FF: Two Worlds (Chapter 25: The City of Larken)

["cilia" <cilia@xxxxx>]

Hey again,
Wondering why brndn's and some other names are up in lights today, well this
is chapter 25 and recently I past the hundred page marker although brndn is
up to 164 at last count, so I thought I ought to celebrate it with the names
of all those who've help me along the way. There are some more, but these
four have helped me allot along the way and of course the name of every
reader should be there too, but I don't have the space.
Cilia

Title: Two Worlds
Chapter 25: The City of Larken
Series: Royalty (Book Three)
Author: Cilia
Edited and Revised by: Brndn
E-mail: cilia@xxxxx
Feedback: Please god yes
Pairings: B/W, C/f, X/J, Amy/m
Distribution and Archiving: Sure go for it
Summary: You know this dont you?
Missting Parts: E-mail me and I'll send you what you need.
Notes: A Big Thanks to my beta "brndn" for getting me started on this again
and being my faithful beta and Ollie for plot line helping.

TWO WORLDS
CILIA
BRNDN
OLLIE
STAN


Chapter 25: The City of Larken

Buffy wondered what the hell had prompted her to suggest that she take her
soldiers through the forest and into Larken ahead of the main force. Then
Tark, volunteering to come with them. Now she had a mixture of drow and elf
soldiers heading into the city of Larken and the gate guards were having
some issues about her, two drow, an elf, and a thief entering the city.
Surprise, surprise.
Im sorry maam. I cannot allow you to pass with& them, the guard said
vague wave behind her.
Now you listen here, Buffy said as she took a step towards the guard. My
name is General Summers of the Elf Alliance. I am here as messenger from
King Vitor. Now, you are going to let me and my companions pass or Im going
to-
Buffy. Let me& Amy said as she placed a hand on her friends shoulder.
Buffy looked at the guard sternly, then at the mage and the line of people
behind her. The slayer conceded and took a step back.
The mage started to remove her travel cloak. Why do you not allow our drow
friends to enter? she asked in a soft, innocent voice.
I can& the guard stopped when he saw the mage robes underneath the cloak.
You were saying? Amy asked with a smile. She casually ran her fingers
through her hair, trailing blue sparks along the way.
Y-you may pass, he said as he snapped to attention and stepped aside.
Thank you, Amy said sweetly as she passed him and motioned the group to
follow.
Boo! Xare exclaimed as she past the guard, causing him to jump.
Number One, Buffy said in growl.
Sorry General. It wont happen again, Xare said, the hood hiding her
grin.
Where is the Protectors House? Buffy asked as she passed the rattled
guard.
U-up the main street. You c-cant miss it. Four stories, red brick, the
guard blurted.
Thank you, Buffy nodded and walked past him.
Grimm was chuckling as he brought up the rear, You have no idea how lucky
you are, he commented to the guards as he passed.

Inside the city gates, the scene was much livelier. It was market day and
all the farmers from the surrounding countryside had come to the city to
buy, sell, trade, see and be seen. Buffy noticed a common theme in the
conversations she overheard,
&elf armies on the march&
Drow and Surface Elves&
& fighting side by side&
Comin here, I heard&
We seem to be the favored topic of the day, Tark said calmly as they
walked past a group of elderly ladies chatting up the latest gossip.
Okay, show of hands. How many here have enhanced hearing? Grimm asked.
Cordelias hand moved ever so slightly before Buffy spoke. Last count, me,
Stjara, Xare and Tark. Why? she asked.
No reason, Grimm huffed.
I think our friend, the guard, has sounded the alarm, Cordelia said and
pointed towards the group of soldiers making their way through the crowd in
front of them.
Or maybe somebody saw our drow friends, Grimm pointed out.
We can argue later. Right now we need to find a way out of this, Buffy
hissed.
Halt in the name of Protector Aslak, the Captain of the guard exclaimed.
Or we could do like they say? Stjara suggested quietly, but Buffy was
already walking up to the captain.
Is there a problem, Captain? Buff asked calmly, with empty hands
outstretched.
Were here to take you to Protector Aslak, the Captain said, he was
stocky man, with clean-shaven face and sporting an eye-patch. All of you.
Of course, lead the way, Buffy said with a nod.

They were escorted to the brick building the guard had described. Obviously,
the captain was not taking any chances on them not going directly where they
were told. They were led up broad stairs onto the fourth floor and seated on
benches outside a heavy oak door. The guards followed every step of the way.
The Protector wants to see the generals and only the generals. The rest,
wait here, the Captain said.
Keep your eyes and ears open, Buffy said as she and Tark entered the
office.
It was a simple affair. There was a large oak desk, with two chairs in
front of it, against the far wall, on another wall rested a sword, shield
and armor set. A hearth was build into the 3rd wall, but was not currently
burning.
When I was told that a General from King Vitor had arrived at my gates, I
wasnt surprised, the figure that stood looking out the window spoke.
However, when I was told that the general was a girl of barely twenty
years, I must admit, that surprised me, he said and turned away from the
window.
Protector Aslak was regal man, with black hair pulled back in a tight
ponytail and graying temples. His yellow eyes seemed to study everything
around him. He wore a purple cape and a medallion on golden chain, over his
green clothing.
Protector Aslak, I assume. Buffy asked.
Yes, and you are General Summers of the Elf Alliance. And this, I suspect,
is General Tark? he said and gestured towards Tark, who removed his hood.
I take it from your knowledge, that news of our march reached you before
we did, Buffy said.
Yes, but then, of course, there are& other sources, Aslak said and
motioned for the to sit.
Of course, Buffy agreed and sat. Then I guess handing you this, she
said and placed the parchment on the desk. is just a formality now,
Well, now I cant declare war when you march across my lands, but, yes,
this is just a formality, Aslak said and unrolled the parchment.
The uncooperative gate guard, was that your doing? Tark asked in his calm
voice.
Ah, the ever suspicious drow. No, I am afraid I had nothing to do with
him. But I hear your mage put him back in line, Aslak said with a grin.
Yes, she did. Now, if youd excuse us, weve been traveling day and night
and wish to rest, Buffy said and stood.
Of course, General. But remember this, Aslak stood and leaned on his
fists, if your soldiers come into my city and start making a nuisance of
themselves, I will not hesitate to throw them into the dungeons. Aslak said
in a firm voice. Pact or no pact.
We will make sure that they behave accordingly. Buffy nodded as she, too,
leaned forward on fists, their faces inches apart, but I warn you,
protector, that if I find out that my soldiers were provoked in any way, I
will hunt down the ones responsible, Buffy said in an even firmer voice.
She spun and left with Tark following behind pulling his hood over his head.

As night fell on the city and the Elf Alliance soldiers started filtering
in, the news of their arrival spread. The drow groups consisted of five
soldiers each, the exact same groupings Buffy had sorted them into earlier,
to be accurate.
Is it me or do Drow lack the fun gene? Cordelia asked Buffy as they
walked through the streets of the city.
They have fun. Just, not our kind of fun, Buffy answered as she saluted a
group of soldiers as they past them.
Fun& gene? Stjara asked, still not fully understanding some of the
phrases her lover used.
Its well& okay, we inherit certain things from our parents, like, eye
color, hair colour, and so forth, and you know this right? Amy asked.
Yes, I have my fathers eyes, Stjara said and comically opened her eyes
wide.
Well, whos to say we dont inherit other things, like, the knowledge of
how to have fun, Amy said.
Amy, dont try explaining genetics. Were all going to end up with a
headache before its over, Buffy said.
No, no. I think I get it, Grimm said excitedly, There are parts of our&
make-up so to speak, that get transmitted from&
There was a collective groan as the thief launched himself into the
analysis of simple genetics.
Lets find the nearest inn, Stjara groaned. Quickly.
Look! Isnt that Xare and Tark, Buffy said and pointed. The group followed
her finger to the entrance of what looked to be one of the local drinking
establishments.
We shouldnt& Cordelia started.
We couldnt& Amy added.
But were her friends, Grimm said with raised eyebrows. Right?
And Tark is known to get himself into all sorts of trouble when something
disagrees with his ethics, Buffy said with a grin.
And its called the Howling Wolf, Stjara said as they turned to enter.

The place was packed with elves and humans. The party quickly noticed the
only Drow were Xare and Tark. They were, however, in the company of Tarks
personal archers. Luckily, they were still hooded.
Oo, table, Cordelia said and pointed.
Go grab it. Stjara and Amy, can you get us some drinks? Grimm& dont
steal anything, Buffy said as she headed for her second in command.
Having fun, Number One? Buffy asked in a mock command tone.
Yes sir, Xare smirked and raised her glass in salute.
Very well, carry on, Buffy said with a smile and added: and Tark& stay
out of trouble, with a hopeful look.
I will give it my best effort, maam, Tark answered with nod and a wink.
Uh, Good. Buffy winced as she turned to the archers,  You bunch, please
make sure of it, she said to the archers.
Yes maam, the group saluted in unison.
Carry on, Buffy said again, but now with a laugh.

The drinks arrived and the first thing that was heard was:
Oh this is weak, Stjara exclaimed and emptied her pitcher.
Well now I wouldnt say that, Cordelia said after she sipped the ale and
reached for some bread.
Its not elven spirits, Ill give you that, but, it does have the desired
effect, Grimm said and then took a generous gulp.
Easy now killer, we still have to wake up in the morning, Buffy said and
smiled into her pitcher. Amy, you not drinking? she asked, wiping off a
foam mustache.
Mages really shouldnt really drink, Amy answered, causes badness,
Oh, okay& Buffy said and placed the pitcher on the table, then I shall
not drink with you. she punctuated the statement with a burp.
Buffy, you really dont have to do that, Amy protested.
Nonsense, Ive got to be up, no matter what, Buffy said with wicked grin.
Hey! Check it out, Xare and Tark, Cordelia said and let her eyes drift
towards the drows for as moment.
Cordy, we shouldnt& Stjara trailed off, &is that a smile? she asked.
Think so, Buffy said and cocked her head.
Oh my, I just realized Im surrounded by women, Grimm exclaimed and threw
up his hands. Wait. Is that good or bad&should I&
Sshh! all four hissed.
Cordelia , not wanting to be a voyeur, was watching the other patrons in
the bar, thinking about what Theris had said about auras. Maybe I can find
someone here, she wondered. But before she could finish the thought, her
attention was caught. There was a dark feeling in the room. She glanced at
Tark.
Uh oh& she exclaimed as she noticed his eyes darkening. Hearing her
worried remark, the group focused on her then followed her eyes to the drow.
They had no problem following his solid stare towards a particular human.
The object in question seemed to be getting a little too frisky with one of
the barmaids. Tark was on his feet in seconds, pulling down his hood and
making his way over to the offender, despite the protests of his soldiers.
Xare just watched with a bemused smile.
He wouldnt& I mean& you told him not to& well, there he goes, Cordelia
said. Buffy, uh, shouldnt you- she asked but Buffy was gone, stalking
towards the said man with a dangerous look in her eyes.
Ah shit! Cordelia blew out.
This& could be interesting& Grimm remarked, a little too amused.
Tark had tried reason and logic first, to no avail. So the man, correction,
man-mountain, was spun around roughly by the dark elf, and just as his
first, of probably many punches, was about to fly, Tarks hand was held back
by a hand stronger then his.
General Tark, Buffy said firmly, let the man go,
Why should I? Tark asked in his usual calm voice. He clearly will not
listen to reason. he protested, but released him anyway. The mountain had
been trying rather hard to break out of the grip while his companions were
drawing weapons. The barmaid had scurried away and now the entire bar was
watching the exchange.
Step away, little girl. I dont need yer help, the man said as he dusted
himself off. He locked eyes with Tark, This is between me and the
darkling.
Buffy turned her gaze away from Tark and stared the man down.
Excuse me? What& did you call my friend? she asked in low voice.
Um, guys, I would get ready, Cordelia urged her friends.
Darkling, little girl, the man said and took a step forward.
That&is what I thought you said, Buffy said as she turned away. She was
all Slayer now. Tark, youre not going to punch this man, she said calmly
and the man huffed in triumph.
I am, she said and spun around, her hand curling up into a fist. The
force of the mighty blow sent the man flying into the wall.
You shouldnt have done that General, Tark said as he took a fighting
stance, his hands on his scimitars.
Why not? Buffy asked.
He seems to be even more upset now, Tark said.
And his friends look kind of pissed, too. Buffy noted calmly as the group
started circling them.
Number One, make sure that no soldier of the Alliance gets involved,
Buffy called out to Xare, just before the first blow came.
Tark, move towards the door, Buffy said as her high kick connected with
her attackers chest.
Understood, Tark nodded as his attacker was slapped with the flat sides of
his scimitars. They made their way towards the doors, as Xare held their
friends and fellow soldiers at bay.
Shall we& Buffy said as she threw her attacker out through the door, held
open by one of the barmaids, &take this outside,
With& pleasure, Tark grunted as he threw his attacker out the window.
For the damages, Buffy said as she threw bag of coins to the barkeep
before following her latest attacker out the door.

Should we? Cordy asked.
We should at least watch, Grimm stated.
Coins clanked on the table as the group raced outside. They found their
comrades out in the streets facing down six attackers with relative ease.
People started pouring out of the inn to watch the fight.
Ow! Thats gotta hurt, Amy exclaimed as Buffy disarmed one and then poked
him in the butt with her sword.
Ouch! Grimm stated, as they watched Tark repeatedly slap another with the
flat ends of his scimitars.
Then the attackers retreated and it was all over. All but one that is. The
instigator was now pinned down under Buffys foot.
Tark, you want him? she asked.
No. Honor has been restored, Tark said as he knelt down next to him and
patted him on the check. The man mountain passed out from fear. They
sheathed their swords and walked back into the inn, under the applause of
the bystanders.
Later in the evening, Buffy and Tark found themselves approached by some of
the citys guards as well as other young men. All had questions about
whether or not more soldiers or mercenaries were needed. More followed in
the morning. It seemed that Willows prediction had come true.

-

The dwarven army was enjoying the hospitality of the gnomes. Theris had been
pleasantly surprised when she returned to her friends. The gnomes were among
the kinder beings of the Nether and they far surpassed even the dwarves when
it came to mining. The soldiers were listening to the villages elder
describe what the scouts had seen when they had heard of the destruction of
Necris.
Grey Dwarves we saw, he said with nod, leaning on a short cane. Joyce
couldnt help but to think Yoda.
Argh, phooey! Gymli exclaimed.
I take it Grey Dwarves and Dwarves dont get along? Joyce asked Theris,
who had brought news that her daughter was safe and sound much to her
relief. Her daughter the general, she thought proudly.
Grey Dwarves are to Dwarves what the Drow are to common elves, Theris
exclaimed.
A thievin, schemin bunch obastards, dey be! Gymli huffed.
Father, the Elder is trying to explain what they saw, Ziel reprimanded.
Demons, small ones they were, but no large ones, strange that is, the
elder said.
Can you tell us anything else? Alx asked.
A black one, yes, like the ones skin you wear, big the Elder said and
poked at Alx armor.
A dragon? Alx asked.
A dragon it be, yes the Elder stated.
Great, were in trouble now, right? Joyce asked.
No, just another obstacle. Any dragon can be defeated, Alx exclaimed.
The lad be right, Einar stated firmly. Killed two yerself, avent ya?
Only one. The& other died saving me. Alx said as he thought about the
golden dragon that he had called friend. The Golden Armor he had taken from
it was never far away. He had used it only once, however, in actual battle,
and a good friend had died.
Alx&yoo-hoo? You still here? Joyce asked. Alx hadnt noticed the when
the groups stood and walked away. He had just sat and thought.
Just& thinking about the past, he said.
The Golden Armor. That was from the dragon that died saving you wasnt
it? Joyce asked.
Yeah. I still keep the sword, but I dont wear the armor in battle
anymore, he answered and unsheathed the sword.
Thats too bad, you would look better all decked out in gold, Joyce said
grinning.
Well, maybe I should dig it out, then. I dont want to face a black dragon
in the skin of a relative, Alx said with a grin.
Yeah, maybe you&Wait. You have the armor with you? Joyce asked.
Sure. Its in my sack, of course, Alx said pointedly.
But& you couldnt possibly keep it in there, Joyce said as she walked
over and picked up Alx sack.
Open it, Alx said with a grin.
What the hell, there is nothing in here! Joyce exclaimed.
Really? Lets have a look-see? Alx said and Joyce handed him the sack.
Well, what do you know? he said as he pulled a folded, golden armor out
of the sack.
Magic! Joyce huffed.
Of course, Alx said and placed the armor back in the sack. A gift from
a grateful dwarven mage I rescued a few years ago, he explained.
Are there anymore surprises in there? Joyce asked suspiciously.
Oh, one or two, maybe Alx answered cryptically, as he fingered a small
pouch that rested in the sack. It was closed with a golden string, a piece
of a crystal dangled from the string.
Youll see when the time is right, he said and closed the sack.
Mister cryptic returns, Joyce said with a grin.
I never left. Just trust your mentor for once?
Youre my friend, of course I trust you. Just not when were training,
Joyce answered with a soft smile.
Speaking of training, Alx said and stood.
Thought youd never ask? Joyce asked and drew her sword.

TBC... of course, if not bad things happen to my cat...