Fragments of Dreams

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Zach thought about her answer. "I guess that's true," he said, thinking. He looked at her curiously. He knew she had emotions, but she didn't seem to show them often. She seemed practical, which was all fine. But it made him wonder if he was selfish, worthy of the title he wanted to prove himself for. He was more in awe of her now, of her selflessness. He chuckled, bending his head down so she could more easily reach. "Not like the plants and animals come to greet you," he smiled at her. "They adore their Princess."

Zach followed her closely, looking in amazement at the glowing fruits. "Wow," he said, looking at it curiously. "So are these safe for us to eat," he asked, wondering what they tasted like as he looked up at the glowing tree.
 
As they stayed under the glowing tree, they looked like a perfect picture of a fairytale. "Of course it is." Edrea smiled as she took a bite then offered him the same fruit to taste. "It's okay, it's safe. I figured since we've already shared our souls, we can share a fruit?" As she looked up at him she was taken by an urge to move closer and closer still. Her eyes stared at his lips then back into his eyes. Her breathing became ragged, her body felt like it was heating from the chest crawling to different parts of her body. Her body's brilliance was magnified by the fact that they were under a glowing tree, but even more so that something else flowed in Edrea's blood.

The fruit she held in her hand stayed in midair, forgotten as she looked into his eyes. She wanted to bridge the gap between their bodies. She could hear her heart hammering inside her chest. She didn't understand any of this and yet... and yet.
 
Zach felt the same pull, his heart swelling in his chest as the urge to pull her close came over him. He touched the fruit in her hand, though it seemed he held onto her hand more than the fruit. His gaze never left her face. That... gorgeous, beautiful, perfect face. Not really thinking, he brought the fruit, and her hand, to his mouth and took a bite from the juicy orb. "I don't see a problem," he agreed in a low voice, his eyes never left hers. He licked the extra juice from his lips and dared to take half a step closer to her, hoping - praying - it didn't scare her away. He really cared about her, really liked her. And he didn't want to upset her or scare her.
 
The fruit she held fell on the ground as his hand replaced it. She liked that feeling. She liked holding his hand. She liked that he was so close to her that she could almost count his long curly eye lashes. His face held intricate planes and curves, it was so opposite from her soft ones. Edrea's pale skin contrasted so beautifully against his sunkissed ones. She smiled. She didn't think. She followed something else; the urge, the pull, the calling of her heart. For the first time in her whole existence, Edrea felt the most heavenly feeling she's ever felt.

As their lips touched it felt like magic. And it was magic. Because there was always something so magical when soul mates finally find each other. Together, they become invincible, indestructible, eternal. And to think they used to live in two separate worlds. Edrea's eyes remain closed. Neither of them knew it but her whole body glowed with new energy, passing from her to him or him to her, there was barely any distinction.

The whole garden which was already lit up, woke up from the whole new energy they have gotten from the Princess. It felt like they have literally come alive. Starflies surrounded the couple, leaving Sylvana to run after them and sit and watch in awe as her master have found the greatest power of all.
 
Zach felt joy and a feeling he'd never imagined to be so powerful as his lips touched Edrea's. He'd known love was powerful from what his mother had told him, but he had never experienced it for himself. He didn't know if this was love, but he knew in his soul that he belonged with the Princess. He felt light seem to fill him, to warm every inch of him. His eyes stayed closed as his other hand gingerly cupped her cheek as if to bring her closer or keep her close.
 
The Averman of both kingdoms had stayed at the dining hall with the Queen and Molrim after the rest has left. The Arthran, the Averman of the Orian was the first one who noticed the gardens glowing. He looked up in awe. "Your Majesty," he whispered as the rest turned to where he was staring. They all looked at the glowing garden that seemed to hum with life. Molrim couldn't keep his mouth closed. It was so beautiful.

"What is that?" He asked.

"It's love," the Averman answered with a huge smile. It was quite possibly the most powerful thing there ever was.
 
Miria looked out the window as the Averman called for her attention. She stood and smiled as she saw the gardens glowing with life. "It's amazing, isn't it," she said softly.

Zach slowly broke the kiss so they could breathe. He smiled at her warmly, still holding her hands and still standing just as close. "I've never felt anything like that," he murmured. He reached up and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek. He could spend all night kissing her, he found himself wanting to. He wasn't even thinking about sharing a bed, he just wanted to keep pressing his lips against hers.
 
Zach's touch left lingering effects on her body. How love had a physical representation on her, neither of the children knows. His kiss left a simmering mark on her which he had possibly done unconsciously. She could feel the lovely weight of it on her cheek. Edrea looked up at him with smiling bewildered eyes. "Neither have I, Firebringer." She winked at him, pointing out at the fact that he had set her skin on fire with his touch. She looked around them, his hand was still held in hers. They were a bit far from the castle so she knew they were hidden but she could tell there were people looking at the unusually bright garden. "I think we should bring the Fire Fruit to Ardor." Edrea smiled up at Zach sheepishly as she motioned for him to listen carefully and look around. "I'm afraid the whole kingdom's woken up," she said with a lighthearted tone as she went to grab another Fire Fruit and handed it to him.
 
Zach smiled, chuckling softly. He looked around at the glowing garden. "I think you're right," he agreed, squeezing her hand gently. He smiled and took the Fire Fruit, his gaze returning to her. "I'm sure my mother will tease us for this," he chuckled lightheartedly. "Shall we go, my lady," he asked, taking her hand again. He smiled warmly at her, a happy flame in his dark eyes.
 
Edrea looked at him questioningly. She didn't understand why his mother would tease them about it but she didn't say anything as they walked back towards the castle. Sylvana followed them from behind in a strange tranquil instead of her usual lively presence. Edrea decided she'll have to talk to her about it later. It was deep into the night now. They should be in their bed chambers. She figured Ardor would probably be waiting somewhere for Zach and she need not to be there. As they reached the point where they had to part ways Edrea simply stopped in the middle and curtsied. "Good night, My Prince."

She walked off to the East Wing where her bed chambers are, having Sylvana follow behind her. Her handmaidens have helped undress her and put her in her sleeping gowns made by the Dreamweavers especially for the Moon Queen's daughter. When the handmaidens left Edrea at the end of her bed, urging Sylvana to come closer. "Is something the matter, Sylvana?" She asked her dear friend. She cradled Sylvana's head on her lap, her hands brushing her soft fur. She felt Sylvana's unease and discomfort. However she did not understand it. "Hush, now, my darling." She placed a kiss on top of her head.

Sylvana felt that the closer the Princess got to the Prince, the closer she was to danger. Sylvana was there to protect the Princess and guide her. She was there to be with her every step of the way. She was made exactly to do just that. Sensing danger was Sylvana's forte and she did not like this one bit.
 
Zach walked with her, hand in hand and in a good mood. When Edrea withdrew her hand, he looked at her and bowed. "Good night, My Princess. Have sweet dreams," he smiled at her and continued on his way, tossing the Fire Fruit up in the air and catching it as he walked and whistled a random tune that was lighthearted as he felt. As he continued down the hall, he caught sight of Ardor and the young guard and walked straight towards them. "Hope you weren't too bored," he grinned at the guard.

"Oh, no, Prince," the boy bowed deeply. "Haem kept me company," he smiled gratefully at the Prince. The Gao made a happy purring sound and nuzzled Zach's leg. Zach chuckled and handed the fruit to the furry lizard, who took it happily and bit into it.

"I am terribly sorry to ask you this, Prince," Issomo bowed again to him, too embarrassed to look at the Prince's face. "But can Haem stay with you? I am afraid pets are not allowed in the barracks. Maybe when Haem is older... But he is just a little one now..."

Zach looked down at the Gao and returned his gaze to the guard. "I don't mind," he said, smiling. "If you ever guard the doors to outside, let me know and I'll have him hang out with you those days," he suggested.

Issomo smiled happily. "I would love that, Prince. Thank you so much," he bowed. "But it is late. You should head to your bedchambers."

"I quite agree," Miria said, walking towards them. She smiled at Issomo as he bowed deeply. "You may stand, Guard. My, look how young you are! You can't be an aurora older than my son. You must be very talented to be guarding the Orian castle."

"Majesty," Issomo blushed. "I am not so great. My father is one of the High Guards," he explained.

"Well then. Perhaps I can convince him to have you keep watch over my son," she smiled and giggled a bit at Issomo's bewildered expression. "A young man should not spend all day pent up in one place. At least looking after Zach will give you some exercise."

"Y-Yes, Majesty. As you wish," he said. He doubted his father would allow such a thing. But maybe he would grant the Queen her wish...

Zach smiled. At least he'd get someone to hang out with while the Princess - his Princess, he joyfully thought - was out doing her Princess-y things. And Haem would be happy, being able to hang out with both of them. "Well, goodnight, Issomo," he smiled and bowed to the Guard, who bowed deeply back.

Miria followed Zach and the Gao back to Zach's bedchambers. "So, what happened," she asked her son as the chambermaids began undressing Zach to put him in his night clothes.

"What do you mean," he asked her, though he blushed as he knew what she was talking about.

"The whole garden was glowing," she pointed out to her son. "What happened?"
 
Eyelids lazily rose up and down as the brilliant violet eyes waited for the Sun to break over the horizon. A large creature with black and white fur cradled a sleepy form of a woman clad in thin, sheer clothing. Unruly silver hair fell over the sleepy violet eyes, forming a halo around the girl that owned it and the creature it was resting its head in. Pale, lithe hands made slow caresses over the large creature, making it purr in sleepy pleasure. As the Sun rose in her eyes, so did her smile. The first rays of the Sun reached her bare feet up and up until it reached her face, embracing her in its subtle morning warmth. After a few minutes of basking in the Sun's glow, a handmaiden approached her. "Your Majesty, your bathe is prepared." Edrea smiled at her, finally sitting up from her curled position. She stretched her arms before promptly standing up and heading to the bath.

Despite the pleasantness of how her day started, Edrea knew deep inside of her that the peaceful days were numbered.
 
Zach blushed brightly. "We kissed," he admitted to his mom, who laughed. "What's so funny," he asked in a pout, fixing his pants and picking Haem up and sat on his bed with the small creature.

"You are most definitely your father's son," she chuckled. "Seeking romance under the moon, stealing a kiss when no one's looking," she sighed as she remembered the older Lights. Happy memories filled her heart as she remembered how Denor had courted her, through dreams at first and then sweet talks and long walks. Oh, how she missed him... "No more than kissing, Zach-" "I know, Mom," he told her, his face red. "It just... happened. We didn't plan for it, but that won't happen for a long time..." The Queen nodded, satisfied with the answer. "And no more sneaking around with her," she frowned at her son. "That isn't very responsible, especially since we are in a war."

Zach nodded in understanding, yawning as he laid down. "Got it, Mom. No sneaking."

Miria chuckled. "Sleep. Sweet dreams, my son," she said gently and left the room to go to her own bedchambers. The chambermaids helped her out of her dress skirts and corset and into her sleeping clothes. She woke early, before the Sun rose, and changed into a simple gown. She went to the shrine temple in the gardens. Using her own flames, she let them float as she began to sing an old hymn that the Firebringers sang to honor their gods and to thank them. The flames danced with her as she moved about, singing in ancient tongue to thank the Goddess of the Moon and welcome the God of the Sun to the new day. Thanking them each for watching over her son and keeping him safe, thanking them for the life they bring, the warmth of the wonderful Sun and the beauty of the mysterious Moon. She also sang a song for her lost husband, praying that the Gods watch over his soul, wherever it may be.

As her hymns came to an end, she let the floating flames die out as she stood in front of the shrine temple. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to look. "Good morning," she smiled at the High Guard who had come to check on her. "Would you please gather the rest of the High Guards and the Princess? I would like to speak with all of them after breakfast," she smiled.

"Of course, My Queen," the High Guard bowed deeply and went to relay the message to the others. Miria smiled up at the Sun as he rose to warm the gardens and turned to enter the castle to wake her son. Today was going to be a busy day. There was a fire in her heart and in her eyes. She wanted her home back, and she was ready to fight for it.
 
A Sunbeam arrow shot right after the next, hitting every target dead and center. Edrea was synced perfectly with Sylvana's movements as they ran through the obstacles without missing a single target. Wind blowing against her hair, laughter emanating from her lungs as Sylvana took high leaps and dangerously sharp turns. Her flowing armor-dress rippled against the wind and her body as they practically flew around the large practice area. Right then, a spirit shield blocked their way. Edrea smirked. She shot three Sunbeam arrows all at the same point, causing a minor crack at the shield. Her hand pulled back once again, forming a moonbeam and a sunbeam arrow in one, and releasing, watching as the shield shattered like glass before vanishing completely. She smiled widely before jumping off Sylvana.

"Fenris!" She cried as her mentor revealed himself. Edrea jumped up to hug him, causing Fenris to stumble back slightly in surprise. "Y-Your Majesty." Edrea simply laughed. Her happiness was evident and it was infectious. Fenris could feel her happiness emanating and saw the whole Kingdom alight with it. He wondered what he had missed.

"Your Majesty, High Priest Fenris." A guard bowed deeply, showing his respect before standing straight to deliver his message. "Queen Miria of the Shadowlands has requested for your presence along with the High Guards." Edrea, still smiling, nodded at the guard before happily getting on Sylvana.

"Race you there, High Priest." She smiled before running off again with her Animus towards the kingdom.
 
Zach woke up and was helped into a bath and clothes by the chambermaids and then sent off to breakfast and then his lessons. But this lesson was from a guard for swordfighting, as the High Guards who had been teaching him where in the meeting with the Queen. Zach held the heavy metal weapon and practiced swinging it. He was taught the main target points on the opponent, how to swing properly and jab and block. He liked this lesson, as his Shadow Sword was weightless. He could only imagine how good he would be with that once he mastered the metal sword.

Miria smiled and bowed at all who were gathered at the table. "Good morning, all of you. I am sorry to cut into your schedules, so I will try to make this fast. I have two things. One - there is a young guard who was guarding the doors last night. He says he is the son of a High Guard."

"That's my son, my Queen," one of the High Guards said, standing and bowing to her. "I deeply apologize if he has insulted-"

"Oh, no. He hasn't insulted anyone," she chuckled. "I was wondering how opposed you would be if I requested him to be my son's guard."

The High Guard looked up at her with surprised eyes. "The Prince's guard?! My Queen, it would be a great honor," he bowed deeply.

Miria smiled. "Excellent. We will tell him after the meeting is over."

"Yes, My Queen," the High Guard said, clearly delighted that she had chosen his son to guard her own.
 
Edrea entered the meeting as lighthearted as she was in target practice. There was a new aura abound her and everyone could see it as they stood and bowed and she curtsied before performing a twirl, her dress flowing as she did so. "My Queen, lovely as ever." She curtsied to Miria before sitting. Fenris followed closely behind her, a smile on his face too.

"Ah, good morning everyone. It is a lovely day for tactical planning is it not?" He bowed deeply to Miria. "Your Majesty," he straighteded up before continuing to speak, "The Hellthorne Kingdom has been informed of your arrival, My Queen. If you wish it so, a safe travel escorted by High Guards, Bazaleels, and dragons shall be arranged for you and the Prince."

Edrea looked up at this. Fenris did not inform her about that. Her lightness had been dampened a bit, but she immediately lit up. This was no time to be silly! Of course the Queen would like to go home, Prince Zachary would be able to learn more about his powers if he is in their kingdom. They were in a war and they needed all the help they could get.
 
Miria smiled at her. "Ah, good morning," she said cheerfully. "You are looking brilliant today," she smiled at the Princess. "and Fenris, it's nice to see you have returned safely." She smiled at the thought of returning to her homeland. She would love Zach to learn the culture of her older brother's Kingdom, and meet his extended family. However, he seemed to be doing fine here. Perhaps in a few Lights when he would need more advanced training with his Fire abilities. "Thank you, Fenris. I think we will wait a few Lights to travel again. Zach is just getting used to Orian, after all," she chuckled.

"Princess Edrea," she smiled at the young woman. "I wonder how soon you wish to lead an attack on the Dawntreaders. I am anxious to take back my dear husband's land," she explained her eagerness, the fire in her eyes that seemed to make them glow. She also knew that their strength still grew with each day, as did Zach.

The Dawntreader Queen strolled into the throne room. The entire land was abandoned by both the Sun and Moon, and was left covered in Ice and Shadow. The perfect place to raise her only child. "Excellent, my son," the Ice Queen smiled. She was too thin, her skin had the tiniest hint of blue to it, to match her ice-blue eyes. Her dark hair was stiff as if it were frozen, styled in long waves that trailed to her mid back. She wore no lipstick, for her lips were a purple-ish color a few shades darker than her complexion. However, they seemed to be covered in a clear gloss at this time.

Aere grimaced. "The hell..." he exclaimed as he suddenly felt his infection weaken to a fraction of what it was. It felt like someone kicked him in the gut, almost. "Mother... Something has happened," he frowned. "My infection shadow has somehow weakened..."

His mother thought about that for a minute, sitting down in the King's throne. "Really... How interesting," she said thoughtfully. "That can only mean a number of things. Either they have found a Shadow stronger than yours, which is nearly impossible. Or the hosts of your infection have found their soul mates. How interesting would it be if the Prince and Princess themselves were two halves of the same soul," she thought with a terrifying smile. "Wouldn't that be fun, Denor," she asked a large shadow who seemed to be chained to the wall with her son's magic.

The large shadow fought helplessly against the magic chains and quickly grew tired, sagging against his binds. He had to find a way to warn them to be careful. He could not let the evil queen influence them!
 
Edrea felt like she was jolted out of her reverie from the Queen's question. Her brilliant spark was suddenly gone; she was no longer a young woman in the bliss of finding love, she had become a warrior princess. She turned serious, looking over at the war council in front of her. "Reports for the progress of our troops in Shadowlands"

"Majesty, we have conquered back half of the Shadowlands." It was Farim who spoke up.

"The castle?"

"Currently under siege." She nodded, eyes hard. If everything goes to plan, they will be able to lead the attack by tomorrow.

"Good. Put to sleep all enemy survivors of the attack. I don't want the Queen using them against our men. If needed, you know what to do." They all nodded. Nobody wanted to do it, but it was necessary to ensure success. "Have the dragons we requested from the Kingdoms arrived?"

"Yes, Princess." Nods all over the room.

"Excellent. Prepare our tactical plan for the hostile takeover Dawntreader kingdom. Make sure to conquer back Shadowlands by tomorrow. This war will not last for no more than 3 lights. Understood?"

"The Prince's training has been great. He should be ready for battle in no time." Edrea grimly nodded at the Shadowlands High Guard.

"I shall train with him myself to test him before we go to war. We don't need to lose a prince before he's even sat in his throne." And she was determined to get him back the rightful throne. He was her Prince and he shall have his father's kingdom, even if it's the last thing she does.
 
Miria smiled, very pleased that they were making progress at taking back her husband's kingdom. "Thank you, Princess. And thank you all," she smiled at the High Guards gathered, and Fenris. "Again, I apologize for being so forward," she said to the lot of them. Just a few more Lights and she could return home with her son.

Zach wiped his brow. His Fire training involved a lot of movement today, as he had to focus on keeping the flame going as well as what his trainer was doing. His combat practice was tough, but he was getting the hang of it. For now, they sat for a break with bottles of water.

"I hope this isn't too tough on you, Prince," his trainer for the day said.

"Oh, no," he smiled up at him. "It's great. I'm really learning a lot. Thanks again for teaching me today." His adrenaline and excitement from learning the extent of his powers helped aid him in his training, he was able to last longer than he normally would have. And it was hard not to be happy with the memory of the Princess' kiss still on his mind as the bright Sun lit up the garden.

As the Fire training ended, it was time for the Shadow training to continue. The Averman showed him a few more tricks and also introduced some combat into his teachings. Zach looked at the Averman after their first round of combat practice. "Do you think it'd be safe to try to combine both of my abilities," he asked.

The Averman smiled. "It would certainly be a powerful combination, Prince. Start with a little of each at first and gradually combine them. If they will not cooperate with one another, then the shock it gives you will be minor."

Zach nodded and held his hand like he was holding his Shadow Sword. Slowly, he felt both of his abilities swirling together in his hand as they took the shape of his preferred weapon. He smiled as he soon had his Shadow Sword with swirls of fire running along the blade. "This feels... Very powerful," he said, standing and swinging it. It left an arc of flames where the tip of the blade had traveled. Oh, yes. it was a powerful weapon, indeed.

"Be careful, Prince," the Averman warned. "It is very easy to get carried away with such a powerful force. I would suggest you not use this unless you are desperate."

Zach nodded in understanding. So he had a trump card. Perfect! He let the flames die out from his sword and went back to combat practice with his teacher.
 
When the meeting was finished, Edrea left the Bazaleel and the other High Guards to prepare the tactical plan. She went to the gardens where Zachary was training, watching from the side how he had easily controlled his powers. A smile graced her lips. Perhaps it was time to make him train a little bit harder. She nodded at a guard, making him go to her immediately. "Tell the Averman that the Prince is to train at the training area." She smiled once again, going off to find Sylvana so they could head together. The Prince has to learn how to ride a creature pretty soon. He might as well learn with the best rider in the Orian. She couldn't wait until they could fight with dragons.
 
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