I decided to work due to lack of enthusiasm on my other project, tell me
what you think!
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Hugo wiped the sweat off his brow frowning briefly, it had been six months since they had finally ended the war, and the finishing touches on Karlaya village were just being added. It seemed so much longer though, seeing the village rise up from its ashes was almost enough to make him forget the way it was burned. The past six months were a blur of agony and work. He seldom had a good nights sleep, being tortured by the memories of Lulu. It was probably the fact that he was dwelling at the site of his death.
Or maybe it was the rune on his right hand, true runes were always a burden, reflecting memories and foretelling. They gave wisdom, but at a price of pain. Thankfully the nightmares and torturing and lessened as the village had grown. The work hadn't though, in fact with his mother teaching him about being village chief the work had increased. It wasn't that bad, it allowed him to ignore the burning the true fire rune.
He did feel the need to unwind from the stress of dealing with the constant memories, a ride would be a good idea. But now was the time to finish his duties, he would finish up this house and then work with his mother. Later he would ride.
After the house was finished he got up and went to the chief's house. The others were still working, but he had gotten the easier job. Having other duties did have some advantages. Lifting up the flap he found his mother conversing with Beechan, she finished rather quickly. Spotting her son she gave him the typical Grasslander greeting, wrapping her arms around him. Embarrassing to do in front of others, but he had gotten over it, returning the embrace.
Sitting down they began to go over the lessons that a chief must know. It was boring at times, but it had to be done.
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Chris was doing her normal inward mumbling at the current council meeting she was forced to sit through. It usually went something like 'pompous, arrogant, empty headed, corrupt, greedy, hypocritical, idiotic, fools' give or take a few words. Currently they were arguing over the treaty that she had proposed, probably the greatest clincher was that they were also trying to find a way to punish her for going against her directives in the war. It wasn't the punishment that got her mad, it was the insufferably arrogant way in which they were doing it.
You would think that after six months they would have come to a decision, but apparently they hadn't, and were still arguing. Irritatingly enough, they only spent a few hours each day, Chris had actually decided to sit in on one of their meetings to see what the hold up was. Honestly it had been a bad idea, they made very little sense, and the treaty seemed forever doomed to stall.
After listening for a time she sighed and got up, the gentle clinking of her armor alerting them to her movement. Placing her hand over her heart she was excused, and left gratefully. Grumbling as she left she spotted her attendant Louis. Putting a smile on for his benefit he saw through it almost immediately.
"That bad huh?"
Chris sighed, hoping her newly found headache would go away "Worse, with the way they are arguing that peace treaty will become reality in maybe three years."
"Let us go to your manner and make you some tee milady, you look like you need it." Lous said, walking down and to the light bringer manner.
"Louis, you are a lifesaver." Said Chris, following Louis through the busy streets of Vinya del Vixay.
Entering the mansion Chris sat down on the couch, allowing herself to relax a little. To any other onlookers this was still a very stiff and formal posture, but Chris never allowed herself to relax totally. The tea arrived shortly and Chris was allowed to savor her time of rest.
Of coarse the only real problem right now was the constant reminder of the rune on her right hand. An icy sensation which inspired memories not her own. It was bearable, though at times feeling the memories it brought up was not exactly pleasant.
Oh well, time to return to Brass Castle, dealing with the council was beyond her power. Fortunately a formal peace treaty wasn't really necessary since both countries were still recovering and not in condition to really go to war with each other. Besides, relaxing there was far easier than relaxing here.
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Hugo was glad that the lessons were over for now with his mother. Now he could take Fubar and go for a ride, the griffon had probably gotten just as restless as he had. It was a shame that Sergeant was no longer with him, but it was to be expected with children around. The were adorable little chicks, and they gave Hugo a pang of loneliness and loss every time he saw them. He didn't see having any children in the near future with the rune in his responsibility.
Thinking about that had gotten Hugo depressed, so he decided that he needed to go off for longer than the rest of the day, maybe seeing some of the others would help. Getting Fubar up from his lounging in the sun he went to see Lucia to inform her about his departure. Entering the house once more he approached her.
Lucia smiled looking at Fubar and Hugo. "Let me guess you wish to go for a ride?"
Hugo smiled back "Well, I figured that I should go out and see how everyone was doing, probably go to Lake Castle and Duck village."
Lucia shook her head "I forget sometimes that you are still young, very well, maybe a week away?"
Hugo made a face "Hardly, I want to do something other than traveling."
Lucia laughed "Very well, see you in two weeks, if you do something for me."
"Oh?"
"Stop by Brass castle and see what is holding up the treaty negotiations, and give my greetings to Chris."
Hugo shrugged "Very well."
With Lucia's farewell and blessings he got on Fubar and they began to gallop across the plains. To get to Brass it took maybe half a day, with a full riding, two walking. As he rode Hugo inhaled, loving the breeze and the feel of riding. Attuned with nature he felt the very ground and wind, his rune actually enhanced the affect, and he felt the very spirits dancing with him.
It was an exhilarating feeling with the wind itself singing with a gentle flighty melody and the earth's soothing deep rumble as counterpoint. Hugo laughed out loud, not a care in the world, and Fubar trilled. They ran flat out, enjoying everything, and for once Hugo behaved and didn't tease the spirits, instead racing them. They reached Brass castle in a matter of hours, and the tones of earth and wind became muted.
Hugo had left in late afternoon so dusk was approaching. As he walked across the stone bridge he gave a small grin, dismounting off of Fubar. Normally he would have left Fubar outside, but he figured that attracting attention wasn't that big of a deal. Besides the griffon was his best friend.
As he walked into the fortress he was reminded anew at the differences between Grassland and Zexan. The spirits were still there but ordered and tamed, it was always a rather unsettling experience, but it couldn't be helped. Besides, the power behind the stone walls was great, and at times the hummed with power. Of coarse this was unknown to Zexans, mainly because they didn't bother to listen. They had other good features though.
As he walked through the town, he took his time on the main road, stopping every now and then at the shops. It was at one of these shops when he heard a clanking sound and he turned around, and found himself looking into the lavender eyes of Lady Chris. Slightly startled he found himself marveling at her beauty, a rather different thought. Giving her a smile he scratched the back of his head.
"Lady Chris, I did not expect to see you here."
Chris returned the smile "Well, when a boy comes into town with a griffon, the knights get rather nervous. I heard that you were here and would like to offer my greetings."
Hugo looked at her extended hand in slight confusion, then remembered, that was a Zexan thing. He took it and shook firmly. "Well, I did need to talk to you, but this doesn't seem the place."
Chris nodded. "We can go to the meeting room, no one is there now."
Hugo nodded and began to follow Chris, he stopped though when she turned around. "Fubar will have to stay in the stables."
Fubar cawed and Hugo gave an abashed grin.
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Chris sat on the couch, back straight and teacup held, eyes closed. Her stance was in a slightly relaxed state, Hugo was staring at the tea, trying to determine what it was, though it wasn't that bad tasting. He was actually waiting for Chris to speak. The room was empty and the sun was setting, the rays streaming into the room.
Chris for her part was trying to cool down from a hectic day, dealing with her subordinate knights hadn't been easy today, three of the great knights of Zexan had gotten drunk. She couldn't really blame them, they hadn't really been doing much for the past few days. The borders were quiet, and they hadn't been called out, so they needed things to do. They got drunk, she was just glad that the others had kept them from doing anything to rash. Now she probably had to deal with something from Grassland, at least Hugo was tolerable.
Opening her eyes she looked at Hugo, clearing her throat and motioning him to speak. Hugo looked up and their eyes met for a second. Strangely, she found herself wondering what he had born to have such an old look. He smiled and began to speak.
"I will get the business portion done first, then we can catch up." Drinking a bit more of the strangely addicting tea he continued. "The Grasslander Clans are wondering how the negotiations in the council are proceeding, and if we can expect a formal treaty soon."
Chris sighed, the beginnings of a headache coming on. At least Hugo had learned how to speak diplomatically, unfortunately it reminded her too much of the council. "Unfortunately they are still going over certain aspects of the treaty."
Hugo nodded solemnly, then broke out in a grin. "I guess that is council talk for we don't want it, but we cant say no, correct?"
Chris couldn't help but smile, suppressing a giggle. "Exactly, I will keep pushing it through though, so you can tell the clans not to worry."
Hugo nodded then emptying his tea cup sighed and relaxed against the chair. "It is surprisingly comforting here, which is rather surprising really, the spirits are so quiet."
Chris looked at Hugo, perplexed "Spirits?"
Hugo met her eyes, loving the color that they had "Yes, all grasslanders can feel the world around them, since I have gotten my rune, I can hear it better than most."
Chris shook her head "That's just a superstition."
Hugo laughed. "You just aren't listening for them."
"And how pray tell, would I hear them?" Chris said, setting down her teacup gently.
Hugo sat up, still grinning. "Take off you glove and give me your hand, I can show you."
Chris shrugged and removed the glove, and held out her hand. Hugo took it, noting that her hands were hard and calloused, and finding that even more attractive. "Ok, I am going to gather a bit of energy from my rune, normally children are taught by listening to the wind and earth, but this will work for you. This is the power of fire, don't just feel the heat, you can hear the flame. Like a hungry roar, listen for it."
Chris closed her eyes and felt his hand heat, at first she couldn't hear anything aside from Hugo's breathing. Then she felt her other hand cool, the same that held the true water rune. She heard it, faintly but as she concentrated on it grew louder, she heard a strange roar, rising and fading. It perform a strange, hungry melody.
Before she knew it Hugo stopped, and opened her eyes to find them captured by his. Glittering turquoise met surprised Lavender, and Chris was thankful for the gift that he had given. "Thank you, Hugo."
"You are welcome, Chris."
Chris couldn't help but blush, slowly withdrawing her hand. Looking at it in surprise. Hugo chuckled and sat back again. "You can use that to feel the song of your own rune, in time you can use it better."
"Really? Thank you again."
"Think nothing of it, maybe later you can feel the spirits around you." Hugo kept his smile with his eyes half closed. "Then we can go riding, it is truly wondrous if you take the time to listen."
Chris nodded "I would love to. But you look tired, why don't we get you a room."
"Now I should be thanking you."
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Boris and Percival backed away from the door quickly. Percival dragging back a fuming Boris. They had seen the entire conversation.
"That little barbarian is hitting on her!" Boris growled, trying to get to the room.
Percival kept the enraged knight away from the room, guiding him down the stairs. It was difficult, but he managed "Listen, calm down, it doesn't mean anything, it isn't something to get this worked up about."
Boris continued to struggle as Cris and Hugo left to get him a room. Hugo seemed to be telling her about Karlaya village, and Chris had a smile on her face, looking more carefree than she had in years.
Boris managed to break Percival's grip, growling fiercely. He looked at Percival, who was still tense. "Don't worry, I won't rip his guts out, as much as I would like to."
Percival sighed "Thank the goddess, I thought you were going to do something reckless."
"Don't worry, I won't kill the little barbarian, just don't expect me to like him."
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Hugo got up from the bed, Zexan beds were actually rather comfortable, if one didn't do it consistently. Stretching he left the room, wondering what he was going to do for food. Louis solved the problem by coming by with an invitation to dine with Chris. They went to the 'meeting room' as Chris called it, and Hugo sat down, waiting for the food, Louis said that Chris would be there soon.
Hugo chuckled to himself, thinking about Chris. He didn't really expect his first crush to be on a Zexan captain, but one didn't choose with things like that. Or maybe it was something a bit deeper, it didn't really matter at this point. For now he would get to know her, and if he believed that something could happen, well he could pursue those emotions. Until then, he would continue with what he had planned.
Chris entered soon after this resolution, decked in full armor. Hugo briefly wondered whether she ever fully relaxed, he may have seen her do that last night, but it was hard to say. One of these days she was going to run herself to the ground. He sincerely hoped he could convince her to accept his plan, and not because of his slowly growing feelings.
"Good morning Lady Chris."
Chris favored him with smile "Good morning Hugo, sleep well?"
Hugo scratched his head slightly embarrassed. "Actually yes, I ended up sleeping in."
Chris raised an eyebrow "How late do you usually sleep?"
"Sunrise."
Chris gave a snort "Figures, ah here comes Louis with the food."
Louis came in with a tray containing various foods. Hugo suppressed a grimace, his last encounter with Zexan cooking wasn't that memorable.
"Have you eaten yet Louis?" Chris asked.
"Ye milady, I just need to get ready for the daily training." Louis grimaced at the thought, which Hugo noticed.
"Good luck with that." Louis nodded and turned to leave.
Hugo turned to Chris "He hates that doesn't he?"
Chris nodded. "Louis would much rather spend his life cooking and serving me, but I have a duty to turn him into a proper knight."
Hugo grinned "Maybe I should see if I can help him, I know what it's like having to train for duty."
"That is right you are going to be clan chief soon aren't you?"
"Yes, not something that I happen to look forward to." Hugo grimaced again.
"Well you have time enjoy it while you can."
"I will." Hugo took a bite into the food, slightly surprised. "Better than my last sampling of Zexan food."
"Oh?" Chris asked amused.
"Yeah these foods would be so much better with some spices, but this isn't half bad."
"Well, Grasslander food would probably be too much for me then."
"Trust me its delicious." Hugo said after another mouthful.
"Maybe to you." Chris countered, finally eating herself.
Hugo smiled, taking another bite. "Well, maybe. But tell me Chris, what have you been doing."
"Not much, a lot of the time we just patrol the borders."
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Hugo had a smile as he walked up to Fubar, stroking the feathered neck of the griffon. Today had been a rather good day, talking with Chris and being show around the castle had been a real pleasure. He had talked with a few of the great knights, reminiscing about past battles. Unfortunately it was now noon and he wanted to go visit Lake Castle, and Lord Thomas.
After checking upon Fubar he lead the griffon out the stables in which it had been held, amazingly enough the horses were not really afraid of the griffon. Well, they were very tough warhorses. Exiting the doors he met up with Chris once more.
"Well, remember that you are welcome to visit Karlaya, and I will be back in four days if you want to ride with me."
"That would be a welcome diversion."
Chris extended her hand to shake, and Hugo smiled and took it. Then when he was finished he embraced her.
"You know this is getting to be traditional." he smiled over her shoulder.
Chris smiled as well, returning the embrace. After listening to his blessings they let go, Hugo walking to the griffon. As he neared it he heard clanking, and only instinctual warning prevented himself from being impaled by a broadsword.
Hugo drew his long dagger quickly, looking at the enraged knight, Boris. Before anyone could react he charged again, swinging his sword horizontally. Hugo with almost blinding speed dodged, jumping back and out of his range. Screaming Borus charged again, only to run into Chris, with her sword drawn.
"Boris either stand down immediately, or face me."
Boris' rage died suddenly as he realized what he had been doing. He impaled the sword into the ground and fell to his knees, using as support for his suddenly weak knees. Chris and Hugo put away their weapons as well, Hugo going to Fubar and Chris approaching Boris.
"Boris, I will forgive you one more time." Chris began kneeling next to him "But your temper has just gotten you into more trouble than I can help you with, you just attacked the next clan chief, and if he demands punishment I cannot do a thing about it."
"You do not need to worry about that Lady Chris, I will demand no retribution," Hugo said, now mounted on Fubar. "I gave up vengeance after I met you." Fubar slowly trotted away "But make no mistake, I will not forget that attack."
Chris got up, looking down at Boris. "You will be exempt from battles for a month, and put on disciplinary duty. If you perform another disobedience then I will be forced to remove your status as a knight. Please do not disappoint me Boris."
Hugo wiped the sweat off his brow frowning briefly, it had been six months since they had finally ended the war, and the finishing touches on Karlaya village were just being added. It seemed so much longer though, seeing the village rise up from its ashes was almost enough to make him forget the way it was burned. The past six months were a blur of agony and work. He seldom had a good nights sleep, being tortured by the memories of Lulu. It was probably the fact that he was dwelling at the site of his death.
Or maybe it was the rune on his right hand, true runes were always a burden, reflecting memories and foretelling. They gave wisdom, but at a price of pain. Thankfully the nightmares and torturing and lessened as the village had grown. The work hadn't though, in fact with his mother teaching him about being village chief the work had increased. It wasn't that bad, it allowed him to ignore the burning the true fire rune.
He did feel the need to unwind from the stress of dealing with the constant memories, a ride would be a good idea. But now was the time to finish his duties, he would finish up this house and then work with his mother. Later he would ride.
After the house was finished he got up and went to the chief's house. The others were still working, but he had gotten the easier job. Having other duties did have some advantages. Lifting up the flap he found his mother conversing with Beechan, she finished rather quickly. Spotting her son she gave him the typical Grasslander greeting, wrapping her arms around him. Embarrassing to do in front of others, but he had gotten over it, returning the embrace.
Sitting down they began to go over the lessons that a chief must know. It was boring at times, but it had to be done.
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Chris was doing her normal inward mumbling at the current council meeting she was forced to sit through. It usually went something like 'pompous, arrogant, empty headed, corrupt, greedy, hypocritical, idiotic, fools' give or take a few words. Currently they were arguing over the treaty that she had proposed, probably the greatest clincher was that they were also trying to find a way to punish her for going against her directives in the war. It wasn't the punishment that got her mad, it was the insufferably arrogant way in which they were doing it.
You would think that after six months they would have come to a decision, but apparently they hadn't, and were still arguing. Irritatingly enough, they only spent a few hours each day, Chris had actually decided to sit in on one of their meetings to see what the hold up was. Honestly it had been a bad idea, they made very little sense, and the treaty seemed forever doomed to stall.
After listening for a time she sighed and got up, the gentle clinking of her armor alerting them to her movement. Placing her hand over her heart she was excused, and left gratefully. Grumbling as she left she spotted her attendant Louis. Putting a smile on for his benefit he saw through it almost immediately.
"That bad huh?"
Chris sighed, hoping her newly found headache would go away "Worse, with the way they are arguing that peace treaty will become reality in maybe three years."
"Let us go to your manner and make you some tee milady, you look like you need it." Lous said, walking down and to the light bringer manner.
"Louis, you are a lifesaver." Said Chris, following Louis through the busy streets of Vinya del Vixay.
Entering the mansion Chris sat down on the couch, allowing herself to relax a little. To any other onlookers this was still a very stiff and formal posture, but Chris never allowed herself to relax totally. The tea arrived shortly and Chris was allowed to savor her time of rest.
Of coarse the only real problem right now was the constant reminder of the rune on her right hand. An icy sensation which inspired memories not her own. It was bearable, though at times feeling the memories it brought up was not exactly pleasant.
Oh well, time to return to Brass Castle, dealing with the council was beyond her power. Fortunately a formal peace treaty wasn't really necessary since both countries were still recovering and not in condition to really go to war with each other. Besides, relaxing there was far easier than relaxing here.
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Hugo was glad that the lessons were over for now with his mother. Now he could take Fubar and go for a ride, the griffon had probably gotten just as restless as he had. It was a shame that Sergeant was no longer with him, but it was to be expected with children around. The were adorable little chicks, and they gave Hugo a pang of loneliness and loss every time he saw them. He didn't see having any children in the near future with the rune in his responsibility.
Thinking about that had gotten Hugo depressed, so he decided that he needed to go off for longer than the rest of the day, maybe seeing some of the others would help. Getting Fubar up from his lounging in the sun he went to see Lucia to inform her about his departure. Entering the house once more he approached her.
Lucia smiled looking at Fubar and Hugo. "Let me guess you wish to go for a ride?"
Hugo smiled back "Well, I figured that I should go out and see how everyone was doing, probably go to Lake Castle and Duck village."
Lucia shook her head "I forget sometimes that you are still young, very well, maybe a week away?"
Hugo made a face "Hardly, I want to do something other than traveling."
Lucia laughed "Very well, see you in two weeks, if you do something for me."
"Oh?"
"Stop by Brass castle and see what is holding up the treaty negotiations, and give my greetings to Chris."
Hugo shrugged "Very well."
With Lucia's farewell and blessings he got on Fubar and they began to gallop across the plains. To get to Brass it took maybe half a day, with a full riding, two walking. As he rode Hugo inhaled, loving the breeze and the feel of riding. Attuned with nature he felt the very ground and wind, his rune actually enhanced the affect, and he felt the very spirits dancing with him.
It was an exhilarating feeling with the wind itself singing with a gentle flighty melody and the earth's soothing deep rumble as counterpoint. Hugo laughed out loud, not a care in the world, and Fubar trilled. They ran flat out, enjoying everything, and for once Hugo behaved and didn't tease the spirits, instead racing them. They reached Brass castle in a matter of hours, and the tones of earth and wind became muted.
Hugo had left in late afternoon so dusk was approaching. As he walked across the stone bridge he gave a small grin, dismounting off of Fubar. Normally he would have left Fubar outside, but he figured that attracting attention wasn't that big of a deal. Besides the griffon was his best friend.
As he walked into the fortress he was reminded anew at the differences between Grassland and Zexan. The spirits were still there but ordered and tamed, it was always a rather unsettling experience, but it couldn't be helped. Besides, the power behind the stone walls was great, and at times the hummed with power. Of coarse this was unknown to Zexans, mainly because they didn't bother to listen. They had other good features though.
As he walked through the town, he took his time on the main road, stopping every now and then at the shops. It was at one of these shops when he heard a clanking sound and he turned around, and found himself looking into the lavender eyes of Lady Chris. Slightly startled he found himself marveling at her beauty, a rather different thought. Giving her a smile he scratched the back of his head.
"Lady Chris, I did not expect to see you here."
Chris returned the smile "Well, when a boy comes into town with a griffon, the knights get rather nervous. I heard that you were here and would like to offer my greetings."
Hugo looked at her extended hand in slight confusion, then remembered, that was a Zexan thing. He took it and shook firmly. "Well, I did need to talk to you, but this doesn't seem the place."
Chris nodded. "We can go to the meeting room, no one is there now."
Hugo nodded and began to follow Chris, he stopped though when she turned around. "Fubar will have to stay in the stables."
Fubar cawed and Hugo gave an abashed grin.
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Chris sat on the couch, back straight and teacup held, eyes closed. Her stance was in a slightly relaxed state, Hugo was staring at the tea, trying to determine what it was, though it wasn't that bad tasting. He was actually waiting for Chris to speak. The room was empty and the sun was setting, the rays streaming into the room.
Chris for her part was trying to cool down from a hectic day, dealing with her subordinate knights hadn't been easy today, three of the great knights of Zexan had gotten drunk. She couldn't really blame them, they hadn't really been doing much for the past few days. The borders were quiet, and they hadn't been called out, so they needed things to do. They got drunk, she was just glad that the others had kept them from doing anything to rash. Now she probably had to deal with something from Grassland, at least Hugo was tolerable.
Opening her eyes she looked at Hugo, clearing her throat and motioning him to speak. Hugo looked up and their eyes met for a second. Strangely, she found herself wondering what he had born to have such an old look. He smiled and began to speak.
"I will get the business portion done first, then we can catch up." Drinking a bit more of the strangely addicting tea he continued. "The Grasslander Clans are wondering how the negotiations in the council are proceeding, and if we can expect a formal treaty soon."
Chris sighed, the beginnings of a headache coming on. At least Hugo had learned how to speak diplomatically, unfortunately it reminded her too much of the council. "Unfortunately they are still going over certain aspects of the treaty."
Hugo nodded solemnly, then broke out in a grin. "I guess that is council talk for we don't want it, but we cant say no, correct?"
Chris couldn't help but smile, suppressing a giggle. "Exactly, I will keep pushing it through though, so you can tell the clans not to worry."
Hugo nodded then emptying his tea cup sighed and relaxed against the chair. "It is surprisingly comforting here, which is rather surprising really, the spirits are so quiet."
Chris looked at Hugo, perplexed "Spirits?"
Hugo met her eyes, loving the color that they had "Yes, all grasslanders can feel the world around them, since I have gotten my rune, I can hear it better than most."
Chris shook her head "That's just a superstition."
Hugo laughed. "You just aren't listening for them."
"And how pray tell, would I hear them?" Chris said, setting down her teacup gently.
Hugo sat up, still grinning. "Take off you glove and give me your hand, I can show you."
Chris shrugged and removed the glove, and held out her hand. Hugo took it, noting that her hands were hard and calloused, and finding that even more attractive. "Ok, I am going to gather a bit of energy from my rune, normally children are taught by listening to the wind and earth, but this will work for you. This is the power of fire, don't just feel the heat, you can hear the flame. Like a hungry roar, listen for it."
Chris closed her eyes and felt his hand heat, at first she couldn't hear anything aside from Hugo's breathing. Then she felt her other hand cool, the same that held the true water rune. She heard it, faintly but as she concentrated on it grew louder, she heard a strange roar, rising and fading. It perform a strange, hungry melody.
Before she knew it Hugo stopped, and opened her eyes to find them captured by his. Glittering turquoise met surprised Lavender, and Chris was thankful for the gift that he had given. "Thank you, Hugo."
"You are welcome, Chris."
Chris couldn't help but blush, slowly withdrawing her hand. Looking at it in surprise. Hugo chuckled and sat back again. "You can use that to feel the song of your own rune, in time you can use it better."
"Really? Thank you again."
"Think nothing of it, maybe later you can feel the spirits around you." Hugo kept his smile with his eyes half closed. "Then we can go riding, it is truly wondrous if you take the time to listen."
Chris nodded "I would love to. But you look tired, why don't we get you a room."
"Now I should be thanking you."
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Boris and Percival backed away from the door quickly. Percival dragging back a fuming Boris. They had seen the entire conversation.
"That little barbarian is hitting on her!" Boris growled, trying to get to the room.
Percival kept the enraged knight away from the room, guiding him down the stairs. It was difficult, but he managed "Listen, calm down, it doesn't mean anything, it isn't something to get this worked up about."
Boris continued to struggle as Cris and Hugo left to get him a room. Hugo seemed to be telling her about Karlaya village, and Chris had a smile on her face, looking more carefree than she had in years.
Boris managed to break Percival's grip, growling fiercely. He looked at Percival, who was still tense. "Don't worry, I won't rip his guts out, as much as I would like to."
Percival sighed "Thank the goddess, I thought you were going to do something reckless."
"Don't worry, I won't kill the little barbarian, just don't expect me to like him."
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Hugo got up from the bed, Zexan beds were actually rather comfortable, if one didn't do it consistently. Stretching he left the room, wondering what he was going to do for food. Louis solved the problem by coming by with an invitation to dine with Chris. They went to the 'meeting room' as Chris called it, and Hugo sat down, waiting for the food, Louis said that Chris would be there soon.
Hugo chuckled to himself, thinking about Chris. He didn't really expect his first crush to be on a Zexan captain, but one didn't choose with things like that. Or maybe it was something a bit deeper, it didn't really matter at this point. For now he would get to know her, and if he believed that something could happen, well he could pursue those emotions. Until then, he would continue with what he had planned.
Chris entered soon after this resolution, decked in full armor. Hugo briefly wondered whether she ever fully relaxed, he may have seen her do that last night, but it was hard to say. One of these days she was going to run herself to the ground. He sincerely hoped he could convince her to accept his plan, and not because of his slowly growing feelings.
"Good morning Lady Chris."
Chris favored him with smile "Good morning Hugo, sleep well?"
Hugo scratched his head slightly embarrassed. "Actually yes, I ended up sleeping in."
Chris raised an eyebrow "How late do you usually sleep?"
"Sunrise."
Chris gave a snort "Figures, ah here comes Louis with the food."
Louis came in with a tray containing various foods. Hugo suppressed a grimace, his last encounter with Zexan cooking wasn't that memorable.
"Have you eaten yet Louis?" Chris asked.
"Ye milady, I just need to get ready for the daily training." Louis grimaced at the thought, which Hugo noticed.
"Good luck with that." Louis nodded and turned to leave.
Hugo turned to Chris "He hates that doesn't he?"
Chris nodded. "Louis would much rather spend his life cooking and serving me, but I have a duty to turn him into a proper knight."
Hugo grinned "Maybe I should see if I can help him, I know what it's like having to train for duty."
"That is right you are going to be clan chief soon aren't you?"
"Yes, not something that I happen to look forward to." Hugo grimaced again.
"Well you have time enjoy it while you can."
"I will." Hugo took a bite into the food, slightly surprised. "Better than my last sampling of Zexan food."
"Oh?" Chris asked amused.
"Yeah these foods would be so much better with some spices, but this isn't half bad."
"Well, Grasslander food would probably be too much for me then."
"Trust me its delicious." Hugo said after another mouthful.
"Maybe to you." Chris countered, finally eating herself.
Hugo smiled, taking another bite. "Well, maybe. But tell me Chris, what have you been doing."
"Not much, a lot of the time we just patrol the borders."
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Hugo had a smile as he walked up to Fubar, stroking the feathered neck of the griffon. Today had been a rather good day, talking with Chris and being show around the castle had been a real pleasure. He had talked with a few of the great knights, reminiscing about past battles. Unfortunately it was now noon and he wanted to go visit Lake Castle, and Lord Thomas.
After checking upon Fubar he lead the griffon out the stables in which it had been held, amazingly enough the horses were not really afraid of the griffon. Well, they were very tough warhorses. Exiting the doors he met up with Chris once more.
"Well, remember that you are welcome to visit Karlaya, and I will be back in four days if you want to ride with me."
"That would be a welcome diversion."
Chris extended her hand to shake, and Hugo smiled and took it. Then when he was finished he embraced her.
"You know this is getting to be traditional." he smiled over her shoulder.
Chris smiled as well, returning the embrace. After listening to his blessings they let go, Hugo walking to the griffon. As he neared it he heard clanking, and only instinctual warning prevented himself from being impaled by a broadsword.
Hugo drew his long dagger quickly, looking at the enraged knight, Boris. Before anyone could react he charged again, swinging his sword horizontally. Hugo with almost blinding speed dodged, jumping back and out of his range. Screaming Borus charged again, only to run into Chris, with her sword drawn.
"Boris either stand down immediately, or face me."
Boris' rage died suddenly as he realized what he had been doing. He impaled the sword into the ground and fell to his knees, using as support for his suddenly weak knees. Chris and Hugo put away their weapons as well, Hugo going to Fubar and Chris approaching Boris.
"Boris, I will forgive you one more time." Chris began kneeling next to him "But your temper has just gotten you into more trouble than I can help you with, you just attacked the next clan chief, and if he demands punishment I cannot do a thing about it."
"You do not need to worry about that Lady Chris, I will demand no retribution," Hugo said, now mounted on Fubar. "I gave up vengeance after I met you." Fubar slowly trotted away "But make no mistake, I will not forget that attack."
Chris got up, looking down at Boris. "You will be exempt from battles for a month, and put on disciplinary duty. If you perform another disobedience then I will be forced to remove your status as a knight. Please do not disappoint me Boris."