Lazarus: Land Of The Elements

Bardra smiling at the aurora having just woken after drinking some of the potion he made spoke "You are no burden child, rest. You won't be going anywhere until I clear you. now sleep"

As Aurora slept Bardra began gathering other ingredients. "Angela grab some vials, oh and some wooden sticks I haven't finished yet" nodding She grabbed several glass potion vials and wooden stiring sticks. Bardra filled all the vials with his potion and packed them with the remaining potions he had enhanced into a large bag. "I don't see why you needed these those" "Patience, watch" Bardra stick one of the sticks into a second cauldron he had been working on while she had gathered the vials. After a few seconds crystals began forming around the sticks. "Bit of rock candy, I saw you tired bringing her sweets" Bardra pulled the rock candy stick out and placed it on a table. "Well yes... she seemed sad... if i hadn't dropped it early she could have cheered up" Angela sadly said. "Come now help me with this" Bardra then began mixing different fruits into the cauldrons, cherries, strawberries, peaches, and blueberries. He then made ten of each flavor including plain, totaling in 50. He placed them into a separate bag, and made the rest of the solution into a small bits of hard candy. As he finished he saw Aurora wake up

Wiping her eyes Bardra hugged aurora. "It's okay dear, it's okay." he paused then asked what had been on his mind "Tell me, what happened to you? Earlier and in your deam, if I am to be of any help I need to know aurora"

 

Cinder rushed out, getting clear of Shizukesa's abuse. Once Cinder escaped, Shizukesa kept an remained in the spring, supervising Lain as she held her.
Poor girl, she has had it rough. Sleep will comfort her.

Finally, out of there.
Safe from Shizukesa, Cinder left to wash his clothes in a part of the inn designated for such purposes. He did not trust someone else to wash his clothes, even if the service was free of charge. Stepping into the laundry room, he began using the detergents and thoroughly cleaning his clothes, wearing just the after-bath robe. As he did so, his reflection showed that the scars from the mask burns were nearly gone.
I actually healed? Amazing.
Once finished, left to the drying area to hang up his clothes. But as he hung up his clothes, another man bumped into his hung-up coat, knocking it to the ground as he passed by, getting it dusty.
"Hey! Watch it!"
The man stopped walking, and turned around slowly. He had long, wild, black hair in a ponytail that fell to his, and beige skin. His eyes a vibrant green, his shirt sleeveless and blue, with golden embroidery and his baggy pants a clean white. He wore a cocky grin.
"Oh, hey there. Didn't notice you. The name's Riko. Riko Chikara."
Riko shot out a hand, expecting a handshake.

Spoiler: Riko Chikara

Name: Riko Chikara
Age: 28
Personality: Cocky and relaxed
Short Background: Grew up on the streets of the Water Kingdom's capital. Lived with his mother, who was abandoned by his dad. One day, during a street fight, a man took interest in Riko and took him in as a student in martial arts and water magic. Riko left with him to alleviate the strain on his mother and earn some money to help support her. Now, he is a master martial artist, the pride of is master. Can also telaport short distances, unless he can link magic with a fellow water user to increase it
Appearance: He had long, wild, black hair in a ponytail that fell to his, and beige skin. His eyes a vibrant green, his shirt sleeveless and blue with a green sheen, with golden embroidery and his baggy pants a clean white. 6' 3"
Kingdom: Water Kingdom
Weapons: Fists, balled up hands at the end arms, useful for bludgeoning. Feet, for kicking, and ten vial of water on his belt for portable water magic uses

Cinder looked down at the man's hand, and smacked it away.
"How about you pick up what you knocked down?"
Riko scowled at Cinder's rejection to the handshake.
"Hey, I'm just trying to be friendly here."
"And I'm just minding my own business!"
Cinder angrily looked up at the man (who stood six inches taller than himself). He grabbed the man and tried to yank him over to the coat, but with little success due to how much bigger Riko was. Riko looked down at Cinder with an expression of amusement.
"Really? That was hilarious."
Setting down his own basket of laundry, Riko swatted Cinder, launching him away. The swatted man flew into a wall, hitting the support beam, shaking it. His once-concealed rapier slipped out of his robe, clattering on the wood floor.
"Oh, so you have a blade, eh? Alright, I'll hang your little coat up, if that will make you any happy."
He acted on his word, hanging the coat back up before picking his basket up and leaving.
"Thanks for your cooperation."
"No problem. Oh, and here's a little something."
Riko popped a cap off one of his vials, and used his magic to pull the water out. Then, in a flash the water forced itself into Cinder's mouth and into his lungs, choking him. He reeled, coughing out the water painfully.
"You can keep that."
Riko left Cinder alone, letting him cough out the water alone.
That jerk! If I see him again...

 

Haseo smiled as he fully recognized the binding contract ritual.

"Ah, I'm really glad that my family aren't the only ones who uses that binding contract ritual. Some would think it's silly, But in reality it's a sign of loyalty and commitment." He looked back into the captains eyes and met them. Haseo raised his hand and caused the flames to skyrocket in white jets completing the contract.
" I accept your pledge Captain. Hopefully this won't last too long." Haseo went and sat back down at the desk and closed his eye. He couldn't help but think about the assassins who where in the city. He was thinking about what reason they could possibly be there for. He laughed a little as his mind realized the captain had said there was a regent.

"I'm sure he would be glad when he hears of the news. I'm not too sure why there's a lot of assassins in the capital, but I can only assume that all of this king disappearing business might be related to it. I'd think they would have a list of people to take out judging by how many there are. I'm sure whoever sent them here knew something like this would come to pass, and with that a great window would open to them. If he didn't know how to defend himself then he would be in trouble."

Haseo leaned forward in his chair and rested his elbows on the desk, lacing his hands together. would they really be planning to do something during this dire time?

"I assume that no one outside of the palace and the council knows about king zeal's disappearance? It might be morally wrong to do this, but in the current situation It might be better if the general public doesn't know whats going on. At least for the time being until we have a good grasp on whats going on. Everyone who knows will recognize me as a captain from the Harui Rangers."

 

Shunsui sheathed his blade and rose to his feet in front of the Temporary King of the Fire Kingdom. He walked up to the desk that Haseo was seated at and listened to the man speak. He nodded when he was finished. "According to what protocol is, the people have been censored from knowing what has transpired inside the palace. As per orders from the Regent, the Shadow Guard has already been working overtime to make sure that the secret stays within the Nobles and within City Officials such as myself. It is likely that all members of the Shadow Guard know as well since Information is their Job."

He sighed and continued. "As for the matter of Assassins, that isn't my area of expertise. The City Guard does not specialize in assassination and our training does not include such a thing. We are a Self Defense Force that is reserved from the Military. My people can work with you the best that they can, but even if we did manage to capture one of the Assassins, Interrogation is mostly handled by the Shadow Guard or Myself since I am trained in such techniques."

He began to pace inside the office. Something was still bothering him. "Sir," He spoke again, this time with a little apprehension that was not like the Captain at all, "I am worried about the King. I know now that the woman who took him was the Ruler of Lazarus. I had suspicions when I felt the residual magic left behind from where she disappeared wit him, I just couldn't confirm it." He took a deep breath and exhaled before continuing. "I humbly request permission to pursue and help in any fashion I can. Without a doubt, the Shadow Guard will be sending at least one agent to attempt to gain intelligence on the other Kingdoms and eventually try to send an agent to attempt to find the King. With this knowledge, it is safe to assume that that agent will be ordered to help the King in any way possible. If we really are up against an assassination organization, we will need not only our own agents in the field, but we will also need to tighten our own boarders and mobilize the Army and Navy to ensure the destruction of all enemy agents inside the city. I'm not asking to be a General in charge, Quite the opposite. I want to pursue Aurora and the King and attempt to defend them and help them in any way possible. They might be the strongest users of the Elements, but they aren't soldiers."

He hoped Haseo would consent in him taking a leave of absence to help his King in any way he can. He knew full well that he probably wouldn't be able to find them on his own, but he knew the people who could. The practitioners of Air and Earth were excellent in finding individuals and were some of the best trackers within the Kingdoms. He would start there if he was given permission to go. I would have to tell my Lieutenant and inform him of the developments if I am able to leave. The King and Aurora both will need help if they are up against a whole organization that want's them dead. He awaited Haseo's decision.

 

Cinder gasped for air after he purged the invading water from his lungs. Agitated and waiting for his clothes to air-dry, he slipped his rapier back under his robe and made his way to the tavern section for a drink. Sitting down at the benches in the tavern filled with noisy men, he made his order, knocking on the counter.
"Give me something strong."
The bartender walked to him, drying a glass. Setting the glass down in front of Cinder, the man turned around and reached for a bottle of mead.
"Too weak."
The bartender's hand went up a row and reached for the next bottle: Sake.
"Still too weak."
The bartender, beginning to get annoyed, reached as high as he could for the next row were a bottle of rum was being kept.
"Are you trying to get me water?"
With a mumbled curse, the bartender stopped reaching and opened a cupboard down below where all ingredients and other raw materials were stored for drinks. Pulling a bottle out, he spun around and poured a glass of grain liquor for Cinder.
"There. That should do it."

After some time, Shizukesa decided they had been in the water long enough. Careful not to disturb Lain, she quietly got out of the spring, dried off and put on a robe before she pulled the sleeping woman out, covering her with a towel.
Not going to get personal with her. I'll just leave it at that when I take her to the room.
Shizukesa carefully pulled Lain into the room, letting her rest on the floor. Making sure Lain was covered with a sheet, she went to the desk, looking through the Pyledriver spike schematics and reviewing the letter she had been writing earlier. Displeased by what she had written, she crumbled the paper and threw it away. She began rewriting her letter.
It is with great reluctance I write this letter to you, Queen Elena your Majesty. After much consideration...

 

Aurora hugged Bardra back and held onto him. “I’ve been sick for a couple of years now. It has to do with the power that I developed when I became the Ruler of Lazarus. All rulers have to have a fifth power. It’s a rule that was handed down by the first Ruler. This one seems to be eating away at me. I’m trying not to use it to much. If I release my powers it normally affects me. I was trying to hold it in…they ended up releasing on their own.”


Aurora put a hand on her head. Her head was starting to hurt now. “As for my dreams…I dream of my death every time I sleep. I know that I’m going to die…and now I’m not sure when…originally I knew…but I don’t know anymore….I don’t know. I’m scared…I don’t want to die…but I know I will sooner than expected. That’s why I appointed the next ruler already.”


Aurora looked at Bardra with tears still falling. “Is it okay if I stay with you for a few days? I’m still not feeling all that well. I need to go to the Water Kingdom soon. So I can go back to my realm…”


Aurora reached out for Uncle Bardra’s hand. “Will you hold my hand while I sleep? I think that will help me have happier dreams.”

 

Bardra patted Aurora head "if it will help yo, then yes. As to the dream, no harm will befall you while stay in the earth kingdom" He said these words to reassure the frightened ruler. "Angela start running a hot bath with steam, and clean Aurora's face and clothes of the blood." Bardra then picked up his staff walked to the door. "Relax a bit, clear your mind, when I return we shall talk more of your dream and of that power." He waved as left back for the capital.

"Well Lord Volund, you've certainly kept us waiting! What did that brat have to say?" A noblewoman spoke as he entered. Bardra reached into his robes and pulled out the earth amulet.
"I believe I do not need to tell you what all this is and what it means. Aurora asked if I shall watch over the element, I agreed, so much to everyone's displease I am now earth king-" Before he finished the council all burst out in an uproar. "SETTLE DOWN! I am King until Caslita returns from her meeting with the others Kings and Queens along with aurora." He quelled the voices with his yelling and began to speak again. "We shall treat it no differently than before, keep the kingdom running only now anything major I could handle instead of us delaying." The counicl grumbled but accepted the terms, however they had no choice. "Now as King there several things we shall do that i re-framed from in our earlier meeting.. Firstly we will double our training, retrain in siege and counter siege tactics, our military must be ready at a moments notice. Secondly send messages to the Air and Fire kingdoms, request them to meet here in the earth kingdom or at our borders if they can't leave their kingdoms in a weeks time. And lastly be on the look out for foreign spies: Air, Fire, Water or even others. Capture them, we will decide what to do with them once we get hat we need out of them." The council nodded in agreement for once and decided that they would leave handling the affairs of the kingdom to bardra.

Bardra made his way home and opened the door. "Angela, Aurora I'm back"

OoT @Dungeon Master and @Rouge_assassin your letters are on their way, you guys can decide when you get them and where you and I shall meet

 

“Oh, don’t worry about helping clean me off. I will do that myself. I don’t want to cause you any trouble, Angela. May I please have a cloth,” Aurora asked the older woman politely.

“Yes, dear,” Angela responded and grabbed Aurora a cloth. Aurora cleaned herself off. She fell quiet after that. She didn’t really have much to say. She kept her eyes focused on the ground. She still felt pretty sad. Aurora has been thinking about her parents and sister ever since she saw her uncle. “Honey is there anything you would like to eat or drink?”


“May, I have water, please,” Aurora responded.


“Yes, I will be right back, dear,” Angela said and went into the kitchen to get Aurora some water again. She really hoped that she wasn’t going to drop it again.


“I really wish my parents were still alive. I know I have Uncle Zayne, but I want my daddy. I miss him so much. I miss my mommy too. Why did they have to die? Why did Verbena even have to exist? If they hadn’t then I would still have my whole family. My mom, dad, and sister would still be with me…I wouldn’t be the Ruler of Lazarus…I know I would be happy again…”


Tears started running down her cheeks again. She hated crying. Aurora got up, ran into the bathroom, and locked herself in. She just needed to be alone for a few minutes.


“Aurora, dear, I have your water…” Angela started, but realized the younger girl wasn’t in the room. “Now that’s strange where did she go…”


Aurora kept herself locked in the bathroom until she heard Uncle Bardra’s voice a couple of minutes later. She ran out of the bathroom and into Uncle Bardra’s arms still weeping.

 

Surprised at the sudden burst from Aurora he patted her head. "Seems it's bothering you more than i realized child, come let it out. your emotions , feelings, thoughts a weight will be lifted from you believe me." He picked the girl up and walked over to the couch, setting her down as he also decided to rest. "Angela take a break yourself then later prepare a small meal, perhaps some beef with some of the left over herbs?" "Yes Bardra, oh miss Aurora did clean herself however she didn't wish to bathe" Sighing Bardra shook his head "Very well, I shall use it myself later then as not to waste the water" He continued patting Aurora while grabbing a piece of the left over candy, putting it into his mouth. "Ahhh still a classic, earth kingdom maybe a lot of things but one thing we will always have..." he paused after grabbing another piece "And that is taste. Oh peach!"

 

Aurora was surprised when Uncle Bardra lifted her. “Uncle Bardra, I feel like I’m burdening you by staying here. I’m sick again from my stupid powers. It’s completely eating away at my body, but slowly. I still have a while before it really shuts me down. I miss my family. My mom, dad, and sister were all killed because of the assassins from Verbena. They have been trying to kill me for years.”


Aurora shook her head. “I really shouldn’t be down here much longer. If they figure out that I’m down here then they will try to kill me. I’m worried. I need to appoint the Water Queen soon. I’m just really over stressed. I have never been able to fully relax. I watch over everything. I have had to deal with too much for years. It’s really starting to affect me. I don’t know what to do anymore. The only thing I ever feel is sad…I’m also always lonely. I should get someone to come live with me in my realm.”


Aurora smiled a little. She took a piece of candy. “Yummy, I haven’t had candy in a while.”


“Thank you for being so nice to me, Angela and Uncle Bardra.”

--

Zayne was walking around one of the outer villages of the air Kingdom. He was still searching for a Verbena assassin. After a few minutes he noticed someone suspicious walking behind him. The man had a hood over him. He turned around and took out his blade. “Who are you and what do you want?”


The man smiled and pulled down his hood. “Uncle, it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”


Zayne’s eyes widened. “A-Alex, is that you?”


“Yes, it is,” Alex responded with a smile.


Zayne looked at what he was wearing and noticed that he was wearing something foreign. He gave his nephew a suspicious look. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with your mother? I heard she hasn’t been doing that well lately.”


“Well you see…I’m working as an assassin to make money. I’m looking for a certain girl. Have you seen her,” Alex responded pulling out a picture of Aurora. Zayne’s eyes widened further and then they darkened. He put the blade to his nephew’s throat. Alex’s eyes widened too. He was scared. “U-Uncle…”


“You became a Verbena assassin and you are after your own cousin…you are coming with me, “ Zayne growled. Alex still had the blade pressed to his throat. He decided to cooperate with his Uncle. He was surprised to learn that his mission had to do with his own cousin…he didn’t expect that.


Zayne could feel anger still.

OOT: Enter Alex.

Name: Alex


Age: 20


Personality: Very caring and loving towards his family. He’s also very suspicious of others. He tends to be a loner normally.


Appearance: Long, shaggy, dark brown hair, and gray eyes. He wears a black hoodie with a gray shirt on underneath and black pants.


Which Kingdom would you like to represent: None.Verbena.


Weapons: Just a knife.

 

OOT: I think Ren bailed again, so I'm just gonna move on and do my thing. @ThatRandomGinger I'll make sure Gideon gets your letter in the next few posts, probably right after he gives his coronation speech. Insert your own joke about building a wall here.


Later in the evening, Nero walked into the throne room with a wide smile on his face. He bowed before Gideon and gave his report.
"Hail, King Gideon! It is my distinct pleasure to report that preparations are coming along quite smoothly. Those devils from Verbena will surely regret waging war on our fair country, whenever they choose to wage it."
He concluded his report with a flourish, as he was wont to do, but then he noticed something that seemed to bother him.

Gideon nodded back to him and replied, though he sounded slightly fatigued as he did.
"Excellent work, Lord Nero. It comes as no surprise to me in the slightest that you were, indeed, the ideal person for this task."
He tried his best to sound genuinely appreciative, but his tone still came off as somewhat dull and tired. The fact is, he's having a hard time just keeping his head up while addressing Nero.

Nero raised an eyebrow.
"If I may be so bold, may I give you some advice, not as a subject but as your former master?"
"Of course."
"Sleep, Brother Gideon. Your body cries out for respite and you certainly have a great deal to accomplish tomorrow."
Gideon leaned back in his throne, thinking it over.
"I see your point. Even so, I need to do all that I can in the time that I have. I must make every last effort to ensure the safety of this land. Do not worry, I will sleep soon enough."
Nero gave a suspicious "Hmm..." and folded his arms as he looked at Gideon in silence for a few moments. Unable to hide his fatigue any longer, Gideon covered his mouth and let out a yawn. Nero gave a knowing smile and spoke up.
"Soon enough is not soon enough, it seems. Or have you already forgotten my teachings?"
Gideon had a look of resignation as he gave a slight nod.
"An exhausted strategist is an ineffective strategist. Yes, you are right, as per usual."
He stood up from his throne and looked to Nero one last time before leaving for his room.
"Thank you, Master."
Nero smiled back at him warmly.
"Of course, Brother Gideon."

OOT: For the next post, I'm gonna go on to the next morning for the coronation speech. @The_Lullabye If you want, you can follow up on my next post or you can post something before I do.

 

Shizukesa did not want to keep Lain on the floor, so after some time, she managed to somehow hoist Lain onto the bed before resuming the letter.
She might catch cold othewise.

Done with his drink, Cinder left the tavern and made his way back for his clothes. By now, they were bound to be dry thanks to the air currents in the drying room and the heat. Although he had spent over an hour mulling over things and drinking a liquor that was 95% alcohol, his body hardly felt any buzz.
Now I know for sure that alcohol has no effect. Well, can't escape reality that way. Days about over, so sleep would be next on the list.
He entered the drying room and grabbed his clothes from the hangers. Both warm and dry, he looked around to check if anyone was present. Not seeing anyone, he quickly slipped his black pants on while wearing the robe, quickly casting off the robe to strap on his heart-plate armor and slip on his black shirt. After getting dressed in record time and grabbing his coat, he went back to the room Shizukesa rented out. Looking at the desk, he saw her seal an envelope while Lain still lay on the bed.
"If you don't mind, I'll leave the bed to you."
"But where are you going to sleep?"
"In front of the door, but that... visitor still needs to go, so the door must remain clear of any obstructions when she leaves. Not sure how long she is going to be here, so I'll just sleep on the carpet at the foot of the bed."
"I'll be sleeping soon enough as well."
Walking to the spot he designated for himself, Cinder cast his coat down and dropped down on it to sleep, lying face down. Shizukesa got up from the desk and walked to her clothes, which had been laying next to where Cinder planted himself for the night. Stooping down and slipping the letter into a hidden pocket in her, she smelled alcohol.
"Have you been drinking? You don't seem drunk."
Cinder weakly raised a finger as he lie on the floor.
"I swear to drunk, I am not Creator. Now let me sleep, I can't get drunk."
Letting his finger drop, Cinder went back to his attempt at sleeping. Shizukesa shook her head at the word mishap that may have been intentional. Picking up her clothes, she hung them up, planning on sleeping in the robe that she found comfortable. She dimmed the lights and took an unoccupied spot on the bed.
I had hoped to share the bed with him. A pity that was not how it worked out.



Edit: Added how Lain ended up on the bed, instead of the floor.

 

Lain stirred when Shizukesa set her on the floor and again when she was transferred to the bed. She woke up for a few moments on the bed and snuggeld herself deeper with the blanket and pillow before promptly falling back asleep. When Shizukesa laid down next to her she rolled back against the older woman so their backs were touching. The priestess' warm body began to radiate to her and she made a sleepy soudn of content.
"Marshmallows... so squishy."
---------------------------------------------

 

Aurora was surprised when Uncle Bardra lifted her. “Uncle Bardra, I feel like I’m burdening you by staying here. I’m sick again from my stupid powers. It’s completely eating away at my body, but slowly. I still have a while before it really shuts me down. I miss my family. My mom, dad, and sister were all killed because of the assassins from Verbena. They have been trying to kill me for years.”

Aurora shook her head. “I really shouldn’t be down here much longer. If they figure out that I’m down here then they will try to kill me. I’m worried. I need to appoint the Water Queen soon. I’m just really over stressed. I have never been able to fully relax. I watch over everything. I have had to deal with too much for years. It’s really starting to affect me. I don’t know what to do anymore. The only thing I ever feel is sad…I’m also always lonely. I should get someone to come live with me in my realm.”

Aurora smiled a little. She took a piece of candy. “Yummy, I haven’t had candy in a while.”
“Thank you for being so nice to me, Angela and Uncle Bardra.”

Bardra had remained silent while she spoke, of assassins. He had felled many different ones in his time but he never took much time into finding their source. His face soured at her worry of her powers and the assassins, he then spoke.
"While i don't understand your powers aurora the healing items i packed should slow the process. Added to that priests or priestess of the elements should be able to teach you, earth is not the only one with healing properties" Bardra nodded his head "As far loneliness, come down.... remaining in a single place alone is never good. Surely there are safe places other than my home, you do know you are safe here?"

As Aurora took the piece of candy Angela had a tray holding several steaks, mashed potatoes, and various vegetables. "Ahhhhh thank you Angela, pull up a seat next to us we shall dine together" Bardra laughing began digging into his meal, he paused and with a mouth full turned to Aurora, "Think nothing of it, Kindness is humility and humanity in a person" Angela also nodded as she ate more gracefully than her employer. Bardra soon finished his plate and then relaxed back on the couch. "After a full meal i think I'll take that bath now"

 

The next morning, on the balcony of the castle, Gideon stared in awe of the crowd of people gathered in front of him. He had felt it many times the day before, but in this moment especially he could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Though he was no stranger to pressure and expectations, something about this was different. He was so used to working in the shadows, planning in secret, manipulating events from behind the scenes...now he had been brought into the light and the entire kingdom was looking to him for guidance and security. Indeed, it would be no exaggeration to say that all of their hopes were placed solely on him. Even so, he held his head high and stepped out to greet the crowd, steeling himself for the task ahead as he intended to show no signs of weakness towards the people he had been charged to protect. In a loud, clear voice, he called out to his subjects.

"Good people of the Northern Kingdom, listen well! You have no doubt heard rumors, hearsay and whispers of what has transpired here in the castle. I am here to put those rumors to rest once and for all, though likely not in the way you would hope."
He paused to close his eyes and take a breath, then continued.
"The rumors you have heard are true. King Yuri no longer sits on the throne of the Kingdom of Air."
The crowd was in shock upon hearing the news. They murmured and spoke to each other in hushed tones while some could only stand still with a look of fear clearly showing in their eyes. The feeling of discontent was growing quickly as the crowd grew louder, but Gideon was able to quiet them down so he could continue.
"First, you should know that our king has not come to any harm nor has he taken ill."
He thought about how to explain his absence, since the common folk had no idea who the ruler of Lazarus was or why she would need Yuri's help.
"His majesty has left...on a journey. As much as I would like to, I cannot properly explain why he has left, I can only tell you that he acts in our best interest even now. Every man, woman and child who has ever met him knows how much he cares for this land and its people and I can assure you that what he does now, he does for our sake."

It took some time, but the crowd finally began to settle down. Gideon breathed a small sigh of relief and spoke up again.
"Secondly...the throne will not remain empty during the king's absence. We do not know how long it will be until his return, so in the meantime, the land will have a new ruler-- a substitute king, if you will."
He motioned for Nero and Gale to come stand on either side of him, followed by a few other high-ranking nobles. Then he took off his amulet and held it high.
"This amulet proves that I am the chosen king of the Northern Kingdom! Troubled times may lie ahead of us but we will endure it together. Though I am not a ruler of King Yuri's caliber, I give you my word that I will keep his lands safe until he can take the throne once again!"
The amulet began to take on a translucent green glow as Gideon closed his eyes and brought out its power. A cool, calming wind swept through the entire crowd; he did this as a demonstration of the royal power he'd been given. Not only that, he hoped that in some way the element of wind that was the foundation of this kingdom would help bring it together in this crucial moment. He opened his eyes again and spoke.
"We can ensure that this land remains a peaceful and prosperous land, just as it was under King Yuri's rule. Let us unite and face these days and all they would bring, together as one!"

OOT: Leaving and opening in case Lully wants to post, then I'll move on.

 

Lain woke up at some point, sitting up in bed unsure of where she was for a few moments. The room was dark and she allowed her eyes to adjust to the gloom before moving around. Next to her lay a sleeping woman, and it sounded like a man was also in the room. Rhiner wasn't one to ask multiple women into his bed, so who were they?

The time in the hot spring from earlier that day came back to her then. She knew that it was Shizukesa that slept next to her, though how she got from there to here was a small mystery. So if this was the priestess then the man had to be... Lain got out of the bed, taking great care to not wake Shizukesa. As her feet pressed into the carpet she looked to the man huddled by the door and felt something in her harden. Wrapping the sheet around her body so as to be a poor replacement of a dress, she stared at the lightly sleeping form. How to get past the obstacle he presented in her leaving was tantamount. Of course... she felt her right hand go numb as the abundant humidity in the air froze over her skin as a claw... she could always kill him in his sleep. That would fulfill her mission, but the murder would undoubtedly awaken the priestess and while she didn't care too much about her well being, being hunted by the law would be irritable. Killing them both could be doable but... difficult.

Closing her eyes Lain took a slow breath and let the ice on her hand melt away. Stepping up to the door she took the handle and whispered to the man, "I'm leaving."

Lain left the room and walked off into the hallway. Being on the first floor, she could still hear some of the late night patrons at the bar. She set off in search of Rhiner, curious if he was still in the area.

Her search revealed nothing, the man had left her alone, but she found a present waiting for her on their bed. Popping the buttons, she opened the leather case and saw the item that it contained. She looked at the note first;

Schnee, I had some business to attend to elsewhere. I left this gift for you to help you in your duty. You may recognize that your gift is a bow, but different from the ones that your country makes. We call it a compound bow, it's a more efficient model of those made by your countrymen. May it serve you well.

Lain folded the note up and put it back in the case then took out the compound bow. It was heavy with weird circles at the ends of the body. She sort of knew how to shoot a bow, so she tried pulling it back to see what was so special about this new design. She dropped it to the floor in surprise, the string making a dull twanging sound as it dry fired. The string had been difficult to pull back, then suddenly it had gone away in an instant. She had dropped the bow out of fear that the string had snapped. But maybe that was just how it was supposed to work? Picking it up again yielded the same result. After a few more draws she felt confident of her ability to pull it back without dropping it again.

Reaching into the case she took out a quiver of arrows and took one out. They felt to be made of metal but were surprisingly light and durable. Setting the weapon aside for now, she took a small pouch out of the case and found it to be full of money. Another note was in the bag: A small payment for your services. Stay safe.

A feeling of uncertainty came over here. He'd never paid her in money before. Was this... was this a compensation fee? For her years of service to the Verbena Empire? But that couldn't... no. It wasn't that. He gave her money for the information on Cinder, it was the only thing that made sense. Rhiner wouldn't abandon her.

 

Cinder woke up before Shizukesa, sleepily seeing the morning light shine into the blue room. Sometime earlier, someone had left the room, causing him to shift out of the way before returning back to sleep. Recalling the event, his eyes widened in alarm.
I am not supposed to be this relaxed around strangers when I am sleeping! WHY!?
Quickly yet silently rising to his feet, Cinder began putting on his coat and blades, confused by his lax attitude as of late that went against his spartan nature. Looking back at Shizukesa as she slept, he noticed for the first time the Pyledriver weapon.
I'll look at that thing later. Now to get something to eat, hopefully food will be ready.
He stepped out of the room, silently shutting it behind himself. Cinder smelled the faint smell of something being cooked, confirming his hopes. Making his way to the dining room of the inn, he noticed the bartender from last night along the way. The bartender, having got off his night shift, noticed him as well, and wore a look of surprise upon seeing that Cinder seemed to have no hangover from the nearly pure-alcohol drink he had downed the night before. Passing the bartender with little thought, Cinder entered the dining room where the food was being served. Looking at the selection of foods, he saw familiar and unfamiliar foods. In the end, he settled for getting a plate of eggs and one of the round, fluffy cakes. Noticing other people pour a brown, viscous liquid upon the cakes, he did the same as well. About to sit down for his meal, he noticed another man enter the room.
It was Riko.
This is too early in the morning to deal with this jerk. I'm going back to the bedroom to eat.
About to leave, Cinder realized how awkward it would be bringing no food for Shizukesa. Or how upset she would be. Getting a plate with matching foods, he left the room from another exit, avoiding Riko altogether and making his way back to the bedroom. Entering in, he noticed that Shizukesa was not only awake, but was already finishing putting on her flowing, blue robe, securing it by tying the sash. Upon hearing the door open, she turned around, seeing him with the two plates.
"Oh! I did not think you would get me something to eat as well. Thank you!"
He set down the plates on opposite ends of the table, and began to quietly eat his food, starting with the odd round cake. Shizukesa sat down across from him, and began to eat her food, speaking only when her mouth was void of food.
"I have been wanting to have pancakes for some time. This place makes some of the best pancakes! And great syrup, too!"
"... What are pancakes?"
Shizukesa looked Cinder, dumbstruck.
"What?"
"You never tried them before?"
"Don't think so." Cinder took another bite from the pancake on his plate.
"You are eating one right now."
"...Oh."
"How could you never known about pancakes!?"
"I don't deal with luxuries. Never have."
"You had a deprived childhood. And why did you give me so much and yourself so little?"
Shizukesa added to her criticisms by pointing out the difference in food quantity, pointing out the contrast between his meager portions and her plentiful servings.
"I, uh, wasn't paying attention."
"Yeah, not paying attention to starving yourself. Here, have some of mine!"
"No, no. I don't have much of an appetite right now."
"Fine, suit yourself."
To get off of the subject, Cinder switched to asking a question he had from earlier. Pointing to the Pyledriver, he asked Shizukesa his question.
"What is that thing?
"That? A man that works here gave it to me, for you. He said it would be useful, especially for a user of earth magic."
Shizukesa went on to describe to Cinder the event with the man, how the weapon worked, and why there was a hole in the wall. Finishing their breakfast, they left the room, paying the repair bill for damages at the front desk before finally leaving for the capital of the Water Kingdom.
"By the way, who was that woman in our room last night?"
"Just someone who has a hard time and accidentally came to our room for the spring. She was also the one who had her room trashed by the spike I accidentally launched."

 

“I know I’m safe here, Uncle Bardra, but I cannot stay long in the human realm. I have some things that I do need to take care of in my realm. Being the ruler I can’t be careless. It’s just better if I stay in my realm. Knowing that I’m protecting so many people does help me get over the loneliness I guess.”


Aurora ate a little bit of the meal that was placed in front of her. She had a lot on her mind. Uncle Bardra mentioned that he was going to take a bath. “Enjoy your bath.”


While he was bathing Aurora just sat still and waited for him to finish. When he emerged from the bath Aurora was happy. “Uncle Bardra, will you please hold my hand as I sleep tonight?”


She smiled.

--

Zayne was dragging his nephew back to the Air Kingdom. He was still very angry. He could not believe that his own nephew joined Verbena to make extra money. He was very saddened by it also.

Alex looked down at the ground as his Uncle dragged him. “Uncle, listen, I only did this to make extra cash. You know things have been very hard here lately. I didn’t think that I was going to be after someone related to me.”

“You should have just asked me or Yuri for help instead of turning to them. They are trouble. I’m very disappointed in you. They have killed innocent people including Uncle Akemi and his wife. They have killed other people too.”

Alex’s eyes widened. He didn’t realize.


“Since you seem so surprised maybe you won’t mind sharing some information with the Air King, Gideon.”

“Wait, wasn’t Yuri the King of Air,” Alex asked.

“Yes, he still is the King of Air. King Gideon is just a temporary King if you will. That is the only information I will release to you.”


They made their way into the dungeon. He told the guards to hold him in a cell until he could tell King Gideon that he found a Verbena assassin. The guards did what he said. They still had respect for Zayne. Zayne made his way into the throne room. King Gideon had been making his speech. Zayne waited until his King finished.


“I wonder if it will be safe for Aurora to come back here now that Alex is here. I don’t trust him right now. He could attack her if she came here. I don’t know what to do…”

--

Two days later Aurora was feeling much better than before. “Thank you very much for letting me stay here, Uncle Bardra. Thanks to you I feel better. Queen Calista should be back by the end of the month…depending.”


Aurora smiled at him. With that she disappeared from the Air Kingdom. She made her way to the inn where she felt they were staying. . “I felt strange magic coming from Cinder. I need to speak with him. He could be in danger.”


Aurora appeared in front of Cinder and Shizukesa. She saw that they were just about to leave the inn they were staying in. “Cinder, I must speak with you. It’s very important.”


“I also sense that the girl I need to talk to is in the inn as well. I may have some difficulty with her.”

 

Lain had taken a short nap after finding her gift then went out behind the tavern to practice. Not wanting to waste any of the arrows that she had been given, she used her own powers to fashion replacements. In the small wooded area behind the hot springs, she used trees as targets and went about bringing her meager archery skills up to snuff.

Her right shoulder and arm were burning from drawing the string so many times without rest. In contrast her left wrist had been rubbed raw and bleeding from the many times the bow string had hit this patch of skin. The trees around her were covered with holes from the ice arrows she had been using to practice. She pulled back the string, willing the water vapor around her into the shape of an arrow on the string. Straightening her fingers the bow made a dull thwock and the arrow flew into the farthest tree, shattering on impact. She let the bow fall to her side and she let out the rest of the breath she had been holding.

It was truly an impressive weapon, not as powerful as some of the Earth Kingdom crossbows, but much easier to use than a traditional war bow. It's advantage was that at the end of the draw the weight vanished, allowing more time to aim. A good weapon for someone who wants to kill with the first shot.

Lain went back inside the tavern to get some food. As she slipped in she noticed Cinder leaving with two plates of food. She also noticed a man watching him as he left. The dining room was quickly filling up as Lain grabbed herself some breakfast, figuring it would be interesting to find out who that man was, she went up to Riko's table and asked him if she could sit with him.

"Mind if I sit here?"

 

Cinder regarded Aurora with annoyance. Somehow, she seemed familiar.
"Who is this?"
"I'm asking the same thing. I would very much like to know why she knows my name. Wait here, but be ready in case something happens."
Cinder walked to Aurora, creating a space between Shizukesa and himself.
"What is it you want from me? And how do you know my name? Do anything suspicious, and I will not hesitate to annihilate."

"Hm? Oh, sure! Sit your butt down!"
I know I'm good when the ladies are coming to me.
As expected, the narcissistic Riko Chikara answered her in a rude yet friendly way, as if he were familiar with her. Noticing her wrist's damage, he spoke up on it.
"Ooh, what happened? That looks like it hurt. Might want to get that looked at."