-Two Worlds II- (Chapter Ten: Agnorian Nights)

["Cilia" <cilia@xxxxx>]

Hello dears,
Yep I'm back with more goodness straight from my brain onto your screens,
in this chapter, Litni meets her match in more areas than one, Buffy kicks
ass and gets all comfy with her Willow and oh Tare and Tark have a long
overdue talk about Xare's death at the battle of Necris, :)
This is Cilia on a manga flip signing off!

Title: Two Worlds II: The Heart of Darkness
Series: Royalty
Book: 4
Chapter Ten: Agnorian Nights
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 Ten: Agnorian Nights

The mountain pass would be by far their biggest barrier before entering the
Dark Lands. The small army was camped outside the fortress city of Agnoria
that guarded the pass. It had stood there for a millennium, built by the
High Elves, but then taken over by humans. Litni stood on the wall facing
the entrance into the pass, with Tare at her side and they shuddered at the
climb ahead. Only a narrow path led through the pass so the army would have
to ride single file for two days and camp on its top, if they were ambushed
theyd be slaughtered.
Lets hope that the spies didnt get back, said Tare calmly.
Dont worry, we took the faster route, so theyre still in the Forest,
Litni stated firmly as she turned away from the pass. I had a dream the
other night, Litni said as she sat down against the battlements.
Not unusual, did it involve a handsome Shadow by any chance? asked the
Drow as she sat down next to her and leaned against the battlements.
No, Litni stated. But you were there with me, Tark, Dragons really
confusing, Litni explained. I think I had a vision, she added.
Youre an elf, sensitive to the living world, so its not unlikely,  a
new voice said. Both girls looked up to see the Ranger Knight Moondancer
looking down at them, appearing as a speck of white against the dark stone
of the wall.
There was a man, I didnt see his face, but he said that his gift was now
mine, Litni explained, hoping that the Guardian would know what it meant.
It could be that somebody was passing on his gift, its not uncommon that
seers transfer their gifts, Cordelia explained and squatted down next to
the elf and peered her eyes.
What are you doing? asked Tare.
Looking at her aura, although Im surprised Willow hasnt noticed this,
the Guardian answered and ran her hand through the air surrounding Litni.
So am I a seer? asked the Elf.
No, Cordelia answered, but something has been visiting you in your
sleep, she added. Something very familiar she added to herself.
What can it be? asked Litni.
Do not be alarmed, Cordelia said and stood. Warriors often get visits
in the days before battle, she explained. It will fade, once the battle
has past, she added.
Good 'cause, the dreams are not helping with my sleep, Litni stated.
And mine, Tare added. The Guardian smiled and thought about if she had
ever been that young.

Elisabeth hated meeting with officials and despite her experience and
generals title, she still had a healthy disrespect for authority. Thats
why she was at the inn, having the last drink before heading out into the
Dark Lands. Trist was her drinking partner and a good one at that, he kept
up with her rather nicely, but she chalked it up to his size.
Is this wise? asked a familiar calm voice. She looked up and smiled and
kicked out a chair for Tark. Trist looked up and saluted the General
Have a seat farmer and drink with us, he said in his booming voice as he
hefted his jug.
You my friend, drink like an dwarf, Tark said as he sat down and excepted
a glass from the barmaid, whom he rewarded with a smile that, in nine years,
had lost none of its effect as clearly shown by the young womans' blush.
Still the charmer, Elisabeth muttered with a grin, the Drow General only
smiled.
Come to think of it why havent you taken a wife? asked Trist, since he
was barkeeper in Necris he heard most of the gossip from the four corners of
the Alliance. Tarks face darkened and Elisabeth shot her first lieutenant a
glare.
I havent found the time, I raised a child and trained soldiers, Tark
answered and took a sip from his glass.
And you did a fine job at that, Elisabeth said with a smile. I just hope
June turns out to be like Litni, she added.
Somebody talking about me? asked the mentioned elf as she slid into a
chair next to Tark.
Dont be so full of yourself, Tare said as she slid into the last vacant
chair, smack next to Tark.
Shouldnt you be guarding Willow? asked Elisabeth with a pointed look to
the elf.
You try guarding Willow, she took off to an astral project meeting with
the Royals, the elf explained, slightly piffled about not being able to do
her duty.
Thats my wife for you, Elisabeth said with a grin and finished her jug
and promptly ordered another round.
Now Litni watch yourself, Tare said as jug of mead was placed in front of
her elfin friend.
How bad can it be? the elf asked and took a long gulp. Tare shot a look
at Tark, who merely shrugged obviously going with the path of making his
adopted daughter find about the hazards of drinking the hard way.

Tare muttered curses in four tongues as she carried Litni over her shoulder
back to the camp. The elf had gone and finished out close to a barrel of
mead and then when trying to get up stumbled and hit her thick head on the
table and just when she was starting to enjoy Tarks company. A small smile
crept to her lips, the General was an interesting man and a fine catch for
any female, but since hed moved his house to the City of Elves, Litni had
become the target for matchmaking attempts by nearly every Royal House.
You better not be interested in Tark, Litni muttered as she started to
come around.
And you should watch your liquor, Tare said as she put the young elf. She
watched her wobble a bit before regaining her balance.
Im an elf, were the guys that drink dwarves under the table, Litni
proclaimed.
And rebuff every single male in sight it seems, Tare pointed out,
referring to how Litni had turned every single offer of a drink and company
down cold, even from the fellow soldiers who just wanted to say thanks for
killing that spy the other night. When no retort came, the Drow looked at
the elf who was staring into the darkness.
Litni I said&
Litni held up her hand and drew her sword with the other.
We have company, she whispered. You go get Willow and make sure she has
a binding spell ready, she added.
But& Tare began.
No buts just go on my mark& Litni hissed. Go! she shouted and leapt
sidewise striking as she went, but her sword met resistance. Tare was also
off in a flash as she created a globe of darkness to shield herself.
You! Litni exclaimed as she was pushed back onto the street.
We meet again Miss Speed, the Shadow said in a voice that sounding like
humming crystal as he stepped out into the moonlight.
And for the last time, Litni exclaimed as she charged at him with speed
faster than any human, but he flexed out of the path of her blade and
delivered a swift blow to her left shoulder with his hand.
My arm, she exclaimed as she jumped away with her left arm hanging limp
at her side.
It should be fine in the morning, he said with a smile as he went on the
offensive. Litni soon found herself outclassed and outwitted, the Shadow
was not faster than her, but still faster than your average human and with
each blow she blocked she felt a bit of strength drain. When they were face
to face with swords crossed, she took a long look into his black eyes, inky
pools with a small speck of white in them, the contact lasted a moment
before she was pushed away and came to an halt against a wall. Her sword
spun down onto the street and she felt a tip of a sword at her throat, but
then it drew back and she opened her eyes, but her attacker had turned away
at the sound of new arrival.
You might do well against a child, but why dont you try me on for size,
Elisabeth said as she walked onto the street, with her massive scimitar
drawn and her black armor gleaming in the moonlight, also making her face
look ghostly white and her sword shimmer.
Wh& the spy never finished his line as the Slayer charged at him with
incredible speed, like a wraith in the night. The sound when the swords
clashed echoed across the street as the Shadow stumbled back from underneath
the force of the blow. Shaking his head and now finding himself backed
against a wall he took the only option he had, he charged, but the Slayer
met him head on and as soon as their blades clashed she pushed him away with
ease. Looking at her with disbelief, the spy swung low hoping to cut the
legs from underneath her, but she nimbly did a summersault over the sword
and him and came up standing behind him.
What manner of being are you? he demanded. Elisabeth smiled at the
question as she unleashed a combination so fast the Shadow had fell into a
rhythm and soon the sword went flying and then it was followed by sharp left
hand cross that sent him sprawling to the ground.
Im a Slayer, she answered as she went to help Litni stand. You okay?
she asked as she pulled the elf to her feet.
That& was amazing, the elf breathed. But& how?
How did I get here so fast? Lets just call it hunch, the Slayer answered
with a smile.
Hes getting up, Litni exclaimed as she saw the Shadow get up and take
off.
Oh no you dont, the Slayer said as she took of after him. Litni stood
dazed at the speed the Slayer had used that she'd barely registered her
departure.
Litni? Willow asked as she blinked in with a flash of light.
They went that way? Litni said and pointed looking a little fazed by all
the action.
Thanks, Willow said and blinked out again, leaving only Litni and Tare on
the street.
So you got his name? Tare asked, Litni didnt even register the question
when she fell unconscious Litni? Tare asked a hint of worry creeping into
her voice.

Elisabeth could give the kid one thing, he was fast, but nowhere near
matching her speed, she could see him up ahead scaling the walls leading
into the pass. Smiling she prepared to jump, the stones of the street
cracked when she took to the air, flying through it and landing firmly on
the walls just as the Shadow got up from his climb.
Face it you lost this fight the moment you chose to fight me, she said.
You wouldnt harm an unarmed man would you? he asked and outstretched
hands and palms up.
No, but I can rearrange your face for hurting Litni, Elisabeth said as
she struck, but the Shadows saw it coming and ducked and punched her in the
stomach. Standing up under the blow, the Slayer just grinned; it had been
far too long since shed last time had a decent fight.
That the best you got? she asked and then received a cross across the
face that left a trail of blood in its wake. Wiping the blood from her lip
with a smile she curled her hand up into a fist and struck, sending the
Shadow flying several feet into the air and over the battlements.
Shit! she cursed and chased after him, only to find him waving up at her
from the bottom of the castle before disappearing into the night.
Damn it! she cursed just as Willow blinked in.
He wont report back, the mage said calmly.
And why not? Elisabeth asked as she unleashed her fury over being
outwitted at Willow.
'Cause, Willow said and raised her hand to wipe the blood from her wifes
cheek. His honored has been compromised, I wont let him and oh yeah
because of that, she said and pointed to the sky with a smile.
What I dont& oh wow! Elisabeth trailed off as she saw what Willow was
pointing at. A massive gold dragon flapped its wings and landed on the
mountaintop. Wha& what is that? she asked.
A omen, Cordelia said as she came walking along the wall with her white
cape trailing behind her. It has come to lead us to those wholl help us in
the coming battle, she explained and looked up the dragon where it sat the
mountaintop with a smile.
Come on dear, Willow said as she slipped her hand around Elisabeths
waste. You can analyze it the morning, she added.
Yeah& analyze it& in the morning, the General mumbled as Willow blinked
out with a smile on her face.

Tare placed Litni on her cot, and pulled the covers over her friend. The Elf
was in state of complete shock.
I lost, she muttered.
Yes that happens, Tare nodded.
I dont lose, Litni muttered. And I needed help, she added. Heroes don
t need help.
Yes they do, now sleep, the Drow ordered as she stood up.
I lost, Litni muttered as Tare sighed and stepped out of the tent to find
Tark waiting outside.
How is she? he asked in calm voice.
Shell be alright, she just found out that shes not invincible, Tare
said with a small smile.
This amuses you? the elder Drow asked.
Yes, nobody should go into battle thinking that they cant be defeated, it
makes you careless, Tare explained.
Carelessness didnt get your sister killed& Tark said calmly.
Then what? Tare asked.
Elisabeth saw him coming, I heard him and we both thought she would hear
him too and step out of the spears path. Elisabeth saw it happen, but I
only saw when she hit the ground. Your sister didnt die 'cause she let down
her guard. Maybe she died 'cause we didnt make sure that everybody was dead
behind us, or maybe I may have overlooked a single Drow ogre outflanking us,
but your sister was never careless, he explained calmly as a tear slid down
Tares cheek,
You loved her& didnt you? she asked.
I might have, he answered with nod.
I never wanted to be a warrior like Xare you know, she said and sniffed,
something very undrowlike. But here I am& ready to go into battle, she
explained.
I just want to tend to my gardens but still I am here. Elisabeth wishes
only to be with her daughter, Willow only wants to be with her wife, even
the Guardian wants something other than to fight, but still we all fight for
we are soldiers, warriors even and we know deep down that we are fighting to
make the world safe for those things we love the most in this world. The
moment you lose the feeling, you are fighting for a unjust cause, Tark
explained in his calm low voice and Tare just stared at him and blinked her
tears away.
Thank you, she said. Thank you for making it worth something, she said
and kissed his cheek.
My pleasure, he nodded with a small smile.
Good night General Tark, she said as she slipped into the tent.
And good night to you& Lady Tare, he said as she closed the flap.

Willow blinked into her tent, holding Elisabeth by the waist.
Were in your tent? Elisabeth asked with a smile.
Hmm, hmm! Willow nodded with an impish smile that Elisabeth remembered
from days long since gone by.
Then I guess I should be leaving, Elisabeth said with a small smile
playing mischievously on her lips.
You sure? It might get cold tonight, Willow explained with a smile. It
might be a good idea to conserve body heat, she added as she moved over to
the considerable size bed.
Its the middle of the summer season, Elisabeth pointed out. And why do
you have such a big bed? she added.
I am the most powerful mage this side of the Realm, Willow explained as
if it was the simplest thing in the world And as for the coming cold,
Willow asked and raised her finger and small flakes of snow started falling
around the Slayer. That can arranged, she said.
Just sleep? Elisabeth asked.
Some pillow talk maybe, Willow said with a smile as the Slayer removed
her cape and sword.
Mage Willow, youve got yourself a bed partner, Elisabeth said as she
tackled the mage onto the bed and the snow disappeared. Once undressed,
though modestly so and under the covers, Elisabeth turned to face Willow
with a questioning look on her face.
What? Willow asked.
You wouldnt, she stopped to yawn. Have summoned a snowdrift to get me
into bed would you? she asked.
Maybe, Willow answered with the same impish smile. Just maybe, she said
as she watched the Slayer fall asleep.

to be continued...