Blood, War and Death

-- The Road to Allendor is quiet. Unnervingly so. --

-- It is near dark again as they reach the pass before the gates --

Staza: Surely you aren't just going to ride in through the gates?

Cidrell: I am. (single nod, his voice soft)

Staza: You must be mad! I am a Prince. They will know me in a second.

Cidrell: (shifts his gaze to Staza, lifting one brow as if almost in amusement, the corners of his mouth hinting at a rise)

Cidrell: We will pass only common guards. I rather doubt you've rubbed elbows with their like before.

Cidrell: (adding) My prince.

Staza: (considers this)

Cidrell: Besides, you don't look very princely now, do you...

Staza: (touches a hand to the hood covering his hair, a common dull brown, wearing his least polished boots and clothes borrowed from Cidrell) I suppose not. Does not Allendor require paperwork

Cidrell: (patiently) Allendor is a trade city. They expect traffic, in fact, welcome it. We are just two weary riders from Gaylin come to trade our pittance for new bows.

-- the pass is dark despite the moonlight. It is early eve but already the owls hunt and the wolves roam --

Staza: (his eyes wandering about the pass, knowing in his heart of hearts that eyes are upon them as they approach the gates)

Cidrell: (pushes back his hood and rakes a hand through his unkept brown hair) I mustn't call you Prince, or Majesty or even by your given name once we arrive. What do you wish me to call you.

Staza: Call me ..... Jared.

Cidrell: Jared it is.

--- the gates stand at the end of the pass, no more than a half hours ride, already they can see the lights of the torches on the wall --

-- A half hour from Allendor and a fate unknown --

-- In the House of Jaeger --

-- Jaeger has been gone for hours. In the house there is something in the air. A feeling of anticipation --

Miadon: (has had the staff busy all day putting the house in order. There are bags packed as well and stowed --

)

E'Nasha: (folding silks and putting them in the pack. There are tears on her face)

Katori: Stop sniffling! You'll have me at it as well. This isn't our home. This is our prison!

Miadon: (appears in the doorway) E'Nasha. Go to the masters chambers and see to the women there.

E'Nasha: (moves to obey)

Miadon: And ... just in the case.. pack a bag for the Master.

E'Nasha: (nods and slips past him, moving to the Masters chamber)

Miadon: (walks with her to unlock the door)

Miadon: Do be careful. I do not trust the fair one. She is not to be let out of lock and key. The master was adamant.

E'Nasha: (nods) I will wait inside for you to come for us.

--- the lock creeks as it is unlocked --

Arissa: (sitting on the bed with Imari, talking softly as the reminisce of home, having come to an unspoken agreement not to discuss the events of the morning)

Imari: (stiffens as the door open, hating the sudden burst of fear that she feels)

E'Nasha: (enters, Miadon in the doorway behind her)

Arissa: (watches as they enter, her stomach knotting, wondering if they have news of Jaeger)

Imari: (relaxing slightly realizing it is just the servants)

E'Nasha: (clasps her hands before her until Miadon closes the door and relocks it)

E'Nasha: (turns swiftly to Arissa) We are packing to leave. I must pack the master a bag in case... (presses her hands to her face)

Arissa: (sitting on the middle of the bed in her favorite position, knees tucked up to her chest, noticing E'Nasha's distress and saying calmly) Then we shall pack him a bag..

Imari: Leaving? Who is leaving? Where are we leaving to? (eyes widening, fearing that her family will never find them if they are moved)

E'Nasha: (nods, moving toward the armoire)

Arissa: (slips off the bed and moves over to the armoire to help) It is too soon to tell what will happen, it is best if we do not speculate.  (not wanting to raise Imari's hope or increase E'Nasha's distress)

E'Nasha: (taking out the pack and carefully folding clothes to tuck inside)

Imari: Speculate on what? Do you know something, Arissa? (constantly glancing towards the door)

E'Nasha: (glances at Imari) We should not speak of it.

E'Nasha: There are those that would gossip in the House...

Arissa: (kneeling next to the trunk, taking great care to fold and pack his belongings, looking up at Imari hoping she lets it drop at that)

Imari: (scooting off the bed and then moving quickly towards them, feeling as if she is in the dark about something important and latching onto it, anything to distract her mind from her miserable fate)

Imari: (a soft pleading whisper) You must tell me..  what do you know?

E'Nasha: (her eyes flick to a belt hung in the armoire with a dagger sheath upon it)

E'Nasha: (cuts her eyes quickly around to see if anyone else can see the dagger glinting there at them)

Arissa: (sighs softly, glancing at E'Nasha and then back at Imari, keeping her voice to a whisper) You heard him yesterday, he intends to assassinate the King..

Imari: (blinks) He was serious!

Arissa: Shhh...lower you voice!!

E'Nasha:  (wrings her hands)

Imari: (looks up to E'Nasha) Is that true? (blinks at her, realizing she is not paying attention)

Arissa: (turns to E'Nasha also, gasps seeing what has her so preoccupied, praying to the Heaven's that Imari does not see it)

Imari: (too late, Imari's gaze is fixed upon the dagger, springs up and grabs for it)

E'Nasha; (pulls the pack out of the armoire) We are done with this. (setting it on the floor, hoping to close the armoir doors before Imari sees)

Imari: (almost knocking E'Nasha down in her haste, snatching the dagger out of its sheath)

Arissa: (groans) Imari, you mustn't...

Imari: (turns around) Are you crazed Arissa?? We have a weapon, we can carve out his black heart now...

E'Nasha: Nooooo. (gasping, slapping her hands to her cheeks in horror)

Arissa: (softly) He will overpower you and then use it upon you.  Do you wish to be cut to ribbons?

E'Nasha: What do you think would become of you if you did so?

Imari: (shakes her head no, saying fervently) We would escape and go home...and things will be as they once were...

Arissa: (knowing in her heart that nothing will ever be the same again)

E'Nasha: (shaking her head, her jewelry jingling) You must not harm him.

--- the lock creaks again --

Imari: And sit back and do naught as he harms us....

Arissa: Shhhhhh....Imari hide that quickly (her voice a whisper, turning towards the door)

Jaeger: (opens the door abruptly, there is blood on his tunic and cheek)

Imari: (eyes widening, beginning to panic as she hears the lock, realizing she has no place on her person to hide it while wearing the white gauzye dress, spins holding the dagger behind her back as she looks towards the door)

Jaeger: (bellows) Miadon, why have you not taken to the ship yet!

Jaeger: (motions E'Nasha) Downstairs.. all of you.

E'Nasha: (picks up his pack and glances at Imari)

Arissa: (stilling as she gazes upon him, a mixture of emotions coursing through her, rising slowly and then flicking her gaze to Imari)

Imari: (her hands beginning to sweat as she clutches the dagger, knowing this is her chance)

E'Nasha: (looks back at Jaeger) (wanting badly to tell him)

Arissa: (her heart starting to pound, positioning herself next to Imari, between her and Jaeger, putting her hand on her elbow to guide her forward)

E'Nasha: (glances to Imari again with a pleading look before she hurries out)

Jaeger: (takes a sweeping look around the room)

Jaeger: (opens his armoire)

Imari: (eyes wide in fear as she gathers her courage, wishing Arissa would go ahead)

Arissa: (tugs on her arm)

Jaeger: (pulls down two cloaks and turns toward them)

Jaeger: Wait...

Arissa: (turns back to Jaeger, afraid he has spotted his dagger missing)

Arissa: (sensing disaster, begins to tremble)

Jaeger: (moves toward them)

Imari: (takes a deep breath, waiting for him to get closer...close enough) ((a little closer...just a little closer....))

Jaeger: (sweeps a cloak around Arissa, settling it over her shoulders)

Arissa: (feeling as if everything is going in slow motion, seeing Jaeger come forward, knowing what Imari is going to attempt to do, knowing he is unsuspecting, looks up at him as he settles the cloak around her shoulders) ((warn him....no you can't...he will kill Imari....you can't stand here and watch him die...you can...nooo))

Jaeger: (looks down upon her as he clasps the cloak around at her collar bone) It is done.

Imari: (waits until his attention is completely on Arissa, her knuckles white from gripping the dagger, trying not to think of what will happen after he is dead, raises it and lunges forward)

Arissa: (spots Imari move out of the corner of her eye, propelling herself forward to try and knock him out of the way)

Jaeger: (brows lift as she throws her tiny weight into him, the movement from behind coming to his attention, his body turning)

Imari: (her vision blurred through her tears, terrified and sick to her stomach as she tries to stick the dagger into him)

Arissa: NOooooooo

Jaeger: (feels the blade pierce his chest, a hot searing pain spreading through him)

Jaeger: (staggers backwards, his hands moving to grip the hilt in his chest)

Imari: (stumbles back, unable to believe what she has done, sheet white in shock)

E'Nasha: (in the next room, her eyes close as she hears Arissa's Nooooo)

Arissa: (sobbing) Nooooo Nooooo....(her hands to his chest, trying to stay the blood)

Miadon: (orders) Downstairs with the bags.... (moves swiftly toward the room)

Jaeger: (turns his eyes upon Arissa, accusing of her betrayal)

Arissa: (shaking her head no at his accusing gaze, her voice hoarse as she tries to cry for help)

Miadon: (gasps from the doorway, lurching forward and slapping Arissa off of him) What have you done!!!!???

Arissa: (wanting to scream that it wasn't her, wanting to scream at the injustice of it all, but knowing what will happen Imari) Help him...

Miadon: (presses around the blade) Another few inches and it would have been his heart...

Jaeger: (grasps Miadon's wrist, teeth gritted with the effort of speaking) Take them and go.. there is no time.

Miadon: Master, I cannot leave you like this. You will perish

Imari: (looking towards the open door, her mind numb, knowing it is time for them to escape)

Jaeger: You must.. GO

Miadon: (glares at Arissa)

Arissa: (unable to take her eyes off Jaeger, the blood seeping)

Miadon: (his old face looking withered and drawn) I will stay with you. Your fate will be mine.

Katori: (gasps from the doorway)

E'Nasha: (bursts into wailing sobs)

Arissa: (blood covering the front of her white gown) ((you waited too long...you should of said something....you should of warned him))

Jaeger: (his eyes closing)

Jaeger: The ship awaits....

Imari: You heard him! We must go...he said for us to go...  (wanting to get out of there, looking at Arissa's distraught face, unable to understand)

Arissa: Nooo (sobs)

Katori: (grabs E'Nasha) Come... No.. come!!

E'Nasha: (trying to go to him)

Imari: (grabs Arissa's arm) Come!!! (trying to drag her)

Katori: (manages to pull E'Nasha toward the stairs) He wanted you to be free. Remember his words. Do not fail him now

Arissa: (pulls free of Imari's grip, moving back to him, sobbing, wondering what would of happened what her life would be like if she had just called out...if she hadn't waited so long...if she had just taken the dagger from Imari)

Jaeger: (his eyes closed, breathing labored)

Imari: (looks on in horror, not understanding why Arissa is acting this way when freedom is so close)

Miadon: Leave him. You are not worthy to see his soul to the Goddess.

Arissa: (her small arms encircling him waist) He is not dead...he is NOT dead...he breathes..

Miadon: Leave him to me! (hisses at her)

Imari: ARISSA!! (panics, wondering if her mind has snapped, moving over and dragging her off of him before Miadon decides to avenge his master)

Miadon: Master, do you wish her death

Arissa: (almost hoping he would just say yes)

Jaeger: Let her go. Let her sail back to her people. Let her tell her King the deed is done.

Imari: (sucks in a breath, feeling a sudden stab of guilt)

Arissa: (letting Imari drag her away)

--- the stairway is clear ---

E'Nasha: (going with Katori and the other staff, their bare feet nimble and quick on the path to the Sea Wolf, their loads light in the dark of night --

)

Imari: ((Going home...we are going home....)) (following along with the others, wondering if they should make a break for the gate)

Arissa: (getting blindly led along, her vision still filled with Jaeger, lying bleeding on the floor...his gaze..so accusing)

--- the stone is cold on their feet, the wind cutting into them despite the cloak he laid over Arissa's shoulders, the path winds down to the docks where the Sea Wolf awaits her cargo --

Imari: ((noo..he said take the ship...take the ship home...)) (following along, looking upon the magnificient ship, knowing it will get them home quicker than any other way)

Imari: ((I've killed a man)) (pushing those thoughts out of her head, not wanting to think about them) ((NO! He wasn't a man, he was a monster.....I did what I had to for Arissa and me to escape))

-- the crew is helping the slaves aboard, having been expecting them, the ship ready to sail --

Imari: (searching out the captain, Arissa in tow) We are to travel to Palicide on his orders, immediately....there is no time to spare.

Captain: We are set to sail into Todoria. Horses await you there, upon the orders of Jaeger.

Imari: Fine, but we must set sail immediately....(consitantly looking back over her shoulder)

Captain: (eyes the bossy slave)

Captain: As soon as Miadon and Jaeger arrive.

Imari: (wanting to put as much distance as possible between, hisses) Jaeger is dead and Miadon is with him...

Arissa: (shoulders shaking, tears streaming down her face)

Captain: What? (growls) (looks to E'Nasha and Katori)

E'Nasha: (wailing on the deck, pulling at the light material of her clothes in grief)

Katori: Please. Do as she says, before the King's men come.

Imari: You can await for them to join their fate or you can sail us away as per his instructions...

Katori: (her dark eyes pleading)

Imari: (for once in agreement with her)

Captain: Very well.. (turns and bellows orders to his men)

Imari: (lets out a huge sigh of relief)

Arissa: (wiping the tears from her cheeks, vowing never to shed them again, going deep within herself, wondering for not the first time what she has done to deserve such misery)

-- in short order, the anchors are pulled and the sails fill with wind, the magnificant ship begins it's journey to Todoria, a neutral city ---

--------------

-- The Gates of Allendor --

Staza: (reins his horse up as a troop of guards march past the open gates)

Cidrell: Easy, Jared... (speaking through a mouth nearly closed)

Staza: (hand dropping on the hilt of his sword as he allows his horse to move on, following)

-- A guard moves before them, putting up a hand --

Cidrell: (reins his horse up) Hail and well met.

Guard: Hail. (cocking his head as he looks them over)

Staza: (seems to shrink inside of the hood even more)

Guard: Citizens?

Cidrell: Nay... (his hood dropped on his shoulders) We travel from Gaylin upon recommendation of the bowyer there to find darkwood bows. We hear there is no finer than Allendor's craftmen.

Guard: (nods) You'll find no better. Ask about for Welan. He takes great care in his craft. (eyes the hooded Staza)

Staza: (mouth forming a thin line, his eyes returning the stare)

Guard: (lifts a brow at the brooding expression)

Cidrell: (glances at Staza then back to the guard) Forgive my young nephew. He wishes to be cavorting with his friends in the tavern rather than accompanying his uncle on such a dark cold night.

Guard: (small laugh) The Youth today want nothing but to drink and chase wenches. (stepping aside for them to pass)

Cidrell: (nods to the guard) Aye, indeed. Stay warm, friend.

Cidrell: (urges his horse forward in a slow trot)

Staza: (moves to keep pace beside him) You talked to him as if he were a brother! (speaking as they ride out of earshot)

Cidrell: It is MY craft. I blend. I pass where I want. And kill with kindness.

Staza: Kindness does nothing against a sword.

Cidrell: If the occasion arises, my sword and bow are as fast as any mans. Relax. Enjoy the beauty of Allendor and hope you never see it this close again. The King is treacherous and hated for miles around.

Staza: (glances around, having to admit that the city is beautiful, even in the moonlight, and set atop the hill, the view down to the docks is breathtaking) (his eyes following a large ship as it sails out of the harbor)

Cidrell: (takes out the map and glances at it) This way.... (turning his horse)

Staza: (follows him)

-- at that moment, a bell tolls loudly, sounding the alarm in Allendor --

Cidrell: (jerks his head sharply toward the palace)

Staza: We've been discovered?

Cidrell: No... something is amiss. An invasion? (turning his head, scanning in all directions)

Cidrell: (urges his horse forward into a canter)

Staza: (bolts after him, the hood falling off his onto his back as they move through the streets)

-- The House of Xavier is dark, the servants and slaves have all been claimed by others as the Master is gone --

Cidrell: (dismounts, tying his horse up outside) (his eyes roaming over the darkened house, the bell tolling behind them)

Staza: (dismounting as well, his eyes darting around)

Cidrell: (knocks on the door, waiting for several moments before knocking again)

Cidrell: (finally opens the door)

Cidrell: (leading as they go through the house looking for signs of life)

-- much of the house is disturbed, ramsackled by people who know the fate of Xavier ---

-- Upstairs in Xaviers Room --

Staza: There's NOTHING here! (exasperated) He lied! This is naught but his house...

Cidrell: (cocks his head, regarding the room with a careful eye)

Staza: (exhales, disappointed and disheartened) He probably lied about everything.... (sitting heavily on the bed, discouraged)

Cidrell: It could be so. (looking into the armoire)

Staza: (sighs again) Imari.... Imari... (drops back on the bed, breathing in deeply to sigh)

Staza: (then a scent catches his nostrils)

Staza: (turns his head, fingers gathering the garment laying on the bed)

Staza: (takes it to his nose and breaths again)

Staza: Imari...

Cidrell: Do not give up hope. (turning back toward him, lifting a brow at seeing the Prince inhaling deeply of a gown pressed to his face)

Staza: She lives!

-------------

-- In the Dungeons of Palacide --

Xavier: (tests the chains on his wrists, no longer in the cell, but chained to the wall in the room where he drew the map for the Rogue)

Xavier: (eying the guards nearby) Come on.... I gave you a map to retrieve your Princess... Let me go.

Xavier: Hey, I'm just a soldier, like you.

Guard: You're nothing like us, Allendorian.

Xavier: I'm exactly like you. Tell me, do you have a wife and children at home, waiting patiently for your return as you go off to do your Kings bidding?

Guard: No..... I've no wife.

Xavier: Well see? Neither do I. We're exactly alike. Who needs a wife! We've got WAR right?

Guard: I've no love for war... (growls)

Xavier: Neither do I. We do what we must because those lousy buggers in the tower tell us to... right? (lifts a brow)

Guard: Why don't you just shut up...

Xavier: (grunts)

Xavier: (sighs and tugs on his chains, giving up on smoozing his way out of this)

Hamlin: (walks down the steps to check on the situation)

Xavier: (looks over at him as he enters)

Guard: Can we gag him, Sir? He won't stop talking.

Hamlin: (walks over to Xavier, just out of reach of the chains, an apple in his hand)

Hamlin: Hungry?

Xavier: Yes... and I could use a drink... my mouth is sticking together...

Hamlin: (looks at the apple, then polishes on his chest) Pity.... (takes a bite out of the apple)

Xavier: (jaw tightens)

Hamlin: I'll see you have a feast, before we hang you.

Xavier: You are all heart....

Hamlim: (deep cackle) Perhaps you'd like a bite? (spits a peice of the apple out into his palm and extends his hand to offer it to Xavier)

Xavier: (looks down at Hamlins hand then spits into it)

Hamlin: (as expected he grabs a handful of Xavier and slams him back into the wall, growling at him) I would take GREAT care, Allendorian....

Xavier: (says nothing, chin high, looking somehow pleased with himself)

Hamlin: (sneering as he draws back)

Xavier: (remains back against the wall, chained hands at his sides, ......... smirking)

Hamlin: (turns to leave) If he continues to babble, beat him and gag him. And put a sack over his head. Just don't kill him........ yet. I want that honor.

Xavier: (holds his smirk for several moments until all the attention has turned away from him, then squeezes his hand around the pilfered dagger from Hamlin's waist)

--Todoria --

-- a small city who's only purpose is to load and unload ships for trade. The goods that arrive at Todoria go onto Palacide and it's neighbors on this side of the mountain, often it brings goods from Allendor --

-- but this night, the only thing is the holds of the Sea Wolf is human cargo --

Captain: Off with all of you.

Katori: But our lands are far from here.

Imari: (more than happy to oblige, taking Arissa's hand and tugging)

Captain: Your trip ends here.

Katori: (practically having to pick up the griefing E'Nasha)

Arissa: (having stayed silent the entire trip, giving Imari no resistance as she gets tugged forward)

Arissa: (looks back at Katori and E'Nasha)

Arissa: Imari, we must take them with us.

Arissa: (feeling the need to see to their safety)

Imari: (looks as if she is about to reject then looks at Arissa's face and nods) Come, come quickly...

Katori: (wary glance at them) We give up slavery by one master to another?

E'Nasha: (her head bowed, hands clasped before her)

Imari: I am offering you a chance of freedom and safety in my lands...but feel free to go it on your own if you must.

Imari: (looking for the horses that were promised)

Arissa: (taking one last look around the Sea Wolf, remembering the book, the first time he had brought her here, the plans he had had for them)

-- the horses are indeed tethered to a post at the end of the dock)

--

Imari: (quickly untethering the horses, bursting with excitement at thoughts of home)

Arissa: (stands staring back at the ship for another long moment before pulling herself up into the saddle)

Katori: Wait...

Katori: We will come with you.

Imari: (looks down impatiently at Katori, nodding) Then hurry..

Katori: (climbs up behind Imari in the saddle)

E'Nasha: (looks up at Arissa)

Arissa: (leans down to give her a hand, unable to meet her gaze)

E'Nasha: (silently pulls up and sits behind Arissa)

Imari: (turns her horse, taking off towards the road leading to Palicide)

-- behind them the Sea Wolf prepares to sail --

Arissa: (moving up along side her, knowing she should feel happier about returning home)

-- the road is dark and miles lay before them to the Gates of Palicide ---

-----------

--- Allendor ---

Isen: (dismounts, walking to the horses tethered at Xavier's door)

Isen: (looks them over, running a hand over the hip of one, checking for anything identifying about the saddle)

Isen: (draws his sword, nodding to his other soldiers) (motioning them in)

Cidrell: There is no clue to her whereabouts from here...

Staza: (shaking his head) She must be nearby... she must..

Cidrell: (looks down at him, eyes softening in pity at the anguish in Staza's eyes) We will find her.

Cidrell: (stiffens, hearing the creak of the stair) (hisses) Staza... (drawing his sword quietly)

Staza: (glances up, brows arching, then rises swiftly, pulling his sword from it's sheath and dropping to a crouch)

Cidrell: (moves to the side of the door)

---- footfall on the hall outside ---

--- the door opens ---

Isen: (leads with his sword, spotting Staza) Halt.... who gives tresspass in the house of Xavier?

Staza: (lifts his chin) (recognizing the General of Allendor)

Isen: (expression changing as he realizes who this is) Well well well... another Prize...

Isen: (lips curving into a smile)

Staza: A prize you'll never take!

Isen: (laughs) The Prince fancies himself a swordsman.. Shall we see? (making a circle with his sword)

Staza: Are you so careless with your life, General?

Isen: (steps into the room, eyes intent on Staza) Careless? I have crossed steel for longer than you have lived, young Prince...

Cidrell: (remaining silent behind the door)

Staza: (passes his sword from one hand to the other and back again) Then come taste Palician steel....

Isen: (laughs and lunges without warning)

Staza: (sidesteps the lunge and swings, the sword whistling with speed)

Isen: (barely dodges the lethal slice) Ah... the Prince is fast...

Staza: (turning to keep face to the General)

Isen: (to his men) Continue the search, I have this.

Staza: You'll have death.

Isen: (laughs again) I have death by the balls, young one. Which is where I have you as well.

Staza: (motions him to bring it)

Isen: (whirls around, sword flashing, and finishes the move with a lunge)

Staza: (backpedals from Isen and drops into a low crouch, letting the lunge go past his head, then bolts forward, rushing Isen, his sword glinting in the moonlight from the window, pressing Isen back)

Cidrell: (pushes the door shut, ready to intervene)

Isen: (the sound of the door distracting him for a moment, his eyes already wide as he dodged Staza's rush)

Staza: (wheels about and jabs, piercing his sword to the hilt into Isen's ribs)

-- face to face the men stare at each other, Isen's expression betraying surprise, and Staza's lined with determination and hatred for the people who took his sister --

Staza: (after a long moment he pulls his sword out with a jerk, blood on the blade, leaving Isen to stagger back into the wall and slide down)

Cidrell: Well done. (moving swiftly to the window and glancing out into the moonlit courtyard)

Staza: (breathing heavily as he stares down at the dying General)

Cidrell: Staza.... (perched in the window, poised to jump down into the courtyard)

Staza: (turns his head toward Cidrell)

Cidrell: Come... There is no more we can do here but die.

Staza: (nostrils flare as he sheaths his bloody sword and moves after Cidrell)

Cidrell: (drops first, landing in a crouch on the grass, eyes scanning the gardens)

Cidrell: (moving aside)

Staza: (drops down next to him)

Cidrell: (starts for the wall then stops, hearing the unmistakable sound of steel drawing, and the twang of a bow being drawn)

Staza: (snaps his head around to see too many men advancing on them, and archers standing ready)

Staza: We can make it...

Cidrell: We would be dead before three steps....

Staza: I would not die easy... (grip tight on his sword)

Cidrell: Death is much easier than you can scarcely imagine... (lifts his chin, knowing they are captured)

-----------

-- The Gates of Palicide --

-- It is a quiet night. The guards stand close to the fire burning in barrels of oil next to each side, enjoying the warmth and light, sipping forbidden rum and warming their hands --

-- part of the walls are recently rebuilt from the attack by Allendor and on the horizon the pink of the dawn begins. It has been a long silent night and they are close to changing the guard --

-- the sound of approaching hoofbeats interupts the banter and quipping, and the guards turn their attention to the road --

Imari: (speeding up as the near the gates, her weariness of the flight fading into exhuberance as she spots the gates) Arissa!  Look...LOOK!

Arissa: (exhausted, prodding her horse faster to keep up)

E'Nasha: (silently holding on)

Katori: (peering around, reaching up to push Imari's golden hair out of her face)

Imari: (pulling up to the guards) Let us pass, wake the King and send someone to fetch Staza...

- the guards stare in disbelief a moment then one breaks into a run toward the palace --

Arissa: (burrowing deeper within her cloak, unused to being seen in a dress)

Guard: Princess.... (taking the reins of her horse) Thank the Gods!

Imari: (smiles brightly down at the Guard) Yes, the Goddess is merciful..   (slipping down off of her horse)

Guard: (helping her down)

Guard: (helps Katori down as well then turns to Arissa) Miss Arissa..

Guard: (reaching up for her)

Arissa: (nods solemly, pulling back from his hands and slipping off of the other side)

Guard: (takes E'Nasha down to her tiny feet)

Guard:

Guard: We ne're imagined you back so swiftly... Where's Staza? (looks back to the trail)

Imari: (blinks) He is not here?

Katori: (remaining close to Imari)

Guard: Why... he's gone with the rogue for you, Princess.

Imari: (gasps, having hoped this nightmare was over) But...we've escaped and come home...

Guard: We best get you to the King... (escorting her swiftly)

Arissa: (following quietly behind, certain that Staza will return when he realizes they are no longer there)

--- they are led to the palace, where the King has already hastened out of bed by a guard, wearing just his night shirt, in the cold of dawn, shivering with both excitment and the chill as he hurries down the stairs)

--

Leotin: IMARI! (hurries to grab her in a fierce hug) My child..

Imari: FATHER!!!  (runs forward as soon as she spots him, throwing her arms around him and holding him tightly) Father...father....we are home...

Leotin: My beautiful child.

Imari: (sobbing into his chest) I was so scared father, I tried to be brave I tried so hard to be brave....I wanted to make you proud...but I was so scared...

Arissa: (standing back, watching the reunion, almost moved to tears)

Leotin: (stroking her back and holding her) Naught matters but your return... (extending one hand toward Arissa, beckoning her into the clasp)

E'Nasha: (standing there, head bowed, hands together before her)

Arissa: (moving hesitantly forward) My King, we have news...

Katori: (watches the reunion, having not been so close to a King before)

Leotin: No news could move me more than to have all my children in my arms again.

Arissa: JaegerThe Dark has assasinated the King Allen of Allendore..(saying softly, closing her eyes at his comforting touch)

Leotin: (stills)

Leotin: Whats that you say?

Arissa: The King of Allendore is dead...

Leotin: (releases them, drawing back with a look of wonder)

Leotin: You are certain?

Arissa: Yes.  (looks to Imari)

Leotin: Staza? Where is Staza? We must act swiftly.

Imari: Why is Staza not here??

Leotin: Did he not secure your return?

Arissa: We did not come across Staza, The Dark sent us home on his ship, The Sea Wolf..

Leotin: (turns his head to the side at her) The Dark did all this?

Imari: (gulps) The Dark is dead...

E'Nasha: (tears on her cheeks)

Katori: (keeping her mouth shut)

Arissa: (nods solemnly at Leotin)

Leotin: How grave... I will build a statue in his honor.

Leotin: (touching the side of Imari's face) I will execute the beast that took you when I return from Allendor.

Imari: He has no honor! (blinks) Father, did you not hear...The Dark is dead.....you cannot execute him..

Leotin: I speak of that foul creature, Xavier, the Light.

Imari: (stills, eyes widening) He is here?

Imari: (her face becoming flushed at the thought)

Leotin: In this very dungeon. Guard.. call the generals. We must make way to Allendor to claim the throne before Camyron does.

Arissa: (notices Imari's reaction) Come, let us wash the dust of the road off of us..

Imari: (about to demand his release, closes her mouth) You are leaving?  NOW??

Katori: (on Imari like white on rice)

Leotin: I must!

Arissa: My King, this is E'Nasha and Katori.  They have aided us on our journey and seek refuge here in Palicide....

Leotin: (casts a vague glance at the two girls) See that they are rewarded. (waves his hand dismissing their precense)

Imari: FATHER!!  We are finally home, I want NOTHING to do with that dreaded Allendore again....

Leotin: (turns to look at her) Your brother is there.

Leotin: I sent him along with the Rogue to recover you

Imari: (bites her lip) Will he not return on his own seeing that we are not?

Leotin: It matters not! I must be the first royal to reach the palace. Otherwise Allendor will be lost to Camyron.

Imari: Let them HAVE IT!

Arissa: (sighs) Imari, come...you are exhausted..

Leotin: (sputters) I cannot do that.

Imari: You cannot or will not?

Leotin: (lifts his chin at her) I will not.

Hamlin: (entering the room swiftly as summoned)

Hamlin: (standing at attention, relieved to see the Princess and the King's ward)

Imari: Then GO! I am so thankful that I have KILLED a man to return to my father so he can rush away in his never-ending game of thrones! (sweeping away, quickly taking the stairs)

Katori: (pauses then rushes after her)

E'Nasha: (still standing there, head bowed)

Arissa: (softly to the king) She has been through much...

Leotin: (exasperated) She is too much like her mother!

Arissa: (small hint of a smile, moving to the stairs to follow after her)

Arissa: (remembering how much she used to love hearing tales of the Queen)

Leotin: (turns to Hamlin) We must be swift if we are to win Allendor. It's King is dead, and has no heirs.

Hamlin: DEAD? But how?

Leotin: I would think perhaps Staza had something to do with this... Yes. (nods) Make haste.

Imari: (bursting into her large bed chamber)

Katori: (following Imari into the room) A nice warm bath is what you need. Let me wash and braid your hair....

Imari: (not even the sight of her own bed, draped in silks....all of her luxories helping to cool her temper) What I need is to knock some sense into these imposibble males I am surrounded by

Imari: Blood and War and Kingdoms...tis ALL they concern themselves with...that and their precious honor!

Katori: There there... (soothing her) You'll bath and take a nap in your beautiful bed and I will watch over you..

Arissa: (moving down the hall to her small corner room before removing her cloak) Please E'Nasha.. lay down and get some rest.

Katori: ((she is a spoiled bitch.. but being a Princesses hand maiden would be most lucrative.... the prestige!)

)

Imari: (sighs) Yes, I need a bath...(eyes widening remembering that Xavier is there) and yes...my hair...we must do something with my hair...

Katori: (nods) I will order the guards to bring warm water up!

Katori: ((YES! I will ORDER them ))

Imari: Yes, do so..

Katori: (beams)

Imari: (her mind already working, plotting)

Katori: (goes off to boss the guards about, vowing she will be the BEST handmaiden there EVER was. Anything but the whore of a General ever again)

---

E'Nasha: (sniffles, wiping her face)

Imari: ((I will free him...and he will be beholden to me...and we will be married...and there will be NOTHING father can do about it because he will be off playing war games))

E'Nasha: (exhausted but still beside herself)

Arissa: (washing up in the basin, her hands trembling upon hearing E'Nasha's sniffles)

Arissa: All will be well.  Life changes and we must change with it.

E'Nasha: (wiping her tears again) My life is nothing but change.

E'Nasha: But my tears are not for me.

Arissa: (going behind the screen and removing her stained dress, the flowers from her hair, putting back on her customary oversided breeches and tunic) I know... and I am sorry.

E'Nasha: The Master deserved a better end.

Arissa: (pulling her hair back and tying it at her nape, feeling her throat close and gulping back)

Arissa: We cannot change the past..

E'Nasha: (kneeling next to the bed on the rug there)

E'Nasha; (easing down to lay)

E'Nasha: He cared for you.

Arissa: No (gently) On the bed..

Arissa: He killed my father, he scarred my body... he stole me away from my home....(lowers her voice to a whisper) but yes, I cared for him too...in a way I do not even understand myself..

Arissa: I tried to warn him about her pride... he should not of forced her.  But, men they have a hard time seeing past her beauty...

Arissa: She did what she felt she had to do...and it is done and we cannot change it.

E'Nasha: (closes her eyes, remaining on the floor)

Arissa: (moves over to her, gently guiding her up) Sleep on the bed, it is much more comfortable..

E'Nasha: (pulls back from her)

E'Nasha: (whispers hoarsely) I loved him....

Arissa: (blinks, taken by shock) I'm so sorry, I didn't know...

E'Nasha: (pulls lose and lays back on the rug)

Arissa: E'Nasha...(stands back, feeling helpless and guilty)

E'Nasha: (closes her eyes, passing into sleep swiftly from exhaustion)

Arissa: (never having guessed E'Nasha felt such strong emotions for him)

Arissa: (sighs, watching her sleep, wracked with guilt and a deep sense of loss)

E'Nasha: (her fingers twitch in sleep, dreaming of the day when she is with the Master again)

---- The Dungeon of Palicide ----

Arissa: (slipping out of her room and down the hall to check on Imari, knocking softly on the door)

Xavier: (keeping his hands low as the guards pay him no mind, fiddling with his chains and the small dagger)

Imari: (dressing in one of her favorite blue velvet gowns that matches her eyes, having had Katori brush her hair until it crackles and shines, a rough plan forming in her head as she hears the knock) See who it is..  (says to Katori)

Katori: Yes, M'Lady.. ((Yes, I am good)) (turns, brush in hand to open the door)

Imari: (hopeful maybe her father has changed his mind and decided not to go off galivanting to Allendore)

Arissa: (wondering if maybe she is resting, turns to leave)

Katori: (opens the door)

Arissa: (turns back around again hearing the door open, blinks surprised to see Katori)

Katori: Do you wish to see the Princess? I must announce you.

Arissa: It is I, Arissa.. (having forgotten she is back in her boy clothes) Is she resting?

Katori: One moment. (closes the door and turns) Arissa is here to see you, Princess.

Katori: ((E'Nasha is a horrid handmaiden letting her leave the room that way))

Arissa: (blinks at the door closed in her face, not waiting and re-opening it again, walking right in)

Imari: (turns) Good! I need her....(smiles spotting Arissa, her Arissa, how she remembered her from before)

Imari: Arissa (excitedly) I have a plan...you must help me...you must..

Arissa: (takes in her appearance, noting she is wearing her favorite gown, that all too familiar light in her eye that always means trouble) Imari, why are you not resting...

Katori: (stands by, listening)

Katori: (being sure to look busy)

Arissa: (sliding a glance to Katori) Did you need me to find her a room, Imari?

Imari: (waves that off) Arissa.. (taking her hands) That can wait.  Resting can wait...don't you see, now is the perfect time.  We must free him now while father is preocuppied with his "invasion"...

Arissa: (blinks) Free who?

Imari: Why, Xavier, of course..

Arissa: (gasps) You wish the free The Light? Have you gone mad..

Katori: (busily folding clothing and straightening an already clean room, unable to stop from a little gasp)

Imari: (lifts her chin) No, I have not gone mad.  I love him!

Katori: (turns swiftly)

Katori: (mouth forming an O)

Arissa: (jaw drops) Imari....how is this so? (having a sneaking suspicion this has more to do with getting back with her father than love)

Imari: Arissa, you don't know of such things so you cannot understand how powerful these emotions can be... but, I know i cannot sit up here while he is downstairs in the dungeon!

Arissa: Imari, we will get caught...

Imari: No, I have it all worked out.  My plan is perfect....come..

Katori: (stares)

Katori: My Princess? Shall I ... help?

Imari: (whispers to her as they head for the door) I will distract the guards....and you can slip in undetected...you are so good at that...(turns, remembering Katori) Well...we will need a place to hide him once he is free..

Katori: ((Oh Goddess, she'll get in trouble ))

Arissa: You cannot hide him in your room, Imari.  It will be the first place they look..

Katori: They would never think to look for him in . here?

Imari: (looking from Arissa to Imari) No, they would never dare look in here....right? Or shall I stow him in your room?

Arissa: (gasps) My room??

Imari: I can hide him in my warddrobe..

Katori: Perhaps you should provide me with the room across from yours...

Arissa: ((which is bigger than my room))

Katori: And he will hide in my room.

Arissa: (shakes her head) What if he does not wish to be hidden?

Imari: Don't be ridiculous.. (bites her lip) Yes...Katori will take the room across and when they are searching we will use the secret passageways...

Katori: He is sly, we will have to watch him every minute.

Katori: ((Oh have I heard stories about General Xavier))

Imari: And move him from room to room until they are satisfied..

Katori: (curtsey) I will await your order.

Arissa: Imari, I have a bad feeling about this..

Imari: (lifts her chin) If you don't wish to help I will just have to do it on my own..

Arissa: (sighs) Okay, what is your plan...  ((maybe the guards won't be distracted by her))

Arissa: ((let us only hope))

Imari: (gives her a tight squeeze) I knew I could count on you.. (squeezes her again) I am so glad we are home and everything is back to normal...

Arissa: ((yes...freeing captives from the dungeon is normal))

Imari: (doesn't give her a chance to respond) Come...we must hurry..

Katori: (exhales as they leave)

Imari: (moving quickly down the servants stairs, then taking the other set of stairs down to the dungeon...motioning Arissa to stay back as she puts on her best smile and continues down)

--- the guards come to attention at the sound of footfall, looking toward the passage ---

Imari: (having grabbed some bread and wine from the kitchen on the way down) Greetings...have you heard the wonderful news?  (her pulse quickening, trying to avoid looking into the dungeon)

Guard1: We have heard the news of your return, Princess. (kneeling before her)

Xavier: (glancing up)

Xavier: (unable to keep his jaw from dropping open)

Imari: But have you heard ..the king of Allendore is dead...slain by his own Dark General...

Imari: (offering the bread and whine) Tis cause for celebration..

Guard1: That is excellent news (rising only to bow)

Xavier: (rushes his efforts, jabbing the dagger into the locks)

Arissa: (slips down another stair, her footfalls light and silent, peering around the curved stairwell)

Imari: I had to make sure you had the prisoner secured, so I could sleep easy this night...

Xavier: (the shackles nearly fall from his wrists but he catches them carefully and lays them back on without locking them closed)

Imari: (walking over to see Xavier)

Xavier: (tucks the dagger between his thighs)

Imari: (lets her gaze run up and down him, assuring herself that he is okay)

Imari: So we meet again..

Xavier: So we do... (hiking a brow) (not having to force the smile that comes to his lips seeing her)

Guard1: Take care, Princess. Do not go too close to the beast.

Imari: (her lips twitching into a smile, careful to try not to give away the ruse) Yes...and a dangerous beast at that..

Arissa: (rolling her eyes)

Xavier: Do take care.. I wouldn't want to get you..... dirty.. (cackle)

Guard1: (draws his sword in true Staza style) WATCH your tongue

Imari: (lifts a delicate brow) I have no intentions of getting....dirty...

Xavier: Well that is a shame... (adding in a smooth voice like silk) M'Lady...

Imari: Enjoying your stay?

Arissa: ((she's making small talk....what the hell kind of rescue is this??))

Arissa: (slipping down one more stair)

Xavier: Oh yes... Lovely place you have here. How about the full tour? (his eyes on hers, leaning back slightly, trying to draw her closer)

Imari: (drawn forward towards him, her back to the guards as she smiles mischievously) I do not know what could possible compare to this?

Imari: All the creature ...comforts..

Imari: (eyeing a mouse scurrying in the corner)

Xavier: Perhaps a glass of wine... a haunch of meat... a kiss from a fair maiden?

Arissa: (gritting her teeth) ((going to be hard for me to SNEAK in there to unlock him when you have all eyes on you....IN THERE))

Imari: I wouldn't count on it...

Xavier: (drops the chains from his hands and pulls the dagger from between his thighs, grabbing her by the neck and flipping her around, holding her back against him, the dagger going to her throat)

Guard1: (starts to lunge forward)

Xavier: Ah  I wouldn't do that , were I you......

Imari: (gasps) Xavier!!!  (completely taken off guard)

Imari: (hisses under her breath) You fool...you're ruining everything..

Imari: (squirming)

Arissa: (blinks, hearing the commotion, peeking her head down to look again)

Xavier: Sh... (kisses her ear) I'm just getting myself out of here.... (edging toward the stair) You.. guards... In the cell.. And hurry about it.

Arissa: ((I KNEW this was a bad idea)) 

Guard1: (eyes following Xavier) I'd soon take my chances with this sword and your dagger than meet my King with the news I've let you escape with his daughter.......... again.

Imari: He is not escaping with me!

Xavier: Perhaps you'd like to meet the King with the news that you've let me slice his daughters ear off?

Imari: (screeches)

Imari: (starting to struggle)

Guard1: (growls)

-- the guards back into the cell --

Arissa: (slipping her dagger from her belt, crouched low on the stairs, pressed against the stone wall)

Xavier: (struggling to hold onto her and threaten the guards) (hisses a whisper) Hold still, you're my way out of here.

Xavier: (kisses her ear again) Not as though I'd hurt you.

Imari: (stops struggling, wanting to shout at him that she already had a way out of her, but not wanting to admit it in front of the guards)

Imari: (growls low in her throat)

Imari: (hisses) Stop kissing me!

Xavier: (whisper) When I get you out of here, I will kiss you properly. (nips her earlobe as he kicks shut the cell door on the guards)

Imari: (gasps, shamefully excited by the prospect, her cheeks pinkening)

Arissa: (rolling her eyes again) ((will they just get ON with it))

Xavier: (turns, hauling her to the stairs, loosening his hold on her)

Xavier: Ok... show me the way out... (pulls her up tight to his chest and kisses her hard)

Imari: (opens her mouth to speak, then melts into the kiss, wrapping her arms around him)

Arissa: clears her throat loudly and hisses) That wasn't part of the plan!

Xavier: (ends the kiss slowly, following it with several small ones)

Imari: (vaguely registering Arissa's words, framing his face with her hands, brushing her lips across his over and over again)

Arissa: (takes a fistful of Imari's hair and jerks her head back) Umm...hellloooo

Imari: Ow!!! (eyes widening)

Xavier: (shifts his eyes to Arissa)

Arissa: (eyes Xavier warily, her dagger in hand) Do you want to get caught?

Xavier: Not particularly.

Imari: (still rubbing her head, giving Arissa a dirty look for yanking so hard then smiling) Yes, your right... come..we must hurry (gathering up her skirts)

Xavier: (hurrying up the stairs with her, his muscular thighs rippling) What is this about King Allen? Dead?

Arissa: (shaking her head, still put out at the change of plans) Why drag me down here at all if you were going to pick the lock, I thought I WAS supposed to pick the lock??

Arissa: (wondering when she even learned to pick locks)

Imari: Yes, he dead...and I didn't pick the lock Arissa...it just opened.....see The Goddess still watches after us..

Arissa: Jaeger, The Dark has slain King Allen..

Arissa: King Leotin journeys to overtake his throne...

Xavier: The Dark killed the King? Are you certain of that?

Arissa: Most certain...after the King betrayed you...

Imari: (her face red) Can we stop talking about him!

Xavier: The Dark avenged me? Hmmm... Remind me to thank him...

Arissa: That is impossible for he is dead.. (unable to keep the sadness from her voice)

Imari: Sh...I hear someone...

Xavier: Jaeger? Dead? (hissing in a whisper)

Imari: Sh...this way...

Arissa: Yes, dead..

Arissa: (following Imari as they head up the sevants stairs)

Xavier: (moving with Imari, something in Arissa's tone making him give her another look)

Arissa: (wondering what Jaeger would of thought of their daring escape for Xavier)

Arissa: (guessing she will never know now)

Imari: (peeking her head out into the hall, looking left and then right) Its clear..

Arissa: Hurry, this is madness..

Xavier: (moving with them, glancing around) I suppose your King has rushed to Allendor to claim the throne

Imari: (disgruntled) You suppose correctly...

Xavier: And if Camyron has heard, it will be clash of the titans... (smirks)

Imari: (swinging her door open, pulling him inside)

Xavier: Though no doubt Palicide (being pulled into the room) is a larger force than Camyron

Arissa: It will be chaos.. (following in behind them, quietly closing and locking the door)

Xavier: Well, Princess. (turns to face her) Now that you have me. What do you mean to do with me?

Imari: (turns towards him, smiling) I haven't thought that far ahead yet...

Xavier: Then allow me to take initiative... (drawing her to him)

Arissa: (rolls her eyes) I will go free the guards, tell them he has taken off into the night and you've locked yourself in your room....(sarcastically) seeing how distraught you are at the entire ordeal...

Xavier: Oh she looks so very distraught... (pressing his lips into her neck)

Imari: Good idea, Arissa.. (pressing up against him, tilting her head to the side as he kisses her neck)

Xavier: (his lips roaming up her neck and over her jaw)

Arissa: (thinking it so unfair how Imari has managed to find happiness through such strife and turmoil, then scolding herself for thinking such petty and selfish thoughts)

Arissa: (feeling like an intruder) Make sure to lock the door behind me.. (slips back out)

Imari: (lips parting, her hands running down his chest, over his hard steely muscles)

Xavier: (finding his lips with his and catching her in a breathless kiss, his body hard against hers)

Imari: (moaning softly against his lips, her arms sliding around his neck to hold him tightly to her, pulling back from the kiss, meeting his gaze)

Xavier: (gazing at her) You missed me.

Imari: Nonsense (telling an obvious lie)

Xavier: Oh I think you did. (smirking)

Imari: I barely thought about you at all... (lips curving into a smile)

Xavier: You pined for me. Admit it. (biting her neck lightly)

Imari: (her nails sinking into his back as the bite sends a shiver of pleasure running through her) You left me to gut fish.....I've only had thoughts of seeking my revenge...

Xavier: Hmm.. Gut fish. Oh Poor thing. I imagine you to be better at going for the juggular than the gut... (raking his teeth over the skin beneath her ear, his hands sliding her gown off her shoulders)

Imari: I imagined seeing you again...(kissing along his jaw, goosebumps rising on her bare arms)

Xavier: And what did you imagine. (sweeping her up to lay her on the bed)

Imari: (breathless) Xavier....(her arms wrapped around his neck, running her fingers through his hair, trailing kisses to his ear and whispering) I imagined this....this moment..

Xavier: This very moment? (slipping her gown down further, exposing one breast and dropping his mouth to tantalize it)

Imari: (squirming beneath him, holding his head to her breath) Ahhh...yes...Xavier...I have missed you sooo

Xavier: And I have hungered for this from the moment I sent you to the kitchen to gut fish.. (suckling on her nipple) Mmmm..

Imari: (tightening her grip on his hair) It might be best not to remind me of that THIS very minute...

Xavier: (grins around her nipple and goes back to teasing her with his tongue and lips)

Imari: (whimpers and writhes beneath him, her hair spread out like a blanket beneath her, her hands urging him to her)

Xavier: (his hand stretching out and sliding down her body, fingers gathering her gown up to expose her thighs)

Imari: (propping up on her elbows, her eyes hooded with desire, wanting the dreaded gown off) You have missed me?

Xavier: (lifts his head from her breast) With every fibre of my being... (sliding his hand up her thigh, cupping her sex0

Imari: (letting her head drop back, lips parting in wonder as little shivers course through her body) Oh Xavier....Xavier........

Imari: (her sex throbbing and burning at his touch)

Xavier: (grins as his own mastery over her and slips his fingers inside of her, stroking her)

Imari: (her toes curling into the silk coverlet, her hips raising as his finger invades her) Ahhhhhh

Xavier: Do you surrender yourself to me without a fight, Princess? (smirking as he sheds his pants with his free hand, moving over her)

Imari: I surrender to noone... (her skirts up around her waist, her bodice lowered exposing her breasts, her entire body flushed with passion) But, this I shall allow...

Xavier: You grace me... (spreading her thighs open wide and pushing his hips against hers, entering her with a thrust)

Imari: (back arching off the bed, crying out as she grips at the sheets)

Xavier: (his body beginning to move against hers in waves. rising and falling, growing faster with each moment that passes, the friction building rapidly between their bodies, heat rising from the bed into the crisp air)

Imari: (her long legs wrapping around his waist, eyes opened and fixated on him as he takes her completely, those strange sensations back and beginning to grow within her to a fevered pitch)

Xavier: (gasping and growling with pleasure as his pace hastens, harder and stronger his strokes, driving her into the bed) (pressing his mouth to hers in a hard kiss)

Imari: (returning his kiss with great urgency, becoming frightened and whimpering as the passion consumes her, stealing her every thought, his driving thrusts driving her mad....tensing and biting at his lips as her entire body shudders)

Xavier: (thrusting one last time as he releases, filling her with a forceful explosion) Ahhhh... (crying out, his mouth all over her face)

Imari: (panting and holding on to him tightly, swept away in the tide of sensations)

Xavier: (breathless as he lays on top of her, slowly his senses coming back as he looks down at her)

Xavier: (nostrils still flaring with the quickening of his breath)

Imari: (gazing up at him, gently stroking his face)

Xavier: You missed me more than life itself....

Imari: I waited for you to rescue me....I waited and waited...and then realized I was going to have to rescue myself... you will not escape life without me Xavier...  you've sealed your fate..

Xavier: (lifts a brow) Rescue you from what? I'm the one who kidnapped you... remember? (smirks, dipping his head to bite her chin)

Imari: Then you left me to gut fish and be kidnapped again....

Xavier: What? By whom?

Imari: By The Dark.. he had Arissa and he came and got me..

Imari: (tears pooling in her eyes) And you were supposed to come rescue me back!

Xavier: (cocking his head, brows furrowing, a softness in his eyes) I could not return. King Allen gave me over to your Father..

Imari: (wrapping her arms around him and burying her head in his neck, mumbling something incoherant)

Xavier: (stroking her hair) You are here with me now.

Imari: (whispers) I killed him....it happened so fast...I was so scared..

Xavier: (draws back) You killed the Dark?

Imari: I couldn't live like that, I couldn't live with him....I only wanted you... it happened so fast.. and he was bleeding all over and Arissa was crying and the next thing I knew we were on his ship and sailing home..

Xavier: (clutching her head to his chest and holding her)

Imari: Arissa never cries...I think she was scared we would be caught, but we weren't caught and now we are home...(rambling on) I hated him....I hated him more than any other man...but I feel so....

Xavier: (rolling to his side with her, holding her)

Imari: (holding onto him tightly) Does that make me evil too? Now that ..that...I've killed a man...

Xavier: No, Imari. If so, then I am tenfold evil. I cannot count the men I have killed in battle. The Dark was a demon.  I have seen him do things... that no man should imagine. He was black of heart and foul of soul, and he was dead long before you ended his life.

Imari: (letting out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding, so thankful for his words, her mind and conscious easing, holding him tighter)

Xavier: (holding her, stroking her hair, his mind wandering) ((And how short will my life be if I am found in the bed of Princess Imari of Palicide))

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