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Post by Tismri on Jul 30, 2012 23:37:24 GMT -5
Caedus lowered his head, settling more comfortably on the ground. You words bring me great peace, Trinity, he told the younger dragon. I am glad for your faith; when troubles come, make certain that it never wavers.
She listened carefully to his words. Erik seemed a wise man, far wiser than the years showed on his face. And he seemed to understand better than anyone else--better than Tristan, Teodora, or even Romulus--how she felt right now.
Her expression changed to one of shock at his compliment. She was a great Queen Mother? She had never expected to hear anyone say that. She felt as if she hardly knew what she was doing most of the time. Tristan had taken on many of the duties that had once been hers so she could focus on regaining her memories, and what few duties she was given left her often confused; she knew it had to be because she was only seeing a very small part of a much bigger picture.
"I...Thank you, Erik," she told him. "You have no idea how much your words mean to me. They are an encouragement I have sorely needed for a long time now.
~~~~~
Arquen listened to Dastan's words in silence for several moments. What if was a dangerous question to linger on. One could drive himself mad with those two words. Yet that question crossed the mind of every sentient being in the world many times over.
"Yes. I regret very much," she told him. "Every living thing regrets on some level. I have done many things I wish I did not, but those actions have shaped who I am. I'm not the person I imagined myself to be a century ago, but it is too late to go back and change that. I can only move forward. The same is true of you."
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Post by Max452 on Jul 31, 2012 0:30:12 GMT -5
I will do my best, Master Caedus! Trinity proclaimed as she watched Tenel Ka talk with the three-legged man. Her eyes shifted over to her Rider and his mate. Her heart swelled with pride for her Rider and she hoped that they would grow stronger together as time drew forward.
***
Roland smiled at the young Rider, a knowing gleam in his eye as he studied her. He bowed his head respectfully to her, grateful for her gratitude. "I mean every word of it, Silver Hand; you are and will only become greater. Hold onto those you cherish and remember the peace that you feel, and understanding will continue to come and mold you into the woman, Queen, and Rider that you are destined to become." He bowed his head to her again, indicating his leave. He paused for a moment, his eyes debating. His mind reflected on another memory.
Flashback:
"Ah, Romulus, what a pleasure to see you in my parts! What can I do for you, my dear friend?" Erik asked as he spotted the Ranger moping around his way. He could tell the Ranger seemed in deep thought and frustrated about something. At the sound of his name, the Ranger glanced up at Erik, a frown on his face - an unusual sight.
"Hello, Erik." Romulus walked up and looked a bit lost.
"Something the matter?" Erik asked, concerned.
"I...Erik, may I ask you a question?"
Erik tilted his head, his eye facing the troubled half elf. "Of course, Romulus! You are always welcomed to speak with me on any matter." He smiled, trying to comfort.
Romulus eyes shifted from the tanner and toward the east, where the Ismalian camp was. "Have you ever done something that you wished you would not do - even though it may be the right thing to do?"
The tanner raised an eyebrow at the Ranger, puzzled at his question. "Yes; but I suppose that is how everyone feels sometimes - what is troubling you, Romulus?"
Rom just nodded, processing his thoughts and Erik's words. "Nothing..." His eyes turned back to Erik's one eye, "I was just thinking that about something." Romulus shifted his body, allowing Erik to notice the pack around the Ranger's back.
"Are you going somewhere, Romulus?" Erik asked, trying to figure out the man's behaviour."
"Just for a bit..." Romulus replied somberly. His eyes flickered over to the Ismalian campsite again and then back to his conversation. "Erik, may I ask you a favor?"
"Certaintly."
"When...when you feel that the Queen Mother is struggling with something....can you give her this for me?" He retrieved a letter from his pouch and stared at it in his hand.
Erik gazed at the troubled Romulus and nodded after a moment. "Of course; but would you like to deliver it yourself?"
Romulus gave a soft, regretful smile. "I am afraid that if I deliver it personally...that...I won't lea--" He stopped as if he realized he spoke too much. "It is best if I don't." He finally settled with that explanation. "It's late...and I don't want to disturb her..." And Prince Tristan is watching her like a hawk. Romulus refrained to add.
"Well, if I can be helpful, I will give it to her when I can; after all, she is a busy Queen, eh?" Erik chuckled, trying to lighten the mood with his tanner persona as he took the letter.
"Aye, she is busy, but...if you happen to just see her down...just, please, give her that for me?"
Erik nodded, reassuring the Ranger. "You have my word."
"Thank you." Romulus gave a small smile before saying his goodbye and disappearing into the night.
End Flashback.
Roland thought for a moment as he reflected on his conversation with Romulus. Well, he had an assumption about Romulus' behaviour, but had yet to confirm it. After speaking with the Queen Mother, however, he wondered if this was what the Ranger was referring to. The young Rider seemed to be in a pensieve state. He sighed. Having decided as he reached into his side bag. "I almost forgot, Silver Hand. This is for you." He handed her a letter that was addressed to her in Rom's elegant handwriting. "I was told to deliver it to you when I thought appropriate; I think it is appropriate it now."
***
Dastan listened to Arquen's words with a thoughtful silence. "Forward...mmm...I have no choice but to move forward." He said thoughtfully as twilight began to make itself evident to the two warriors. "I suppose you are right; we cannot change what we have done - only do what is Right, now." He replied thoughtfully as they continued their hike until nightfall.
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Post by Tismri on Jul 31, 2012 0:56:45 GMT -5
She was glad to have had this talk with Erik. He had given her much to think about, possibly get her mind off her memory loss for a while. His compliments were not what she had expected, and they touched her beyond almost anything said to her since she awakened.
She was about to turn away, to once again contemplate the scenery as she reflected on the conversation, when Erik brough out a letter for her. She accepted it and was surprised to see Romulus' familiar handwriting. In an instant, her throat tightened and tears threatened to spill; she missed him so much. He seemed to be the one who care the most about her, and dealt with her most gently. Rom had made her feel like a person more than a figurehead. She missed him desperately right now.
Working her emotions back under control, she nodded to Erik. "Thank you," she told him. She turned away and went to sit by herself to read the letter in peace. Opening it, she read the first few lines, longing to feel close to Romulus again somehow.
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Post by Max452 on Aug 1, 2012 0:14:08 GMT -5
A few months ago:
Romulus sat against the tree trunk, his knee propped up to allow the tablet to be placed against it as he wrote a letter. The young Ranger was trying to clear his head after a heated arguement with Prince Tristan about Tenel Ka. Despite his own views, he was beginning to doubt them and believe that Tristan was right: he was a distraction to Tenel Ka and wasn't helping her remember who she was. He had argued back, insisting that Tristan not just focus on thrusting stories of Tenel Ka's past at her, but to allow her to make her own memories as she was now, so that she could feel comfortable in her own skin. The arguement ended at a stand still and both had left one another in anger before a fight broke out. Rom sighed and placed his head against the tree as he sat on the sturdy branch. What was he thinking? Who was he to express his opinions against Tristan concerning Tenel Ka? He was only a friend...nothing more. In reality, shouldn't Tristan's opinions benefit Tenel Ka more? She was a Queen after all. A Queen that needed a Prince's view; a view that understood her situation more. She didn't need a commoner's view. And that was all he was. He sighed. Perhaps he could help Tenel Ka more if he obtained the title that his Father wanted him to. He never really wanted to be a Duke...only to really be apart of the family again, however, Remus had to be stopped. Rumors of his brother's cruel nature had reached him and Rom needed to stop him. Perhaps...perhaps now was the time to leave.
Rom sighed in frustration. He didn't want to...but it would benefit Tenel Ka. And so, he only needed to say goodbye...but he couldn't face her, for fear of rethinking his decision. He stared at the tablet. He had decided to write down his thoughts to help him sort things out, but that was no use. Maybe...maybe he should write a letter to Tenel Ka? And so...he began his letter:
My dearest Tenel Ka,
I pray that you forgive me for leaving as I have. I honestly did not intend to leave without saying goodbye, but I fear, that if I had spoken to you face to face, that I would not have the courage to leave. Though you may not remember, but I once told you of my brother, Remus, who had sold me into slavery and murdered my father to take the title of Duke Kingsley of Gil'ead. Needless to say, I must stop him - for he is aiding the Empire against the Varden and has committed more atrocities than I care to list. I have a duty to my Father and to my family. And so, this is the cause of my leaving.
Romulus paused in his script. "Among other reasons too..." He muttered as he returned to writing his letter.
Tenel Ka, I know that you are uncertain of your place here, as Queen Mother, as a Rider, and as yourself. I know that Tristan, Teodora, Caedus, and others, including myself, have pressured you into recalling your memories. I do not pretend to not notice your frustration and irritation in this whole matter; your emotions are justified. As I have told you before, just take it one day at a time, for your memories will come. Trust in your cousin and friends - they mean well. However, do not concern yourself with the past, but focus on who you are now. You are an incredible woman, Tenel Ka. Your memories only make up a small portion of who you are. We have only spent a small time together, but I have come to see the kindness, compassionate, and selfless person you are. Again, you are incredible, Tenel Ka. You may be a Queen, but a title is not "who" you are. Only you can decide that. Strive to live in the moment and you will rediscover the honest, confident, passionate, loving, and wonderful woman you are. You will come to see who I see, and will love yourself as I do. Trust in your heart (for you have the biggest one I know) and understanding and peace will come to you.
I know the road to regain who you are will be difficult, but, I want you to know that I will always believe in you and am here support you in anyway. Whenever you feel frustration, lost or forgotten, know this: you are not alone. I will ever be there for you. I may not be there by your side, but my heart and thoughts will ever be with you. You mean more to me than you will ever know. I lo--
Romulus stopped short in his writing, staring at what he was about to admit to Tenel Ka. He continued to stare at the last word in his letter. What would Tenel Ka think if he admitted that he loved her? His letter was practically screaming it at her, but, perhaps that would cause her another burden if she did not feel the same. He sighed and continued to finish the sentence.
I long for the day until we meet again. May the stars watch over you, Tenel Ka.
All my love,
Romulus Kingsley.
Romulus settled with that ending, feeling that he subconsciously admitted his feelings to Tenel Ka, but also provided some comfort for her if she ever felt overwhelmed. He sure hoped that he helped, for that was all a commoner could do for the Queen of his heart. Rom quietly scanned over his letter, hoping that it was appropriate. He soon sealed it in an envelope and wrote her name tenderly on the cover before hopping down from his tree and heading back to camp...
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Post by Trinn on Aug 6, 2012 10:18:51 GMT -5
"I hate these mountains." Teodora said hastily. "They're too big." She avoided meeting Tristan's eye for a moment, feeling mad though she had no real reason to. Men! Ask you to marry them, and then they ignore you! But of course it wasn't Tristan's fault. Tenal Ka! Why did she have to go and lose her memory! Immediately Teodora felt ashamed for thinking badly of her Queen Mother. Tristan had a duty to her, and so did Teodora. "I am grateful to be along for the trip, though. Tenal Ka needs all the protection she can get. And not just from a handful of guys." she added with a small smirk.
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Post by Max452 on Aug 6, 2012 22:22:26 GMT -5
Tristan couldn't help but smirk at Teodora's complaint. Well, she appeared to be in a good mood. She hadn't hit him or anything. That was always a good sign. "The mountains are quite different from Ismalia, I have to agree to that." He smiled as he slid over nonchalantly to hold her hand. "I'm glad you came too; not just for Tenel Ka's sake." He smile grew more intimate as he grasp her hand and kissed it gently, not caring for the public display; he missed her terribly. "I'm sorry for neglecting you recently. Its...its just been so busy, but I promise you, when we get back, I'll take a day off just for us? I'll make it all up to you!" He beamed at her, hoping that would appease her for now.
***
Roland had wandered to the edge of the plateau, watching the breathtaking view with his only eye. The sun was setting; they better get moving if they wanted to locate the Emerald today. He turned to glanced at the young Prince and his lover, sharing an intimate moment and then toward Tenel Ka, who was seated, reading the letter. He couldn't tell what her reaction was, but he hoped it was a good one.
Well, he disliked interrupting everyone's break, but they must proceed with the task at hand. "Shall we continue on our journey? I would hate to wander in the dark..." Erik's voice echoed across the plain. "Yip yip!" He brandished his can about as he limped back to the group.
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Post by Trinn on Aug 7, 2012 10:47:08 GMT -5
"You better." Teodora retorted, though she still had a small smirk on her lips. Then, unable to help herself, she gripped him in a hug and kissed his cheek. "I look forward to it." she whispered in his ear. Roland then called for the end of break, and Teodora groaned. Her feet were only just starting to feel better. "Why don't you fly on Trinity?" she asked him as she picked up her pack. "If you don't, maybe I will!" she said, though there was no way on this good green earth that she was mounting a dragon willingly.
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Post by Max452 on Aug 7, 2012 14:10:09 GMT -5
Tristan's grin widened at the sight of Teodora's smirk. He nodded eagerly, letting her know that he intended to keep his promise. He was surprised, next, when she embraced him in a hug and kissed him on the cheek. He felt all pleasantly gooey on the inside. Who knew that she had such power over him? His body shivered pleasantly as she whispered in his ear. Oh, yes, he was going to look forward to that day! It seemed to him that this mission was now too long. He gave her a devious wink when Erik suggested that they continue moving. "So do I." He chuckled back as she parted from him and grabbed her pack. He glanced at the dragon mentioned and shurgged his shoulders. "I've been told that Trinity is still too small to really caring me. Maybe in a month or too. But I'm sure she might make an acception if you're tired?" He looked at Teodora with concern. "Or would you like me to carry you?" He gave her an impish grin as he teased her. He chuckled then and then pulled their link hands. "Come on. The faster we get this over with, the faster we can have that whole day for ourselves!" He declared happily as he headed out.
***
Trinity ruffled her wings at the sound of Roland's voice calling for them to get going. She gazed at Caedus with some envy. Have fun in the sky, Master Caedus. She sighed and waited for her bond and his mate to head out.
***
Erik began to head toward the path that was designated toward their destination. He was suppose to be crippled, so he might as well look like he wanted a head start. Sometimes though, he wondered if he could get away with moving faster than normal...unfortunately, there were two Riders that might take notice..
He began his hike, not waiting for the others to follow, since he was going at a slow pace anyway.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 15, 2012 19:33:18 GMT -5
She read the lines carefully, many times. She absorbed every word, soaking them in. Something about it made her feel both content and dissatisfied. She didn't know what she had been expecting, but she supposed this had to do. This was the only piece of Rom she had for herself right now. Quietly, she folded the paper again and held it close to herself, staring off into the valley far below.
She was startled out of her thoughts as Erik called for them to move again. She stood and stretched, having sat in one place for too long. She said nothing to Caedus or any of the others as she mounted the dragon to continue their journey.
Why was he afraid of speaking with me before leaving? she wondered, her brow furrowing. He said he was afraid he wouldn't be able to...is there something he's not telling me? Her thoughts changed track slightly. He wouldn't be the only one. Tristan kept the Emeralds secret from me. They all did. She shook her head. What else are the keeping from me?
~~~~~
Arquen smiled slightly at Dastan's conclusion, glad to see that even young ones these days could still think for themselves. "A worthy idea," she noted to him, "but often what is right is arbitrary. What one person could perceive as good another may see as wrong. Thus comes conflicts and war."
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Post by Max452 on Aug 16, 2012 1:33:29 GMT -5
The small caravan of Ismalians and some Varden members continued onward on their quest to find the the emerald. The heated beams of the sun caressed Tristan's back, much to the Prince's dismay. He was, however, grateful to have his fiancee beside him, as well as Trinity, who after awhile finally took to the skies. Tristan was a bit bewildered by her action, as she always insisted to be by his side, but wasn't too disappointed as he wanted some time with Teodora. Unbeknownst to Tristan, Trinity had begun to pay attention to her Rider's feelings and decided to join Caedus and Tenel Ka in the sky.
The day loomed onward when they reached a ravine. The sun had already begun to set, and Tristan was extremely glad that the heat was dissipating, and that the location they were heading was accurate; the dwarf had spoken true. The emerald should be just at the end of the ravine near the stream that ran beside it.
"We're almost there!" He told the group as he hurried along. He glanced over at Teodora to flash her a quick grin and then upward into the sky, communicating to Trinity.
Tristan says they are nearing the spot, Caedus. Trinity informed her kin as she hovered nearby.
***
"It is a pity that people must always be in disagreement. They always fight for what they believe in, but never truly consider the consequences until it is too late. I do hope that some matter of peace can be restored...too many lives have been affected by war; it is time for peace." Dastan replied as they continued forward, reaching ever so closer to their destination, and to another party...
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Post by Tismri on Aug 16, 2012 1:47:53 GMT -5
Caedus grew thankful for Trinity's presence with him in the sky as they drew nearer to their destination. After the short break they had taken, Princess had fallen into a moody sort of silence. He was unable to tell exactly what she was thinking, but the taste of her emotions were growing sour. Still, she was unwilling to say more than a few words to him at a time.
That is good to know, he replied to Trinity's excited news. The sooner we gain these magic gems, the sooner Princess will be back to normal. He looked over his shoulder to Tenel Ka. Princess, we are getting close.
The sun is setting fast, she commented as dusk began to overcome. Perhaps we should stop for the night and get there tomorrow. With that request, she fell back into the sullen silence that had dominated this part of the flight for her. Caedus looked curiously, wondering if she was simply tired from the day. He turned back to Trinity.
Tenel Ka seems to wish to rest for the night and continue tomorrow, he said, telling the two-leggers on the ground as well as his kin in the sky.
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Post by Max452 on Aug 17, 2012 0:30:56 GMT -5
Trinity's gold eye glanced over at Tenel Ka when she was mentioned by Caedus. She blinked and then simply replied, Is she well? . She asked the elder dragon, hoping that Tenel Ka was all right. She missed her rider's cousin. She was the only one who had the patience to read her things and explain to her about Ismalia and about her bond with Tristan. The young dragon recalled a very faint memory of Tenel Ka hugging Tristan when the Queen found out he had just become a rider. It was a fuzzy memory, as she was just a hatchling, but the rest of the memory were filled in by Tristan's. She really hoped Tenel Ka would come back soon...she missed talking to someone with high intellect...well, besides Teodora. She swooped right next to Caedus.
***
Tristan raised his head, having heard Caedus' request. Let Caedus and Tenel Ka know that we're stopping then. I don't want to push her too far...even though I know we're pretty close.
It's better to search during the day. Came Trinity's reply as she then told Caedus that the company was stopping for the night.
"Let's make camp then. Set up a perimeter around the bank of the river. Its an easy access to water, as well as an easy place to defend, with some escape routes too so we don't get cornered in." Tristan explained to the group as he went about to help with the orders.
Once the camp was set up, Tristan made sure that Caedus and Trinity had enough room to land on the small beach. He had set up his tent and glanced coyly at Teodora. "The Beor Mountains are known to be very cold at night, Teodora. I don't think your tent is thick enough to ward off the cold air...you're more than welcomed to share mine." He smiled innocently at her.
***
Erik easily set up his tent and soon found himself sitting by a fire that someone in their group had made. They began to cook their dinner, hoping to get a warm meal in before the cold mountain air chilled them all. Although, Erik wasn't easily perturbed by the weather; his eye remained alert and attentive toward their surroundings, watching for any threats.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 17, 2012 0:57:09 GMT -5
As Caedus landed at the point they were to make camp, she found herself swiftly coming to a decision. She couldn't trust anyone, not after discovering the secrets they had kept from her. These Emeralds seemed important, if they were so powerful. But if the others had not seen fit to share them with her, why then should she tie them in with her destiny? They meant nothing to her.
She would wait a while, for everyone to fall asleep, or otherwise no longer paying any sort of attention to her. She would slip away tonight and search for her own fate; whether that be recovering her memories or completely forging a new identity for herself, she refused to follow this path everyone was forcing her upon.
Caedus gave a small whine as he watched Tenel Ka. She was still quiet, her thoughts still distant and not sharing. He turned to Trinity. I don't know if she is well or not, he replied. I feel as if I know little about this woman. It is still her, I know, but...she has always been independent. I hope that all the pressure we have been putting on her does not turn her away from us. I am afraid that may very well happen.
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