Sunday, October 3, 2004

Chronicles of Endaria, Chapter One - Part III
Aeria had been crying hopelessly since the moment she saw what had happened to the tower. Sitting on the bed, clutching her knees tightly, she remembered everything she had ever done for Endaria, everything she had ever put her heart into. Everything that was now broken and lost forever. If only Darcy were still there…
She lifted her head from her knees when she heard someone knock at her door. Her expression became warm but saddened. It didn't matter how much she loved her friends and the people of the palace, nothing could help her talk to other people that moment. Her throat was dry and tattered, her eyes tearful and red. Her skin was paler than ever and her usually shiny and beautiful wavy hair was coarse and worn. She had gotten out of her wizard's vests and slid into her long, high-necked, long-sleeved loose dress, her visor lying carelessly on the ivory desk.
Aeria ignored the knocking, but then she heard it again, over and over. Finally, reason spoke louder than heart and she got up to open the door. When she saw who it was, her first logical reaction was to close the door.
She could hardly believe what was happening. First, the crumbling of everything that gave a meaning to her life… now, Gale? What could he possibly be doing there? She hurried across the room to get her other vests, of white, grey and blue tonalities. She had spent most of her life worrying about what she did, said or looked like whenever he was around… but now, she couldn't even focus on him. Right now, being accepted by Gale was the least of her worries. She put on her visor, brushed her hair quickly and put on her diadem. When he knocked once more, she picked up her staff and opened the door, immediately getting out and closing it.
Aeria tried her best to avoid eye contact, while leaning on the wall.
— What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with the Knight Order?
— Most of them didn't even notice what happened; they're probably still waking up. We have an emergency meeting in five minutes…
— And you dared to waste your time on me? — Her voice was shaky and uncertain, as if every single word she said cut through her heart like the blade of a sword.
— Aeria… don't act like that. You know us of the Knight Order aren't as stuck up and perfect as you think we are. We actually have feelings.
Aeria couldn't say anything to counter-act that. She knew what Gale was saying was more than true, but she felt that she couldn't give in like that. Even at the time. She finally looked up at him when the blue-eyed knight rested his hands on her shoulders. And immediately her eyes fell to his scar. The scar he made when protecting Darcy. The scar that went from his right ear to his lip-level.
She knew she couldn't take it anymore. She had to tell him. It was the right time to do so, since he couldn't possibly have time to think about it. She breathed in deeply.
— Gale, I… — suddenly, a cold wind rushed by her face, and she immediately brought a hand to her cheek. —…Did you… feel that?
— Yes. What do you think it was?
— I have no idea, but we should rush to Aeryon and fast.
— You mean you should rush to Aeryon and fast. I, as a member of the stuck up and perfect Knight Order, must meet with my fellow swordsmen. — He brought a hand to his chest in order to perfect his act.
Aeria couldn't help but release a giggle. When he wanted, Gale could be quite pleasant to have around. Especially after Darcy died, he always seemed more caring than before.
— Aha! I made you laugh! — He smiled at her, pushing back a strand of hair that fell down her chest. — Now head for the throne room and promise you WON'T try to kill yourself, aright?
Aeria groaned.
— I'll try. And you don't get yourself killed, you hear me?
Gale was already halfway down the corridor, when she turned to wink at her and give her a thumbs-up.
— Gotcha, Spirit Lady! — He then disappeared down the corridor.
Aeria twitched silently. "After five years he still hasn't understood that I hate it when he calls me that. Geez. I don't know how I put up with him."

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