A Flower and a Sword (Descending Fire 23, Realm Year 768)

Realm Expeditionary Forces Main Camp
on the outskirts of Great Forks

Cathak Tor's PoV

I find her in the armory, that foolish, irresponsible girl, how can she get herself into this mess? Now, in punishment, she is to be treated like a common servant, polishing the armor of common soldiers, and is forced to wear that... embarrassing dress!

...It looks good on her though...

"You there!" I call her. She comes to me, head bowed, eyes lowered.

"Is there something you need, sir?"

"I need you to polish my sword." I show her my shiny new orichalcum daiklave, which was awarded to me by Commander General Letaal himself after the battle. Such is the prize for honorable and valiant service to the realm.

I hand it to her, and being unattuned to the artifact, she finds it too heavy and drops it on the dusty floor.

"Look what you've done! Now its even dirtier!"

"Good morning, Lady Shima," a voice interrupts. "I thought I'd find you here."

"Valen!" She smiles.

She's very pretty when she smiles.

I turn to that annoying mortal. "What are you doing here?"

"I am a doctor, dragonlord," he replies. "I volunteered to head the medical staff."

"Why?"

"Half the army is sick. Half your troops are sick. I cannot stand by and watch as the plague claims their lives."

He produces a flower from the sleeve of his robe. "I thought I'd pass by and cheer you up a little, my lady." He hands it to Shima. "Here."

"Thank you, Valen." She smiles at him again.

"Pardon me, I must go. I have many patients to treat." He gives her a bow, and leaves.

She is still smiling at him.

Him. Again. That mortal never fails to vex me. What does she see in him, anyway?

I snatched the flower from her hand and crush it in my fist.

"Stop this foolishness! I expect my sword in my office by noon. Now get to work!"

She glares at me, as she did countless of times, those fiery red eyes boring into mine.

"I hate you, Cathak Tor." She turns her back on me, and carefully carries my daiklave from the floor.

She's said that to me countless of times, too. And everytime she does... somehow, it hurts.

I wish I can see her smile at me. That would be nice...

Descending Fire 22, Realm Year 768

Realm Expeditionary Forces Main Camp
on the outskirts of Great Forks

Cutting through the silence of the night, Cathak Rae, Dragonlord of the Realm Expeditionary Forces, screams one name in anger.

"SHIIIIMAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The scream can be heard over the entire camp, even in the quarters of General Tepet Ejava, where Cathak Shima herself was busy polishing the Roseblack's armor.

I'm so sorry for dragging you into this, Cousin Rae. Shima wipes the tears in her eyes with the sleeve of the servant's livery the general made her wear as punishment, before resuming her work.

"This is what happens when you don't think." The general was sitting on a comfortable chair, sipping wine as she watches Shima. She was oblivious to the fact that her dress, unusually short for livery, makes for excellent viewing conditions that the general is currently enjoying.

"Well?" The general continues. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

"I'm so sorry, general," Shima says softly. They're the only words she can.

"Well, so what are you going to do about it? Hmm?"

Shima grips her polishing rag tightly, trying so hard to think. Finally, she lets go, and the rag slowly falls to her feet. "I don't know..."

"Think, Shima. Use that highly intelligent brain of yours." General Ejava says, irritation etched in her voice. Then, she sighs. "This is no use. Clearly you will not come up with anything coherent tonight."

She refills her wine glass. "Its such a pity. You are a capable young lady, and you show promise. Your school records said you were an excellent student. I was thinking of training you to be my..." Her voice trails off. "You displayed an utter lack of discipline and self-control. You disappointed me, Cathak Shima."

She sips from her glass. "Go to your quarters. You are dismissed for tonight."

Shima didn't move. She finds herself kneeling on the floor, sobbing silently.

"Fine, I will have the guards escort you then." She drags Shima to her feet.

Ejava grabs Shima's shoulders and shakes her a bit. Looking at the girl's tear-streaked face, she says, "You have better regain your will soon. I have hope for you yet. Do not waste it."

Ang Alamat ng Sunflower (Descending Fire 15, Realm Year 768)

What would you do when you wake up, and there's a flower on your pillow?

I'd show it to a friend.

"So where'd you get it?" Cema inquires.

"Well," I reply, "remember last night, when Valen bundled me in a blanket, and brought me out of the gathering?"

"I remember," Cema says.

"He carried me all the way to headquarters," I continue. "When he released me, we were in my room."

"He placed me on the bed, and he said,

'I don't mean to presume, my lady, but your behaviour was inappropriate for someone of your stature.'

'Oh Valen, you're such a prude! Its a party!' I giggled. 'The Cynis do it all the time. You should know, you're a Cynis.'"

"Hey, I'm a Cynis!" Cema interrupts. "I don't act wild in parties!"

"Only when you're stoned." I flash her a grin. "Now will you let me continue?"

"Anyway,

'My House isn't exactly the best example on how the Princes of the Earth should conduct themselves,' he chided. 'I believe it would serve you well if you were to refrain from emulating their actions, my lady.'

I gave him a little pout. 'Why would a mortal care so much how a Princess of the Earth behaves herself?'

'Because,' he said, as he sat next to me, 'mortals need you to guide them down the path that will lead them closer to the Elemental Dragons. And because...'

He took my hand.

'Because I don't like anyone to think wrongly of you.'

We held each other for a while. Then he said,

'I just want you for myself. But how could a Princess of the Earth love someone such as I?'

'Why shouldn't I? I can love any mortal I want,' I replied.

'But I'm not just any mortal, Cathak Shima.'

'Oh?' I smiled. My fingers traveled to the fastenings of my dress, then I said, 'Show me how different you are, Cynis Valen.'

He didn't sieze me, like I expected him to. Instead, he played his fingers on my skin, like a master musician strumming his sanxian, and my sighs were the sweetest melody to his ears.

And just as I thought I couldn't take any more, he climbed atop me, and..."

"So how's he different from Tor?" Cema, not able to contain her excitement, interrupts again.

"Tor was... urgent, like he finally had something he's always wanted, and he's not going to let anyone take it from him," I answer. "Valen was a lot gentler, like I was the most precious thing in Creation... It was like he was whispering a promise in my ear, that he'll take care of me forever."

"Oh." Cema stares at her feet. "I wish I was as pretty as you, Shima, then maybe Eran would..." She blushes furiously.

"What are you talking about?" Rae appears out of nowhere.

"Cema thinks I'm prettier than her," I reply.

"Nonsense, dear!" Rae puts her arm around Cema. "You're much much prettier than Shima! But you're not prettier than me, however..."

I chuckle at them as they walk away. I look at the flower in my hand, and remember last night...

Last night, when we were satisfied, while I was floating in the soft, warm place between waking and sleep, he said to me,

"'There will come a time in which you will have to decide between me, or your destiny as a Dynast of the Realm. I will not ask you to choose now, but when someday, I'm going to have to.'"

When I woke up, daylight was streaming through the windows, and there was a flower on my pillow. It was as round and golden as the sun, surrounded with petals that look like rays.

Descending Fire 14, Realm Year 768

Vermilion Legion temporary HQ / pleasure house formerly known as The House of Sighs
Great Forks

"I'm sorry for bothering you, my ladies," the messenger says, "but there is a woman in the reception area who insists on seeing the young lady Cathak today."

Rae and I are in my quarters, preparing for tonight's gathering. I was helping Rae with her hair when the messenger came.

"Which young lady Cathak?" asks Rae.

"That would be me." I run out the door, before Rae could ask any questions.

Thoughts race through my head as I race down the stairs. Somehow, I already know who's waiting for me, but why is she here? To see me, of course, obviously, but why here? Why couldn't she send me a message first, at least?

"Shima," I hear her say.

All the questions melted from my mind as I let myself sink into her arms.

"Hush now, Shima, I am here," she whispers into my ear.

I didn't realize that I have started crying. All I know is that I'm hugging my mother, and I haven't done so in seven years.

She leads me to a couch where she holds me, stroking my hair. She waits for the tears to stop flowing, before speaking again.

"Shima?" she asks, "Are you happy here?"

"Why... shouldn't I be happy?" Why would she ask me that?

"My little Shima..." She shakes her head. "Do you like serving in the Imperial Army?"

"I don't know... I don't dislike it, I, uhm..." I never really thought about it... "Mother? Why are you here?"

"Your general has called a gathering for a number of local business people to discuss financial aid for your extremely underfunded campaign."

"I know that, Mother, I mean, I thought you'd be invited but... why are you here?"

"Because," my mother says, looking right into my eyes, "I wish to take you home."

I pull away from her. "Mother, you know you can't. The verdict..."

"To Nexus, Shima. The verdict doesn't hold in Nexus."

"Its not that easy, Mother, I can't just leave. I'd love to, but..." I stare at my lap. "I have responsibilities now."

"To what? To the Realm?" She holds my shoulders, firmly. "Shima, listen. The Realm is run by the most devious, most selfish people in Creation. Did you not stop to think why they sent the most talented young officers in a war they don't have a good chance of winning? Did you not wonder why the Realm, wealthy and in possession of the most powerful weapons, sent you here under-equipped? Because you're a threat, Shima, you're a threat to their power, and they want to crush you while you're young and foolish."

She stops, and massages her temples.

"I'm not going to die," I reassure her.

"Cedric said something like that, when we last spoke," she says softly.

"Mother..." I hug her again. She hugs me back.

"Shima, I am old. I will not bear any more children. If you die, everything I've worked so hard for will no longer matter."

"I know."

She strokes my hair some more.

"I just wish I can take you home," she says, after a brief silence. "Teach you how to run the businesses, introduce you to the staff. Choose your husband."

"You will. When Grandfather thinks the time is appropriate. And I'm sure he'll find me a nice fiance."

"You would call that man grandfather?"

"He only did what he thought was best for me, Mother."

"He doesn't do what's best for you, Shima. He only does what's best for House Cathak."

"If you would prefer to think so."

"You're really not my daughter anymore, are you?" she says, her voice tinged with sadness.

"I still am, Mother, just... not according to the legal documents," I reply.

"I thought something like this will happen on this meeting." She sighs. "Very well then, I didn't come unprepared."

She opens her purse, and pulls out a folded piece of paper. "This is a map of an old manse your father was excavating." She hands it to me. "He left some items down there. I'm sure he'd want you to have those."

"This manse is right under Talat's Howe," I tell her, while studying the map.

"Yes. The monks who live there should be friendly, but still, if you're planning to retrieve them, please be careful."

"I will." I re-fold the map and put it in my pocket.

And from the corner of my eye, I see Rae peeking at us from behind the staircase.

I stand up, and say, loudly, "Thank you, Lady Ledaal. The general will be pleased that you could come tonight."

Taking my cue, she stands up as well. I bow to her.

"I will see you at the gathering tonight, then," she says.

And she leaves.

I walk back to the staircase, where Rae asks me, "Who was that?"

"Just a businesswoman from Nexus," I answer.

I climb back to my quarters, suddenly feeling tired.

Descending Fire 9, Realm Year 768 (part 3)

Before stepping out of the cafe, Tor turns his head and looks straight at my chest. I wait for him to notice that I'm watching him. He does, and I give him a sweet smile.

He glares at me once more and storms out of the cafe.

"Well," says General Ejava, "that was interesting." She faces me and says, "Shima, can you tell me what the purpose of this meeting is?"

I look at my cup thoughtfully. "Cathak Tor, who also happens to head the most powerful unit in this army, answers directly to Commander General Cathak Letaal. Since Letaal does not support your bid to become Daimyo, you are on the lookout for officers who he might use to jeopardize your plans. Tor is the most likely candidate, so you want to learn what his motivations are, his capabilities, what he's willing to do and for what price, his weaknesses, how you might be able to manipulate him for your own causes... which is why you brought me along, and by now you probably know that you can use me to... uhm..." I realized where my line of thinking was leading to, and I feel myself blush deeply.

"I must say I'm impressed, my dear." The general caresses my cheeks. I shy away from her.

"I hope you understand why I do these things, Shima," the general continues. "This is how the Realm works. There are pieces, and there are players. To get what you want, you have to be a player, and you have to play well."

I understand. For seven years I've been trying to find a way out of this game, because my parents taught me to never let myself be used as a piece. But the general is right. The only way out of this game is to play for my freedom. And if I'm going to play this game, the first thing I should do is to learn the rules.

"Thinking hard, aren't we?" the general suddenly says, making me jump off my seat and spilling my coffee. I feel myself blushing again.

"The sooner you master your feelings, the faster you can get into this game."

How come she knows everything? Am I that easy to read?

She gives me another sweet smile. "That's all for today, you are dismissed," she says. "I would invite you back to my quarters for some... relaxation... but I have a feeling you're not into that kind of... relaxation." She winks.

I promptly stand up, give her a salute, and head for the door.

"And keep the dress, it might come in handy again," I hear her call out.

Outside the cafe, I stop to take a deep breath. And think some more.

...I want to learn everything she knows.

Descending Fire 9, Realm Year 768 (part 2)

a really nice cafe,
somewhere in Port Calin

Cathak Tor's PoV

Contrary to what she led me to believe, Tepet Ejava wasn't alone. Seated next to her was none other than Shima, who just happens to be wearing an outfit that left little to the imagination. I try to ignore her, and focus on the general instead. I try.

The general smiles at me. "Cathak Tor, please have a seat."

"General, I want to know the purpose of this meeting," I say.

"I want to get to know you better, seeing as we're in this campaign together. Now please have a seat, dragonlord."

"Then why is she here?" I point at her companion. I'm not liking this meeting at all.

"Oh, I thought I'd bring your niece along, so you would be more comfortable. You are not? Shall I ask her to leave?" She smiles again.

"I... " I don't know what to say. I don't want her to leave.

"Just sit down, Tor," Shima says quietly. She doesn't look up from her cup of coffee.

I take a seat, slowly.

"Well then, I'm glad we're all settled down," says General Ejava. "So Tor, how's it like being the youngest son of Cathak Cainan?"

I might as well answer her questions. "Expectations for the son of the Head of House Cathak are high," I begin. "It is not enough that I exhibit the qualities embodied by the House; I must excel at them. I must be the perfect example for the other members of the House, and I must assure the House's future."

"Even though you're under so much pressure, I'm sure there is something that you value the most?" she asks.

"The only things that a Cathak should value the most are honor and duty," I reply.

"Nothing else?"

"There is nothing I value above honor and duty." Shima glares at me. I glare at her too. She should be paying attention to her duties as well, instead of associating herself with mortals...

"But don't you have any ambitions? Anything you want to do with your life? Any goals?" the general asks some more.

"I do not like discussing my future plans."

"I, for one, want to become Daimyo of the Realm. I openly discuss my ambition because I believe I will achieve this. So what about you, Cathak Tor, what would you like to be?"

"I want to succeed my father as the Head of House Cathak." Shima rolls her eyes. I'm still glaring at her.

"Do you think you will succeed?" asks the general.

"Yes. Even now, my father and the house elders trust me enough to have chosen me to command Cathak's elite magitech unit."

"Only because Rae and I have chosen to serve under the Tepet general instead, otherwise I believe grandfather and the elders wouldn't have come to such a decision as easily," Shima says. "Personally, I think they were more in favor of Rae..." She smiles.

That's it. I stand up and slam my fist on the table. "And why should they choose her? She's almost as bad as you. And what in Malfeas do you think are you wearing? For Hesiesh's sake, put something on, you're an embarrassment to the House."

"You like what you see, Uncle?"

Yes. "NO."

"Alright children, I think I've learned enough," the general says. "This meeting is adjourned. Should I leave the two of you alone?"

"I have duties to attend." I give Shima a hard look before heading for the exit.

...I couldn't help but notice her breasts the whole time.

Descending Fire 9, Realm Year 768 (part 1)

Vermilion Legion Temporary HQ / a requisitioned hotel

Port Calin

General Ejava opens the door to her room. "Cathak Shima, do come in please."

She sits on an armchair as I give her a salute. "General, why was I summoned..." I look around. "...here?"

She smiles. "I heard you were friendly with the commander of the magitech unit."

"Very few people know of that fact, general." I'm not even sure if 'friendly' is the appropriate term.

"Like the fact that you're a sorceress?"

"I am not a sorceress." Where did she hear about that?

"Sure you are. I have seen the reports on your training mission. I know how you were able to construct those walls so quickly. And I know that Nellens Winters has never learned to cast Raising the Earth's Bones."

"Raising the Earth's Bones is a standard military spell."

"Which makes you a sorceress."

"In the lightest sense of the word, yes." Why does she need to bring this up?

She chuckles. "Magic is a tool, Shima, just like a daiklave. Being able to wield it is nothing to be ashamed of."

"Like how you're not ashamed to use me as a tool against my uncle?" I inquire. I just want to get to the point.

"Ah yes, thank you for reminding me." She heads for her closet and rummages through it. "I have arranged for a meeting with Cathak Tor this afternoon and I need you to look presentable."

"Presentable?"

"Of course. The meeting will be held at a really nice cafe." She reaches into the closet. "This will do," she says, and tosses it to me.

It isn't even a dress. It is a skirt and a top, and two sleeves for my arms.

"Try that on. You can use my washroom."

Several minutes later, I step off the washroom feeling scantily clad.

Ejava shakes her head. "We need to make some alterations. Shaping Hand Style!" She activates the charm.

Her hands still look normal, but she uses them to snip and sew at the already skimpy clothes I'm wearing.

"General... don't you think this outfit is already a bit too... unconservative?" Its really not, but considering who she's asking me to meet in it...

"Nonsense. Oh, I forgot, you're a Cathak. Believe me, the rest of the Realm does not find this cut unconservative."

She makes slits just under my breasts, which really made the outfit really unconservative, then ushers me to the front of her dresser.

"See? Don't you think you look pretty?"

Of course I do. "But general, is this really necessary?"

"You have much to learn, my dear."

Descending Fire 8, Realm Year 768 (somewhere in Port Calin)

Aboard the Blazing Diamonds battle carrier,
docked in Port Calin

From my clockwork yeddim's howdah, away from the Port Calin town proper, Valen and I have a clear view of the stars. The yeddim is being kept about the Blazing Diamonds battle carrier, out on the docks, where the sea breeze blows gently.

I hope he appreciates my bringing him here.

"Hey," I say softly.

"Hmm?" comes his equally soft reply.

"I apologize for how I acted at your sister's wedding."

He wraps his arms around me. "I should be the one apologizing. For punching your uncle."

I giggle. "He deserved it anyway. But Valen," I snuggle to him, "try not to get into too much trouble with the Dragon-Blooded. I'd hate to see the Black Helms take you away."

"I just can't help it sometimes. It angers me that they treat people like objects that they can use for their personal gain." He sighs. "Shima? If the Realm ever require of you to hunt me down, will you?"

"If I can get away with not doing it, then I won't." I pause. "Valen, please don't do anything that will make the Realm require me to hunt you down. Promise me."

Valen pulls me closer to him, and hugs me tight. "All I care about right now is that I have you in my arms, and we are underneath the beautiful stars."

Descending Fire 8, Realm Year 768 (somewhere near The Ten Tribes)

The tomb of Kan Ori,
somewhere near The Ten Tribes

Fuuma Raya's PoV

The manse's reality engines make the stars look the same as in the rest of Creation. Which is a good thing, because stars always make me think about Gareth. Which is also a bad thing, because thinking about Gareth reminds that there is no more Gareth who would take me in his arms while we pretend that the world is a happy place.

"Hey," I say aloud, "have you ever lost someone you love?"

My companion remains silent. I continue talking.

"I was betrothed to a Dragon-Blood. His family agreed because there was a prophecy that I would Exalt at age 19. So, they had us meet for the first time at a party sponsored by his House. I was 13, still attending primary school, while he was 15, newly Exalted and about to enter The Spiral Academy. We liked each other right away, though, and spent the entire night just talking."

I pause. I just realized that he doesn't understand my words anyway, but what the heck. He's the only one I feel comfortable talking about this with.

"Eventually, we fell for each other, and we were happy and secure with the knowledge that we were going to get married someday. Well anyway, my nineteenth birthday came and went, but I didn't Exalt, so his family canceled the deal. I mean, I did Exalt, but as a Solar, and, well..."

I look at him, and he's looking back, and the confused expression on his face makes me giggle.

I motion for him to lean over, then I kiss him on the cheek. "I think you're cute, Yeddim." I smile at him.

He looks surprised, but I think he also looks pleased.

"Hey," I say again, "you know, that girl we saw in the holodeck looked familiar. The one who was riding the clockwork yeddim? Reminds me of a childhood friend of mine. She likes yeddims too, even had a pet yeddim named Yeddim."

I look at the stars again. "I wonder how she's doing."

Descending Fire 4, Realm Year 768

Aboard Cathak Tor's battle carrier,
somewhere on the Inland Sea

Ragara Shen's PoV

I still can't believe I'm aboard a battle carrier on my first real mission with Tor. Not too long ago we were mere students at the House of Bells, and even then he's already shown how great he is. Now he has command of one of the most elite units in the Realm!

I just can't help but feel priviledged to serve under him... As his executive officer, I shall do anything for him! Even if it means cleaning out his cabin.

Which is what I'm doing right now.

I'm done arranging his desk, so I start straightening his bed. I fold his blanket, smooth down the sheets, and... what's that under his pillow?

I hold it out in front of me, and what I see makes me gasp! Who could this thing belong to?

"I thought I told you not to touch my drawers," I hear the captain say behind me.

Facing him, I reply, "But I didn't touch your drawers."

"Then what's that in your hand?"

"I should be the one asking you."

He narrows his eyes. "Where did you find that?"

"It was on your bed."

"Then place it back," the captain commands.

I feel anger flashing through me! Why is he keeping such a thing? "Who does this belong to, anyway?"

And he slaps me hard across the face.

"How dare you question me!" He grabs the panties, points to the door, and yells, "Get out!!!"

I give the captain a salute before leaving.

Closing the door behind me, I vow to myself that I must regain my place as the sole person who has the captain's affection.

I must get rid of her somehow. And there is only one girl I know of that the captain is lusting after.

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Cathak Tor's PoV

How could I be so careless? Now Shen knows that I... it doesn't matter. I'll just make sure to keep the panties in a locked chest after playing with them from now on.

I lock the door before taking off my clothes. I just want to relax tonight.

I lay on my bed and rub her panties all over my body, giving special attention to my most sensitive part. Pretty soon, I hear myself moaning her name.

...Shima...

Descending Fire 1, Realm Year 768

The Cathak Residence,
The Imperial City

I'm still stoned from last night, but we have to leave early. At least the servants have already packed my things, so they just have to be loaded onto the carriage and we're ready to go.

There's a knock on the door. I answer it, and a bowing servant hands me a letter. "Lady Shima, a message from the Lord Cainan."

I wonder what Cainan wants from me now. I sit on my bed, open the envelope, and begin to read.

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My dear Shima,

First of all, I want you to know that I'm happy you grew up to be a fine Cathak. Despite a wretched childhood spent among heretics, you were able to turn your back on their evil ways.

Yes Shima, your parents were heretics. Its time that you learn the truth. Your father disappeared because he fell under the sway of the Anathema. Your mother claims to not know anything, but we suspect that she's also been associating with them. Even your brother had openly declared allegiance to them.

The Immaculate Order wanted a purge of your entire family. Once they find enough evidence, your mother will be arrested and executed. If I hadn't taken you under my custody, most likely you would have been corrupted as well. In any case, they still would have wanted you killed.

I believed that under the proper guidance, you could still become a devout Immaculate. So I took you home. I know it must have been a very painful experience, but it was the only way to convince the Order to spare you.

I'm glad to see that my efforts have not been wasted. I'm proud of you, Shima. My only regret is that I wasn't able to save you earlier. If I had, then maybe you wouldn't have had to struggle as much.

May the Dragons watch over you on your first mission. I will miss the sound of your voice chanting the Hymns for us during the New Year's Devotion. Come back safe, for I have yet to choose a husband for you. I will make sure that he is someone who will care for you, as you deserve to be.

Your Grandfather,
Cathak Cainan

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I'm still wiping the tears from my eyes when Rae called me. The carriages have already been loaded and are waiting for us.

As we walk to the yard, I keep thinking about what grandfather said. Of course I don't believe that my parents were heretics, my memories of them strongly contradict that idea. But now I understand that he only did what he did out of his concern for me, and I was too selfish to realize that.

Cema and Rae board the carriage that will take us to the docks. Before I follow them, I take one last look at the mansion. And I see Grandfather watching us from a balcony.

After seven years of hating him, I now feel that I owe him at least one thing: a genuine expression of gratefulness.

I bow deeply at his direction, silently thanking him for giving me what he thinks is best for me.

I finally board the carriage, where an impatient Rae was waiting for me.

I'm not quite sure, but I think I saw Grandfather smile.

Resplendent Fire 23, Realm Year 768

The Cathak Residence,
The Imperial City

Cathak Tor's PoV

Was I too harsh with her?

She didn't show up for breakfast yesterday, so I wanted to check up on her to see if she's alright. But why must she be so careless and cause me to shout at her?

I haven't seen her since. The major domo said she hasn't come home yet. How irresponsible of her! Where could she be at such a late hour?

...I just hope she's safe.

Maybe I shouldn't have shouted at her. Maybe I should have just asked her how she was.

From up at a balcony, I can see a carriage stopping in front of the mansion. Two people step off. Its Shima... and that insolent mortal!

How dare he kiss her hand!!!

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"Thanks for having me over, Valen," I say as he kisses my hand.

"Shima, I'm just glad you came to me instead of going off and doing all those dangerous things you were planning to do."

I chuckle. "Valen, staying at a hotel for two days and partying for two nights are hardly dangerous at all."

"Still, I can't bear the thought of you all alone out there, and at night."

"I'm a Princess of the Earth. I'm quite capable of protecting myself, you know," I assure him.

He doesn't look convinced. "If you say so. Anyway, my dear Princess of the Earth, I think you should get some rest. Its almost midnight."

We hug, bid each other good night, then I head inside the mansion.

Resplendent Fire 22, Realm Year 768

The Cathak Residence,
The Imperial City

I hurry out of my room and down the corridor, and accidentally crash into the very person I don't want to see this morning. Sheets of paper rain down around us as we stare at each other.

Finally, one of us breaks the silence. "Do you have any idea what those documents are?" he growls.

I don't want to fight him. I bow my head. "I'm sorry, Uncle - "

"If one of those pages gets ruined, I'm going to have to re-inventory all of the artifacts assigned to my unit."

There is nothing for me to say. I keep my eyes on the floor.

"Well?? PICK THEM UP!!!"

I try to ignore the fact that he had just ordered me like a common servant. I gather the sheets together as fast as I can. I really need to spend some time away from him.

What's he doing in this wing of the mansion, anyway? His room isn't located here, and neither is grandfather's office.

I avoid looking at him as I hand him the documents. He snatches them from me.

"Watch where you're going next time."

I bow to him, niece to uncle, hoping my gesture would dampen any further tension between us.

He stalks off, and I continue hurrying down the corridor.

Resplendent Fire 21, Realm Year 768 (part 2)

The next thing I know, he's grabbed me by the shoulders and is shoving his tongue into my mouth.

What on Creation is he doing? I try to push him away but he's too strong, and his tongue is muffling my screams.

"What are you doing?" I hear him say between kisses and through gritted teeth. "You're tempting me!"

He pushes me onto his bed and pins me under his weight. I doubt he notices me struggling as he undoes his trousers while kissing me some more.

Then, he reaches under my dress and pulls my underpants off.

"I must have you!" And with a rough grunt, he thrusts himself into me...

Oh... he feels good...

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Cathak Tor's PoV

This... This is freedom! Every moment brings me closer... closer... Mmmmpphhh!!!

I breathe heavily as I let the waves of pleasure wash over me... I stare at her beautiful face...

"NO! What have I done?!?!"

I leap off the bed, I back away from her as fast as I can.

"The honor of my House, I..." Where is my belt? I grip it tightly because... "I must chastise myself!"

"NO!" The foolish girl runs to me and hugs me tight!

"Tor, it wasn't entirely your fault, I..."

"Get away from me! You should be hating me right now! I just took ten talents off your bride price!"

She just continues hugging me, and sobs on my shoulder.

"Don't... don't cry, I..." ...kiss her again...

NO! I push her off me, and she lands on the floor.

"You must leave. Now."

"Tor, please let me stay..."

"NO! The next time I see you here, I'll have the guards drag you out. I'll have the guards drag you out now if you don't leave right away. Now go!!!"

She looked at me with so much hatred before standing up and storming out of my room. She slams the door behind her.

...I don't want her to hate me.

I feel so weak so I slump on my bed. I... shouldn't be crying right now, but...

Why must things be this way? A different life perhaps, but the Dragons placed me here for duty.

So I can't help but cry.

...There's something on my bed...

...Pink, with white lace trimmed on the sides...

Resplendent Fire 21, Realm Year 768 (part 1)

The Cathak Residence,
The Imperial City

Cathak Tor's PoV

I can't stop thinking of her.

It's been a week since that bloody ball. The first thing I did after the chaos was to look for her. She was hanging around that annoying mortal, but I was glad to know that she was safe.

Glad. I don't understand why I'm feeling such things. I am the son of Cathak Cainan! My duty is to the House and to the Realm. She's nothing but an irresponsible girl, a poor example of a Princess of the Earth.

Yet... I wonder what its like to be free like her...

Someone's opening the door. Probably Shen again.

"Uhm... Tor...?"

I jump from my bed. What is she doing here? She must leave right away! But I want her to stay... "What do you want!?!"

"I... just want to talk..."

I know its summer, but those clothes she's wearing are almost indecent.

"Tor... I know grandfather gave you command of an elite unit, and you know the Deliberative is going to march us against Walker in Darkness, and I just thought... you're probably affected by the ball incident just like the rest of us, so... if it isn't too much, can we rely on your help in this campaign? I mean, I know we'll have different commanders and we'll have different assignments but..."

She looks so sincere, and so... no! I must not think such things! I clear my throat... "Since we have the same objective, it will be beneficial to the success of the mission to share my resources with you, if the situation permits."

"Thanks, Tor!"

She gives me a hug... and a quick kiss on the cheek! She's turning towards the door now...

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BUKAS KO NA ITUTULOY KASI MAGLALARO PA KO NG PERFECT WORLD OKAY

Resplendent Wood 13, Realm Year 763

The House of Bells,
Nishima

"I'm proud of you, Shima. Remember what I taught you, and don't ever let them take your dreams away." - Yeddim's first and last words

He looks as if he's only asleep, but I know Yeddim always sleeps standing up. I am looking at his back, but I know that if I circle to his front, I will see a tiny river of blood flowing from his chest.

I am horrified that I did this, just for the sake of power and knowledge.

I had to run, and I run all the way to the barracks. People are giving me strange looks, but I don't care. I reach our quarters and try to hide in my bunk and what little sanctuary it could offer me.

My unit mates are crowding around me, asking me what's wrong. Can't they see that I obviously don't want to talk about it?

In a rare act of kindness, cousin Rae ushers everyone out. Finally, a bit of privacy.

"Okay, Shima. They're all gone. Now spill."

I sigh. So this is the price.

I have to tell her what I've become.

Resplendent Fire 22, Realm Year 760

The Imperial Court,
The Imperial City

We didn't want to receive the summons, but we must obey the law.

Mother and I are in the Imperial Court, awaiting the verdict. She keeps saying that everything will be alright, but I know we've already lost the trial. It would be foolish to hope to win it in the first place.

Across the room is the grandfather I've never met, come to take me away to what he believes is a better life. I'd much rather stay, but I don't really have a choice in the matter.

The judge is banging his gavel now, and everyone listens to what he has to say...

Mother takes my hands in hers, tears flowing freely on her face. She bids me to be a good girl, to do my best, and most importantly, to be true to myself. No matter what they force me to do, I must remember who I am, and I must pursue my own dreams and happiness.

I shall never forget those words.

A Black Helm approaches my mother and asks her to please step away. She gives me one last look, then allows herself to be escorted to the door. She didn't even look back.

I'm stunned. I couldn't say anything, couldn't even cry. I ought to be shouting for her, running after her. I could only stare in disbelief.

And then, she's gone.

I hear someone call my name. I couldn't turn around to face him though.

When he touched my shoulder, that's when everything broke lose. I screamed and tried to pull away, but grandfather's grip was very tight. He calmly drags me out of the court house and into his carriage.

I squeeze myself into the corner and weep.