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| Taken; Sequel to "Lost" | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: April 21, 2013, 10:02 pm (4,931 Views) | |
| Ice | June 18, 2013, 9:18 pm Post #161 |
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Leader
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Narasu smiled, showing his blood-stained teeth, and rose, bringing down his head to nuzzle Shadow in the chest. "I have missed you, small one. Though not as horribly as Storm. How did you come here?" He lowered a wing for them to mount. Storm was following Shadow, then stopped his steps as he saw Lazura and Zakuro had vanished. A flicker of disappointment and hurt flickered in his eyes then NArasu spoke. "My child, Zakuro had other things to do. He said he will be a call away and he wished you the best with Crystal. Come, she will be worrying as is. Let us go to the castle." Storm relaxed his shoulders and smiled slightly, nodding. "Let's." He leapt up on Narasu and pulled Shadow up with him and Narasu took flight, gliding through the cool air evenly. It didn't take long before they landed at the castle and Storm slid off, beckoning for Shadow to follow. "She's going to be so happy to see you." He smiled and led them past the guards with reassurances of Shadow's safety with Crystal, then leading them up the room. Storm pointed to the door and bowed deeply, motioning for Shadow to go in. Charlie looked at her. "You want me to fetch you anything? You haven't eaten anything more than I have today." He looked at the door as he heard voices and he drew his sword. His voice lowered. "Please, hide, m'lady." Then, with his normal volume. "A nice roast? Why, of course, your Highness." Edited by Ice, June 18, 2013, 9:40 pm.
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| shadow | June 18, 2013, 10:56 pm Post #162 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal chuckled. "Put your blade away. It's just Storm Not everyone is out to ge..." Crystal stopped As Shadow pushed the door open and she saw him. Her eyes grew wide in surprise and before he could even cross the threshold into the room she had tackled him in an embrace. "Shadow!!! You didn't tell me you where coming back to soon! I've missed you!" She pulled away and dragged both him and Storm into the room. "Charlie, this is one of my closest friends, Shadow. We've known each other since childhood." She turned to Shadow and said, "So how have you been? I wasn't expecting to see you back. Did things go well with searching? Tell me all about it!" "Well," He started addressing both her and Storm, "we went back to Elemental and searched there. Of course I saw everyone. Clairy, Rufus, Jaden, Amber, Shourn, Rosepaw, Felis, and pretty much everyone else who ever lived." Crystal was happy to hear they were all doing well, especially since she would be inviting most of them to the wedding. "The leads came back here and Espira came on ahead. I stuck around and watched over things for a while, but ventured back here to look for you guys. I just kind of started here. I haven't heard from Espira in a while, but that's a real brief summary of it all. I hear things have been quite active for you though." "Well, basically, I was abducted along with Storm and forced against my will to be queen. It's not so bad now, though things are hectic around here. Mutiny, attacks, hate, all sorts of things." "I could tell by Storm's wounds," Shadow stated pointing to him with his thumb. "What? Again?" Crystal sighed and sat on the bed. "Well, I don't feel like torturing you every time some idiot has to harm you," she said, clearly more fed up with his constant state of pain and falling apart. |
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| Ice | June 18, 2013, 11:21 pm Post #163 |
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Leader
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Storm winced. She hated how she always blamed him for his wounds, but he never said anything. It wasn't as if he chose to get hurt. He hated pain. Instead, he walked over to her, passing by Shadow, sending him a glare that said it all. He went to her side and spoke with a small voice, trying to redeem himself. "Well... on the bright side... the army is fully under our control again.... For that feat, a few cuts and bruises don't seem so bad, right?..." His eyes searched hers, hoping for forgiveness. |
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| shadow | June 18, 2013, 11:39 pm Post #164 |
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Choir Boy
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Shadow shrugged, knowing Crystal would have found out eventually. He wanted it to at least be handled sooner than later. Crystal wanted to tell him to be careful, but she knew it wasn't his fault. Even she was dragged into things like that. Always having problems and fights. She sighed again and smiled at him, kissing his lips lightly. "As long as you handled things and all is well. I can't stop you, but you know what you're doing," She said. Charlie felt slightly awkward and remembered the dismissal from earlier. "Well, I think I'm going to take you up on that offer to get a bite. I believe you'll be safe with Storm." Shadow nodded at him and Shook his hand saying," It was nice to meet you Charlie. I hope to be seeing you around more." Edited by shadow, June 18, 2013, 11:47 pm.
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| Ice | June 18, 2013, 11:50 pm Post #165 |
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Leader
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Storm smiled and returned the kiss. "Not to, um, ruin the mood or anything or upset you too much while you work on...this" He indicated himself. "But, a little bird told me that we should be expecting an invasion soon. So it was now or never with the army. Now that we have them, I think I can whip them into shape enough before the enemies can get to us." He clapped his hands together. "So! Crystal, why don't you catch Shadow up on what will be going on relatively soon between us while I go fetch you some new and clean cloth for you to work with. Considering you're the only person I trust with it and I obviously can't do it myself." He kissed her cheek before disappearing. Charlie smiled, but his eyes searched Shadow's, wanting to judge the safety for himself. He shook Shadow's hand in return. "You will." He beamed. "Storm has me as a special guard for Miss Crystal. He really trusts my potential." He bowed slightly. "Goodnight." With that, he left, shutting the door behind him and finding a secure group of guards for the door before he went to eat. |
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| shadow | June 19, 2013, 12:07 am Post #166 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal was baffled at Storm's suggestion, but then realized what he meant. She realized it might be a good idea for Shadow to hear it from him rather than from Storm, or anyone else. After everyone had left Crystal sighed contently and said. "Alright Shadow. I have big news about me and Storm..." "Your getting married," Shadow interrupted flatly. "We are...wait what?! how'd you know?" Crystal said stumbling over her words. "Storm may have mentioned it when I first saw him. He tried to slip it in quick, but I caught it all the same." "Well darn. I wanted to be the one to break the big news. Well, since you know already, what do you think," she asked with a wide grin, expecting him to be happy about it. "I don't know how much I like that thought." Crystal's smile vanished and was replaced by a puzzled frown. "But why not? We've been together for so long now, and it's only natural. Even you know about how love works." Shadow was keen on details and immediately took a defense on his stand. "Well, how'd he propose? And what kind of ring was it? I mean, your not wearing one, so I can only assume he hasn't yet." Shadow knew he was being very harsh when he saw the cringe of reality on Crystal's face. "Crystal. I know you love him, but you have to be careful. We both know him well. He isn't a man to be tied down, and certainly isn't a man for love. It's not his fault but..." Shadow sighed and changed his words. "I won't say I'm not happy. I am. For both of you, but be careful, and don't get hurt." Crystal forced a smile. Shadow was trying, and he accepted it, but things would get worse before they got better. |
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| Ice | June 19, 2013, 12:15 am Post #167 |
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Leader
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Storm walked back in, holding only a few cloths. "They aren't as bad as they seem, I promise, so this will do." He paused and looked at Crystal. "Are you alright?" He laid the cloths out on the bed, feeling the change in atmosphere by the different temperatures. "By the way, Crystal, about the army. There's gonna be some issues with it so I'll need to talk to you about that later on tonight. I've already reserved a nice meal so the talk doesn't have to be too depressing." He flashed her a smile, something he only graced her with. |
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| shadow | June 19, 2013, 12:32 am Post #168 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal Shook her head, trying to force out Shadow's words of worry and doubt. "That wounds wonderful, now lets get this over with before you have to charge off into another battle," She said jokingly. Pulling back the bloodied and ruined shirt strips, she cringed, seeing where a blade had narrowly missed ribs as it pierced in. She hid her concern about the severity and went about trying to patch it back up without her power. "Well, it seems things aren't the best, but whatever help I can provide I certainly will, both here, and indefinitely on the battle field. Though, why don't you just heal him," Shadow asked slightly puzzled. "The cuff I wear," she said holding up her arm, but not looking away from the task, "Is a suppressor. It has most of my power drained when I try to use it, which is something I would like to talk to you about later. By the way, do you have a place to stay?" she inquired, though it was partly to Storm knowing he probably had a plan laid out for Shadow already. |
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| Ice | June 19, 2013, 12:36 am Post #169 |
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Leader
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Storm cringed as she removed the bloodied rags and put his focus on their conversation. He indicated his own cuff, his collar, and pulled it down angled just enough for Shadow to see the intense burn that had made it's way there from his use of his powers at the army court. It was red hot, blackened in some spots, with dried blood. "If we use too much of our powers, it takes its toll. The more we use, the worse it reacts." He released the collar and smirked at Crystal's words knowingly. "I have a room being cleared out for him right now as we speak. I asked them to keep the bookshelf in there in case you needed entertainment, Shadow." He glanced outside at the rising moon. "Not to rush your perfection, dearest, but we need to be leaving soon." |
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| shadow | June 19, 2013, 12:51 am Post #170 |
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Choir Boy
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Shadow knew the pain of burns well, though he could only imagine how that was effecting them. "We've been working to get them removed, but progress is slow with so many things demanding our attention. And don't complain. If I don't do it right, you'll bleed to death, or at least all over the dinner table," she said, the only person who could ever get away with that tone on him. After several more minutes, she had finished and set about reading herself for the evening. "Shadow, we can talk in the morning I guess. Sorry to make our reunion so brief, but duty calls I guess. Feel free to wander where ever and make yourself at home. One of the guards can show you to your room," She said, already seeming to take on a different tone more of a queen than the natural one she had moments ago. Shadow nodded and said, "Well, it was certainly great to see you again. You too Storm," he added, though with a slight edge only enough for Storm to catch. He left out the room and headed for his room to meditate a bit, escorted by one of the four men who Charlie had found to watch Storm and Crystal. One he was gone, Crystal quickly stripped away Storm's clothes and picked out a nice dress for dinner, knowing there wasn't the need for anything practical. She picked out an elegant dress that started blue at the top and dripped down to red at the bottom, reminding her of what Pearl had suggested. She twirled about in and asked Storm with a slight mocking tone, "What do you think? Good enough for her highness, queen Crystal?" |
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| Ice | June 19, 2013, 1:17 am Post #171 |
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Leader
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Storm's brow furrowed in confusion at the tone, but his mind went back to Crystal as she spoke to him. He followed the dress down but, for once, his eyes focusing on the color change in it. He rose and took his place beside her, offering her his arm. "It's gorgeous, but not as beautiful as the Queen." He kissed her forehead and turned, leading them out of the room and toward the back of the castle where she hadn't been yet. He took her outside, the guards bowing and opening the doors for them without question. Storm continued leading her, checking the night sky, his eyes seeming more than satisfied with the clear sky and thousands of stars above. He kept walking until a single white-stone table came into view. He walked her to it and pulled out her seat for her, taking his place only after she'd sat. A single candle lit the table brightly, regardless of how small it seemed. They had followed a sidewalk here and Storm's smile played on his lips. A single small stone laid on the table. "Crystal." He spoke softly. "I want you to look at the ground." As she did so, he picked up the small pebble and tossed it. Ripples began stretching around it, coming close to their feet but stopping before it touched them at the sidewalk's edge. Thanks to the pebble shattering the stillness, it was now visible of the large expanse of water surrounding them where one would think ground should be. Before anything could be said, the pebble did it's second job, and, mixed the with thousands of stars reflecting in the clear water, hundreds of different glowing lights of different colors could be seen moving within the water. They swam around them, flashing or staying lit, never dimming or ceasing as they swam. "You didn't think the castle of Wateria would not have water near it, did you? And these lights, they are a special kind of fish only known to this area. They're called "Soul-Watchers". The old tales tell of them coming right when emotions are high or stress is taking a toll. They entrance the people around them just by their beauty and calm them. "Watching and caring for the soul of the beholder". You have nothing to be anxious about, so that would have to answer the questions. Like why I'm not looking at them. Because I don't want to screw this up. Especially with my nerves on edge." He rose of his seat. The Soul-Watchers were as harmless as stars and did the same thing. When one looked at the stars, all senses of calm came to them. The only difference between the fish and the stars were, since the fish were below while the stars were up above, they had more of a chance of being used. Storm walked to her side and knelt to his knee, pulling the case from his pocket. "I know we already have everything planned out, but I want to do this right. Crystal, would you do me the great honor of marrying me and becoming Crystal Bloodrin?" He opened the case, showing the ring he'd bought, the moon hitting it perfectly and making it shine brightly, as if the ripples in it were alive themselves. There was a written paper on the case which read 'The moon brings this stone to life. In the night, it is not a ring, but an unlimited water-source.' The different colored lights danced around them and Storm's knelt-knee-foot was only an inch from the water. The sidewalk led to this table by going in a straight line and ending in a circle big enough for the table and someone to walk around it. The rest was the rich beauty of the fish, stars, and rippling waters, the moon shining beautiful and full to the right of them. |
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| shadow | June 19, 2013, 1:49 am Post #172 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal couldn't place her thoughts on any one thing. The stars above, the dazzling fish below, the water all around, the simplicity of everything, the mood, the kneeling, Storm, the ring that seemed to be made of the ocean itself, and finally, Crystal Bloodrin. Her mind swirled in dazzling feats of joy, shock, almost to a melt down, but she held on to that one name, Crystal Bloodrin. With effort, she brought herself back to reality and found power surging through her. The excitement stirring the Arcane power within her. Crystal's eyes reacted, glowing deep and endlessly blue as she gazed at Storm. At first, in a tiny voice, she managed to crack out, "Yes." After the first time, it flowed and she repeated herself. "Yes. Yes, Sharder. Of course I will! Yes!!" She had to resist completely tackling him into the water below as she held out her hand for the ring to be placed on. Crystal wore a big smile that she couldn't stop, and felt giddy with happiness. "I'm so happy. I'm going to be Crystal Bloodrin. I've never hand a last name for myself. I can hardly believe this. And the ring is so gorgeous, and the water, and sky and...and..." Tears welled up and began flowing freely from her eyes as she continued. "It's all so perfect. I...I'm so happy. I never thought I would see this day...and...for it to be you...I just can't believe it," she said though sobs of pure joy. Even though she had already started planning, this was the moment that brought it all into perspective for her. I made her realize that this was all real, and very possible. Shadow had been wrong to doubt him, and she knew that. |
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| Ice | June 19, 2013, 1:56 am Post #173 |
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Leader
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Storm couldn't hold back his smile and his hands shook slightly from his nervousness. But he took the ring from the case and slipped it onto her ring finger on her left hand, kissing her hand before he rose. "I love you, Crystal. I really do." He used the chair's arm rests to hold himself up and he leaned in, kissing her deeply but making no other moves. Finally, he pulled away. "I'm sorry it took me so long. For that ring to be made and for me to get everything right, it took a little time and effort on my part. But I wanted it to be perfect. It has to be, for it to be your only one." He bent and scooped her up in his arms, holding her bridal style, looking down into her eyes. "Do you still want to eat or would you rather us get ready for bed? Either way, I want to hear about all you've got planned so far." He gently wiped away one of her falling tears and kissed her nose kindly. |
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| shadow | June 19, 2013, 2:12 am Post #174 |
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Choir Boy
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She kissed him back, almost reluctant to let him go this time, but happy that he didn't take it further. He really meant everything for her. "I don't blame you any. It...couldn't have been better even if I planned it myself," she said smiling. She didn't eat a parcel all day, but at this moment, she couldn't bring herself to feel hunger. "Let's skip dinner. I...I don't think I could manage anything tonight. Whisk me away my brave knight." She smiled at him and nuzzled closer to his chest, taking in the warmth and looking at the ring that had been tailor made for her finger. Flawless and beautiful. |
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| Ice | June 19, 2013, 2:17 am Post #175 |
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Leader
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His soft laugh came from his chest and he kissed her forehead, whispering. "Of course, my love." He carried her that way back into the castle, most of the guards speaking excitedly about the proposal, but there were a few who were upset with the mixing of titles. Charlie, eating a piece of roast, quickly silenced them and gave a congratulatory nod to Storm. Storm carried her on up to their room and to the bed, bending and laying her comfortably in it, going on and settling in it himself, getting comfortable beside her. "Pray tell, how far have you gotten in your Dream Wedding plans, my dear? And, um, were you upset earlier? Before we went out?" Concern dappled his eyes. |
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| shadow | June 19, 2013, 12:26 pm Post #176 |
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Choir Boy
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"It's nothing, just Shadow watching out for me. You should haven't have to worry," she said hoping that he wouldn't take it any further than he had. "And so far, we have decided on some colors, Pearl is working on the dress designs, and I think we know the theme. I haven't picked the exact place, but I think I have an idea where to hold it. I was wondering what colors you like. I don't really know, but I'm sure you can tell me. The other thing..." Crystal hesitated to bring it up, but it had to be done. "I have my maid of honor, and two bridesmaids. The order stipulates that the groom has to match the number of people the bride brings, meaning you'll have to have a best man and two grooms men." Crystal worried how he would take this. He didn't have many people he could go to, and now Shadow might cause trouble. She was ready for any kind of trouble to happen. |
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| Ice | June 19, 2013, 12:39 pm Post #177 |
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Leader
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Storm nodded and didn't continue the conversation about earlier that night, just listened to her tell him all she'd gotten planned. He looked at her curiously. "My favorite color? It's the same shade of steel as a hematite." As Crystal mentioned the roles he had to find actors for, a flicker of emotions ran through his eyes, but was quickly hidden by his reassuring smile. "Alright, three. Got it. Consider it taken care of. Do you have a date set for this wedding, yet?" |
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| shadow | June 23, 2013, 1:50 pm Post #178 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal frowned as she saw Storm's reaction to getting all those people. "I'm not that simple. I can see it in your eyes Storm," she said, though gently. She knew there weren't many people who he could call on, if any at all. Him trying to hide it was unacceptable, even though they wouldn't talk about it. |
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| Ice | June 24, 2013, 12:13 pm Post #179 |
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Leader
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He forced a smile for her and kissed her lips quickly. "I'll get it taken care of. Don't worry about it." He promised as he rolled out of the bed. "I'm gonna go for a walk, ok? I won't be more than hour so I promise to sleep beside you tonight." He kept his smile on as he spun on his heel, walking out of the room and closing the door quietly behind him, knowing other people in the castle were probably already asleep. He sighed and scratched the back of his head, then lowering his hand to touch the wound on his ribs. It was tender but it was healing. He walked down the corridor, not taking the steps down to the outside. He passed them and stopped outside Shadow's door, knocking on it quietly. If anything, Shadow could help calm him down. The proposal and the new stress of finding people had his nerves on edge. Maybe Shadow would even be willing to go drink with him tonight. |
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| shadow | June 24, 2013, 5:38 pm Post #180 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal didn't like the thought of Storm going anywhere this late at night, especially after the stunning proposal and getting comfy in the bed. She fought with the thought of following him out to see where he was actually going, but found it not to be the wisest of ideas. Crystal sprawled out in the over sized bed on her back. "Geez Can't you for once just settle yourself," She complained, but immediately found herself smiling. That was something about him that attracted her. Shadow was glancing through another book after having gone through three others since arriving in the room. He'd meditated a while, and after practicing a few forms, sat down and looked through them. The current one had a plain, sanguine cover without any markings to indicate what it was. The one he was to read next was the one that Crystal had found interesting, and the one he read now was about the culture of the people, and much of the queen/king and his/her ruling, including those of the past. The others had been riveting tales of adventure and fantasies. Shadow heard the knock on the door and pulled himself from the book. "Enter," He said glancing up to see who was coming to him at this hour, his hand straying to the safety of his sheathed dagger. Edited by shadow, June 24, 2013, 5:39 pm.
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