Fantasy Hallowed Voyage

[Purize]

I gasped again, but more from the shock of Thorin’s sudden movement. I felt my hands being removed from my middle and I was pushed to lay on my back. I tried to shove him off when I felt a lowing warmth spread through my core. The fire stopped and shuddered before fading away and the serrated sting became a dull ache. I felt my muscles relax, my gasps become less labored. My clenched fists were now sore and I was sure I had tiny cuts in my palms from where my nails had dug into my skin.


My vision began to clear and I saw Thorin, his hand against my abdomen, inserted through a tear in my new dress. Quickly, I pushed his arm of and scooted away on the floor until my back hit the wall. I looked around wildly as I covered the hole in my gown with my hands, thankfully it was mostly hidden by the extra tear drop shaped fabric. Further down the hall stood the Oracle and her miniature army, along with the dark boy with white hair that twitched painfully. An odd-looking lady stood further down the hall behind them.


Finally, my gaze rested on Thorin, he looked panicked and worried. I groaned, reallywishing I could dissolve into the wall behind me.


“I-I… I’m sorry…” I said quietly, my voice tight. I didn’t know what to say. If I tried to explain the truth they’d probably think I was crazy… they always did. I could only sit there against the wall with a hole in my dress hoping they wouldn’t call the guards.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


The Oracle watched the scene play out, and when Ali left her side she turned watching him go I surprise, he seemed to be in sudden pain as well. It was strange… all of this was strange. Had she found the three people in her prophecy? Surely she wouldn’t have foreseen this elven girl in the hallway with Thorin if she wasn’t important. Tonight, she knew she would have to talk to them. All of them. The Elven girl, Ali, and King Thorin.


Two of her guards rushed forward a few steps, looking ready to protect or help, but not quite sure what was going on or what they should do.


“What’s going on here?” Demanded Ezekiel.

 

[BugDozer73]

I stood, looking at her worriedly, but remained where I was. Despite the relief I felt at her apparent recovery, I was still slightly embarrassed at my panicked decision. I removed my jacket and tossed it to Fae.


"What was that? Are you ok now? Should I call the medic?"

 

[Brendanfp]

I looked back to confirm who the voice had come from, it was my faithful djinn Ifrit running to my aid. She grabbed me by the arm and dragged me back across the floor away from the elven girl. The pain slowly lessen as I got father and father away. I started to relax and my breath became steadied. My skin was still hot and it stung every time I shifted, but soon I was on the opposite end of the corridor and the intense burning was now just an annoying tingle on my skin.


"What is Sun Boy doing to that girl... I-I hope she's alright", Ifrit said worried.


"The girl ! What about me."

--------------------

​

"You", Ifrit scoffed at the Ali. "You do this to yourself all the time with that damn sword you carry around."


Ali looked back at me, with nothing more to say. I pulled Ali up by his shoulders to rest his head on her lap. He seem to have relaxed enough for her to stop worrying about him, besides he was a big boy he would be fine. Ifrit shifted her attention to the elven girl who's mana was a lovely shade of light blue, however something was off. As Ifrit looked closer she noticed a strange foreign white mana, that shifted oddly within the girl. Ifrit had seen the mana before, it was the same as the mana that flowed off of Ali's sword.


"It can't be", she whispered to herself.


"

 

[Purize]

I took Thorin's coat gratefully and draped it over my front, the burning in my cheeks making my eyes glue to the ground. "Ah.. no, I mean yes. I'm fine now, please don't call a medic." I tensed, shrinking away from the thought of being brought to another doctor to tell me it was all in my head and there was nothing wrong with me. I stood up. I was a bit shaky, but that was more from the fact that all attention was being focused on me. I had caused such a huge scene. I should have known this would happen...


I sacrificed an apologetic look to Thorin. "I-I'm sorry about this. I really am okay... I just get these pains from time to time... it's not a big deal." I paused, the scene of what happened playing over and over in my head. He made it better somehow... My eyes widened a bit. "But, um.. thank you. For helping me, I mean." I bit my lip nervously.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

​

The Oracle stepped forward, walking up to Thorin and the Elven girl. She looked at her first, and then to Thorin. "Occasional pains? My sympathies, Ms. That's most unfortunate. King Thorin, I think it would be best to let her rest for now though, don't you think?" Her voice was calm and collected... eerily casual for the scene that just took place.

 

[BugDozer73]

I waited, hesitant to let Fae go anywhere without further inspection of her health.


"Your not a trained professional medic, Thorin. There isn't anything more you can do."





I reluctantly nodded at Fae and turned to the oracle. "Your right. Fae, Your in no condition to leave. You can spend the evening in my chambers. I will spend the night elsewhere." I noticed the Ali and Ifrit down the hall aways, with Ifrit helping up Ali as if he had just been attacked. Something truly odd was happening here.


"Oracle, I suppose we should talk, just help me get Fae to my room. Ali looks like he needs some medical attention as well. Mind lending me a few of your guards?"

 

[Brendanfp]

Ifrit watched Ali as he began to drift into sleep. Today had been much more eventful than Ali's average day. He was tired and fatigued and the presence of that elven girl had taken a toll on his body. She leaned over and kissed Ali on the forehead.


"Why are you so reckless"


Ifrit glanced up to the sound of an armored guard approaching them. He knelt down and glanced down at Ali.


"The king, asked me to assist you in anyway possible." She was still weary of the man everyone called the King, ever since she was summoned to intervene in the skirmish between Sun Boy and Ali. She still wondered of the strange kings intentions.


"All we need is a room, maybe some water. All my friend needs is some rest."

 

[Purize]

I opened my mouth to reject the offer but closed it, my mouth forming a pouty frown as I realized there was no way they'd let me leave now. "Where are you going to sleep?" I mumbled, not particularly expecting an answer.


The Oracle nodded at Thorin and gestured to two of her guards without looking at them. One walked over to Ali and his lady genie friend, and the other stepped up to me. I gave him a warning look. I didn't need to be patronized... I could walk and escort myself. If I could remember my way through this damn place, I thought to myself.


The Oracle turned to Thorin. "After you then, King Thorin."

 

[BugDozer73]

I turned to lead the small girl down a short length of all, just out of ear shot of the others.


This whole night was bothering me: I felt like I had been missing something, and was frankly ready for it all to be over. Not only that, but I had missed my opportunity to escape quietly, or so it seemed.


"We were interrupted before by out friend ~ What is it that you have come to see me about?"

 

[Purize]

I trailed behind the Oracle and Thorin, two guards walked on either side of me. Occasionally they gave me watchful glances, as if I was at risk of falling to the floor again. I just kept walking and tried to keep my head down, not making eye contact with anyone while I clutched Thorin's jacket around me protectively. My heart still fluttered like a bird beating against my rib cage. I hated when my pains came about while I was in public... I was always urged to see a doctor and fussed over, being asked what happened and what was wrong. I wish I knew, I always wanted to say. I wish I knew what was happening to me.


The Oracle conversed with Thorin with a sort of calm and cool disposition I'd never seen in someone as young as her. She looked about fourteen or fifteen. Her face was still round and youthful with dainty cute features. Blue markings weaved over her face and down the length of her body in such elegant wistful patterns. It suited her fair complexion and her matching faded blue eyes. Her hair was short and the purest color of white that reminded me of freshly fallen snow against a grey-blue sky. Her dress was also white, it's cloth rippled in a mesmerizing way when she moved and it was translucent in some places so you could see her markings through it. She was actually very pretty, I realized after studying her for a bit. It was hard to look through those cold, serious eyes to see the child that lay contained beneath them.


"As I mentioned, it is my duty to visit and maintain relations with all of the Champions of the Gods," The Oracle said to Thorin. "Of course, there are a few matters I intend to discuss with you in private... but that can wait 'till later."


She turned to look over at me suddenly with a civil smile. "I'm afraid we haven't been properly introduced. As you may know at this point, I am the Oracle of Tempus."


I blinked at her for a moment, I couldn't get over the fact that this little girl was looking up at me, given the height difference, and was talking to me like an adult. I didn't know whether to find it funny or scary.


"My name if Fae, milady. It's an honor and a privilege to meet you in person." I said to her and bowed my head briefly as we walked. She may be young and short, but she was still a demi-god... and the Oracle at that. I knew to be respectful.


She nodded in acknowledgment and then turned back to Thorin. "That was a rather impressive performance back there as well, King Thorin. I knew the Goddess of Fire carried the symbology of healing and rebirth, but to see it in action was rather impressive."

 

[BugDozer73]

I thanked the oracle for her compliments, nodding my head with an unappriciative expression.


"Tonight's escapades have left me exausted. I'm sure you all could use some rest as well. Oracle, your room is down the hall, to the left, and 3 doors down. Ali, yours is a few doors past hers. Fae, I'll show you to my chambers. Come."


I very gently motioned her to follow me, and made my way down the hall until I stood right outside the room.

 

[Purize]

I nodded and broke away gratefully from the group to follow Thorin. The Oracle watched us for a moment before being escorted by her guards to her assigned room for the night.


As I followed Thorin I noticed the hardset lines of his back that showed prominently through his cotton shirt. Without his bulky royal clothing and his jacket you could really see his pronounced muscles. They seemed tense and by the set of his shoulders I could tell he was tired. I really did feel bad for him. Hopefully he would be able to get away from here and find his happiness again someday.


"Thorin," I began quietly, "I'm sorry to be a burden... I wish you didn't have to see that."

 

[BugDozer73]

I sighed, and turned around to face her. "Your not a burden. Your my guest, and my friend. Don't think your being trouble. And I'm sorry if I embarrassed you.. I didn't know what was happening. Is that... is that a normal occurrence?"


I felt stupid asking a question like that, but in truth, I wasn't very well acquainted with elves, including their physiology. I might be asking a delicate question and not know it.


As I took in the fragile elf standing before me, I saw how delicately she huddled under my jacket. She was a lot smaller, but maybe she was hunching over from pain. But besides her deceiving size, she was toned, like an adventurer should. She looked tired like one too.

 

[Purize]

I sighed deeply, not too surprised by the question. I knew it was inevitable to talk about it. "For me it's normal. I've been having those pains regularly since I was 15... No one knows what's wrong exactly, all of the doctors I've seen can never find anything and a lot of them just say it's all in my head." I shrugged, looking defeated. "They say I'm making it up and that it's not real."


I burrowed under the jacket a bit, wishing I could simply hide from my problems.

 

[BugDozer73]

I felt my face scrunch in confusion. "Thats silly. Any healer would have been able to tell you that your body is growing." I looked at her waiting for her to tell me a different story, but she seemed to be telling the truth. I thought back to the healing, when I tapped directly into her life-force:


There was obvious expansion, and muscle growth. A simple heating spell was all that was really required, but it wasn't just nothing.


"Look, Fae, if you need medical treatment, I can alleviate some of the symptoms it seems. Why don't you let me have another look at you? I can get a better feel for your condition: Only with your permission of course."


I felt silly, talking like a doctor when this was all new to me, but I was sure that I could help her, and if I had the ability, it would be morally wrong of me not to try.

 

[Purize]

I shrunk back with a wince at the thought of Thorin being something like a personal nurse. I felt utterly exposed and vulnerable behind his little coat... "My body is growing? Thorin, I don't know what kind of growing pains you experience, but they don't normally make people drop to the floor. And as for all those doctors, I went to some of the best physicians in Nymserine, don't you think I would have gotten a diagnosis for something that simple?"


I shook my head, I felt bad for sounding harsh but I was really just confused. I hated it when people brushed off my symptoms with something so common or imaginary. It's in your head. Your appendix might have ruptured. Are you sure you didn't get stabbed? Did you eat something sharp? Growing pains was a new explanation to add to the creative list of things that aren't in fact wrong with me.


"I do appreciate you for trying to help earlier, but like I said, I've been dealing with this for a long time. I'm used to it and it only lasts for a moment." I tried for a smile, but I knew it probably looked half-hearted and sad. "You don't need to worry about me."

 

[BugDozer73]

She doesn't believe me? How could she just shrug me off? I just healed her!





I bit my tongue. She was tired. The thing she needed most right now was sleep, that and space.


"Right.. Sorry for bothering you. I let you get settled for the night. There is a change of clothes in there for you, and a bath on the right, if you would like it. Ill be just down the hall-" I pointed to the left. "- If you need anything, don't be afraid to come get me, or a guard."


I felt my own feet sinking into the floor. I needed rest, or I might just fall on the floor cold.


Do you need anything else before I go?"

 

[Purize]

I bit my lip, glancing from Thorin to his room. It had been a very long time since I had slept in a castle... I felt chills raise the hairs on my arms. "You are... uh... sure about me sleeping in your room? I could just sleep in a guest bedroom..." I looked at him sheepishly, hoping the heat I felt in my cheeks wasn't noticeable on my face. I felt like a helpless intruder upon territory I was formerly banished from. Tonight, I knew, would be a rough night. Then, a thought occurred to me.


"Shit! I knew I was forgetting something. I left my travel bag and sword in the ballroom..." I practically kicked myself. I couldn't sleep without my sword.

 

[BugDozer73]

"Yeah I'm sure. I don't mind in the slightest." I felt bad for her. She had a breakdown in a new situation, and now probably felt helpless. I knew the feeling. It was written on her face in a red blush.


"Shit! I knew I was forgetting something. I left my travel bag and sword in the ballroom..."


I perked up at her sudden out burst. "Oh! don't worry, we can get that sorted out for you."


I noticed Siran turn into the hallway, and I quickly called him over.


"Yes, My lord?"


"Siran, I need you to go and fetch this ladies bag."


He turned and looked over Fae, turning back to me with an openly disapproving expression.


"Of course, sir. What sort of bag will I be looking for?"

 

[Purize]

I turned to the man called Siran and smiled apologetically. "It's a brown leather travel bag with one strap, and it should be with a sword sheath... a butler from earlier said he's hang them up for me while I attended the ball."


I figured that there would only be one travel bag and sheath hanging wherever the man had put them among coats and hats... other adventurers would have simply kept their things with them.

 

[BugDozer73]

Siran sniffled indigently, turned and made his way towards the ball room. I turned back to her and offered an apologetic smile. "He's a good guy, really. Kind of stuck up." I chuckled lightly.


"Hey, Fae?"


I looked down at my feet for a moment, hoping to find my confidence on the floor, explaining why I suddenly couldn't find it.

 

[Purize]

I chuckled as Siran left, he was stuck up.


I turned to Thorin expectantly. "Yes, Thorin?" He was looking at the floor and suddenly I was worried I had upset him somehow.

 

[BugDozer73]

"Just tell her and stop being so dramatic"


I thought you had left.


"No, but Im not going to open my mouth if your going to be mean."


I didn't mean..


"Your staring again."


FUCK





I looked up quickly, taking in the face of the elf before me.


"Thanks for listening to me. I needed to get that off my chest. Your a good friend."


I felt my cheeks flush red, but before I could say anything else, a Siran with his nose upturned made his way back into the conversation, carrying Fae's bag. I looked at the sword strapped to it, taking it some of its interesting style.


"Your belongings, my lady."


He offered her her bag.

 

[Purize]

My eyes widened at Thorin and my mouth parted to respond when Siran rounded the corner once more, this time with my things. I smiled again and took them, throwing the straps of both over my shoulder. "Thank you, good sir."


I looked back to Thorin and noticed his gaze on my sword.

 

[BugDozer73]

Siran bowed, turned quickly and disappeared down the dark corridor.


I turned my attention back to Fae, and noticed the moon setting behind her through the right most balcony. Its silver glow had kept me as safe as a young child in bed on those long lonely nights on the top deck of the Aquilla.


"I suppose I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled at her warmly and turned to leave.

 

[Purize]

I smiled at him and dipped my head in a sort of bow of appreciation. "Good night, Thorin. And… Thanks again." I said as I opened the door to his chambers and stepped inside.


I closed the door slowly and took in the room around me. It was certainly fit to be a King's chambers. The walls were a polished white marble, which seemed to be the theme for most of the buildings in the upper ring. The floor was much the same and almost reflective, though it looked hard and cold. In the center of the room was a raised platform on which a massive and extravagant bed perched with silk spread sheets and feather pillows. It spilled with shades of red and gold. To either side of the bed were arched doorways leading out to a breathtaking balcony and a fountain. Decorating the room were flowing tapestries, large and aged-looking chests, and an armor stand. Along the left wall was a grand and enormous-looking closet, and on the right wall was a door that lead to what I could only imagine to be the bathroom.


I placed my travel bag and sword on the edge of the bed and unwrapped myself from the coat Thorin had lent to me. I inspected the hole in my new gown that rested just below my belly button and frowned. I understood his panic and desperation of the moment, but was tearing up my dress really necessary? I sighed and slid out of the gown, letting it ripple to the floor in a heap of shimmering colors. If I felt exposed before, I really felt out in the open now. I kept glancing nervously at the door as I made me way to the bathroom.


Beyond the door was indeed a lavish bathhouse. There was a large and rounded coral tub with all sorts of gleaming knobs and spout pointed in all directions. The walls were textured with pearl and glistened with the same mysterious opulence—Though I must admit I never was fond of pearls despite them being my birthstone.


I stripped from my undergarments and slipped to the tub that already flowed with steaming water like a mountain spring. I sighed as the bubbles tickled against my skin and the heat seeped through my cold and aching body. I soaked there for a moment, reflecting over my day.


So much had happened in the span of a few hours. I had already experienced so many new things in the two days I had left Holly and her family. Even still, I felt so distant from my goal. I wondered if I’d ever find Sayomi, and I wondered if she ever thought about me. Of course she does, I thought. She had to leave because there was something important she had to do, I’m sure she misses me dearly and can’t wait to see me again. I smiled sadly. Even with self-reassurance, sometimes I had my doubts. On the bright side of things, though, I think I did make a new friend today. Thorin’s stoic face bubbled to the surface of my mind like the bubbles of hot air in the tub. He seemed so genuine and kind, so ready to see the rest of the world and conquer over his parentage. Who knew I’d meet a demi-god pirate.


After several moments of soaking in warm soapy water, I ruefully climbed out of the tub and dried myself off. I looked into the mirror as I dried the cascades of silver that poured over my head and shoulders. It looked boring again without it’s pins and intricate twists as it had been styled into the up-do. Though, I did get lost staring at it while it was wet. It looked just like liquid silver glittering in the moonlight.


Once clean and dried I paced back into the bedroom looking for the spare change of clothes Thorin had mentioned. By the bed, was a neatly folded stack of clothes. I put them on and the fit well enough.


I sat on the edge of the bed and traced my fingers over the soft sleek sheets. It reminded me of Shylanora like most things in this palace did. My birth kingdom so far away. I didn’t really miss it. I only missed the book and the happy memories of my mother. I smiled softly and laid down on the bed, not bothering to dig out the covers and climb under them. It didn’t take long before I fell asleep, a smile still placed lightly on my face.