Lazarus: Land Of The Elements

Haseo was walking out of a little leather shop, wearing his newly repaired arm guards. the stitching keeping them together had to be redone due to some damage from one of his side jobs along his journey. Nice to have some armor again.... now to find somewhere to stay until the kings guards find me....
As Haseo said that, he was caught by a runner. The same guy he had talked to earlier. The runner handed him back the Haseo's letters and explained the situation to him as well as relayed the captains message as well. With that he thanked the runner and started to head toward the Guards Square.

"Looks like I chose the right time to arrive after all. This is looking a little more serious than they're wanting everyone to see." he said to himself as he looked for the Crimson Flame Inn.

After speaking to the Innkeeper He decided to leave most of his things on the bed and headed back downstairs to have a drink or two while he waited on the captain. as he was waiting he couldn't help but look at the amulet he'd just acquired. He couldn't believe that it looked the same as the one his ancestor wore.

It couldn't be the same exact one.... could it?

 

As the deliberations finally ended, having taken all day to do so, Shunsui exited the Palace to see his sister waiting for him. She was still garbed in her Shadow Guard uniform so he knew she was still on duty. "That didn't take as long as I thought they would." She said giving him a flat look that definitely told him she was still going to be speaking as a Shadow Agent. He absentmindedly rubbed his temple with his left hand. "It was a nightmare in there." He said with an exasperated sigh. "Old man Tarkus and the new head of the Shino family were butting heads the entire time. Two men from totally different generations trying to hash out politics."

He began walking back towards the Guard's Square knowing he had another appointment to meet. He noticed that his sister was following him at his side. "So? Who's going to be Regent?" He perked up knowing that that kind of information shouldn't have been known as of yet by the general public. Shadow Ops always knows things before they should... A meeting like that was kept as far under wraps as possible. "Come now Brother. You know very well that I knew as soon as you knew." He sighed. She was right of course. He could feel it as much as anyone else who was granted control over fire. Their ability to control it has been compromised. It took much more effort to do things that they used to do almost unconsciously. "Elder Shin has been elected by the Council to be Regent while the king is unavailable. The palace will be locked down and access into the Capitol will now be restricted to those with permits or affiliates with the Guard.

It was this time that she stepped in front of her brother and spoke. "The Priestess has been released upon authority of the Shadow Guard." She could see her brother narrow his eyes at being overstepped. "You can blame your own colleagues for that." She turned and walked away from her brother. "I have to find out my next assignment. I'll be home by dinner." She said as she concentrated and used what control she had to disappear in a whirl of fire.

He shook his head. The Shadow Guard Captain had overstepped him and it didn't sit well with him. Still, in matters such as that, the Shadow Guard would have had control over the situation anyway. He continued to make his way towards the Crimson Flame to meet the Ranger he had heard of earlier.

Sakurako arrived at the designated meeting point with her information operative. It didn't take long till the other operative arrived. When he or she did, they simply handed her a package including her orders. Once she read them and the status update give to her by the Information Corps, she concentrated and caused the documents to burst into flames. She knew now what she would be doing. Her only problem was, how to do it.

 

While Aurora slept her dreams were starting to plague her. Memories of her past were starting to enter her mind.

“Luna, we need to get you to safety. We need to get you into the new realm as quickly as possible,” her father said.


“Yes, daddy,” she responded sadly.

“I know you don’t want to be in hiding, but you are now going to be the ruler on Lazarus. You are in danger if you stay in this realm. Our enemies are now after you...”


“I don’t want to be the ruler of Lazarus. That was supposed to be mommy’s job,” she responded.

“Yes, but your mother is dead now, Luna. There is nothing we can do about it. She was killed by them,” her father responded harshly. Her eyes started to fill with tears. Her father pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry, honey. I know this is all too much for you. This all happened really fast.”

“Where are we going to go to get into this realm?”

“We are going to head to Uncle Zayne’s. There we are going to open the realm from his castle. He knows a way to sneak you in without anyone finding out. We are going to have to come up with another name for you. The people after you know you as Luna…what should we call you?”


“Aurora,” Luna responded. She had always liked that name. “What are you and sissy going to do once I’m gone?”


“We are going to stay in hiding until its safe. Then we are going to return to the water kingdom. We will be burying your mother. We will have to rename ourselves as well.”

Aurora nodded.


“We are only going to be able to travel at night. That is the only way we will be able to keep our new ruler safe.”

She nodded again.


Once the clock struck ten they started their journey to the air kingdom. There her Uncle Zayne was waiting for her. He snuck her into an abandoned part of the kingdom. No one was ever able to go there. He opened the portal to the ruler realm. Luna walked in. She felt her body glow warm. Every single element entered her body at once.


Aurora became the ruler of Lazarus.

--

Aurora woke up screaming, shaking, sweaty, and tears were running down her cheeks.

“Are you alright,” Zael asked running to her side.

Aurora shook her head. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to think about any of her memories, but she knew that she was going to have to share.

Yuri walked over to her. “You know you can talk to us. You are the one that entrusted us with the responsibilities of running our kingdoms. We are in your debt. If you weren’t around this country would be in shambles.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

“No problem.”


“I had a dream about a little bit of my past. I must tell you about them. For the reason I brought you here also lies with my past.”


They all looked at each other and then back at their ruler. They had confusion written on their faces.

OOT: I know it's short, but I wanted it to be a bit short. The next post is going to be longer.

 

Gideon tilted his head back slightly as he tried to remember the things he'd heard about her.
"Well, let me see. The rumors I've heard were vague at best and I rarely heard the same story twice, but the ones I did hear were quite interesting. Some say that a powerful elementalist lives in this area, while others say that a scion of the royal family born out of wedlock had ran away from home and was living in hiding. Still others say that there is a dangerous witch, a mad alchemist, or a master swordsman from a faraway land made their home here. Someone even claimed that there is a werewolf living in this forest."
He gave a reserved but clearly amused laugh.
"I will admit, I was somewhat hoping that last story had some truth to it, though I never really thought it did."
He took another drink of tea, relaxing in his chair as he enjoyed this peaceful moment of casual conversation, despite having to consciously choose his words carefully. Despite his young age, experience had already taught him just how delicately a diplomatic conversation must be handled. One wrong word could ruin his chances at gaining a new ally, perhaps even a new friend. He kept this in mind, but he still found himself enjoying the talk nonetheless.

"So you think of yourself as "only human," is that right? What an odd thing to say. A kingdom does not rely solely on kings, queens and those with some extraordinary ability, you know. A kingdom is only as strong as its people. They are the solid foundation that his great throne rests on, they are his mighty castle walls that keep all danger at bay, they are his hands, his feet and his voice in the places he cannot reach alone. A king can only be called great if his people are great as well. After all, without them, even King Yuri is merely a man with a crown."
He finished the last of his tea and gently set it back down on the table. As much as he wanted to stay longer, he knew that time was passing by quickly and he needed to return to the castle as soon as possible. Though he was reluctant to do so, he stood and bowed politely.
"Although I've certainly enjoyed my time here, I really should return to the castle. I need to be back by nightfall at least. Did you have any more questions before I take my leave?"

 

Name: Bardra Volund
Age:80
Personality: A stubborn, iron-willed warrior. Quick to criticize injustice and dishonor but calm enough to choose his battles. Distaste for nobles, lords and ladies who plot, plan and deceives his kingdom he would rather not be grouped in with them despite his honorary title.

Short Background about the character: As a young boy Bardra was taken and enslaved by bandits. Beaten and abused he followed all orders given to him by the bandits, regardless how cruel they were. When the bandit camp had come under attack from another kingdoms army the bandits ordered Bardra and 13 other kids to "Defend the Earth kingdom" while they ran. Doomed to die Bardra and the others fought with all they had, managing to repel the force. The fourteen boys held the defense line for several days before Earth kingdom troops found them, surprised that they survived and even more so that the repelled a force no one knew was there. When asked why they had been out here they simple said they were told to defend the kingdom so they did. Each other the boys were taken in by the troops however none gave up defending the kingdom despite the adults protest. Bardra and the others earned infamy as the grew up becoming The Golems, a group of Elite Earth kingdom soldiers. As time passed The Golems became renounced generals, nobles, or warriors for the kingdom. But as their name spread more enemies and plots emerged against them. Slowly The Golems had been executed, exiled, or old age had claimed them. Bardra then became the Last of the Golems, a moniker both insulting and a warning. As all who had plotted to dishonor or slander him failed, all who were sent to assassinate killed, and time refused to take the old man.

Appearance: A mix of these 3 in both appearance and personality

Spoiler: Ref images

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Earth
Weapons: Long Glaive, Earthen armor, his wits, and Greater control of the Earth element

Spoiler: Weapon Ref

 

Aurora sighed and looked down at the ground. Talking about her past was going to be very hard for her. She still had bad memories of what happened when she was younger. “Before I came into power the old ruler appointed a new ruler. That was not supposed to be me.”


“You weren’t supposed to be the Ruler of Lazarus,” Calista asked her eyes widening. “Then who was supposed to be the Ruler?”

“Well the old ruler before she passed away appointed my mother to be the next Ruler of Lazarus. The Rulers know exactly when they are going to die. They always foresee their deaths. If the Ruler of Lazarus dies without appointing anyone our land would be in shambles. Even the Kings and Queens wouldn’t be able to stop the destruction that would happen if their Ruler dies.”


Aurora looked at each one of them in the eye before continuing. “While my mother was preparing to become ruler another country was plotting their move. Verbena, who is one of our enemies, was planning to overthrow Lazarus. Lazarus is more powerful than they are. They sent an assassin after my mother.”


Aurora’s eyes started to fill with tears. “While my mother was in town she was killed by one of Verbena’s assassin’s. Since I was the eldest of her children it was decided that I would become the next ruler. I was six years old at the time. My younger sister was three at the time. In the middle of the night we decided to leave our home and head to the Air Kingdom.”


“What kingdom was your family apart of,” Zael asked.

“We were part of the water kingdom at the time. My mother and father were from different kingdoms. My father was from the Air Kingdom. My mother was from the Water Kingdom. They met and fell in love. They were able to get married back then. They decided that they wanted to settle in the Water Kingdom. My sister inherited the element of air from my father. I ended up inheriting the water element.”


Aurora stood. “I need a few seconds of air…”


Her memories were hurting her more than she let on. She needed to be strong, but at this time she couldn’t. She walked out of the room. None of the others could say anything just yet.

After a few second Yuri walked over to her. He put his arm on the young girl’s shoulders. “Are you alright, Aurora?”

She shook her head. “I’m alright. I promise.”

“You don’t seem fine. If the story is too painful for you then you shouldn’t continue,” Yuri responded.


“I must…”


She walked back into the room. She was recomposed. “Well as I was saying before we snuck to the Air Kingdom. My father’s brother was the King of Air at the time. He knew a way to sneak me into the realm without anyone finding out. He brought us down to an abandoned part of the Air Castle. He opened the portal. I stepped through, all of the elements came to me at once, and I became the ruler. Verbena was still plotting to over throw us. Once I became the Ruler Verbena assassin’s killed the rest of my family.”

All of them remained quiet while tears fell down Aurora’s cheeks. Yuri wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held their Ruler as she cried.

OOT: This was shorter than expected. Oh well.

 

Haseo examined the amulet closely as he waited for the captain's arrival. he brushed his fingers over the top of the fire opal.
"Why do I have a feeling that this is missing something...."

He took a small journal like book out of a belt pouch and opened it. "Whats missing from this amulet........ AH!" he found a picture within it's pages, bookmarked by a small picture of an old fire kingdom general. On the page opposite of the picture there was a drawing of an amulet that was very similar. except this drawing had a crest in the center of the amulets stone.

"So, there's no crest on this amulet. That tells me that this might not be the same one.... but why do I have a feeling somethings off?" He looked at the amulet closely as his fingers brushed over it's bright amber stone, polished to a very smooth shine. So why does my mind keep telling me that it's missing it? like it was there before..... Haseo had a puzzled look as he looked at the picture of General Hurai and flipped through some pages.

Am I missing something here?

Thoughts where bouncing around his mind as he was going over all of the notes he had on the missing crest. His mind was so occupied with the amulet that he missed a uniformed guard walking into the Crimson Flame. Nor the fact that he was one of the king's captain's, walking over to talk to Haseo.

 

Cinder and Shizukesa walked for several hours on the main road leading to the Water Kingdom. People shied away from Cinder, upon noticing the life-stealing execution blade on his back. Shizukesa slowly pried responses from Cinder, trying to make conversation. Most attempts failed, except for the one about where he grew up.
"Were you born here?"
"Why would you need to know that? I grew up here, and I served my whole life here in the Fire Kingdom."
"But I specifically asked you where you were born."
"Why should you know that?"
"Because if you don't say, I'll shame you like I did at the castle. Again."
Remembering the skirmish earlier, Cinder reconsidered. He still wondered how she could hide the odachi blade so easily.
"...Fine. I was born in the Earth Kingdom, and was taken to the Fire Kingdom."
"So your parents moved?"
"Only six feet into the ground of the Earth Kingdom. The Burning Cross found and took me in, and brought me to the Fire Kingdom during one of their expeditions. They were who I grew up with."
"I am sorry to hear that."
"Don't. The Burning Cross taught me how to be a man, unlike my parents."
After a while of silence, Shizukesa asked another question.
"Did you ever learn any of the Earth arts?"
"Never. Just fire. But even then, it is not very flashy."
"Perhaps you could learn them now."
"Ridiculous." Cinder scoffed. "I rely only on what I know to crush the opposition, regardless of finesse or flashy magic."
"I think you should. Combine what you know with what comes natural."
"I'm tired of talking about this."
Cinder grew sullen and silent. They walked on, with the possibility of meeting the one sent from the Water Kingdom to find them on the main road.

 

Lain had been following Shizukesa since she had left the prison. She'd watched as the priestess met with the young fire warrior and left the city. Her stomach grumbled as thoughts about fire kingdom cuisine filtered into her mind, not helping.

Since Shizu seemed to be heading back anyway, Lain wondered if she needed to reveal herself. Although... her rumbling gut was a problem. A plan came into her mind, and she acted on it despite it being quite a stretch. Slipping off the road and into the brush Lain headed up to a point in front of Shizu and the fire warrior. Tearing her clothes and dirtying herself up as much as possible, Lain took a seat on the ground and began begging for food.

As Shizukesa and Cinder approached her, Lain reached out and spoke in a weak voice, "Please, Priestess. Some food for a weary beggar."

 

Gideon calmly nodded back to her and replied.
"I understand. I will do as you wish and tell no one of you or this place."
As he walked towards the open door, he couldn't help but wonder what the rest of her story was, though he didn't dare to ask. Though from what little she said, he got the impression that her story was an unfortunate one which seems to have left her thoroughly disillusioned with the Four Kingdoms. He wondered what kind of hardship she'd went through to make her feel that way. Standing just outside the door, he bowed one more time and said his final farewell.

"As a man who spends his days dealing in secrets and information, I can appreciate the value of keeping things hidden. Still...how long do you plan to hide yourself in the shadows? You may end up staying in there so long that you fear coming out into the light."
He shook his head and gave a small sigh.
"I can only guess as to what was done to you or your parents. For all I know, you may have a very good reason to mistrust the rulers of this land. Still, this place seems so...isolated. I would imagine it must be quite lonely at times."
He turned around and began to walk away, giving the mysterious girl one last invitation as he did.
"If you ever change your mind and decide that you are ready for a change of scenery, come to the castle and ask for an audience with Gideon. I would be happy to oblige."

 

Sakurako reappeared in a whirl of fire just outside the family home. She noticed the lights weren't on yet and deduced that she had made it back to the house before her brother. She walked through the gate and noticed that the lights didn't automatically turn on as they should have. I guess the absence of the king is going to affect more than just our own magic. She sighed and went through the front door, removed her shoes, and began searching for some candles. Since she got home first, it was up to her to make dinner.

Shunsui entered the tavern/inn that was the Crimson Flame and spied the ranger that had sent the letter earlier. He was easy to pick out among the Flame's patrons because of his odd attire that could have only come from the mountains. He walked up to the ranger, who was absentmindedly pouring over an amulet, and introduced himself. "Ranger, I am Captain Shunsui. You made a request earlier to see the King. I am here in his stead."

Shunsui shifted then sat down next to the Ranger at the table and waved at the waitress. She knew what he wanted since this was one of his stops before heading home every night. The waitress disappeared and quickly reappeared bringing two cups and a bottle of Plum Sake to the table then went off to do her job. " As head Captain of the Guard, I don't usually do this kind of thing. But things have taken a turn that we haven't encountered before. I need to know what you wanted to talk to the King about." He spoke in a hushed tone as to not be overheard beyond the table that they were seated at.

 

Cinder brushed the imitation beggar's hand away. He looked down at the beggar and spoke in a voice dripping in condescension.
"A smart beggar would choose a more populated place than the middle a nowhere."
Cinder walked on, wasting no more time on the begging individual. Shizukesa, however, showed the imitation beggar pity. Smiling, she stopped and pressed a few coins into the imitation beggar's hand, enough for a meal.
"Here. This should be enough for enough for a decent meal. We don't have any food, else I would give it to you. May prosperity shine on you some day."
Leaving the money to the imitation beggar, she caught up with the cold-hearted Cinder. She gave him a look of disapproval.
"You don't help people much, do you?"
"No. I have nothing to gain by doing so. And if that beggar dies, there will be less strain on the economy."
"Well, normally that is cruel. And even now that is cruel. But that was no beggar back there."
A look that seemed to say Of course came across his face.
"What makes you think that?"
"I felt a disturbance in the surroundings. A ripping of cloth, and a shuffling of dirt. Self-inflicted hardship. 'Tis something my senses have learned from the water arts. Every ripple I can feel, foretelling me what is to come."
Cinder increased the space between them.
"I don't want to be too close to you, then."

 

Bardra rose from his bed in the early morning as he did often. He dressed himself in a long tan robe then making his way to the dinning room, where a young woman stood holding a tea kettle.
"Morning tea Lord Volund? I have made a specially delicate flavor, Crushed lavender with a hint of ginger and ageir root" The woman asked in a polite and subservient tone.
"Not this morning Angela, I must make my rounds early this morning many people to see today" Bardra said waving his hand to dismiss her offer "And please call me Bardra, I am Lord by title only. You are hired help to an old man, not a servant of a noble lord"
"Y-yes Lord Bardra... Sir Bardra... I shall dispose of the tea post haste then" Angela said quietly with sadness in her voice.
Bardra sighed heavily and turned to her "Angela keep the tea, i will be back to enjoy it after i make my rounds" Pausing he then said "It does smell wonderful" Angela' face perked up after hearing Bardra's words she nodded and kept the tea where it was. Bardra then made his way toward the door grabbing his long glaive on his way out.
Let's go Demonlord's Crusher, it has been a while since I've brought you out of the house, but today i fear you will be needed.

Leaving his modest home Bardra began wandering the Capital city of the Earth Kingdom. Most of the city still asleep safe for guards, troops training, and other early birds. After a several minutes of walking Bardra came to military training grounds full of young men and women looking to serve the Earth Kingdom. He approached one man overlooking the camp as the group trained.
"Captain, how are our young soldiers doing this fine morning?" Bardra said extending his hand out to the man.
"Old man! It's good to see you my friend!" The captain grabbed his hand and shook it firmly "Well to be honest not so good. Many of then are poor users of Earth, and many of them do not wish to be here in the first place. It's not like the old times my friend"
"Well from the sounds of it, their Captain has failed them. No longer wishing to uphold his oath" Bardra expressed his thoughts on the matter.
"What did you say old man?! I'm doing the best with what I've-" "I said you are not doing your duties captain, you are to mold these men and women to the best for the kingdom. It matters not their skill, background or intelligence you making them into who they are. Or have you forgetten....." Bardra cut of the captain and explained the duties of superior.
"You took me off the street and trained me, no skill, power, anything and I'm now captain of the defense guard" He sighed heavily then turned to Bardra "So what did you want old man, you couldn't have came to try to catch up and lecture me"
"I need several documents and seals of approval from you. Here is a list and i will not be leaving without everything i need" Bardra handed over a list
"But these are.... no, no, no Bardra you are asking too much, I can't do this"
"I will make it an order if I must captain, I am still a general you know"
"Tsk, yes sir. I just hope you know what you are going sir" the captain began walking to his quarters to get the requested papers
"I do, I took an oath to protect the Earth kingdom and Queen, these are but a means to do so" Bardra said sternly.

After collecting the papers Bardra made his way around the Capital visiting various places, collecting and dropping off documents. gathering seals of approval from different members of government. After a few hours Bardra made his way to see the queen, upon reaching the gate he was stopped.
"Hold no one goes beyond this point" a guard barked
"Can the citizens of the Earth kingdom no longer see our queen?" Bardra asked
"That's not it... but orders are orders so leave old man!" The guard nervously shouted
"No, I believe this should let me go and see her" Bardra hands over a scroll to the guard.
"This is an decree from the captain of the guard, it read's that the bearer of this scroll shall be allowed an audience with the queen" The guard looked up at bardra and back down at the scroll.
"Thank you for your cooperation' Bardra said as walking past the guard waving his hand
Now to see for myself what has happened to the queen, the earth element has had a major shift in such a short time. At the very least keep the nobles and other generals from staging a coup should the worst have befallen Calista ....

 

Lain pocketed the coins Shizukesa had given her then followed after the two of them. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you weren't fooled. I was sent here to find you, but seeing as you're already heading home I guess the Queen's worry was misplaced."

Lain put her hands in pockets within her cloak and began to whistle tunelessly as she walked alongside Cinder and Shizukesa.
------------------------------------------------------------------

The people that were keeping Mew safe and smuggled her into the capital of the Fire Kingdom were now dead. Rumors had flown quickly despite the vigilance of the royal guard that something had happened to King Zael. Naturally, suspicions had immediately been raised against the foreigners within the city. Whispered words and poisoned glances spoke of the worry of espionage. The political climate of Lazarus had been tense as of late, so these suspicions were founded on years of secretly held beliefs.

The two men with Mew had been cornered in an alley by a mob of upset Firelanders. Accusations had been shouted while the two men did their best to keep the situation from escalating. Unfortunately, the men surrounding the Earth Kingdom men had too much alcohol and the need for immediate "justice." The two guards had fought their best, but in the end it was for naught. Their broken bodies lay on the blood-soaked cobbles and Mew fled the crowd before her. The gathered men watched the child flee but did not give chase. A few tried but voices from within the throng of bodies ordered for restraint. After all, they shouted, killing children wouldn't bring their king back.

Mew ran without looking, tears streaming down her face and bile rising in her gut. She stumbled as though drunk, her legs not accustomed to steady land after months at sea. She ran from the sight of wanton murder and the screams and snapping sounds of death.

Unwittingly she ended up in the square next to the palace that was the home to the Crimson Flame Inn. The door to the bar happened to be open at the moment and the distraught girl ran for the idea of shelter that it held for her. Bursting into the already noisy din of the tavern, her wails quickly brought the attention of the entire clientele as she hid under a table and refused to come out.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name: The Witch of the Great North Gale
Age: 28
Personality: Showboating and overly familiar even with people Gale hasn't met yet.
Background: Gale is the niece of King Yuri and Amelia's cousin. Gale has spent the last decade living in the uninhabited areas of the kingdom honing magic abilities.
Appearance: Is dressed as a witch with a large stylish hat, and an outfit resembling Rita Mordio of Tales of Vesparia.

The great window high up in the throne room of the Palace of the Winds burst open in a sudden fierce wind. In through the now open window flew a barn owl that perched atop Yuri's throne and let forth a single cry. A figure seated upon a broom flew through the window next and landed in the center of the room. Spreading their arms wide, the witch took a grand bow and spoke in a voice that filled the room and brooked no argument as to who was speaking next.

"Hello, hello, my friends!" Cried the woman cheerfully. "After many years I have finally returned from my studies. The Witch of the Great North Gale, stands before you once again. Please hold your applause."

The guards in the throne room had drawn their weapons as one and had taken a step forward. They stood ready as one, for certainly this lone person could be, nay must be, an accomplice to the young woman that had taken their King from them.

"As I said, please hold your applause," the Witch said and gave a swing of her broom that caused a torrent of wind to knock weapons from white-knuckled grips. "I would like to see my Uncle, now if you please dear chums."

When the guards didn't back down, Gale's eyes narrowed. "If I remember correctly, drawing your weapons against one of royal blood is to be seen as a coupe attempt."

A veteran guardsman had burst into the room and forced his way to the front of the crowd to see the intruder. Upon taking in the garb of the odd woman standing in the center of a ring of guards a noise of surprised issued from him.
"Stand down! Stand down I say! This is King Yuri's niece, Oktavia. Put your weapons down or you will be sent to the dungeon!"

"Is that old man Katan? By the forest spirit it is! How have you been old man?" Gale said with a grin as she approached the captain of the guard. "I've come to see my uncle, I want to show him all I've learned during my time spent among nature."
"And by besting him, take his place as king," Katan said. The barn owl shrieked as if to say yes to his assumption.
"You know me too well, old man," Gale said happily. She had taken to wandering about the throne room, Oooing and Ahing at seemingly random moments. Finally she took a seat on the throne and took a rather un-king-like posture. "So where is my dear uncle? Out feeding pigeons in the park? Or perhaps he's finding homes for wayward kittens with that daughter of his?"

"He was taken by a young woman moments before your arrival."
"Taken?" Gale asked in shock and disbelief. Quickly her face took on a predatory grin and an ambitious gleam in her eye. "So, I guess that means that I get to be 'King' now," her voice was dripping with self satisfaction. "Of course, until my uncle is found, that is." She added meekly with an unconvincing tone in her voice.

 

“Are you alright now, Aurora,” Yuri asked when he saw that the girl calmed down.


“I-I’m okay,” she responded. She looked at the others. “I’m sorry you had to see that. I try to not to show any of my weaknesses in front of others. It’s just been a while since I’ve thought of my family.”

“That pain seems to have been inside of you for a long time. How old are you even? You don’t look old enough to even be ruling the whole country,” Elena asked.

“I’m sixteen. I’ve been ruling Lazarus for ten years. I started ruling when I was six. I had to deal with a lot for my age. It’s been hard on me. I don’t know how the other rulers did this. A lot of the other rulers started around my age as well. It depended on how long the current Ruler lived. The next appointed Ruler will be older than me when she starts.”


They all gave her wide eyed looks. None of them expected their Ruler to actually be that young. Or that she started ruling at such a young age.

Aurora sighed. She should have known that she was going to get that reaction out of them. Everyone that knows her has always reacted that way.


It took a few minutes before any of them could speak up.

“How did you even find out any of this information anyway?” Zael asked ending the silence.


“Well when I first started ruling I would go down to the human realm. I would visit my Uncle. He would tell me all that was going on. He had found out all of the information for me. I would also go visit the other Kingdoms as well. They were surprised to see how young I was as well.”

“Is your Uncle still alive,” Calista asked feeling sorry for her. She didn’t know what she would have done if she lost her brother.

“Yes, he is. He stepped down as King and handed the Kingdom over to his son. He is one of my surviving family members. All of my immediate family is gone.”

Yuri looked at Aurora. “What is your Uncle’s name?”

Aurora looked back at him. He must have figured something out. “Uncle Zayne.”

Yuri’s eyes widened. “M-My father…that means you’re my cousin…”

Aurora smiled and nodded. “Yes, I’m your cousin.”

Yuri grabbed Aurora and pulled her into his arms. Tears started to fall down his cheeks. He couldn’t believe that his little cousin was ruling Lazarus. Amelia walked over to Yuri and Aurora. Aurora picked up her little cousin.

“That must be why Amelia likes you. I was surprised that she even went to you at first. Now I understand why. She has good instinct for a little girl,” Yuri said while rubbing his daughter’s hair.

“Yes, she does,” Aurora responded. She sat down on the couch next to Calista. She was starting to feel tired again. Going into the human realm really did take a lot out of her. She hadn’t been there in six years. “I’m going to have to go back to the human world soon. I know that the elements are running rampant right now. I feel bad for the citizens right now. I don’t want them to suffer. I’m going to have to do something.”

Aurora was lost in thought when she felt someone tap her shoulder. “Yes?”

“Um…Ruler…,” Calista responded blushing.

“You can just call me Aurora,” Aurora responded smiling a little bit. She was still worried about the citizens in the four Kingdoms.

“Why did you ban people from marrying outside of other kingdoms,” Calista asked.

“I did it to protect everyone. Verbena was murdering families that were born of two elements. Most of the children had inherited different elements, but some inherited both. Verbena wanted to take them out. After what happened with my family I didn’t want anyone else to suffer in that way. That is why I made that law. It has helped stopped the murders of so many innocent people,” Aurora looked at Calista. She patted the older girls back.

Calista had tears running down her cheeks. “That’s why our parents were killed. Before I became Queen of Earth we were all living in secret. We were questioning why the law had changed. After our parents were killed Zael and I decided to split up. I guess that saved our lives.”

Zael hugged his sister tightly. Tears were running down his cheeks too. He wanted to forget those memories.

Aurora knew that all of them had more questions, but she was too tired to answer them. She needed to get some rest. “I will answer more questions in a few hours. I need to sleep again. I was in the human world too long.”


Slowly Aurora started to fall back to sleep.

 

Gideon made his way back to where his escorts and Lucille were waiting. He addressed them calmly but sternly.
"You are not to tell anyone of what you have seen here. We came to the village and unfortunately, the rumors I'd heard were completely unfounded. We never met those young women. In fact, we were never even here to begin with. Anyone who violates this order will answer to me personally."
Although he can be quite deceptive when the situation calls for it, he only uses those skills against those he considers his enemies. But when he does give his word, such as he did just a few moments ago, you can be sure that he has every intention of keeping it. In a way, he could be either the most or least trustworthy person in the kingdom depending on the situation, being both a man of honor and a man of guile. With a more relaxed expression now showing, he began to lead the way back to the capital.
"Let us go now. I will personally inform the king about our...less than productive journey."

When Gideon and his entourage were just a stone's throw away from the castle, a pair of guards on patrol spotted them from a distance and quickly ran over. Gideon immediately sensed that something was amiss by how much of a rush they were in as soon as they saw him. They stopped in front of him, panting for air as one of them spoke up, his face noticeably pale as he lifted his head.
"Lord Gideon...! Gods be praised, you've returned to us!"
"Naturally. Is there some reason why I wouldn't have returned after my task was complete?"
"The king..."
Gideon's eyes widened, which was the closest he'd come to looking shocked in quite some time.
"He's gone, my lord. The king and his daughter are missing! There was some kind of disturbance in the throne room this afternoon and ever since then, we can't find a single trace of them! We've done what we can to keep it quiet for now, but people are starting to ask question. If news gets out to the common folk that his majesty is missing, then..."
"We will not allow that to happen."

Gideon took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He knew that what was needed now more than anything was a calm mind, a voice of reason amidst the confusion. It would be difficult to be sure, but he knew what had to be done. He would have to keep the kingdom from descending into chaos.
"I will handle the affairs of the kingdom until his majesty is found. Inform the guards and tell them to inform the noble class that I will take on stewardship of the kingdom until King Yuri returns."
The guard hesitated to respond, so the other guard with him spoke up.
"My lord, while that would be the wisest course of action given the circumstances, there is something you should know."
"Go on."
"A woman claiming to be of noble lineage has appeared from seemingly out of nowhere. She also claims to have full rights to the throne until King Yuri has returned. I didn't recognize her, but Captain Katan seemed to recognize her. She now sits on the throne as we speak."
Gideon folded his arms in thought.
"That is...problematic. We have no way to know how she will use her newfound power, or if she is actually willing to give it up when his majesty returns. Even so...if she is of royal blood as she claims, it would be hard to dispute her right to the throne with both King Yuri and his heir missing."
"Then...what should we do, my lord?"
"Follow me for now."

They made their way inside the castle, where Gideon found a parchment and quill and quickly wrote something down on a scroll, handing it to one of the guards.
"Take this to your commander. I will speak with our acting Queen and see if I can uncover her true intentions. Go now, quickly."
The guards did as they were told and left. When they did, Gideon stood and made his way to the throne room. Unsure of what would happen inside, he prepared himself for whatever might happen and entered. He took a few steps forward and politely bowed to the young woman sitting on the throne.
"Greetings. I am Gideon, a vassal of King Yuri. I have been told that you intend to rule the Northern Kingdom in his absence, is that true?"

 

"Great. Now we have another tag-along."
Shizukesa looked over to the exasperated Cinder, a slight smile on her face.
"See? I was right."
"No need to tell me that."
They walked for some time, with only Lain's whistling to keep silence away. Eventually, Cinder grew tired of Lain's tuneless whistling. Stopping abruptly, he turned to the squeak-box.
"Knock it off, else I shall tear your lips off."
"Calm down, Cinder. No need for the-"
"Don't tell me to calm down!"
Cinder interrupted Shizukesa before returning to threatening Lain.
"Just be quiet unless you can actually whistle."

 

Lain chuckled in amusement as Cinder threatened her. "I could start singing. Perhaps that's more to your taste, Little Flame?" Lain kept her expression amused but her eyes were cold and dangerous. The air around her began to cool rapidly until it felt like they would freeze in the sudden temperature change. Then it was gone leaving them with shivers and Lain began singing some popular working songs purposefully off key.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gale turned her head as Gideon introduced herself.
"Since Uncle went missing, who else is more qualified? And after I spent all those years training to beat him too."

She got up and approached him with a friendly smile. Embracing him warmly and for longer than was probably necessary, Gale released him.

"So you're my uncle's seneschal, it's nice to meet you. Gideon... you need a nickname though. Giddy Up Gideon? No, too stupid. But don't you worry I'll think something up," she said with a wink.

She sat on her broom and began flying around the large throne room.

 

Cinder closed his eyes slowly, his eyebrows twitching slightly. His anger grew, but he tried to keep some fragment of calmness in his motor controls.
"Oh... how... foolish..."
He pulled up his mask, slipping it on while drawing his rapier. The blade glowed, heat surged into it, and his visor glowed red, a sign that rage and annoyance roiled within him.
"I SHALL TEAR THE FOLLY FROM YOUR FLESH! YOU SHALL GROW SILENT!"
With a feral roar, Cinder charge lain, gripping her face with his free hand while bringing his right had, ready to thrust a heated blade into her and cook from the inside out.
"YOUR LAST MISTAKE!"

Shizukesa stepped back, giving him a chance to blow of some steam.
I shall step in if it goes too far.