In the Land of Arborea | By : Sweetsong22 Category: +S through Z > Tera Online Views: 6239 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
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Saeylas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oFpuLtAKxs
Jaemson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXVT5Mb2gjI Bavis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGzKImUJylE Chapter 9 It'd been clear to Tristtan that his parents were arguing when he walked in on them in the foyer. Their hushed tones quickly ceased before Laeyla come forward with a large smile on her face. He knew instantly that something was not right. The knowledge gave a bitter edge to his words. "Don't stop on my account." Laeyla ignored Tristtan's tone and her smile did not fade one bit. "Tristtan, how was your first therapy meeting?" It had been good timing that Tristtan had not been at home when Luceus showed up, because he certainly would have heard the scuffle before the man was carted away. At which point, separating them would have been almost impossible. "It was fine," Tristtan replied blandly knowing that he'd given the female psychologist a rough time with his lackluster answers. It was after all only their first session. "Fine, okay," Laeyla suspected she wouldn't get much more of an answer from him so decided to change the subject. "Would you like something to eat?" She didn't mind putting her argument with Reginaldd on hold but soon realized that Tristtan didn't want her company either. "I'm not hungry, I'm going to my room." "Tristtan you really need to eat more. I didn't want to say anything at first but you're clearly losing weight," Laeyla stated. "Why don't you force feed him like you did when he was a toddler?" Their was a vicious smirk on Reginaldd's face. He said nothing more before leaving the immediate area. Laeyla watched him go and knew she'd have to track him down later so that they could finish their conversation. No doubt, he was grateful for Tristtan's interruption. However, to her dismay -- Tristtan also turned and left the room. A part of her feared his reaction should he ever find out that Luceus had come to see him but she'd turned him away. And what was worse, apparently Reginaldd had caught him on the way out and had ordered a beating for the proud General. She would not even have known this happened if one of the guards loyal to her had not informed her of Reginaldd's actions. Luceus had been handed off to Juleus Truth's men not far from the manor, and she could only imagine what happened next. She let Reginaldd know he'd gone too far, for certainly Luceus would press charges against them. Her husband didn't seem to think that would be the case seeing as Luceus was set to go to prison for a very long time. Laeyla would have preferred if he hadn't taken the risk, because an enraged Luceus could be even more dangerous than they'd suspected. Her only hope was that Luceus wouldn't try it again, and fortunately the clock was ticking on his Tenlis Culpas. OOO The following morning, Traviis had to clear his throat twice and then wait a few minutes before he presented himself at the door entrance once more. He noticed that his sister and Lycineus were now dressed somewhat haphazardly. "You two ready to be let out now?" There was a half smile on his handsome face as he realized Luceus' plan had worked perfectly. Even if he hadn't seen them entwined in each other arms before he'd made his presence known, the rumpled bed sheets were a good indication of what had taken place between them. "Traviis you sneak," Rosalinda stated before shaking her head, yet her cheeks were stained with red. Traviis' grin widened as he undid the lockdown mode, causing the gates to retreat from the entrance. However, his smile soon faded when he felt himself being knocked bodily to the floor. Lycineus was suddenly atop him with an incensed look on his face. However, that look faded almost as quickly as it appeared as Lycineus gave him a smooch on the cheek before pulling him to his feet. "I don't usually kiss men but today I've made an exception. You did well Traviis." Lycineus grinned slightly. He thought it strange that only the previous afternoon he'd wanted to re-arrange Traviis face, now he was ready to accept him as his brother-in-law once more. "Well, I must confess this was not entirely my doing," Traviis began. "It was actually Luceus' idea." "Luceus?" Lycineus was taken aback by this confession. Traviis nodded. "There was no way to ascertain if his plan in Allemantheia would be successful. Thus he didn't want to leave you two, as is." Lycineus suddenly felt extremely guilty. He hadn't bothered to question Luceus' reasons for confessing his crimes. He kept telling himself he didn't care and that perhaps some time in prison was just what Luceus needed. But apparently, his brother was still thinking of him when it came to what Lycineus really needed. Since apparently he could not see it himself. "I've been such a fool." "Hey, we were willing to let you forget about it but if you're gonna keep bemoaning it..." Traviis chuckled. "Is there anything we can do to help Luceus?" This was also the first time Rosalinda was hearing of the Allemantheia plan. "We should be hearing back from him sometime today, he still has three days left on his Tenlis Culpas," Traviis then opted to change the subject. "I imagine you two are starving. If you want to freshen up I'll meet you in the hall below for some breakfast." "Sounds like a good idea, but I'll want to hear more of Luceus' plan. I don't want him facing those people alone," Lycineus stated. It warmed Rosalinda's heart to hear Lycineus speak of Luceus like that. For so long she'd blamed herself as the sole reason these brothers were no longer close. Now it seemed that through the actions of Luceus and his consorts they would be brought back together again. Now, if only Luceus' conviction could be overturned, all would be right with the world again. At least when it came to the running of Herald Fort. And one last matter to bring up would be Lycineus' transfer from the Argon front back to the fort. He'd given that place five years of his life and deserved better. As she led him to her quarters willing to share the room with him until he could be given one of his own, she felt comforted as he placed a familiar arm around her waist. And perhaps if she was very lucky, she would have a ready-made family if Lycineus was willing to accept Luke. Yes, she owed Luceus very much, and hoped that she'd be able to return the favor. OOO Saeylas' hands trembled as he changed the bandages of the unconscious man who lay on his sleeping pallet. He'd discovered the badly beaten Castanic the previous day, on the shore of the river not far from the home he shared with his step-father. At first he believed he'd come upon a corpse of a prisoner when he got closer and saw how badly beaten the man was. It was not uncommon for bodies to wash up on shore, given the dangers that lay in the wilds, even this close to the High Elven city. And given that the man's hands were shackled together, it's possible he was an escaped convict that gained his freedom only to find death in the wilds. But upon closer inspection, Saeylas realized the man still breathed! Using the minimal knowledge of healing skills imparted to him by his late mother, he'd managed to bring the man back from the brink. Then he'd used his mule cart to transport the stranger to the farmhouse. He was grateful his step-father was on a hunt and wasn't expected back for several days. Clovon Tullis was not big on helping others. Especially if there was no reward involved. Saeylas had managed to remove the shackles and bandage both of the stranger's bruised and bloodied wrists. However, there was no indication that his ankles had ever been shackled and Saeylas wondered if his escaped prisoner theory was off the mark. Judging by the man's state of undress, he could have been a peasant of no worth much like himself. However, underneath the cuts and bruises he could make out a well-toned body. It was possible to gain a body like that through hard, menial labor. But he also didn't seem mal-nourished in the slightest, perhaps he worked for a wealthy liege. If the man had been more privileged in life than Saeylas, then it was very unfortunate that something like this had befallen him. He wished he knew his name. But given the extent of his injuries and Saeylas lack of better healing magic, he knew the man would remain unconscious for several more days, that's if he awoke at all. At which point, Saeylas would have some explaining to do when his father returned. He didn't put it past Clovon to toss the unconscious man back out in the wild and prayed that he recovered before then. Saeylas finally completed the task of bathing and re-bandaging the still seeping wounds. Someone had really put the man through a meat grinder. Both of his eyes had been swollen shut and covered in bruises, the right more so than the left. His jaw was swollen to perhaps twice it's size with a caked purplish bruise on his left cheek. Basically he was certain the man would be unrecognizable to even those who knew him. Which was a shame, for Saeylas suspected he must have been quite handsome at one point. Even one of his horns had been broken off at the tip and Saeylas had been unable to re-generate it. His primary driving function was to simply keep his patient still breathing. He'd blushed several shades of pink while he'd bathed the man, gazing fondly at a flaccid penis that even in that state was quite impressive in size. He wondered if the man had a family or children, people who would be concerned about him right at this moment. That sense of belonging was something Saeylas had longed for ever since his mother's death. His step-father treated him no better than an indentured slave, and sometimes far worse. It was his mother's final gift to impart healing knowledge to Saeylas, simply as a means of counteracting the constant beatings he'd been subject to when Clovon got drunk. The human male hated his life and apparently reveled in taking that out on his High Elven step-son. "I think I should give you a name," Saeylas began as he gazed fondly at the man's face half covered in bandages. "My mother's name was Telena, so I think I'll can you -- Tell." He nodded, "Yes, that will do nicely." He pulled the covers up to Tell's chin before rising to his feet. "I have to get back to work, but when I return -- we'll see about getting some more broth into you." He turned to leave with a smile on his face knowing that looking after Tell suddenly gave his life purpose. All he could do was hope that his efforts were not in vain. OOO It promised to be a beautiful evening as Lycineus and Rosalinda stood on the eastern parapets of Herald Fort overlooking the dense shrubbery and the sunset in the distance. "I want to be a part of Luke's life," Lycineus stated calmly. Rosalinda's eyes widened at this admission. This was something she had been hoping for but didn't expect that he'd be ready for it this soon. "Are you sure?" Lycineus nodded as his golden eyes gazed at her fondly. "What kind of man would I be if I took you back but not your son as well?" "Then, you're going to accept Luceus' original offer to step in as Luke's father?" "Not exactly. We will both raise Luke, but he will know who his real father is. And hopefully in a couple years, we can give him a little brother or sister." Rosalinda felt an ecstatic sob escape her and realized she couldn't help it for she was so happy it'd brought her to tears. To think that Lycineus could be this wonderful after the past four years filled with strained tension. But she had known, before the incident in Val Elenium, they had been as close as two people could be. "So, do you think Luke can handle having two fathers?" Lycineus asked. Rosalinda swiped at a stray tear before offering him her broadest smile. "He's a Magelus, of course he can." "Perfect, when Luceus returns from Allemantheia, I want us to get married right away. I know Sarrion will do everything he can to get his sentence lessened, but if he's still to be locked away for years, then I want him to at least be there for our wedding. Do you think Herald Fort could be ready for the festivities in say, forty-eight hours?" Rosalinda brushed a stray lock of dark hair out of her lover's face before replying. "Let's see, that ought to give us enough time to send out last minute invitations -- I will contact my parents tonight." Lycineus stole a kiss then as he'd been dying to do since the start of their conversation. He felt her respond to him ardently and once again inwardly berated himself for his foolish actions of the past four years. When he finally broke the kiss, he said, "Oh Rosa, it's finally going to happen -- you and me and nothing is going to stop it." He was about to kiss her once more when he suddenly heard footsteps headed their way. Within moments, Traviis came into view, but he wasn't smiling. "It's official, Luceus is late. He hasn't even sent a message, which isn't like him." "Do you think something happened with the Stanhope's?" Rosalinda asked. "I don't know, but perhaps we should contact them first. Rosie if you'd do the honors," Traviis requested. Rosalinda nodded before stepping away from both men, she placed two fingers on either temple and closed her eyes. Her message would be sent to a com-healer network that would relay the call to a com-healer working within Stanhope manor. Lycineus took Traviis aside while Rosalinda worked. "Do you suspect foul play?" "I can't imagine it's anything serious. The Stanhope's had to know that many were aware of Luceus' whereabouts." He also couldn't imagine that Laeyla would be involved in something to bring Luceus down. He may have parted ways with the woman, but there was hardly a vindictive bone in her body. Her husband on the other hand seemed to be a loose cannon. How Reginaldd had gotten away with being a so-called perfect High Elven diplomat for so long was beyond Traviis. "If it is something serious then perhaps we should prepare for it," Lycineus suggested. "How?" Traviis was open to suggestions. "As military people, fighting the powers that be including political diplomats is never an easy feat. Unless we fight fire with fire." "Get a politician on our side? We don't even know if the Stanhope's are the ones at fault yet," Traviis pointed out. "From what I've heard of them, it's quite likely," Lycineus stated. "Who did you have in mind?" Traviis wanted to know. "Premier Lektus, he owes me a favor. I saved his son once on the Argon front, the boy should have never been out there but was apparently trying to prove himself to his father," Lycineus explained. Traviis whistled, "The Prime Minister of Castanica -- you sure know how to pull out all the punches." "He will involve the High Elven council directly, they can't all be corrupt. Even so, if Luceus has been harmed by one of their own, it will make for bad publicity for them." "Enough to force them to flush out the true villain," Traviis surmised. "Exactly," Lycineus replied with a half smile. It was at that moment that Rosalinda returned to their side. "The message has been sent, now I await a reply," Rosalinda stated. "No one connected for a direct link-up?" Traviis wanted to know. Rosalinda shook her head, "That does seem odd. The Stanhope's should have a com-healer or two at their home for just that purpose. I could try the High Elven council, but this isn't exactly council business." "At least not yet, we'll keep that as a back-up should the Stanhope's not reply," Lycineus began. He then gazed at Rosalinda apologetically. "In the meantime, we may have to put our wedding on hold." There was a puzzled expression on Traviis face mixed with surprise. "I'm sorry, am I missing something here?" Rosalinda gladly offered her brother an explanation. "We were planning our impromptu nuptials when you walked in. We wanted it held right away so that Luceus could be here for it. But now it seems we may have to mount a rescue mission to Allemantheia." "There may be one other good thing to come of this," Lycineus spoke up. "If it can be proven that the Stanhope's somehow instigated all that has befallen Luceus, then perhaps the charges against him can be dropped." "Now that's an idea I'd like to run with." Traviis slapped his large hands together. "Let's do this." OOO Laeyla strode boldly into Reginaldd's quarters via use of the secret passageway system. Night had fallen and Reginaldd had retired early for the night. One glance at his bed which had the curtains drawn around the canopy indicated that he was not in there alone. "I need to speak with you Reginaldd." Laeyla stood with her hands crossed over her chest as she heard the hushed expletives coming from beyond the canopy. Within moments, an almost naked Reginaldd presented himself. He was wearing only his underwear, a pair of white shorts. "Is nothing sacred now? How would you feel if I walked in on you?" Reginaldd sneered at her but made no move to get dressed. "Well since you chased away my last lover with your antics, then perhaps I should do the same with yours." She moved towards the canopied bed. "Laeyla!" There was a stern warning in Reginaldd's tone. Laeyla did cease all forward movement and turned to glance back at her husband. "I suspect I know who it is anyways." "What the fuck do you want?" Reginaldd's voice dripped with venom. "Are you sure you wish me to speak in front of your lover? I may say something incriminating, even for you," Laeyla replied in an almost sing-songy voice that she knew would enrage him further. "Just state your peace then leave. And I intend to see about locking all entrances to my rooms." Laeyla tilted her chin in the air haughtily as she realized whoever was behind the canopied curtains was someone Reginaldd felt he could trust. She put that in the back of her mind as she got to the matter at hand. "Herald Fort contacted us earlier tonight. Apparently, Luceus is overdue to check in with them." "And this concerns us, how?" There was a bored expression on Reginaldd's face. "Are you daft? He was probably last seen with the bloody mob you sicced on him!" "Are you suggesting that my men did not follow orders? He was to be roughed up and left outside the city, that was it!" "Then why hasn't he contacted his people?" Laeyla wanted to know. "How should I know?!" Reginaldd turned toward the bed before sighing in exasperation. "Listen, you better find out what happened," Laeyla began with a matter-of-fact tone. "Because if we don't give them a response, they will come here. And I have my hands full with Tristtan's recovery, I don't need another distraction foolishly instigated by you!" Having said her peace, Laeyla turned on her heels and left. A muscle clenched in Reginaldd's jaw as he stood there for several moments after she'd left. He'd wanted Luceus to know that the beating came from him, so that the General would think twice about messing with him in the future. However, in hindsight he realized it was a bad idea to have Juleus drop his name, especially if something had not gone as planned. It was only when he felt long, slender arms being wrapped around his waist that he was brought back to reality once more. However, even his lover of several years could not calm what he felt right now. If something other had really happened to Luceus, then Laeyla was right, he would have to get to the bottom of it and soon. OOO Saeylas sat with his patient propped up against him as he brought a spoon to his mouth. He felt an upright position along with a gentle motion of his fingers against Tell's throat would be the best way to get any type of nutrition into the still unconscious Castanic. Saeylas had barely had any time for himself with having to complete his chores around the farm and looking after Tell. He was finally feeling the exhaustion as a dull ache in his bones. After he got his patient to swallow the fifth spoon full, he laid him back on the pallet and pulled the covers up to his neck. Since Clovon's bed was off limits and Tell was currently sleeping on his pallet, Saeylas simply removed his tattered trench coat and placed it on the wooden floorboards to form his own pallet. He had slept beside his patient like this the night before when he'd been concerned Tell would not make it through the night. And although he was clearly not out of the woods yet, Saeylas was hopeful that he would survive. Once Saeylas' eyes closed he was almost instantly asleep, and dreamt of a different life for him that included the mysterious Tell. OOO Juleus entered Reginaldd's office the following morning after he had been promptly summoned by the man. He couldn't imagine what the councilmember wanted but knew he'd soon find out. "Your Excellency, how may I be of service?" Reginaldd sat behind his desk with a pair of spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose. He instantly removed them before pinning Juleus with his trademark cold blue stare. "Did you follow my directions to the letter concerning General Magelus?" "Of course, I imagine he was in a great deal of pain when he awoke," Juleus replied. "Where did you leave him?" Reginaldd asked calmly. "Outside the city gates as was ordered." "Did you see to it personally?" Reginaldd wanted to know. There was a slight pause before Juleus replied, "My men saw to it, but I trust them with my life."While AFF and its agents attempt to remove all illegal works from the site as quickly and thoroughly as possible, there is always the possibility that some submissions may be overlooked or dismissed in error. The AFF system includes a rigorous and complex abuse control system in order to prevent improper use of the AFF service, and we hope that its deployment indicates a good-faith effort to eliminate any illegal material on the site in a fair and unbiased manner. This abuse control system is run in accordance with the strict guidelines specified above.
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