-Two Worlds II- (Chapter Eight: Shadows)

["Cilia" <cilia@xxxxx>]

My beta's back and we're gonna have a party!

Title: Two Worlds II: The Heart of Darkness
Series: Royalty
Book: 4
Chapter Eight: Shadows
Author: Cilia
Author's e-mail: cilia@xxxxx
Pairings: Well duh!
Distribution and Archiving: List archivers and anybody else who has my stuff
can go ahead. Other's please tell me if you chose to archive this.
Disclairment: Joss owns some and I own some. But hey I think I write better
then he so he can just pucker up and kiss it for all I care.

Summary: Nine years have past in the Old Realm since the deperture of
General Elisabeth Anne Summers after the Battle for Necirs and the following
Search for Willow. Now Willow Summers, her wife and Leader the Alliance
Council must bridge the gap between the worlds to seek out her out, the
darkness is rising and the Last Hero of Necris is needed now more then ever.
So the final story in Royalty Epic begins.

-Two Worlds II: The Heart of Darkness-
Cilia

Chapter Eight: Shadows

> > From the Journal of Litni Speed
Here we go again. Well most of us anyway, this is my first time on the
warpath so excuse me if Im a little excited.
Now, we set out with five hundred soldiers in tow early this morning. I was
kind of disappointed that Tare didnt show up to wave, but then again I didn
t plan on it. Things seem to have thawed between our fearless leaders,
Willow doesnt seem as eager to prove the General wrong and I think the
General knows she needs Willow a hell of a lot more than Willow needs her,
but Im objective.
Im sitting in my tent which is next to Willows since Im still her guard,
servant and all around slave at times, trust me its not easy being in the
service of a Mage no matter how closely related she is to you. They are
demanding masters if the mood strikes them and right now Im so sleepy that
my grip on the pen is loose.
-Litni Speed

Litni closed her journal and stretched in her cot. Her dirty travel clothes
lay on the floor next to her cot and her sword hung from on of the tend
polls. Standing up and wiggling her toes in the thick socks she wondered
what the hell to do now. She wasnt tired and dinner had already been
served. Willow was meditating, again, and sharing stories with the soldiers
didnt seem like much fun right now. Walking to the entrance of her tent she
peaked outside, fires dotted the camp and the loud talking of soldiers could
easily be heard. Then she noticed something, just on the edge of her vision,
to the right on the outskirts of the forest they where camped outside of,
movement. Silently walking back into her tent she grabbed her sword and
slung her cloak over her shoulder.
Moving towards the forest with the stealth of a Drow she saw the thing move
again, it was black and darker than a Drow. She spotted a flash of gray eyes
when she came closer to the edge of the forest.
Spies, she said to herself and pulled herself into the closest tree that
could carry her weight. Peering into the darkness, she spotted her target, a
lone being, around her height maybe a little bit taller and shed never seen
anything like him in her short life. He was for a lack of a better word a
shadow, the only thing making him visible where gray eyes with white pupils
and white fingernails and this made her realize that she was too close for
comfort.
Oh what the hell, she said to herself and let herself fall down from the
tree. Landing in a crouched position she looked up at the man with a smile
and then brought her sword to bear, but it got swatted away instantly as her
would-be easy target drew twin blades and didnt seem to want to talk.
I think I hate spies, she muttered, as she did a backwards flip away from
her attacker. When he didnt strike, so she paused only for a second and
looked at herself, dressed only in a dark shirt and cloak she seemed to be
proving a distraction. Blushing only for a split second she charged making
as much noise as possible in the hope that somebody would notice.
And I hate guards, the man answered and Litni almost froze at the sound
his voice made, it was like that of a humming crystal.
Shit! she cursed and ducked a swipe and kicked, connecting with his knee
or at least she hoped it was his knee. She spun away bringing her sword to
bear but her attacker was gone. Looking around she noticed why. The camp was
under attack and she was alone. Then there was a swooshing sound as an arrow
streaked past her and embedded itself in something behind her with a thud.
You should really pay more attention to your behind Litni, an all to
familiar voice said as Tare sauntered out of her hiding place with a bow
slung over her shoulder. And what are you wearing? she asked with a raised
eyebrow.
Tare, but how? Litni asked as her eyes darted between the body behind her
and the Drow in front of her.
No time, Tare said and unceremoniously pulled the arrow from the body.
Were under attack, she explained as she turned her blue eyes towards the
camp.
Lets go then, Litni said and took one last look around. Tare already
running for the camp stopped and turned back around.
Mister tall, dark and darker went that way, she said with a grin and then
turned.
Ha, Bloody ha, Litni, muttered as she raced after the Drow.

~*~*~*~

Elisabeth hated being attacked, well she hated defense period as her
soldiers were discovering as she barked her orders.
Tark take fifty soldiers and circle around them. Trist make sure those
fires are put out and somebody get me the mage, she barked, only
half-dressed like many in the camp. They hadnt been expecting to be
attacked only a days journey out of the Nether.
They gated in, Willow, the said mage, said as she appeared seemingly out
nowhere.
Great, the General muttered as she looked out over the battlefield her
camp had become.
How many? she asked nobody in particular with a sigh. If they could gate
here then full-blown portal technology couldnt be that far away.
I hate Shadows! was shouted from somewhere close by and both Willows and
Elisabeths eyes lit up when they recognized the voice. Running towards the
sound, they soon found the distinctive owner of the voice. Decked out in
white rangers clothing with a knights breastplate and her silver streaked
hair flowing wildly stood The Ranger Knight Moondancer, with her scimitars
pointed at the enemies flanking her sides.
You are so dead, she exclaimed as she spun and took the first ones head
off and kicked out backwards thus sending the other flying with the distinct
sound that only breaking bones make. Blood doesnt wash out easily, she
stated.
And there are thirty-two of them now, she answered looking up with her
golden flecked eyes.
Report from Tark maam, Trist shouted. Theyre retreating!
Tell him not to engage and report back here, the General shouted back
before turning her attention toward the Ranger Knight.
Cordelia, she nodded.
Elisabeth, the Ranger nodded back.
Care to confirm my suspicion about those guys? she asked.
Yep they were Shadows, 'were' being the key word here, the Ranger
answered with a smile. Litni and Tare took this moment to rush into the
camp, both breathing hard from the break neck run from the forest.
Glad you could join us, the General said as she looked the pair over.
Oh Im not joining, Tare said firmly.
And why not? Cordelia asked as she looked up from wiping the blood from
her scimitars. Willow watch with a neutral expression from afar.
I& Tare stammered.
While were on the subject. How did you get here? the General asked and
Tare squirmed slightly at being the sole focus of attention.
Some guy named Angel came to the inn and said I would be needed. Next
thing I know I fall asleep and then I wake up in one of the supply wagons,
Tare explained speaking faster the usual.
This Angel didnt happen to have an alter-ego named Theris did he?
Cordelia asked with a raised eyebrow.
Yes, how did you&?
If Theris feels that you are needed, then you stay. Understood? Cordelia
stated firmly and stared the Drow down.
Yes maam, Tare sighed and Litni was visibly fighting the urge to cheer.
Now I think we should perhaps move this session inside, Willow spoke for
the first time since Cordelias arrival on the scene. With that the group
was herded into the meeting tent.

Tare was uncomfortable in the current company, but nowhere near as
uncomfortable as Litni who seemed likely to jump out of her skin at the
presence of her hero.
We dont have much time, was the first thing Cordelia said. A few weeks
at the most."
That is enough time to reach the Dark Lands, but it does not allow for
much time to scout the terrain or look for the reported resistance, Tark
analyzed.
So we step up the march, Elisabeth said firmly. Make a gate jump along
the way. Willow?
I can gate a small force, but not the entire division. It takes too much
energy to keep it open for so long, the mage answered.
Then we march, I assume that you know some shortcuts? Elisabeth asked
Cordelia.
Sure if youre ready to rough it for a couple of days I can get you to the
Dark Lands border in a weeks time and Ive managed to make some friends
along the way, Cordelia answered.
Great, Elisabeth exclaimed, but as she was about to dismiss them Litni
raised her hand.
I hate to make a scene or anything, but whats a Shadow? she asked.
Theyre to humans what the Drow are& were to the surface elves, Elisabeth
explained. You should really spend more time in the library, she then
added before turning her attention to the matters at hand Tark increase
patrols, the rest of you get some sleep, she said and made herself ready to
leave. Miss Tare you will have to bunk with Litni since were low on space,
Cordy&
Im good Elisabeth, Cordelia said with a raised hand.
Fine, I want to see all of you in this tent at sunrise, Elisabeth said
and left the room. Willow spared a look that spoke volumes, but mainly:
mine, at Cordelia before exiting herself with Litni following since she
was after all her guard.
What happened between those two Tark? Cordelia asked as the Drow General
was about to leave.
Relationship problems, Tark answered and left the tent, along with Trist.
Leaving Cordelia alone with Tare.
How did they look? she asked. Theris and Angel I mean?
They&looked fine why do you ask? Tare answered.
Because if they are alive then Alx Sun is alive which means we might get
some help once we're in the Dark Lands, the Ranger explained.
Shouldnt you tell the General? Tare asked with a raised eyebrow.
Not yet, no need to get her hopes up or mine for that matter, Cordelia
answered calmly.
A warning though, Litni has a touch of hero worship, Tare said with a
hint of a smile.
Thanks& have we met before? Cordelia asked as she studied the Drow.
You might have met my sister, Tare answered.
Xare, youre Xares sister, Cordelia exclaimed as she snapped her
fingers.
Yes, did you know here?
We met briefly, she was the one that trained me when I joined the Roses,
Cordelia answered. There was a brief silence,
Ill just go and tell Litni to breathe, Tare said and stood up.
Youll do fine, Cordelia said with a smile.
Thank you, Tare said from the entrance and then left leaving the Guardian
alone, but she didnt have to wait long.
Hmm& Cordy, Elisabeth said as she snuck back into the tent.
Were down Buffy, she said without turning around. And Ill go back to
Stjara once this is done, she added.
Okay& thanks, Elisabeth said. And Cordy its good to have you back, she
added before leaving the tent.
Yep, its good to be back, Cordelia said to herself with a smile.

~*~*~*~

Tare entered Litnis tent and looked around to find the elf under her
covers. Placing her bow and quiver against the desk.
Want to talk about it? she asked as she sat down on the cot that had been
added.
No! Litni muttered from underneath the covers.
Okay your choice, its not my fault you arent more Drow, Tare said and
pulled off her boots.
I cant kill like you Tare, I need a reason, Litni answered poking her
head from underneath the covers.
You have plenty of time, Tare said as she threw her cape onto a hook on
one of the polls.
What did you talk about with the Ranger Knight? Litni asked as Tare
crawled under her sheets.
She knew my sister, Tare said simply. And she said that I would do
fine, she added. Litni? she asked when no reply came and when sounds of
soft snoring started drifting towards her, she was already asleep.

~*~*~*~

Willow was waiting in her tent when Elisabeth returned from her talk with
Cordelia.
She alright with everything? Willow asked from where she sat on Elisabeth
s cot.
Shes down with it yeah, Elisabeth answered. And&
I know have no interested what so ever& I know, Willow said.
Its just that you have all had like ten years to think about and get over
what happened in Tharon, meanwhile&
You have had barely two years I know, Willow whispered as she looked down
at her folded hands.
Im ready to give this& give us& another try if you are, Elisabeth said
as she knelt in front of her wife and took her pale hands.
Ive been ready for the past seven years, Willow said with a sigh as
Elisabeth started drawing circles with her thumbs in the palm of her hands.
The mood was broken when Elisabeth yawned.
Sorry, she muttered with a smile.
Dont worry I can wait a few more days, Willow said with a smile. Leaving
the General to her privacy and sleep Willow walked through the camp, taking
the long trip to her tent.
Things alright Wills? Cordelia asked when she seemingly appeared out of
nowhere.
You Guardians to have knack for showing up at the right time dont you?
Willow asked with sigh.
Guess so, Cordelia answered with a shrug, but you didnt answer me are
you alright?
Im okay I guess, Willow answered as they walked through the camp. Hows
Alx doing? she asked.
Probably setting up his own little kingdom in the Dark Lands, Cordelia
answered.
Been a while I take it?
Two years and not a word, hes vanished along with his motley crew,
Cordelia sighed.
But Theriss appearance must mean that they are a live? Right? Willow
asked stopping to face the Ranger.
Who knows, Theris could have left them, but yeah theyre probably alive,
Cordelia answered as she turned towards the woods.
You want me to turn the other way? Willow asked.
Nah& youve seen me do it before, Cordelia said with a wave of her hand
and Willow watched as the Ranger transformed herself into a robin and took
to the skies.
Never fails to impress, she muttered as she disappeared in a flash of
light. She would sooner kiss a bearded dwarf then to let a ranger top her.

To be continued....