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Striding just a little to catch up with Niji, Jashe, and Jag, Fiala followed their lead for once since they were headed in the general right direction anyway. After a bit a of listening to Jashe's story, she couldn't help but inquire. A man not of the Forest Kingdom traversing the woods with no difficulty? Unheard of.

"Jashe," she started, trying not to seem rude but her curiosity and paranoia getting the better of her. "The man you mentioned earlier. Are you certain he was from the Crystal Kingdom? Pardon any offending remark I may make towards your people, but the trees in this wood do not take kindly to outsiders of any kind, you experienced it yourself. If he is waltzing through the Elflands with ease, and our not knowing about him...." she trailed off, unsure of how to take the news.

Trees made good gossips, but why would they keep the Crystal traveler bark wrapped? Did they know something about him the elven folk did not? Was he a threat? The paranoia which set apart her people from the others that she had tried so hard to keep under control was beginning to take over, and her hands began to tremble sllightly.

Saji shot toward the nearest cloud. It looked as though it carried civilians, all peering around cautiously. They knew where they were, but could not understand why they had not been fired upon by the Forest Kingdom. Seeing the Thunderwalker shoot up from the trees confused them more. Did that mean they'd sent down their warriors to attack the Forest?

Saji touched down on the cloud, looking around to gather her bearings.

"Over there, I believe," Saji heard her Corra, turning to see one of the larger clouds in the sky, lazily floating along. She nodded and jumped inthe air, taking all speed to get to the other cloud quickly, landing lightly on the railing of a balcony high on a gleaming white tower. She slipped down to stand on the floor, walking inside and bowing in response to the angelic fighter that greeted her.

"My father, find him and tell him I am reporting to the council as requested," She turned, headed down the hallway as the man rushed ahead of her. As he took a sharp turn toward the training grounds she picked up her speed, arriving at the council chambers long before any other had arrived. Once inside, she turned, her face void of expression. Lightning sipped around the council chambers, shooting from one chair to the next and creating spider-web like patters across the walls. Saji was calling a meeting, awaiting those that had asked for her report to arrive as she stood in the center of the circular room, facing the head chair.

Jag rode just a little bit ahead of the rest and was able to see the kingdom just over the hill they treaded. Today would be interesting, this he knew. This could be quite a disatrous event or a very joyous one. He couldn't feel strongly one way or the other, which surprised him. Maybe it was that underlying hatred he had for the prince that was blinding him. Still he wished this was some sort of nightmare; a nightmare that wouldn't allow him to return to reality. Jashe, he couldn't believe, was taking this well, or perhaps she was feigning happiness. She would do that. She would do anything to please her father. The king was a fool though Jag could never say that. He was though. It was evident after he decided to give up his one and only child, who was supposed to be future ruler of the land. Jag always remembered when he was younger, training to be come the best he could be, he would take a glimpse into the future.

Jashe would be sitting on the throne seeming high and mighty when she was truly humble. A great and leader she would be to them all, and he would be there by her side, protecting her anyway he could.

Now that future was crumbling right in Jag's hands ever since the day before when the good news was announced.

"Weak truly weak..." he kept referring to his king in his mind, "... the Ash King must be laughing until his sides split. People look upon this as a treaty when wise eyes see this as a surrender. If only I could take Niji out. It would be so easy , especially with that Saji girl absent. Just one quick movement. He would not see it coming. He is distracted by Jashe." he played it over and over again, the demise of the wicked Ash Prince. Oh how they would cheer for the great paladin that saved them all! They would praise his name for years to come!

"It was the great Paladin Jag! Yes he was the one that vanquished the demon from the black lands!"

Jag could see that future and then his future with Jashe. However, if this future was so glorious then why didn't he reached for the dagger hidden away under his clothing? Such a weapon with be quick and effecient. Why then, oh why hadn't Jag gone for it yet? He wanted to kill him, he knew he did, but something was holding the poor man back.

"Oh we're here? That was faster than I thought." said the princess as she placed her hand on his shoulder. Already they had caught up with him! Did that mean...? Yes it was too late for the surprise attack. He watched as they traveled ahead of them. Jag acted as if the real reason he hesitated to continue was to cover their rear. It was only so he could think to himself, "Now who is the weak one?" Jag let out his breath and continued with the group.

Slowly the council chambers began to fill with those intended to hear her report. When most had arrived, a few civilians entered as well. Some of the more wealthy, more informed and influential civilians. Saji's eyes narrowed. Just what she needed, rumors rushing around about her activities and the world below. She was pretty much the only link to the ground world.

When all had gathered, her father included, and taken their positions she was finally motioned toward to begin her report.

"Forgive my forwardness, but my report is meant for the council's ears only. Though the clouds themselves may whisper what I have to say, I will leave it to the skies to decide if this information should be shared, not the willing ears of gossipers," Saji did not remove her slightly narrowed eyes from the head council. She could tell faces were turning red as angered shuffling was heard behind her. She even glimpsed a shine of electricity and several gray clouds shifting toward her.

Her own corra, in response, grew larger, a low rolling of thunder eminating from it, daring anyone to come near in their rage.

"Enough," The head of the council, Khelekion, raised his hand and sighed. "We will respect your wishes, but know that the people will be informed of what will transpire."

Saji merely nodded as whispers and a few shouts errupted behind her. In the end, all were escorted out.

"If all is in order," Khelekion nodded, sounding slightly exhasperated, most likely by the delay in news, "Please begin your report, Thunderwalker Saji."

Saji bowed to the council in response, her wings dipping downward to gently touch against the ground. When she rose, her eyes scanned the council as she began her report.

"The Prince of the Ash Kingdom, Niji, has been promised the princess Jashe from the Crystal Kingdom," She paused.

"This your corra has told us when you sent it to us not long ago, please continue."

"We have gained a temporary alliance with the Forest Kingdom. They have not attacked our clouds since I entered their realm. I have also befriended one of the elven rangers. Her name is Fiala Saielle, and she led both the Ash Prince and myself safely through the forest, where we met up with the Crystal Princess Jashe and her Paladin guard Jag. They are moving closer toward the Crystal Kingdom where The Ash Prince and Crystal Princess are to be wed, uniting the two kingdoms in peace."

The council apparently had already discussed this. They sat waiting for her to continue.

After a pause, Saji flushed in anger. "When the wedding is finished, the Prince intends to end his life."

"A decision I'm sure that he has given much thought and consideration-"

"His father made the choice, the current King of the Ash Kingdom."

"Then it was made wisely. We will honor this choice and not intervene. Thunderwalker, you are to return to your duties and allow events to play out."

"With all due respect, I believe someone should be present at the ceremony. I am the only one among the clouds with proper relations below. I ask the council's permission to witness the event."

"Saji, it is not beyond us the friendship you share with the Ash Prince..." Saji's face flushed in anger, she knew what was coming. "If it were gauranteed that you would not intnerfere..."

"If the council wishes it so, I will not intervene. It is practice among even our Kingdom to honor the ill fated. The Prince has long been my friend and I have long proven my loyalties to my Kingdom. I will not ignore a direct order, especially when it is given from both my homeland and my closest friend mutually."

The council began murmering at this. Saji's father remained silent. Everyone seemed intent on shouting their opinions at the head council. Khelekion simply stared at Saji, watching her, summing her up it seemed. Saji stood silently, patiently waiting. Finally, he raised his hand, quieting all around him. He leaned forward looking directly at her for long moments.

"Your loyalties to the Prince as a friend would indeed require your pressance at this event. Your loyalties to your country require that you not interfere with any decision made by any of the Kingdom's below. All events taken into consideration, including the alliance with the Forest Kingdom, however long it is lived, I do not see a problem in allowing you to be a witness at this event. We will need proper representation on such an occasion as it is anyway," He turned to look at the council. "Does this please all gathered?" There were long moments of silence. One by one the members nodded, even those who stubbornly folded their arms, sitting back in their chairs finally gave in with a small nod or wave of hand to carry on.

"I am grateful for the council's confidence in this matter," Saji bowed to them, her wings touching the ground again as she did so. "I will return when all is finished and in order."

"Then you are dismissed," Khelekion nodded to Saji, who spun on her heel and walked briskly from the chamber.

Saji's father also stood and silently followed.

After a while, when Fiala had finally thought herself into circles, she brought her scattered thoughts to the present. Lifting her head, she began surveying the new kingdom that she had led them towards durung all this time.

While she knew the general knowledge about the Crystal Kingdom, Fiala had no first hand experience with the Kingdom. So at the wonders of the city that lay before her were astonishing and breath taking to the woodlands girl that she was.

"Call me a country-bumpkin, but this place is amazing," she mummured in awe to no one in particular.

They approached the gate. Once the main guard saw the guests he signaled for others to open the gate and allow them to enter. Almost immediately after entering royal ground Jashe and Jag's horses were taken away after they had dismounted. Jashe led them to the archway, the entrance to the inner grounds and finally the castle.


"It's just up ahead Niji." she looked toward him. The princess gave her groom a soft smile. She thought of it a little funny that something she found as simple as light irritating to him.



Lining both sides of hall were guards. Each of their faces were hidden by helmets unlike Jag.They immediatedly saluted the princess the instant she stepped under the shadow of the hall by raising their silver spears with blades crafted by a material as clear as glass itself.

She acknowledged them with a soft smile and nod and continued forth. The guards were still and silent as the guests passed by, like statues. Just as the prince and Fiala made their way one statue began to come back to life. Without hesitation the guard jumped forth.

"No Aelekar!"

Jashe turned to see one of the guards being held back by two more. Jag was in her direction to protect her. The weapon of the rogue guard was not aimed at her but at Niji instead. Compared to his restrainers, the attacker was small but was holding up a fight just to kill Niji.

"Let me go!" he demanded, "He killed Atreus! I deserve vengeance!"

Finally they were able to detain him with the help of one more guard and carry him away.

"Princess do not marry the demon that threatens us all! Do not betray your kingdom! Do not listen to the king!"

"Treason!"

Jashe heard one of the guards say as they carried the rogue out of sight. without hesitation five more guards escorted the group to the castle although there was no real guarantee neither would dare to assassinate the Blood Prince. Jashe looked to the ground as she walked with them all. Still she mentally assured herself the path she chose was the right one.

Jashe walked with no emotion after that. She was conflicted once more by what the rogue guard had said. Her mind continued to tell her what was right, this union. However, other inexplicable forces disagreed and was making her spirit weak. She couldn't disobey her father. He knew what was best for the Crystal Kingdom. To deviate from his plans would be madness. The rogue guard showed them all that clearly.

Jashe even had her own personal reason for marrying Niji. She was not as giddy and benevolent as she seemed. Truth was she would probably never fall in love with the Blood Prince no matter how hard she tried. In her heart she was not marrying Niji to save her country but to save his. Oh how ironic she thought of her destiny was. The sweet child, the gem of the royal family, though she was kind and fair was truly something horrid. She was the next in line to become something extraordinary that only Crystals knew best. However, it was something wretched wrapped in beauty. Like a vile of poison wrapped in silk. That was how she saw herself, or at least what the elders predicted she would become.

"The princess that wishes for peace was to become the Crystal Flyer of Destruction. That was your ironic fate wasn't it Jashe?" she thought to herself, "That if not anything else is why you must marry Niji. This way you will never have to meet that so-called destiny ever."

Just then the group parted. Jashe was led by Jag one way. The guards who protected (or watched over) Niji and Fiala went to another corridor. They were leading them not to the throne room but to the guest rooms where they would be pampered by the royal servants.

(I'll split this in two posts...)

"So, so what is he like? What is he like?!" asked one of Jashe's servants as she settled onto her bed.

She smiled a little and held in a giggle when she watched Jag scoff. It was true. This small group of servants, the closest she had to friends other than Jag, were a noisy bunch of gossips. They would do anything just to hear the business of another.

"Is it true? Is he how they say? Is he seven no ten feet tall!" asked one, an albino twin.

"Does he foam at the mouth when he gets angry?" asked her identical sister.

"Is he brawny and rugged all over like a wild man?" asked her third servant, a brunette about the same age as Jashe with a bit of a promiscuous reputation.

Jashe only laughed at the three and answered, "No, no and oh goodness no."

"Well you can't just sit there and tell us nothing!!" jumped in another.

"I have too much to worry about to watse my time speaking about such trivial matters." Jashe said with a tired face. She suddenly rolled her eyes, "However, I'm sure whoever carried sheets to a certain guest rooom would get a better look at the infamous legend that is the Blood Prince."

The three girls paused as their eyes widended. They suddenly pushed the other out of the way just to get to the guest rooms. Jashe sighed. It was nice to have some time to herself to unwind.

"Do you think Niji will appreciate that very much?" Jag broke her peace,"I don't even know if the Blood Prince deserves that kind of torture."

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind a little fun getting to know others." she smiled back to Jag.