Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 5:14 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis immediately made his way over to Mirabelle, and made sure she was okay. He may not have loved her as a mate, but he sure as hell loved her as a friend, and wanted nothing more than her happiness and her safety to be guaranteed. The fact that Felix was still alive meant that she may yet have a chance at revenge, should she so choose.

Time went by, and soon Lewis and Simone found themselves at a proper coronation, where Lewis was crowned the King, and Simone the Queen. It wasn’t long after that Xeik and Mia were married, and Xeik ascended the throne of his own kingdom. Rhenakos wasn’t far behind, though their ritual was quite messier when it came to the demon clan…

In the end, the three nations met on common ground, and a proper treaty was signed. A new age had begun…

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 5:08 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“Of course,” She smiled up at him. “I need him to tell me where everyone else is… and then we’ll get all of them for the murder of every citizen in Auclair. That should be enough for me.”

Simone stood by her husband as he made the announcement and she looked down towards the council that was trying to flee. Together she and Lewis summoned a ring of fire around them. “No, you will stay and us what side you are on and traitors shall we dealt with.” They spoke together. “We are rebirthing this land together as one.”

After everything was said and done Simone and Lewis had Felix tied to a chair with anti-magic rope. They were busy taking down old artwork and throwing it into a bonfire. “We have to make this our home now,” Simone seemed happy enough.

“These chairs have to go this is where your father sat,” Simone carried some of the old dining chairs over to the fire and chucked them in. “The bed too! That bed was the one he planned on bedding me in! Throw that in there too!” The servants sighed a bit as they gave in to their new queen though they understood where she was coming from.

“Oh! Lewis! Look who we found,” Simone brought out the white-haired girl. She looked scared but Simone reassured her. “Mirabelle was in the house of my cousin. We shall make Felix pay greatly for his crimes to you.” The girl nodded to Simone. “I’m sorry you became a weapon against Lewis…”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 5:02 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

With Simone taking on Felix, Lewis was left to deal with his father. Weaponless, lewis summoned a massive well of magic from inside him. As he moved, he could feel Simone move. As they each battled their respective opponent, their breathing synched, and their eyes began to glow with an azure hue. They were one, and as one, they each finished off their opponents with ease.

The King of Omens, Heath Terrowin, was blasted by a mighty well of blue flames…and as the flames subsided, nothing remained. Lewis turned to see that Felix had been firmly dealt with, though he was still alive.

“I assume you’ll want to prolong his death,” Lewis said with a half smirk. “I can agree with that sentiment, knowing the experiences you have been through…”

The two made sure to tie up Felix, and they ascended to the top of the keep. Below, they could see the remains of the battle that now had a clear victor. Using magic, Lewis bolstered his voice, so that it echoed across the keep.

“To all those who boldly defend the old King and his foolish ways…know that he has been felled, and that I, Lewis Terrowin, take claim of the throne. No longer will this be the Land of Omens…no longer will we hide from the world. For now…I, King Lewis Terrowin, decree that the Land of the Night Phoenixes be reborn! I welcome you now to the lands, free of cruelty and injustice…to the land of Koskaan!”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 4:55 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone had a bad feeling about the way things were going. Their secret weapon was the resonance and how lost the concept was to the rest of the night phoenixes. She appeared through a portal by aligning herself with Lewis’s magic. “Don’t worry about Felix. Finish your father!” She yelled at her husband.

She stood in between Felix and Lewis now with an angry expression. “Defiled me? We took so much from you?!” She started to yell. “You don’t know the first god damn thing about me!” She stomped her foot at Felix. Her eyes were azure with Lewis as the floor cracked with great force. She was borrowing Lewis’s strength.

“What is this?” Felix backed up and Simone began to stalk him.

“You are wrong about one thing,” Simone began to cast her magic. “Without Lewis, there is no me either!” She yelled fiercely as she engaged in a close battle with Felix.

“Poetic but you’ll still be here,” Felix smirked at her as they crossed magic.

“No cousin, I don’t think you completely understand the gift the goddess gave us… but they are words lost on you. There’s no way you could understand the depth of our bond.” Simone managed to get the upper hand and send Felix into the wall hard. She was panting though as she had used a bit too much magic to keep the offense spell up.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 4:49 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

With the push from Llywellyn, the first tower fell. By that time, Simone had already moved to the next tower, and one by one they started to fall. Lewis was ready with the main force, and as soon as the last tower fell, they charged forward into the fortress. Rhenakos charged in with his own brand of crazy tactics, barreling through formations and breaking shiels, causing absolute havoc. Following behind him were the special forces, which worked to effortlessly take advantage of the chaos, and bring about win after win.

Lewis broke away once the overall battle had been decided, and found his way to the throne room. Of course, his father was there waiting.

“We could have been great,” King Heath said as he paced back and forth. “Instead…you will bring about our people’s ruin.”

“We were headed there with your way of thinking,” Lewis replied, raising his sword. “But now, we have a chance at an actual future!” He rushed forward, not waiting for additional batner between the two. This had to be decided with a battle…

Blades clashed, and it was soon apparent that Lewis had the upper hand. With sword and sorcery, the Prince started to take ground, and when it looked as though victory were imminent, a sudden blast of magic knocked his sword away.

Felix walked out from behind the throne, his own blade raised. “You…you who defiled my cousin, and took so much away from us…” There was venom in his voice. “Well..today, is the day you fall. You may have won this fight…but when Simone is weeping over your corpse, we will have won the war…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 4:32 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone was sure with all the training they did that Lewis could easily dethrone his father now as the strongest night phoenix. She was dressed in traditional battle mage robes with her hair braided back. She could cast spells and now she could do it efficiently.

The plan was simple. There were only a few people who were capable of bringing down the barriers. Those people, Simone included, would infiltrate the battlefield and bring them down. Simone and Lewis spent several moments with their foreheads together. “I’ll be fine. I promise.” She put her hands to his and smiled. “Xeik won’t be too far from me and if it gets bad I can portal away.” She kissed his nose.

“Simone, it’s time to go,” Xeik pulled her away, and soon Simone was on her way into the deeper lands in front of her. Traveling the shadows was something she could easily do now. Her tower’s barrier was the first to fall which led to some panic inside the towers from the archers. The other barriers fell soon after.

“They have dispelling magic! Start to put the barrier back up!” Some of the mages were yelling but Simone ran in and quietly dispatched the few mages in her tower. Even if they could manage to put some of the barriers back up… Well… Her’s couldn’t be now. It took them a minimum of six mages to put the barrier up in a working order. Simone had killed just enough to make sure the barriers even if put up… were destabilized.

“Simone’s tower is completely neutralized.” Llywellyn was watching before nodding to his portion. “Let’s go!” The first tower was going to fall soon enough.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 4:25 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis was ready to move when Simone told him to start with the spells. It took little time at all for him to summon a blue flame. He bounced it around in his hands a little before using magic to swirl it int he air, creating a small torrent of flames above him. Xeik was in awe, and when he looked down at Simone and Lewis, he couldn’t help but smile.

Each spell that Simone had known had been shown to Lewis, and with looping their experiences back and forth, the two had somehow managed to gift each other the knowledge of that spell and all of its intricacies. It wasn;t a simple process by any means, but they had taught each other quite a variety of different things, and even tested it on newer subjects.

“Not sure what to call it,” Lewis said as he finished up the spell. “But…we learned a lot of the spells we needed to last night.” He smirked. “And I can do it rather well, don’t you think?”

Xeik nodded. “With this…we actually stand a chance…”

—

Days passed, and while Lewis and Simone trained, Lord Llywellyn raised an army. In a week’s time, they were more than ready as the armies marched on towards the Land of Omens.

The mighty fortress lay before them, magical barriers all about the towers. Archers could be seen at the ready at the black bastion. They were ready to weather the storm. Lewis could tell that behind it, they were ready for a counterattack as well.

“Today…we fight for the freedom of all night phoenixes!” Lewis said. There was a roar of agreement behind him, and thus commenced the battle…

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 4:08 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Xeik was standing next to Rhenakos dumbfounded, “I can’t believe that worked…” He turned to Rhenakos, “Can you learn like that?”

“No fucking way is anyone taking away sex from me,” Rhenakos crossed his arms. “I’d rather be a moron.”

–

Simone was laying next to him peppering his shoulder with small tender kisses. “Maybe…” She thought about it and pulled herself up on Lewis’s chest. “What if this gift does more than just shares?” Her stormy eyes were watching his before she leaned down and put her forehead to his. “Can you do me a favor and concentrate on what I’m about to show you? Send it back to me.”

Simone showed him all the spells she knew and they spent the better part of the night doing that. In the morning Simone came down with Lewis to the training grounds with Xeik. “Okay, let’s see if it worked…” Xeik looked confused.

“Let’s start with the spells then…” He was curious what Simone was talking about but something felt different.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 4:04 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis looked at Xeik, and then at Simone, and then back to Xeik. He stood up, closing his eyes for a moment as he took a deep breath, and exhaled.

“Right. Let’s get to work.”

—

It took half a day for Lewis to learn three spells. In that time, he mastered two of them, but with great strain on his body. For someone who had little to no training in magic at all, this was astounding speed, and something that Xeik was impressed by. Of course, the second half of the day was eaten away by “extra-curricular activities”, but with the progress that Lewis had made, it was more than worth it.

But for Lewis, it was still too slow. After one of Simone’s ‘private’ sessions, the two were laying side by side, with Lewis thinking hard.

“There has to be a way to do this faster. My father isn’t going to wait,” he said with a frown. “Maybe we can bounce ideas around until we come up with something?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 3:57 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone got up from the seat that she was watching from and smiled at Lewis. “I think… That you don’t quite have the proper motivation yet.” She held up her finger and thought about what she could give him. “For everything you do right I’ll give you a kiss and for every spell, you learn we can take a special break. Depending on how well you learn the spell will be how long our special break will last.”

Xeik looked at her with his mouth dropped, “You don’t honestly think that will work do you?”

“I’m willing to try~” She smirked a bit. “You will only get sex and kisses if you learn magic and master it.” She hit her hand. “Positive reinforcement!” With the side of he wasn’t getting any unless he learned but if he really was determined then he would do it.

“Simone, I don’t know if that will work…”

Simone turned to Lewis and put her hands behind her back, “Osiria taught me about all sorts of new sex positions I want to show you but I guess I can’t since you aren’t learning the spells well enough right now.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 3:53 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“I’m a terrible student, am I?” Lewis said as he looked at Xeik.

“Well, yeah,” Xeik shot back almost immediately. “You’re always napping instead of studying. You take every chance you can to run and find a place to nap. And, last time I checked, you were barely passing any of the royal studies.”

“Oh…right.” Lewis frowned. “Yeah, he’s right. I’m a terrible student.” He smirked and looked to Simone with a grin. “But now that I have the proper motivation, who knows?”

The first hour went with little progress. Near the end of the first session, Xeik groaned, throwing his hands up. “I might as well be trying to teach a wall.”

“Well, it would go better if SOMEONE wasn’t rushing!” Lewis said, glaring back at Xeik. “You’re acting like I know what all of this means!”

“Because these are the basics!” The Prince of Wolves threw his hands up. “YOU LEARNED THESE ALREADY!”

“They’re magic basics. Something I’ve never done before since, you know…I’ve NEVER HAD MAGIC BEFORE.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 3:43 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone watched as Lewis practically put Felix under his boot. Simone got a glass of wine and Lewis gave her a look.

“Please don’t down that one Mone… Remember the last time you got drunk?”

Mone was blushing hard and nodded, “Yes? Although, I don’t know if it would be as awkward now…”

“What would be awkward?” Xeik looked between them. “What the hell happened the last time she was drunk?”

“She tried taking advantage of me but doesn’t remember.” Lewis teased her and she was pouting up at him.

“I didn’t mean to… AND YOU SAID YOU LIKED IT!” She poked his cheek and it got a laugh out of him which surprised everyone. Taking a deep breath that night the two of them watched as the night phoenixes left the same way they came. Lewis was wrapped around her and she tilted her head. “Are you ready for tomorrow?”

“As ready as I can be. Xeik is right… I’ll have to learn how to use your magic.” Lewis put his nose into her hair. “Then we can fight them hard.”

“I don’t think it will be a long fight but… definitely hard. We’ll have to come up with a way to learn the magic faster…” She made a face. “Time for bed.”

“Time for martial bed~” Lewis teased her as he picked her up and carried her off to the bed for the second time since the tribal ceremony.

In the morning Simone got changed into some light training clothes and had Lewis meet her in the courtyard. “Alright, now we will learn how to do magic. I’ve been trying to come up with ways to help you learn because Xeik said you are a terrible student.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 3:31 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Felix was taken aback by the comment, but he stood his ground.

“That hardly seems necessary. Call off this foolish war, and come back to our kingdom. We can discuss this like civilized birds.” There was nervousness in his voice. “Please consi-”

“Stop talking now,” Lewis demanded. “If you utter another word about this, I’ll kill you where you stand, and we’ll make sweet love over your corpse.”

“Something tells me that isn’t a bluff,” Xeik replied as he walked up. “I suggest you walk away, now…”

Without another word, Felix left, leaving Xeik alone with the pair. “Please tell me that was an idle threat.”

“It wasn’t,” Lewis responded as he took a sip of wine. “Enjoying everything?”

“Y-yeah,” the Prince of Wolves responded with a sigh. “Mia is already planning our wedding. Did you see how happy she was when she caught the bouquet?”

Simone giggled, “Of course. She was absolutely adorable. I wish you two well, with many children.”

Similar interactions occurred with the remaining guests, and soon they started to filter out as the reception came to a close. Those who remained were the ones loyal to Lewis…his friends.

“Tonight, we dine, for tomorrow there will be war,” Lewis said as he downed the remaining wine in his glass. “As the red sun rises, we shall march forth on the lands of the Omen King, and rid the world if his filth…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 3:22 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

There was a thin blush across her face as he spoke to her. I doubt it… She knew she could trust him though just from his words. Who knew he could be romantic in such a way.

Simone took his hand and smiled up at Lewis as he spoke. “We ran away and faked our deaths so we could have each other. We dared to do the very thing many others have failed to do in the past. We succeeded and proved our love to the goddess. She granted us a mighty gift. We are bonded forever and we will take this eternity and promise a better future for our people.” She gripped her hand and the couple smiled at each other.

“May you be able to be with the person you’ve known for a long time or the person you just met. I met Lewis when he flew up to the tower I was captured in. He couldn’t see me but I could him so I hit him with a broom. While we started off rocky we’ve worked on it together. Protected each other. Understood each other. That’s what it takes and we’ve proven ourselves. The nations of elves, wolves, and demons are allied to us and have joined our cause. There will surely be more!”

Simone took a step forward, “I am not an animal to be bred too death which is what the council and King Heath were planning to do. He forced me into a corner with an offer but we all know I had to say yes. On top of that he knew where my cousin who helped lock me up was. Felix Auclair is a traitor to his kind. I’ll get revenge for my people but first comes the liberation of the current generation of night phoenixes.”

One of the servants came to her with a scroll and she took it. Opening it Lewis was handed a quill, “This is the declaration of war. A rebellion.” They each signed it and Lewis tossed it at his father. Their eyes glowed a vivid azure, “This is our will and we will succeed come hell or high water.” Their voices were one and the area hummed with strong magic. “Apart we are weak but together we are strong.”

Simone took a breath and the magic broke as she looked back up to Lewis, “Now, before the war begins we will have our reception and merriment. Tomorrow at first light we are enemies.” Simone spoke directly Heath this time.

Lewis and Simone were taken over to a reception area where they cut a cake together. Lewis held her and Simone tossed the cake at him. It was an overall good time even if the night phoenixes were now sour at what had happened.

“Dearest cousin,” Felix approached them and Simone sat on Lewis’s lap so she could look at the traitor who was her cousin.

“Don’t call me dearest like I matter to you. What do you have to say?” Simone snuggled into Lewis who was nuzzling her. A deadly glare from Lewis was directed at Felix.

“I was just curious how you were doing.”

“Oh, I’m just fantastic. I’m here with the love of my life and we’re planning on killing you… It’s great.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Jan 2, 2022 3:10 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

They could not have chosen a more perfect day for the wedding. As Simone walked up the aisle, her radiant white and blue dress shimmered in the sunlight. Even the Omen King couldn’t deny her absolute brilliance in that moment, her aura radiating along with the sun. Her smile as she saw Lewis could have brought an army to its knees and toppled nations on its own.

To Lewis, she was everything. Even if this wedding was merely a symbol, he was glad that they did it. And it was being magically broadcasted across the realms. It was a spectacle to behold, and one that gripped all of the world.

Simone approached Lewis, still smiling.

You’re perfect. Lewis had no other words for her. He couldn’t begin to do it justice. Yet, the emotions welling up inside of him were more than enough for Simone to understand what he was seeing and feeling.

The two spoke their vows, much like the night before, and kissed for all to see. There was applause, though King Heath made no attempt to show any sort of notion that he was okay with this. Simone tossed the bouquet into the crowd, where an angry Osiria and Mia started to fight over it. In the end, it was Mia who stood victorious.

Lewis turned, hoping that all could hear what he was about to say.

“Today I stand before you all with my beautiful mate at my side. This day has been blessed by the Goddess of Life and Love…and shall go down in history as the day that I declare a new age of the Night Phoenixes rise.” There were murmurs from the crowd, and Heath bolted up. Immediately, he froze, noting that he was among enemies at this time.

“”I welcome you all, Night Phoenixes who believe in the truth of love, to come forth and denounce the land that you call home. Fight against the royals who dare force their ideals that go against the freedoms you deserve. The old ways need to die, and with it, we shall create a nation of Night Phoenixes who prosper!”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 8:59 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone was giggling at Lewis before kissing his chin softly. He looked down at her and nuzzled her again. It was making Rhenakos do gagging noises at how sweet they were being.

Mia calmed down and hugged him back before nuzzling into him. Mia had love in her eyes towards Xeik and kissed his nose. She huffed at him and nodded as she forgave him.

“Xeik, I have a question,” Osiria raised her hand.

“She can’t talk. She’s mute,” Xeik knew what they were going to ask.

“Oh, well she’s still cute!”

Simone nodded and gave a wave to Mia who waved back at her.

–

The regular ceremony took place in the morning as nobles from all over the country came to the wedding of Prince Lewis and Princess Simone. Simone was being prepped by attendants and the overall feel was filled with joy. “I’m so happy we couldn’t see the tribal ceremony but this is going to be beautiful,” Osiria was spouting joy as she helped arrange the flowers.

What shocked them was when all the nobles of the night phoenixes arrived and with that brought the king Heath. Everyone held their breath but they realized without an army they were relieved. Simone and Lewis were informed of the king’s arrival but told not to worry as their allies had their soldiers there to protect them.

Simone was in a gorgeous aqua dress with white and gold details. Her hair was decorated in white lilies with a long veil. Lewis had gone all out on her look and she was stunned when she saw herself in the mirror. Mia helped with her make up and she really did look beautiful when it was done. She had heard that Lewis scoured the markets himself for the perfect make up and accessories. They were picked with love.

She hadn’t even seen their wedding bands yet but she was sure that Lewis did a good job on those too. Lewis was standing where the ceremony would take place making sure everything was where it needed to be.

You are too giddy… There was a smirk on Lewis’s face.

I can’t help it… You did such a good job. I can’t wait for you to see me.

“Are you two talking?” Xeik asked as he saw Lewis’s smile.

“All the time. We’ve been talking all morning. Since you guys wouldn’t let me see her,” Lewis rolled his eyes.

“Traditions are traditions for a reason. Since this is technically your second marriage ceremony I’m glad you two aren’t nervous anymore.”

“Simone says you’re stupid,” Lewis chuckled.

The window opened up, “I did not!” Simone yelled out hanging out the window looking at Lewis. “Tell him what I really said!”

Xeik looked from Simone to Lewis and covered Lewis’s eyes. “Stop looking! Simone get back in the room! It’s almost time! And you! Using your wife against me…”

“She’s a good weapon,” Lewis chuckled a bit as he moved up to the altar. He got a bit of an image of her but that wasn’t the full thing.

The guests were seated and Heath was in the front row per instructions from Lewis and Simone. They wanted him to see this. He was already scoffing at the white tux that Lewis was wearing. Once the music started the magic toned the candles as Simone made her way in holding onto Llywellyn. Her bouquet was a large number of white lilies and roses which she had spent forever smelling before they pulled her in.

“Here’s your bride Lewis,” Llywellyn handed her off and Simone offered a smile up at Lewis.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 7:08 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

At the announcement of war, Lewis smirked.

“Oops. Did I accidentally a war?” There was a hint of humor in his voice, but he knew that this was one of the possible outcomes all along. In fact, they had hoped for it. With the declaration of him becoming a traitor, he had inversely become a symbol. Well, at least the start of one. In order to completely seal the deal, he would have to show force to have the refugee night phoenixes rally behind him,

And that meant the wedding.

As all this was happening, a very miffed Mia showed up and demanded to know why Xeik had not greeted her at the gate. Immediately, the Prince of Wolves was on his feet and headed to Mia. Without waiting for her, he hugged her tightly. “Mia! You’ve arrived! Had I known I would have met you immediately, but…” He glanced over to Lewis and Simone. “We’ve had a very trying day,..” All of the previous exhaustion seemed to have melted away.

“She’s so tiny,” Lewis started, a little surprised.

“She can lift me,” Xeik responded. “I’ve missed you Mia!” He quickly went over the details of what had occurred, and that she was just in time for the wedding.

“We do it tomorrow. We can’t waste any more time,” Lewis said with authority.

“Right,” Xeik responded. “Preparations are already done. The invitations were sent…all we have to do is show the world that Lewis and Simone are the real deal.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 6:55 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“We won’t fall out of love,” Simone protested once Llywellyn looked scared for her.

“Hell no, she’s mine,” Lewis wrapped his arms a bit tighter around her and pulled her closer. They went back to nuzzling each other once they had that small little fear stamped out.

Simone smiled a bit at Lewis and rubbed his hair. “This is good news.”

“Why?” Osiria looked at Simone.

“Because I can’t use magic all that much. I have mana deficiency. It’s an illness of sorts.” Simone explained.

Lewis snapped his head at the word illness and opened his mouth, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine it’s not that kind of illness but it means while I can quick cast I can’t maintain the ability to keep my magic going in this body. If you can do it… That means that you are really strong. I have great mana ability just no way to use it.”

Llywellyn nodded, “She’s been looked at by the best doctors both Auclair and Sulwal had at the time. She’s perfectly healthy Lewis. It’s just a thing with her body being weak but she’s still healthy in all other regards.”

Then came news from Xeik’s father who was at the table, “The night phoenixes are beginning to move. Lewis has been branded a traitor and the calls for Simone to be taken back are on the move. You’ve started a war.”

Simone took Lewis’s hand, “We knew we would though. What else has happened over night.”

“We’ve started taking in refugees from the night phoenix territories. Most of them are run-away couples that were forced apart by nobles. You’ve started a revolution which is important, however, they are still aiming to kill Lewis.”

“But they don’t understand how the resonance works,” Simone spoke up. “If they kill him…”

“They will kill you. We also don’t know how killing you would even work. There’s no guarantee you can even die now.” Xeik sighed a bit. “Now, we need to start the actual wedding and show it to everyone through magic. Are you both ready for that?”

"Princess Mia is here!" An announcer let in a small blonde who was in a cute dress. She had a pout on her face and stomped her foot at Xeik. She appeared upset that he didn't greet her at the door.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 6:41 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Xeik was oddity missing from the dinner, and it wasn’t until about halfway through when he arrived. He was carrying a massive book that looked tattered and worn, and when he slammed it down on the table, it made a resounding thud. That got the attention of everyone, including the enamoured couple.

“So…I did some digging. A lot of digging.” Xeik looked absolutely exhausted. “The proper name for this phenomenon is called ‘Resonance.’ It is, at its core, a powerful magic that alters two beings and connects their souls together. This change is permanent.” He cleared his throat. “There have been cases where the lovers have fallen out of love, but since this resonance is permanent, it drove them mad…hence the ‘torment’ portion we heard from what I’m assuming was the Goddess.”

He opened the book, and flipped a few pages in. “There is very little information, but what I can find is that they share absolutely everything together. Experiences, thoughts, feelings, emotions…all of it.”

Rhenakos slammed his hand down, “Wait, so when they have sex, they can feel both sides at the same time?”

Everyone stared at him for a moment.

“Actually, yes,” Lewis replied with a smug grin. For once, he was willing to play along. “It was pretty damn incredible.”

“No one wants to hear that,” Xeik replied as he cleared his throat. “This ALSO includes magic.” That got a curious look from Lewis, to which Xeik nodded. “That means-”

“I can use magic now?”

“Through Simone, yes. Assuming you learn how,” Xeik replied. “And vice versa, Simone should be able to call on your talents as well. The swordsmanship you’ve learned growing up, your experiences with martial arts…all of it.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 6:24 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

The amount of noise coming from the room had attracted Rhenakos, “What the fuck is going on?”

Xeik was facepalming. Everyone could hear what was happening. “What do you think is happening?”

“Let me in!” Rhenakos was about to argue but Xeik was just glaring with a twitching eye.

“Not happening, I think he would kill you and she would probably help.”

–

It was hours until the noise died down and Lewis carried out an exhausted Simone. She looked feverish but content but the fever was the embarrassment of being seen by their friends. “Don’t look at her she’s embarrassed,” Lewis snapped as he carried her past them all.

Llywellyn awkwardly came over, “What is going on Xeik?” The smell of sex in the library was making Xeik sigh.

“Simone and Lewis had their souls tethered and I was explaining to Simone when Lewis came in like he knew where he was. He couldn’t contain himself and said I could watch or I could get out.”

“…” Llywellyn looked at the mess the two had left and looked at Xeik. “Can you research the downsides of this? I’m worried for Simone.”

It was well into the evening when Lewis and Simone made their way to get something to eat. They were quiet but they kept nuzzling each other and holding onto each other. Rhenakos went to touch Simone as a joke and Lewis grabbed his wrist without even looking at her.

“How the fuck?” Rhenakos saw that Simone was looking his way.

“I can see you through Simone…” Lewis looked over at Rhenakos. “She’s mine.” Simone snuggled into him and sat on his lap.

“Now that we can function properly… We can adjust to this.” She was blushing again as she thought about the morning.

“Mone… Please…” Lewis whined at her.

“I’m sorry!” Her face was even brighter red.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 6:04 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

This was all so confusing for Xeik as he tried to ascertain why Simone was asking all of these questions. What had happened to them was rather unique, and from the questions she was asking, and what brief explanation he got, he was slowly starting to form a hypothesis on what was going on between the two.

Xeik had taken Simone to a small room with a long table at the center, and bookcases at the side. It was a room that he used to study in a lot, but from the way that it looked, it hadn’t been used in quite some time. The first thing Xeik asked was if she was cold. Neither Lewis nor Simone had the chance to change before things went awry the night before, and Simone had still not changed due to taking the time to separate herself from Lewis.

Simone declined. She was running too hot right now to even be bothered by that.

“So…you can feel everything about him,” Xeik re-stated. He wondered if Lewis felt the same. “There are old texts that reference something called ‘soul tethering’, something along the lines of binding two souls together through time and eternity. The concept is used in a lot of literature, such as ‘destiny’ and ‘star-crossed’, two people meant for each other through life and death.” He closed his eyes. “There’s a name for it…on the tip of my tongue…”

Simone perked up, “He’s awake…” She blushed, and looked at Xeik. “He’s…” Her eyes got wide, and she got really quiet.

Xeik looked at her with concern. “Are you okay Simone!? You look almost feverish.” He started to get up, but Simone shook her head quickly, trying to hide the fact that she seemed to be internally panicking.

The door flew open and was slammed shut immediately as Lewis burst in. He took one look at Simone, and marched towards her. With almost no effort at all, Simone ended up on the table, underneath Lewis. She was panting hard already, excitement in her eyes.

“NOPE! NOT HERE!” Xeik exclaimed.

”Then get out…I’m not waiting,” Lewis demanded.

Xeik sighed. “I…Goddess above help me…” He ran out the room, and locked the door behind him.

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 5:52 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

When Simone woke up she was awake by herself. She could hear Lewis’s soft breathing… Or was that her breathing? She moved her hand up and she winced. They were together in the most intimate of ways, in her heart she knew this. She felt him to the depth of his core. His want for her, his love for her… His ambitions. Everything.

She pulled herself up and pulled herself out of bed. It was like the world was woozy. This just wouldn’t do. The sexual desire from both of them was driving her absolutely mad but that wasn’t the most important thing.

She fell out of bed and tried to move herself. The door opened and Xeik ran in. She held up her hand. “Please, don’t help me?” She couldn’t tell who was talking. “Xeik? Who is talking?”

“You Simone?” Xeik gave her a weird look.

“Who is breathing softly?”

“Probably Lewis… Simone are you okay?”

Simone put her hand to her head, “Just… take me outside real quick.”

It took her an hour to sort who was who by asking Xeik questions but once she had a good baseline she closed her hands and moved her mana creating walls. She slowly started to not feel dizzy as she separated the two of them on the most basic of levels. The only thing she left opened was how they were feeling, their thoughts, and of course if they were hurt and her magic. She took a deep breath. “This is so fucking intense,” she held her head.

“What’s going on?” Xeik was not only confused but worried.

“I can feel everything about Lewis. EVERYTHING. I can even feel how his skin is feeling right now. I’m working on separating the two of us and I’m almost done but… It’s so overwhelming. I can even taste him right now.”

“I don’t need details on what you did last night,” Xeik was putting up his hands.

“Not what I meant,” Simone was bright red. “I can literally tell you what he’s eaten and what seasoning was in it. Right now from where I am.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 5:38 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

So much was racing through Lewis’ mind and body. He caught Simone purely out of instinct, but collapsed immediately under the pressure of everything. First and foremost, mana was flooding his veins, filling him. It was painful, even, as his body had never experienced anything like this before. Second, and almost as equally excruciating, was the sudden flood of overwhelming information.

It was almost like being in two places at once. He could feel that he was holding Simone, but he could also feel that Simone was holding him. No, that wasn’t quite right. It was like he was holding himself. No, even that barely made sense. The cool air was refreshing against his sweat soaked skin, yet to Simone, he could feel that it was almost chilling. Or was that what he was feeling, and that Simone was enjoying the cool air?

“What…what the hell is happening?” He said. Or did Simone say that? No, Simone was passed out. But he felt her…so much of her. It was like he was in two bodies at once, body and mind.

At once, Xeik, Llywellyn, and Rhenakos were around them, helping as best they could. Rhenakos had volunteered to take Simone, but it was Osiria who ended up carrying her, while Rhenakos lifted the woozy Lewis.

“Don’t get any ideas,” Rhenakos said with a glare as he got lustful stares from the women who were attending the ceremony.

Lewis and Simone were brought to the room they were originally supposed to consummate their ‘marriage’ in, but everyone had a feeling that it wasn’t going to really be happening tonight. It was determined that both of them were in fine health. If anything, it was eerily perfect health…

“It’s probably just exhaustion,” Xeik said as he shut the door on them. “We’ll…leave them alone for now.”

That left Lewis and Simone alone…for the first time in a long time. But Simone had passed out, and Lewis wasn’t far behind. The last thing he remembered doing was wrapping his arms around his mate, feeling the warmth of her skin against his own…or was it the other way around? The information overload was too much, and Lewis lost consciousness, drifting into vivid dreams…

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 5:25 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone was blushing as Rhenakos was taking in everything about her. Even Lewis had a hard time focusing but he was forcing himself to look elsewhere. This ritual was the one they needed so they could start sleeping together. This was what they were working towards and it could not be rushed or ruined.

Simone took the step with him and gave a bow of her own. “We offer these roses for love and prosperity. We understand that our kind has forsaken you but we recognize you as our true goddess. With you, by our sides, we can revitalize our civilization and end the centuries of abuse.” Simone offered up an explanation as soon as the roses let loose their glow.

Now it was time for their vows as Simone turned to Lewis and gave him a smile. “I vow to protect this man with everything I am. He is my chosen mate with who I have caused a war to be with. I vow to cherish all of our time together from now until we die and even after our death. Forever together through the sands of time.” She took a deep breath as she took his hands. “My most precious Lewis, I love you with everything I have and am… I offer to you my body and soul.”

There was a thick feeling in the air as the mana around them became visible. It floated from the ground and well up into the sky. It became noticeable all over from the skies. The flames of the night phoenix kingdom exploded in black and blue flames symbolizing a chosen pair.

“So they aren’t dead…” The king looked pissed as he stared at the fire. The council seemed terrified of all of this. They had their first chosen pair in five hundred years and they were sure the goddess was pissed.

“I, the goddess, recognize this pairing.” Her words were clear as bells as Simone’s eyes got large as the statue came to life and became real. “Lewis Terrowin and Simone Auclair. I bless this pairing in the name of Love and Life. May your ambitions become reality and your promise to me come true. I bind you in the most sacred of ways and in a way I’ve never done for your kind before.” Magic swarmed them both.

“May you be together forever in happiness or torment.” Simone was overwhelmed by this new feeling of rushed emotions coming from Lewis. She was sure they could feel each other. The tattoos on Lewis were a bright azure now as they shared the deep magic that Simone had. The statue returned to where she was and Simone held onto Lewis before passing out.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 5:09 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

The cavern has been one used in previous ritual;s before, set up with a circular array of stone pillars with lit braziers. Normally, the flames would be roaring, illuminating the room with warmth, but tonight they were an eerie blue. Despite this, though, it was still warm, but the intent behind it felt more animalistic. At the center of this altar was an intricate design of gold and silver roses atop a large metal plate, with archaic runes etched on the outer ring.

The cave had been dug out deep, and angled to align with several window-like structures that aligned with various phases of the moon. In this instance, the middle ‘window’ was being used, and as such the ceremony was facing the celestial body in its entirety.

Lewis looked at Simone, and smirked. It was the best he could do with the way he felt. He had never been more exposed in his entire life, and dealing with the now breezy cave was something entirely new and unwanted. But, this was what the goddess wanted for the whole ceremony. All he had to do was focus on Simone, and he could do this.

Of course, he didn’t want to focus on her too much. With the only piece of clothing he had being this stupid loincloth… excitement was not something he needed to show off to the whole audience.

“HEY LEWIS!” Rhenakos said, getting the young prince’s attention. “Just look at Simone’s brea-” There was a resounding smack as Ositia lopped him up side the head with her hand.

“Just relax!” Xeik said with a smile. “You both can do this! It won’t take long!” He walked up and handed Lewis the bouquet of rainbow roses. In the blue light, they seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow. “Just offer them to the goddess, and say the lines…”

Everyone left the altar, leaving Simone and Lewis to turn towards the moon. Lewis took the first step forward, and offered a half bow.

“In the name of the Goddess of Life and Love, I offer you this tribute…” He raised the bouquet, letting it bask in the moonlight for a moment before turning around and placing it at the center of the altar. Lewis could have sworn he noticed the roses glow for a moment.

“I vow to protect this woman, my chosen partner through this life. I vow to cherish my time with her, through life and death, for all of eternity…” His words seemed heavy in the air, almost as if they were resounding with some deep magic. “My dearest Simone, I love you with everything I have…” He turned to her. “I offer to you my body and soul…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Jan 1, 2022 4:52 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“The rainbow rose is something that is beloved to the goddess but its rare as hell. It was cultivated back in the day but that was before the practice was put in the past,” Simone educated Lewis easily enough. “So now we have to find ones that were left in the wild.”

Osiria put her hands on her hips, “Luckily, in my nation there is a spring where they grow wild. I know where to get them. We can get a dozen or so.”

“A dozen would be a great gift to her!” Simone was excited now as she looked at Lewis. “Soon.” The two were nuzzling softly in front of others.

“They are so fucking cute! You didn’t tell me they were cute!” Osiria smacked Rhenakos.

–

They got the roses without a problem and the couple was dressed up in the tribal dresses for the ceremony. Simone had a beautifully made tribal headpiece that held nice colors against her black hair. The dress was less of a dress and more like lingerie but the type of ceremony this was… was more along the lines of a fertility ritual than anything else. It was a thin piece of black silk that wrapped around her chest just barely hiding her assets and a short skirt of the same material hiding her bottom. Azure blue paint was used to make a bunch of ritual marks across her skin. The paint glowed with magic that seemed to resonate with her own.

Lewis’s attire was barely any attire at all as it was a black silk loincloth. His body had several different paintings of the same tribal marks as Simone. It hummed softly with a light glow but not as intense as Simone’s.

Simone had a blush on her face as the two came out and face each other. Luckily it was a warm night for the ritual. The same night that his father was going to marry the two of them. “Are you ready Lewis?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 7:41 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Xeik had his arms crossed as he watched Osiria punch Rhenakos. “It’s like this every single time they get together. Rhenakos is the most forgetful person I’ve ever met, yet for some reason she puts up with this idiot.”

“It’s the sex,” Rhenakos said. That earned him another punch. “IT WAS A JOKE!”

Lewis blinked, “Oh. You’re his fiance. I always wondered why you were hanging around us.”

“Did it really just click for you?” Rhenakos asked. Osiria had him in a headlock.

“To be honest, I don’t care,” Lewis responded. Which was mostly true. “So when is this Mia showing up? I feel like I haven’t met her…”

“That’s because she and I haven’t really met too consistently. Once a month for the past year and a half. She’s an excellent writer though, and absolutely adorable She’ll be here within the next few weeks…” The Prince of Wolves was absolutely beaming. “My moon goddess…”

“So anyway, what’s this about a rainbow rose?” Lewis asked, trying to steer the subject back.

“Right! The ritual!” Xeik looked over to the group. “Rhenakos! Osiria! I have a task for you two lovebirds….”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 7:12 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone started to grumble and look at Xeik. “How much longer until we’re done?”

“A month maximum.” Xeik sighed at the pair.

Together both of them yelled at Xeik startling him, “Give us a week to get done!”

The hardest part was getting the gift to give to the goddess. The elusive rainbow rose would get her attention so they gave the job to Rhenakos since he kept on making comments about letting the two of them be alone.

“I still don’t understand why it’s so bad for them to have sex before the ceremony,” Rhenakos did a finger twirl. “My fiance and I have sex all the time.”

“You are getting married?” Lewis and Simone said as they looked up at Rhenakos.

“Yeah? Everyone our age has a fiance now.”

“Wait…” Lewis looked at Xeik. “You too?”

“I’ve told you about Mia five thousand times.”

“No you haven’t.”

“I most definitely have… You just chose not to listen to me,” Xeik finally rolled his eyes.

“Yeah… That sounds like me.”

“So, am I going to get to meet the other fiances?” Simone seemed to perk up after being the only girl for a few months.

“Yeah, Os is coming with me to get the rose and Mia is on her way here,” Rhenakos smirked. “Os isn’t a very proper princess though so just watch out for tables. Mia shoves food at Xeik.” Mone was just happy to have other females around to distract her from wanting to jump down Lewis’s pants.

A flying party had Simone and Lewis nervous but Rhenakos ran out to meet them. “OS!” Once they noticed the wings were red they calmed down and went out only to see the dark-haired girl punching Rhenakos in the face.

“Where the fuck have you been?! I’ve been waiting for your god damn letters for a month you bastard! I ALMOST CALLED OFF OUR ENGAGEMENT!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:34 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

At first it was cute, tender little nuzzles, but it soon evolved into light kisses on the cheek or forehead. Neither one of them really knew what to do with each other as this was all so new. Without alcohol, it was almost like they were dancing around the whole thing until finally…

It was a cute first kiss. It evolved, though, slowly, and soon they couldn’t stop.

Except the door opened, and Xeik walked in.

“Surprise,” Xeik said with a glare.

“Xeik…could you give us five more minutes?” Lewis asked, giving a glare back.

“No. You both should be busy working…” Xeik walked over to them and crossed his arms. “Lewis, you have invitations to arrange. Simone, you have to go rearrange the seating for Lewis. Since he’s so far behind on his part…”

Lewis gave Simone a guilty look, which to most looked like a normal look. “In my defense…”

“You have no defense,” Xeik responded. “Back to work…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:08 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

The plans kept Lewis and Simone from having the time to build something more alone. It was clear from watching them that it was frustrating but also that they didn’t have much of a choice. The little time that they did have was precious but they spent it learning more about each other considering they hadn’t really had that much time at all for that.

They were getting antsy about it though and Xeik could see that it was almost changing the atmosphere in the room when the two were staring at each other. The lovelorn looks. It was only a matter of time before they cracked so Xeik had taken it upon himself to keep the two busy. After all, the ritual ceremony required no sex on their behalf. It wasn’t that odd for a mating pair to be the only ones they had.

Simone was over it though and while she was sure that Xeik had his reasons… She just wanted time alone with Lewis. Time to do more than just talk with him. She wanted to touch him and she was sure that she wouldn’t take it too far.

Climbing out of her window she climbed alongside the edge of the castle until she found Lewis’s window. She started to knock on his window once she found out what one was his, she had scouted earlier in the day. Once Lewis opened the curtains his eyes got big and he opened it letting her in. She immediately covered his mouth, shut the window, and closed the curtains.

“Shut up and kiss me already before Xeik storms in here,” Simone chuckled a bit and jumped on him. They were mostly too embarrassed to do it in public yet. They hadn’t done any of it privately so it was awkward in front of people. Lewis carried her over to the bed so they could sit down. It was cuddling at first but… their feelings started to get the better of them.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 6:09 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“Right…start planning…” Lewis stared at everyone for a moment, and then smirked. “It’s going to be perfect…”

—

The next few weeks were a lot of work for the two. The traditions that the ancient ceremony called for required a ton of research, which Xeik and Llywellyn were more than capable of handling with Simone at the helm. That left the current ceremony to Lewis. A glorious wedding dress was a must. If he was to be crowned King, then the Queen would need to stand out just as much.

That left what he was going to wear. Traditionally, it was to be a dark suit, but Lewis went with white as well, something to usher in a new age of night phoenixes. A symbol of light.

Which was a bit of an ironic considering who he was…

It turned out, though, that working with Lewis was a nightmare. He was okay with most things the way they were, but when it came to something for Simone, he suddenly became a monster. It required perfection or it wasn’t good enough. The dress that Simone had chosen for the public ceremony had been fitted just slightly off, and that was unacceptable. So he had it remade from scratch.

“Isn’t that just a little much?” Xeik asked.

“No,” Lewis responded almost immediately. “Nothing is too much.”

Rhenakos sighed, “You could just have it adjusted.”

“No. It needs to be perfect the first time, or not at all.”

This trend continued right up through all of the planning, right up until the last few things were planned. Now, it was just a waiting game.

Lewis was relaxing in the room that he had been granted, and he found himself staring at the ceiling, thinking of what his future would hold. “…We’ll even sleep together soon.” His face flushed at the thought. They had barely spent any time alone together since the planning began, and he wondered what it would be like to just relax with her….

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 5:28 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“We can start planning right now.” Simone took Lewis’s hand and smiled. “I think the most important thing for us to do is do things in a way that hasn’t for a very long time. In our time the night phoenixes were married in a sacred ceremony to the ancient goddess of love. She blessed the union and created the bonded. She would only bless it if both were willing which is why the tradition died. I think if we show everyone us going through the ceremony that we should be able to rally many supporters that way. We can still get married the new way too just to rub it in but for a private quick ceremony, I think that would be best. I can still remember what the clothing looks like.”

“I think I got books on it,” Llywellyn nodded. “I had borrowed them from Jurian for research so I could see what gifts would be appropriate for you.”

Mone smiled up at the elf king and looked almost giddy, “Do you think you can get them to Xeik so we can start the outfits being prepared? Since Night Phoenixes were originally very tribe-focused so were the outfits. We’ll be tattooed in places of our mate’s choosing and this will bring us closer. If she acknowledges us we’ll be able to share everything.”

“What does that even mean?” Rhenakos quirked an eyebrow.

“Night Phoenixes have the unique ability to bond with their spouse. Again both must be willing and both have to give an equally great gift to the goddess. We’ll have to think of something good. Meanwhile, I think while I prepare this wedding that Lewis should be in charge of the regular wedding that we’ll invite everyone to.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 9:54 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis grimaced at the announcement that Mirabelle was to be wedded to Felix. That left a sour taste in his mouth. “We have to save her…she doesn’t deserve this.” But Simone was right. There wasn’t much they could do.

The magical announcement continued on in the background as they talked. It was more about Felix, how he was ‘found’ the same way that Simone was found. Rescued from a dark enchantment…it had to be lies. There was nobody in the entire clan that could break the magic that was on Simone…

“Then let’s do it,” Lewis replied with confidence. “When do we announce it? How? And where?” He tried to get up, but his body was still recovering from the spell that Xeik had cast. “Anything to take him down. Anything to keep Simone from him.”

“And save the kingdom,” Xeik said. “That’s the most important part…”

“Eh…” Lewis shrugged. “Save my friends. Save my love. I guess the Kingdom can matter,” Lewis replied with a roll of his eyes. “When do we start…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 9:47 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone shook her head and leaned down to kiss him. “No peace.” She shook her head.

Xeik and the rest seemed to agree. “They planned on literally breeding her to death. If they would do it to her they would do it to others.”

“We need to kill your father and the council. Once we do that we can take over and rule,” Simone was suddenly very serious. “I’ve already talked with Rhenakos’s father and Xeik’s father. They are all on our sides. I think we can sway some of the younger Night Phoenixes who have been wronged by the laws.” Lewis’s people were being viewed as her people now and she took that seriously. “We’ll crown Lewis king.”

“There’s a magic announcement from Heath,” Llywellyn pulled up the magic as they walked Heath make his announcement.

“As you know yesterday I made the announcement that I would be wedded to Simone Auclair. It would appear that my son had feelings for his stepmother to be and killed both himself and her. It saddens me to have to say this. For now, I will marry his fiance to Felix Auclair.”

Simone stood up, “Your fucking father knew where my cousin was this whole time.”

“And I will be making Felix head of strategies.”

“It doesn’t appear like he believes you are both dead,” Llywellyn said as he squinted. “He’s going to try and use Felix to learn where you would go.”

“Good luck, Felix doesn’t know me very well…” She crossed her leg as she sat back down and Lewis was freed. “Lewis, we have to get married and mate. Tackle this together as a team. We have a year I think before things get rough for hiding us. A year is when the treaty here needs to be resigned. It’s before that point that I want to announce via magic that we’re married and planning a rebelling. Unless anyone has any better ideas?"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 9:40 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis stared at Simone as she yelled at him. “I WOULD KISS YOU IF I COULD MOVE!” he yelled back. For some reason, his arms felt heavy.

Xeik smirked, “Maybe we should leave?”

Rhenakos shook his head, “Fuck that. I want to watch.”

“Gross,” the Prince of Wolves responded. “I’d rather you not.”

Lewis closed his eyes. “No one leave. She might kill me before anything else.” He smirked, and opened them to meet Simone’s gaze. “Though a kiss would be nice…” He glanced over to Xeik. “And why exactly do I feel like a tonne of bricks?”

Xeik chuckled, “Well…I wasn't sure what you’d do when you woke up so….”

“Somehow I knew this was your handiwork,” Lewis responded. “So…what happens now? We escape into the wild and live out the rest of our days in peace?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 9:33 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“He threatened his father?!” Simone yelled.

“He threatened to kill his father for you,” Rhenakos nodded.

“That is so sweet…” Simone was in awe of the man before her. “But I TOLD HIM TO LIVE FOR ME SO I’M ALSO UPSET!”

Once Lewis woke up Simone got excited and jumped on him. “You’re awake! Welcome back to the land of the living!” She slapped him hard across the face. “What the hell did I tell you? I don’t want you to die for me!”

“That’s what I get for saving you?!”

“SAVING ME?!” Simone looked wide-eyed at Xeik and Rhenakos.

“Oh… Now you’re going to get it.” Rhenakos smirked.

“I WAS THE ONE WHO THREW US OUT THE WINDOW! I was the one who made the plan that saved our asses! WHY THE FUCK AREN’T YOU KISSING ME RIGHT NOW AND TRYING TO MARRY ME?!”

Xeik was bright red at Simone. “Simone did the other half of the work… She threw you both out a window after I gave her your unconscious body. She made a whole ass scene.”

“Yeah, she does that. How do you think she used to run away?” Simone was bright red as Llywellyn spoke. “She’s an expert at acting.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 9:27 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

It took them no time at all to escape the kingdom, and thanks to the hidden compartments in the carriage, plus a wonderful acting job from Lord Llywellyn, they made it out with little to no consequence. It took them a half a night to reach their destination, and they found themselves in the Kingdom of Wolves. Lewis was quickly put under the care of the healers, and Xeik and Rhenakos were sat down with Simone and Llywellyn for a full explanation of what had happened.

“Well, we were going in to negotiate wedding details, and…well, the King said some pretty bad things…” Xeik sighed. “Lewis must have lost his mind because the last thing he did before he was knocked was to threaten his father. Luckily, the two of us managed to knock him out. Of course…in the chaos, it seemed as though Lewis were really on a spree…”

Rhenakos shrugged, “Funniest thing. Out of everyone, Lewis did the least amount of work. Of course, we started the rumors though. Our buddy Lly here more or less barged in, and started going off on us for causing a commotion. Course, it was really just Lewis who started it but…”

“The plan pretty much went out the window as soon as we started,” Xeik replied with a sigh.

“Out the window just like the bodies,” Rhenakos replied with a grin. “I toasted those good…”

“Mmm…” Lewis groaned, and shuffled around. “The…what the hell…happened?” He sat up in the bed, and looked around. “Where the hell am I!? WHAT’S GOING ON!?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 9:13 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone was coming back from getting sick and she looked at the guards rushing. “What’s happening?”

“Stay back! Please go back to your room Princess! Prince Lewis is going on a killing spree! He tried to kill the king!”

Her eyes got large but Simone bowed, “Of course.” She made it back to her room and sat down by the window.

A knock came at the door and she was cautious as she opened it. It was the king. He spent twenty minutes by her side talking to her. All lies… “He went wild. He wanted the crown for himself. My bride, you must understand that he doesn’t like the prospect of you being part of us.”

The council was looking at each other and Simone noticed. “Oh dear… Are you okay?”

“I’m fine but they are attempting to locate the boy now… I want you to stay here in this room until they locate him. I’m worried that he will kill you.”

“Of course!” Simone nodded and watched as the king left. That night… It was quiet and Llywellyn was downstairs with Rhenakos and Xeik was carrying Lewis to Simone.

He opened the door breaking the seal and Simone woke up out of bed. “Xeik?” She whispered.

Xeik closed the door and brought Lewis over. “I had to knock him out. We need a plan.”

“I have a plan.” Simone thought about it. “Get me two bodies and dress them in our clothes. She got some spare clothes of hers and took off Lewis’s. “We’re going to be naked when we come down so make sure you have more. Traveling clothes. Leave the rest to me. Have Rhenakos roast the bodies.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Don’t worry about it.” She got a sword and cut both her and Lewis causing blood to go everywhere. “Heal me.” Xeik did as the girl wanted once she splattered blood everywhere. “Now get out of here.”

Once Xeik was gone Simone dragged Lewis over to the door. “HELP ME PLEASE! HELP ME! THE PRINCE HAS GONE MAD!” She grabbed him and flung themselves out the balcony doors as they lit on full fire. It was hot enough to burn their clothes but once they got to the bottom the spare bodies were waiting for them with burnt clothes. Llywellyn gave her a blanket and they quickly moved as the guards were alarmed and the king broke into her room looking over the balcony.

Meanwhile, Lewis and Simone were stashed under the seats of the Kingdom of Wolve’s imperial carriage. It was going to be a short trip thanks to their teleportation magic. Thankfully.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 9:01 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

The small talk soon turned to more disturbing topics. The council was quite curious at things that they had no right in knowing, but King Heath more or less demanded the answers to. Invasive questions about her purity, about her lineage, and on the expectations of her child bearing.

“We will schedule time daily for it,” one of the elder council members stated, writing down notes. “It will happen one to twice a day until we can prove conception. You will be on a strict regime of herbs and medicines…which, by the way, will be starting today. No time like the present to get it into your system.”

The King cleared his throat, “We of course will be waiting till the full moon before the consummation of this union is made. After that night, though, I expect you to perform your womanly duties without fail.” There was edge to his tone, as if to threaten her. “If a male heir is not produced, we will try again until we are successful.”

Simone had started to eat, but as the conversation went on, she stopped. Already she was sick to her stomach, and any more food would have shown them all just how vile she felt about all this. “If you’ll excuse me…I don’t feel too well…”

“Ah…if you must be excused, then we can continue this discussion later,” the king said. “We have more than enough time. The rest of our lives…”

Simone stood up and bowed, and left with haste. She went straight for the first bathroom, barely making it before she lost what little food she ate. She was absolutely disgusted with the culture… but this was for their survival.

Back in the dining hall with the council, the discussion continued without her.

“We are hoping that the Auclair line is much more fertile than our current bloodlines. It should be more pure…” The door opened, and a trio of men walked in. It was Lewis, followed by Xeik and Rhenakos. The discussion continued, as their presence did not matter.

“Breeding her is merely the first step. Laws can be changed to suit our needs if necessary. If she is as fertile as we hope, we can have her mated with every noble bloodline we have…” The King sat back, smirked. “That is, of course, after I get my heir…”

“And what exactly is wrong with the one you have,” Lewis stated as he reached the opposite end of the table. “And why are you talking about her as if she’s some object to be passed around.” He jumped up on the edge of the table, and started to walk down the middle, kicking the plates out of the way as he neared the council and his father.

“You idiot boy, what the hell are you doing,” the king demanded. “Get down this instant!”

Xeik took one side, magic swirling around him, while Rhenakos took the other side, cracking his knuckles.

“I was going to have a small talk…but it seems that won’t be needed.” Lewis said, emotion rising in his voice. “Instead…I’m just going to kill you!”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 8:40 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone collapsed and started to cry her eyes out again. This wasn’t easy for her.

Lewis went to the capital tavern and was drinking. Everyone was staying away from him after the news from the king. Everyone had seen the reactions. Rhenakos and Xeik came in and took a seat by him on either side. “So… How did it go?”

“How the fuck do you think it went? She would rather get violated than watch me die,” Lewis slammed down his mug and pushed it forward. “Another.”

“…Lewis don’t you understand that… That means she loves you? She’s sacrificing herself for you…”

Rhenakos spoke up, “So… All you have to do is… Not die.”

Xeik looked at Rhenakos, “That is the dumbest thing I’ve heard you ever say.”

–

Simone was dressed up by the court attendants for breakfast in the morning. She was dressed in dark blue and black silk. It was luxurious and it made her look older than her body really was. Perhaps hiding the fact that she was marrying her lover’s father. It was sickening to her in a deep way but she put on a brave face.

She was led out for breakfast and noticed that Lewis wasn’t there. She frowned and took her seat by the king who held a light talk with her. He was trying to gauge how much she knew about running a country which to be fair was more than he knew how to. It impressed the council around them.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 8:32 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis frowned. She was right about that, at least. His father would never let them go, and that meant being on the run for the rest of their lives. Even an army wouldn’t likely stop the Lord of Omens…as was perhaps one of the strongest Night Phoenixes to ever live.

“I would rather die that let that vile man touch you,” he said. “We can run forever if we have to…”

Simone took a step back, and stared at him. “I DON’T WANT YOU TO DIE FOR ME.”

At once she looked around, alarmed that she had yelled. It seemed as though no one had heard her outburst, and she once more turned her attention back to Lewis.

The prince merely sat there stunned. “So you would rather be violated by him…than watch me die…” He grimaced at the thought.

“I can’t lose anyone else,” Simone replied. She took a step forward again, closing the gap between them. “Lewis…” She placed her finger under his chin, and pulled his lips to hers, kissing him gently. “I love you.” Before anything else could happen, she pushed him back. “Stay away from me…if we are caught, things will not go well. I’m sorry…” There was sadness in her voice. “This was never meant to be,,,:

Lewis stood in shock for a moment. “I…” He could feel something welling up inside of him, but he couldn’t tell what it was. “…If that is what you wish.” Without waiting for her, he turned around and made for the balcony. “…I wish you a happy marriage to my father…” He jumped, and was gone with the wind.

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 8:21 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

She took his hands and looked up at him with almost star-filled eyes. These were the words she wanted to hear from her own fiancee back when they were together and now there was a chance… “Lewis, we’re in a bad position. I want to run with you I do…” She frowned. “Your father won’t let me go. He’s going to chase after us even if they can protect us I don’t think… I don’t know if we would be safe forever. It would take an army to stop them.”

Simone brought him to her and kissed him again. “I care about you… I don’t want you to give up everything if you are sure… I would also have to give up on punishing those who hurt me too and I care enough about you to do it but that hurts too.”

She put her head into his chest. He knew she would do it for him. She had a future now but how long would they have to run?

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 8:18 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“Simone…I know this is a lot, but…” Lewis paused for a moment, trying to get his words right. “We don’t have to stay here. The rules…they’re wrong. Everyone can see that you don’t want this. That I don’t want this.” He was starting to talk quickly now. “I…I lied. I kissed you back. It was…” He couldn’t find the word.

“It was magical. I’ve never felt anything like it before..” He took a step forward and took her hands. “Simone, we can run away. Mirabelle will help us. Xeik…Lord Llywellyn…even that oaf Rhenakos. All of them will want to help. All we need to do is sneak away into the night. It’ll be simple…”

There was hope in his eyes. “All you have to do is say the word, and we can fly off into the night. We don’t need money…we can live off the land. We can build a tiny little farm out in the Land of Wolves, and build a family…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 8:03 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Mone crawled off her bed and opened it she still had tears in her eyes but she pushed them away as she saw it was Lewis. “Are you crazy?” She whispered to him. “Get in here.” She pulled him into the room before drawing the curtains. She hugged him tightly and looked up at him.

After a few minutes her face flushed and she stepped away from him. “So… What are we talking about?” She rubbed her arm softly. “You don’t need to worry about me, Lewis…”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 7:57 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Xeik watched as Simone closed the doors to her balcony, and he couldn’t help but feel as though the world were against those two. His friend had finally found something… The face he had made when the marriage was announced was something that Xeik had never seen before. True pain.

“We’ve got to figure something out…”

—

Lewis glanced away when Llywellyn made his remarks about how much Simone hated this. “It doesn’t matter how much she does or doesn’t.” His fists were clenched as tightly as possible, and it was taking everything in his power to remain calm and civil. “This was my father’s wish, and there’s nothing that can be done…”

Xeik walked up, and looked at the two. They were all on the same page. “…she says “I’m sorry…” and that she will be in that room. I suggest you wait until later, and sneak in. Then you can-”

The silver haired prince's eyes lit up for a moment, “Maybe we can use that moment to escape.” He wondered if Mirabelle would help them. Hell, she could even come with. If Lewis were to disappear she would be the first they questioned. “I’ll go right away.” He darted off without waiting for Xeik or Llywellyn to say anything else.

“That…isn't going to work, is it…” Xeik said painfully. “It can’t be that simple.”

—

It was late at night when Simone heard a small knock at her balcony door. “It’s me,” Lewis said with a hushed voice. “We need to talk.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 7:49 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone had noticed that Xeik was on his way up and she offered a sad smile. “You want to help us?” Was there even an us? “Is there even an us?” She sat against the wall and looked at Lewis shaking her head. “I don’t even know what to do.” She tried to dry her tears. “I knew I would be married off but to his father? Xeik… We kissed.”

If Xeik didn’t know how bad the situation was… Then he did now. Simone gripped her skirts. “I was fine with it because I can find the people who hurt my people but… I can’t call myself his stepmother… I can’t…” She shook her head as she balled herself up. “Please tell him that I’m sorry.”

Simone shook her head, “He even paraded Lewis’s mate around me. He knows Xeik. This isn’t a game that can be won easily. I know Lewis isn’t fully mated but he never told me about her.” Which only meant a few things. That girl didn’t look too happy to be there either. “Tell Lewis I’ll be here. I don’t feel much like exploring.” She got up and closed the door to the balcony before falling on the bed. The girl was absolutely heartbroken.

Llywellyn in the meantime had waited for the dinner to be over to approach Lewis. “She hates this. Just to let you know. She’s scared. I know that look in her eyes.” The king whispered to Lewis before he left his side patting him on the shoulder. “This is unfair.” His words were quiet enough to escape everyone else but who they were meant for. The power of elvish magic.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 7:42 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

The moment that Simone left, Rhenakos started to move, but Xeik tossed a glare in his direction, and the demon prince sat back down, trying to keep his grumbles to himself. Even he could see what was going on here, and he hated it.

Lewis wanted nothing more than to leave the table, but he knew that it would look bad if he did. It was Xeik, though, who held no obligation to stay, and stood up, taking a bow.

“Pardon me. My traveling partner, Rhenakos, and I would like to excuse ourselves. We spent most of the day assisting the preparations for Prince Lewis’ return, and would like to retire early to get some rest.”

“I’m fi-” Rhenakos started to say, but was kicked under the table by Llywellyn from across the table.

The Lord of Omens, King Heath bowed his head slightly. “I understand. Please do excuse yourself as needed. If you need any accommodations, please do let the staff know.”

Rhenakos and Xeik left the halls. At once, the two made their way to the balcony of the old Queen’s room. With Rhenakos’ help, Xeik was able to ascend the walls, and landed on the balcony next to Princess Simone. Immediately, he noticed that she was in tears.

“Simone…” Xeik frowned. “Lewis can’t be here…but as his best friend, I can assure you that…I’m here to help as best I can…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 6:29 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone felt awkward being placed by the king’s side. Even she knew why someone would do this. She felt like a political tool almost immediately. There was panic as her and Lewis’s eyes met. She closed her eyes hard as her breath hitched. She was still only fresh into the world and now not only was she proposed too… It was by her crush’s father no less.

Everyone in the room understood that while the king said she had a choice… Simone really didn’t. “Of course,” she offered a pained smile and it was clear to almost all that the prince and princess had something going on. She stood up and bowed gracefully. “Please take care of me.”

The crowd seemed to be in shock of it as well. The woman was younger than his son. “My son’s soon to be mate Mirabelle is also here.” His father said as the girl came in. She had snow white hair and brown eyes. She was sat next to Lewis. Simone looked even more hurt but understood that these were laws playing against them.

“We’ll be married on the full moon. A double wedding! Lewis will be wed right after me and his new stepmother. It is a month off but I feel like we have time to wait and to plan a great occasion!” Simone could tell that everyone in this case was being forced to play this game. She pursed her lips and sat down to quietly eat not as lively as she was when Lewis first brought her in.

Simone had a bigger reason for agreeing to be the mate of the king. She could find the people who wronged her. “I’m tired… May I be excused?” Simone spoke up to the king after a bit and the king nodded letting a servant take her off to the old queen’s quarters. She curled up on the balcony and watched down below.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 2:34 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“I didn’t think they would…” He spotted Lord Lywellyn, Xeik, and even Rhenakos as they made their descent. Suddenly it made sense as to why there was such fanfare of their return.

They were welcomed with open arms, and immediately brought to the main hall for a marvelous feast. Lewis was sat at his usual place, to the right of his father. Xeik and Rhenakos were sat down next to him, and Lord Llywennlyn sat two seats down on the left of the King of Omens. Simone, strangely, was sat to the exact left of the king. That place had always been left empty as far as Lewis could remember.

It was the spot of the Queen.

The King of Omens stood up, and the hall fell silent. “My wondrous son has brought a gift for the kingdom! The Princess of Auclair has been found! A relic of the past, yes, but she is of a grand line! The history she may have! The power of ancient magics! The Auclair line yet lives!” There was murmuring from those in attendance to the feast, and Lewis suddenly got a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“As you all know, my wife passed away years ago shortly after giving birth to my son. I have spent many of these years alone, but…” There was a glint in his eyes. “I do believe it is time that I move on. By my birthright as King, I enact our sacred rule of law that allows me to choose my second mate, as my first has passed from this world.” He glanced to his side. “My dearest Simone…I would not force you into this, but I promise you that the heir of the Terrowin-Auclair line would be great, and would lead our people into a glorious new age…”

Lewis looked away. Xeik and Rhenakos could see the pain in his face, but neither could say anything. Llywellyn even seemed to be shocked.

“Lady Simone, would you be my mate for life? And produce an heir for our people?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 2:21 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Llywellyn had brought the two princes with him as a precaution to get in. “This isn’t good…” He sighed. “She’s never traveled this far and my mages told me a storm was brewing.”

“You mean to tell me you let her go with him and didn’t tell him she couldn’t fly that far?!” Xeik was stunned.

“She’s always been… shy about her insecurities. I thought she would have told him when they saw the storm but now that I think about it… She’s the type of girl to go through the storm even if it hurt her.” Llywellyn shook his head. “That’s the type of ruler her father was too. A good man.”

A dark-haired man came forward with guards. “What do you mean my son with traveling with a girl?”

The princes and king gave a bow and Llywellyn shook hands. “As you know your son was recently traveling with me for the expedition to Auclair. We found the princess. She was locked away in a time magic prison. She was coming back here with him.”

“The princess of Auclair you say?” His eyes lit up a bit. “They won’t dally. Lewis understands the prospect of a new female is good for us.”

Llewellyn frowned a bit but couldn’t say anything. This was just how the Night Phoenixes had always been.

–

The rest of the week passed and Lewis seemed better. Simone checked out the skies as they changed back into their regular clothes. “Thank you for everything.” Simone bowed to the innkeeper. “I’m sure we won’t forget this.”

The rest of the trip went uneventful for them aside from joking and laughing together. “There it is… The capital.” Simone pointed. She remembered seeing it on the map back in her time. At that time there had been two different night phoenix kingdoms but now with Auclair gone, it had absorbed the rest of her people that hadn’t been in the Auclair capital.

It looked like there was a crowd waiting for them as sounds went off. “They were waiting for us? I don’t remember you calling ahead of us…” A man with red hair rushed out and she narrowed her sights. "Llywellyn? And those are your friends right?"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 2:11 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

To see Simone value herself so little was almost disheartening. He let out an audible sigh as they traveled through the forest on their way back towards the town. He wondered, briefly, what was happening back home…

—

“What do you mean,” Xeik asked as he stared at the night phoenix guard. “He left almost half a week ago! It’s only a three day trip!”

The guard stared at the Prince of Wolves, and then to his traveling companion, the red haired brute from the demon clan. “You mean to tell me that Prince Lewis was supposed to be here yesterday?” There was alarm in his voice. “I must inform the king at once!” Without waiting for Xeik or for Rhenakos, he ran into the kingdom.

“Oh…oh no,” Xeik said as he looked towards the wilderness. “Where the hell are they?”

“I bet they’re fucking,” Rhenakos said with a smirk. “And who could blame him? Simone was finnneee…”

“Shut up…”

—

Lewis and Simone were back in the small tavern, and had ordered more food for the night. The necklace that Simone had ‘sold’ had been worth full accommodations for a full week at minimum, and the innkeep was more than willing to part with additional things that weren’t typically part of his service. Though, Lewis was careful not to ask for more of his ‘medicine’.

“Thank you,” Lewis said as they brought the afternoon’s meal up to their room. “This should be more than enough for us…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 1:56 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

She frowned a bit at his words and nodded. “The traitors matter to me not my future and not my happiness.” It was sad to hear such a young girl throw herself away. “My people deserved better than what happened to them, Lewis.”

She moved her hand and flicked her finger against his nose with a smirk. “Though it makes it sound like I belong to you.” She chuckled and leaned down splashing him. “Don’t get attached Lewis I’m more like a fleeting moth to the flame than anything.”

Mone walked through the forest looking at everything. She was in love with the flowers and even ended up picking a handful for their room. “We’ll be in the tavern for a bit.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 1:48 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis nodded. What Simone was saying made a lot of sense to him. The problem was that the council and his father will still beholden to the old ways, and breaking that barrier down felt almost impossible. He sighed. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to stop what happens once we reach the capital. I expect you will be taken away from me…since you are a free woman, you will likely be paired off to someone immediately…”

That thought sent a strange pang through his heart, something that he had not expected. He frowned, and looked at Simone. “But I guess that’s not something you’re concerned with. As long as you find the tractors, right?” He wondered what she would do to end it all.

He gripped the stone in his hand, and closed his eyes. “We should probably find a way to procure some supplies for the trip back as well…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 1:32 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

She walked alongside him and thought about it. “It would be good for us to come out and show them that we’re not the evil creatures made out to be.” She picked up a smooth river stone from the water and put it in Lewis’s hands holding them. “Policies and making friends are the best way for a future ruler to hold their people high.”

Closing her eyes she thought about it. “I got my first pick because of my position. However, my pick wasn’t the right one. When we rush these things we make errors and the mates we choose aren’t really our chosen mates.”

She wondered how much Lewis was taught. “The Goddess grants us all mates that fit us that’s what my father used to tell me. He courted my mother unless other Night Phoenixes. Only when he was absolutely sure did he ask her to be his and she was allowed to say no.” She tilted her head and smirked a bit. “He taught me that not all Night Phoenix ways were the right way. I was still expected to follow the laws of our people but he didn’t want me to rush. He hated Jerome but he had charmed me.”

Simone shook her head, “Mating never happened for us as you found out.” She blushed and shook her head. “A war had started with the fey clan. It didn’t allow for someone of my status to think about those things. I wasn’t allowed to be young. So I attended the war councils, studied hard, and made alliances. I made friends with Llywellyn and in turn I got to alliances with his friends as well. We were the first alliance.”

She held up a finger, “When a real chosen pair of Night Phoenixes occurs the skies will light up and all sources of fire will erupt in our phoenix kingdoms. My parents were a pairing that caused this. We thought it was legend until it happened. For us to find our true pairings we need to be able to spread our wings… Forcing them isn’t going to help our infertility rates. Lewis, forcing them is hurting us. My mother was unfortunate… but my father didn’t see it as a curse on our people. Bad things happen to good people that’s what he told me.”

Simone was actually a romantic and she blushed. “I don’t think it’s dumb though. I like the sounds of it. Someone who would love and care for me regardless of fertility… Sounds nice.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 1:19 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis stared at her as she made what was, perhaps, the worst joke that Lewis had ever heard. Yet something about it seemed to resonate with what little sense of humor he had, and he couldn’t help but laugh alongside her. What Simone couldn’t know though that that the prince rarely, if ever, laughed.

“We’re at a time of peace. The Land of Wolves and the Demon Clan Territory are at peace with the elvish nation. And of course, the Night Phoenixes aren’t even supposed to exist. We’re still thriving, but should our existence become known again, it’s possible we could be driven to extinction once more…”

Though, he seemed rather hesitant about that last statement. “At least…that’s what we’re taught. We are so much stronger than we used to be, and Xeik…Rhenakos. As much shit as I give them, they are my friends. The unity that we have…it would be strong enough to come out of the shadows.”

He paused. “There are many who think like I do, but the elders in the council, as well as my father, think that we should stay hidden away forever. That the old ways are still needed for our continued existence.” His smile had long since faded. “I’ve seen the light die from my friends spirit as they are chosen to be bred for the ‘continuation’ of our species. Many already had found love at that point, but the noble males are still allowed their first choice…”

Lewis had a disgusted look on his face. “It’s just as bad as slavery…’

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 1:09 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“Oh please, like you would ever hold it against me anyways. Why would you want to kiss someone like me.” He could have his pick of any female in his realm she knew this from her own engagement. Though for her it had been overwhelming.

They bickered about for a while until Simone ate well. She was never very good at eating. She put her hands together and looked up at the sky while they walked. “It is pretty.” She looked over at Lewis and made a face. “Studying is for the birds…” After a bit, she started to laugh and shook her head. “I know that too well myself. I wasn’t allowed to travel being the only royal princess at the time. Probably still am.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 1:04 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis was smirking the entire time. “It…wasn’t a bad kiss. I didn’t mind.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “It was nice, but it’s irrelevant. You were drunk, so I will not hold it against you.” He doubted that she would ever have wanted to if she were sober. Especially with someone like him.

Once he had his shirt on, he smiled a little. The herbs were already working, and he felt strong enough to at least start wandering around like she suggested. “We can go out after breakfast.” When she leaned against him, though, he blushed. Feeling her this close felt good.

“I’ll eat if you do as well. YOu barely touched your food last night…”

The two ate a decent breakfast, though it took some coaxing for Simone to eat a full meal. She was adamant that half was all she needed, but Lewis threatened to skip out on lunch if she didn’t eat.

Soon, they wandered outdoors. The day was beautiful, and the sun was shining as they wandered down the path towards the pond. Lewis learned that the town they had landed in was called Tinsmouth, a small place at the border between the Land of Wolves and the ever hidden Night Phoenix realm. They had only been blown off course a few hours, which was good. The problem, was that it would take a few more days for Lewis to full heal, and walking was not an option.

“It’s a nice day, surprisingly,” Lewis said as they finally neared the small pond. “I’ve heard of this place, but I never had a chance to visit. I’ve always been too busy with my studies.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 12:46 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone was bright red, “It doesn’t shock me I went for a kiss.” She rubbed the back of her neck before having him sit just far enough up so she could put the paste onto his wings and back. Her face was bright red as she tilted her head. “You don’t appear to be complaining.”

She stayed quiet for a while to process her thoughts and before long she blushed a bit more. “So what? I’m a virgin before the kiss that got me locked up in the tower… I hadn’t even kissed a boy yet let alone hold their hands. I wasn’t allowed to. Like all royalty, I was engaged at sixteen. However, well he didn’t want me. Obviously.”

She finished patching him up and got his shirt. “Here. Let me help you.” She was gentle with him and got him situated. “They said it should be fine for us to take a walk. The storms have died down and there is a pond and stuff not that far from here. Getting outside and getting fresh air would be good for you.”

She spotted the breakfast and leaned against his back. “Please make sure you eat too… And don’t tease me too much.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 12:38 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis woke up briefly when Simone started to undress. She had already taken her shirt off, and he wanted to warn her, but instead he kept his mouth shut and tried to keep his eyes closed as best he could. However, he was young, and after what had happened the night before, a little more than curious. One eye was kept open, just enough to watch her change…

When she left out the door, he took a moment to compose himself, and then started to carefully change into his new clothes. Now that the break was starting to heal, he was in a lot less pain. He still couldn’t move as much as he wanted, and flying was absolutely out of the question, but he could at least take care of himself now.

The shirt that he was given was almost impossible to put on, so he tossed it to the side to wait for Simone. He wasn’t above asking for help when he absolutely needed it. She arrived later, and Lewis was thankful that she had brought stronger herbs for his wing. Hopefully they would help speed up the process.

“You were…okay last night,” Lewis stated, avoiding her gaze. “Just a drunken kiss. Not much else happened.” He was lying, of course, but it was because he wasn’t sure how best to explain it. He sighed. “You tried to take off your top but passed out. That was about it…” Sure, there was the second kiss, but…

Was that even real?

“Mostly you just talked about bread and the tower. Nothing major….” He smirked. “Though you admitted to being a virgin…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 12:19 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone woke up in the morning and she was blushing as she looked at the alcohol. “Did I do something weird?” She crawled off the sleeping Lewis and looked him over. “I… Didn’t do anything too weird?” She got close to him. “What if he really doesn’t like me now?” She seemed to agonize over it.

She picked up her clothes and looked back at Lewis. “I guess he is asleep…” She stripped down and changed into the basic dress. The innkeeper had offered to clean their clothes for them. She put Lewis’s new pants over by him.

Leaving the room would give Lewis to get changed as she came up with some breakfast and more herbs. “I got some stronger herbs. These ones help with breaks in our wings. It’s good for phoenixes and other sorts. It didn’t look like they knew what I was so I took the liberty of playing dumb to get you the herbs you’ll need to heal.”

She meshed the stuff together and hummed while she did it. “I didn’t do anything too bad to you last night, did I? I can’t remember anything past bread making me upset…” She was blushing deeply and shook her head. “I’m thankful for being alive long enough to do something about what happened to my people.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 12:06 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis wasn’t sure how to handle this. In fact, he had no idea how to even feel. The first kiss was almost nothing to him. A sloppy thing done by a drunk woman with no life experience. Yet, something about the first kiss woke something up inside of Lewis. The way she had curled up into him the night before, the way she excitedly looked around the market, the way she gently tended to his wounds…

He kissed her back. Delicately. Sensually. An emotion that made no sense to him stirred in his heart. He wanted more. Simone started to try and take her shirt off, but the buttons were in her way. Lewis smirked, and when she finally tried to ask for his help, she ended up passing out.

At once, Lewis made sure that she was okay. Which, she was. But that brought about a whole lot of different issues. The biggest issue was that she was on top of him and he had no way to really get her off. The second, less important, was the fact that she had teased him, and now he felt quite awkward with her on top of him. That issue, though, was pushed away.

Sure, he wanted more. But he knew better than to do that.

…sorry.

Very carefully, he squirmed underneath her and used his limited range of motion to pull them both into a sleeping position. Her head was resting on his bare chest, and she was lightly snoring. He wrapped his arms around her, and held her close.

She’s warm… Again, Lewis smiled. This felt…nice. He closed his eyes. He had never imagined holding someone like this could be so nice…

—

”Lord Lewis, I demand you chose one. Now. Today is your sixteenth birthday! It is not only your birthright, but it is also a requirement by law!”

“None of them. I choose none of them.”

“That is not an option. The day is upon us. This is the law!”

“Fine. Any of them. I don’t care.”

“Give me a name.”

“…Mirabelle.”

“Your friend from childhood? There are better choices tha-”

“You told me to choose. I choose her. At least she’ll understand that this is out of obligation.”

“…you will understand one day, my child.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 11:55 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

The princess stared at him with a flushed drunken face as she tried to see what he was thinking. “Are you drunk too?” She felt his forehead. “No one has ever thought I was pretty. Pretty bland like…” She dramatically pointed. “LIKE BREAD!” She wobbled a bit as she got closer. “I’ll show you! I’ll show them all!”

She yelled and closed the gap before kissing him hard. The stunned Lewis only kissed her back once she moved into a slower more sensual kiss. Mone moved to take off her shirt and she was getting frustrated with the buttons. She was dead set on having her way with Lewis and completing the mating ritual then and there.

However, after getting frustrated enough to bring Lewis’s hands up to help her she slumped over and passed out on him.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 11:45 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis could do absolutely nothing about Simoen climbing all over him. Luckily the alcohol he had imbibed was taking effect, and the pain in his wing was dulled, otherwise he might have been crying out due to the raucous behavior of the now wasted princess. Had Simone not even realized she was exposing herself to him, Lewis wouldn’t have noticed, but her rather eccentric display of trying to hide it made it all the more obvious.

“I’m not trying t-” He tried to say, but was interrupted as she started to dive into her tower rant about how she had been locked up. He stayed quiet for a moment as she got close to him, her face not even a breath away.

Lewis blushed, and glanced to the side. “I don’t think you’re ugly. You’re pretty…” His words were barely a whisper, but they were just loud enough for her to hear.

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 11:36 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone snapped up. “Did you just say bread?” Her eyes were wild and she crawled up into his lap. “I don’t want any bread! Bread is the devil Lewis!” She was shaking him lightly. “Bread is so bland and it is a torture device.”

Her eyes watered. “Five hundred years of bland sponge~” She yelled as she flailed on his lap. Once she realized he had full of line of sight of her underwear she popped up and had her hands holding down her skirt with a deep blush across her face. “You are a pervert!” She yelled at him.

Then her eyes were tearing up, “I’m never going to get a real first kiss. My first kiss is forever lost to that fucking asshole.” She flailed once more. “I’m going to be a virgin forever!” She rolled around. “Stupid dumb… BOYS ARE SO DUMB! They don’t know how to kiss! They are spoiled rotten! Then they throw you in a tower after luring you in with a kiss.” She was now explaining in detail to Lewis how the events of her being inside the tower happened.

“They are all: OH Simone but you aren’t good enough BECAUSE YOU ARE FLAT CHESTED AND BLAND LIKE FUCKING BREAD.” She looked at the bread and crawled up on Lewis away from it. “THAT BREAD IS MAKING FUN OF ME!” She put her face close to his. "He left because I'm ugly didn't he?"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 11:29 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis was thankful for the alcohol to dull the pain, and carefully sipped his. Just from the smell alone, this was something that was brewed homemade. It was likely stronger than anything he had ever had, but he more or less knew his tolerances. He was shocked though, when Simone basically downed nearly double what he had drank in nearly a single moment.

Tonight was about to get difficult.

He was going to have to humor her a little bit. “Yes, you did quite well with breaking the seal on yourself.” Lewis was, of course, omitting the fact that it was Xeik who had broken the first part of it, the one on the tower that kept her completely concealed. In her current state, any mention of that might end up with Lewis worse off.

Lewis sighed internally. She was quite light, and judging by the way she had downed the drink earlier, had little to no experience with alcohol. It was probably only going to get worse as the night went on. There had to be something he could do, even in his state.

“Simone…you’ve barely had anything to eat. Please sit down at put something in your stomach. Maybe even some bread.” The warm bread might help absorb some of the alcohol.

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 11:16 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“Oh thank you…” Simone got up and took it from the man. “We appreciate how accommodating you’ve been.” The princess gave a little bow and it made the innkeeper almost blush as Simone closed the door. “Let me help you. You’re struggling.”

Ignoring her own hungry she kept helping Lewis until he was full. She only snacked in between his bites and once he was done so she was. She was used to being done when the head was done so this was nothing.

She sniffed it and reared her head back. “This is alcohol.” Strong too but she had never had it. She sniffed it again and poured a mug for Lewis. “I’ve never had any alcohol before.” Immediately Simone took a big gulp of it. “I don’t get it.” She reared back from it. “What’s so special about this.”

Though once she was up and about in a few minutes she was stumbling around. “It isn’t far Lewis!” She was yelling and throwing her hands up. “Who does that asshat think he is! Ending our engagement,” she was spitting fire. “Then he locked me up in a tower with that asshole. I’m not a damsel in distress. I CAN RESCUE MYSELF. I am a self-rescuing princess!” She beat her chest as she leaned across Lewis. “Right?” She was wasted.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 11:09 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

When Simone left to go get food, he silently cursed himself. She had sold her mother’s necklace, which at this point was more than likely irreplaceable. It was an unfortunate circumstance that they had found themselves in, and she had made the best of it with what she had on hand. He had to at least give her credit on that front.

Still, he had to think of a way to make it up to her. Losing something so precious must have been difficult.

When she came back with the food, he carefully tried to sit up. With Simone’s help, he finally was able to sit upright. Immediately he felt a little bit better. “I can probably manage.” He started to lift his arm, but a searing pain shot through his back, and he nearly dropped the spoon that was given to him. He glared at his arm and then at the food, and tried again, this time slower. He managed a bite of it.

“It’s…good.” He managed a few more painful spoonfuls, and let out an annoyed sigh.

There was a solid knock at the door, and a call.

“Don’t mean to disturb you two, but I have a little something for you both. A local buddy of mine made some…uhh…strong ‘medicine’. It won’t heal or nothing, but it’ll dull the pain and probably give you a good night’s rest. I just recommend not drinking too much of it lest you get a bad hangover.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 10:55 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“Easy…” She eased him back down and smiled at him. “We’re at an inn. I managed to get us to the village that wasn’t far.” She mixed some of the herbs once more so she could lather it on. “I sold my mother’s necklace. I didn’t have anything else of value.” She smirked a bit. “We are paid up until we need to leave. The innkeeper gave me the coin for new clothes and these herbs too so I can get you healed up.”

Simone shook her head, “If it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t have gotten hurt. I’ve never flown far at all so I should have told you that. I just wanted to look brave and meet my goals.” Even if she wasn’t strong enough to meet her goals which were becoming evident. She was soft and gentle.

“I’m going to go get you food.” She left and came back with some hearty stew and some warm bread. “Something easy for you.” She moved some pillows around and helped move him so he wasn’t in too much pain. “Do you want to feed yourself? Or do you need help?” She knew he had to be weak.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 10:47 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis awoke with a start. He was covered in sweat, and feeling a rather agonizing pain in his wing joint. He tried to slow his breathing, and closed his eyes for a moment. “Where…” He winced, tensing up. Simone had him on his stomach, applying the herbs she had gotten to his wing. From what he could tell, the bones in his left wing might have been snapped by the storm.

The herbs were already starting to help with the pain, but there wasn’t anything that could be done about the broken wing. Healers would be required, and most of the ones in towns like this would be useless when it came to a night phoenix.

Not that Lewis would want to expose his heritage to just anyone. Most people assumed that his black wings were of a different avian breed, and not of the well hidden night phoenix race.

“Where are we?” he managed to ask. They were indoors, which meant that they had paid for a room. But that was odd. They hadn’t any coin. “How…how did you get this room? Those herbs?” Focusing on anything but the pain was helping. He winced as Simone rubbed more of the herbal paste on his wings.

“It’s…broken,” he muttered. “Guess we shouldn’t have braved that storm…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 10:31 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

The storm had been terrible and she hadn’t been allowed outside much to be able to handle these sorts of wings. A woman like her was to be seen as an idol or that’s what the courts had told her. Right now, her entire being was weighing Lewis down.

She pulled him with her. Even though she was weak she managed to drag them both to a small village not that far. “Please, do you have any rooms?”

The man looked at her. “Do you have any coin?”

“I don’t have coin but…” She set Lewis down and took off her necklace. “I have this…”

“I can’t take this!” The innkeeper was staring at it.

“Please, I’ll even take credit…” Simone was desperate.

The man sighed and waved his hand. “Norman, take the boy upstairs. I only have one room.”

“That’s fine!” She was given some coin and she looked down to it. “What’s this for?”

“You both are covered in mud… I can trade this necklace for coin. Go get new clothes from the general store.” Simone nodded and ran off to do so. She came back with medical herbs and a change of clothes for them both.

She knew a bit about applying herbs and helped Lewis with the pain he was feeling. “Hey, you’re awake. Try not to move so much.” She had gotten his shirt off and had it laid over a chair.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 10:21 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

The dark clouds in front of them seemed intimidating, but he had dealt with worse before. Lewis figured that Simone could probably handle it, and motioned for them to fly above. The two ascended sharply, and the temperature in the air dropped drastically. It would have to be something they dealt with for a small time, but they could not afford to waste time.

As they neared the storm, Lewis frowned. Things were starting to get worse. For a moment he doubted they could make it through, but he pushed the thoughts aside. It was far too late to do anything about it. All they could do was hope that things didn’t get too bad.

It was about thirty minutes into the stormy clouds that the fury blast of errant wind knocked Lewis to the side. He felt the joints of his wings absorb the shock, and he winced. It was the cry from Simone, though, that made him look back with concern. He was used to these kinds of things after flying for so long, but Simone was nowhere near experienced as he was. He cursed as she was blown off course.

Without thinking, he dove towards her, but more gusts of wind threw him off, making it nearly impossible to reach her.

Damn it all. He tried harder, and with luck he was able to finally reach her. Unfortunately, at this point, both of them had been knocked around so much that it was nearly impossible to tell where they were. And the storm was only getting worse.

“Down!” Lewis roared over the winds as he tried to keep hold of her hand. Another torrent of wind buffeted them. There was no way that Simone was going to be able to handle this anymore. Without waiting for an answer, he started to pull her down.

The descent was painful. It took everything they had not to lose each other, but soon the ground came into view. Rain started down in a torrent, and thunder and lightning pierce the skies above. Out of nowhere, and impossibly large gust of wind struck Lewis’ wings. A sickening snapping noise cracked in the air, almost louder than the thunder, and without warning, Lewis went limp.

Simone barely managed to get them to the ground…

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 10:04 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

She rubbed the back of her neck. “It’s a long story… probably too long,” She gave a smile though as she spoke and stood up. “I thought I would have kicked the habit after being alone for so long but I guess that’s the power of the tower.”

Simone fixed her hair and put the pin in it. She hadn’t done her hair in a new way since… Well… Ever now that she thought about it. She took her hair out of the half-done do that it was in and pulled back only some of it for the pin. Staring at it she messed with her bangs before she seemed pleased with it.

“Thanks,” she got the bread but made only a slight face before dug into her breakfast. Beggars could not be choosers. “Let's go!”

Simone followed Lewis down and thanked the innkeeper before they set off for the day. They were about an hour into their travels when Simone pointed at some dark clouds in their way. “That’s a big storm. What luck do we even have?” It was still a way off. “Do we go as far as we can?” She looked over at Lewis. “Or do we try to fly above it?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 9:42 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis grumbled as he sat up. Simone had just fallen off the bed and it had not quite registered with him that it had happened. He had heard her words, and it took his minda moment to catch up to what was said. He yawned and stretched upwards and outwards, and shook his head violently, trying to rouse himself from the surprisingly restful state he was in.

“Again…?” He thought for a moment, and frowned. “Again? Did what again?” Lewis was struggling to figure out what she meant, and at once it all came back. She had crawled into his lap last night, trying to curl up against him. She had felt cold for some reason. “It…happens. It’s fine.”

The moment the gears started turning, he was back on full defensive. “It’s fine.” He got up and walked towards their belongings. He opened a small pouch and tossed her some bread. “It’s not much but it’s enough to get us going. We should be heading out soon.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:11 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“Mmmmk,” Simone said sleepily as she snuggled into him. Her head was under his chin. In the morning, she woke up and stretched as she sat up on his chest. She did a big yawn but then wiggled her butt and all the color drained from her face.

“Oh… Oh no,” Simone looked down. “Pr– Prince Lewis.” Her face was bright red as she practically flung herself off. She landed on the edge of the bed falling off and landing with her back to the floor. Thankfully, she was unharmed. “I did it again didn’t I?”

She covered her face.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:06 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis was used to money being nothing to him, so he didn’t think twice about paying for the hairpin. And that nonsense that the merchant was spouting was utterly unbearable to listen to. In the end, though, he was punished for rushing.

“Since it’s my fault, it’s only fair you get the bed. Besides…you need the rest more than I do. I’m used to flying long distances. Just…” He shoved her towards the bed. “Go to sleep.”

It didn’t take Lewis long to fall asleep in the chair. He was only asleep for a short while, though, when he was awoken by Simone’s small frame crawling into his lap, snuggling up to him. At first he tried to protest, but she refused to move.

In the end, Lewis let out a heavy sigh. He picked her up, and she uttered a low, effortless protest as he carried her to the bed.

“No sense in wasting the comfort if you’re going to be obnoxious about this…” He laid down in the bed, and let her curl up on him. Hesitantly, Lewis held her. It seemed to be what she wanted. Despite all her bluster about revenge and dying, she was still a teenager, still young at heart.

Lewis closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep…

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 8:57 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“I’ve never camped before. Llywellyn used to say it was fun when we were kids. I never got to go though,” Simone admitted it easily that she might not have a strong ability to do so. She appeared delicate but her declaration to fight was something else. Did she even know how to fight? No one knew the princess but Llywellyn and he wasn’t here anymore.

Her eyes lit up at the market but she tried not to show it. Once she saw Lewis looking at her she stuffed it down. “No, that sounds dumb.” She looked away from him all embarrassed.

“Well cool, I’m going to go anyways and you are not leaving my sight,” Lewis responded. He must have noticed her face.

“Fine, I’ll take a look at the stupid market,” She crossed her arms but Lewis held out his hand. “Why?”

“I don’t trust you to not run off… You seem like the type to dash,” and by the look in his eyes… Simone thought he must have knew she would have run off to the nearest stall that caught her eye.

“Fine! I’ll enjoy the market,” she threw her hands up and took his hand. Her face was flushed but soon she was pulling him around looking at stuff. She was still a girl who was younger than he was. She was just trying to put on a brave face for everything that had been taken from her. In particular, it was a hairpin that caught her eyes.

“Oh! This lilac hairpin is perfect for a young couple like yourselves.” The merchant went on his rant. “Lilacs mean first love. A great pin for love at first sight.”

Simone was enamored by what the merchant was telling her then it dawned on her what he was saying. “But we are–”

“No need to be shy about it,” the merchant said. “You are a very cute couple.”

“But it is a cute hairpin…” Simone looked very cute as she was blushing at it. “Anywa–” Lewis shoved coins at the merchant and gave her the pin. “But…” He hadn’t asked for the price.

Once they got to the tavern Simone made a face, “I was going to tell you… You overpaid for the hairpin.” Now they didn’t have enough coin for two rooms let alone a room with two beds. “It can’t be helped. We’ll take the small one…”

They got up to the room and looked at the large bed. Lewis shoved her into the bed and he curled up in the chair. In the middle of the night, a very sleepy Simone crawled into Lewis's lap. "I don't want to be alone…"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 8:40 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis sighed. This woman was going to be a pain in the ass, no question about it. “I’ll…do my best,” he replied as he shot into the air, following Simone into the skies. The silver haired prince pointed East, and the two started to fly.

Once they reached an appropriate altitude above the skies, Lewis started to talk. It was hard to do so this high, but they needed to discuss just a few things. “It’s about a three day trip. We’ll need to stop a few times before we can get there. The first night there is a town we can stop at, but the second night we’ll have to set up a camp.”

Lewis had made this trip more times than he could count. It was, after all, a four day flight to Prince Rhenakos’ palace, and that was something he had to do every other month for ‘treaty’ purposes. Not that the buffoon would sign them once he became ruler of the Demon Clan.

The day seemed to pass without incident, and soon Lewis saw the town off in the distance. He pointed to show Simone where to land, and they began their descent. They landed a few miles outside of town, and did the rest of the journey on foot.

It was a quaint little town with a large market in the center. Stalls of all kinds were about; fresh produce and meats on sale on one side, and crafts on the other.

“We have a little bit of daylight left if you want to check the market,” Lewis suggested. He wondered if she had ever been to one in her time before the tower. “I’m sure we can find something you might like.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 8:28 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone knew about what Lewis was speaking of well. Once dinner was done she got some food and knocked on the tent pole once she figured out where Lewis had gone. “You are probably still hungry.” She couldn’t have him flying if he was still hungry. She put it down before going to the tent that Xeik showed her. “Good night.” She knew she was being an inconvenience.

Once she got back to her tent she got changed and fell into a deep slumber. “She’s still asleep Prince Lewis…” The servant spoke up Lord Llywellyn didn’t want to wake her up.

“I’m awake…” Simone came out. Her hair was pulled up and she was in a traveling outfit. “I asked Llywellyn to get me new clothes so I can travel.”

“Simone… You shouldn’t leave this with me..” He had her tiara and she looked at it before looking away.

“Put it with your archaeology stuff. Auclair doesn’t exist and neither should I.”

“Simone!” Llywellyn yelled as she walked away.

“Leave it be!” She yelled. “I don’t exist. My people don’t exist. I am history. Let’s go. Please.”

“You are talking like you are going to die!”

“I very well might!” She snapped. “Or did you forget that I’m hunting now? We don’t forgive people who kill our kind. It’s in our blood. Fire and brimstone. So leave it be.”

“Jerome…” Llywellyn said his name and everything lit on fire around them.

“Will die when I find him.” The fire went out and she took off into the skies.

“…Please take care of her…” Llywellyn was speechless. “He was supposed to be her mate.” Mates were precious to night phoenixes who cared. Llywellyn knew that much. To be betrayed by your mate…

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 8:13 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis crossed his arms. “There are plenty of reasons why the tradition has never died out, but the most common one is-”

“That the birth rate for Night Phoenixes are staggeringly low. A long time ago, they were hunted for their feathers and magical properties…and so they fought back. That earned them the scary title, and a curse to boot. The Omens of Death… a curse that carries with their fertility rate.” Xeik was like a walking fountain of knowledge.

“Gee…thanks for that,” Lewis stated as he finished off his piece of bread.

“But why can’t half breeds exist?” Rhenakos questioned. “Demons do it all the time.”

“Unlike demons,” Lewis stated, “Night phoenix blood will burn out anyone not of the same blood. They’ll die in the womb. There’s also a risk to the mother as well…” He glanced away. “I’ve seen it happen. It’s not pretty.”

“Sounds…rough,” the Demon Prince said somberly. All of the bravado he had was gone now. The tone had definitely shifted.

“Well…if you need me, I’ll be in my tent,” Lewis said, standing up. He had barely eaten anything. “We have a long ways to go to get home. I suggest you rest well tonight, Lady Simone. Tomorrow, we take to the skies.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 7:59 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Simone gave a bow that was dignified to her station as a future queen. It made her sad to see her homeland like this but she had seen it outside the window for days. “Dinner sounds… lovely…”

–

She waved her hands, “I’m no guest. Think of me like someone you’ve known a long time. I feel like an inconvenience I’m afraid.” She sat down for Lewis and smiled up at him as he pushed his chair in. “Thank you.”

Soon she was eating like she was starving. Once she noticed how fast she was eating she stopped herself and swallowed the food looking at the boys. “I’ve only had the same loaf of bread for the last five hundred years… Please don’t think less of me.”

She looked away embarrassed. “Also, Prince Rhenakos?” She looked over to confirm his name. “Your offer was lovely but… My goals aren’t in your kingdom. I’m sure who I’m looking for are hiding with Prince Lewis’s people. My enemies are there and I need to go there. My duties to my people are there.” There was a well-known law for Night Phoenixes that… no outsider knew. She looked over to Lewis. “It’s against the law of the land for night phoenixes to… mate… outside of our race. Especially the women. Death is the punishment. Things have changed in five hundred years I am sure but these would not. They are more like a foundation of our people.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 7:49 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Rhenakos glowered at Lewis. Just the thought of this very attractive woman going with Lewis was an affront to his race and his self-righteous attitude.

Lewis, of course, recognized none of this. “If that’s what you want I guess…” He seemed almost unsure of it, but it seemed like the right move to make. “We can find you a suitable partner. I know several who are…decent men.” He glanced away at that. “There are others who I would recommend you avoid.”

“The details can come later,” Xeik said, noting the fact that even Lord Llywellyn seemed a bit off put by the conversation. “How about we discuss returning home over dinner?”

“That sounds like a great idea. Maybe Lady Simone here will realize she’s going with the wrong person,” Rhenakos stated as he gave Lewis a death stare.

—

They were brought to a tent with a wonderfully laid out set for them. In the center of the table was a massive stone pot filled with a stew that smelled absolutely delicious. A fresh plate of bread was sat next to it, and at once Rhenakos sat down and dug in.

“How rude for you not to wait for our guest to seat herself first,” Lewis stated. “Lady SImone. Here.” He pulled a chair out for her, and sat down next to her once she was situated. A servant came by and poured out her soup for her. Lewis declined for himself and poured a bowl on his own terms.

“Do dig in. You’re probably starving at this point,” Xeik said, concerned for her health.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 7:31 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Llywellyn immediately went to talk to the healers. Because of the magic of the towers, there was no telling what she had been through or by who. Once she was set up in a tent Llywellyn came to find the boys who saved her. “A while ago the fey lord that ruled these lands before Prince Rhenakos’s kingdom took over… told us that what I was looking for was under my nose.” He looked ashamed of himself. “I didn’t even think that it could be illusion magic or something even worse. It kept resetting everything. There’s a chance she tried to commit suicide… When Auclair was burning. That she tried to join her people.”

There was silence for a little bit. “I wouldn’t have killed myself unless I had a reason to,” Simone spoke up. “And I can hear you Idiot.”

Llywellyn froze up and looked back at the princess who was sitting up now. “I didn’t mean…”

“I know… I’m just saying I wouldn’t have killed myself unless it was a dire situation that I was in. I would have stayed alive in hopes to get revenge against who did it. Are they all dead?”

“All? The fey lord is dead…”

“No, it wasn’t just him.” She looked grim. “I want to kill them all.”

“I think you boys should head back…”

“I don’t want to go with you,” Simone looked at Lewis. “I’ll go with the other night phoenix.”

“Simone, who are you looking for?”

“Felix.” Simone shut her mouth. “I won’t tell you the others.”

“….Alright… Felix was one of them?”

“Yes,” Simone nodded.

“You think he’s with the other night phoenixes?”

“Probably hiding yes.”

“Night phoenixes have laws, Simone… You know female-”

“Are rare and I’ll have to marry one but I’ll leave the politics to you. As I’m still unmarried I’ll award you my guardianship… They said your name was Lewis… Are you okay with this?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 7:23 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Xeik nodded, “We can have them meet you at the camp as soon as possible!” With that, he took off towards the dig site. That left Lewis to carry Simone.

“I guess I can,” Lewis said as he took her from Lywellyn carefully. She was surprisingly light. With little effort, he carried her outdoors, and took to the skies. It was starting to get dark, and the air was cooling off around them. By the time they made it to the camp, the sun was almost completely setting.

Healers from Prince Xeik’s kingdom arrived on horseback moments after Lewis landed, and started to tend to Lady Simone. As they were working on her, Lewis stepped away and was met by Xeik and Rhenakos, followed shortly by Lord Llywellyn.

“It seems to be going well,” Lewis said, glancing back at the healers. “She was so…small.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 7:06 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“Did you bust in the door?”

Lewis looked at Simone’s sudden question, “Yeah, the Prince of Morons did.” Simone nodded to him and picked up her skirts as she walked downstairs the group went with her.

“You know where the seal of the magic is.” Llywellyn watched the princess carefully.

“Of course, I tried to get to it.” Simone looked back. “I don’t need your help to get free now that you’ve gotten me this far.” She moved some of the bookcases downstairs to reveal magic formulas. “Once I realized I was stuck and what kind of magic this was I broke a piece of the tower’s outer walls to write with.”

“Simone specializes in mirror magic and it’s an off branch of illusion magics like this,” Llywellyn explained carefully to the group of boys. “She is the only one who can operate the strong magic that Auclair had.”

Once she studied the door for a bit she walked over to Lewis took his dagger from him. “Simone?”

It didn’t take long for him to panic as Simone plunged the dagger into her and she took it out smearing her blood across the door. A small price to pay but soon they would understand that she counted as she was part of the tower and following that she passed out. Her wound healed not long after the magic on the tower crumbled away.

She was suffering now as she screamed. Probably the pain from waking up from a vivid nightmare. “We’ll need healers. Prince Xeik… Do you have any of your country’s healers with you?” He picked up Simone’s small body. “It’s going to take too long for me to get her to camp… Prince Lewis?” He offered the small princess. “Can you fly her and we’ll meet you there?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:57 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis looked around the tower as she spoke. A life stuck inside this place was something that he could not imagine. Five hundred years, day after day, unable to leave. It was nightmarish to even contemplate.

“Xeik, break the spell.” Lewis looked to his friend. “And quickly. She does not deserve to be caged any longer…”

Xeik crossed his arms, “Why me? What makes you think I can break the spell over this place so easily?”

The silver haired prince smirked. “You’re already halfway there to figuring it out, aren’t you. You just can’t ignore a problem like this, and you always meddle.”

The Prince of Wolves, Xeik, let out a heavy sigh. “Of course you would know me too well for this. I’ll have a formula written up by nightfall. We should be able to break it by then.” He paused. “Of course…if that’s what Lady Auclair wishes.”

Rhenakos smirked. “And once she’s free, she’ll be able to come home safely with me.”

“And why would she choose to go anywhere with you,” Lewis shot back with a glare. “You’re a royal pain in the ass.”

“Because I have claim over her,” the Demon Prince said haughtily. “The Demon Clan-”

“Has no right to claim a life,” Xeik interrupted. “She goes with Lord Lywellyn. It’s pretty obvious he knows and cares for her. That’s the safest bet.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:43 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“Traitor!” The voice yelled from the room. “You burned my kingdom to the ground!”

“But that happened centuries ago!” Xeik yelled. “But that would make you… like five hundred years old…” He got really quiet.

“What did you just say?” The furniture had moved and she opened the door just enough to look. “I’ve only been in here a few hours. The next time you want to call someone ugly you can go fuck yourself.” She slammed the door. “Go away.”

“What’s your name?” Rhenakos slicked his hair back.

“Simone Auclair.”

“I… Think we need to go get that elf king…” Xeik whispered. “Lewis, stay here?”

The king of Sulwal appeared by the door he had run the whole way and he was out of breath. “Simone please… Open the door.”

“Lair. Traitor.” Her voice rang out and Llywellyn looked pain.

“It’s me Llywellyn,” Llywellyn pressed himself against the door. When she opened it he stumbled and she looked at him.

“But you aren’t a king,” Simone whispered.

“I am because I was trying to find you,” Llywellyn knelt and looked up at her. “Please, forgive me.”

“You didn’t burn Auclair down,” Simone made a sad face. “You just didn’t stop it either. Leave me be.”

“The enchantment that was on this tower…” The aid walked into her room and looked around. “It reverts time.”

“Yes,” Simone spoke. “Everything that was in the tower when it was enchanted reverts. It has an outside enchantment and an inside enchantment. It’s a prison.”

“Which means…” Llywellyn got up and looked at her. “You are still only eighteen…”

Simone nodded and looked away. “I can open the window and look outside…”

“You watched Auclair burn…”

“I closed the window to shut the screaming off…” Simone looked sad. “But I can’t remember anything not much anymore. The tower makes it impossible for me to have detailed memories of every day.” There were tally marks on the walls. “Only things from the outside can leave marks on the inside.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:32 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis pushed past the two, rolling his eyes. “Both of you probably scared her. Who knows how long she’s been locked up in this tower.” He started up the stairs. “We just need to talk to her.” Xeik and Rhenakos started to follow behind him.

“Oh, and Mr. Prince Charming here is going to talk her out of the room?” Rhenakos said with a deadpan look. “You’re about as charming as a wet blanket.”

“Have you looked in a mirror lately?” Xeik shot back. “If anyone has a chance it’s probably me.”

“What would anyone want with a nerd like you,” Rhenakos replied. “She’d probably rather a handsome prince who can bed her right this moment.”

“Can you both just shut up?” Lewis said as they neared the door. “Hey! You in the room! Are you…okay?” That was a weird thing to ask. “We…don’t mean you any harm. We’re here to help.”

“Or fu-” Rhenakos started, but was cut off with a jab to his ribs from Xeik.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:24 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

There was a large noise downstairs that made Simone jump. She opened the door to her bedroom and crept downstairs. She peeked around the corner. She thought she was very well hidden. It was a long time since she had ever seen someone else, at least that’s what she knew. Her memories were of days long past and it was weird to her.

The brown-haired one stopped talking as soon as his eyes met her. “Hey… You can come out.”

“Hey… She’s hot,” Rhenakos said.

Their words spooked her and she ran up the tower stairs. Her footsteps echoed.

“Was that wings?” Rhenakos blurted out. They looked at Lewis who had the same type of wings as the girl.

The door to her room slammed and furniture could be heard moving.

“I think you scared her Rhenakos…” Xeik said to the demon prince.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:18 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

Lewis was in his own world. His eyes were closed, and he was enjoying the faint breeze. It even seemed to carry the sounds of a far off play. Only, it wasn’t that far off. But, it had to be a part of the dream. But, had he been asleep long enough to start dreaming? He opened his eyes and noticed a barred window.

Odd. It wasn’t barred before. Had he missed it? Out of nowhere, a broom smacked into him, and he tumbled off the tower with a surprised yelp. Instinct took over, and his wings burst forth, catching the wind. He soared back up, but he was just far enough out from the tower that the enchantment had taken hold again.

“What the hell is this,” he muttered. It had been a woman, about his age. She had a crown, and was wearing a pretty dress. But now it was nothing. “An…enchantment?”

—

“I’m telling you, there’s something here,” Lewis said as he dragged Rhenakos and Xeik over. “In the tower.”

“It’s dilapidated. Practically falling a part,” Xeik replied. “No one is there. There’s no magic…”

Rhenakos nodded. “I don’t see anything either. It’s just a tower…”

Lewis glared at the two. “I promise you I’m not crazy…” He sighed. Was this a part of whatever magic held the place? A charm that made it impossible to reason with people about the tower? Otherwise, it would have been investigated or torn down by now.

“How about…you humor me and just…try to dispel something. Anything,” Lewis said carefully.

“That would be a waste of time…” Xeik shot back, annoyed. “Let’s just get back to our studies.”

“Rhenakos…can you break the door down?”

The Demon Prince shrugged. “I could…but that’s boring.”

Lewis smacked himself with his palm. “Fine. Let’s play a game then…Rhenakos, you babbling oaf. I bet you can’t hit me.”

At once Rhenakos swung his fist, “OH!? YOU FINALLY WANT A GO!?”

Lewis dodged left and right, evading every blow. He slowly backup up to the tower door, and with a deft dodge-

Rhenakos’ fist slammed into the door, splintering it. At once, the tower shimmered, and Xeik’s jaw dropped.

“What the hell…kind of magic is that!?” The scholarly prince ran up and looked over the tower. “A massive enchantment…I wonder if I can…” He tapped a few places. “It’s quite complex…”

It took about ten minutes, and with some brief explanations and a half assed apology to Rhenakos, the trio managed to break the illusion over the tower.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:04 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

She would spend every day doing different things. Though she would constantly have to figure out what to do. She couldn’t leave the tower and try as she might there was nothing she could do. She tried to reach the magic seal keeping her in and she couldn’t.

Today she was standing up on a table and she had a book in her hands reciting it. She was doing a marvelous play. However, there was the sound of big wings. She stopped and closed the book. Big wings. She looked at her own set of black wings.

“Did… They find me?” She didn’t know how long she had been in her and she had long since lost the count. The walls were covered in tally marks. She did one every day. The only way she could tell was by the sundial on the desk. She had enchanted it with an outside leaf. Things inside the tower would reset unless they were affected by things outside the tower. She knew this much and that’s how she never got bored or went hungry.

She carefully got the broom and opened the window doors. It was a depressing sight outside. They had burned her country to the ground but no one had thought to look inside the tower. She wondered if it was enchanted to look worn down.

The person who was on her window sill looked like a night phoenix and she instinctively did not trust him. Not after what those people had done. She took the broom close by and started to beat him. “GO AWAY. GET OFF MY WINDOW SILL! I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY TO A GROUP OF TRAITORS!” She yelled before she slammed the window had bars on it after a second look. They hadn’t been there before and when Lewis blinked they weren’t there now. It was enchanted.

She still had her crown on, big gray eyes, and a wonderfully made dress. No matter how she ripped it… It always repaired itself. That was the image Lewis would see.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 5:50 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 3 [P/R]

“I don’t get why we have to share this space,” a red haired man stated loudly as he eyed the silver haired prince across from him. “Last I checked, it was the Demon Clan that rules these parts.” He seemed so sure of himself, even though he was quite wrong.

Three young men were all situated in a small, but elegant horse drawn carriage. The first was larger than the other two, with wide shoulders and shimmering blue eyes that contrasted his dark red hair. The next was a rather well mannered, brown haired man who seemed quite bright and cheery. The last, a brooding, silver haired man who seemed absolutely bored.

“Only after you took it from the fae,” the brunette haired man replied, rolling his eyes. “And before that, they were a free country. If anything, this land belongs to the people.”

“Nobody cares about that, Xeik” the silver haired man replied. “The many kingdoms are at peace. The only reason we’re at this damned place is because if your dumb ass, Prince of Demons.”

“I do have a name,” Rhenakos replied haughtily. “You can use it, Lewis.”

“I’d much rather use your alternate title, Prince of Morons,” Lewis replied with a glare. “If you hadn’t opened your damned mouth at that meeting, we’d all be back at home relaxing instead of this…’field trip’.”

Xeik shrugged, “I dunno. I kind of like the idea of learning about the lost kingdom. Auclair was so ahead of its time.”

Lewis scoffed, leaning back in his seat. “I’d much rather hear about Rhenakos’ failed conquests than to hear about that dull city…”

This argument continued for quite some time, and soon the trio lost track of time. They were still going at it when the carriage stopped. Someone knocked on the window, and without waiting, the three men disembarked.

“Master Lewis, Master Rhenakos, and Master Xeik. I welcome you to the remains of Auclair.” The tall elf took a bow. “I do hope that your studies go well. Lord Llywellyn will be most pleased to hear that you have taken such an interest in the dig.”

“The dig?” Lewis and Rhenakos asked almost at the same time.

“Well, yeah,” Xeik replied. “The dig site to fine the remains of Auclair’s people. Quite a few artifacts have been discovered. Like a very powerful orb that generates a magical shield. Though, only certain people can wield it. It’s rumored that it’s tied to your bloodline.”

“What a nerd,” Rhenakos said under his breath.

“Let’s just get this over with…”

The elvish aide took another bow. “Right this way, then…”

They were led to a massive stone gate with elegant carvings. What was more impressive, though, was the meticulous dig site that was stationed around it. Numerous people of all races were moving about, and every so often one of them would claim a find, and most would hurry over to see what new object had been found.

Xeik was immediately enamoured. “It’s amazing! Look there! A vase!”

Lewis sighed, “How dull…” He was already looking for a way to escape. It was when Rhenakos tripped over a wire and nearly destroyed a table of artifacts when he saw his chance.

By the time Rhenakos and Xeik figured out he was missing, Lewis was already long gone…

—-

There was a massive tower on the opposite side of the dig site. It seemed to be one of the few solid structures left, though none had dared go near it should it decide to crumble. Lewis, of course, had no idea the state of it, and had no issue flying up to the ramparts to hide and relax.

He landed gracefully, and let his dark wings dissipate as he laid back and closed his eyes. No one would think to look for him here, so he had more than enough time for a nap.