¤ A Precious Pearl ¤

[Teetaw89]

Austiru entered the room and lead Tlel to the bed and sat her down while Ila and Angie talked.

"Ila's just being modest. She has a very nice voice. Most Aquatris do. And if she wants music, all she needs do is ask." He walked over to the window and leaned against it. "I love playing my violin, plus while there's music playing, it's harder to hear Ilu yelling, and easier to ignore him when we do hear him." He winked, then glanced at Rose. "So, what order do you want to do this? Would you like Tlel to rest first? You are the boss for today...at least for now."

(Sorry it's short!)

[||Megs||]

Ila briefly stuck her tongue out at Austiru, but smiled at him all the same.

Rose considered this as she had Tlel lay on her stomach, lifting up the back of Tlel's worn shirt to her neck.

"Go ahead and sing while I am working on Tlel. It'll help relax her."

Tlel felt her face blush.

"Please, you don't have to be so nice to me--" Rose quieted her with her smile, then motioned for Angie to start as she rubbed a nice-smelling lotion on her hands. Angie glanced out the window, thinking. What would be appropriate? She didn't know many ballads of the Aquatris, and she ought to sing of something that was well known of...or did Austiru have an extended knowledge of most of the music in Liberta? Aah, she ought to sing that song of the mystery of the "Water Gems", what the early mainland people called the Aquatris when they barely began to start showing themselves, Angie took a deep, cleansing breath, and started to sing in a voice that was between an alto and soprano. The song actually required another person, someone who could gently echo certain words. Perhaps Ila would catch on and help her.

"Water Gem, oh Water Gem,
Can you hear me? Can you see me?
Beneath the foamy waters you hide,
Beneath the calming tide.

Can you hear me? Can you see me...?
(Can you hear me? Can you see me...?)

Gems of the Sea,
Why don't you come to me?
Let me see you, let me hear you...
(Let me see you, let me hear you...)

Dust of the Stars,
Please reveal yourself to me.
We can both be free!
Let me know you, let me show you...
(Let me know you, let me show you...)

Mysteries of the Sea...
Won't you please come to me...
(Please come to me...)

Ila did, indeed, join in at the appropriate spots with Angie. Rose smiled as she worked on Tlel's back. A very appropriate song...!

[Teetaw89]

Austiru picked up the music instantly and played his violin, smiling the whole while. His violin was made of a shell named Ark. It was black and white swirled and had an eery, haunting sound, yet it was very beautiful and worked well with Angie's song.

When Angie was done Austiru clapped softly. "Very nice Angie. You have a lovely voice!" He smiled and glanced at Tlel. He felt bad that she always managed to take the brunt of Ilu's anger. It was wrong that girls should be so mistreated, after all, they were half the population of the whole Aquatris Kingdom. Not to mention the life above the water. Women made men. Men made women. It was all equally balanced. Ilu just couldn't seem to see that.

"So? Any other suggestions for music?" He raised an eyebrow and looked about. "One song is not enough."

[||Megs||]

(I have a tune for that song and everything! It's fun! I'll have to teach it to you!)


"Thank you," Angie said softly as Ila appluaded as well. "Your playing is very...magical." She smiled at Austiru, feeling more comfortable now.

"Hmmm," Ila plopped down on a comfy seat near Austiru, tapping a finger playfully on her chin. "Well, since Angie graced us with a song about our people...what about of your people, Angie?"

"None of them are happy,"

"I see...perhaps we could make a happy one some time, yes? Let's see, what else..." As she thought, the room was lapsed into silence. Ila shrugged.

"My mind just went blank. Why don't you play us one or sing us one, Austiru?"

[Teetaw89]

Austiru smiled at Ila. "If you want me to play something I can do that."

He placed his violin under his chin again, and began to play a soft, gentle melody. It had a pleasant ring, yet it was almost sad.

He began to sing and his voice was soft and calming. Though he had a nice voice, it was not overly special, it was merely gentle to the ears.

Deep down under the sea,
The water is full of treasure,
And precious things to me,
That fill my life with pleasure.

The sand is full of gold;
The waters shine with gems,
But more then anything I hold,
I seek a precious thing of them.

From the deep blue sea,
I seek a precious pearl,
One that shines and gleams,
so it's worthy of my girl.

She is a precious pearl to me,
So I want the best for her.
No gem or jewel is good enough,
Unless it shines like her.

Please help me find my pearl,
One that fits a golden crown,
I need it right away,
So I don't let her down.

From the deep blue sea,
I seek a precious pearl,
One that shows I love her,
and am worthy of my girl.

My little precious pearl.


When he was finished, he placed his violin down, his face slightly somber. He glanced up. "Sorry if it sounded bad. I haven't sung that song for a while."

He sat down and looked at Rose. "That's all I've got. Is it enough?"

[||Megs||]

"It didn't sound bad at all!" Angie exclaimed, her eyes bright and happy. That song had somehow struck her...in a good way. She felt warm, and good inside. As if the song had been for her.

"Well done, you three!" Rose said to Ila, Angie and Austiru. She was now massaging Tlel's neck, and the servant looked immensely relaxed, something that hadn't probably happened in a good few years. "I'll finish with a lullaby, then we'll leave Tlel to sleep. I use to sing this to Ruja when she was a little Kit." When Rose sang, you could tell she put her heart into it. But like Austiru, her voice wasn't special, but just enough to sound decent and make the lullaby worth listening to.

"Hear my voice,
Trust my choice.
Your day is done,
We're one-on-one.

Close those eyes,
Relax your mind.
I'm here with you.

Dream of peace,
Dream of love.
Dream of those up above.

Hear my voice,
Trust my choice.
Your day is done,
We're one-on-one.

Go to sleep,
Close those eyes,
I'm here with you."

[/i]

An odd lullaby, but Rose sang it with such a softness that even Angie felt her eyes droop. But once the song was over, the spell was lifted. But Tlel was fast asleep, her deep, relaxed breathing signifying that. Rose pulled down Tlel's shirt back over her back, and covered her with a light, soft blanket. Without a word she motioned for the others to follow her out of the room.

Once outside down the halyway after closing the door, Rose turned and smiled at them.

"We still have time before dinner. I need Ila to come with me and help me with something. Austiru, you should show Angie around." She gave a secret wink to Angie, whos cheeks slightly flushed, and Ila and Rose walked off, instantly diving into quiet conversation.

[Teetaw89]

Austiru felt his mood lift even more as Rose sang. It had been a while since something like this had been done. It felt good.

He smiled in Tlel's direction when the song was over. She was more relaxed and he was grateful.

When they left, Austiru merely nodded as Rose and Ila walked away. He turned to Angie and shrugged. "Shall we?" He motioned his arm in front of him and bow slightly, allowing her to go first. "I think you'll like the palace. It has a peace about it...most of the time. I enjoy coming here for a break from things, though I can never fully get away from things, but I often get more peace here then at home." He smiled softly. "I hope you will also find a peace here."

[||Megs||]

"I do find peace here," Angie said as she started to walk, marveling at how clean and pure everything seemed to be. But after that, she wasn't sure what to say to Austiru. Yes, she did feel better...but she was still awfully ashamed at letting Nif get to her like that. After a little while they passed an impressive door, decorated in a way that made it obvious that the room it led to was important. Angie stopped, hearing Ilu's yelling and a familiar voice. She wasn't one to purposely eavesdrop, but even Austiru would have to stop at what was being said.

"I don't care if slaves are illegal! I rule here, I know what needs to be done to keep this place thriving!"

"King Ilu, conflicting with the laws puts you in a dangerous position." A male voice said calmly, but firmly. Angie frowned, glancing to Austiru. Slaves? Here, in the Aquatris domain?

"Are you threatening me, duke?"

"On the contrary, yes. I have also been informed of the mistreatment toward your servants. Have you not heard of that one? 'Servants are not to be forced or tricked into labor--it must be on a volunteer basis and they must receive fair pay. While under jurisdiction, they are to be treated fairly as well.' "

"No, really? I'm warning you now, duke, to get out of my castle."

There was an uneasy silence, and Angie's tail gave a flick. As if that were a signal, the calm man started talking again.

"Ilu, the Council now has the power to evict you from your position as King of the Aquatris. It was agreed that if you did not stop this tirade, I was to present this," and there was a slight crinkle of parchment unfolding, "the signed order of the New Council. You are officially released as King. I suggest you step down--I'd rather not bring war to your doorstep."

"Than I shall bring war to yours!" Ilu burst out, and Angie stepped out of the way as the door burst open. Ilu didn't even see them as he stormed on by, uttering odd curses that she didn't understand. And then a man with feathery-looking short brown hair, bright, merry blue eyes, and nicely shaped and fit body stepped out of the room He wore a tunic that was belted firmly to his waist, and he looked rather impressive. He caught sight of Angie and Austiru, and nodded to them.

"Oh, you are Journey," Angie said softly, having seen him once. He was currently duke in Gove's place. Journey bowed to them with a charming smile, then straightened.

"I am sorry you overheard that conversation. Austiru, I believe?" the man stated, looking to the Aquatris man. "What do you believe would be a good course of action for this?"

[Teetaw89]

Austiru felt his good mood leave at the conversation. As he listened, he wondered if it would be good to see the king before dinner after all.

As the door burst open, Austiru watched Ilu walk away, feeling slightly helpless. The last thing they needed was a war, especially since Ilu would be leading it. It would be dangerous for all the Aquatris, not to mention Angie being here as well.

As Journey addressed him, he suddenly felt very small. Why was he asking his advice? He was merely here for the protection of his friends and the cooling of Ilu's temper. Asking what he would do about war was a big step.

"I...really have no idea what actions to take." He bowed his head, his eyes wandering to Angie to see her expression. "The only thing I might be able to do is talk to the King...though I don't know how well that would work..."

Austiru felt scared. The Aquatris were not a weak people. This war, should it happen, would be very serious and many lives would be lost for a stupid reason. King Ilu would not stop unless sense was knocked into him, or no one was left standing.

"I'm sorry for my lack of answer. That is all I can offer at this point."

[||Megs||]

Journey bowed to Austiru, an apologetic look in his suddenly grave eyes.

"I did not expect you to give me a 'correct' answer. I wouldn't have even asked of it--but Ilu referred to you many a time. I merely asked that question to see your reaction, and where you stand. I'm not about to shovel responsibility down your throat, Austiru." Then his expression lightened. "Though I do say talking to him at this point would only prove...fatal, on your part. Right now, friend from foe in this place is meaningless until he achieves his goal."

"But is there anything we could do?" Angie spoke up, her expression concerned. Journey looked to her, and his eyes instantly caught on to some disturbing things. The girl's heart seemed to have been literally dipped in the shadows of unkind things, her self-esteem striped down to the very bone. Her figure seemed too thin, the expression in her eyes of one who had seem many things before she ought to have. As it were, Journey thought, that is how most of Liberta's current youth was. Then he looked back to Austiru. Different signs, but there was the same feeling he got from Angie. And it seemed that, having the two together, generated a feeling that raised them both up.

Journey smiled then, and gave a nod to his head.

"I would rather appreciate any helping hands. But we ought to move quickly...I am actually unsure of what the first action should be."

Angie could tell the man was in more distress than he was letting on. She glanced to Austiru, then back to Journey.

"Perhaps you ought to leave while you can, and warn the Queen. We could possibly stop as many Aquatris from joining Ilu as we can."

"Thank you, Lady Yoru! I apologize for my momentary weakness of the mind. I'll contact you two soon, good luck!" And with that, the impressive man was quick to run off. Angie had an odd thought...if he had been younger, closer to her own age, she would find him rather attractive. She gave her head a shake and then turned to Austiru.

"How can we spread the word?"

[Teetaw89]

Austiru merely listened, his own thoughts distressed and heavy. Journey was right. Ilu might not listen to him, therefore possibly endangering his life and that was a chance he was not willing to make yet.

He merely nodded in understanding of Journey's apology and then remained silent as Angie and the man talked.

When the man left and Angie posed the question, one that was already in his head, he looked at her with uncertainty. He wasn't used to making such large decisions, he was just used to calming people down. Now his talent was useless.

He rubbed his head, pondering what to do. How could they possibly tell everyone quickly? Especially since it was rather dangerous. Though most Aquatris were not very loyal to Ilu, there would be some who were, which might be a threat. Not to mention, The Aquatris Kingdom was no small place. There were a lot of people to contact before the king declared war and such little time to do it all.

Only one thought would come. His father.

"Angie...my father knows everyone and most are his friends. If anyone could get the word out quickly it would be him. He owns a Killer Whale, which is no small task, and would be able to get to everyone much faster then we would. Plus my father hates Ilu, so he would be glad to help us out. We could help of course, but we also have to get Ila to safety. Ilu could use his angry on her, and I know he would kill her if he could."

He waited, hoping that it sounded as good to her as it did in his head. What else was there, after all?

[||Megs||]

(Okay, here goes! I got some fresh ideas. ^^ And sorry for the scrappy post. x.X)

Angie nodded, her tail giving a flick.

"I agree. We had better act now."

"Austiru! Angie!"

Down the hall bolted Ila, tears rather fresh in her eyes. She came to a stop, and tried to catch her breath.

"Ila? What's wrong?"

"It's Tlel! Th-they...they killed her! And Rose is next. They are both being accused of betraying my father. I was lucky enough to get away, Tlel risked her life for me to escape,"

Angie felt a little snap inside of her, and an almost angry energy flooded through her.

"Austiru, we must act, and now. You go to your father, and Ila can come with me, I have an idea. We'll meet back at the palace grounds. Trust me," Angie added, catching Austiru's gaze with her own. "This may not need to reside in war at all."

[Teetaw89]

Austiru felt his heart fill grief at the news of Tlel's death. Did it have to come that?

As Angie spoke, he heard her words, but his mind was filled with anger. The same anger that he felt toward Ilu some years ago and had never let go of. He had tried hard to get passed what had happened, but now he realized that this was going to far. "King" Ilu needed to be stopped, before he hurt all that Austiru cared for.

Austiru looked at Angie and nodded, his eyes shining with a new light. A darker light that had been hidden for sometime. "Right. I trust you Angie...I'll meet you soon."

He gave her a very small smile and turned his back toward her and took off down the hall, to get the only other man who hated Ilu as much as he did and was willing to fight the whole kingdom for a chance to even the score against him.

[||Megs||]

Angie followed Austiru with her gaze as he ran off, wanting to say more to him. She turned to Ila, and caught the princess's gaze.

"Ila, I know this may be hard, but we must not think of Tlel right at this moment. Just remember that there is a good possibility that she is still alive. Now, where would Ilu keep slaves?"

---

Angie was disgusted, but kept a straight face. It was terrible down here! Bodies shifted to give her passing space as Angie stepped down further and further into the darkness of the large, almost cavernous room. Ila was behind her, glancing about a bit nervously. There was a radiant feel of anger, and pure hatred, which struck at Angie like arrows. But she kept moving forward, until she was in the middle of the room. She held her right hand up, palm facing the damp ceiling, In her hand formed an icy sphere of, you guessed it, ice. It radiated a pleasant, soft light that struck out to most of the dark places and lit up the many people around her. She caught her breath. These were Dioshni!



(Make sure Austiru meets some kind of resistance. ^.-!)

[Teetaw89]

As Austiru pushed through the doors his eyes widened. There were people fighting each other on the palace grounds, some trying to protect the King and others trying to reach him with other ideas in mind.

He was amazed how quickly the news had spread about the war. And he had no idea the kingdom was so divided. He had gone so long hating the King, that he couldn't possibly think that there would be ones loyal to him. He had always thought that nobody liked him...how wrong he had been.

He began to shove through the crowd, but found it little less then painful. People pushed at him, some knowing that he was in favor with the King and others merely trying to get back to the fight he had come between. He felt bruises forming on his arms as people slapped at them and shoved him aside. Somebody stepped on his feet, but all he could manage was a wince.

Finally he found himself free of the mob and breathed relief. It was sad to see his home in such turmoil, but hopefully they would be able to fix it.

His stunning green eyes scanned about, hoping to catch a glimpse of his father in the many groups of people. He was horrified to find that Aquatris were literally forcing guards off their sea creatures and cutting them down.

As he searched, his eyes rested on a group of Ilu's loyal guards, who seemed to be enjoying themselves at the pain of someone else. As he came closer he could see that it was Journey. He had never made it out of the kingdom and the guards were taking great pleasure in inflicting pain to the human.

Austiru's eyes narrowed and he walked toward them. Coming behind one, he didn't even give them time to notice his presence before he let his fist collide with the man's cheek, knocking him down with a good force. He took the shock of the others as a perfect time to strike again. This time he jumped and kicked the next two men beside him with surprising ease. He may be small in build, but he knew a thing or two of fighting.

There were more guards, but he decided to take this moment to glance at Journey. "You alright?"


(You can do some guards too. I got the post a little longer, so you can have a bit of fun too. I also left some guards for Journey!^^)