Men who play games of war and soldiers born from circumstance...
MAIN
PROFILES
ALBUMS
STORIES
EXTRAS
LINKS
 |
Scroll 05 : 02
|
Io’fayl sits on her terrace, staring out at the suns as they set on the horizon. She was an idiot to think she had tamed that child. The entire time he had been playing her as a fool. Just like his damned father. Does she really want a repeat of Mithghiiel? Is it actually worth it? The Queen looks down at the sword she holds in her lap. Maybe she is a fool for wanting something that can never be tamed. Sighing, Io’fayl rises from the large silk pillow she lays upon and turns to walk back towards her bed that holds the one who occupies it, picking up Kso’ppghiel’s other sword along the way. She steps up on silken sheets, placing the weapons back in their holding and reactivating the seal that keeps them safe before sinking back down next to the man who has been causing her so much trouble. A frown crosses her features as she notices the spot of caked blood in blonde hair where the hilt had connected before she begins combing it out carefully with the tips of her claws. She just can’t bring herself to destroy him. Her Captain is right, she would regret it later.
 He shakes his head in an attempt to wave them both off, but finds he can do little more than continue on with weighted steps as his men escort him to his room. The tall Captain’s head droops to the front just as they push his doors open and walk him to his bed, the tunnel in his vision growing smaller with every breath taken. The pain in his head from where he’d struck the wall begins to dull and he barely registers as one man is taking his leave while the other is kneeling before him once his body has settled on the edge of his bed. “You’re still bleeding sir.” The other soldier says and it takes considerable effort to lift mismatched eyes to meet hard yellow. “I-if you need me to clean your wounds, I’m happy to-” “I will be fine…” he whispers, finding even the sound of his own voice feeling very far away. “Thank you… Vir’na…” before he can finish though, blue and green eyes begin rolling up into his head as Bal’thial loses the fight he’d been putting up since his Mistress threw him into a wall. The instant after he begins falling forward, the younger man is up to catch his Captain by broad shoulders while the words of concern shouted is lost completely in his ears. Slender fingers carefully shift the white haired man to the side and arrange him onto his bed. Yellow eyes stare down at the blood painting both lips and pale skin before he stands quickly to move into the bathe so he can find a cloth to clean Bal’thial’s wounds.
He was an idiot, being unable to control himself and allowing that woman to see she did not have control over him. Everything he has worked for to see the Captain is undone. An emptiness fills him at the thought. Kso’ppghiel tries to rise, his mind swimming through water as a voice catches his attention and he works to turn himself towards it. “When will you learn Kincaid?” Io’fayl’s smug tone reaches him as she walks back in from her terrace. “Or more precisely, when will I learn? You did a very good job convincing me you were loyal but it only took one slip to show me the truth. Those swords are a weakness and one I will easily exploit.” “They are… all I have left…” The blonde pushes the words through as he attempts to focus. “Child, everything you own belongs to me and until you realize, we will keep going through this.” The Queen seats herself at the edge of the bed. “I simply want you to obey… and not attempt to kill me or undermine me. It is not a hard concept. I will give you anything you want.” “Except my swords and my freedom.” Io’fayl smiles. “Yes, well, those are off the table. You earned the one, but the other will not be gracing your hands again, especially after this little incident.” She ignores his growls. “Obey me and it will remain safe above my bed, pull this again and I will melt it down into scrap metal. Are we clear?” Kso’ppghiel remains silent, unwilling to agree but torn at his need to have the Queen trust him again so he can be with Bal’thial. A very reluctant nod leaves him as he refuses to meet her gaze. She smiles. “Good. Then I will consider the matter done and we will begin all over from the beginning, starting with heavy discipline. You must earn what you want from me Kincaid, this includes your life. I have no use for a Harbinger I cannot trust.”
 This… is not good. Pushing back up with careful slowness after he’s had a few moments to collect himself, he slides his hand down to his neck to touch lightly at the wrappings there when his shifting causes him to realize they are there. Confusion passes through him at the bindings he know he hadn’t done himself before he pulls his hand away and shifts his body off to the side. The robe he’d tied around his waist when it had all begun nearly slips down structured hips and he absently reaches for them to tighten them once again as he moves towards the terrace on lightly shaky legs. The crisp night air slams against him the moment he steps outside and he has to reach out to grasp around the stone railing to brace himself as his legs threaten to give out again. Bal’thial’s eyes slide shut and he grits his teeth as he dips his head down, wanting more than anything to scream out his frustrations to the winds but keeping them stifled despite the urge. Everything Kso’ppghiel has been working for is most likely destroyed, all his own efforts voided after months as well and now he’s unsure if he’ll even be allowed in the other man’s presence, alone or otherwise, again. He tried to convince his Queen that his concern was for her and her alone, but whether he was successful or not remains to be seen…
 He knew something would happen, that one of them would slip up somewhere. They’re lucky they’re not both dead. At least, he doesn’t think Kso’ppghiel’s dead. No one has seen him for days. Hopefully this won’t drive the Captain to do anything stupid. Matters of the heart can mess with a person’s judgment. Serpentine blue eyes flick down the long hall as he reaches Bal’thial’s room before a soft knock is issued soon after. There is no response and he waits a moment longer before attempting another, getting nothing again. Reaching up, Sav’real pushes on the worn metal latches before he peeks tentatively into the room, his blue gaze immediately finding the stationary figure standing statue-esque out on the terrace beyond. A look of concern crosses the small creature’s face before he steps in, pausing only long enough to shut the doors behind him before taloned feet carry him towards the white haired man. Strong arms are crossed beneath his chest as mismatched eyes stare blankly out into the scenery below and if he notices the intelligence officer’s presence, he gives no indication at all. Sav’real knows the man is upset, he can just by the lack of expression. This hit him hard. He keeps his voice quiet in case he actually does surprise the Captain. Last thing he needs is his head unknowingly taken off. “Vir’nas is going around bragging about how you let him tend to you. I heard about the incident. Is Kso’ppghiel…” He wants to ask if he’s still alive but figures it’s better left unsaid. Blue and green eyes narrow in the slightest without pulling away from the scenery before him as Sav’real’s voice filters into the chaotic thoughts that had been shifting through his head, “I have no time for unfounded rumors started by those under my command… Vir’nas tended to me, this is true, but I was not awake to permit or deny it…” the white haired man’s voice leaves him so low that it’s almost lost on the light breeze that ruffles blue feathers. “He lives.” He says a moment later… despite the blonde’s current state being unknown to him as their Queen had once again holed both herself and the Harbinger up since his loss of control, he knows that much at least. The days though since the incident have been agonizing without so much as a word from his Mistress and he has had a very difficult time in restraining himself through it. “As do I…” The feathered creature shakes his head. “This isn’t good. You two can’t keep going like this. You’re going to go crazy or get killed or both and I don’t want to see that happen to either of you.” He sits down on the cold marble, opposite of Bal’thial. “As much as I hate to say it, as long as the two of you are here, you’ll never be happy and this is going to keep happening. I’m not exactly sure how you could leave though, this is assuming you’d even want to.” “I want his freedom.” The white haired man says. “I want him free and I want to be free with him… but I have served long enough under her command to understand that the only way we would be able to attain it would be if we took it in blood. He is not ready… and I cannot sit back and watch her claim his life when another such incident happens again…” Finally uncrossing his arms, Bal’thial slides a hand up and rakes it through long snow colored plaits. “It was all planned, his training, honing his skills, preparing him for the day he could take back what she has stolen, all of it… we simply had to endure and then this…” mismatched eyes slide closed and he whispers. “I cannot do anything if she will not even call for me, I cannot fix this if I am here…” “Wow…” Sav’real whistles. “You’re even planning her assassination. That’s pretty heavy. I wonder who will rise in her place if that happens because it’s going to throw this whole territory into complete chaos. The Northwestern territory would have a field day if that happened. They’d come in and slaughter everyone. Can the two of you really live with that?” He knows it’s probably not the best question to ask when he’s so emotional, but it’s an important one. “There has to be a better way.” “Do not misunderstand me, Sav’real.” The Captain’s tone shifts as he pulls his fingers free of his hair and looks over to his side. “I do not wish her death, nor do I have plans for it and my loyalties to her have not changed. I have dreaded the day since this began when he would learn of her role pertaining to his family’s deaths as I know what he will do when he gains that knowledge and what I must do to prevent it…” something that might very well end up costing him his life from either his swords or hers. “I will not take actions that will gain me responsibility for the entire fall of her territories, nor will I allow him to have that many people’s blood on his hands. I simply want him strong enough to take back what she has stolen from him, I want him free.” “I imagine he’ll go nuts and take her on even if he can’t survive. You’ll be killed if you try and take the fall, then free or not, he’ll have your death weighing on him as well. I’m not sure he can handle that.” Concern shows plainly on the feathered creature’s face. “You’re also my friend and I don’t want to see that happen to you.” He shakes his head. “It might be better in the end to simply leave and cross into a different territory. You’ll have a price on your heads, but you’ll be alive and both of you are experienced enough to survive. If she goes around trying to claim you, there’s no way they’d just let her step into their territories, no matter the reason. If Mithghiiel could get away and lead a normal life, so can you and him.” “I have thought of this on many an occasion my friend…” the Captain says with a shaking of his head. “But I know he will not leave without both swords, and if he did, he would not be satisfied and it would be a constant weight on his mind. This is why I have been training him; this is why I need to train him still. He needs to be strong enough to take them, or learn enough control to gain her trust again so that she will simply hand them over but I do not even know if this is possible now and I can do nothing to help this while I am shut out…” he shakes his head again, his voice falling low. “I am worried.” “I’m sure he’s worried about you as well. I bet-” A loud knocking at the Captain’s door causes Sav’real to flinch, immediately flying up to the terrace railing as Bal’thial walks back into his room. The lock is bypassed and Io’fayl opens the door before he has a chance to answer it, the Captain’s gaze dropping in subordinance immediately upon her presence. Sav’real panics, jumping from the terrace and flying off to land above where he might be able to hear the conversation. The Queen smirks. “Sav’real is very bad at keeping his presence unknown… as well as your friendship.” She moves into the room, closing the door behind and stepping up to Bal’thial to lift his gaze with a claw tipped finger. “I would like to know, Captain, why is it you are so concerned with my own… pain, should I remove a pet. This has never been a concern of yours before. What do you know and what are you hiding? I am no fool, Captain. I did not get to where I am believing feigned concern.” “It… has never been a concern before Mistress…” Bal’thial starts slowly, careful to choose his words as mismatched eyes rise up to meet expectant rust. “…Because I have never seen my Queen so… caring towards her pets. I have seen more emotion in your eyes for your newest with only a few interactions than I have for all those under your rule combined and while my men care little to notice, I cannot help but. I have been in your service long enough to see what you do not show others and I would rather have risked your anger that day than to see you do something you might regret…” Rust colored eyes narrow. Under normal circumstances she would believe her Captain, but with Kso’ppghiel… she is unsure. Perhaps it is that her own over protection seeping through enough to be noticed. Gran’hein also was able to see it in her, but she would expect that from the mastersmith, as annoying as it is. “I am starting over with him. The enchantments have been returned, he is no longer allowed a sword. I want him re-taught, re-disciplined and I want him to understand with every ounce of his being who he belongs to.” She removes her fingers, turning to walk away and speaking as she goes. “Should he fail again, I will take both your heads as it should be simple for the Captain of my Guard to handle this task. If you cannot, then you are no longer fit to command.” Io’fayl opens the door, not bothering to look back at the one she leaves standing. “Oh and Sav’real… you can come back in now.” A smirk forms on Io’fayl’s mouth when a fluttering of feathers trickles in through the opened terrace at her words just as she’s moving past the threshold of Bal’thial’s door, the Captain himself silent as his reserved gaze simply watches her walk away. Taloned feet click behind him and even as the small creature rushes to close the open door, he remains still until serpentine blue eyes turn up to flash him a look of great concern. His blue and green gaze shifts down to meet that of Sav’real’s and he quirks an eyebrow despite the rather blank look in his eyes. “That… could have gone worse.” “You kidding? She just threatened your life. How much worse?” Sav’real fidgets anxiously. “If Kso’ppghiel can’t keep it together, she’ll kill you both. Not like you can really train him without weapons or while he’s drugged up with magic either and obviously you can’t fend her off should she decide to exercise that right. She’s not dumb, Bal’thial, she’s gonna keep a real close eye on you now that she knows you can see she’s emotional and attached. She doesn’t like anyone knowing she has actual emotions that can weaken her. She can also bypass your locks so you’re not even safe with him in here.” The tall Captain says nothing at first, simply giving the small creature a short nod before he decides to speak. “I will… just have to think of something until he and I can both regain her trust.”
But it is the only way and until they have regained the trust that had been broken, the caution they must exercise from this day forward is great. Otherwise they will both be lost… Glazed white eyes look up as the doors open for a minute he believes he is hallucinating the Captain until he and Io’fayl begin speaking. The words muffle in his head and his spark of hope flitters out when he sees Bal’thial walk towards him, eyes cold and unfeeling. Part of him knows it’s probably a ploy as it has been, but all he wants is to see those mismatched eyes reflecting the same warmth he feels for the man in return. His arm is grabbed and the Harbinger falls to the floor as he’s pulled out of bed, unable to coordinate himself enough to stand. The Captain pushes him along, shoving the blonde forward as he falls and sending the room around him spinning. Bal’thial hates what he must do in front of his Mistress and he fights every instinct he has to help the fallen Harbinger like he wants, knowing this to be a matter of life or death for them both and so no sooner has Kso’ppghiel hit the marbled floor has the other man wrapped his hand around a chunk of white blonde hair to rip him up onto his knees and as clawed hands struggle to rise towards the grip around layered strands, Bal’thial’s ice filled voice filters through the haze to reach his ears. “If you refuse to walk on two legs, then you will be collared and dragged around on all fours like the dog you are.” The cold metal snaps around his neck, bringing back a measure of clarity enough to allow him to stand. Kso’ppghiel stumbles forward, grabbing onto the wall for support as he’s dragged along down the hall and the stairwell tripping every few feet only to be pulled back up by the chain connected to his neck. Every step they take that brings them closer to the Captain’s room, the more hopeful he becomes. The days have been far too long without him and even if he is unhappy and only follows Io’fayl’s orders, he’s still relieved to see him in any form. The doors to his room swing open and the Captain shoves the other man inside to send him stumbling again towards the ground and as the doors shut behind him, Bal’thial simply continues swiftly past to retrieve his weapon from its resting place against his far wall. Pupiless white eyes shift up in time to find the taller man kneeling quickly down with sword in hand, clawed fingers wrapping around the chain to pull him up again. “Get up; I will not lose my life for the likes of you.” He says in a flat tone loud enough to be heard beyond his walls and as he’s yanking the Harbinger up, mismatched eyes soften for the briefest of moments when he leans in to whisper in his ear. “Forgive me, it’s no longer safe here…” full lips trail along the side of his mask contained face as the Captain is pulling away to turn around, the split second gesture the most he’s willing to dare as he rips the blonde once again towards his closed door. Kso’ppghiel fight hard to stay upright and follow, feeling mildly reassured but still concerned. If Bal’thial’s room is no longer safe, then where can they go?
Yellow eyes pull away from the Harbinger and rivet on his approaching commander, the younger man stiffening immediately as Bal’thial steps in close. “Our Queen has instructed me to re-school her chosen and show him the meaning of discipline and perfection…” a feigned soft sort of look creeps into mismatched eyes as he holds his subordinates gaze and he smiles just a little slyly. “Of all those I command, you were the only that came to mind who could achieve this.” Yellow eyes widen and a light flush washes across the smaller man’s features as he nods quickly and stutters through his words. “Y-yes sir, I won’t let you down” “Good. Now pull arms.” The Captain grins as Vir’nas’ polearm is raised to meet the serrated edged blade of the white haired man. A few short stances brings both weapons together in an overly showy way and after Bal’thial makes one quick twist to knock his subordinates pole up to spin himself behind, metal adornments chime softly as he leans down, startling the shorter man in the slightest when his mouth nearly touches Vir’nas’ ear. “I meant to thank you …” A sultry tint creeps into his tone as he speaks just loud enough for it to carry through the large arena room, causing the soldier to suck in a quick breath and swallow hard. “…for the care you gave me that day a week ago…” Kso’ppghiel looks away, trying hard to mask the pain he feels watching the scene before him. If the Captain was angry with him, he should have just beaten him, not… this. It hurts more than any physical blow could. He knows it could be a continuance of a ploy, but it still hurts to see. The two men exchange blows, Bal’thial continuing with and initiating the same gestures of closeness he had shown the Harbinger all those weeks ago when they had just realized what the other had wanted. He would have rather been killed than to suffer that loss. Mismatched eyes catch the pain that shifts through the blonde’s features even from across the arena room and from beneath the mask that holds him, and it strikes him deep to his heart. He wants nothing more than to let the Harbinger in on this plan, to get close enough to him and tell him of the ruse that needs to be played out in order to gain them the time they had before but as he makes another sweep of his weapon that sends the younger soldier stumbling away, he knows that at this moment it’s impossible because Io’fayl will be watching in one form or another and he won’t risk the life of a man so dear to his heart by slipping up all over again. He can only hope that Kso’ppghiel will come to understand and forgive him for this disgusting display… Vir’nas turns quickly to take a defensive stance; one more hit sending him flying back again. White braids and metal adornments on winding horns fans as he steps swiftly forward to wrap clawed fingers around the smaller man’s slender wrist in order to catch him in mid fall. Yanking back, his body contacts with Bal’thial’s and mismatched eyes meet enamored yellow as he offers the soldier a warm smile. “Consider this repayment…” Is this what he will endure from now on from the Captain? It was bad enough to watch that woman stick her hands all over him. Does the boy have no discipline either? He’s allowing his obvious feelings for Bal’thial destroy his stances. He would die instantly in a war. Kso’ppghiel would currently like to give him one just to show him how real men fight. Emotions shouldn’t hinder abilities, they should drive them. There is no way Bal’thial could be interested in the whelp. Though he cannot help what his own emotions are doing to his ability to endure and survive in this instance. The Harbinger would just like for this to be over as quickly as possible. The time slips by as the display continues, one skilled fighter leading another lacking on while white eyes are forced to endure the scene until Bal’thial finally ends it and dismisses the younger man with promises of more opportunities to prove himself once again. Twisting his weapon in his hand, the tall Captain slams it into the ground and moves towards the entrance to retrieve a cloth for himself and the other soldier, leaving Vir’nas to follow slowly behind. Even mismatched eyes catch pupiless white as he passes the kneeling Harbinger without so much of a word said, and Kso’ppghiel’s gaze lingers on the other man’s muscular frame for a moment before shifting swiftly to catch pleased yellow just as the soldier is stepping in closer. “Pathetic.” He whispers under his breath just as he makes it to the blonde’s front, careful not to let his commanding officer hear while he continues far ahead. “You don’t even deserve his time and if it wasn’t for our Queen’s orders, you’re the one he’d never bother with.” Kso’ppghiel blinks. The audacity of this… child. Even if the display he just sat through was true, he’s still had more from the Captain than the other could ever dream of. He finds the whole thing so absurd he just begins to laugh, the strain of the past week flooding out as the young solider looks at him as if he’s crazy. He bluffs a slight lunge at the man and snarls, his laughter coming even harder when Vir’nas flinches and jumps back. “Run along, little boy…” Pulling the linen cloth to his face, Bal’thial covers a smile he can’t help when the Harbinger’s laughter floods into the room from behind. Despite the fact that the sounds streaming from him are slightly crazed and the emotions behind them are most likely the same frustrations he, himself have buried inside, he’s missed the sound of the other man’s voice very much. Sweeping the cloth once over heated features, his expression straightens the moment he pulls it away and he turns in time to find the younger soldier moving swiftly for him with an urgency and flustered look painted on his face. White eyes follow the young solider as he walks towards the entrance. He’s slightly more reassured that even if this was to intentionally hurt him, there is no way Bal’thial has real interest in someone so weak. The laughter finally dies down and he’s filled with an emptiness and longing for the other man once more. The tall Captain’s eyes pull away from the Harbinger just as he’s met face to face with hard yellow and he offers the younger man a smile and some reassuring words before he reaches out to wrap clawed hands around his shoulder and give him a gentle squeeze as he’s dismissed, the action causing his subordinate to practically light up. Mismatched eyes turn to follow the soldier as he takes his leave, each step carrying him away as if he’s walking on air before he whispers the spell to lock the entrance doors behind him, turning to move swiftly back towards his sword and the blonde still sitting on his knees nearby. Kso’ppghiel keeps his head down as the Captain approaches, only watching leather boot covered feet and fighting every urge he has to just stand up and rush to the other man. Bal’thial steps beside him, neither man moving or speaking until the Harbinger breaks the silence with a whisper. “I have… missed you more than I can say.” Blue and green eyes remain fixed ahead as metal adornments capping long winding horns chime only slightly when he nods his head. “It has been agony…” he whispers in return. “I have wanted nothing more than to have you in my arms… but… her eyes are now everywhere and she has made it clear that unless I am able to prove myself loyal again, she will find someone else to replace me who can…” “Hence the child who will now inform his peers that your interests lie elsewhere?” Kso’ppghiel catches the tail end of another nod. “I cannot exist like this with you.” His head bows down in frustration, white eyes fixated on the dirt floor. “Now everything has been taken from me. I do not know what to do.”
|
