Will had been told to go to bed. He sulked in annoyance on his bed, leaning against the wall, trying to hear Tella and Avery’s conversation- which wasn’t too hard, considering that they seemed to be shouting a great deal.

“I’m gonna kill him!” Tella was shouting.

“You will do no such thing! Now sit down and stop acting silly.”

“You heard what he said about you and Will!”

“He was only warning you about how the public will react. Calm down now, you’ve known about this for a long time.”

“That doesn’t make it any better.”

“No it doesn’t.” their voices sunk back down into normal levels and Will pressed his ear closer to the wall, struggling to hear what they were saying.

“So what do we do?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?!”

“For now. The Chancellor spoke the truth. If you go public with this now, you’ll only cause yourself harm-”

“But what about those people! Do you think they’ll stop trying to kill me just because I got away from them?”

“Oh come now, they can’t get in the castle. You’re safe here.”

“Well I leave the castle.”

“Not anymore you won’t.”

“WHAT?!”

“Don’t take that tone. You knew this was coming. I won’t have you outside the castle. You’re right. Those people are dangerous, and they won’t give up.”

“B-But… Oh fine.” Tella said something else, but it was too low and grumbly for Will to pick it up.

“You shouldn’t say things like that. You’ve grown much more vulgar in the past year Tella. I know you had to go out and save the world but honestly, you could have chosen some better traveling companions.”

“WHAT?”

“Be quiet. Someone will hear you, making such a fuss. I was only saying that you’ve picked up some bad habits, cursing and such.”

“I cursed before I left. Just not when you were around.” Tella said. Avery sighed loudly.

“Well what about Will?” Tella asked.

“I suppose you’ll insist he stays?” Avery asked.

“Oh come on Avery! If your not letting me out because its dangerous, surely you can’t turn Will out! You know they’ll kill him if they find him!”

“You don’t know that. They may just be after you, because of your position and the impact your assassination would have… A show of power, to say.” Tella was silent for a moment.

“Well, you could at least give him the choice.” Avery said.

“What if… he leaves?” Tella asked quietly. Will frowned and pulled his head away from the wall, suddenly not wanting to hear this conversation.

When it came right down to it, Will had to agree with Avery. These people were interested in Tella because she was a princess, they didn’t care about him. He doubted very much that he would get any trouble from them if he were leave tonight, just walk out…

But… He frowned. He couldn’t leave Tella. Not when there were people trying to kill her, and it seemed no one but Avery was on her side. He hadn’t realized just how powerless she was. He had always gotten the impression that Tella was the ruler, when in fact, it was this Chancellor guy ran everything. It was probably because Tella wasn’t considered old enough- or mature enough- to rule.

Will massaged the side of his head, feeling a headache coming on. He wished Fairien were here. Fairien would know what to do. Will felt his eyes closing, so he shifted, lying down, and drew the covers up around him.

                The days passed quickly. Nothing new happened, and they received no news of Maloom Vraido and his group. They seemed to have sunk back down into obscurity.

                This didn’t particularly make Tella happy. She would have much rather had a clear idea of where Maloom Vraido was and what he was doing.

                Will, on the other hand seemed to be losing interest in the underground groups. Despite his best efforts, whenever Tella began talking about them, he found himself zoning out, thinking about something else. He was restless inside the castle.

                One day, he had taken his normal place on one of the parapet walks, overlooking the countryside. He rested his elbows on the wall and looked out, in silence.  Tella had followed his up and joined him in silence for a few moment, before speaking.

“Will,” Tella said leaning over the wall, “Do you like it here?” she asked. Startled by the question Will looked up.

“Well, yes. It is nice here…” he said. “Why do you ask that?”

“I don’t know… You just seem kind of quiet these days.” Tella said. Will shrugged. “Are you still worried about Maloom’s followers?” she asked.

“I’m not sure. Yes, I guess I kind of am… They were powerful- we saw that- and for them to just suddenly disappear just because one of their plans failed… No… I think they are still out there planning something, waiting for the right time.”

“Yes. I agree. However, I’m not going to give them a lot of opportunities.”

“Well, no.”

“But that’s not it, is it?” Tella asked, probing deeper, “I mean I’m kind of unsettled about something else too… You remember the summoning I preformed?” she asked. Will nodded.

“I told you that deities didn’t have to come, but what I didn’t say was that they have always come, and its has been said that if they ever decided not to come, they would let the summoner know something…”

“But we didn’t get anything.” Will said softly. Tella chewed her lip as she thought.

“Right. And you know Betamy isn’t in its best times.” Tella said. “In fact, I’m getting scare of a rebellion.”

“A rebellion?” Will asked shocked. “Why? I had no idea it was that bad.”

“All these underground groups, plotting to kill me, the regli’s aren’t alone. And even with the general public, I’m unpopular for a lot of my ideas, and they see me as a deserter during the war with Area, even though I was off fighting to bring peace to this country. They think my place should have been here, where I couldn’t have done anything.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me.” Will said with a shrug. Tella blinked, then turned back to the countryside.

“Well, my point is, things aren’t looking to good. And that failed summoning has given me a bad feeling.” Will jerked his head up and stared at her.

“What are you suggesting?” he asked wide-eyed.

“Nothing… just…” Tella sighed. “I wish there were some way to contact Fairien. Just to see what’s going on. Go ring his doorbell.” She shook her head, “But that’s impossible. Its not like he lives anywhere we can physically go.”  Will was silent for a moment.

“There is one place.” He said quietly. Tella perked up.

“What?” she asked.

“Fairien has a sacred realm, a strong hold.” Will said.

“Where is it?” Tella asked.

“In Northern Betamy. He told me once that mortals can’t enter it under normal circumstances, and if they try they will never find it.”

“Have you ever been there?” Tella asked. Will straitened his shoulders and looked down.

“Once.” He said. Tella watched him, puzzled.

“Do you think you could find it and get in?” she asked. Will shrugged.

“I-I don’t know. I think I could find my way there, but I don’t know about getting in.”

“Oh come on, Fairien will let you in. If any mortal can get in its you.” She said.

“Yeah but… We don’t really have a good reason to see him… I mean we show up on his doorstep and say, “Things are difficult.” We’re going to look really whiny. He’ll probably send us away.” Will said.

“He will not! Will what’s wrong with you? You know Fairien better than I do and yet you say things like that!” she folded her arms and glared at him. “Your just frightened to see him again.”

“I-I am not!” Will said. “Besides, you can’t leave the castle, remember all those underground groups that want to kill you? If we leave, we leave behind the protection of this castle.”

“So you’ll just have to go alone?” Tella asked smiling. “You just don’t want me around, is that it?”

“That not it!” Will said. “I never even said I would go.”

“Well why not?” Tella asked. “We’ll both go, how about that? We can wait a few more days to get ready, and then we’ll go in secret. It will only take a day or two to get into northern Betamy and we’ll be safe in Fairien’s realm.”

“That’s too dangerous for you.” Will said.

“Like that’s ever stopped me.” Tella said. “Well, I’m not going to argue about this right now. Let’s talk about something else. Are you coming to the ball tonight?”

“There’s a ball?” Will asked.

“Yes. You have been out of it, haven’t you?” Tella said shaking her head.

“Well, I don’t know. I’ve never been around anything like a ball. I don’t think I would know what to do or how to act.”

“Oh that’s easy.” Tella said. “Just act like I do.”

“Hmm..” Will said smiling. “That’s reassuring.”

“What do you mean?” Tella growled. “Well? Are you going to come or not?”

“Are you going?” Will asked. Tella nodded.

“I have to. I’m the princess.” She said. Will paused. He didn’t really want to go to some formal occasion but he could see that Tella wanted him to go, probably to keep herself from being completely bored out of her mind. He shrugged.

“Sure. I’ll go, but I don’t know anything about dances, okay?”

“Oh that’s fine. I’ll send Avery to help you get ready. He’ll make sure everything is perfect for you. Plus that will keep him from swarming around me all afternoon.” She said laughing. He smiled back. Tella’s eyes were thankful and happy. Will was glad he could bring her that, even in these troubled times.

“I’ll see you later!” Tella called and rushed off. “Go wait in your room.” Will nodded and walked off.

 

Will entered a small room with tile floor, seemingly a dressing room. Sinks lines the walls and will could smell odd perfumes and colognes in the air. Avery was looking through a rack of clothing when he looked up to see Will enter.

“Umm… Tella said…” Will began.

“Yes yes, over here. Hurry up.” Avery said. Will walked closer and gazed at the clothing. All of it looked rather elaborate for his tastes, but then again, Will didn’t seem to have much of a choice. Avery was scouring it, looking for the perfect set of clothes.

 “Thank you for going through all of this and for going to the ball.” Avery said, looking over at Will as he picked up a vest to examine it.

“Of course. It will be fun.” Will said politely.

“You don’t have to say that. I don’t think balls are really a thing you will enjoy, but… I think Tella is very happy you are going.”

“I hope I don’t embarrass her.” Will said.

“Oh no. That won’t happen.” Avery said. “In fact, I’d be more worried about her embarrassing you.”  Will laughed at this.

“I think this ball will be special to her.” Avery went on. “She hasn’t gone to a ball with anyone since Fairien died.”

“Oh.” Will said. “Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me…” he trailed off pausing a moment. “… Sometimes I wonder if Tella would like me as much if I didn’t have a… connection to Fairien.” Avery looked thoughtfully into Will’s eyes a moment the spoke.

“I think you know Tella better than that. The friendship that you two share goes a bit deeper than you realize perhaps.” Will blinked and flushed slightly, shrugging. Avery turned back to the clothing and picked up a long piece of fabric.

“I think perhaps a suit and a cape will look nice on you.” Avery said, “Why don’t you look through them and I’ll tell you if its appropriate.” Will almost laughed, but then realized Avery was serious. He scanned through the suits, touching each one lightly with his fingers. He chose a dark green suit and cape. Avery looked it over and agreed that it might look all right. As Will dressed Avery watched to make sure everything was put on correctly.

“Wait!” he said as Will began to button up his shirt. “A lord never buttons his own shirt.”

“Why not?” Will asked frowning.

“That is the work of peasants.”

“Well, I’m not a lord.”

“And I’m not a peasant.” Avery said moving forward to take over the buttoning. Will looked a bit confused but didn’t argue further.

“Avery, may I ask how you came to… work here? I mean, you’re a Hailian in Betamy working in a pretty high job… I didn’t think that was very common.”

“No. It’s not very common.” Avery said coolly.

“I don’t mean to offend you. I’m sorry.” Will said, a bit embarrassed.

“No, you aren’t offending me at all.” Avery said gazing at him as he continued, “I used to live in Decorates where I served the lords of Hailia. However, when it fell to the Areans all the lords where either killed or left before the Areans got there. We were told to evacuate and I went to Betamy. Most chose to hide in the hills and forests and some even opted to go to Iyokia. In those days the anti- Hailian feelings of Betamy were not as strong as they are today, but they still existed, and being Hailian isn’t something you can hide.”

“Yeah. So then what?”

“I applied for a job here at the castle. But I was turned down for every job I applied for, until one day the Queen- Tella’s mother saw me leaving from an interview. She stopped me and talked to me for a moment. At the time, I didn’t know who she was and I answered all of her questions truthfully. She was quite angry with the people that interviewed me. She said she had not been told anything about me- and that she was the only one who decided who was hired and fired. That day she hired me in the highest position a beginner could be in. And that was to take care of the princess. Tella was about two at the time, and the queen was expecting.” He said smiling.

“Wow… The queen must have been a character.”

“She was a lot like Tella but she had much more common sense and judgment.” Avery said. “Things went pretty smoothly until Tella was kidnapped when she was about five.”

“Oh, right. What actually happened?” Will asked.

“…I was watching her in one of the outer gardens and as usual she was being difficult about not coming in.” Avery said, “I scolded her and we were about to go in, when I heard this high-pitched constant whistling shriek. Tella couldn’t hear it and was puzzled why I was acting so strangely. It was ear shattering to me- so bad that my ears bled and I fainted. When I woke up Tella was gone.”

“And who ever did it used the fact that you were Hailian to take her.”

“Yes. There was a lot of controversy over that. If I had been a Betamian, or even perhaps an Iyokian this wouldn’t have happened.”

“They would have found some other way though.” Will said.

“Yes, but people didn’t care about that. I wanted to resign, but the queen wouldn’t hear of it. She basically forced me to stay and care for her other daughters.” Avery paused. “However, it was a different story years later, when the queen was assonated. Do you remember that?” Avery asked. Will nodded.

“That was what? Only about two or three years ago, right?”

“Yes. Tella had just been brought home from Area and we were having a parade to celebrate her return. Tella was riding in the coach next to her mother when someone fired shots into the carriage and hit the queen. Terra and Terlini were riding with me in the carriage behind them and didn’t see it happen.”

“Was Fairien there?” Will asked. Avery nodded.

“Yes, but I believe but he was serving as a guard further back in the parade.”

“Oh…. So what happened?”

“Well its all a blur now, but things weren’t too good. We brought the princess’ back to the castle and I was preparing to take care of them and all the paper work when I got a notice from the senate. They had terminated my employment. The princess’ were furious and protested, but they couldn’t do anything about a senate vote and I was out. By this time anti Hailian feeling was rampant in Betamy, as much as the queen had tried to fight it.”

“But you got back. How?”

“Ah, well, I have your friend Fairien to thank for that. Fairien was a pretty big figure in the military and knew a lot of people in both the military and the judicial branch. He convinced them to rule against my being fired, and since the princess’ were already for me coming back, they won over the senate. Of course, this didn’t make me, or the princess’s very popular.”

                “I bet.” Will said.

“Ah, but we shouldn’t talk of such serious things. You have a ball to go to…” Avery said as he snapped the clasps together on Will’s cape. He stepped back and gazed at Will. “Very nice. Tella will be envied by the other girls tonight.” He said smiling. “Now we only have an hour or so left until the ball starts, so if you would go down to the main hall and wait in one of the side rooms. I don’t want Tella to see you until it’s time.”

“O-Oh okay…. Umm, thank you Avery.” He said.

“Of course. It was no problem.” He smiled. “Now hurry, I have to see to Tella.” With that they left and went their separate ways. Avery entered Tella’s room where she stood in front of a mirror. Avery walked around her, inspecting her.

“… You have nice complements.” Avery said finally. Tella sighed with relief.

“I’m glad you approve.” She said. “I wasn’t looking forward to another few hours of dressing.” She sat down and laid her head on the dresser table. Avery moved behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders.

“Are you excited?” he asked.

“Yes.” Tella said. “More than I should be I think.”

“…You’ve grown up to quickly Tella.” Avery said. “I miss that little brat who hated her hair pulled.”

“I still don’t like my hair being pulled, if that makes you feel any better.” Tella said. Avery smiled.

“You should be getting ready to go down to the main hall.” He said. “Will’s waiting for you.” Tella held her arms in front of her and rolled her eyes up to look at Avery.

“I’m kind of scared for some reason.” She said.

“Oh… Don’t be.” Avery said and kissed the top of her head. He drew back and held her hair in place. “You have nothing to be frightened of. You are going to have a wonderful evening.” He told her while he gazed at her reflection. Tella’s eyes softened. She rose and faced Avery.

“Yes. Thank you.” She said and smiled. “I hope everything is perfect.”

 

Will found the side room and sat down in a chair designed for a child. He hugged his knees and vaguely wondered if he was wrinkling his suit. He could smell the colognes Avery had sprayed on him but didn’t know if that was making him sick or if it was just his own nervousness. The door flew open and two girls stood in the doorway. Will’s heart jumped at the sound and his face flushed. The two girls looked at him and walked in. Will’s heart hadn’t calmed down but he rose, deciding that sitting in such a small chair made him look ridiculous.

“You’re Will Kapino, right?” the older girl asked. Will nodded.

“I am Terra and this is Terrlini. I think you know who we are and we know who you are so further introductions are a waste of time.” Will nodded still unable to speak.

“Tella is looking foreword to this.” Terrlini piped up. “And we are here to tell you, you better not screw it up for her.”

“Well, to put it more eloquently,” Terra said glancing down at her sister, “We wish you and Tella a wonderful evening, and we hope that everything is to your liking.” 

“Okay.” Will said finally. They nodded and then turned around and left. Will stared after them a moment and then laughed. Yes, those were Tella’s sisters.

“Will?” a voice called from outside. Will recognized it as Avery’s and he moved to the door.

“In here.” He called, “Can I come out yet?”

“Yes.” The door opened and Wills stepped out. The main hall was a sight in itself, with bright banners and paintings, but Will’s attention was drawn instead to Tella. She smiled slightly.

“You look wonderful.” She said gazing at him.

“Ah, you too.” Will stuttered. It wasn’t like he had never seen her in a dress but this dress was so… beautiful. He smiled back at her. There was a sound of music from the doubles doors. Avery’s head shot up.

“Hurry now, that’s your entrance.” He said. Will walked slowly to her, not sure what he was suppose to do. So, he smiled.

“Let’s go, Tella.” He said. She laughed and nodded as they walked through the large doors into the ballroom.

The ballroom was the largest room Will had ever seen. The ceiling was glass, so the stars shone down on them. Marble columns were lined up through out the room in perfect lines. The court ladies and gentlemen lined the sides, gazing at their entrance. As Will and Tella strolled by the first on lookers, they lowered themselves into a polite bow. Will looked surprised and glanced over at Tella. She grinned shyly back at him.

They reached the end of the room finally and turned around to face the crowd. Tella paused and waited for the light music to die away and for the room to become completely silent. She gazed across their depths impassively, then with a nod, Tella allowed the musicians to start a new song and for the people to resume their conversations.

“Do you want to dance?” Tella asked. Will paused looking at her. Tella blinked embarrassed. “If you don’t want to its fine.” She added. Will smiled and took her hand into his.

“Dancing would be fun.” He said. “If you would like.”

“Yes.” Tella said. “Uh, do you know how to dance?”

“Not at all.” Will said smiling. “Care to try?” Tella giggled at him.

“Certainly!” she said gleefully. They wrapped their right arms around each other’s back and grabbed the others left hand and together they jerked around the dance floor, in a strange, yet graceful dance. Their hearts felt the music and the smiles on the other’s lips. That was enough.

“We’re probably breaking all sorts of rules.” Tella said smiling.

“That’s never stopped us before, has it?” Will asked.

The song ended much too quickly for their liking. Tella grinned at Will is sheer delight. He surprised himself by grinning back. The people around them looked on, oblivious to the princess’s amusement. They commented on the young man she was with, wondering where he had come from. Most speculated he was a royalty-  Iyokian by the looks of him- most thought. Although, they had never heard of Iyokian royalty. But no one wanted to look as though they didn’t know about the Iyokian prince. Soon Will not only had a royal title, he had won numerous victories in the war, and the stories flew about him- some good- some bad. But Tella and Will were oblivious. None of that even came close to mattering to them.

“Lets get something to drink.” Tella said as the rested form the dance. Will nodded agreeing.

“Look at the night.” He said gazing out the windows.

“I love the night. I love the time right before the sun goes down too, but I love the night almost more.” Tella said. “It has such beauty and freedom to it. But,” she paused, “It’s also kind of frightening. So much mystery, with such a chilling coolness to it.”

“You’re poetic tonight.” Will commented.

“Don’t read my words.” Tella said suddenly embarrassed, “They’re whims.”

“Whims reveal the most.” Will said.

“…You’re poetic tonight as well.” She said admiring him. Will closed his eyes and smiled.

“You asked me earlier if I was happy. I told you yes, but that answer was more of a polite answer than a real answer.” He said. “But I tell you now; I am content. It’s been a while but yes… I am happy here.”

“I’m the same. Everything seems so bad now, but for the first time in a long time my soul is calm.” Tella said quietly.   

“I’m glad.” Will said. “Would you like to dance again?” Tella gazed back at him fondly and nodded.

“Yes.” She said and moved toward him.

Shots rang out. Loud and bitter bangs filled the air, once twice, and then screams. Will grabbed Tella and pressed her against him and more explosions sounded from every direction. The crowds were in a panic and people were running for the exits. However, Tella and Will were at the other side of the room and could not reach an exit for all the people in their way. The guards were also on the other side of the room, near the exits and could not reach them. Tella shouted in fear as Will suddenly jerked forward. He screamed painfully and tightened his grip on Tella to the point that she couldn’t breath.

“Will!” she tried to scream. She had felt the impacts. The impacts meant for her. His eyes were squeezed shut in heart breaking pain. He began to fall on top of her but something stopped him. Will opened his eyes and his legs straitened. Tella was off balance and fell, even though Will’s arms were wrapped tightly around her, she fell through his arms, as though he were nothing more than mist. She hit the floor hard but wasn’t concerned for herself. Instead she stared up at Will. His eyes were wide and frightened. There were more sharp explosions and Tella screamed as they again pounded into Will’s back, which seemed only solid enough to take the bullets. Will clutched at his chest and fell to his knees. He screamed an unearthly scream as his body lit into green blinding flames.

Will’s skin was hot he could almost feel it boiling off of him. He knew vaguely that this was something to do with the talisman sealed within him. But this shouldn’t be happening! Fairien had told him it was dormant! So what was going on?!

The sword materialized within his arms. He clutched it to his chest and prayed that it would go back to where it had come form. But the sword had work to do. It’s power filled him and promised safety, but something more was coming. Will could feel it, foreboding and terrible, flooding into him from the talisman. He screamed again unable to contain this suddenly burst of power within his body. His back exploded out into wings that stretched to their full length and still the power pour from his talisman.

“Ah-!” Will stuttered unable to form any words. Tella was there with him trying to help him but he didn’t want her near him.

“Back!” he screamed. More shots rang out pounding into Will’s body. He couldn’t take it anymore. The green flames extended filling the ballroom with their power. Tella screamed as they engulfed everything. The shots rang no more.

Suddenly Will was aware of something else, welling up from inside him. It was a presence, a very strong presence, and yet, a very familiar presence.

“Fairien?” Will asked, his eyes widening staring blankly ahead. Yes, it was Fairien… Will gasped for breath, feeling as though his lungs were frozen. As he focused more and more on this feeling inside of him, he realized that it wasn’t actually Fairien, but an echo of his presence. In fact, this presence didn’t even seem to be aware that Will was there. It was almost like a memory… or a dream… Will could see flashes of darkness swimming in front of his eyes and then a powerful emotion hit him, knocking him flat. He struggled to breath as this memory of an emotion set upon him. It was like fear, but unlike any fear Will had ever felt. Then, as soon as it had come, it was gone.

Reality was back and Will could see the sword. Its blade was pressed against his chest but did not cut into his flesh. It was cool and refreshing. The blade was healing him. He could feel it pulling the bones and blood back to where they belonged.

Tella was huddled under a table, peering out at him. With a sigh, Will felt his wings dissolve and the power flowing back into the sword. It glowed gently and then disappeared, sealing itself back inside Will, its work done.

“Will?” Tella asked her voice trembling.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“Yes, are you?”

“I think so…”

“Princess! Will!” someone screamed.

“A-Avery!” Tella shouted. The Hailian spotted them in the now deserted ballroom.

“We have to get out of here…” Will said weakly, “There could still be danger…”

“Avery!” Tella shouted again. She pulled Will up to a standing position and helped him walk across the room. Avery ran to them and took Will’s other side, supporting him.

“We got him.” Avery said. “There was a person on the roof, shooting into the ball room. He had some kind of Arean weapon. But we got him…”

“D-Did everyone see…?” Will asked breathlessly. Tella shook her head.

“I don’t know. I don’t think so…. By the time your wings came out, everyone had left but…”

“I know they hadn’t left by the time the talisman came out.”

“A-And those green flame things you filled the room with…” Tella said.

“I’m sorry Avery I think I ruined your suit…” Will said drearily. Avery glanced at the rips where Will’s wings had burst through. Not only that, there were holes form he bullets and bloodstains.

“That’s not important.” He said. “But I am concerned with how many people saw what happened to you…”

“The rumors will be terrible.” Tella said.

“I don’t care about the rumors…” Will said suddenly on the verge of tears. “I-I got something in there… It was-”

“Not here.” Avery warned him. “Tell us about it when we get to a private room.” Will nodded unhappily as they walked deeper into the castle towards Tella’s quarters.

 

“We can talk in here.” Tella told them as they entered her room. Avery helped Will out of his ripped and dirty clothes and gave him a light robe to wear. Will then lay wearily back on Tella’s bed and curled up, hugging a pillow.

“Sleep a while. You don’t have to worry about telling us anything.” Tella told him gently. But Will shook his head.

“It feels like a dream already, if I wait any longer I’m afraid it will fade away and I won’t remember it as well…” Will sat up and looked at them mournfully.

“I’m not sure what happened but I think when I was shot the sword automatically emerged to heal and protect me. Even though Fairien said the sword would never come out like that… But then something else happened.” Will said, “Something came out of it- some kind of emotion I think.”

“An emotion?”

“I think it was from Fairien… but I don’t know what it meant. Just something very strange… Something…” he struggled to find words for the terrifying emotion that had filled him, “… I got the idea it was something that happened a while ago- it wasn’t him directly communicating it to me… I’m not sure why or how… just…” he sighed. “That’s all I know.”

“Maybe this emotion was so strong within Fairien it leaked over into you, into the talisman, but you didn’t feel it until the talisman was activated?” Tella asked. Will nodded uneasily.

“I saw the wings.” Avery said. “W-Why did that happen? I know from what Tella has told me that that happened when Fairien possessed you but…”

“The Sword is really a piece of Fairien so its not surprising his wings are still within me. I think they popped out because my body needed some kind of outlet for all the power.”

“… This is so strange…” Tella said.

“I’m sorry.” Will said. “This evening has been ruined…” there was a quite knock at the door.

“Mr. Avery?” a voice called. Avery rose and went to the door.

“You wished to be informed of any new information.” The voice said and handed him a slip of paper. Avery nodded.

“Thank you.” He said closing the door and returning to his seat. He unfolded the paper and read it silently.

“I’m afraid I don’t have good news.” He said dryly. “It seems the assassin has killed himself. Now we won’t know anything… But they did manage to find some identification on him. His name was Han Rickford.”

“An Arean name…” Tella said.

“Don’t assume.” Avery warned her. “We don’t know anything yet. I’ll investigate this matter and tell you what I find. But somehow I have a feeling this isn’t just some Arean out for vengeance… I think that’s what we are meant to think…”

 “I think you’re right…” Will said yawning and snuggling back against the pillows.

“What are we going to say…? We have to say something to the public… We have to have a story and speech ready…” Tella said.

“I think our story will be something along these lines,” Avery said. “We’ll say the green flames were some kind of Arean weapon the assassin used. If anyone brings up the wings… well…”

“Hallucinations.” Tella said. “We’ll say they were wrong. That they just weren’t seeing things as they were in the panic…”

“That might work…”

“We’ll see.”

“I’m upping security.” Avery said. “I know you hate them but I can’t risk something like this happening again.” Tella groaned but nodded wearily.

“I just wonder what will be next…” she said thoughtfully. Avery gazed at Will. His eyes were closed and his breathing was relaxed.

“He’s asleep.” Avery said softly. Tella nodded.

“What are we going to do with him?” Avery asked.

“What do you mean?” Tella asked as her shoulders tightened. “….I-I know… he wants to leave… and this will… this thing he’s gotten from Fairien… I wonder what he’ll do…”

“…I wasn’t talking about that.” Avery said smiling sadly. “I was just wondering where you’ll sleep tonight.” Tella didn’t answer. “If he wanted to truly leave, he would have already.” Avery told her. “You worry about him so much… He does love you, you know that don’t you?”

“… I don’t know how he loves me.”

“Ah, I can’t answer that.” Avery said shrugging.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for the love he has for me.” Tella said sighing, “…He seems so simple… Until you get to know him… Until you understand a few things about him…”

“Hmm.” Avery agreed. He rose from his chair and went to the door. “Good night Tella.” He said and exited before she could answer. Tella sat in her chair, looking down on Will’s peaceful face.

“Don’t think just because you’re rude and have taken my bed that I’ll sleep somewhere else. It’s a pretty big bed, and I think you’re well mannered enough to stay on your side.” She said to him. “I’m not sure what Avery will think when he comes in tomorrow morning, but who cares.” Tella switched the lamp off and lay down beside him.

“Goodnight Will.” She said and closed her eyes.

 

Will became vaguely aware that he was awake again. It was dark around him but he opened his eyes trying to see anything that could tell him where he had been moved to. With a slight gasp Will realized that he hadn’t been moved- that he was still in Tella’s bed. He felt bad and realized that he should not have fallen asleep here.

It was about that time that Will realized that he wasn’t alone. Tella was there next to him, with her back turned to him.

This isn’t weird… I shouldn’t  feel so weird… We slept next to each other all the time during our journey… Of course we weren’t alone like this… Will fingered the robe he was dressed in. He was a little nervous and was curious as to why Tella had left him in her bed. But it was late and Will was still very tired, so his thoughts became sluggish soon. He decided finally that he like the feeling of Tella’s warmth beside him and with that he fell asleep again. 

 

 

Hope you liked this. It was a little weird writing it, cause I never imagined Will at something formal like this ^^.

As to answer the question about this story being related to the archangels, yes, that’s where I’ve gotten many of the names, though Azrael is not an archangel, as far as I know. Azrael means "help of God" from Hebrew 'azra'el. This is the name of an angel in Jewish and Muslim tradition who separated the soul from the body upon death. He is sometimes referred to as the Angel of Death. I named Fairien Michael because Michael is portrayed as the leader of heaven's armies, and thus is considered the patron saint of soldiers, fitting in with Fairien.

I know Minerva seems out of context with Michael and Azrael, but I’ve seen many paintings with Greek gods portrayed as angels, so I figured it wasn’t so much of a stretch, besides, Minerva really fitted with that personality, being war like, yet very intelligent, so that’s why I named her Minerva.

And of course, Charon is the ferryman of the dead in Greek mythology, taking the souls of the dead across the River Styx. (Sometimes he’s portrayed as a skeleton man, but I thought that was too scary and I like my version better. ^_^)

^^ I have a thing for Greek mythology and I think angels are really cool.