Silken Wings

[Ion]

'Move! All of you out!' the sun was blinding as the guards shoved the set of girls out of the caravan and into the blistering heat. Their delicate feet came upon rough sand grains and hot patches of rough grass.


In front of them the citadel arose, a great monument of stone and swarming with smells and noise.


They had caught the women during a raid through the towns. Although the quest had been to survey young women, the prettiest ones, to bring them back to the palace the guards hadn't been as nice.


They'd looted just a bit, and with that loot came a few pretty faces they thought their Prince might enjoy. And if he didn't, they'd always become maids, and then they could enjoy these maidens themselves.


There was one in particular that looked a mess, but they'd seen the contours of her body and grabbed her along anyway.


Of course, as guards of the citadel, they weren't allowed to taint any of them. No bruises were to be found on their body, no bleeding and definitely no hay rolling.


They were pulled out one by one, with soft gasps and screams, pushed to the man in front of the palace.


The Prince's secretary: Lakmon, 'Now, now, be kind. One of these might become your Queen one day,' he chuckled, silver grey eyes with laughing creases.


The guards sniffed, only leaving when Lakmon had paid them and soon the Prince's secretary led them up the road to the palace.


The woman that looked like a mess, followed gingerly on bare feet.


Her name was Nyria.


3 days ago


The solemn singing of the morning prayers echoed through the sky. It was light blue today, light blue despite of the red earth that was gathered below.


It was a beautiful song. One that rose and fell like clouds and wound itself through the morning sky, making all flying creatures become a lighter mood.


‘Let us pray now to Azores!’ the Elder clapped his hands and all creatures within the Banefill Church lowered their heads.


It seemed that all had gathered to Church that morning except for one woman. One woman who stood at the edge of the cliff waterfall and peered out at the world beyond it.


The Nest of Light was their home, for long she had defended it with her people. For long they had lived here. They would die here.


Nyria sighed, their people were good. Once they'd lived in peace with the creatures below but now they were lost. They had been too proud to abandon their beliefs and ways of war, as a consequence they now faced the wrath of the Earth Walkers.


Those below them had climbed. They had new weapons, horrible monster like weapons that let them fly. Let them be as powerful as the Gods. They threatened Light Nest.


She could see them now. All the way below. Hauling metal monsters. Discussing plants in tents. They'd kill them. Hunt them. Sell them until she and her kin, were no more.


‘Nyria,’ she near jumped and turned around to see Joseiah.


The general looked just as handsome as all the rest of her kin. They were people of the skies. They were illusionary perfect.


‘General,’ she bowed, a quick ruffle of her wings, the tips straining to sharp point as she did so before straightening back up.


Joseiah waved his hand dismissively, ‘Do not bother Nyria, you are not one of my soldiers’.


In their lore women were not allowed in the military. Another fact that pained Nyria, another reason why they did not seem to win at this MidSky War.


‘I know that face,’ Joseiah said, lifting her chin with one long finger. Their eyes met and he chuckled, ‘I know those eyes’.


It was a thing for their folk. The changing eye color. It showed every mood of the sky. Ranging from calm blue to stormy grey.


Nyria’s eyes were now a pensive morning purple and she quickly cast them down as they turned to a shying violet, ‘It is nothing’.


‘You pretend not to worry about our people Nyria? It must be serious, you never miss morning praise,’ Joseiah lifted his head, tilted his head as if listening to the final few chords coming from the Banefill a Church.


The woman shrugged, her slim shoulders rolled in the most elegant fashion as she set eyes back on the horizon.


Joseiah let out an inward sigh.


He had long set eyes on the maiden that roamed he sky with the guards. The elderly, women and children looked up to her. The men ogled. But she was to wed no one.


She was, according to the prophecy, their savior. She'd be saved for one big event.


What that event was, no one knew.


There were many times that Joseiah caught himself near courting her. But Nyria’s father would put him aside and he'd have to bow and promise time and time again to the Head of the Military Department, that he had no intentions of ruining his daughter before her great moment.


He did want to though.


‘I'm going to pay the Gates a visit,’ she whispered and before Joseiah could stop her Nyria fell.


Following the falling waters of the waterfall she spread her arms, a smile lighting up her face as she neared the first pool of water. Just before she smashed to the rocks she opened her wings.


They were a light grey, dust and silk speckled with fragments of white that glistened and reflected in the sun like stars.


They were bigger than her and they pulled her upwards, wings so majestic she looked like a massive bird.


She swept downwards, down the Tearing Waterfall, to the Gates below.


Long ago, before the Earth Walkers first came. The God of Earth fell in love with the Goddess of the Sky.


He'd gaze at her, down below, never able to reach. Never able to hold. So he made soldiers, soldiers that would make it possible for him to reach his ever out of reach love.


And they did.


They built towers and houses, they built harmless flying crafts but they were never high enough.


The God got angry. His patience was long gone and he caught the best man he had ever created and fused with him.


Then he planted a tree. A tree so high it brushed the heavens. He climbed it and reached the Goddess. He took her for his and she agreed.


In that tree the Light Nest was built. The God added everything. Waterfalls, tree huts, beautiful churches for people to praise their love.


But over time everything changed.


The Earth Walkers were invited to climb the tree anytime. To live along their winged relations and share in the Nest but soon they grew jealous.


Why did they fly high? Why could they have the Goddess’ blessing? They had legs and wings. They had both!


Soon riots broke out and the battles and then war.


The winged beings were shot down. The walkers were pushed down and soon the Gates of the Nest closed.


No one was allowed in or out.


It had been years. Eons even. And the Earth Walkers had seemed to forget about them and they'd lived in peace for a while.


Until a few years ago.


Some idiot had come up with the idea that feathers of the winged could grant wishes. So a few of them had been shot down. It was of course a false rumor. But the rest of the feathers had been harvested by a certain scientist. This man found out that the feathers, once grinded could be used to power certain machines. A large amount was needed but the energy they'd grant would be infinite.


The Earth Walkers were hunting again and the Nest had been in a panic. They weren't with as much, it took much longer for them to reproduce and to mature their young.


They had required the help of other capitals but they had refused.


Now they stood alone.


‘Nyria!’


The guards were fond of the young woman. Even as a child she'd come down often to peek around. Even know she had that childlike naivety though some of it had turned into something solemn.


‘Angos, Milo,’ she smiled, greeted them both as she made a soft landing. They bowed like she had to Joseiah yet she stayed standing.


‘Your father has given strict instructions. You aren't allowed down here,’ they continued, their heads shaking.


They wore the Nest armor. Gold plates covering torso and legs. A tree encrusted upon their breast plate.


They had spears in hand and golden pieces of armor on their wings, white wings with golden armored tips for protection.


‘I'm unharmed,’ she smiled, gesturing at the Gates. There was no one and the winding tree staircase stayed empty.


Angos and Milo sighed, ‘Do not tell your father’.


‘When have I ever?’


As the skies darkened, the tree beings turned their face to the red setting of the sun and closed their eyes as the nighttime hymn reached them from the Red Chapel.


The Elder always held hymns there when the red sun landed, now the familiar tune whistled past their ears and they hummed it gently, adding voices to the beautiful tune that put all the rest of heaven's creatures to sleep.


'The day has end my child,


the sun has had enough my son.


Upon the feathers are piled,


the children tired of the run.


The night is coming my dear,


set out your wings for the last time.


Know not of fear,


drink of forever wine.


Close your eyes my love,


may your lips be still.


Come now my belove,


put away that stubborn will.


Fold your wings little ones,


learn to fly on the morrow.


Come now little ones,


lest your Nest feel so hollow.'


As if on cue there was a childlike laughter and the sounds of small wings echoed through the sky.


Angos and Milos opened their eyes and sharing a look with Nyria they laughed softly. The Children were precious to them, there were but three now in the Nest. For long their species had kept up with reproduction when they still wed Earth Walkers. Because of the War, none did.


Nyria feared this prejudice was what was going to cost them their race.


It was the sound of large wings that made them look up.


With wings the colour of a dark storm, it could only be one of the military. An all time soldier.


Luis saluted in the air, making a small dip as his wings went inactive for the salutation before bowing as he recognised Nyria, 'There is a Council at the Midsummer Arena, we're all summoned'.


Sharing a look with each other, the three swept up and followed Luis back to the Midsummer Arena.


'There is no treasure!' the Elder laughed, his hair was pure white, his wings nearly translucent frail. He was already old, so old no one knew his age.


Nyria was placed beside her father, on his other side was Joseiah. They both looked stern at the messenger. He had been scouting between the Earth Walkers, a dangerous job indeed, and had come back with this piece of information.


'What do you say this treasure does?' Joseiah whispered, his eyes a curious dark blue as he leaned forward. Nyria caught the Elder roll violet eyes, he obviously thought this was ridiculous.


'It'll save our race Sir. The Earth Walkers call it the Hidden Treasure. They say it can save one race and one race only to make all of us equal again. Like the Olden Days'.


Nyria tilted her head, the scout looked trustworthy enough. Sandy blond hair with clear blue eyes.


But then again there were those that could manipulate their feelings. He wasn't a scout for no reason. If their eyes did change, Earth Walkers would know of his species and they'd kill him. Reveal the wings from under his cape and sell him as a slave or cut his wings off.


Nyria shivered and her own wings clamped harder against her back at the thought.


'This is nonsense!' the Elder roared, his Council nodded along. They were all old. They all honoured the traditions and the old lore, they did not see the future. They did not see beyond.


Nyria sighed softly, she wasn't allowed to speak, only to watch. Another restriction she hated.


'I say we send someone down for this'


All heads swivelled to her father, Nyria's included. The Head never said anything about these matters and now everyone was silent.


Joseiah broke the silence with a throat clearing, 'Excuse me Sire?'


'I say we send someone down to see about this treasure, a spy,' her father nodded and Nyria frowned.


'Ambroix, you can't be serious,' the Elder whispered, his fellow Council men had rose to their feet.


Ambroix sighed, 'We have sat up here long enough. I say we find ways to sustain ourselves. The Earth Walkers are growing stronger with their instruments. They will kill us,' he stood, 'I will not have our bloodline die out under my protection'.


The Arena was silent, the rose blossom trees stayed swaying in the night breeze as the people considered his words.


'If we must do this, we must send someone who they'll never expect,' someone stood up, a thin lean mean with slicked back silver hair and black wings. They ruffled nervously as he sniffed, 'I think Nyria should go'.


'You cannot allow this!'


Nyria sat outside, hearing her parents fight. Her mother was adamant that she stay out of this, her father was arguing with her, 'She wants this! It's the only way to save our race!'


'There are plenty other women out there Ambroix! She's our daughter... our only daughter'


The silence was overbearing and Nyria looked down as she heard her mother cry.


She was swinging, swinging on the swing that they had attached to the great willow tree just outside their house. Below was nothing but the pastures of Earth Walkers and Nyria peered down with eyes of blue, wondering what the little men were thinking about.


She was ready to find out.


'Nyria,' her father's voice made her turn, 'Go'.


Beside him appeared her mother, her blond hair cascading down her shoulders as her eyes swelled red.


Nyria smiled, blew them a kiss, 'Do not worry for me,' then flung herself from the swing into a free fall. The pasture of the Earth Walkers grew larger as she fell to her new reality.


Present


'Scrub them all down!' Lakmon ordered, the women had been left to the maids and now they were getting pushed into the large baths, 'I want them clean! They're going to have to line up later in front of Prince Akir'iam'.


He left soon after, the double doors of the royal baths closed and Nyria was left to ''strip''.


She backed into a corner, her wings pushing against the pillars, no one knew she wasn't an Earth Walker. It frightened her to think of what they'd do if they found out.


Trying to blend into the dark, she thought of what she could do.


When she had blended into that village on her very first night, she'd bought herself some Earth Walker clothes, made her face dirty, hair straggly. She had thought of catching a caravan to the citadel but instead, she had gotten guards who were looking for loot.


She didn't even know what they were going to do to her now. The Prince? The Earth Walker Prince?


He was the son of the same man who refused to help them all those years ago. Would he be as tyrannic?


'Hey you!' Nyria looked up to see a woman walk towards her, short blond hair and a maid outfit, her hands on her hips, 'What do you plan on doing in the corner? We have to get you clean'.


'I want to clean myself,' Nyria whispered, backing up further against the wall.


The maid narrowed her eyes at her before sighing and making a dismissive hand wave, 'Fine, don't blame me when you get chosen to work in the stables instead of-' the maid snorted, not bothering to finish her sentence as she walked back to the other giggling girls as they got dunked under rose water.


When they were all finished they were clothed in similar white robes, robes that showed a bit of cleavage and a lot of leg.


Nyria shifted her wings as tight as she could against her back and followed the other girls out. She wondered at the Prince. She wondered at what exactly was expected of all of them.


In no way did she think concubine, the thought didn't even reach her mind.


There were no concubines among her people, they all had one partner, for the rest of their lives. One, after courting and all the traditional ceremonies.


When one died, so did the other.

 

[Syrrus]

He looked the part, at least. Akir'iam sat with his legs crossed on a particular cushion that had been his favorit since he was a child - it was perfect in every way. Beautiful red, causing his attire, which was royal blue with golden trims, to pop in that special way which caused every eye in the great room to fall upon him, for at least a second until their eyes would fall upon the beautiful girls and boys that also decorated the room beautifully. They all looked rather happy, even if some parts of the land would consider them little less than slaves.


They were all taken good care of, dressed in expensive cloths that revealed a great part of their beautiful skin - no one looking quite like the other. The young men would wear trousers and a vest - little else. While the women wore beautiful revealing clothing that was suited well for belly dances with silk and coins attached to their wrists and ankles, causing them to look like a blur of desert wind when they moved.


Akir was sitting there, smiling at the women who sat around him, a few lay before him, listening to his words while others sat next to him, leaning in close to study his handsome face. He looked as if he was sculpted by the gods himself. An impressive and sharp chin, shaved clean and without any marks. High sitting cheekbones and soft sapphire eyes - another detail that cause him to look godly. His hair was black and slicked back over his cranium putting his sharp and long ears on show - twitching as unusual noise, like the nose of a bunny rabbit.


He was smiling, showing of pearly teeth and two small fangs in the corner of his mouth. Though there was something that looked off with the young man. Something that was difficult to notice in the dim light of the room. The incense that blended in with the otherwise rather cool air caused most people who spent too much time in the room to become to mellow to notice such a detail - blue rings of sorrow painted his golden skin below his otherwise beautiful eyes. The maidens that had the privilege of breathing the same air as him noticed nothing, they probably wouldn't even know why even if they did notice.


The young prince parents had both been lost in the great battle to the east. He had only heard about the news and it had hit him hard. He didn't even have time to morn until he was told that a crowning had to happen, that he had to become a king. Obviously becoming a king meant that he had to find a wife. There would be no royal crowning without the Queen to support him. They were going to lead the country together, she would be his right hand - adviser and lover. He would be the next pillar of their glorious empire.


He felt nothing but fear.


Lakmon knew exactly where to find the prince, he didn't even have to send the maids. The future king had always spent his time either in the gardens or in the room of his concubines. He enjoyed their company and Lakmon figured it had a lot to do with the fact that the late King's wish for his son to never leave the palace; to be hidden away until the crown was placed upon his head.


Of course, that didn't mean that their people didn't already know about the young prince. Whispers was hard to stop. Akir was nothing like his father, either. Some of the other servants were questioning his right to rule. He had the knowledge that books could tell but he knew nothing of his own people, except their history. Clearly it was inappropriate. Lakmon never doubted the prince. He was kind, understanding and wise. The servant girls loved him, the concubines loved him and they who had met him loved him.


The servant sighed as he approached the doors and turned towards the new girls, smiling gently at them.


"So, my ladies. There will be no asking the prince questions, especially not about the war. Do not stare at him, do not question his words, do not touch him and by all means; smile. We are going to make you feel like princess - all of you." He chuckled, turned and opened the doors that revealed the beautifully decorated harem.


Akir looked up instantly as he heard someone turn the handles to the door and gave his trusted servant a gentle smile as he stepped forward and to the side to reveal new gems to his trove.


"I bring you some gifts, my prince."


Lakmon bowed, smiling down at his feet as the prince eyed the women, softly.

 

[Ion]

The man who had picked them up at the front of the citadel was here again. The women followed him.


Nyria drank in the difference of the citadel with the nest. Instead of trees and wood the citadel palace had gold and great monuments made of stone. It was extravagant and as they walked through a hall lined with tapestries, woven so beautifully and colorful it made her eyes hurt, Nyria started to realize just how far she was from home.


She pulled the robe closer in an attempt to rid of the slot of cleavage the garment showed. It did not want to close.


The cut neckline was too low to hide what she wanted to hide and the slit to the side of the robe showed off an ample amount of leg.


‘He’s beautiful,’ she could hear the voices of women behind him, they seemed excited.


Nyria put a hand to her heart, it felt like it could jump out any moment.


‘The most beautiful man I heard,’ another woman giggled and Nuria cast a look past her shoulder.


A blond and a redhead. Both with skin milky white, both were dazzling beautiful.


Earth Walker women, none here had ever seen the glories of the Nest. Not set eyes on the winged men.


Nyria remembered the tales. Tales of Earth women who were brought up to the Nest so that they'd wed to a winged male and reproduction could go fast and without hassle.


Was this what was going to happen? Were they going to be shown in front of the Prince?


Nyria tried to remove the uneasy feeling in her stomach.


There had been rumors. Rumors that had reached the Nest from down below, a hard feat indeed, that the Earth Walkers were keen on reproduction.


It was true that their number long exceeded the winged beings. This caused much unease.


They rounded a corner and shortly Nyria caught sight of herself.


Her hair was brown, the color of sleek mahogany. There were tints of golden blond in between, weaved into the brown locks. They were caused by flying so often. Especially in the Heat Seasons when the sun was so bright.


They waved only lightly and cascaded down her back, her hair was long and shiny, even now after a flimsy wash it looked neat.


Her face was carved to mesmerize, just like all the rest of her kin.


They roamed the sky and to entice and lure in those that walked on earth, they needed this genetic advantage.


Her eyes were dark blue and she intended to keep them that way.


Would the Prince execute her if he found out?


She rubbed her slightly tanned arms and looked back forwards, picking up information from the two chatting women behind her.


Upon their ankles were a set of anklets, just on their right one. Apparently once they were chosen the Prince would order someone to switch the golden band onto their left ankle and replace it with something red.


Chosen?


Nyria wrinkled her nose lightly, and her eyes turned a slightly lighter color, of nervosity.


They were shown into a beautiful room. It was luscious, never had she seen such extravagant beauty.


Women and men walked around in such scanty clothing she felt herself stare at her feet she shifted uncomfortably, unable to look at or admire the rest of the room without feeling shy.


Were Earth Walkers always so… Naked?


The maids pushed them into line and from her peripheral vision she could see them, her fellow women flaunting themselves.


A jab in her back made her straighten up and the maid from before hissed by her ear, ‘Look up and smile for Gods sake’.


For appearance sake Nyria felt her lips stretch into an uncomfortable smile, her mind whirred.


She was in the palace. This might be her luck. If there really is a treasure it must be here, at least, people of the palace must know about this treasure.


She'd get information. Or she'd steal the damned thing.


If they found her with wings she'd take off before they could get out their metal monsters and toy guns. Her wings were strong and she'd be able to fly back to the Nest without stopping for rest.


Blue eyes roamed the harem. There were beautiful curtains and tapestries, draping over smooth stone walls. People walked to and fro though most had stopped to stare at the ten girls that were lining the doorway.


Each one looked exquisite, there were no plain women and each showed their best attribute. Some had an ample cleavage, some long legs, there was beautiful glossy hair, beautiful faces. Nyria was the only one who half hid her face behind her hair, she did not know what this show was.


Were they to dance perhaps? To play a joke in front of the Royals?


She could feel eyes roaming the row of girls and hesitantly she looked up.


He looked like a winged one.


The symmetry of his face was handsomely shaped, his eyes were beautiful too.


He possessed the same shapely chin as Joseiah and Nyria felt her fingers touch her own.


Her face was small, she had but one dimple when she smiled and her chin came down to a elegant point.


She did not possess the kohl that women in the harem had drawn around their eyes but had thick lashes instead that created the illusion of the color around her blue eyes.


When the Prince’s eyes roamed over them again she was reminded of her choosing.


When she was but a child, their teachers chose them. Chose which child they'd take as a pupil, forever bound.


She remembered lining up like she now did, as their mentors surveyed them.


Their debating violet eyes sweeping over them like the last rays of sun in the Heat Season.


She remembered Maxem’s soft hands on her head, and his kind voice, ‘Nyria plumonim,’ it meant ‘Nyria shall be under my wing’.

 

[Syrrus]

Akir rose from his seat, causing the girls that had been sitting around him to sigh - saddened that he left their presence. They wanted him to stay, to share his knowledge about their history and his made up tales. They enjoyed his company immensely. Even though generals and high standing nobles of both sexes was allowed to use the harem when they felt like it, as long as they didn't use brutal force or harmed the women and men that lived in there, everyone still preferred the prince. He had always been kind.


If Akir had still been a boy, he would have run up to the new girls and treated them to hot energy and a great smile. As a child he never quite understood the meaning with the concubines and had spent his time there to try and make them laugh - even if his jokes were quite bad. His father had enjoyed is, laughed with him and ruffled his hair. The king used to wish that his son never had to change.


Now he stood there, hands on his straight back, head held high - with a genuine smile on his lips. Surely all hadn't changed but even Lakmon felt a stab at his heart. The prince was a innocent child no more, he was a man, forced to change because there simply was not enough time to let him grown into the heavy crown that his father had left for him. He had changed overnight too. The prince had never enjoyed the idea of war and had argued with his father to stop it before it went too far. His father had told him that the winged ones would never accept his no for an answer and the war was out of question. They wanted a treasure their people didn't posses. The war was for nothing.


Their blood had been for nothing.


Akir smiled at his guests, knowing exactly why Lakmon had gathered so many. The harem was the prince happy place, a place where the outside couldn't touch him. Were he could enjoy glad conversations, soft interactions and good food. It was a place he came to when he felt lonely.


Akir'iam had never been more lonely.


"Thank you, Lakmon, how kind. And how many of these beautiful ladies actually want to be here, I wonder?" The prince snickered. He had a laugh that sounded like flow of a river. It was gentle, strong and clear. He slowly walked forward, ignoring his friend - and now a day loyal servant - as he studied the women, tilting his head slightly. It wasn't until his eyes fell upon Nyria that he was taken back. He had never seen a woman with her facial features before, she looked a lot like his family instead of his people. That smile didn't suit her pretty face, though.


"You don't have to smile. I know the outside world believes you to be slaves once you step in here but I assure you..." He gestured around the room at they who had been there for a long time, been born there and recently joined them. They all looked happy enough, eating food no peasant could find even if he walked thousand miles through the desert. They were smiling, talking and laughing. As if this was their world. "We treat you nothing but well." He looked back at her, tilting his head slightly so he could look her in the eyes.


The prince then stepped away, turned and walked back to his cushion. His arms moving slowly as they hanged from his sides. "You are all welcome to stay, if you want to leave you'll have to follow Lekmon and he'll sort you out."


"But sir I-"


"I'm not going to keep them locked up like birds, Lakmon." The prince said as he sat down, looking at them with another smile. "You are all very welcome to stay. Please, be my guests." He gestured around the room. The already existing concubines who had their hands free walked up to them, swaying hips or swaying shoulders and took their hands as they lead them through their room. They would have someone who would take care of them, make sure they were healthy and safe. Until they had enough courage to live like they did.

 

[Ion]

The Prince spoke delicately, carefully, the voice so smooth it seemed like water flowing over smooth pebbles.


Nyria could see what he meant. None of them seemed unhappy. None of them seemed chained. But she wasn't scared of a cage it chains. She had lived long enough in the Nest to know it was a cage, high up in the tree, to protect them against malicious Earth Walkers from below.


She was afraid what he'd do if he found out she was not one of them.


At his words the women moved forward, their rush to join the beautiful harem so quickly that they pushed Nyria along and she fell onto luscious pillows at their haste.


A peek of her feather showed by the slit of her dress but she rectified herself quickly, hoping that none had seen her slip up.


She sat onto the soft pillow, it was a light blue, silver lined its sides and soon a plate of fruit was showed gracefully in front of her face.


The boy holding it smiled. He was tan, a dark mop of hair over green eyes, ‘Some snacks lady?’


‘Thank you,’ Nyria murmured, taking one hesitantly and looking at it.


It was the size of her palm, flat and orange. Watching her neighbors eat it without peeling she did the same.


Flavor exploded into her mouth.


In the Nest the winged ones ate fruit from trees, berries and bread. Occasionally there was meat but only during festivals.


Long ago they had meat more often but now the hunters weren't allowed to go so near to the earth below and since they did not believe in hunting their fellow winged animals, meat was scarce.


It could be seen as something good since eating too much would only result in a strain on their wings when they flew.


There had been Blood berries in the Heat Season, ripe Golden Ryes in the Darkening Season and other fruits that came to life at different seasons.


If she closed her eyes now Nyria could remember.


Maxem smiled, the crow feet by his eyes deepened even further. Deepened like harsh folds in old parchment, ‘What are you doing wrong belinga?’


Belinga meant small one or my child in the ancient words and few still remembered the words of the Gods.


The five year old Nyria frowned and tried to untangle the Sky Net she was trying to weave.


Maxem had chose for her the color of white and now the strands caught in her small fingers and more knots were formed than necessary.


‘You must have patience belinga,’ Maxem whispered, old hands taking the threads from his pupil. In three soft tugs the knots were gone and loose strands were again.


‘I'll have to begin again,’ Nyria whined, kicking her little legs in the grass.


The tutor as his pupil had chosen a small round patch of grass. A sanctuary in a higher tier where the earth below looked like the size of ones pinky finger.


It was a good day. Warm with a few breezes and the birds were watching the young child learn.


In a few months time. Nyria would fly the vast sky without assistance for the first time. She'd fly with all the other Children and their Sky Nets would be tied together to create one big web.


They'd fly around with their net, to the top of the tree. As high as they could go and drape it, knot it, in the highest branch they could find.


It was important that their net was of good quality so it did not fall apart, it was also needed that their wings were strong enough so that they could pull the teammates up who weren't as good as flying.


How higher they could fly. How brighter and stronger they were.


‘Do not be impatient Nyr,’ Maxem whispered. His voice always so soft, never harsh, never louder than a breeze.


Her tutor handed her the net once more and Nyria took it. Her small fingers working with threads that glowed silver in the light.


‘Is it good?’ it was the boy who asked this question. The woman seemed to have zoned out after eating one, lost in memories. Was it because she'd never ate something as good as this?


‘Yes,’ Nyria said, shaking herself from the strand of memory, ‘Thank you, it's delicious’.


Happy with this praise, the boy left.


Blue eyes observed her environment. Women draped over the prince like life sized accessories and Nyria felt herself frown.


It was unseemly to have so much women around you. It was different.


The Earth Walkers didn't seem to honor tradition as much as her kin did.


Nyria tried to cover up her legs and chest more but was interrupted by a soft laugh.


The woman beside her was black haired. Exotic yellow brown eyes looked at her, her lips painted red. She was laying on a lush pillow, her long legs draped over the furnished floor with grace.


The red ribbon around her left ankle was clear enough. She was “chosen” whatever that meant.


‘What are to trying to do silly girl?’ she laughed, a beautiful sound though slightly nasal.


Nyria didn't answer but continued to pull at her scant clothing.


‘You're not going to be chosen that way you know,’ the woman continued.


Nyria huffed as the material refused to give and her curiosity gave in, ‘What do you mean?’


The woman laughed again, she clutched her stomach, turning away before saying, ‘You have humor for a concubine. You'll need it’.


A concubine.


She'd heard of the word. Long ago. When they had Earth Walker History.


Her mind blanked.


‘You mean to tell me one man has so many women?’ the fourteen year old murmured, her surprised yellow blue eyes staring at the parchment.


Maxem stayed silent but old fingers pushed the parchment open more. The painting showed a man, he was sitting on a beautiful lounge.


There were nine children, one was on his laps and the others kneeled.


Fifteen other women stood by him, with smiles that seemed so coy and with clothes so beautiful they seemed to be made of gold.


‘There are kings who have more,’ Maxem said, chuckling as he saw Nyria’s eyes open even wider, ‘It is common in Earth Walker lore’.


The women suddenly made sense. And so did the scant clothing. This was a mistake.


Oh Gods no.

 

[Syrrus]

The prince leaned back on his arms, his eyes was still stuck upon Nyria's frame. She looked like she had joined a nightmare, yet she remained in the harem, why exactly? He wondered if it had something to do with her being sold by her family, that happened rather frequently. He never even considered that she was a spy, that seemed rather farfetched - no matter the war. He was snapped back to reality when a lady of the harem placed her arms around his neck. She had flowing raven hair, a skinny waist and impressive proportions, but the way she embraced him was not one of a lover or a smitten girl, but of a mother.


"Akir! My sweetie, why do you look so glom, hmh? Isn't my girls taking good care of you?"


Except touching him like a mother would, she spoke like a well experienced concubine, in truth that was exactly what she was. She didn't look it but she was close to her fifties and had been a favorite of his father. She was also the harem's mother, in a way.


"Good evening, Sabreen. You know me, up too late and sleep too long." He chuckled heartily and it caused the girls around him to blush. They all seemed to avoid the topic, no one wanted to mention even though all knew that the King and Queen had died. Sabreen simply smiled at the prince and kissed his cheek. "I'm right here if you need me honey." She then moved away, to address some of the newer girl on how to behave and act around the prince.


Some girl, sitting not too far from Nyria had started to whisper, talking gossip and trying their hardest not to be noticed by either Lakmon or Sabreen. "You might get lucky with the prince, if you're careful. He's taken to sleep in the harem after the accident!" One girl said causing the other to gasp. "What accident? I haven't heard! Is the prince alright?" The girl hit the other over the back of her head. "The King and Queen's death you wing-brain!" Rubbing her head the girl added: "Oh... I knew that."


Akir had indeed taken to sleep in the harem. That was the reason as to why there were a strange looking decoration at the back wall. Silk curtains decorated the surface in a perfect circle and if one would look closely a tower of books, a lantern and covers could be spotted behind them. The prince wanted to avoid the royal chamber at all costs. He had been removed from his own sleeping arrangement at the death of his parents and been thrown headfirst into his parents bed. The scent of his mother's perfume and his father's musk had caused him so much pain he had almost jumped from the top of the tower - if Lakmon hadn't stopped him. He had been placed in the harem for that reason, so someone could keep an eye on him at all costs, also because the atmosphere caused him to calm down, a lot.


Akir yawned and as he yawned most people in the room ran up to him, as if checking if he was alright. Did he need more wine? More food? Sweets? Another company? He simply snickered and waved a hand dismissively. "Come now people! I'm not worth -that- much, calm yourself and let me yawn in peace." They laughed, finding him adorably humble. He just found himself tired. It was nice to be around people, to hear their conversations and bask in their attention - it caused himself to think about happier thoughts. At night that sort of thing didn't come easy and he almost never slept. No one dared to approach him at night though, no matter if they could hear him sob or curse or shout into his pillow.


It was his business and his alone.

 

[Ion]

Nyria was having a hard time with her wings. Not only did they feel absolutely cramped because of the robe, there was no way she could hold them tucked in for so long.


Imagine balling your fist at the tightest the entire time, that was what it felt like.


Soon she felt tired.


She could always let it slip just a bit, people seemed to be so busy with loving on the Prince that they wouldn't notice even a little feather slip. But the black haired woman next to her held her gaze on her, obviously a bit intrigued by the weird little thing that did not seem vey for the Prince's attention like all the rest.


'Excuse me,' Nyria whispered, leaning towards the woman and she smiled, coyly, 'do you think I can go out and take a breather?' The woman gestured one thin arm towards the front doors and Nyria cringed, 'Is there no ... subtler way to go out?'


The woman laughed, something high-pitched and slightly bitter, 'I'm afraid not my dear, you'll have to waltz out like a proper queen. As the Prince said, you are free to leave whenever you want to'.


Ignoring the strange young woman further the lady continued to talk to the other concubines of more matters that interested her. Although she did keep a rather keen eye on the newbie next to her.


Nyria stayed debating. There were a lot of intervals at which she wanted to stand up and go but there always seemed to be someone looking at her. Glancing at her, and she didn't feel safe to just waltz out suddenly. They would talk. Talk led to investigation. And investigation... could lead to her death.


The women seemed to be concerned about everything the Prince did. His every sigh, his every laugh, even his yawns. She couldn't help but wonder why. Was he a frail man?


Taking her chance when they seemed concerned about the Prince yawning, Nyria arose as subtle as she could and moved her way through the bodies that lay so gorgeously draped throughout the harem. Her bare feet touched onto rich lush carpet as she made her way out, tucking her wings so close to her back she felt sweat could drip from her forehead any moment. Some watched her with questions in their eyes, it was good to be in the harem, this little cloud of oblivion, why would anyone want to leave it?


Nyria really did want to.


She slipped out of the double doors without sparing a glance back at the Prince and his group of loving ladies.


The sun was still out but now it was less blistering than before and Nyria ran through the palace halls, not knowing where to go. The corridors were endless but there seemed to be no permanent walls, for everywhere between corridors were spacious rectangular ponds with reeds. Palace maids did the laundry and bigger ponds even help little tents held up by wooden platforms.


She sifted through the palace until her eye caught the tops of what would be a forest.


Nyria made her way there as quick as she could, her bare feet making near to no sound as she reached a large brown house. Behind it would be where she wanted to go.


The whiff of animals made her stop.


'What is a maiden of the palace doing here?' said a voice and Nyria turned to see the boy from before. The one who had offered her fruit. He seemed to recognise her too and bowed quickly, near apologetically, 'Excuse me, I did not know it to be a potential concubine'.


Nyria smiled gently, 'It's alright,' with a graceful finger she pointed at the woods beyond the house, 'I want to go to the forest'.


The boy frowned before shaking his head, only now did Nyria note the laundry basket in his hand, 'That's prohibited. The stables,' he jerked his chin towards the brown house, 'form the limit of your explorations I'm afraid. The forest is too dangerous for maiden like you'.


'Dangerous? But it's still light,' Nyria frowned, her gaze turned to the sun and she had to struggle to keep the blue of her eyes before they turned a confused violet.


The boy shrugged before walking off, 'It's still off limits. Day or night'.


Nyria watched him disappear in the distance, checking there was no one around she quickly got behind the wooden door. She checked again, her eyes darting over the ''in limit'' palace grounds before running towards the forest.


Grass on earth felt different between her toes but a smile lit up her face as she sifted through the trees like a forest nymph. She'd have to find a clearing where she would be safe.


Her feet left soft dents in the long grass and soon Nyria found it.


It seemed to have been used years ago. There was a wooden archway and a stone bench that overlooked what seemed to be a pond. Wild flowers and reeds grew from it but it was clean. Nyria watched the water move with beautiful fish and she smiled. Yes, this would do.


Shedding her white dress she stretched, her wings did so too, fluttering out before she tried stepping into the water.


Wrapping her wings around her naked body she stepped in, letting her feathers trail over the surface before going under water entirely and shooting up.


Her laughter reached the midday sun and water drops flew from her wings like a meteor shower.


'Do not fly so high!' Maxem shouted sternly as Nyria, at thirteen, did a small loop in the sky. She plummeted and swooped up before climbing up even higher.


Her mentor maintained a steady height in the sky as he watched his pupil dive around like a newborn.


Nyria let out another 'whoop' as she let herself free fall before her wings set out and pulled her back up, 'It's ok Maxem, I won't fall'.


Her teacher frowned, 'We shall all fall one day belinga'.


Nyria laughed again at her teacher's weird teachings and continued her playing until it was night.

 

[Syrrus]

Akir had to do something, he could spend his entire life inside the castle walls and avoid the crowning but that wouldn't have been what his family wanted from him. His father would turn in his grave with disappointment and his mother... well. He excused himself from the servants and concubines that always kept a close eye on him and left the harem, just after Nyria. He watched the strange girl run through the castle halls, tilting his head. Where was she going? Curiosity gripped his heart but he decided to act against his childish impulse and instead went into his old sleeping chamber where he found what he had been looking for, hidden away in a locked chest.


The key always hung around his neck, silver and cold to the touch. Unlocking the chest and pushing the lid opened revealed a blue cape and beneath that; golden armor. He smiled slightly as he pulled it up to take a closer look. He had worn it from time to time. When he wished to escape the castle and the dreary existence of being burden with glorious purpose. The armor of the Gods. It fitted perfectly and he pulled the mask up over his lips and nose as he watched himself in the mirror. The hood hiding his hair and ears neatly. Not even his mother could recognize him now.


Of course, the armor came with weapons. Two beautiful and thin swords made out of desert sand and the old ways. Impossible to break and with the ability to cut though bone like butter. Four daggers, a bow and silver arrows. He looked like a solder, perhaps a scout, more than a prince now. He smirked behind his mask and leaped through the window to neatly land upon his feet in the gardens, just as Lakmon entered the room.


Before the servant could even peer out the open window the prince was gone, he had climbed the wall surrounding the golden castle and vanished into the forbidden woods.


The first thing the prince heard, but the wind through the trees and the birds singing from somewhere high above was a females laughter. It took him off guard. Who in their right mind would take a maiden to the forest? It wasn't the best place for untrained arms to be. He hurried further, the cape moving like blue waves behind him and he didn't stop until he spotted what he had been searching for and nearly fell off his feet.


It was a winged one. He hadn't seen a creature like her since he had snuck in to the secret meeting a few years ago. He blinked with confusion and failed to spot her face before hiding, quickly behind a thick tree. What would he do now?


They were enemies. He knew that he was meant to kill her kind, for they had killed his. The war was brewing worse than ever and he could feel hate grip his heart. They with wings and the gift of flight had killed his family. His powerful father and his gentle mother. He gripped his bow and without thinking another second about it, walk out from the shadows, aiming a perfectly fine arrow towards her. His golden skin was hidden behind shadows of the hood and his blue sapphire eyes was the only thing that broke through the darkness.


He watched her play around the water, fly upwards like streams from a fountain. He knew he wouldn't miss, given the chance he would kill her, easy as one arrow. Unless she flew away, of course. He then spotted her face and eyes grew wide.


How could it be...?


He recognized her. The shy little girl from earlier, the one that had joined him in his palace, eaten from his food and socialized with his concubines. Was she indeed what he had thought her to be? He frowned, heavily and even though he had lowered his bow for what only seemed like a split second he now held it steady once again, aiming at her heart. He held the string and the arrow tight, preparing to pierce her skin at any moment.

 

[Ion]

Nyria laughed, surely there could be no one that heard her here. She flew up high, then spun her wings out. Droplets flew everywhere, the small tornado was beautiful and she stretched.


The nakedness in the sunlight, so bright there was nothing to see.


Like she did as a child Nyria closed her wings around her body and let herself spin back into the water.


When she got up again, the sound of feet on grass alerted her and immediately she was gone.


One grab for the robe and she was up in the sky.


The sound of her fearful pants filling up the air.


'Keep going!' Joseiah shouted, he was under her, lazying covering the distance she was setting between them, 'You have to go high enough so they won't be able to reach you!'


Nyria watched the air before her come out in soft puffs of smoke. Her lungs were contracting and her stomach hurt. But she forced her wings to push her up further. They cut through the heavy air like trying to cut fat with a finger.


Her head hung due to the altitude as her wings drew her up even more.


'You're nearly there!'


Just as she was about to reach the last tier of clouds she saw it again.


Maxem smiled softly, his eyes such a light blue of tranquility as he fell, all the way down. Her fingers reached out but missed her old tutor as he fell, wings like flowing covers as he shot to the ground below.


Her wings folded at the memory and she dove back, her fingers reaching out to the last tier of clouds as she fell to the ground.





Hiding in the mists of the clouds, Nyria pulled on her dress. She hoped whoever had seen her wouldn't be able to chase her.


She growled in frustration as the dress couldn't close because of her wings so she draped them over her front side as she flew back towards the palace. She could see it now. The palace down below, it looked near small and she let herself plummet towards the pond she saw.


It was on the opposite side of the forest she had been to, no one would think she was it in the forest.


From her bird view she saw no one was near it and she let herself fall, creating ripples on the small pond surface when her wings opened at the very last second.


Letting herself come onto the sidewalk she pulled her dress back down and with hurrying bare feet ran back to the harem.


The Prince wasn't in the harem and Nyria tried to calm her breathing as she sunk to the pillow she had sat on previously.


'Don't you look flustered,' the black haired woman teased as she eyed the newbie.


Her cheeks were rosy now and her brown hair seemed to be rather tangled. The woman laughed softly, 'Don't tell me you've been playing with one of the guards?'


'What- No,' Nyria shook her head as she tried to pat down her hair and yank her dress back into place.


The woman looked away to continue her conversation but everyone had seen her hasty entrance.


Nyria hid her face behind her hair, way to be subtle.

 

[Syrrus]

The prince watched the girl fly off and instantly, as if thrown out of a trance tossed the bow and the arrow to the ground. What was he doing?! He couldn't kill anyone! He felt awfully bad, almost sad for what he had been trying to do. Perhaps he was feeling even worse than he already had thought. Akir sighed heavily and fell down to his knees, glancing at the grass in front of him. He was an adult, the lost of his parents shouldn't have hit him so hard. Why did it feel as if someone had ripped out his heart and stomped on it?


'They are looking for something we don't posses' The king had said, when Akir, his son and pride had asked him. 'What exactly is that, father?'. The king shook his head. He clearly had no idea what it possibly could be that the winged ones wanted. He knew what they thought it could do but that was hardly enough to figure out what or where this item could be found. 'I believe they took my answer as an insult. We are going to war.' He had placed his hand on his sons shoulder and given him a smile. 'Don't you worry Akir, it'll be over shortly. We have the wisdom of the gods on our side.'


'I'll be home before you know it.'


Akir walked through the woods, touching the barks of the trees as he past then with his hand. He had picked up his bow and decided to walk back to the castle. If she was back before he was she might be causing trouble, he had to make sure she didn't do anything that could hurt his people or his servants. He didn't trust her out of principle but that didn't mean he was going to be rude to her. He was going to treat her the exact same as he had before. She didn't know it had been the prince himself who had seen her, he had the advantage now - in a way anyway.


He climbed over the wall, wishing that he had more experience moving around in the outside world. He could fight alright, he had practiced fencing and archery since he was a little boy. That wasn't enough to survive outside of the palace though.


Akir climbed back up the wall off the palace an opened the now closed window and rolled inside. It didn't take him long at all to remove his armor, make himself look presentable and hurry down stairs. Before anyone had even noticed him gone, he opened the door to the harem and smiled happily at they who greeted him.

 

[Ion]

Nyria nearly jumped when she saw the Prince come back. She quickly rubbed her bare arms, she couldn't be so jumpy. Subtlety was the key.


She reclined as much as she could, smiling at the concubines that chattered around her and pretending she was part of the conversation.


Her mind, however, whirred.


‘This is your first Ceremony Nyria,’ Maxem smiled, patting down the thirteen year old’s braided hairdo.


‘I'll behave Maxem,’ Nyria smiled, watching her teacher in his celestial white robes. It fit with his white hair and mild blue eyes.


The Ceremony was a marriage between two winged beings. They'd be bound forever, strong because of their bond yet it was also their weakness. If one died. The other would too.


They entered the Cloudian Church with other beings and took place on the accessorized benches.


Nyria had watched the two beings hold hands. Watched them exchange their life energy, blood flowing into each other's veins and then offering each other a feather of their own.


From their torn feathers blood trickled and when it was done they made their First Flight.


‘Tradition is beautiful belinga,’ Maxem had said, hands on her shoulder.


She remembered his gentleness, the warmth of his hand and those kind eyes that turned suddenly hard as the couple flew through the sunset sky.


‘Tradition is also our doom’


‘Listen, if you’re not going to do anything just get out,’ the voice of the black haired woman made Nyria snap back to reality.


‘Excuse me?’


The beautiful lady snorted, something that did not fit her beautiful appearance. She leaned in close and Nyria sucked in her breath.


The woman had dark eyelashes, so dark that when accentuated with kohl became hypnotizing. Her eyes were hazel and her lips were ruby red.


Her face didn't have any flaws. No scars or any minor disfigurements.


‘What's your name anyway?’


‘My name is Nyria,’ Nyria answered, a slight frown on her darker eyebrows as she watched the self confident woman.


‘I'm Ellix,’ she grinned, flipping her hair over one shoulder, exposing her bare neck and shoulder, ‘Like I was saying, you don't seem cut out for this. At all,’ she lifted a brow.


‘Cut out for being a concubine you mean,’ Nyria whispered, glancing over at Aki'riam, ‘Youre right’.


Ellix laughed, a high peal that made heads swivel towards them, ‘You are no prisoner but if I were you,’ the woman smiled, winking once as she looked towards the Prince, ‘Men love charm. You'll get everything you want if you wrap them right around your little finger’.


Ellix laughed again as she leaned back into her soft cushions and gestured at her pinky, ‘Everything Nyria,’ she wriggled it, ‘Jewels and clothes, beautiful furniture…’


Ellix continued on her little list of laviscous things but Nyria was already thinking of something else.


Could she get the Prince to tell her about the treasure?


Biting her lip her eyes slid over to Aki'riam. It'd take everything Lanora taught her.


‘I am not your friend or your mother. I am your teacher,’ Lanora put her hands on her back, ‘Maxem here has kindly requested my help regarding your… more feminine teachings’.


Nyria was fifteen when she first met Lanora. She wasn't an Elder like Maxem but a woman that taught all brides to be how to act.


Traits all women should possess when they come to age.


‘First, posture,’ Lanora clapped her hands and Maxem smiled.

 

[Syrrus]

Akir sat back down on his usual spot, the red silken pillow between two young ladies and with a large bowl of fruit in front of him. He couldn't say that he was hungry, in all honesty the only thing he felt was how exhausted he was. The fact that he had been running out, hoping to hunt some wild animals in the forest and instead spying one of his new girls with feather wings wasn't the only thing causing this but he blamed it the most. It was lucky that he was so good at faking happiness though, the way he beamed and leaned close to one of his favorites. She was a young girl with hair which reminded him of a ruby river. She had big naive looking eyes and light freckles covering her rosy cheek and tiny nose.


Truth be told, she was more Lakmon's favorite that the prince's but that didn't mean that Akir enjoyed her company any less. He smiled at her as she leaned closer herself to whisper something in his ear. brushing raven locks aside and hiding it behind his pointed ear, her fingertips touched the skin so very lightly and it almost caused him to shiver.


What she whispered caused him to chuckle and he peered back at her with a raised eyebrow. She smiled, causing her cheeks to get a slightly bit rounder, pulling up her shoulder just a tiny bit. She was adorable, like a sister he had never had and he couldn't help put love her company dearly. He stroke red hair out of her face and tried his hardest to look her in the eyes but she was looking elsewhere now.


By the wall stood Lakmon, taking care of his writings and scribbling down tiny notes like he always did, always and always. He was quite predictable and it surprised the prince that a girl like Leyla would be interested in someone so simple, but here she was; looking the servants way with a quite somber look. They never quite had enough time to talk. She had all the time in the world but the loyal servant, the assistant of the future king had hardly any - even when Akir gave him time off.


"I can ask him again, you know?" The prince said, looking back at the young girl who instantly shook her head and began to braid her beautiful hair, it was so long when not tied up with silver decoration that it bathed the floor around her like petals from a rose. "I rather you wouldn't, my prince. He is a busy man and I enjoy your company more than anyone, I dare say." She smiled at Akir and the young man smiled back, slightly. She was lying, he could see it in her eyes - but he didn't blame her, not one bit.


Akir took a string of grapes from the bowl and started to slowly play with of them, out of boredom. Rolling it between his fingers. Memories was building up in his head, on how he used to use grapes as ammo for his slingshot as a child. They weren't hard enough to do damage, or even bruise but they would break upon impact and splash juice all over who or what ever got struck. He smiled as he watched the purple fruit. He felt hot air against his ear again and received another whisper from Leyla. Smirking he glanced at her before flicking the grape with one movement of finger and thumb, hitting Lakmon straight on the forehead, causing the man to slam himself backwards against the wall in shock and stare in confusion towards the prince after making a small distressed noise, something that suited a mouse more than a man causing Akir and Leyla to burst out laughing.

 

[Ion]

As evening fell, the concubines were led out by guards and servants. Most retired to their own rooms, rumour was that the Prince might call upon one of them before the morning graced them.


Ellix walked beside Nyria as they made their way down the corridor, flanked by two female servants who held candles cupped behind their smooth hands.


'Does he call upon concubines often Ellix?' Nyria questioned, picking up her dress as they descended a couple of stairs.


Ellix grinned, 'Suddenly interested Nyria?' when her companion stayed silent Ellix laughed, 'He calls upon them ever so often... but apparently he never really lets them stay the night'.


Nyria frowned as they stopped, apparently they'd reached the black haired woman's room, 'What does that mean?'


Ellix made a small hand movement in the air and the two servants turned, taking a few steps away to be out of hearing range, 'Haven't you heard of his parents deaths? Rumour is that the Prince cries and screams himself to sleep every night,' lifting her eyebrows Ellix smiled again as Nyria's face turned sympathetic, 'Don't worry love, we're concubines... not his mother. To me,' the two soft words had the servants coming back, 'Show Nyria to her room will you?'


Nyria followed the servant Ellix had lended her for the night. Apparently new concubines could handpick their future servants later.


In her head she pondered over what she had just heard. The King and Queen of the Earth Walkers had indeed been killed by her kin. Although it had been out of order, the Elders had never voted in favour for sudden assassination. But the winged people had their own thoughts about those that did not help them. At the time it was not for treasure, but for revenge.


When they had asked for the Royal's help, they had been ignored. Soldiers had advanced upon the first few branches of the Nest and had murdered the Children who had been on their outing to visit the Gate.


The Earth Walkers had timed it well. It had been the only time of the year when the Children were allowed anywhere near to the Earth below. The Elders thought it to be part of their education to know that there was another world outside of the Nest.


The Earth Walkers were murderers, slitting Children and Nyria had lost Maxem.


As the servant showed her into the new room, she smiled and thanked her before dismissing further assistance.


Closing the door behind her, Nyria closed her eyes and relived that painful day.


'Liunim,' Maxem repeated himself, one finger pointed at the parchment before them.


They were learning the tongues of Old and to be quite frank, Nyria was horrible at them.


'Liyunim,' the sixteen year old Nyria tried again but Maxem shook his head.


It was at that moment that an eighteen year old Joseiah had appeared, 'The Earth Walkers! They've opened the Gates!'


Maxem had flown away, told Joseiah to keep an eye on Nyria then dove down.


Nyria ignored the eighteen year old and dove after her tutor.


The sight was horrible, it was terrifying.


As Children tried to fly away in a hurry, their small wings flapping, Earth Walkers pulled them back roughly by their small feet, dangled them upside down, choked them, hit them, killed them.


Maxem was throwing Earth Walkers off the tree, he did not believe in violence and though the men would have bruises, they would not die when they hit the ground.


Nyria had watched as her tutor had gotten shot in mid-air, multiple arrows through both his wings when he flew upwards to save a Child.


Joseiah had caught the little boy but Maxem had fell backwards.


She had lost her tutor, her best friend.


She could not forgive the Earth Walkers for what they'd done.


Letting her eyes roam over the room she smiled near grimly.


It was a rectangular room with a dark cloet to her right, polished till it shone.


A double sized bed with silken curtains and carpets that were soft to touch.


A small vanity table was set up with mirrors, already set scents and other trinklets to make her more presentable as a concubine.


Nyria forced herself to the bed, and letting her dress fall she spread her wings.


Stretching them out in happy bliss before she crawled into the bed.


The sheets felt smooth against her skin but it was still cold. Rubbing her feet beneath them she stared out with her head on the pillow and wondered how she'd ever manage to coax the truth about the treasure out of such a broken man.


'You have to feel it,' Lanora said, setting Nyria's hands over her heart, 'Feel it beat'.


They were dancing in the small garden, Maxem had gone, leaving the ladies to their more feminine practices.


Lanora was trying to teach the young woman something called the Feverin, a dance that was acted out when one accepted the courtship of another winged being.


A female dance.


'Dance to your heaertbeat,' Lanora ordered.


She had opted to be the male companion since Nyria needed a lot of leading. They had been at it for hours and Nyria had changed her heavy clothes for a sheer white dress that was easier to move in.


'The dance will increase,' Lanora explained as they came chest to chest again, 'when the maiden's heart beasts faster. Same applies to the male,' it will proceed to a whir so fast you'll ascend into air once you both have affinity for each other'.


'It will be faster because my heart will beat faster?' Nyria panted as she was concentrating on the intricate footwork that came with the dance.


'Correct,' Lanora hardly ever cracked a smile but the woman gave Nyria a hint of it now as she increased the pace, 'Come now. Pretend I am your future half'.

 

[Syrrus]

The prince patted Leyla on the shoulder as everyone picked up and left. He himself decided it was for the best to give it all some thought. He couldn't quite shake what he had seen out in the woods. To imagine that a winged one had managed to sneak into his very home - after the death of his parents none the less. He almost wanted to call down the captain of the guards and ask him search through every concubines room, without showing suspicion, to seek out of there was more than her. Where they there to kill him off too? That would surely win them the war. Though, he couldn't quite understand why they wanted to win the war in the first place. There was nothing to win. Nothing to gain. Nothing at all.


After everyone had left and he was alone in the great room the prince started to crawl on all four towards his sleeping spot. He didn't need to make himself seem strong nor tall, nor even like a royal. Not when he was alone. He removed the curtain hanging around his sleeping arrangement and pulled it closed once more once he was inside. He watched the towers of book surrounding his mattress that covered the floor. Frowning.


"Lakmon! Bring me a list of the new concubines! I want to talk to one of them!" He shouted, loudly throughout the whole castle.


A few minutes later the favorite servant of the prince knocked upon Nyria's door and waited patiently but not quietly. He had been running back and forth with such haste that he had even forgotten poor Leyla who was silently waiting in his personal bedchambers - watching the dust bunnies with somber eyes.


"The prince has requested your services down at the harem. I wouldn't be quick if I were you! Don't want to keep the future King waiting." Lakmon stepped aside, one arm behind his back and waited for a response, a single pearl of sweat ran down his brow. He was always stressed, with heavy heart beats and a quick stride. The prince meant the world to him. He was like a son and a brother to the man. If the prince wasn't happy he would punish himself for the somber look in the future king's eyes. He hoped, from the bottom of his heart, curse the gods, that the girl was going to humor the man.


Meanwhile, Akir was waiting within the harem, sitting by some candles with a book of history in his lap. He had to act and look as if he had no clue who the girl was, and truth be told he actually had no clue. She had wings but that didn't necessarily mean that he knew her. Perhaps she was just a captive? Or just a pretty little girl who wanted to avoid the war? He could only hope.

 

[Ion]

Nyria awoke from a tumultuous dream when the loud hammering on her door became apparent.


Waking up with a start and rubbing her sleepy eyes, she seemed to make out Lakmon's voice from the other side of the door.


The sarcasm only had her heart beating faster.


'I'm coming! Give me a moment!'


There was nothing much she could wear, the dress of white that she had cast away that evening was on the floor and she picked it up with sleep filled fingers, the cold material gliding through them as she yanked it on. Patting down the creases that had resulted from her rather careless handling she opened the door.


The woman that stood in the doorway didn't seem like she had just awoken, only the few out-jutting strands of hair indicated that she had been in bed.


Nyria's face was glowing, rose at the cheeks because of the sudden call in the evening, otherwise her skin glowed naturally. Cascades of brown hair waved down her face, framing it like a painting or a sculpture.


'What does the Prince wish of me?'


The young woman hurried after Lakmon as they retraced the steps she had made with Ellix hours ago. Back up the corridors they went, back up the line of tapestries though now the crescent moon was seen in the sky and the stars were blotted out over the dark sky. There were still servants that walked around, attending to the more needy concubines as they were requested to service them all day and all night but there were considerably less compared to the hustle at daylight.


Nyria tugged down the dress as they walked along, trying to tame her mane of waved hair.


She didn't know what the Prince expected of her. Surely, he hadn't seen through her. She hadn't shown anyone her wings and she had made pretty sure the bathe in the forest had been a secret.


In Nyria's mind she had already decided that the sound she had heard in the forest was merely an animal or even a bird. If it was an Earth Walker, she'd have been shot down. If they saw her face... well that wouldn't have been possible right?


Her uneasy heart did not help her worries, in fact, it sped up and she felt like running.


But where would she go?


It would only be more suspicious if she suddenly took off right this instant, into the sky. And Lakmon could just summon their archers and they'd follow her back to the Nest... and then she'd have failed her father and the Elders.


No, she had to play this game.


'What did I tell you about posture?' Lanora snapped, the woman put her hands on her hips and was just about to imply further mistakes on her students' part when a polite knock on the door surprised them both.


Joseiah's face peeked through and the tutor gave a polite bow, 'Sir Joseiah'.


The soldier held up a hand and smiled, 'It is quite already Lanora, no need for the politeness. I'd like to have a little word with Nyria... if possible'.


The woman spared her pupil a glance before nodding rather curtly, 'Of course,' and with a few brisk steps they were left alone.


'Nyria, how have you been lately?' the General seemed rather nervous now, his helmet of gold tucked under his right arm as he stood there, at the doorway like a boy that was asking a girl for a dance.


Nyria straightened up, aware of her red cheeks and her messy hair. Lanora and her had been practicing the Feverin as if their lives depended on it, 'I am quite well... Joseiah,' she smiled as he did, knowing it pleased him when she abandoned all the common etiquette, 'How have you been?'


The General nodded curtly, 'Quite well myself'.


'Congratulations on being promoted,' Nyria brushed the creases from her dress before gesturing to the golden helmet under his arm. The sygil of the Nest at the crown showed his General status, 'I see you've already been informed of the good news'.


'Just now actually,' Joseiah chuckled, holding out the helmet as if to examine it further, 'It's quite a pretty thing'.


'Indeed'





Lakmon had left her at the harem, rapped his knuckles on the door a few times before opening it.


When Nyria had moved inside, the Prince's secretary closed the door and echoing footsteps told her he had gone.


The harem looked different when it had been emptied.


Only the Prince was there now, deserted by all his subjects that required sleep. The only light that illuminated his fine features were the candles by his side and by the looks of it, he seemed to be reading.


A book, how curious.


Nyria nearly smiled.


There were only parchments and scrolls up in the Nest, tradition was like tradition came, no books, just parchments and scrolls. If you asked her, she preferred books.


'Sire, you enquired for me,' she stepped forward, further towards the light and delivered a curtsey that would've made Lanora proud, 'Nyria, at your service'.


'I've come to talk to you about the protection Nyria,' Joseiah whispered, the words were so light but they were carried over through air and Nyria felt herself colour further, 'You must've heard of it from your father'.


'I have indeed,' the fifteen year old murmured, 'I've heard what it entails'.


Joseiah gave a polite bow, 'I shall guard you with my life'.


Nyria returned the etiquette but smiled, 'I hardly believe that'll be necessary'.





She was wrong.

 

[Syrrus]

Akir smiled at her when she entered the room. He didn't looked much different from before, he was well prepared to seem as naive and cheerful as needed be. He couldn't help but feel his left eye twitch when he looked at her, quickly moving his hand up and rubbing his eye gently while stifling a yawn. "I'm sorry to get you out of bed at this time at night." He said, even though he knew very well that Lakmon and other servants would be quite insulted that their prince excused himself in the presence of a concubine, or anyone else for that matter.


He closed the book and placed his palm on top of the cover, ;leaning back over his other arm. "I simply am in the need of some good company, that isn't just deciding to use their time to sit in my lap and hope for a seat at the royal throne." He smiled cheekily at her and put the book on the floor next to him, crossing one leg over the other. "Do you mind?"


He gestured towards a pillow not far from himself, close enough for him to study her face in the dim light of the candle. He didn't trust her but he didn't show her any distrust either. She had done nothing personally to be rewarded with despise and hate so he would try his best not to show any of the likes to her. "Where you from?" He asked, tilting his head and smiling a pearly white smile towards her. She looked out of place, perhaps even felt a bit uncomfortable. If it was because she was in the company of the prince, home sick or simply nervous were hard to tell.


Akir had been thought at an early age that most people - not that he ever understood why - felt terribly strange in his company. He had never been lucky enough to have any friends of his own age for they had always found playing with the prince of the land awkward and strange. Never mind that all the children had been the kids of the servants and never the people of the city below the palace. Akir had never been outside of the castle walls - without a disuse of course. It had been his mother who had given him a hood, cape and leather clothing that would protect him from the heat as well as hide his identity. With the costume on he suddenly became a different person. He could socialize with the people of his country without having to worry about them feeling watcher or that he would hang them if they said something he wouldn't agree with.


It was a bit saddening for the prince loved his people and he loved to socialize. Even if he had lost himself to depression his habit of wanting to make people smile and laugh still echoed though his soul. It was simply sad that he had no way to convey it anymore, he simply fell that a smile could give a smile but when a troubled smile attempted to give a smile nothing would happen and the conversation would die out.

 

[Ion]

The Prince seemed tired, he even apologised for waking her up but in her mind Nyria doubted the sincerity. He hadn't spared her so much as a glance throughout the harlem today except for in the beginning where he offered her to leave. What could have changed his mind? What made him suddenly acquire her company? In no position to decline Nyria nodded politely and sat her down as properly as possible on the pillow he had gestured to. She was surprised at his sudden burst of honesty, she hadn't though he'd be the person to see through the shallowness of concubines so easily. In the harlem she had seen him more as a sincere genuine man, who seemed pretty content in living in the dream that all his concubines were there because they loved him. It seemed that wasn't the case.


'I'm from Genuia,' Nyria answered, it was the village she had entered when she left the Nest. She had expected to sort out her mind in that village, even secured a place in a local inn. Her initial plan was to travel to the capital over time and learn more about the Royal family before attempting to spy. Instead, Genuia had been ''conveniently'' plundered when she was sleeping in the inn and she had been dragged out rather unceremoniously and hauled onto a caravan. The soldiers hadn't said much to them, and the rest of the concubines seemed or extremely excited or extremely scared about their future prospects. Nyria had sat on that caravan and waited, as the wooden thing creaked and swung them from right to left, to see the capital with her own hands. Where those that dictated their downfall lived so comfortably in their palaces.


Her eyes moved up to the man that seemed to be the centre of attention and despite everything she felt herself smile just a little. Compared to the winged ones, the people of the land were considerably less charming looking. But the Prince seemed entirely handsome, with just a little lie to herself, Nyria could even kid herself into believing he was one of her kind. That he would understand if she explained their situation to him, that he'd help them. But that was a bet she couldn't afford to risk. One wrong word and he could have her wings ripped off and hung from the great walls like an example. Soothing her heart Nyria smiled, 'You seem to have beautiful concubines Sire, they adore you'. Her mind flitted to Ellix and her words about the Prince and his nightmares.


She had been sent here to retrieve something from him too. She wasn't much alike the other concubines that surrounded him like flies sticking to honey. They wanted the throne, she wanted the secret. How could she even suggest it without sounding suspicious? Chewing on her lip, Nyria watched him, if she had more time she could've thought of something but now it seemed like her mind was blank. Rubbing her bared ankle, she shifted lightly, and her feathers ruffled. Nyria cleared her throat to mask the sound, it was so hard trying to hide who she was. But there really was no other way to get into the palace without being shut down at the Capital walls like some kind of a freakshow.

 

[Syrrus]

Akir gently placed the palm of his hand over the cover of the heavy tome. His eyes was lingering on the leather that bound the old and dusty pages for far longer than he intended. His blue eyes shivering in the bright light from the candle next to him. The prince moved his gaze to study the girl in front of him, watching her with a new bright mind; attempting his hardest not to think of her as a murderer or a traitor. She was perhaps not a 'Earth Walker' but that did not necessarily make her evil. He had to sit in silence, study the bright light that danced over her features, casting strong and heavy shadows to contrast it. There was nothing he could do but to watch her and listen to what she said for he didn't trust his own judgment.


The girl answered his question without hesitation, like one would with the truth. It was funny that he saw no interest in her words, he didn't actually care about her lies and attempts to cover up who she was. He had to smile though, chuckling to himself; she was convincing. To think that if he hadn't accidently spotted her earlier that day he would have been none the wiser and perhaps even had a knife in his back - much like his beloved parents.


The girl then complimented his loyal subjects, his treasures and his gems. He averted his gaze, they fell once again upon the book in his lap and he stroke long fingers over the leather, touching it all so gently. Letting the fabric tickle his skin. "That is all too kind of you to mention, though I must admit that even if I care for them immensely; like one would to family, I fail to trust them like I once did." He could name them all. Feel the strings of his heart being pulled with each image that danced before his very eyes. There innocent faces, sneaky attitude and charming way. It wasn't love, of course, he had never felt love, but that didn't mean him to be uncaring of them. "I trust them with my life, it's quite funny actually." He laughed, realizing how he already contradicted his own words. "I just don't trust them with my emotions." He smiled at her, one of his fangs resting against his lip, denting it gently.


"But I have never seen a woman quite as beautiful as yourself." He flattered, true as his comment was it still felt bitter sweet. He wanted to look the girl in the eyes, find all her secrets and trust her. He wanted to be able to enjoy her company, to whisper sweet things in her ear and perhaps - just perhaps - make her smile like never before.


Perhaps there was a way to find out after all?


"Awful thing, this war." He said, averting his gaze once more to stare into the dancing flame of the candle. Sighing heavily.