Onto Muu

[Moonitic]

Oblivious to the goings on around her, Moon dreamed...

The guards dragged her down to the dungeon, a disgusting, horrible place. They brought her to a room where a man wearing only black breeches waited, next to a fire pit with irons sticking out of it. They positioned her on the other side of a table, facing the door, where Meekal entered, followed by his father. Her chest hit the top of the table as the guards shoved her forward. The greasy man’s hands went to the back of her shirt, at the seam that held the shoulder together. He pulled the edges apart, ripping the fabric’s stitching.
“What are you doing?” demanded Moon. She attempted to stand straight, but the hand of one of the guards pushed down on her neck.
“Hold still, girl.”
A sizzling iron rose from the pit, held by the greasy man. The king’s voice rang in Moon’s ear. “You are now the property of Muu. As such, you shall receive the Mark.” In a less official tone, he said, “Welcome to the family.”
A searing hot pain exploded onto Moons’s right shoulder blade. The flesh burned away, and the princess shrieked. She lifted her head enough to see the smirk of the King of Muu, and the tail end of Meekal the Daft as he ran from the room. Then, as the pain grew too unbearable, all went red, then black.
Princess Buffy of Schoolcraftia became Princess Buffy of Muu.

Moon woke, jolted from her nightmare by the sound of the door closing. Instead of waking up alone in her tower prison, she was surrounded by familiar faces. She grabbed at her marked shoulder, relieved that it was not burning, then wiped the sweat from her forehead. She took a deep breath, & looked around. Meekal was gone. Immediately, she began to fall into a panic. "Where is he? Did something happen to him?" she asked the only person standing. Naekos.

[Swordsman]

Zelda woke as the sun fell across her face, stood, stretched. "I need a walk to get the blood flowing again..."

Nækos smiled a bit at her. "Sorry, but all you've got to work with is the edge of this room."

"Oh, come on. Just down the hall and back."

The smile disappeared. "No. We are safe in here, and vulnerable out there. You are the queen of Arconia. This cannot be risked."

"Fine..."

While she began to pace the room, the Swordsman took the opportunity to take her chair. The girl in his arms stirred a bit, then slowly opened her eyes, looking up at the Swordsman. "Where...where are Mom and Dad? Where am I?" Her voice was soft, light, shaky. The pronounced bones around her face, deep-set eyes, and weakness behind the voice, spoke of a definitive lack of food.

The green eyes before her closed slowly; warm breath from a sigh brushed her face. "I am sorry; I was not in time to save them. I was barely in time to catch you."

The deep brown eyes before him closed slowly, then opened again; a quiver to the breath, but nothing more. It spoke of immeasurable strength within. "You're the one who picked me up...?"

"That was me."

"What did you do with the men?"

"I killed them."

"Good..."

"What is your name, child?"

"Tæbryn. Where are we? And who are you?"

"We are in the castle of Muu. The prince is going to talk to the king right now, and then we will leave. My name is Nækos; I live in Arconia, along with everybody else here. Where do you live? We will take you back home before we go."

"I live in the village nearby...but...there's nothing there. The men will come back for us, they'll take me and more people in the village...I can't pay taxes..."

"Come with us, then." Zelda spoke up. Tæbryn's head snapped around.


"Who are you?"

"That is Zelda...the queen of Arconia."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know!"

"It's alright, it's alright!" Zelda smiled. "You're welcome to come back with us to Arconia, if you want." She gave Nækos a look. He began to consider the logistics of it briefly, then suddenly decided it didn't matter.

[Moonitic]

Ken-Dall slipped herself out of Darion's grasp & staggered over to the bed. "It's okay. He probably went to see his Father," she said to Moon.

"Oh..." she said, now barely paying attention. Instead, she saw how Naekos reacted to the young girl in his arms, & vice versa. Moon crawled on her hands & knees to the end of the bed, & reached out to touch the girl. "It will be all right," she said soothingly. "You will be safe in Arconia. And as for the tax collectors..." She sat up tall, taking on her air of royal grace once more. "...the future Queen of Muu will take care of them." She took one look at Naekos, & gave him a conspiring smile. For a moment, the old Moon had returned.

[Moonitic]

Meekal took a deep breath as he moved to his father's bed, where the man lay, still covered from his night's rest. "Yes, Father. I have."

"And I suppose you have heard what your friends have done, since you spent the night with them like a common dog," the king demanded.

"I have. My friends have passion, Father. What happened was a misunderstanding. They meant no harm. They did not mean to insult your generous hospitality," Meekal said, hoping his father did not hear the falseness in his voice.

"Did they? Two of my men are now gone. The rest are up in arms over this visit."

"They will be leaving today, Father. And..." Meekal took another deep breath. "...the princess & I plan to leave with them." He braced himself for what might come.

"You do realize that leaving the protection of Muu may leave you...vulnerable...to those who mean to wish you harm?" The king did not have to say what he actually meant for it to take effect.

Meekal clenched his hands at his sides. His fears began to take him once more, until he willed himself to breathe again. "I realize that, Father," he said. "Surely you'd want someone to observe the rest of the alliance, who will not have to hide under false pretenses." Rufus would be proud of all the new words Meekal had learned. He decided to play on his father's suspicious nature. "If they are plotting against you, I would be the first to know. And as a loyal son, I could report to you immediately."

The king smiled at the thought. "Now you're learning, my boy." He paused in thought. "But if I find out that you are plotting against me yourself, you do realize that I cannot be held responsible for anything that happens to your dearest love..."

"Of course not, Father. Why would I do something like that? I'm Meekal the Daft. Who would I plot with, my stones?" Meekal grinned, as much like the old Meekal as he could.

"Right..." The king stroked his grizzly beard. Then, he laughed. "All right, my son. All is forgiven. My staff will prepare a lovely meal to break your fast, then I will see you off with my blessing. Go now, & prepare your 'charming' friends."

Meekal nodded, & gave a little bow. "Aye, Father. I will do that." Meekal walked stiffly from the room, out into the corridor. He kept his stature until his was almost to the door that held his friends. Then, remembering who was guarding the door, he knocked. "It's Meekal...let me in."

[Swordsman]

"It's Meekal...let me in."

Zelda opened the door; the prince seemed a bit surprised to find Nækos sitting in a rocking chair, holding the girl.

"How did things go?" the Swordsman asked.

"It was okay, I guess."

Moonitic climbed quickly from the bed, crossing to Meekal and wrapping him in a relieved hug. "You came back..."

"Yes, I came back. Breakfast will be ready shortly, and then we can go."

"We'll take it with us," Nækos interjected. "I want us out of here. Let's get some dried meat, breads, and water; we can eat on the road."

[Moonitic]

"We...need...to...stay," Meekal said. He raised his eyebrows, as though Naekos knew what he meant, but realized he really didn't. So, he decided to try another way. "If my father is going to die anytime soon, I would like to be able to say good bye to him properly."

"...and not with a stake through the heart..." Rosaline mumbled.

[Iwant2bafencer]

Everyone that was awake began to get ready to leave. Rosaline still remained curled in the soft chair.

Someone touched her shoulder, jaring her awake.

"Muuvian Devils!" She cried, snatching up her dagger in her belt.

It was then she realized it was Zelda who had woken her.

"Sorry Zelda." She sighed, replacing her dagger and scrubbing her face with her hands.

"Are we leaving yet?" She questioned.

"Yes, I've already talked to my father, and we'll be going once we get breakfast." Meekal replied.

Rosaline scowled at his talking to his father, most likely alone.

"All of us are leaving?" She questioned.

Meekal nodded, with Rosaline nodding in return.

"Can't we get breakfast to go or something? No offence but I don't think I can stand this place for one more meal." She stated, standing.

"No, I want to say goodbye to my father." Meekal snapped.

Rosaline nodded in understanding.

Her muscles were cramped from being scrunched in the chair. She stretched as much as she could without hurting something. She glanced to the chair where Zelda had slept, and smiled to the girl.

"Good morning child." She greeted warmly.

"Morning." She replied.

"It's good to see you're talking. Did you sleep well?" Rosaline asked.

The girl shook her head.

"I'd imagine not." Rosaline smiled a little, and stroked the girls hair before moving to her bag and packing a few things into it.

"Is she coming with us?" Rosaline asked Zelda.

"Who the girl?"

"Aye, the girl."

"Yes, she's coming which I'm glad for."

"I'm glad you agree, because I don't like the idea of her staying here."

Rosaline tied her bag, and stood.

"Are we leaving yet?"

[Swordsman]

"I realize," Nækos said slowly, "you want to properly say goodbye to him. However, I can assure you we do not have to stay. I would like to get back...I have men waiting for us. If worse comes to worst, I can help you return here to pay last respects to your father." A pause; a raised eyebrow. The look of revelation. "Come now...I am in a hurry to be out of here. I have no intention of stopping on the way, this time."

Nækos managed to slip a few private words in to the prince on the way down to stock up on food, ignoring the royal breakfast: "Meekal, I know you are concerned about your father's intentions, and I understand quite well that he must have threatened both yours and Moonitic's lives. However, the queen, Darion, and Rosaline managed to fend off a full assassination attempt by Russic berserkers, and they far outmatch anything your father may have. Not only will they be around, but either myself or my own men will be watching the two of you at all times - they can easily deal with any Muuvian force that may be a problem. But now, time is of the essence - we cannot be held back by your father." As they said this the group arrived in the pantry, and the opportunity to speak privately ended; Meekal, however, looked ashen still.

They rode straight through the day, cheerily passing by the Holly Dayye Inn, and into the night, finally arriving back in the city walls as the moon neared meridian. Rosaline dozed, riding with the queen, Moonitic and Ken-Dall the same with their respective men, and Tæbryn with Nækos. The grounds were silent as they again entered the castle stables, and dismounted.

"Alright, everyone," Nækos quietly addressed the group. "Those of you who will be going with me up north, you have forty-eight hours to prepare and rest. Pack well - warm clothing, and hunting equipment. Bring good footwear, for we may have to leave the horses. Also bring packs for yourselves." And with that, the group began to split up, each heading for their own quarters, looking forward to a bed.

Tæbryn, however, was left in the middle of a rapidly dispersing circle, wondering where to go. The queen had told her she could come, and so had the Lady Rosaline...but they were already leaving together, thinking only of bed...she supposed an empty horse stall would have soft enough straw.

Nækos shouldered his rucksack again, preparing for the hike back to his cottage, and some sleep of his own, having passed on the opportunity the night before. "I would not suggest the immediate surroundings," he told the girl. "The guards become nervous, and besides, with a bit of a breeze, the night can grow quickly cool." She turned to him, mouth open, not quite sure what to say. Where, if not anywhere around here, should she go? "However, if you've a bit of strength left in your legs, come to my cottage," he smiled. "I've plenty of room, and an actual bed with blankets and all."

"Her majesty was the one who invited me...you do not mind?"

"The only reason she invited you was because she beat me to it by a few seconds. Come now; the place stays warm enough, but too empty at night for my tastes." He held out a hand to her, beckoning for her to follow. They departed together, walking down the empty dark street toward the west, and the forest. "So, Tæbryn, tell me of yourself."

She looked up at the dark, thin figure that seemed to absorb the moonlight. "Well...you know my name. I lived in the village Aptol; just a few extended families live there, they farm. Or try to, with taxes over them...I was the only child my parents had, no boy for them...it made working the fields hard. Making taxes was even harder, even with other people helping. And then...they couldn't do it last season. You saw what happened..." Silence fell again.

"How old are you?"

"Fourteen about a month ago. What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Well, who are you? Tell me about you."

"My name is Nækos, like I told you - Nækos Servaya. I live in a cottage out in the woods a little ways." Silence again.

"And...?"

"What more do you want?"

"Where did you come from? What do you do? You don't look like a farmer, especially out in the woods."

He sighed. "I come from a place far to the south, that I really didn't like. I live here now, and I work for Zelda - for the queen."

"Why are you holding so much back?"

"Alright...I lead a military group for the queen, kind of like my own army. We watch over a lot of people around here, my men and I. That's basically what I do."

They had been passing through the forest, on the barely-discernible path through the darkness of the trees; now she blinked in the bright moonlight as they came into the clearing around the cottage. Silence continued as they moved quickly inside. Nækos guided the girl through the black interior to the rear, where he started a fire with flint and steel. From this, he lit a candle, moving back toward the small kitchen. As the light grew, it began to reflect off metal surfaces all over, adding to the light in the room. Tæbryn looked slowly around, the question forming on her face.

"Yes, I am heavily armed," Nækos answered. He hesitated for a moment, but knew the issue would come up sooner or later. "I am," he whispered, "the Swordsman."

Her eyes widened. "I've heard the stories about you. You're no more than a shadow; you can slip through a crack in the floor, but only at night. You know any secret, and when you decide to kill a person, there's no way they can stop you...some say you're a demon."

He crouched, unstrapping the Talruum sabre and laying it beside him on the floor. Ran a hand over his face, trying to wipe away the fatigue for a few minutes more. "Yes, I am the Swordsman. You can see I'm flesh and blood, though, and fit only through some of the larger cracks. I have to give credit to all the men who work for me, for knowing so much; I try not to let targets get away. Because if I do decide to kill a person, they deserve it. If they die by my hand, then they are truly evil. I am no demon. I am not evil. I told you already; we protect people. We try to bring safety, and justice." He stood again and beckoned for her to follow, leading her to the small room to which he had previously moved his bed. "This is where you will sleep...the fire may not be able to reach, and will burn out shortly anyway, but there should be enough blankets to keep you warm. In the morning, I'll find you more clothes to wear, and I'll start getting more food in you. Good food. First, you need sleep."

She pulled the top cover back and slipped quickly into the bed, fatigue showing clearly. "So the Swordsman rescued me."

"You have heard your tales of the Swordsman. Maybe now you can get to know Nækos." She nodded, and settled deeper in. "Tæbryn...are you alright? You do not even look as if anything happened to you..."

She sighed. "I don't know...I don't remember last night. I remember following the men all the way to the castle, and then to the back...and then...there were dreams, when I slept...and then some of today's ride...and then I kind of woke up when we got here. I don't know why I'm like this...I don't feel anything..."

He smiled sadly, knowing the numb feeling - and what it would be like when it passed. "Sleep, Tæbryn; rest. You need it. You are safe here."

"I do not wish to dream again..."

"I will be nearby, and will hear. I cannot stop the dreams from coming, I am sorry, but I will be hear if you cry out." She looked so small curled there on the edge of the bed, stunted and emaciated. He reached over her, tucking the blankets closer, then reached under the bed, pulling out an extra blanket stored there. This he spread on the floor beside the bed, rolling himself into it. "Sleep, Tæbryn...sleep, and know that tomorrow, the sun still rises."

[Zelda]

Zelda moved slowly, fatigue etched on her face. All she wanted was a bath, fresh clothes and her own bed.
"I hope Alys is waiting." she muttered to herself.
Slowly she turned the handle to her chambers, thinking only of the soft downy pillows on her bed, and the soft caressing blankets which she had especially bought in from up north.
As the door opened, it reveled a figure sitting at her desk, pondering the moonlight playing on her desk.
"Alys?" Zeldas voice was low, her hand on her sword hilt.
(TAKE IT AWAY LATENIGHT!)

[Moonitic]

Meekal escorted Moon all the way to her chamber, & did not stop at the door. "What are you doing, Meekal?" she asked tiredly.

"I'm staying with you."

"You don't have to do that," she replied, dropping her things by the bed.

As he watched her unpack, he frowned. His father would be furious that they did not accept the invitation to eat breakfast &, despite the assurance that she was well protected, he did not feel particularly comfortable about leaving her alone yet. And with so many people going on that dragon hunt... "Yes, I do."

"Meekal, we're home. It will be all right now. We're safe," Moon said as she puttered around. It felt good to be back amongst her own things, in a place familiar to her. It had been so long since she'd been there. She was surprised that a layer of dust hadn't grown in her absence.

"I'd feel better if I stayed," he said, studying her as she went. After her ordeal, she was looking thin. Too thin. Except for her waist. That seemed to be growing a little more each day. Right now, it was hardly noticeable, except to those who knew her. But soon, it would be hard to hide. Then what would happen? He never wanted to see her cry again like she did when she revealed the truth to himself & Zelda. Speaking of Zelda, he thought, she had hardly said a word the entire trip. Surely the two women would have to speak again. Meekal shook his head & refused to think about what could happen. It didn't matter who's baby it was. He loved the mother & he would love the baby too. Moon shrugged in response, looking more & more tired as she moved around her chamber. He moved to her & gently took the bundle of clothing she held. "You need some rest. Why don't you take a nap? When you wake up, we'll go down to the kitchen & see if Nani can make us something."

Moon sighed. She began to protest, but realized he was right. She'd hardly had a good night's rest in a long time. And food, well...food had become a distant, yet unattainable dream in the recent past. "Fine..." She twirled her finger in a circle & said, "Turn around. I want to take off this gown & put on something more comfortable." With reddened cheeks, he did so, then turned back around when he heard her snuggle down into her bed. "Thank you, Meekal. It's so good to be home. I feel so much..." She yawned. "...safer." With that, she closed her eyes & fell asleep.

He tip-toed around to the other side of the bed, & gingerly climbed in as well, though not too close for fear of waking the sleeping princess. But instead of laying down, he sat there & just watched her as she slept. "I wish you'd feel safe with me, wherever we are." Another reason he wasn't ready to be king...or married. He would have to prove to her, & to everyone else, that he was not the same daft boy they had first met. He saw how they looked at him sometimes. Every once in a while, he caught Moon looking at him too. He did not want to be Meekal the Daft anymore. He wanted to be so much more.

Then, he had an idea. If he went on that dragon hunt with the others, he might finally have the chance to prove his worth. Surely they could use someone like him. At the very least, he could throw stones at the beasts to distract them while someone else wrangled them. He'd have to talk to the Swordsman about that. It would hurt him to leave Moon at such a time, but she would be safe. He'd make sure of it. He just had to go talk to Naekos.

Later.

Now, he wanted to rest. He fell over onto the pillow next to Moon's, & fell asleep.

[Crin Dalmeiier]

"I'm off to the pub--and you're coming with me." Once they were out of sight of the Swordsman, who looked as though he was taking in the young one they had collected in Muu, Talmour swooped down and picked Crin up, throwing her easily over his shoulder. She squirmed, but he had practice at this sort of thing. "For one thing, I have a friend who's probably waiting for me there. Also, you need a drink. 'Cour, you coming later?"

"I'll come now and let Shela and Mitch remember that they're married for awhile," Falcour decided as Mitch headed towards the east wing at a near sprint. "Put her down, Tal. She's not a sack of potatoes."

"No, she's a tad bit heavier." Talmour set Crin on her feet and dodged out of the way of whatever retribution might come for that comment. Crin, however, just started walking without saying a word. "Crin, you haven't said anything since you woke up."

It was true--the whole day, Crin had been almost as silent as death. She had eaten with a mechanical sort of air, as though it was mreely a chore. The other gypsies had done any sort of talking for her that needed to be done. Perhaps Miri was now worried about her--however, she and Senyik were headed up to the tower, as it looked like Ame and Crin would be a long time coming.

Despite Talmour's urging, Crin didn't speak until after they'd plied her with a glass of wine. "Would you two quit hovering?" she finally demanded, exasperated. "I'm fine, okay?"

"If you were fine, you'd talk to us," Talmour pointed out, well into his second glass of rum. Beside him, Ame dozed against the bar top, having had several glasses of ale already.

"I want to kick you," Crin told him matter-of-factly. She tried, but her legs were too short to reach him. "I'll kick you later. When I have the energy."

"We have forty-eight hours until we leave," Falcour told the pair of them. "One more drink and then we head back."

"Who said anything about we?" Crin demanded sharply, some of the fire returning to her aura. She was pale with exhaustion, still trembling from the onslaught of dreams and memories. Twice, Falcour had caught her dozing in the saddle, but each time she jerked awake with a small cry. If Falcour had his way, she would be on her way to see Shela and get away from the excitement until she was healed enough to focus coherently. "Talmour, Ame, and I are the ones going on the mission. You've got to stay here and train the Arconian people to shoot like gypsies."

"Mitch and Regent can handle that. I'm not leaving you to go off after dragons alone when you're like this."

"I won't be alone. Talmour and Ame will be there, and if Nækos hasn't figured out that something's wrong yet, I'm a Muuvian toad." Crin glared as Talmour pushed another drink into her hand. "What's this for?"

"Drink it all. You're sleeping tonight, even if we have to get you knock-you-off-your-bum drunk to do it."

"And in the morning, we're talking," Falcour decided with a final air. Crin glared at him over the top of the wine glass. Of course, that glare melted into an accusing expression for the briefest instant before she collapsed against Talmour, already asleep. Falcour shook his head as he collected the small woman from his brother. "You'd think she would know what sleepweed smells like by now."

"You'd think," Talmour agreed, shaking Ame awake. She blinked at them twice and then scowled as she saw Crin. "Relax, it's just sleepweed."

"She's going to hate you for the headache she has in the morning," Ame pointed out. "And you'd better hope nobody attacks tonight."

"I'll watch out for her." Hefting Crin easily, Falcour led the way from the Bitter End. Talmour and Ame headed off to find cots in the Hospital Wing, leaving Miri and Senyik to keep the tower room for as long as they like and Crin to have Talmour's bed in the room the brothers now shared.

[Iwant2bafencer]

Rosaline had bid goodnight to Zelda, and stumbled sleepily towards her room.

"Rose!" A voice called ahead of her.

She looked up, but hadn't the energy to draw her sword. She found Rylus stalking toward her.

"Where have you Been?" He demanded. "I've been worried sick looking all over for you! No one would tell me where you went!"

"Sorry, I forgot to tell you. We had a meeting." She replied, still walking toward her room.

"Wait a minute." Rylus put an arm across her stomach, to stop her.

She sucked in a deep breath through her gritted teeth. She quickly pulled his arm away.

"What's wrong?" He questioned, looking to her stomach.

"Nothing, it's just a scratch." She replied trying to wave him off.

"I'm your brother Rose, I know you better than that." He countered.

"I'm fine Rylus, can I please just go to bed? I haven't had a full nights sleep since . . since before I left to look for Arcon."

Rylus looked at her confused, but nodded.

"Fine, but we're talking in the morning, and you're not going anywhere else for a while."

"Can't, dragon hunting, forty-eight hours." She replied, moving again.

"Good greif you're about to fall on your butt." Rylus stated, he bent and picked her up.

She groaned a little in pain, but did not protest. Instead, she put her head on his shoulder.

"Sorry I didn't tell you we were leaving." She mumbled half asleep.

"Don't worry about it, you're here now."

"Home." She whispered.

By the time they got to Rosaline's door she was fully asleep in Rylus' arms. He gently set her on her bed. He took her boots off for her, and tucked her under her covers. She rolled over onto her side, and then didn't move.

Rylus stood, watching her for a time. He brushed some of her hair from her face.

"Sleep well sister." He whispered.

He then crept to the door, and left quietly.