Makes no sense for you.

Stelon shriekd and splashed up water as she curled into a ball, doing her best to hide her body in a tangle of arms and legs.

"What are you doing?! I'm bathing, I have no CLOTHES!"

Seryale shook his head impatiently.

"And what, do you propose I do about it?"

"LEAVE!"

Seryale rolled his eyes, more annoyed at the delay than anything else.

"I won't leave. I will wait in the main roomyour "lovely" Larkin gave you...We need to talk."

Stelon gasped as the young man appeared to vanish and glanced around the room suspiciously, waiting a little bit just to be sure he was gone. Finally satisfied no one was there, she stpped out of the bath and pulled her nightdress on hurriedly, tying a nice, very warm robe firmly around her body as well. The girl reached out for her hairbrush and began to run it through her newly washed hair, but--

"We have no time for such vanities. Do it later. We need to talk."

Stelon yelped, jumped, and promptly dropped her hairbrush. Taking a deep breath, she walked, or rather stormed, into her main room, where the man stood leaning against her bedpost as if he owned it.

"You need to stop doing that! This appearing out of nowhere and scaring me to death is NOT funny. Or polite."

"Nor is your taking your time or trying to scold me when I have made it quite clear we have things to talk about, and in a rather serious manner."

Stelon bit her lip and finally nodded.

"Fine. But who are you? And why do we need to talk?"

Seryale stood back up straight and looked down at her disdainfully.

"I rescued you from the dungeons. I think that's earned me more trust than you are currently giving me."

"Well...yes, but I don't even know why you did! At least give me a name, that's not asking so much, is it?"

The man paused a moment and stared at her, clearly not happy with her suddenly more demanding nature towards him.

"If it will satisfy your questions and curiosities so we can get on with this--"

"Oh, it will!"

He rolled his eyes again at her immaturity.

"My name is Seryale."

A child's glee.

The soft beams of moonlight drifted in through the window and danced across the floor in their usual mysterious patterns. It was early morning and peacefully quiet; the day's events not yet awake and alive to the world. In the luxurious bed, a girl slowly stretched and pushed the many blankets just slightly away from her.

She was awake before the maids had come; a rare occurrence in her stay at Larkin's castle that she valued. Each morning had proven to be much the same for her, as had each day and each night. Indeed, the monotony of each day had begun to leave her both rather bored and antsy.

Stelon opened her eyes and stared up at the ceiling above her with it's intricate murals of beauty one could scarcely imagine. She breathed gently and smiled. She no longer looked forward to the maids' arrival, for they never did anything differently, never held any surprises.

When Stelon had first arrived, she had hoped and tried in vain to converse with the many servants. Yet it seemed as though they could never hear her, and when one of them would respond to her, the words held no significance, nor any news of the Shrike they served. This no longer surprised her, and she stopped trying to hold any intelligent conversation with them.

The girl sighed deeply and buried herself beneath the covers. She hated the way her only "visitors" ignored her, while clearly knowing things she did not. Stelon peeked out from her cave of warmth and glanced at the window. She knew from the way the morning beams hit the room that she had a decent amount of time to herself before she would be subjected to the empty words of the servants once more. In fact...

Stelon giggled and leapt from the bed, her mind now made up. Still smiling, she made her way to the bath and carefully turned the lever she knew would give out warm water and let the bath begin to fill. The maids would not be needed today.

As the water continued to spill into the bath, she sprinkled one of the many sweet scented bath salts into the water and stripped her nightclothes off delicately. When the tub had finally filled, she stopped the water.

Stelon took a moment to admire her "work" and then, with childlike glee, slipped into the warmth of the water. Slowly, she leaned back and closed her eyes, enjoying the relaxing aroma of the salts.

Never before had she been able to simply soak and relax peacefully in the water. For the maids, bathing was not a luxury, but a necessary task to be done both thoroughly and quickly at the same time, to make her presentable should the tempermental Shrike wish her in his prescence.

Stelon leaned back farther and allowed herself to enjoy what was normally so tedious, and embarrassing the first few times. When she was finally content, she sat up again and began to work the expensive shampoos and conditioners into her thick hair, laughing as she let the water rinse it clean and little bubbles floated across the gentle waves made by her body's movements.

When she was finally satisfied that her body had been scrubbed clean and she had enjoyed the process, she stood up and wrapped a fluffy towel around herself before stepping from the bath. Carefully, she dried the pale skin of her body as well as her hair until she was sure she would not drip any water across the floor to the wardrobe.

Today, she chose to wear a simple yet elegant gown. It was different from the other dresses she had to choose from; not quite as full or gaudy. It did not require her to wear an obscene amount of undergarments, and the material was soft and soothing against her skin. It had a moderate neckline, not conservative, but not low enough to jeapordize modesty either. The gown fit very well and securely, a necessity to accomodate the off the shoulder design of it.

The gown was also white.

Stelon had noticed upon reaching the wardrobe that /all/ of the dresses were white. Personally, she did not feel white was a very good color on her, yet that was all there was. She found herself slightly annoyed by this, but it was not like she could do much about it.

Once she had finished dressing, she sat at the vanity and began to run the brush through her now damp hair. Usually, the maids put it up for her in such intricate styles that she knew she would never be able to duplicate them. She stared into the mirror and finally braided a thin strand of hair on either side of her face and secured them together in the back, creating a braided circlet to crown her head. Satisfied now with her hair, she crossed to the bigger mirror in the room to see the total effect.

While she was definitely not as elegant as when she had help, the look held it's own beauty the other did not. Stelon smile and---

She sharp sound of knuckles rapping at the door startled her and then she grinned.

"Come in."

The servants filed in and automatically went to the bed before realizing she was already up. When they saw Stelon, they froze, surprised.

"I won't be needing your assistance today.

There was silence.

"Oh, I was also curious...not that I am complaining but...why is it all of the gowns are white? It seems unusual, I though there might be some variety of color."

The maids' silence shattered and they began murmuring amongst themselves, unsure of what to do or say; all of them more than unhappy about explaining to Larkin why they had not done their job for the day.

Finally, it was decided they would tell the Shrike all together what had happened. The women left the room hurriedly.

Not a word was said to Stelon.

She smiled triumphantly, and went back about her business.

Appearances can be deceiving.

Stelon leaned back against the wall and slowly slid down to sit on the floor.
Breathe, she told herself. Just breathe.
The stranger was still in the castle. The stranger knew where she was, and he knew what she was thinking.
How?
Stelon drew her knees up to her chest and threw her arms over her head, essentially curling herself up into a "protective" ball. Her head ached with all of the crazy, insane thoughts swimming through it.
The man appeared to be fairly young, not much older than she herself was. Yet he posessed an unearthly aura that suggested he was wise beyond his years, or that he knew quite a lot more than someone else his age would. He was tall, and his hair hid part of his face. From what she saw, he appeared to have gray eyes, and beneath the right one were the same bluish markings she had noticed upong initially meeting him. His left eye remained hidden to her.
She shivered as a chill passed over her body. She could still feel his rather firm touch on her skin, and she did not enjoy it the way she did Larkin's, despite only having felt the Shrike's touch through his gloves. She was not at all comfortable around the strange man as she was with the governor, and though he claimed her fears of him were illogical, she was still uneasy. The man had not caused her any harm as of yet, that was true. He had helped her escape the dungeons. He hadn't seemed to harm the Shrike, nor anyone yet. He simply was present.
Perhaps she had misjudged him. Perhaps she was only afraid because she did not understand.
"There are others from the outside that are trusting the secrets you bear within your lips."
Stelon turned the phrase around in her head and tried to understand what he could have meant by that. Yet she did not know any secrets, did she?
The girl sighed deeply.
She knew she would not turn him in now. She would keep her silence until the man gave her reason not to. It was only fair, was it not?
Slowly, she lifted her head from her hunched position and sat up, her back leaned against the wall. She looked carefully around her room, and promised herself she would not be afraid next time the man came. She would simply try and speak to him, and keep an open mind.

Battle of conscience.

"You belong here now."

Stelon smiled as she replayed the man's words over and over. She /belonged/. She finally had a home, a place she did not have to worry about being kicked out of by underpaid guardians.

And that home was here with the Shrike.

She had retired to her room of her own will after the disturbing incident in the gardens. The horrified screams sounded so very wrong in a place as beautiful as the gardens, in a castle as protected as that of Galesing. She had panicked and become confused as she always did in moments of terror. Larkin's words had calmed her significantly and eased her heart's rapid pounding, but still she wondered what possibly could have happened.

The girl forced herself to stop thinking about such unhappy things and sat down in the chair she had pushed over to the window the day before. The view was amazing, as was everything about this place and how she had come to be here. Miraye had been wrong...so horribly wrong. Larkin the Shrike was quite the noble gentlemen, and she found herself almost wishing Miraye could have lived long enough to realize that.

Matthias and Farrago's imprisonment in the dungeons surely had been an error of some sort, she knew. Just as her time had been. She shuddered as the image of cold, damp stone fluttered across her mind. Never again. She would not have to go down there again, and she was thankful for it.

As for the man who had freed her...She frowned. Stelon had successfully pushed the man from her thoughts, yet now she remembered and felt a cold chill creep along her skin. The man was no ordinary man, she knew that. He was powerful. And though he had appeared to help her, she could not understand why he did, or if he indeed really /wanted/ to. She tried to sort out her thoughts and failed miserably. There was definitely an aura in his prescense, and she still was not sure if she liked it.

Stelon sighed and eased herself into a more comfortable position in the chair. Her body was tense, and she slowly tried to relax. Yet something told her she had not seen the last of the man from the dungeons. She would tell Larkin about it. She nodded, as if affirming this fact to herself. The Shrike would take care of it, an intruder in the castle would not be allowed, and either the Guardians or the strange new protectors in black would find him, and cast him out or imprison him.

She stopped a moment. Imprison him...yet he had freed her! How could she tell the Shrike and hope for such things when she would likely still be down there herself if he had not come?

Stelon groaned. The inward conflict continued to gnaw at her conscience until she finally came to a resolution.

Tell Larkin. Explain to him /everything/. /Including/ the inward battle she faced as to imprisoning the man. She smiled.

"Sometimes," she thought, "I need to give myself for credit."

I've run so long, I've run so far.

Daniel nodded slowly and obediently at the threat hidden In Larkin’s words and masked his fear. He had merely been concerned. Worried about the girl who Larkin was rumored to have acquired for company among other things.

As the Shrike escorted the “Lady Stelon” away, he sighed deeply.

Could he do nothing right?

True, he probably should not have touched her. Aside from Larkin being angry with him, he was unsure as to whether or not he might have offended Stelon. But when it came to Larkin, there was no doubt in his mind that he would have been chastised for not making sure she was alright.

Daniel shook his head as he walked to his quarters. Although he knew he would be wise not to risk it, he promised himself he would manage to apologize to the girl later.


Stelon breathed evenly as she sat beside the powerful man, his touch on her hand sending warm feelings of comfort throughout her being. The vision had caught her unexpectedly, and it had startled her even more than it had those around her.

Slowly, she looked up and met his shining orange eyes, taking a deep breath.

“It…it is not important. It was just something I saw.”

Larkin applied a very slight pressure to her hand, looking her in the eye still. He was not stupid; had she not figured that out yet?

“I know you saw something, Stelon. And clearly, it is either bothering you, confusing you, or both. Enlighten me.”

Stelon bit her bottom lip, and Larkin paused a moment, reminding himself to at least appear to patient. Slowly, his expression softened.

“Please. Go on and voice your troubles.”

The pair sat still for a moment, one evaluating the other.

Finally, Stelon spoke once more.

“I just…I had a family. A mother, a father…I had a brother!”

She stopped and turned the thought over in her mind.

“I had a name. I mean no offense, m’lord. But I do not think you can understand. People cared about me! I saw it! My life actually mattered. I belonged somewhere…That’s all I have ever wanted…to belong.”

The girl quieted and wiped a tear from her cheek with her free hand. Once more, she was crying. And in front of the Shrike.

She sighed softly as a feeling of being utterly helpless and pathetic washed over her, and she closed her eyes.

Two plus two.

Stelon could not wipe the smile off her face even if she truly wanted to. The vibrant colors and beauty around her was mesmerizing, and the Shrike was sharing it with her. As the two of them were shown to the rather quaint little table, two servants rushed over to pull the chairs out for them. Stelon giggled very quietly and slowly sat down, managing to avoid stepping on the sweeping hem of her gown. Still, she was nowhere near as graceful as Larkin, who smiled and signaled to the servants very subtlely, and soon platters of food were spread all around them.
Stelon's eyes widened as she took in the array of eggs, omelettes of all kinds, sausages, bacon, steak, toast in every variety of bread, juices, milk, and even wine. The variety was endless, and when she turned her eyes back to Larkin, she saw him busily pointing out what he desired to a nearby servant, who in return began piling whatever he wished onto a plate for the Shrike.
Stelon sat, feeling awkward once again about giving orders. Indeed, even if she had been comfortable with the task, no one had stepped up to aid her anyway. The rest of the servants seemed to be busily playing let's-see-who-can-avoid-this-job-longest. Finally, Larkin cleared his throat and the servants moved as one to shove a boy in her direction.
Daniel.
He turned and looked back at the others in distress.
They ignored him.
He sighed and straightened up, turning back to face Stelon.
She smiled upon seeing Daniel was here, but when she opened her mouth to speak more than she should, he shook his head slowly. She blinked and slowly closed her mouth. Daniel breathed an inward sigh of relief.
He picked up her plate and didn't meet her eyes, which were shining purple as she did her best to keep from showing familiarity with Daniel.
"Your wishes, m'lady?"
She blinked again and finally shook her daze, pointing delicately at a random omelette as well as a rather large platter of potatoes. Daniel was quick at his job, and piled her "order" on the plate quickly before setting it before her.
He next picked up her goblet, and looked pointedly at the wide selection of beverages.
Always young at heart, she pointed her finger at a glass of honey colored liquid. Apple juice. She could not remember when she had had it before, nor what it was called, but she was certain she had at one point or another.
"What is that one called?"
Daniel couldn't help but smile at her childlike manner.
"Apple juice, m'lady."
Stelon paused a moment, thinking about his answer.
Apple juice...
------
"Aralphiel!"
The little girl laughed delightedly and finally skipped over to the patio, where a table was set for four. A boy no more than five years her senior caught her in his arms and spun her around before setting her in a chair.
"Be careful with her!"
A middle aged woman with bright eyes called out and smiled as the children's father came and joined the rest of the family.
The little girl, no more than five years old, shook her long black locks out of her face and giggled as her brother tickled her skin.
"That's enough, Caedmon!", their mother laughed, "The apples were sweet; your father managed to get your favorite, young lady."
The little one's eyes grew large.
"Apple juice?"
Her father laughed and nodded, and she drained her cup quickly.
"Yes, next time, we--"
------
"Stelon. Stelon. Stelon!"
Stelon straightened up, her eyes wide as the child she had just seen. The servants were staring, but Larkin looked rather calm considering the circumstances.
She looked around slowly, until her eyes met with those of Daniel, who had been shaking her, calling her name. He tried to stare, even though everyone else did.
"Are you alright, m'lady?"
She paused a moment to collect herself. What was going on? Naive though she was, she was not going to fool herself into believing she had seen nothing. The little girl she knew was her, and she felt her heart ache as she realized she had had a family, that she had belonged somewhere, and people had loved her. She took a deep breath and shook her thoughts.
"Yes...I just...I felt faint."
Daniel nodded carefully and stepped back to his respective place.
Larkin eyed the girl, knowing full well she had felt more than "faint". He cleared his throat, and all those who had been staring quickly turned away, as though their lives depended on it.
They probably did.
Stelon forced herself to smile.
Larkin did the same, but looked much more genuine.
The "princess" and the Shike ate in near silence, but his orange orbs watched her carefully and observed everything about her, from the paler than usual shade of her skin to the way she nibbled lightly at her food.
Something troubled her, that much was obvious and he knew. He also was confident enough to assume that she had seen something of her past.
When the platters were finally cleared away, he met her eyes and gave her a small smile.
"Do you wish to discuss what you saw?"
"...what do you mean?"
He looked at her knowingly. The way she squirmed in her chair made it very clear he had guessed correctly, and erased all doubts in his mind.
Addition was not difficult. And Larkin was not a fool.

Things change.

Stelon jumped as Larkin and the rest entered her room, slightly startled. Appoarently, knocking would not be a luxury given her from the Shrike. As it were, she didn't really mind.

“Stelon, you look lovely. That's a beautiful dress, white suits you. Would you like to join me in the gardens, for breakfast?"

The girl felt a rosie pink tint her cheeks at the compliment and she gave the man what was a very genuine smile.

The servants throughout the room all seemed to appear anxious as they awaited her answer, and it finally occurred to her that they were concerned she would deny the Shrike's request. What a silly thought! Ever since she had been shown to her quarters by Daniel, she had eagerly awaited the time she would be allowed to see Larkin again.

Smile still plastered to her scrubbed clean face, she took a step nearer the man before replying.

"Yes, I would like that very much, Lar---", she caught herself. He had asked her to call him Larkin while they had danced that tragic night of the massacre, but now...with all of the servants in the room---

"M'lord. That would please me greatly."

She held her breath as all those in the room but Larkin seemed to pass silent exchanges of words, and waited anxiously for his verdict.

Don't talk to strangers.

Stelon gasped as her voice came back to her and she opened her mouth to scream.

"Stop! Do it and your voice is mine once more."

The girl closed her mouth slowly and looked around, searching for a weapon.

"I know what you want, and it will not help you."

Stelon tried not to panic and opened her mouth once more.

"Wh--who are you...?"

"Friend or foe, it does not matter to me. I can be either one but the choice does not lie with you."

Stelon, mind finally made up, began to make a run for the lamp on the bedside table, but when she turned around, she found she was alone in her room, and the man had vanished yet again, a figment of her imagination that she knew was real.

Like a Princess

Mornings were always busy in the castle; especially when Larkin was not in an especially good mood. Servants were scurrying through the corridors and various rooms like mice running from a cat on the prowl. In the kitchens, several different varieties of foods were being prepared to ensure Larkin would have whatever his heart desired. In the end, it would be a lot of wasted food; yet the waste of food was a more welcome option than the wrath of Larkin.

This morning was particularly interesting due to the newest gossip that had surfaced and was being spread amongst the servants like lightning.

In a guest chamber far from the main activities, a girl was stretching in her bed only to settle into the soft, silk sheets once again. The moonlight was beaming in through Stelon's window and casting a soft morning glow across the wooden floor, and five maids were busy making a beeline for what was now considered her chambers.

Nearly everyone in the castle was at least slightly curious as to whether or not the whispered rumors were true. It was said the new king had brought another rebel into luxury--a girl this time. It was also said it was the very same girl who had been helping plot his demise.

Just as Stelon was settling in and closing her eyes, the overenthusiastic knock sounded in her ears and her eyes shot open.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

"Just a little more time..."

Stelon groaned as the knocking continued without pause and slowly pulled herself up to a sitting position in the bed.

"Some women will be in..."

She shook herself at the memory. Daniel had told her they would be here. Any thought and hope that the knock may have been from Larkin vanished, and her worries about her appearance vanished.

"Come in...?"

Stelon was not used to giving orders or permission for things, and had never even stopped to consider that she would need to get used to it if she were to stay here. Yet as soon as the words left her mouth, the women came bustling into her room so quickly, it appeared they were running a race.

Silence gathered in the room as the maids stared and took her in. Obviously somewhat surprised, the head maid finally took it upon herself to break the awkward moment.

"Good morning, miss! I'm sure you were told we would be coming to you today. Let's hurry up now and get you cleaned up."

Stelon blinked. They were going to clean her up. She laughed inwardly. She had forgotten she was still rather dirty. The day before she had merely made herself presentable, but she was by no means clean.

The other four girls quickly sprang into action as they remembered why they were there in the first place; two of them beginning to fill the bath with water while the others pulled her out of bed and began stripping her out of her clothes. Stelon felt her face flush an extremely deep shade of scarlet, and found she could not form words to express her embarrassment. Before long, she stood before them completely undressed, and they settled her into the bath.

While the four younger girls began vigorously cleaning her; two of them working on her hair, the other two lathering and scrubbing the dirt from her body; Stelon watched the older maid. She was hurriedly gathering what would be needed to finish the cleansing process after her bath was finished. A dry towel was placed on a chair near the bath, and the brush and comb that had been conveniently placed in the vanity were taken and set on the table.

Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the maids helped her step out of the bath and dried her off thoroughly. Eager to be clothed once more, Stelon rushed over to the wardrobe and opened the doors. She was shocked to find all the dresses had obviously been picked out for her; they all looked to be her size. This was not the greatest surprise though.

"Is something wrong, dear?"

Stelon blinked a few times.

"They...they're all WHITE."

The head maid laughed at her.

"Why, of course they are! Why shouldn't they be?"

"I just...I thought there would be a slight variety for some reason."

The maid continued to laugh at her as though she were incredibly daft before continuing.

"Did you not know...? The master likes white."

Stelon allowed herself a small smile and shrugged before pulling one of the gowns from the wardrobe.

"May I wear this one?"

All five of the servants surveyed the dress carefully. It was a lovely white brocade with a subtle design of roses and other flowers on the fabric. The sleeves would drape slightly off her shoulders and a white chiffon would fall around her arms. There was a light silver trim along the bottom of the gown that matched with the faint tone of silver that shined in the sleeves. The gown would also have a seductive neckline, though Stelon did not seem to realize that. The five women all smiled, and the oldest of them took the lead once more.

"That one will be perfect."

Stelon managed to dress herself in her undergarments unattended, and just smiled sheepishly as she allowed the women to pull the gown on over her head. It fit her surprisingly well, and she felt a faint blush come over her cheeks as she saw what she had overlooked before. For a moment she considered asking to switch gowns, but bit her tongue and swallowed her pride. She sat down on the vanity chair, and allowed the girls to run the brush through her hair, and then to brush her hair up into a delicate style, with thin white ribbons braided into her hair, contrasting beautifully with her thick ebony hair. When this was finally achieved, they proceeded to paint her face extremely subtley with expensive cosmetics, but were cautious not to overdo it. Larkin had told them to only enhance her natural features, and none of them dared disobey him.

It had been three hours since they had originally come in when they finished. Stelon looked at herself in the mirror and nearly did a doubletake. That was her. She was amazed as she looked at her reflection, having never seen herself so dressed up before. She smiled at the women and, not entirely knowing why, she thanked them.

They just smiled back at her and left her where she was. Larkin did need to be informed the girl was ready, afterall.

"Noble" overnight.

Stelon smiled shyly and greatfully at both Larkin and the servant as she followed the young man from the room. He led her through many twisting corridors, up and down staircases, and through many great halls. It was not long at all before the girl was completely disoriented.

The servant moved quickly, and when Stelon reached out to hold his arm in an attempt to slow his pace, he pulled away as though she were poison. The two paused a moment and studied each other.

Finally gathering her wits, she managed to form words.

"Are you alright...?"

He looked as though he might answer her at first, but he quickly shook himself and continued walking.

Stelon did not move.

"What are you called?"

The boy stopped again and turned back to look at her, struggling to make a decision as to whether or not he should answer, or just continue on on down the corridor. Furrowing his brow, he responded short and quick.

"Daniel."

Stelon smiled at her success and followed him as he continued on this time, finally stopping in front of a rather decorative mahogany door. The two paused a thrid time, and he motioned that this was to be her room. Nodding, Stelon opened the door slowly and gasped as she took everything in.

The room was a work of art as far as she was concerned. One of the walls was dominated by a large window with soft lilac hangings, and the moonlight poured in through the clear glass, shining on the lavender and cream silk bedding. There were many pillows strewn over the bed, and Stelon could not contain the smile and happiness written on her face. The floors were a light oak wood that matched the door, several area carpets covering it. In the corner there stood a foldable privacy curtain to hide the ivory bathing tub, despite the fact that these "privacy curtains" were not ever really used in Larkin's palace. There was a beautifully carved wardrobe that fit into the room perfectly, as well as a vanity table, and a desk.

Stelon giggled at the irony that she would be staying here after living in the streets for so long.

Daniel shuffled his feet uncomfortably as he waited for her attention once more, finally getting it after a few minutes.

"Some women will be in in the morning, at noon, and at dusk to tend to you. These first few days they will likely be in and out more than that, just to be sure things are to your liking and that you are comfortable."

Stelon nodded.

"And when will you return again?"

The young man gave her a rueful smile, and tossed his golden brown hair out of his face.

"I doubt I will return, miss."

She looked at him with confusion.

"Why not?"

"It is not customary for a male servant past the age of thirteen to tend the women in the castle."

"And how old are you?"

"Seventeen years of age."

He glanced over his shoulder before continuing on.

"And I would advise that you do not speak in this manner to those of my station. It is not quite forbidden, but it is not exactly permitted for me to speak to you like this either."

"But I enjoy talking with you."

He laughed softly to himself.

"Farewell, my lady."

With an informal bow, he began walking from the room, and upon reaching the door, Stelon chased after him.

"Daniel."

He stopped and turned.

"Be well, Daniel."

The boy laughed once more, and left her alone to the splendors of her room.

Surprise.

The girl's eyes widened in shock and surprise. She had not expected him to believe her story so readily, especially after what had happened with Miraye. But here he was, not only trusting her, but inviting her to stay in his home. She was nearly speechless. Stelon slowly dared to look into Larkin's eyes, somewhat suspiciously.

"Really...?"

Larkin nodded and laughed inwardly at the girl's naivety and foolishness.

Stelon smiled and blushed, looking at him very gratefully.

"I would love to stay here."

A tear slowly slid down her face, and she shifted to hide it beneath her hair.

Why do I have to cry now?

Stelon silently chastised herself and forced the tears to stop; yet she could not stop the amazing feeling of lightheartedness within her.

Void

Stelon watched as all of these thoughts circled through Larkin's mind, knowing if he did not choose to forgive her, she could very well end up dead. She must have been holding her breath until he finally spoke to her.

"You are forgiven. Where are you from, that you would not know who I am?"

She remained silent and thought a few moments, attempting to remember as far back as she could. Yet she could not tell him of her parents, her first home if she had one. There was a deep void in her brain, one that had been empty for a very long time. How was she to explain this? She furrowed her brow and thought a few moments more before answering him the best she could.

"Well...I lived among the Sadrians for three years. They do not really have a permanent home, you see...They are wanderers."

Stelon averted her eyes rather quickly as she glimpsed the expression on the noble's face.

"Sadrians."

"Yes."

Larkin cleared his throat lightly.

"And what of your kin?"

She bit her lip and squirmed. The very question she had been hoping to avoid the Shrike had chosen to ask her. There was a sinking feeling in her stomach and heart as she looked back at him, her face blank.

"I do not know."

The truth comes out...

The Shrike. That's what she knew. He was a noble, a powerful man. But also seemed to be the opposite of what Miraye had told her. The man was extremely polite, and very elegant. His mannerisms were those of one who would have whatever he wanted on a whim. He had treated her kindly, even since learning of her alliance with Miraye and Matthias. He had complimented her while dancing, despite her lack of cosmetics and perfumes. Larkin the Shrike had so far proven himself to be much on the contrary of Miraye's description of him.

She opened her mouth yet again to speak, and then closed it, searching for the right words. The presence of the guards all throughout the room was more than nerve racking, especially as she knew they were all likely there on account of her specifically. The sight of the bloodied bandages around Larkin also caused her more than a pang of guilt and regret. She could have prevented it, had she just told him while they had danced. She could have stopped it. She shifted her eyes from her hands to his face and opened her mouth, this time to actually speak.

"Yes, I believe I do."

Larkin's eyes flashed something through them, and she flinched very slightly. He turned his eyes back on her from where he lie, and gave her a look of mild curiosity and interest.

"Really. Tell me then."

Stelon squirmed slightly under his gaze and forced herself to settle into the comfortable chair, taking a deep breath. She had turned her gaze from him as he responded to her, her nerves getting the better of her. Finally, she sat up straight and looked at him again.

"Well...from what I have gathered, you seem to be quite the opposite of how..."

She couldn't bring herself to say the name.

"She made you out to be. She told me many things...she said you were cruel. She told me you were a murderer! A man of no mercy or pity, no morality and above all, no kindness. But she lied! She lied to me, and I didn't know the truth. I would not have ever joined with her if I had known what I know now. You are a man of high power, and of elegance...You have been extremely polite and treated me with immense kindness, even after the ball, after I was revealed to you...I did not know she meant to harm you. I knew only that there was a boy she had met here, that she wanted to free him. And that was the reason I came, to free the boy. I apologize for my actions, m'lord. They would not have been taken had I known her stories were lies."

Stelon remained surprisingly calm after her answer to his question, though her fears and anxiousness were still quite visible in her eyes. She only hoped it would be enough to satisify the Shrike's questions.

Seeking Answers

Stelon heaved a sigh. Locked in again. At least it was in better surroundings this time. The antechamber's decor was rather regal, the coloration all in rich jewel tones. There were two padded benches of mahogany in the room as well, both upholstered in what had to be a one of a kind, very rare design.

She was unsure as to what the subject of the conference she had burst in upon had been about, and had noticed how Larkin had whisked her away from it. His gentle touch on her shoulders had been soothing to her aching body, and she smiled.
He was not angry with her. And he was not sentencing her to death. Relief flooded through her like a warm blanket on a cold night. She was safe.
But the blood...He had been bleeding! And it was no small wound either.
No...It's Miraye's work. You were in on this, you naive child. If you had spoken up, Larkin would still be healthy. He would not be fighting against these wounds, this pain that torments his body. It's YOUR FAULT.
She shuddered as she chastised herself, cringed and curled up on one of the benches. Still the man treated her kindly, and she did not understand.

And what of this other man? The man from the dungeons. She had never seen him before, but for some unknown reason, he had been helping her to escape. Why? Where had he come from? Surely he was not sent by Tic! Nor Matthias, or Farrago! She had betrayed them, if one chose to look at it from that view. She had gone against them, sided with the enemy!

But if not from them, then who? Who would care what her fate was to be? It made no sense.

She shivered. There had been a strange aura about the man, one that was not easily shaken. She had felt almost as if she were under a deep trance while in his company. He was powerful. She knew that much. But where did his power come from? These many questions swirled through her mind like a whirlwind, repeating themselves when no answers came to appease her unease.

Would the man come back again? She had no way of telling. No way of knowing if he would bring her help or harm. Whether he was friend, or foe. Confused as she usually was, she curled up on the cushions and let sleep take her to the unconscious. But it was not a sleep of peace and rest.

Relief, Fear, Embarrasment

Stelon froze under the man's gaze. She had not realized they were not alone, and waited for Larkin's anger to surge forth upon her. Yet it did not come.

"Stelon...I was not expecting you this early. Come, I'm sure you've had a rough night. Let me apologize and we'll have you fixed up."

The girl opened her mouth to speak, and promptly shut it again. No use telling him of the strange man in the dungeons. Clearly she was to be brought to be him later that day as it was; better to play along for the time being.

Besides. The man was being kind. He seemed to care.

Just as he always had.

Stelon pasted a soft smile on her face despite her mixed feelings of confusion, relief, and nerves. All eyes in the room were upon her, and she did not do well as the center of attention. She took a deep breath and blocked them all out, focusing solely on the Shrike.

"I thank you, and I apologize for coming to you so early...it's just..."

Coldness. Dark. Small space of stone walls, surrounding her.

She closed her eyes as a tear slid down her cheek.

"I wanted out so badly...I did not know what to do."

Larkin saw the look of confusion that passed between the other nobles around him, a look quickly silenced by his own orange glare.

"I understand. You will be taken care of, and those who...made you uncomfortable, shall be dealt with."

She smiled again at him, this time genuinely. She had forgotten just how kind he had been to her the night of the ball, and gently smoothed down her dress. She had forgotten how terrible she must appear to him, and a deep red blush crept over her dirtied skin as she looked at him embarrassedly, unsure of what he wanted her to do, or where she was to go, her confusion communicated clearly to him in her body language.

Hide the Fear

The newly repaired gown was far from easy to be running in, but Stelon tore through the halls after the strange man as fast as she could possibly manage. Her lungs burned like fire, and her muscles ached even more from being cramped into her cell for what felt like years. Her hair whipped behind her and she whimpered as she fell to her knees, gasping for breath. She glanced at the man behind her and whimpered through her breathing as she saw the guards clad in leather armor with drawn swords approach.

"Go up the stairs, girl."

A voice. In her head. What was going on?

She shook herself and forced herself up off the ground, took one last look at the man, and sped up the narrow staircase, holding her dress up around her knees to help ensure she would not trip again. The stairs seemed to go on forever, and she panted heavily as she ran. The stairs were narrow and railings seemed to be non-existant in this part of the castle. Stelon actually afforded herself a slight smile when she found a hall, and veered off sharply to the left.

It was as if she were in a maze, the corridors all seemed to twist and connect to one another. She finally allowed herself to collapse again as she found her way to what must have been at least the fortieth corridor she had come to. It appeared to be abandoned for the most part, and many old paintings lined the scarlet and golden walls. The tall, floor length windows afforded her a gorgeous view of Galesing, and she finally appreciated the long, hurried climb up the stairs she had taken.

Eventually her breathing began to normalize and become more even, and she sighed softly. What was to become of her?

She pushed herself up to lean against a wall, intentions to rest a few minutes more dashed through as if with a dagger when she heard the footsteps of many traveling down the hall. Stelon groaned and jumped to her feet, eyeing the doors along the hall, finally choosing one and thrusting herself through it, slamming it hard behind her.

She leaned against the door and breathed softly, until a very eerie feeling settled over her. She turned slowly and quickly masked the look of surprise on her face as her eyes were met by those of the Shrike.

My Saviour is my lord

Stelon gasped as the door to her small cell was opened, and immediately shut her mouth and stopped her crying. There was a strange power about this man, and she was not sure that she liked it. His face was hidden in the shadow of his hooded cloak, and she shivered. Underneath his eyes there were curious blue markings that she did not understand. She quickly averted her eyes when she realized she had been staring.

She argued for only a moment within her mind, that he might not truly be here to set her free. Mayhaps he was only there to lead her to her death and execution. She did not know. She thought to question how he had gotten there past the guards, but knew better and held her tongue. She looked into the man's face, her eyes transfixed and unblinking as she studied him carefully. She was almost drawn to him, and a strong part of her told her that he spoke the truth.

Even if he didn't, she could attempt to break away from him if he meant her harm...down here, there would be no chance of escape without help.

Any thought of her modesty and filthy appearance was forgotten, and she only nodded to the man who stood before her, reaching her hand out to take his. She feared he would push her back down, but her fears were wrongly placed. The young man pulled her to her feet, her gaze still held by this stranger. He began to leave from the cell, and in awe of the aura about him, she immediately followed, despite the seering pain that shot all throughout her wounded body.

Awaiting Death

Darkness. The cold, wet stone of the dungeon and the smell of rotting flesh and mildew were vibrant in this place, and, with a shudder, Stelon kneeled in the corner and let the acidic vomit rush from her body. Her mind was clouded, her body less than healthy. Coughing, she slowly pushed herself up to lean against the cold wall, shivering as she tried to sort out her hazy memories of what had happened; why she was here. The shimmering gown, so beautiful and elegant before, was now not even enough to maintain her modesty. It was torn in several places, and as the forlorn girl examined her many aches and pains, she realized much of her exposed skin was covered in cuts and black bruises. No doubt from all of the tossing and turning she had done on the rough floor in her unconscious state. The fabric no longer held it's original soft glow, but was dyed scarlet by the lives of the many who had been killed in Miraye's massacre.

Miraye. The name triggered something within her mind and it all came back to her in a rush. Dead. Miraye was dead. Everyone was dead, and as far as she knew, the beautiful Shrike who had made her feel so wanted was victim to Miraye as well. Tic...Matthias, Farrago...

She searched her mind desperately to find the answer of her companions' fates and let out a shuddering sob as she found it.

Gone. They had left...run from the scene and left her here to be dealt with by the guards. She looked around her prison and took a deep, shaky breath. It was a mystery to her, how long she had been in this cruel and harsh environment. She felt weak, and that in itself is an understatement. She had not eaten for days, or at least, that is what her trembling body was trying to tell her. She curled into a fetal position and began sobbing as the truth came to her.

She would never escape this place. If Larkin had died, she would be held responsible. She had been known and pointed out by Miraye, had she not? She was to die in this place. Alone. In the dark. No one would come to her aid here...Her former comrades would see her as a traitor, and to Larkin, if he had miraculously survived his wound, a malicious enemy, deceitful. She shuddered and fought to hold back a scream of fear as she heard similar screams echoing throughout the dungeons. Only these were screams of death. She knew it in her heart and in her mind.

Footsteps. They were coming closer to her...closer...closer...

Stelon pulled herself to her feet and stumbled to the door, reaching her hand up desperately for the window, so high above her. She called out to the passerby for help; she screamed her innocence and begged to be set free, or at least to be allowed a few minutes of fresh air. At the least for a little water. She continued to scream after the man as she heard him pass her cell, and was only rewarded with a pain in her throat and a feeling of loneliness worse than she had had before.

No one cared. She was hated, and she was to remain both hated and alone until the minute she died in this place of darkness.

Nightmares come true.

Stelon's eyes snapped open like a serpent striking it's prey. The shout that echoed eerily throughout the hall woke her and brought her back to the ghastly sight around her.

Blood...blood was everywhere. The dark crimson color stained the walls, the floors, the tables, looking almost like the sweet juice of berries at first glance. But the girl knew better. Her eyes continued to slowly travel through the room, taking it all in, yet not truly registering it in her mind.

Bodies were strewn all over the ground, puddles of blood, rivers, flowing around them. Her own gown, once so beautiful, was now the same scarlet hue of everything else. She felt her body tremble, and a soft cry left her mouth as she finally saw.

The pink hair was matted with blood, as was her own and many of the others who remained in the hall. Her body hung limp, and her skin was an even paler shade of white than before. She briefly saw and noted a deep wound the size of a small coin her chest and her eyes widened in shock.

Her gaze continued to survey the scene in silent horror. There was a pair of arms wrapped tenderly around the pink haired girl, and these were attached to the thin body of a boy with dark hair. His beautiful violet eyes were filled with an anger and fury, yet a sadness hung back beneath the rage. Suddenly, he was running, and Stelon sobbed as she realized she was being left behind. Miraye was dead. Gone.

And there was nothing left.

Matthias and the winged Farrago had disappeared as well, and she knew in her heart that they would never want her back. She had danced with Larkin. She had defended their enemy, and for that, she was never to be forgiven. Her mind strayed to Larkin and she began to cry, her body shaking gently with the sobs as she realized he would not want her either. She had been involved. She helped in this conspiracy to kill the Shrike, and he was not a man of forgiveness.

She lifted her face and screamed as she saw the governor's body laying in rivers of hot, crimson blood, a sword laying at his side. Miraye's sword. Dead. No. He couldn't be. He was Larkin. Yet there he lay.

She tried to stand on her feet and failed. Something was stopping her, and looking back to see what the problem was, she screamed again. A man was holding her, and rather tightly at that. She did not recognize him, and the expression on his white face frightened her. Kicking and pulling hard, she broke free of him and lifted herself to her feet.

Slowly, ever so slowly, she began to walk towards Larkin's body. She continued on, tears streaming down her skin--she shrieked. A hand on her shoulder. She twisted around and tried to run, but the guard was too fast for her. His hands locked around her upper arms, and without a care to her well being, he shoved her out and down the corridor.

It builds up

Stelon felt numerous tears continue to cascade down her face more frequently now, yelping audibly as Miraye turned her wrath back to Larkin and began yelling at him, cringing as the girl's voice rang in her ears. She heard the people around her begin to panic more so than before and looked back at Miraye, pulling her hair back out of her face and no longer caring who saw her tears as she did.

What she saw caused her soft, hurt crying to turn to fearful sobs running through her, hardly believing what she was seeing. The blood staining Miraye's skin was almost too much for Stelon, but she managed to remain steady, even as the blood began to pour from her eye and the scar there too.

"Regret may now become your best friend. Not everyone is patient, you see. No. Some ask before taking action. I tried to use this plan but it isn't working. No, none of that now."

Stel looked at Miraye with a look of pure terror as her eyes shot red and she grabbed the poor man crawling to the door. She shrieked suddenly as she saw the blade sever the man's neck, overcome with grief, shock, horror, and anger.

"Something tells me everyone here will end up like him. You wouldn't want that now would you?"

Stelon breathed heavily, emotions swirling rapidly through her. Even in her terror, her anger surfaced for once. Miraye had had no reason to kill that man...none! Yet she accused Larkin of horrible crimes...Stelon climbed up on the table Miraye occupied not long ago, not even flinching as she walked through the blood that had ran onto the wood.

She continued on with a look of anger flashing in her eyes as she crossed to stand on the table near Larkin, glaring at Miraye and finally letting everything out.

"You, Miraye! How DARE you accuse him of all you did! Taking enjoyment in terror and suffering, and yet here you stand! Taking the life of a man who did NOTHING to you! I can't believe you! This is hypocrisy! And you stood there, telling me of how ashamed you were that I came with you, for "flirting" with the enemy, when in reality, all he did was be KIND to me, give me attention and make me feel good, maybe even SAFE in the so called enemy's arms. I---"

Stelon suddenly paused as she looked around at everyone staring at her, including Farrago, Matthias, and Miraye, who looked like she wanted to kill her. Her eyes widened and she stumbled as her vision became hazy. A few more moments passed, and her sight and mind went dark as she fell off the table and landed with a sickening thud, passing out at the Shrike's feet.