something.
”Lorelai...I had plans after my bond was broken. Plans to go back to Seren's Folly, explore with Emiliah, act a fool with Flint. And...my family.”Elizabeth sighed, but quickly replaced her forlorn expression with a frustrated smile.
”I haven't even considered them, since my stay at Castle Bloodrose. Coraline's arrival was a smack in the face. I bet they miss me, they probably think I'm being tortured. What would I ever tell them if I met them again? That I am now Lorelai Von’Strauss’ partner? That I am now a Dragon Knight? I'm their enemy now.” She slumped down onto the bed, pulling on the end of her braid.
”My family...my land. I'm the only heir! Who will take over? My father will be ashamed of me, and like my mother, he will turn away from me.” This place, this peace...it had given her the time to think. Even at the castle, Liz wasn't subject to thought of her friends. Now she had officially sealed the deal, and she had to consider the repercussions. She had to know that the next time she faced her friends she would probably be their enemies. Her breath caught in her throat when she thought of her nightmares.
Lorelai finished dressing in silence, considering Liz's words. She came to sit next to the huntress, placing a hand on her thigh.
"You have a life back in Seren's Folley don't you? Friends and family worry for you, and they might be ashamed of the choice you've made.""The world of men will not accept me, or I'd go with you to explain. To offer reasons and assuage fears, but we both know they'd rather kill me than listen." She leaned onto Liz's shoulder, falling silent for a moment.
"I'll not bind you like this. You may have a choice. When we've completed our business here you can choose. The life you had before, or the new life I have to offer you.""If you choose Seren's Folly, and the Digards come for me... please... don't be there Elizabeth." Lorelai smiled sadly, leaning in to kiss Liz's cheek. With a deep breath she stood.
"For now though, we've work to do. ”You only give the hard choices, don't you?” Elizabeth found her heart pulled in two different directions. It was a tangible split, between Lorelai and the witches, or Seren's Folly and her family. She wanted both, but she couldn't work up a way to have the two most important things in her life at once. Lorelai's kiss left a warm imprint on her cheek, but it didn't manage to calm the storm brewing silently beneath her casual expression.
”If I have any say in it, they will not come for you. I’d lock them in my manor’s dungeons if they tried it.” Liz chuckled, back to her light spirited self, on the outside at least. She bounced off the bed, and held out a hand to take Lorelai with her. Together they left the room, Lorelai using her insight on city's layout to guide them. Elizabeth hardly paid attention to the sights, still debating on what she would choose.
The obvious answer was Lorelai, she had sworn herself to her dragon, after all. Then there was the not so obvious answer, where she would choose freedom, and escape to Seren's Folly, as if she had never seen or experienced a thing in the Castle. That thought seemed almost traitorous, but hadn't she betrayed the hunters? Would it really hurt to see them again?
Stop, Elizabeth. Control yourself, you have business to attend to. Her thoughts reminded her of the task at hand, and the furrowed brow she hadn't realized she had uncreased.
Lorelai remained externally cheerful during their shopping trip. Liz had enough of a choice to consider without her own stake in it further confusing things. The huntress had family and friends after all, what right did she have to keep her away from those things. She didn't really have a right to make her choose, but Lorelai couldn't see a way past that. A macabre smirk pulled her lips, perhaps she'd die, that would make Liz's choice easy enough.
Once they'd finished collecting the last of the ritual supplies; a plethora of rare bloods, powdered magical minerals, and a small collection of wicked flesh-carving tools, she turned to Liz grinning.
"Ready to see my keep? That's our last stop."During the span of the trip, Elizabeth had returned to her usual curious self. She had pushed most other thoughts aside, enjoying her time with Lorelai instead. The tools they accumulated seemed strange and wicked to her, but also made her excited for the task ahead. When Lorelai asked if she was ready to see the citadel, Liz brightened.
”Of course! I would race you if I knew where it was.” Elizabeth’s smile wavered when she remembered just how dangerous the ritual was.
”Are you ready to accomplish this, Lore? Because I'm certainly ready to see my Dragon succeed.” Elizabeth would offer no ill will, or advise against Lorelai doing this. It was Lore’s choice, and the witch had proven just how much she wanted to go through with it.
"You're too kind dear, and I'm as ready as I suppose I'll ever be." Lorelai winked and linked arms with her knight.
"Vellexia'd better be taking care of the place."
Lorelai's citadel was an imposing black edifice. It loomed over the city from its own island just off the northern edge of the main land mass. Carved from midnight-black stone its towers rose into the darkened sky. Highlighted against the red moon they looked not unlike the talons of some impossibly vast Dragon, reaching up to spite the eyes of God. The two made their way across the grand bridge up to the gates, upon which was emblazoned the Von'Strauss sigil.
"Here we are." Lorelai spoke as she pressed her palm against the gate. The sigil glowed a deep volcanic-red as it swung open.
Beyond the grand walls Lorelai's citadel was a small city unto itself. Here demons and other creatures went about the business of maintaining the vast estate, each bore the Von'Strauss seal either on their clothes or branded into their flesh. They whispered as the two made their way towards the keep proper, bowing in reverence as they passed.
The keep doors were already open when they arrived, and at the top of the staircase stood the Choir, three stunningly beautiful succubi in snuggly fitting white gowns. Their smiles were bright as they ran up to greet the pair.
"Mistress! You've returned!" They called out in unison.
They turned their attention to Elizabeth next, eyes wide with wonder.
"And you've found a Knight! She's beautiful!" They swarmed around the huntress as they examined her features, finally they tugged at her sleeves and arms.
"The forgemaster made something in anticipation of your arrival! Come, come!"Elizabeth's first impression of the citadel was awe. The towers were highlighted wonderfully against the red beams of the moon, so they didn't fade into the night sky. It was carved elegantly, and it struck one's eyes with its grace. She realized with a smirk and a quickly forgotten blush, that it reminded her of Lorelai.
”This place is amazing.” Liz managed to say, walking inside to Lorelai's own personal city.
When they entered the citadel, she hastily greeted the demons around her. She knew they didn't bow to her, so it was right of her to be friendly. Their whispers weren't motivating per se, but she knew they were probably just wondering who she was.
The faces blurred as she met the Choir. They were all stunning, and she still wasn't used to the flawlessness of succubi. They seemed to be one and the same, because when they spoke their voices melded.
”Yes, I am Lorelai's new Knight. My name is Elizabeth, who are you?” Before she could get a response,they were scrutinizing her, and Liz looked at Lorelai with the deepest merriment playing in her eyes.
They began tugging on her sleeves, and she allowed them to guide her. She glanced back at Lorelai, and laughed heartily.
”I guess we're off to see the forgemaster?”Lorelai chucked and leaned to steal a small kiss, more to dissuade the Choir from turning their lecherous minds to other antics too quickly than anything else.
"I'll see you at dinner then. Have fun dear." She waved farewell as she made her own way inside.
The Choir looked between the two for a moment after the kiss before descending into excited squeals. Two of them went to either side of Liz, linking their arms with hers as the remaining succubus lead them through the halls of the keep.
"So... you and Lady Von'Strauss huh?" The Choir asked.
"Details please!" the one in front turned, walking backwards as she batted her eyelashes cutely.
Elizabeth sparkled after her brief kiss with Lorelai, waving her off between the squeals of the Choir. They wasted no time, quickly linking arms and guiding her down to the forge. Their feet were fast, carrying them with a cheerful buoyancy. Elizabeth matched their gait, following along without a care in the world. When they asked about her relationship with Lorelai, she faltered slightly.
What was her relationship with Lorelai? They were a couple now, she decided. They didn't have much of a history though. Liz briefly went over everything that had happened between her and Lorelai, from the contract to her oath as a Knight. To finish, she stated,
”Then we indulged in the nectar of succubi, last night actually.”The Choir tittered endlessly about her story, and as much as it entertained Liz, she found her eyes wandering. They had made their way to a hall, sumptuous through and through. The sconces carved of the same dark stone that made up the outer walls, their flames dancing wildly. It was the perfect way to light up the wall high paintings, framed in shimmering gold and onyx. They were painted marvelously, the brushstrokes coming alive in front of her eyes.
The things they depicted, weren't quite as lovely. They showed the true horror of war, blades running through enemies, blood spilling victoriously. In others, she saw twisted angels weeping, their feathered wings black and their faces demented. She realized without shock that the angels were demons, viciously tormenting the fallen. In other paintings, were acts of sex. The artist was so skilled one could notice the sweat of passion dripping off of lovers. Their bodies were entangled masses, a sensual orgy. They were eye-catching, albeit taboo. It inflamed a deep sense of pleasure in Elizabeth, egged on by the Succubi around her. She wondered just what had inspired these artists, to create such accurate depictions of rage and lust.
The Choir noticed her ogling at the portraits, and they responded in another bout of giggles. Liz pulled herself together, just as they arrived at the forge. It was the basement of the citadel, and compared to the vast and lavish expanses, it was rather drab. Her senses were invigorated by the familiar scent of grease, and the clang of metal being worked.
Liz looked to the Choir inquisitively, her smile curved charmingly.
”Is this the keep of the forgemaster? I'd rather love to see him.”"Oh yes, he's quite the jovial fellow, and the oldest inhabitant of the citadel." The Choir responded cheerfully, pride obvious on their faces.
They followed the sound of metalwork through the dreary basement. It echoed off of the plainly hewn stone of the walls and ceiling. Torches flickered in their sconces, placed on the walls infrequently, leaving long stretches of near perfect darkness. The Choir didn't seem to mind, however, and their chatter continued.
They finally fell silent as they came to a plain wooden door. Behind was the source of the clangs, as they shook the walls and the frames of the visitors alike. With a reassuring smile they pushed open the door, and ushered Liz inside.
She found herself in a massive room with a vaulted ceiling. Shadows danced over the room from the hot glow of the forge. The walls were adorned with weaponry. Each blade and blunt instrument was crafted from the finest material, some from metals rarely seen in the material world; oricalcum, mithral, and deep-crystal.
With a rumble the inhabitant of the ever-burning forge spoke.
"Finally, a Knight after all these years." Liz turned to see a giant. Standing nearly twenty feet tall his skin was a burnished bronze cracked with scars. Long grey hair cascaded down his bare shoulders.
His craggy face broke into a smile.
"I'm the forgemaster, and I'll be damned if a Dragon Knight leaves this hall with anything less than the equipment due to a member of the illustrious order." His chuckles shook the room.
Elizabeth's eyes fled the amazing weaponry, crafted from fine materials she had never before seen. It was a hunter’s playground, but it had quite the groundskeeper. Before her was a giant, in all of its mystical glory. He was aged and scarred, and his presence demanded respect.
Andri would get such a kick out of this, the thought was airy, but it wounded her.
Liz gave the giant a deep curtsy, as he regarded her with something close to wonder.
”I suppose it is a rare occurrence to see a Knight? Well, I am glad to be in your presence. You are a great craftsman.” She gestured to the arms in the room, smiling from ear to ear.
”I am Elizabeth, is forgemaster your true name?”"I haven't seen a full Knight in... centuries?" The giant though a moment before shrugging.
"And forgemaster suits me well. The Von'Strauss ripped my truename from me millennia ago when they enslaved me anyway." He chuckled again.
"Enough about that though. Tell me Elizabeth, what arms and armor do you favor?" The giant leaned in close to examine the huntress.
Elizabeth let the giant encroach upon her personal space, she was getting far too familiar with these inspections. It surprised her that Lorelai's family had taken away the poor giant's name, but the surprise faded. They were a family of demon taming dragons. Once he was done familiarizing himself with her body, she spoke up.
”Well, sir, I'm quite familiar with a chain whip. As far as armor goes, I just used what was available and I have been refitting it ever since.” Liz chuckled, but her voice was edged with excitement. He promised her new weaponry, a new set of armor. She felt spoiled, but he appeared to want to give it to her as much as she wanted to have it.
"Chain whip!? Such an exotic weapon, 'twill be a joy to forge." Excitement crept into the giant's voice.
"You'd value maneuverability then, to keep foes at bay. Hmm... light armors afford little protection...""Mithral then!" His voice shook the room as he exclaimed.
"A set of full-plate wrought of mithral, light as a feather, hard as finest steel. For the whip I think we'll use adamantine for the blade, and an alloy of that and oricalcum for the chain.""To be crafting fine arms for a real warrior again!" The giant turned his attention to
the forge.
"I'll not forget this moment."Elizabeth found herself enthralled by the giant’s enthusiasm, she bounced merrily on the balls of her feet. When his booming voice shook the ground, she giggled happily.
”That sounds wonderful!” If only Emiliah were here! Her and her family would love to see this. Elizabeth didn't let this thought get her down, instead, it sparked a small thought. The thought wormed its way through her head, until the words rolled off her tongue.
”Sir, do you make spears?” She felt her cheeks turning red, not of embarrassment, but what those words meant. If he did craft her a spear for Emiliah, Elizabeth would have to transport it to her. She would see her friend again, or at least the inside of Seren's Folly when she went to go drop it off. Part of her hoped the giant would refuse the offer, the other clamored for his approval.
"A spear's a simple enough weapon, useful for when you ride Mistress Lorelai into battle!" The giant nodded at Liz's supposed cleverness.
"Tip of adamantine, shaft too likely. Now, leave me to my work if you would." The giant winked and turned back towards the forge.
Elizabeth nodded firmly, as though riding Lorelai was what she planned to do with the spear.
”Of course, thank you sir. You're very kind.” She turned on her heels, giving the weapons a final look before exiting the room. She noticed the lack of warmth instantly, her body having gone slightly red from the heat of the forgemaster’s room. She couldn't wait to see the giant again, he was so interesting, just another wonder of Lorelai's world. She straightened herself, and went on to her dinner.
Liz was lead back through the grand halls of the keep. The Choir debating whether the mistress would like a fine red or white with her dinner. As they drew closer to the grand hall the decor shifted. Gone were the gruesome displays, replaced with fantastic landscapes of mythic lands. Each brush-stroke painstakingly drawing out details from a master's eye. Whoever painted these stood in these lands.
Finally they arrived in the long grand hall. The vast room was lit from above. Bright crystalline chandeliers glowed in shades of purple, red, and green. The walls were lined with more landscapes, all from the same artist as the ones outside. Dominating the center of the room was a table that stretched from front to back. Carved from a strange white wood, leaves still grew here and there along its length. Atop it sat a feast fit for an army.
For all its glory the meal only had two participants. A pretty blonde woman sat near the head of the table. She was dressed in a gown fit for nobility, and her neck and fingers glittered with jewels. At the table's head sat Lorelai, who'd changed into a long flowing black gown. White lace at her wrists and neck, the gown also featured a plunging neckline and a long slit up the side, revealing her pale thigh.
"Elizabeth, come, sit." Lorelai's face brightened as she spied the huntress standing in the doorway.
"This is Vellexia Faust, my steward.""Lorelai! You hadn't told me she was so lovely!" Vellexia smiled demurely.
"Your tastes haven't changed a bit have they?"When Elizabeth walked into the room she felt small. The table stretched for miles, its woodsy appearance majestic and royal. The chandeliers glowed unnatural colors, as most lights did here, and the walls were covered in magical landscapes waiting to be explored. She wanted to jump into a frame and waste away her life there, it seemed real enough to do so.
Atop the table was a feast, which was far too big for only three. It appeared as though it could feed a small militia for days. She also noted her underdressed she was, in her plain blouse and trousers, with her hair tied up haphazardly. She looked like a servant compared to Lorelai and Vellexia, but she walked up to the table and sat poised at Lorelai's other side, like a queen waiting to be served.
The posture came naturally to Liz, but small talk didn't. She had no idea what to discuss here, so she decided she would bring up the forgemaster.
”The forgemaster is crafting me new gear, along with a spear…for Emiliah. He was so excited about it, he's quite an infectious man.” She had forgotten her manners, so as a means to return them, she nodded curtly to Vellexia.
”Forgive me, I'm Elizabeth. Elizabeth Calla James.”Lorelai grinned.
"I grew up on his stories of old glory." Her eyes betrayed a small concern as she continued.
"I'm sure Emiliah will love such a grand gift." How did Liz plan to explain where it came from?
Vellexia looked between the two, her brow arching over her keen eyes.
"Tell me Ms. James, how did you come to the Lady's service?" She let out a small laugh, glancing at Lorelai.
"The Mistress has never been... forthcoming with details."”We met in the woods after a demon deposited me there, and I vowed to serve her. Then I became her Knight...and now I'm here.” Liz didn't know if there was a better way to explain it. That was how it had happened, if you cut out all those pesky details of her knighthood, and her boring encounters at the Castle.
”I suppose I'm not very forthcoming as well.” Liz shrugged, glancing at Lorelai with a smile.
”Vellexia, you must tell me stories about you and Lorelai. I understand she spent some time here?”Lorelai's eyes widened as Vellexia's grin deepened.
"Oh yes, she spend several decades here before she left to destroy Hector Digard."Lorelai sighed and looked away, picking at her food as Vellexia went on.
"Did you know she once called the Succubus Queen a consort?" She giggled.
"Yet she still insists on playing around with mortal lovers, never mind how fragile or short lived they may be."She flashed a grin at Lorelai, who forced a similar expression in response.
"But my Mistress is allowed her vices, I much prefered her hunting hunters for sport though. It did get her heart broken much less." She leaned in conspiratorially
"Have you met her current? Vespa I believe right? Such arrogance."Elizabeth's fist clenched beneath the table, as Vellexia leaned forward and dared to speak Vespa’s name.
”The loss of Vespa is not a matter to be discussed so vilely. I would suggest you seat yourself properly, little miss.” She gestured to Vellexia’s seat, using her steak knife to reach across the table and prod the steward’s cheek.
”It is my deepest regret for asking you to elaborate.”Elizabeth brought up her most cheerful charade, though it never quite reached her eyes.
”You two have lovely dresses, is there a tailor in the citadel?” She chuckled, but the thought hardly surprised her. The place was full of amazing things.
Vellexia's eyes widened in anger.
"I'll not endure such rudeness from a fil-""You'll endure what I command." Lorelai's voice was icy as she turned towards her steward.
"Now leave, before I decide you were about to insult my Knight, and respond accordingly."Vellexia shot a wounded look at her mistress before huffing.
"As you wish." Venom dripped from her words as she stood, bowing low before departing.
When her footsteps could no longer be heard Lorelai turned to Liz, her eyes glittering with adoration.
"It seems you'll never cease surprising me. You cut quite the bold figure with that knife against her cheek."Elizabeth watched Vellexia leave, only a slight bit of guilt invading her heart. She had caused the woman's outburst, but the blonde had deserved it. She turned her attention back to Lorelai and shook her head, smiling happily.
”Blame my mother, she's...to put it gently, a bitch. Only kind to me and my father, couldn't care less about anyone else.” Elizabeth laughed, holding her hand out to seize Lorelai.
”Thank God she married my father, otherwise she would have been overthrown ages ago. She's the bitter to his sweet.” Finally at ease, she dug in to her plate. It was the first thing she had eaten that day, and it lived up to her expectations.
"He sounds like a lovely man, and they certainly raised a lovely daughter." Lorelai looked around the room wistfully.
"The older I get, the less I care about all this finery."She sighed and continued to pick at her meal.
"Between me and you, just me and you, I sometimes wish I'd been born normal. I'd trade away most of this luxury for the simple ability to fall in love, and live in peace." She grinned, blushing lightly.
"I'll bet that sounds like a silly complaint, but what I wouldn't give to look forward to meeting your parents. Instead I'm wondering if I'll have to defend myself from your friends. Life can be cruel I suppose."”It's not a silly complaint, Lorelai. Sometimes I wish I could have been born a witch, not because I want the powers, but because I want to know what my parents would have done with me. How my life would have changed, and so on.” Elizabeth didn't let herself get whisked away by the thought, as she usually did. Instead she focused solely on Lorelai, and the way her skin lit up with a shade of pink as she discussed her desire to have been born different.
”Then, I remember what I wouldn't have done. My life would have changed horrendously. I never would have met Bobby, or Andri, or Flint, or Emiliah. Maybe I would have made it to Castle Bloodrose, but who knows what would have happened then?” Liz stopped her endless train of thought with a bite of potatoes.
”What I was trying to say, is that life happens for a reason. You were born with a purpose, and everyday you step closer to fulfilling that purpose.”"I suppose so. I do have daughters now, and a family." Lorelai met Liz's eyes for a moment.
"Life has also provided me more opportunities to fall in love than I likely deserve.""I wonder at the price though." Lorelai sighed, but her mood had brightened.
"I suppose stranger things have happened, I might meet your parents yet. Or see peace in my time.""Enough of an old witch's ramblings. What shall we do with this last night?" She pushed her plate away, and turned to Liz.
Elizabeth pushed her plate away and stood, she pulled out Lorelai's chair and offered her a hand to take.
”The night is yours, Lore. I'm simply along for the ride.” She grinned lovingly, unafraid to show her affection for the beautiful woman before her.
”You're certainly dressed for a lovely occasion. I say, we do something fun, before your dress is surely torn.”A snap from Lorelai's fingers sent servants scattering, and started a low intimate music filtering through the room. Taken Liz's hand she stood and turned towards her.
"Let's dance it away then my sweet.""Tomorrow and its fears will wait, tonight I'm all yours." Lorelai pushed her fears and pains away. Tucking herself into Liz's form she glid across the marble floor of the grand hall for what may be the last time. Later that night they'd make love in the bed that Lorelai grew up in.
The morning would bring no such kindness.
Liz awoke in a room not unlike the one Lorelai kept in Castle Bloodrose. A large canopy bed dominated the simple, but lavish, space. Landscapes lined the walls, filling the room with a strange life. An easel sat in one corner, a quick sketch of her sleeping face on a fresh canvas.
"Elizabeth?" The Choir stood in the doorway, calling out hesitantly to the huntress.
"Mistress told us to let you sleep, but... somehow we don't think you'll want to miss this."Elizabeth woke up, groggy and wanting to bask alone in her postcoital glow. She hadn't expected the Choir to come and give her a wake up call. She searched the bed, gripping the sheets for life but coming up empty. Lorelai had gone without her, and she hadn't even woken her up.
Elizabeth cursed non-stop as she found her clothing, pulling it on and buttoning it as she was walked by the Choir. They led her happily, going in a frantic path this way and that. They passed more paintings, but Liz paid them little attention, focusing instead on getting to Lorelai.
Soon she was at the uppermost section of the central tower, staring coolly at her lover's naked form. Her pale skin could hardly be made out through all the sigils, either painted or carved into her flesh. Liz leaned against the doorway, crossing her arms and sighing.
”You said we would be doing this together, dear. You didn't even wake me, to say goodbye. What if you had died?” She raised her eyebrow expectantly, awaiting Lorelai's response.
"I... I was just about to send for you." Lorelai looked down at the ground.
"I'm... bad at goodbyes, but it just dawned on me that you, more than anyone, deserve at least that.""There's no need for goodbyes, because you're about to become a Dragon." Liz's voice was teasing, but calm. She approached Lorelai and gave her a firm hug.
"I hear I get to ride you into battle, like a war horse." She laughed into Lorelai's hair, breaking away and moving to a safe viewpoint.
"Yes, you do, and you managed to secure the right to do it in other ways as well." Lorelai replied playfully, her nerves calmed significantly by Liz's presence.
"Alright, let's begin."She made her way to the golden bell at the center of the tower. With a heave she rung it. A loud resounding note sounded, and Lorelai's voice matched it in the Dragon's Tongue. The Choir soon joined her, their voices intertwining with their mistress'. They sang a song of tragedy, triumph, near misses, and second chances. The spoke in that ancient language of love, loss, and the will it takes to persevere.
Mist rolled in as their voices rose into the night air. It pooled out to one side of the tower as a carpet. With a bright flash the way to Dragon's Peak was opened, a shimmering rift of flame in the air. There Lorelai would be remade, or destroyed.
She turned to Liz as the Choir continued their song.
"Elizabeth, you can't follow me here. Keep these little ones safe." She moved towards her lover, planting a lingering kiss on her lips.
"I love you, you should hear that once at least."Elizabeth had let the emotions of the song flow through her willingly, the otherworldly noises spouting so much meaning. Before she could comprehend it all, Lorelai was there, giving her a kiss. She told her that she loved Liz, and the simple statement blossomed Liz’s heart.
”I love you too Lore, you better come back, lest you never finish that portrait.” She tried to summon a chuckle, but it was stifled by the threat of tears. Lorelai could die, and never return from that rift. Or she could live, and come out a Dragon. It was a thought that broke her, and sewed her back together all at once. She closed her eyes tight, so she wouldn't see her Dragon leave, and waited to ride out the storm.
Lorelai turned towards the curtain of fire, and strode through it. Her frame disappearing at last.
The twisted shape that finally emerged from the curtain of flames into the Land of Primordial Serpents and Everlasting Dragons couldn’t be called human anymore. It’s charred flesh shuffled through the field of kneeling statues of man-dragon hybrids, forever fixed into a stance of prayer. It would have groaned had its voice not been ruined by screaming in pain. Instead it shuffled in silence towards the diaz of stone in the center of the figures, upon which was a large draconic skull.
Its steel-grey eyes, still pristine after all the flames had taken, looked over its surroundings. The sky overhead was a blasted white, flames undulating under a bright red sun. it stood in an amphitheatre that was ensconced in a once lush field, now all that could be seen were dead trees and withered shrubbery. The only sound was its shuffling steps as it made its way past the broken stone seats and kneeling figures.
It wondered why it came. It wondered what its name was. All it could remember were the faces of two red-headed girls, and the strange conviction that they were why it had to do what it had come here to do. If only it could remember what that was. When it finally reached the skull it saw that a small black box was clenched in its wicked teeth. Plucking it free the shape fell to its knees and opened it.
Within were small tokens, each bore a face on the front and an inscription on the back. It saw a man with cold eyes and a mischievous smirk, the back read ‘Alphonse Stone’. Another token bore the visage of a beautiful woman with a warm smile, it read ‘Elizabeth James’. ‘Alyssa Von’Strauss’ was evidently a madwoman with desperation in her eyes, or so the next token told the creature. She saw the two faces on the last token, two little girls. One was smiling brightly, the other was fearful and resolved, the back read ‘Charlotte Von’Strauss & Abby Smart’.
The creature’s scorched heart was warmed by each token. It ran a ruined thumb over each face, trying desperately remember what these people meant to it to no avail. Finally its attention turned to the last article in the box, a single lock of red hair. It turned it over in its cracked palm, and noticed something strange. It was coiled around a twig, just an ordinary twig. Flakes of charred flesh fell as the creature’s face broke into a smile, it had remembered something.
”Lotte, sweety, how do you manage to get so many sticks in your hair?” She remembered a little girl on her lap, the sound of a brush’s teeth working carefully to remove sticks and twigs from her bright red hair. She remembered her name, Lorelai Von’Strauss. Finally she remembered what she was here for.
She’d slain Hector Digard, enslaved Demon Lords, destroyed villages and cities, and countless other cruelties. She’d loved Alexina, Vespa, and now Elizabeth. She had a coven that needed her wisdom and strength. Most of all though, she was a mother. She’d come here for the strength and power she’d need to keep what she had against the oncoming dark.
If Lotte and Abby could grow up with grass beneath their feet, a blue sky overhead, and the sun on their smiling faces that would be her greatest accomplishment. She surveyed her form in horror. She was no Dragon after all, just another failed serpent.
She sat, and turned her head up towards the burning sky. Tears of white fire ran down her face. Elizabeth would suffer now a measure of what she’d suffered when Vespa’d died. Alphonse would have to make a career of black acts with no relief. Alyssa would never find in her what she’d hoped. Lotte and Abby would grow up in a dying world, with no Dragon to save them.
”No! This is not how it ends!” She screamed.
”I am Lorelai Von’Strauss! I bow to King nor God, and I’ll not begin bowing to anything now.”Lorelai began to tear at her charred flesh, ripping it off in chunks. Her body had failed her, and she had no further use for it. Black smoke poured into the air as her flesh was peeled away by her furious hands. Her humanity slipped away as she discarded it into that black power flowing within her. The twisted corner of her mind, so long kept at bay, surged within her. It answered her rage with its own, white fire crackling through the smoke and bones of her broken frame.
”My will is more than flesh, more than soul.” Her voice trembled as she gathered her will for her ascent.
”I have daughters to save, a family to protect, and a woman to fall in love with. Nothing... nothing will stop me.”Her body finally dissolved in a flash of flame as her inhuman rage pushed her will to new heights. Her mortal coil was no more, as she discarded her human frailties. She screamed into the sky, each cry sending a ragged gout of Dragonfire into the air. The black smoke of her will sent a long shadow over the strange land, as she spread her terrible wings.
Finally all fell silent. Towering over the center of the amphitheatre of failed serpents was Lorelai Von’Strauss a
Dragon now in truth. Clad in midnight-black scales she was almost too vast to behold. Her eyes glowed with volcanic fury, her horrific claws raking long rents into the stone as she took flight. The curtain of flame parted as she approached, as if the flames dared not touch her.
So the first Everlasting Dragon born in an age started back towards the abyss.
The flames sputtered and died as a black shape appeared highlighted against the moon. On black wings Lorelai circled the tower, belching triumphant flame into the sky. Her form began to blur as she made her approach. By the time she reached the tower her draconic visage had vanished in a plume of black smoke, and when it cleared Lorelai was revealed at its center.
Her body was unchanged, at first glance, but for the glowing design of a dragon coiling up her leg, ending at her shoulder. At second glance her eyes seemed almost luminescent, and her skin radiated a strange heat.
She wobbled on her feet as she smiled weakly at Liz.
"I... I might need some time before I finish that portrait."Elizabeth had been waiting for hours on end. Each minute excruciating as she went between bouts of pouting and pacing. The Choir tried desperately to cheer her up, but her mood was dark nonetheless. By the time Lorelai had returned, Liz hadn't noticed a thing. She was curled up in the corner of the room biting her thumb and spitting insults at the nothingness.
At first, Elizabeth didn't move when she heard Lorelai speak. When she reviewed her Dragon's weary tone, she was up in an instant. Moving faster than she had thought possible, she ran to Lorelai and hugged her dearly. It was mostly so the girl wouldn't collapse onto the floor, but she also wanted to hold Lorelai. A strange heat radiated off of her, almost too hot to touch, but Liz pushed through it.
”Lore, you were gone for so long. You came back with battle scars.” Liz stated, pointing out the obvious as she traced Lorelai's new markings. They marred her flawless skin, but Elizabeth took a strong liking to them.
”I'm so glad you're back, and safe. You did it, you're a Dragon” Her tone became hushed, as she acknowledged Lorelai's amazing achievement.
"Did I?" Lorelai examined her body, noting the new design with a small smirk.
"Thank you my love. I'm a Dragon, and you my Knight, I wouldn't have it any other way."Her hand stroked Liz's cheek.
"I had a lot of time to think in there. I've realized that if I don't seize this chance that you and I have, I'll regret it forever." She leaned upwards for a kiss.
"I love you Elizabeth, and I've waited a very long time to say that again."Elizabeth wrapped Lorelai up in her arms, stealing a long and gentle kiss.
”Lorelai, I love you too.” Her tone was firm and resolute as she stated this fact, knowing she couldn't -and wouldn't- go back on her words.
”You need rest now, dear. Before we depart I have to see the forgemaster, you know, he says you stole his name.” Liz laughed, cradling Lorelai like a child and beginning the journey to their room. When they arrived, Elizabeth tucked Lorelai into the bed, setting her up safely beneath the sheets. She decided she would join Lore there, and held her tight.
”I'll see to it you fall asleep.” She murmured, relaying her task gently to Lorelai, and using it as a sort of lullaby.
"Did I?" Lorelai muttered sleepily. The huntress' kiss had made her heart race, and her resolve to remain awake weaken.
"That sounds like a mean thing to do, probably a younger me."She nuzzled against her lover as she found herself suddenly deposited in her bed, with Liz's arms snuggly around her.
"You're perfect... will you be here when I wake up?" she sounded dopily concerned.
She'd never hear Liz's answer, her ordeal had been taxing. Lorelai drifted off into a deep and dreamless sleep. A small smile of contentment curving her lips.
Elizabeth watched Lorelai drift off to sleep, something she had never quite accomplished before. It was satisfying, hearing her silly and on the verge of dozing. She slowly inched her way out of the bed, careful not to disturb the calm figure lying there.
”I'll try to be back when you wake up.” She stated quietly, the best promise she could give. Leaving the room, she found herself looking back at Lorelai countless amounts of times. It was only when she exited the room entirely that her head stopped snapping back. She stretched in the hall, before making her way down to the forgemaster.
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