Trick or Two

[||Megs||]

“The Klintsburd will be leavin' here soon!” The warning shout rang out through the crisp morning air, Rage glancing over to the man who had called out the announcement from the pier. Rage raised an eyebrow at the name of the ship, but decided to not say anything. Crossing his arms, he casually turned around to see who else would be joining this little expedition.

Of course, there was Ruja. Her short black hair flitted gently about the sea breeze as she spoke with the captain of the ship, about what he did not know, though a small bout of curiosity made his sleek black tail give a twitch or two. Rage's own black hair, descending slightly past his shoulders, shifted in the playful plight of the breeze. Supplies were being carried aboard, though not much. It would only take two days to cross the brink between Liberta and Aka, depending if the fine weather decided to not shift.

As he watched, a curly green-haired woman came walking up the ramp to board the ship, briefly taking her glasses off, and whipping a fleck of sea water from them. Upon putting her glasses on, she stumbled at the end of the ramp. But before she could do a face plant, Rage quickly darted forward and caught her. Bliss gently exhaled, smiling kindly at Rage as he made sure she had her proper footing.

“Thank you, Rage. I'm just a bit clumsy today. Nervous, I suppose.” Rage nodded his understanding, letting Bliss go and taking a step back to give the healer some space. Bliss met his gaze, and gave a soft, true smile. “I appreciate what you and Ruja are doing, coming with me and all.” Bliss' name was called from where the captain was standing, and she turned and walked toward the summon. Ruja came walking toward Rage, her black feline ears flicked back slightly and her black tail swaying a bit faster than normal.

“Darned man!” she spat, coming to stand near Rage while settling her black eyes on the scrawny captain, who was now conversing with Bliss.

“What?” Rage asked, though a bit of his curiosity managed to seep into his voice. Ruja did not seem to notice, as most of her attention was on the man.

“He's only giving us four days to do our 'business' on Aka's shores.”

“So? That is more than enough time.” Rage answered coolly, looking toward the captain as well. But his attention was driven back to Ruja, at the waves of distress that seemed to come off of her gracious figure.

“We just need to expect the unexpected, that's all.”Came Ruja's softened reply.

“We are expecting it.” Ruja finally looked at Rage, giving a sigh at his simple answer.

“Are you sure?” Rage met his black gaze with Ruja's, slightly taken aback by her question. There was something in her eyes, in her voice, that suddenly struck him in an odd way. It seemed that Ruja had something else to do at Aka, other than help Bliss. Ruja intended on doing something else as well...

[||Megs||]

Laughter rang loudly about the chamber, bouncing back from the polished and rare moonstone-clad walls. Even though she had not purposely tripped over the spear and right into the unsuspecting guard, making him topple onto his back with her on top, the gathered audience was already cooked up and ready to laugh at the dimmest of jokes or actions. The King's laughter was the loudest of all, though, his deep voice rising above the others. But the laughter just made her sick to her stomach.

Jit tried to get up off the guard, but he held onto her, a grin on his lips. Clearly disgusted, she smacked the man on the cheek, then leaped off while he was momentarily stunned. Irritated, she brushed back her glossy, long orange hair with red tips. Her cornflower blue eyes gazed at the people sitting in chairs and round tables alike, cheeks rosy from their drinks and their minds drifting from the brinks of proper realism. It was about time she got out of here—even the guards were drinking, swaying on their booted feet.


Not even bothering to wait to be excused, Jit walked purposely around the guards and out of the wine-stenched chamber. What idiots! She was tired of their laughter, tired of how she was forced to entertain them everyday. Either by being their jester, dancer, singer or musician. Their slave. The King's slave.

“Wow Jit! I must say, that is the most violent thing I have ever seen you do!” Jit was thrown out of her dampening thoughts as the cheerful voice came to play, followed instantly by bright blue eyes and a cheerful smile. Jit was forced to stop before she barreled into the dainty blond-haired girl who now stood before her.

“Well, I wasn't about to let that wine-stenched guard keep a hold of me.” Jit said with a sigh, feeling herself relax at the sight of her friend. Elnise, a bright and cheerful girl who managed to find life among the world of being a servant, was the ray of light most everyone admired to see with each passing day. But the King's guests kept eying her in ways that made Jit feel most uncomfortable, and fear for Elnise's safety and well being. Then Jit realized she wasn't better off, either.

“Come on Jit, cheer up!” Elnise put a hand on Jit's bare shoulder, once again bringing her from her thoughts. “Let's go get changed, alright?” Jit blinked, eyes truly focusing on her friend. Elnise wore a simple gray tunic with dark gray pants and boots, but her tunic was ripped, and blood was gently seeping out through the ripped fabric.

“Elnise! What happened?!” Jit was instantly worried, concern flashing in her now paled eyes.

“I had to feed the dragons again,” Elnise said, her cheerful voice dropping as an edge of fear came to life. Jit looked into her friend's bright blue eyes, then gave a gentle smile. Even though her insides churned in anger, she needed to stay calm for her.

“Let's go get that bandaged up, alright? I'm starting to get chilly in this outfit anyways!” Jit said, succeeding in bringing a smile to Elnise's soft pink lips. It was true, though. Jit wore a short black skirt that stopped just above her knees, and soft dark red boots that came to just below her knees. The material was very thin, but was just thick enough at the soles so that she could walk on rougher surfaces easier. Her shirt, also of a dark red material –-though thicker-- made up of a top that had sleeves that slid down just below her elbows, and the shirt extended down to just above her stomach. She hated it, so to speak. Even though it was pretty comfortable, she did not like being so exposed.

As the two walked down the deserted corridor, farther away from the noise of the main chamber, Jit's eyes narrowed slightly in determination.

I am going to get us out of this place, and break our chains of slavery, and travel to the place where we can truly be free! I swear it on my kindreds sacrificed blood!

[||Megs||]

The waves lapped gently up against the sides of the large ship, casting away from the pier. Bliss watched as the shore began to fade away, the ocean of blue and white drifting them further and further away from home. Home...where did she truly belong, anyways? Either way, she was a traitor to both Aka and Liberta. Having been a spy from Aka, she had traveled the beautiful country of Liberta, cleverly discovering what weaknesses lay upon its wake. But upon her venturings, she came into contact with Bliz Moonstone, a master healer. As Bliss continued on her way, she couldn't stop thinking of their first encounter at the market. During the next few weeks, they kept bumping into each other.

Bliss' mind began to take a different side as she began to spend time with the healer, being well knowledgeable in that field herself. As the limited year passed by, she had had to go back to Aka and reveal all that she had discovered in her venturings to the king. But instead of revealing Liberta's buried secrets, Bliss had reported that she had found nothing. Four years passed, and still she did not reveal what she had learned. During her latest visit, the King had threatened to end her life if she did not bring some valuable information back in two weeks.

By the time the ship would dock at Aka's shores, her two weeks would be up. Bliss was still unsure of what she would do. She had wanted to speak with Queen Rose before departing to Aka, but Ruja had disagreed on that. They needed to 'clean' the slate with this whole spy issue first. But either way...Bliss felt as if she were giving herself up as some sort of prisoner. If she escaped Aka, it would be up to the royalty of Liberta as to what they would do with her. For once, Bliss felt rather unsure of herself. A wave of dizziness overtook her, and her grip tightened on the wooden railing of the ship, her eyes closing. What was happening?

A firm, steady hand came to grip her shoulder, a boy's voice barely penetrating through to her suddenly deaf ears.

“Bliss? What is wrong?”

Across the deck, still standing with Rage, Ruja's ears flicked as she turned toward the boy's voice. A pang of worry shot through her, and she jogged over to Bliss and the boy. Rage was right behind her, of course.

“Dunstin, what is going on?”

“I don't know! She feels a bit feverish,” the boy reported, concern flashing in his eyes. Bliss had still not responded, and did not seem to notice that they were even there. Her hands still gripped the railing, eyes still closed, head bowed. “We need to get her on a bed, then I can see what plagues her.” Dunstin said, his voice free of his previous distress, a controlled calm and look gracing his figure. Ruja gently plied Bliss' hands from the railing, and Rage easily scooped Bliss into his arms without comment or question. Dunstin led the way below deck to the rooms, opening a door that led to a decently sized room with a bed, port hole window and a dresser.

Rage set Bliss down carefully, then stepped back. Ruja stood by him, silent as Dunstin observed Bliss with care. Dunstin was a strong boy with black and red hair, and just as tall as Ruja, despite his young age. He was rather handsome, and his eyes were the clearest and cleanest of blue Ruja had ever seen. He had been Meruu's apprentice not long ago, and Ruja had met him when Dunstin had been helping Meruu fight the Ice Flu. He was from Nihl, and had the rare magical gift of fire.

Impressed and amazed at Ruja's own fire ability, Dunstin had asked Ruja to take him on as her apprentice. Ruja had not yet given it much thought. She was impressed, though, at how fast he earned his journeyman healer status. But he didn't seem to dwell on it much, but seeing him now, the concern in his eyes as he put a hand to Bliss' forehead, she knew that he was calling upon his teachings with the upmost care. Ruja's tail flicked, suddenly curious about Dunstin. She suddenly wanted to learn more about him.

Jalee, a pretty young girl with white hair and green eyes, came into the room, nodding respectfully to Ruja and Rage before approaching Dunstin. Ruja had met Jalee before as well, at the same time and place as Dunstin. She was still an apprentice to Meruu, but due to a sudden problem in Liberali, she was momentarily without a teacher. So for now, Dunstin watched over her and her progress. Dunstin looked up from Bliss, and smiled at Jalee.

"It seems like stress has struck her pretty hard. It is nothing that will plaque her for too long, she just needs some rest. Jalee, would you mind putting together a cup of water? Add two silver leaves as well for about three minutes." Dunstin said as he stood, Jalee nodding, hair flowing gracefuly behind her as she left.

Dunstin then turned to Rage and Ruja, and smiled. "She'll be fine. We should give her some space." He turned and left, followed by Rage. Ruja lingered behind, glancing to Bliss. How long had she been dreading the return to Aka? Was it that incredibly bad, enough to get her sick all of a sudden? Confused with her concerned thoughts, Ruja followed Rage out of the room. Ruja was beginning to wonder what was happening with herself. Never before had she really cared for other people, until just recently...

[||Megs||]

"Where is she? Find her!" Jit flattened herself against the wall as the command burst down the still hallway, making her freeze to the spot. She held still, muscles tensing, ready to run for it if any guards turned down into the corridor. But luck decided to cling to her heart, and guide her body slowly away from the footfalls that rapidly approached her. Into the shadows she crouched, eyes gazing downward so that the flickering light of the approaching guard's torch would not shine off of them.

The guard turned into the hallway just as Jit was settled down into a crouch, body perfectly still. He stopped a few paces later, and Jit held her breath. The hooded guard looked carefully about, eyes scanning the shadows with a narrowed expression. Jit couldn't help but look up, and was startled into releasing her breath in a barely audible whoosh. This wasn't just any guard...

Rehema was his name, and he was the head of the guard that protected the King and his castle. He was broad-shouldered and muscle-like, and stood pretty darn tall compared to others. He was rumored to be a Dioshni, a powerful race the resided in the desert of Forsake within the country of Liberta. Rehema, as it turned out...did not like her in the slightest. In return, Jit disliked him just as much. Or worse. Rehema made a sport of getting her in trouble, setting her punishments for every little thing she did wrong. He had managed to convince the king that Jit was trying to work against him, so the king kept Rehema on her back constantly.

And now, Jit knew it was useless to hide in the shadows, which would seem to be nothing but clear glass to him. Rehema was just messing with her nerves, and it was working. Rehema looked right at her, a grin spreading across his features. The torch suddenly flickered out, and alarm shot through Jit's body. Before she could command herself to move, a strong hand came to grip her upper arm, and yanked her roughly to her feet.

“You will never be able to hide from me, little one. Never.” His voice, as usual, sent shivers down her spine. Jit winced at his touch, but knew it would be useless to struggle. She was nothing compared to him.

“Yeah? But I will always be able to outsmart you.” Jit said, as confidentially as she could manage through her awakened fright. There was silence, but then a chuckle came from Rehema.

“Not after tonight.”

[||Megs||]

Ruja closed her eyes as the soft, sweet breeze of the falling night came to play about her short black hair. It wasn't very often that she could relax. Bliss was still sleeping, with Jaylee checking up on her every so often. Rage was bothering the captain about wanting to try and steer the boat, and Dunstin stood not too far from Ruja, arms crossing along the railing of the ship as he gazed outwards, a peaceful and calm look alighting his features and eyes.

Ruja opened her softened black orbs, turning her head slightly to the side to look upon Dunstin, who stood a few feet away.

“Hey, Dunstin. If you desire to be my apprentice, then I need to know more about you. To make sure you are capable.” Ruja was not joking, either. If he proved worthy enough to earn the right of her training him, Rage would also take part, whether she happened to like it or not. In other words, this kid would have it tough. Dunstin looked toward her, then smiled. Leaving his comfortable position he came to stand next to Ruja, and together they gazed out at the sun as it seemed to dip into the sea far beyond.

“I was born in Nihl, along with my two sisters and two brothers. My mother and father owned a market in Wodaji, so my sisters and brothers would go and help them everyday. I ended up not much caring for the selling of food, or working on the farms to produce such things. But I was too young to yet set my foot down on my own path, so I dealt with it. But when I turned eleven, I discovered I had a faint control of fire. Or it had control over me, whichever you prefer. During the dry season, I accidentally ended up scorching half of a wheat field. Imagine the shock my family got! After that incident, the fire bursts happened quite frequently. I was becoming a danger to my family, and everything around me.”

“I see. So you finally set out, to find someone who would help you?”

“Yes. As it turns out, there are fair few who know how to manage it, or even can control it at all. So when I saw you...well, let's just say I can stop growing gray hairs now.” That made Ruja smile, and she nodded.”When I came across Meruu, I saw an opportunity to distract myself. But, as you know, I ended up earning my journeyman status a lot quicker than anticipated. I am ready, Ruja.”

“Then I suggest you go get some sleep. You'll need it.” Ruja replied, turning her head to meet her gaze with his. Dunstin smiled, bowed slightly to her, then departed. Ruja returned her gaze to the sea, a slight grin on her lips.

This would be fun.