Fragments of Dreams

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Zach pet his griffin. "We still have to give you a name, don't we," he chuckled. The griffin cooed and nuzzled the Prince before she began walking back at Edrea's orders. Zach smiled as Edrea's hand slipped into his. "I don't know about you, but I feel like eating and heading straight to sleep," he chuckled. He was exhausted, but overall satisfied with the results of the day. He still didn't know what to think of his new-found brother.

Aere did not fight the soldiers pulling him. He did prefer the warmth of the Orian kingdom, but he knew he would be treated with hate and distrust. He at least wished he could wear his mask, as it was an emotional comfort for him. He hated feeling exposed and naked. Right now he looked unhappy, but submissive.
 
As soon as they got out of the portal Edrea called for Fenris. "Put him in a suspended Sunlight cell. He is to be guarded every single moment by a High Guard. Report to me his every move. No one is permitted to speak with him." She didn't want to take a risk with this one. There were still so many things that needed to be answered.

Edrea still held Zach's hand, giving it a gentle tug as they separated from the group. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, knowing they wouldn't have much time to be together in the next couple of days due to the war and when Zach finally goes back to his own kingdom.

The guards took Zach's griffin away and Sylvana headed off on her own.

She smiled, the toll of the war finally wearing on her. "I'll see you later, my Prince."
 
Zach looked at Edrea. He wanted to speak with his brother, though not right away. He wanted to eat and rest first, think of what to ask. He could feel her weariness as they walked away from the group. He smiled at her, just thankful she was alright. Then again, she was a better warrior than he. She'd been trained her whole life. He, for just a few days.

"Rest well, Edrea," he raised her hand and kissed the top of it, not wanting to make everything glow with everyone standing there. "I'll see you later," he smiled.

Miria came out to greet them. "I'm so glad you two are alright," she said, relieved as she saw her son and Edrea standing. "Are you hurt at all?"

"Not a scratch," Zach grinned proudly. "But I'm starving, Mom. Can we eat?"

"Of course. Come on up to the dining hall. Tell me all about it," she smiled, glad her son was safe.
 
Edrea headed off to her chambers, relieving herself in a soothing bath and a change of clothes. Afterwards she headed to the Solstice Chamber, the throne room. She walked through the tall and wide columns of the Solstice Chamber, eyes trailing through the moving vines wrapped around the wide girth, their flowers in bloom. She touched one of the yellow flowers which then wrapped around her wrists and broke away from the rest. She placed a kiss on the flower, giving it a taste of sunshine.

As she sat on her throne it was as if she was glowing, especially from her white dress made of the softest and thinnest clouds. The throne itself was made of golden sunbeams and silver moonlight weaved together in intricate filigree. The sight of the throne was breathtaking. And when the Princess sits, well, it was a sight worth dying for.

A vine had wandered down to her throne and she let it hold on to her hand and placed it on her small crown. It then weaved itself around the glimmering sunshine, blooming with the tiniest little flowers. She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the fresh flowers and sunshine. She looked up at the crystal ceilings, getting a beautiful view of the bleeding sky, welcoming the moon once again.

Sylvana walked in the room, all cleaned up from their previous adventure just like her master. She sat on the foot of Edrea's throne, resting her head near Edrea's hand. For awhile, they were alone, enjoying the silence from the previous battle cries.
>[SPOILI]sigil_of_the_empty_throne_by_tegehel-d1tyzbg.jpg[/SPOILI]
 
Miria allowed her son time to bathe and change clothes before they walked to the dining hall. She smiled at the young guard as he approached. "Your Majesties. I've come to guard the Prince, as my father has ordered."

"Very good," Miria smiled. Zach smiled at him, though he looked tired. "Let's get some food in you, Zach. You look like you're about to pass out," his mother suggested.

Zach nodded and walked quietly after his mother. As they sat down at the table, he began to tell her the details of the battle, and how it had ended.

"The masked man is your WHAT," she asked, frowning.

"Brother," Zach told her, looking over at her. "I don't think he's evil-"

"Bullshit," she snapped, cursing.

"Mom, listen," Zach insisted. "You know how I could sense 'bad' shadows? He isn't one of those. I didn't feel that with him like I did half of the guys we fought."

His mother studied him. "Then what did you feel, Zach?"

"He felt... lonely," Zach said. "That's the only way I can describe what I felt when I looked at his Shadow."
 
Fenris walked into the Dining Room after being announced by a guard to the mother and son. "Your Majesties," he bowed before straightening up to speak again. "The prisoner has been contained properly. Although we really didn't have much of a place for him for the Orian never takes prisoners." The word 'never' on Fenris' sentence would give people the idea that they simply killed their enemies. The truth was yes; they kill them or put them to an eternal slumber. Either way it is mercy of a God.

"We were not aware of the Dawn Queen's childbearing, let alone the capture of King Denor," he said this with grave sorrow, green eyes cast down. "However, due to this development," Fenris looked up, watching their expressions carefully. "We have a new theory which I would love to share with you after your meal. Also, Prince Zachary, congratulations on fighting bravely at this battle." Fenris put his closed fist on his chest, bowing slightly. "The Princess is at the throne chamber. We shall discuss the new matter with her, and, with your permission, later with the Dawn Queen's son." He bowed, marking his exit. "I shall see you in a few moments at the Solstice Chamber, Majesties."
 
Miria was about to say something to Zach when Fenris entered. "Yes. Thank you, Fenris," she smiled kindly at him. "We will join you and the Princess shortly." After he left, she turned to her son again. "Zach..." she thought for a moment. "You cannot take in every lost Shadow-"

"But that was Dad's job, wasn't it? Guiding them to their next life," Zach asked, looking at his mother.

"It was, but-"

"I don't think he's a danger to anyone," Zach insisted. "We'll see once we defeat the Dawn Queen for sure, but I don't feel like he's a danger," his tone implied he did not want to be argued with.

Miria sighed. "This is the Princess' kingdom, son. She will decide what to do with him, your brother or not. Now finish your food. Your Princess has requested we see her soon," she closed the subject for now, finishing the food on her plate.

Zach sighed, his mood souring as his body felt drained. He knew they had to decide what to do, but he was beat tired. He finished his plate a few mintues after Miria finished hers, and the guards escorted them to the Solstice Chamber. Zach and Miria bowed to Edrea as they approached her.

"My Princess," Zach smiled at her. No matter how tired he felt, she always brightened his mood.

Another man entered the throne room, accompanied by guards. All were dressed in colors of flame, the light fabric seeming to dance as if they were made of fire itself. "My dearest sister, you've returned," the man smiled at Miria. The King of Hellthorne had finally arrived to lend his aid and welcome his sister and nephew from the Mortal Plane. He had, of course, brought several of his strongest and most skilled soldiers and guards with him.

Miria looked back and smiled happily, running to hug her older brother. "Setas! My brother, I've missed you so much," she said. The King laughed, hugging his little sister. "As I have missed you. But we are gathered for devising, no? We will greet soon," he smiled and patted her cheek fondly. She nodded and walked with her brother to the throne. Setas bowed to Edrea. "Your Majesty, we thank you for allowing us to come to your beautiful kingdom. You are as beautiful and radiant as your parents," he smiled warmly at her. Setas had always been a gentle giant, though one who was very protective of his family. He was the kind side of fire, warm and comforting.
 
Edrea was speaking with Fenris when Queen Miria and Zach arrived and shortly after, King Sera's. Despite the war's toll, Edrea smiled, radiantly and genuinely. She could feel Queen Miria's happiness and the King's and it made her smile. She stood from her throne to curtsy to her wonderful visitors. "King Selas, your presence has always been a welcomed fire in this kingdom. Please accept my gratitude for your visit. The reasons may be dire but it doesn't affect the warmth and joy that you bring." She offered her hand to the King, allowing him to bestow a kiss upon her hand.

"Majesties," Edrea waved her hand and three golden cathedras appeared surrounding Edrea's own. "Please," she motioned towards the seats. "Before we discuss battle strategies, there is something else we must speak about." She looked around the room, looking at the guards. "Privately."
 
Setas smiled warmly at her. "You humble me, Princess," he bowed and kissed the back of her hand. He took his seat as Miria and Zach took theirs. He nodded to his guards, waving them away. "I wonder what is so important that not even the guards may know," he said, looking at Edrea curiously. He glanced at Miria and Zach before returning his gaze to their hostess.

Zach studied his uncle curiously, though he would wait to introduce himself and meet his uncle. He glanced over at his mom, who seemed elated to see her big brother. His gaze finally rested on Edrea, who, as always, was absolutely gorgeous.
 
Edrea looked at each of the members of the Firebringers Royal family, finally resting her gaze on Zach. She smiled, glowing a little bit as something inside of her fluttered. She returned her eyes to the King, her smile fading. "I think it is best if we discuss it with the Avermans' presence." She looked at the large golden doors which opened to let the Avermans in. Fenris, who stayed at the side of Edrea throne with Sylvana, raised his hand and conjured 3 more chairs for each of them. Edrea motioned towards the doors and they closed.

"Majesties," Fenris bowed deeply, "due to our recent discovery about Prince Zachary's brother, there is reason to believe that..." he paused, waiting before he continued, moistening his throat. He didn't want to give them false hope or misinformation. "There is reason to believe that King Denor may still be alive... or at least his soul is trapped somewhere."

Arthran, the Orian's Averman, stood up and bowed. "Your Majesties, if I may speak up." Edrea nodded. "The King may be trapped in a spell or a barrier, almost similar to the one the Dawn Prince is currently encased in. It completely disengages your abilities, making you a useless, powerless entity. It also makes it impossible for anyone to find you if they have any sort of connection with you." Then suddenly, the Averman remembered the shadow inside the Princess and the Prince. "Although I am curious if he was the one who had sent the shadow entity inside the Prince," he looked at the Averman of the Shadowlands, waiting for an answer.
 
Miria felt hope fill her chest that she might see her beloved once again. Her brother nodded. "Yes, that does make sense. He is a former God, after all. There is no reason why his soul would not still be among us."

The Averman of the Shadowlands nodded. "I went to see the Dawn Prince and his shadow essence matches the foreign shadow that resides in the Prince," he confirmed.

Zach frowned. "Maybe he'll take it out," he said. "If he was forced-"

Miria frowned and shook her head. "Zach, he is the son of the Dawn Queen-"

"He's also the son of my father," Zach challenged, looking at his mother. "Being born of Shadows doesn't make you evil. Wasn't that what you tried to convince everyone? Isn't that what you taught me growing up? You don't feel his essence, Mom. He's not evil. He's lonely."

Setas chuckled. "The boy is wise beyond his auroras, little sister. He knows of what he speaks. If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion," he smiled at the Princess. "Bring the Dawn Prince. Keep him subdued as he is, and we will see if my dear nephew is correct."
 
Edrea's face bore a resemblance of a small frown when she heard that there was something inside her Prince. But she wasn't able to bring up her point before the King has spoken his request. She smiled back before nodding. She waved her hand and the Dawn Prince appeared in front of them in golden shackles. Edrea eyed him carefully. She wondered how Zach could possibly know that he was lonely instead of evil. All she saw was cold and darkness in him and yet, he wasn't exactly... she frowned again. Edrea did not appreciate not knowing.

When Edrea noticed that the Prince simply stood, the shackles on his hands pulled him down to make him bow. "In the Kingdoms of the Light we have this thing called respect. And you will learn about it, Mister Aere." There was no hint of disgust or anger on her tone, although she refused to call him by his title. Just simply a firm voice of a teacher. She released the hold on his shackles, allowing him to stand again.

"Majesties," she said, presenting him once again to their honored guests.
 
Aere blinked as he was suddenly in another bright room, this one with several throne-looking seats. Before he could ask where he was, he was forced to kneel by his shackles. "I have respect," he said, insulted.

Zach stood and went over to the prisoner. "Your shadow is inside me," he said. "Why?"

"Yes," Aere answered and risked looking up at him. He had icy blue eyes and a slightly more feminine version of Zach's face. "It was an order."

"From your mother," Zach guessed.

"Yes," he said, his eyes automatically returning to the floor as his mother was mentioned. A habit that every time she came to mind, he was to bow, as no one's eyes should ever meet the Queens. He felt a pang of hurt that he could not meet his own mother's eyes.

Zach's brows furrowed as he studied his younger half brother. "Princess," he said, turning to Edrea. He held his hand out for her, in hopes that if they were touching, she would be able to see what he saw.
 
Edrea eyed the two curiously. She stood from her throne, walking over to Zach and placing her hand over his. She couldn't help but smile as they touched but then a frown started to form in her face. She felt something cold and dark and empty. Her confused eyes looked at Zach before she took her hand away, as if being burnt. "Loneliness?" She asked, wanting to confirm if such a thing does exist. She could not possibly understand how one can feel such darkness inside. However, she is more baffled as to why her Prince would make her want to know such an emotion. Introducing one to such a thing is a cruel thing to do. But perhaps it was time for the Princess to learn of darkness and shadows.

"Your Majesty," Fenris stood behind her, coaxing her to remain in her place and join her hands with the Prince. One day the Princess must learn of darkness so she may learn how to fight them.

Edrea looked back at Zach, tentatively placing her hand again on the one that she had abandoned. She looked at their joined hands, inhaling deeply, before looking at Aere again. Her face remained expressionless as she studied the darkness in him. It was strange for her to study such an entity for it was so foreign to her. Edrea was the daughter of the Gods of Light and he was the son of the Gods of Darkness, the Fallen.
 
Zach waited patiently, though he looked at her worriedly as she pulled her hand away so quickly. "Yes," he said to her gently, nodding. He gently ran his thumb over her hand as she placed it back in his. He hoped the touch would let her know that he would never personally make her feel that way, that he would always be there for her. "He doesn't feel evil," he murmured, looking at Edrea. "That would make the hairs on your arm stand up. But they're not," he pointed out. He spoke gently to her, hoping to let her know that there was nothing to be afraid of. This was what he saw when he looked at people, this is what he grew up with. He understood, from her earlier reaction, that she didn't see things like he did. She seemed afraid of them, though she didn't need to be. These feelings were a part of life.

___

Aere glanced up at their hands, and then their faces. He found a little satisfaction in the fact that the loneliness that his brother so easily felt, offended the Princess so much. Just for spite, he thought of how everyone made him feel like shit, so she could feel that, too.

"You're not a true Prince," the people of Orian had said.
"You poisoned your own brother. You're in too deep now," his mother had cackled. "You want to run away? Where will you go, no one will take a child of mine, especially one who's killed!"

He let the feelings from those thoughts run freely so the Princess might feel them. He was a true Prince. The son of two Gods, he was more holy than his adored brother, though no one bothered to care.
 
Edrea's face bore no emotions as she felt the strange things come from the dark prince. She held on to Zach's hand unabashedly despite the presence of his family. "You don't know how the light feels like, do you?" Pity poured from her as the Princess is capable of a heart and feeling. She removed herself from Zach and approached the prisoner. Her hand cautiously reached out to him, going through the barrier she herself has created. Her fingers touched his face, curious at the absence of warmth. He flinched away from her touch and she stepped back. "Pity," she whispered as she walked away, sitting back on her throne.

"Such darkness could not exist in the Kingdoms of the Light." She watched the prisoner carefully. "It would infect greatly and we could not allow such a thing." Edrea knew not the gravity of her words. She knew she meant death, not just exile but she doesn't know the effect this will have on her Prince.
 
Zach watched Edrea curiously as she approached his younger brother. He watched as she went to her throne and said the words. "Edrea," he said, shocked. "You can't mean that," he disagreed. "He doesn't know the difference," he countered her argument. "At least give him a chance to see what it's like," he insisted.

"Zachary, you're arguing your Princess' orders," Miria frowned at her son.

"But-"

"Zach," she snapped, effectively shutting him up.

Zach clenched his fists and looked back at his brother, who was staring at him in shock.

Why is he fighting for me, Aere wondered. He frowned, figuring it to be pity, as his Princess had said. "I don't need your charity," the Dawn Prince said bitterly. "Why even kill me here," he turned his attention to the Princess. "Surely my mother will do it for you if you send me back. Or do you simply pity me too much? Such a kind Princess," he sneered. Bitter darkness grew stronger, swirling inside of him, though it had nowhere to go as his body was subdued.
 
Edrea watched Zach with guarded eyes. No one has ever countered her decision before. Not about things like this. She could see the anguish in his eyes. The Dawn Prince's words fell on deaf ears as Edrea watched her Prince. Somehow, she wanted to go there and hold him. "My Prince," she began solemnly. "He has ransacked your kingdom and killed countless innocent people. They want to shroud the light with darkness and cause anguish and misery. Though it displeases me greatly to see you pained, I have my duties and so do you." Edrea retreated back to her throne, allowing a vine to wrap around her wrists.

Arthran stood after a few moments of silence. "Majesties, with due all respect, perhaps we could ask Mister Aere of the state of the Shadow King?"
 
Zach knew she was right. But he also knew it wasn't right to kill someone who didn't know the difference between Light and Shadow. "At least give him a chance, Edrea," he begged. "If the result is what you fear, then you can banish me back to the Mortal Plane and take away my abilities for good."

"Zach," Miria gasped. "You can't-"

"He doesn't know the difference. How many times do I have to say it until it gets through your heaad," Zach said, looking at his mother. "He isn't evil. He deserves a chance."

"Just let them kill me, Shadow Prince," Aere sneered.
 
"Enough," Edrea ordered. She looked at Zach and Aere. She waved her hand and Aere vanished. "Avermans, please speak to the prisoner and find out about the Shadow King's current state. Queen Miria you may join them." She stood from her throne, walking down towards them. "King Selas, you may begin the strategy meeting with the High Guards at the West Wing. Fenris will go with you." As they all bowed and left, Edrea didn't look at Prince Zachary.

She walked towards the towering crystal windows, looking over the Orian bathed in the night's glow. "Prince Zachary," she spoke with her back towards him. "Have I mentioned that I had an older brother?" She exhaled deeply, looking over at the moon. She looked deathly beautiful glowing in the pale moonlight. It was the kind of serenity that scared those of the living. "He fought in the First War. And we didn't know a shadow infected him, just like what we have now." Her voice was clear, eerily soothing. "He lived like that for many auroras, ruling the kingdom and raising me." She breathed in. "Did you know I had to kill him? I pushed a dagger through his heart in order to save him. In this very room, in fact." She motioned towards the room, but she didn't dare point out the exact spot where she held her brother's body as he bled to death. "But that didn't do him any good. They swallowed up his soul, preventing him from joining our parents in the Realm." She looked at him now, her violet eyes glowing in the moonlight despite the lack of tears.

"We have duties, my Prince. And I will give you the honor of making the right choice." She looked at him, seeing the boy that he is and the man the he could be. "He is your prisoner now. You may do as you want with him." She turned away from her Prince, walking towards the exit.
 
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