The color of Divinity I - The delusion of reality

The color of Divinity
By Ellnyon

Hi! Welcome to another chapter of TCD. Sorry for the delay yet again. I’ve been kind of busy and… well, does anyone know the lifespan of a writer’s block? Mine seems to want to stay permanently. :( So, yes, another lousy chapter. But I wanted to update something so bad, I posted it anyway. Hopefully you won’t kill me for it. As always, thank you so much for the encouragement. And, of course, thanks to all the readers, especially those who review and rate. Love you. Feedback is highly appreciated.

boring_neko19: Haha. Yes, definitely next level of hate.:P Of course it’s okay to ask. I’ll gladly answer any question you have. The main character of this story is Edyane. Iadden is only there to complicate his life (and mine…:P) during some parts of the story, that’s why he’s always present and mentioned now. Don’t worry, Edyane will soon reclaim his role as the leading man…The two titles mean basically the same thing. Actually ‘Crown Prince’ would be more accurate and specific, but the ‘Heir’ word has a slightly higher connotation to their society, because of the ‘Maguenta’s Heir’ title. So by calling himself ‘Heir’ in that situation he was aiming at something higher than a ‘Crown Prince’ to show the woman how little intimidated he was. The woman shaman doesn’t have a name yet :P (I have to work on it, though). Edyane will be asking her advice later on. Anyone who has the ability to see the future has an important role in this story, because they know things others don’t. Midaen’niel and that woman are fine examples. So pay much attention to their words and actions, you may find out some secrets before I reveal them. And please keep on ‘babbling’. I love to hear what you guys think. I’m so happy you love my story. I really hope I won’t disappoint. Thank you so much for your feedback. Hope you carry on liking and reviewing.

Anonymous Sister of the Author: :) Yep, you’re right in everything you say. Iadden is exactly that kind of guy. And most of all, he wants to control his own emotions. This is ironic, because he won’t be able to tame some of those at all. They’re as wild as he…:P Please, keep telling me your thoughts. I love to hear them. Sometimes it’s the only thing that inspires me. So, thank you so much for your feedback. I hope you keep reading and reviewing my work. Sorry I’m so late with the update.

Itara: Haha. Edyane’s in denial about a lot of things right now, isn’t he? But he’ll wake up soon. He’ll be the first to know exactly what and who he wants. Some near events will teach him he has to change tactics, though… :) Thanks for the great feedback and sorry the late. Please, continue reading and reviewing.


Previously in TCD: It’s very uncommon for an Ethen to marry outside of his country. Still, Meanea Guinare, a noble Ethen came to N’Alaera to do so with its king: Fenaleos. Iadden, Meanea’s younger Eth brother, favours this marriage for their family’s sake. He’s at odds with N’Alaera’s prince, Edyane, who’s infatuated with Meanea and is against the wedding. Also Iadden’s tutor, Mieri, is plotting a way to stop the marriage so he can claim the Guinare’s heritage. No one knows that he’s in fact their bastard uncle and was already responsible for their parents’ deaths. If this wasn’t enough, Meya’s second prince has been meeting in secret with the Death Whisperers’ race who are about to ignite a war against the North Alliance that same week. He has promised them the life or the support of the recently found Dark-haired Ethen of the Legends, in exchange for Meya’s crown. Unaware of all this and unbelieving in an incoming war, N’Alaera’s people continue the joyful celebrations of the wedding in a Tournament held in Meanea’s honour. But the early arrival of Meya’s first and third prince brought with it a whole new set of revelations: Meya and Crano’en are marching for war in a week and the Dark-haired Ethen has chosen a Maguenta’s Heir to lead them: Iadden Guinare…


Part I
Chapter 13


N’Alaera’s prince wasn’t angry. Really, he wasn’t. He was berserk. Andro tried to calm him down in vain while the handsome young man refastened his dark armour with vicious tugs. Tenaii simply leant against the wall at the corner, his bare arms crossed in front of his chest. He kept grinning while looking, extremely amused, at his royal prince trying to discreetly throw a royal fit.

“That…that…BRAT!!! I’m going to KILL him!” said prince growled in a loud whisper, his face livid, giving another brutal jerk on another one of the armour’s buckles. Andro shushed him immediately and turned to see if anyone had heard the auburn-haired teenager. Luckily no one was watching them. Every knight and servant’s attention was focused on the black-haired child across the room. They all stared at the boy in a mix of fond and awed smiles.

In the other corner of the barracks inside the lateral doors of the Arena, Sir Athios was clasping a strip of leather armour to the Eth child’s chest. Andro was amazed at the boy’s spirit, too. He was very young and he certainly had seen Edyane fight during the afternoon. Still, he had issued the challenge without hesitation or apprehension. Perhaps the small boy thought the prince would go easy on him…or that Edyane would refuse…

No. Andro put that thought aside right away. The small Eth lord had asked for the fight in a cunning way. N’Alaera’s prince wasn’t even given the chance of declining without seeming weak or fickle. Not when it was asked, so politely, in front of the most influent nobles in N’Alaera and his subjects. After all, Edyane had been the one to add onto the final prize when he had asked for that kiss. It was only fair he had to win one more battle to get it.

On another conjecture, maybe the young boy was merely too impulsive to actually know what he was getting himself into… Though somehow, Andro didn’t believe it was the case. He had the very distinct impression that that boy had been planning this for awhile.

“Not only did he do it on purpose to stop me from kissing his brother, he also made everyone agree to this stupid combat. Oh, he’ll regret it, I assure you!” The prince remarked, still in a low tone, voicing his valet’s thoughts. Andro looked at him in alarm.

“Edyane-“ He started, worried. Little Iadden might be courageous, but he was still a child. Edyane wasn’t thinking of going all out in the fight, was he? The prince sighed, stopped his movements and held his right hand up, effectively interrupting his valet’s warning before the older man had the opportunity to complete it.

“I know, I know, Andro.” Edyane said and sighed again. He took a deep breath and finally reined in his anger. They could still tell he was upset, though, and his next words confirmed it.

“But, tell me, what am I supposed to do now? Win and get my kiss, or lose on purpose to appease the brat and Meanea’s worries?” He asked frustrated, exasperated, his hands on his hips. Andro sighed and shrugged. He really didn’t know either. Their black-haired companion remained silent as well. Edyane sighed for a third time and passed a hand through his hair in a nervous habit.

Suddenly, Tenaii, who was facing them while still leaning silently against the wall, became rigid. The other two frowned at him while his eyes quickly narrowed and he straightened, standing tall and arresting. Only then did they turn, just in time to see three young men approaching: a familiar human and two Eths.

Quera advanced first and bowed to his prince. The two imposing Eths stopped slightly behind him, looking at N’Alaera’s prince’s small party with curiosity.

“Congratulations on your victories, Prince Edyane, Lord Tenaii.” The human noble greeted pleasantly. Edyane thanked him and Tenaii nodded in acknowledgment. But both their attentions were on the Eths. Quera noticed this and extended a hand towards them. “Your Highness, prince Edyane of N’Alaera and Lord Tenaii Ruana: these are Prince Delaen’niel, first prince of Meya and Lord Ryaen’ne Siekih, the third prince.” The four bowed at the same time.

“A pleasure. Welcome to N’Alaera.” Edyane said, amiably. His calm tone didn’t betray his enthralment at finally meeting the leaders of the legendary warrior race. Andro looked down, not daring to face such important guests and Tenaii remained stiff, also impressed with the two fully armoured Eths but trying to appear he wasn’t. The younger Eth smiled politely at N’Alaera’s prince’s words and simply inclined his head in thanks. It was the taller Eth who spoke, instead.

“Thank you, Your Highness, Prince Edyane. You have a lovely country.” Ryaen’ne stated with one of his open smiles while he extended his right hand towards the prince in a friendly gesture. “And I have to say, you’re a hell of a fighter. Congratulations. I am Midaen’niel’s brother and Meanea’s direct cousin. You can call me Ryaen’ne.” He presented himself. Edyane looked at the hand while Delaen’niel rolled his eyes at his cousin. Then the auburn-haired prince smiled and shook it, happily. He decided he liked that uncommon Eth, there and then.

“Thank you. Call me Edyane, please. You have a lovely brother and cousin, Lord Ryaen’ne.” The blue-eyed Eth grinned.

“Thanks. I had a feeling you’d say that. Especially the last part.” He commented simply with a mischievous glint in his dark blue eyes when he glanced left at his cousin. The auburn-haired prince could only smile sheepishly at the blonde’s knowing words and the intense green gaze of Meya’s first prince.

Still smirking, Ryaen’ne moved forward and extended his hand to the dark-skinned man, next. Tenaii looked at it and after a moment of hesitation, finally shook it. The handshake was quick, unbelievable strong and anything but friendly. Tenaii was not a forgiving man and he had hated that Eth lord since he had seen him with Quera earlier on. So it was mainly his fault that they appeared to be at odds. However, the not-so-oblivious short-haired Eth didn’t seem affected by it. On the contrary, his smirk only got wider. He kept the fierce eye contact even after the handshake was over. He was not one to back down from a challenge, even if it was an unspoken one.

Delaen’niel realized this and, once more, sighed at his companion’s actions and behaviour. Why did Ryaen’ne have to be so belligerent? What was worse, he had clearly been a bad influence on little Iadden and look where that was leading the kid. It was a mystery why he, Delaen’niel, even cared so much for that stupid imbecile.

“You fight pretty well, too, Lord Ruana.” Ryaen’ne complimented, and though his tone was mischievous, he was really being honest. Unfortunately, that was not how Tenaii took it. One could see it reflected on the narrowing of his dark eyes. Luckily, Quera’s warning glare reached him before he reacted and a heated discussion was avoided. Still, the teal-eyed human’s action only served to inflame Tenaii’s jealousy further.

“Oh, you can call him Tenaii.” Edyane uttered, amused at the whole scene and especially at his friend’s unusual jealous behaviour. However, Edyane couldn’t say Tenaii didn’t have reasons for envy. If it was really true that the short-haired Eth was interested in Quera, like his dark-skinned friend seemed to believe, Tenaii would have a tough battle ahead of him. Ryaen’ne possessed not only the evident handsome features and quick mind of the Eths, but also an intrinsic magnetism in his gestures and smiles that made him dazzlingly mesmerizing. And it was apparent that Quera had grown a special liking for the man, by the way he glanced at him and had beautifully smiled at his sociable actions.

Edyane looked around. Andro was still with his head down but the auburn-haired young man could fathom the soft smirk.

Quera was glaring at Tenaii, absolutely displeased with him for the way he was behaving with the influent and friendly Eth. The poor teenager probably had no idea this was all because of him and, of course, would chew their dark-eyed friend to his bones later. It was all a vicious cycle. Tenaii would only hate the Eth more and do worse the next time.

Nonetheless, what intrigued him more was the First Prince’s contemplative gaze. Those intense, exotic green eyes were following solely the other Eth. It was clear by the slight narrowing that Delaen’niel was unhappy with his cousin and travelling companion. Still, that same knight managed to hold all his attention. Edyane was surprised to realize that the young Siekih Lord’s magnetism worked on his Crown Prince as well. That became obvious when Ryaen’ne, finally satisfied, ended the heated staring contest with Tenaii and moved in Andro’s direction. Those green, glaring eyes slowly travelled the other Eth’s body as the blond lord shifted. Edyane almost gasped in shock when he saw where those orbs, who had acquired a very strange dreamy look during their little voyage, had stopped.

He had to have made some sort of sound though, because the green eyes sharpened and turned to him. They widened when Edyane smirked suggestively and Delaen’niel’s cheeks turned a shade darker in embarrassment. Probably feeling compromised, the noble Prince bowed his head in apology. Edyane smiled softly and shook his head. He wasn’t offended, in any way. But still, he had never imagined he would see the crown prince of the draconian Eths having lewd thoughts about a fellow knight. Perhaps Tenaii wasn’t the only one a little jealous in this situation.

Oblivious to his prince’s actions and thoughts, the blond Eth lord continued to the man with his head low.

“Didn’t get your name.” he said joyfully. Andro looked at him abashed. Tenaii and Edyane arched their eyebrows astonished, too.

“I’m only a valet, Your Highness. Andro is my name.” Ryaen’ne nodded, smiled, and to the humans’ further surprise, grabbed Andro’s hand and shook it, vigorously.

“Oh, I see. Well, nice to meet you Andro. I’m Ryaen’ne.” He affirmed with his good-humoured smile in place. Delaen’niel sighed, resigned. After his rare, brief but sure, lack of poise moments ago he couldn’t exactly reprimand his cousin. Andro finally bowed, grateful though a little taken aback. He definitely was not used to nobles greeting him, much less elite ones.

“You really are Milord Iadden’s cousin…” he muttered in awe, under his breath. The comment wasn’t meant to be heard, but Ryaen’ne did, nonetheless.

“I am. He’s my little, sweet, Bluebird.” The Eth lord said proud and enthusiastic. Edyane gasped.

“Little, sweet, Bluebird?” He asked, disbelievingly. “Are we speaking about the same Iadden? The one I’m about to fight against?” Ryaen’ne turned to him, grinning and nodding.

“You two don’t get along, do you?” The taller Eth asked, rhetorically. Edyane sighed, frustrated. Could it be more obvious? “My cousin’s adorable, really. He’s just a little too overprotective. Don’t hold it too much against him, ok?” N’Alaera’s prince sighed again, but didn’t reply.

“Anyway, we came here to warn you.” Ryaen’ne continued, in a serious tone this time. “Iadden may look like a fragile, young kid, but he’s anything but. He’s an Eth lord, trained by the best warriors and guards. And he saw you fight for a whole afternoon. I suggest you don’t take him lightly.” Edyane, Andro and Tenaii looked at the Eth with stunned faces.

“Are you telling me to fight Iadden like I would against a soldier?” The human prince asked incredulous. Ryaen’ne frowned.

“No. I’m telling you to fight Iadden like you would your greatest enemy. Always watch your defence and never hold back. If you have mercy, he’ll tear you apart.” The Siekih lord answered, sincere. Edyane continued to look at him, dumbfounded.

“You’re joking, right? I mean, you can’t possibly be serious. He’s a small child. The clumsiest and cutest kid I’ve ever seen. I can’t fight for real against him.” The auburn-haired prince affirmed. Ryaen’ne raised his eyebrows for a second but then softly smiled and didn’t voice his thoughts.

“Don’t let his young ways fool you.” He said, instead. “Iadden is one of our best warriors already, if not the strongest. You’re lucky the tourney didn’t allow magic or else you wouldn’t last a minute out there. You’re deeply in trouble as it is. Trust me: you don’t want to lower your guard.”

“You should heed Lord Ryaen’ne’s warnings, Edyane.” Quera advised in his calm tone. “I don’t want you hurting him anymore than you do, but he must really be a terrifying opponent. They believe he’s the next Maguenta’s Heir. Please, be careful.” The other humans were once again taken aback. And they stared at the teal-eyed one in astonishment. Then, their stares turned to the Eths who reluctantly nodded.

”What? Maguenta’s Heir? How?” Edyane said in a soft voice. Delaen’niel stepped forward and spoke slowly in a perfect pronounce of the human language.

“If you’d allow me a word alone with you, while Iadden gets ready, I’ll explain it. May I?” Edyane looked at him and nodded.

“Of course. Do you mind?” He asked the others. They shook their heads. Andro gave him his sword and after bowing to everyone and wishing him good luck, headed for the door. Tenaii and Quera neared him to make the same wish and warn him once more. Delaen’niel saw that Ryaen’ne had remained in his previous place. He clearly had no intention of leaving them alone. Perhaps he though Meya’s first prince didn’t mean him when asking to speak with the prince alone. Normally he would be right. Today, his presence posed a problem. Delaen’niel had almost no secrets to his best friend. But the one secret he had…well, he couldn’t possibly share it with him. Ever.

“You can go too, Ryaen’ne.” He said. The blue-eyed Eth startled and stared at him in surprise.

“Uh, me? Why? I know everything you want to-“ He started slowly, not understanding his prince’s request. It was unusual, to say the least. He was his cousin’s best friend, his confidant, his personal guard. Meya’s first prince never sent him away. Never. He looked at his prince’s exotic eyes and what he saw hurt him more than he would ever admit. It hadn’t been a request…

“Do you have a problem with following my orders, milord?” Delaen’niel interrupted him unemotionally. Inside, he cringed at Ryaen’ne crestfallen look. Outside, he looked as cold as he sounded. Even the human nobles had turned to him in surprise at his tone. But Delaen’niel knew he had to be harsh or Ryaen’ne just wouldn’t go. And today, that wasn’t an option.

More than the order itself, it was the tone of his voice that hurt him. He heard the words and saw the glare, but he still couldn’t believe they were for him. He had seen them before, of course. But not directed at him. Never at him. It took a few seconds for Ryaen’ne to recover from the blow. In his stupor, his voice had died in his throat.

‘As you wish, my prince.’ He finally said, humbly, in his native language, while bowing his head. “Shall we go to the stands?” He then asked the others. Quera nodded, still looking at Delaen’niel’s aristocratic stance with a soft frown. Edyane looked at the same prince, but he wore a soft knowing smile.

“Can I go too? Or you prefer to go just the two?” Tenaii then asked harshly, unmindful. Providentially, his words had the opposite effect on the short-haired Eth. Ryaen’ne smiled softly at the same time Quera glared at the dark-skinned human. Marquis Ruana’s second son had unwillingly lightened the tense atmosphere.

“You can come. The more, the merrier.” The blond Eth replied. “I’ll save you a place Delaen’niel.” He continued as he turned to leave, but didn’t look at Meya’s first prince. Delaen’niel nodded and silently apologized to his cousin.

When the three men were a fair distance away such that they couldn’t hear the two royal heirs, Edyane affirmed in a confident tone.

“Let me guess. This is about your inappropriate glance at Lord Ryaen’ne’s nice backside a few minutes ago.” Meya’s first prince averted his eyes to the left, a little embarrassed, but didn’t try to deny it. He took responsibility for his actions. Edyane liked that.

“Please, disregard what you saw back there. I know what you are thinking and it’s nothing of the sort. Ryaen’ne is my closest and most loyal friend, my cousin, the leader of my personal knights. I care deeply about him, but we are not in one of those kinds of relationship so don’t assume we… We aren’t lovers.” He said firmly. The human prince nodded.

“But you want to be.” Edyane knew he had nothing to do with Delaen’niel’s love life, nor was he a long time friend for him to confide in. He was even expecting Delaen’niel would tell him just that. But he sensed the man needed to explain his reasons to someone. For his own piece of mind, perhaps. And he obviously couldn’t speak with his best friend about it, seeing as he was the problem, in the first place. A prince in the same high position might just be the right person. Besides, Edyane was someone who had nothing to gain or lose with the outcome. Whichever it might be. So he was basically offering his help. He was half-surprised it was accepted.

“You have to comprehend our LAW. I have a Promised one and I will be King of Meya. My wants and desires are those of my Father and, of course, Meya’s needs. I have none of my own.” Edyane scoffed at that.

“Bullshit. I saw you looking at his ass. If that isn’t a personal desire, what is?” Delaen’niel sighed, lowered his eyes and shook his head slowly. His long strawberry blond hair shifted slightly but soon returned to its predetermined place.

“A mere moment of weakness and immaturity. I’m not used to plead, but please forget what you saw. Do not shame me further. It won’t happen again.” N’Alaera’s prince sighed but nodded. Delaen’niel was an impeccable man. Everything in him was perfect, from his words to his pose passing by his looks. He was the epitome of what a High-class Eth should be. Reserved and powerful. Edyane suspected that the small discomposure he had witnessed was very, very atypical. But he felt somewhat relieved to know that Meya’s prince was not as insensible as his ways suggested. He wondered how many people actually knew of the great sacrificed man behind the suitable, regal prince.

“I will do as you ask me. Do not worry. But let me tell you this. There is no shame in pleasure. Much less in love. If you let the LAW rule everything in your life and country, then you’ll just be a slave of it, just like every subject of yours. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions based on your own knowledge, even if they seem to be wrong according to others. Isn’t that what rulers are for? Besides, you’ll be forever miserable if you deny yourself all your desires. Especially one that is always so close to you. He seems like a great guy. I don’t think he would tell anyone. And no one else has to know, right?” Delaen’niel remained silent for a few seconds considering his words and then shook his head. He smiled at Edyane and spoke.

“Thank you. In exchange for your advice, I’ll give you some of my own. Fight your best. Be alert and beware of Iadden’s velocity and strategies. Don’t fall on his traps. He’s the best of you two, but you are stronger. If you manage to land a few good hits at the beginning you might be able to tire him and make a draw out of this. You’re really lucky he can’t use magic.”

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The first stars were already blinking in the dark blue sky above Endnar’s arena. Sitting in the stands, the various spectators of the tourney prepared themselves to see the last fight of the Tournament honouring Lessin Meanea. At stake, Meanea’s kiss. This prize had been specially requested by N’Alaera’s prince at the beginning of the contest hours ago. And now he fought for it, with no one other than Meanea’s own brother. Young Iadden.

Many regarded this fight as something that had been planned beforehand for the audience’s viewing pleasure, for the prince wouldn’t really fight for real with a nine-year-old child and risk the boy’s health. Particularly, the next vice-king’s adored small brother.

Others saw this fight as the impetuosity of a boy who had embarrassed his brother in the previous evening and now was trying to show his valour in the battlefield. They just wished he didn’t get hurt. He seemed like a lovely, respectful child.

Some believed this was really a fight worth viewing, for they had knowledge of Meya’s amazing warriors and knew they began training them as soon as they started to walk. They also had heard the rumours of the Eths: a legendary race of warriors, of the Great Guinare General and of his small grandson, who was wild and cute but the strongest at his age. These few people knew History would be made here, today. And they anticipated it. Heroes would be born in this arena, once more, and they would be the ones to witness it.

In the grandstands, Meanea prayed for both their safety: Iadden and Edyane’s. And he realized as he prayed that he loved them both. So much. He just hoped no one would get hurt. Really hurt. That later he would be able to scream at his brother, to bite his head off with no regrets. He couldn’t do that with Iadden injured…

Meanea would die of worry, today, he was certain. He wouldn’t have the courage to see the battle, because he knew that Edyane would only fight for real if he didn’t have a choice. He trusted the prince that much. It would be his brother who wouldn’t give him one.

Eths never saw combats as sport. They always fought their best. And Iadden’s best was the best Meya had.

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The trumpets sounded one time and Edyane joined Iadden at the entering of the Arena’s grounds. Athios was checking the boy’s leather armour with care.

‘Always protect yourself.’ He said to the child in their native language in a soft tone. Edyane didn’t understand but Iadden nodded.

“I know. Don’t worry.” He replied. Then Athios bowed and went to the prince. To Edyane’s amazement, the Guard checked and composed his armour as well. He then looked at him and said in his powerful baritone.

“You’re strong and wise in battle. You have my respect. Good luck.” And then he lowered his tone for Edyane’s ears only and spoke quickly. “Careful with his spinning, move fast and maintain your balance at all times. Only attack when you’re sure you will hit and always with as much force as you can muster. He’s a kid but he comes from a lineage of legendary warriors and he has enough skills to bring you down with a few strikes. Be careful.” Edyane’s eyes were wide as plates but he still managed to nod and thank the Captain. He was starting to fear the brat. With so many people telling him to be careful, of all things, it couldn’t just be coincidence. The boy had to be really good.

Somehow, the prince started to see the little devil on a whole new level. Iadden was honest, intelligent, loyal, kind, strong and a little devilish. Hell, damn that brat. He liked him. He liked his personality. (He liked his eyes too, but he suspected that had to do with Meanea.)

Iadden would make a great friend, a great ally. Hell, Edyane wanted to have him as a friend, as an ally. That’s why he became so mad every time the boy challenged him, every time he was treated like the enemy. He didn’t want to be his enemy. If he could just make the child like and respect him a little bit…Perhaps the way was to fight with the boy. Show him he could hold his own, that he was as skilful as the kid’s fellow Eths. He couldn’t wait to start the combat, now. To show the small devil, first hand, how good he was.

He turned to look at the brat, while they waited for the judges to call them.

Iadden was dressed in tall leather boots, blue pants and a long-sleeved white shirt. On top of it, the small leather armour (Edyane didn’t even know such small armours were made) covered his little chest and some part of his hips. He had long leather armbands and small gloves. Edyane couldn’t help the brief chuckle that escaped his lips. Standing side by side, the boy barely passed his waist. It was like seeing a mini-warrior. Probably hearing it, the black-haired child turned to him.

“Are you laughing at me?” he said in his childish falsetto tone. Edyane smirked at the kid. How could he have hated the brat, minutes ago? He was so cantankerous, it was funny.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, milord. I was just wondering where your weapons are.” The prince retorted, simply. He hadn’t seen Iadden’s weapons of choice, yet. Iadden stared at him for a short while and then looked at his bare sides… then to the floor…

“Oh.” He whispered, his voice sounding a little embarrassed. ”I’m sorry. I forgot them. Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” He concluded and ran to his corner of the barracks. Edyane watched him go, in disbelief. Then he shook his head. He wasn’t definitely allowed to hate the boy.

Few seconds later, the black-haired kid stopped by his side again holding twin Nla’dryea: double-edged swords, typical of Eths. These two were rather small, comparing to some Edyane had seen, but they were no less frightening or dangerous.

The hilts were solid gold decorated with the Guinares’ crest on top of the true handle, which was clearly too big for Iadden’s small hands. Such fragile hands shouldn’t be allowed to touch, much less, handle said weapons. With about 4 inches wide, the 20 inches blades were made of a weird white alloy with two sharp edges reflecting several blue hues. On the part of the blade near the handle, a big blue bird had been carved into the metal. Edyane smiled. He recognized the bird as the Holy Seraph Iadden from the tales. He also recalled Meanea telling him, the night before, that Iadden had been named after the Holy Guardian. It was a powerful name.

Anyway, the Nla’dryea swords were beautiful and very impressive. They appeared heavy, too. Edyane wondered how Iadden could lift them, let alone fight with them.

“They’re not nearly as heavy as they look.” The brat told him, reading his thoughts. Edyane arched his eyebrow and Iadden continued, glancing at the twin swords. “They were a present from Grandfather. He ordered them, especially for me, when I was born. Sir Athios said he hoped I would be able to do them justice.” His voice was small and very far away.

“You do.” Edyane told him and the black-haired child lifted his masked features to face him in surprise. “In both beauty and strength.” The boy hadn’t been expecting a reply, but the prince couldn’t have been more sincere. Iadden stared at him for a few seconds and then, perhaps sensing the honesty of his simple words, nodded and lowered his face. Edyane felt a soft shift in the kid’s aura. Something resembling happiness.

“Thank you…” The dark-haired child started softly, and then completed with renewed energy. ”…but I’ll still do my best to kick your ass.” Edyane laughed, amused.

“Wouldn’t have it any other way…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ovations were deafening as the two knights entered the fighting grounds. The sky was now much darker than before, the candles on the Arena’s stands providing most of the light. The lack of brightness had never been a problem for Edyane. Not that he could see in the dark, mind you, but he was used to fight until late in the night and his escapades from the palace to the taverns had trained his other senses, too.

It didn’t seem to bother Iadden either. Knowing the Eths’ spartan ways, he probably had been trained to fight in the dark, as well. A little lack of light was not enough to faze him. In fact, Iadden was as relaxed and serious as one should get when about to enter a combat. Not anxious at all.

He walked past the prince and turned around a few feet ahead. They faced each other and Edyane adopted a comfortable defensive stance, with his shield raised and his dark sword along his right side.

Iadden firmed his two feet on the floor and straightened his shoulders backwards, letting his arms dangle to his sides, followed by his twin Nla’dryea. The auburn-haired prince couldn’t fathom if that was an offensive or defensive stance. After all, he knew nothing about Iadden’s techniques. He would have to play it by ear. And he didn’t like it much.

“My mask is magical. Do you mind if I keep it?” Iadden requested from his tranquil stance, a few feet away. Edyane grinned and was about to deny the kid’s bidding just to piss him off. But then he remembered the large, shining aquamarine eyes, the cute little nose and the soft, rosy lips and decided the mask would have to stay. There was no way he could fight the kid without the magical thing. The brat was too cute for Edyane to focus on the battle. And he couldn’t afford to be distracted.

“You can keep it.” He answered in a loud voice, for the judges’ ears as well. Iadden nodded.

“Thank you. Good luck.” The boy said and he bowed his head in respect.

“You too.” Edyane replied and bowed as well.

Both returning to their previous stances, the judge finally raised his hand, and between the loud cheers of the crowd, the battle began.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They both stood completely still and quiet for a few seconds, only the slight breeze ruffling their hair. Black on one side, auburn on the other.

Suddenly, Iadden’s silken locks silently disappeared from his line of vision. Edyane’s eyes widened and it was pure instinct that made him raise his left arm above his head. Barely on time, his shield received the heavy clash of metal against metal, and his arm shook with the impact. Immediately after, he felt the cold sting of a flat blade hit his shaking arm and the numb limb released his most reliable defence. His faithful shield.

The auburn-haired man’s knees were the next part to be hit. They buckled, but fortunately the prince managed to endure the blow and remain standing. It made him realize, however, that he had to react fast if he wanted to survive the onslaught. But that was easier thought than done.

Still completely out of it and trying to understand what was hitting him and how, Edyane thrashed his remaining weapon in completely random directions, the best he could. The sword described a wide arc to his left, then to the front, then to his left again and then finally contacted with something. And that something groaned in pain.

It was a childish cry, a whimpering voice and it tore at Edyane’s heart. Forgetting his throbbing arm and knees, he searched for Iadden’s form on the grounds. He had flied through the air and was sprawled to his left, his face to the dust of the floor. Spots of blood made a path towards him, starting at his sword. Edyane gasped and dropped his weapon in horror.

“By Maguenta…” he whispered. The whole Arena was silent in shock. It was deafening.

Edyane stepped forward to the boy, his heart beating wildly. Please, let him be okay. Please. The prince prayed. To whom, he didn’t know. Whoever it was, listened to him.

Iadden was rising to his feet and was checking his body for injuries. In his affliction, Edyane hadn’t noticed that the black-haired boy had yet to let go of his twin weapons. On the contrary, he kept holding onto them steadily.

Satisfied with his inspection, the kid finally turned to him. His mask was gone and a gentle, pleased glow could be seen in his beautiful eyes, jewels among soft skin and puffs of dirt. Those eyes were even twinkling in delight. A small gash on his right shoulder was oozing some blood, but Iadden didn’t seem to mind. At all.

Edyane kept gazing at the child, breathlessly mesmerized by the gorgeous smile on pink lips and overall lovely face. The viewers close enough to discern Iadden’s features became awestruck, too. And slowly the murmur began.

Oblivious to the many stares directed at him, the black-haired child glanced at Edyane’s weapon and shield lying innocently on the Arena’s floor. He then inclined his head to his right, facing the prince while wondering at his actions with a small frown on rosy lips and a question swimming in his eyes.

The prince sighed and answered the boy by going back and grabbing his sword and shield again. Iadden nodded, happily, and resumed his weird stance.

“I’m glad you’re not holding back. I won’t hold back from now on, either.” He chirped, loud and clear, while his white mask returned and covered his face to the audience’s dismay. The prince stopped adjusting his shield and gaped at the cheerful child in disbelief. He had been holding back?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They circled each other for awhile, this time. Iadden pacing the floor, slowly and elegantly, searching for an opening and Edyane maintaining his defence while trying to not let the kid out of his sight.

Once again, the prince didn’t see the boy move. How the hell could Iadden move so fast? Was his only thought, before a strong breeze coming from his right advised him to duck. Just about on time, too. The double-edged sword grazed the top of his head, cutting a large chunk of his auburn hair. Of course he didn’t have time to avoid the second Nla’dryea when it contacted heavily with the back of his head. Stars appeared in his vision and he groaned in pain, actually kneeling on the floor.

Refusing to lose so fast, Edyane closed his eyes (it wasn’t like he was able to see Iadden with them open, anyway) and let himself fall sideways. He heard a slight ‘oh’ coming from his right and felt a sharp weapon stick on the floor mere inches from the place where his head would land a split second later. He then opened his eyes, just in time to watch Iadden, who had lost his balance when Edyane had fell in his direction, in middle of an air spin, using the weapon jutting from the ground as support.

The kid landed gracefully on his two feet and with a strong pull, took the first sword out of the ground at the same time he charged at the prince’s lying form with the other one. Edyane gasped and raised his own sword; the clang echoing through the silent Arena.

Iadden attacked with several consecutive fast strikes in a stunning momentum, trying to make the prince surrender. Some of them had actually drawn royal blood. Iadden didn’t fight, Edyane realized, he danced in the air. Only in his case, two dangerous objects were at his hands. And that was frightening.

Not in the best position to defend or even counter-attack, Edyane damned himself for his previous stupid move. Who had taught him that lying on the floor was a good strategy? There was little he could do besides rolling to avoid the glowing edges or parry them with his shield and sword. Shit, and why didn’t the kid make a single flaw or even lost focus for a millisecond so that he could at least get up? Brat. He had to do everything on his own, hadn’t he?

In another dangerous move, the prince waited for the black-haired child to charge once, parrying with his shield. The other twin came next and Edyane blocked it with his own large sword. In the meanwhile he pulled his left arm to the right and with all his strength threw his shield in Iadden’s direction.

The prince hadn’t foreseen Iadden’s perfect reflexes, though. Predicting the impact, the boy dropped his blocked blade and jumped, stepping on the spinning shield and using it to somersault forwards. He passed by the auburn-haired warrior and landed elegantly on the other side. Everyone in the Arena applauded.

So, Edyane hadn’t gotten the boy as he had hoped, but at least he had managed to rise from the dirt. He ran towards the edge of the Arena where his dark shield had dented the wall and stopped to grab it. Seeing Athios and Andro near the entrance to the lateral doors looking at him with displeased faces, he croaked, annoyed.

“Any brilliant ideas?”

“Move faster! And by Maguenta, try to maintain a vertical position.” Athios grumbled.

“Beg for mercy.” Andro replied, shrugging. Edyane glared at his valet.

“Are you done with the talking? Can we continue?” The black-haired child chimed happily from behind him. He had recovered his Nla’dryea and waited, calmly, with no signs of tiredness whatsoever. The prince had started to feel the strain of fatigue in his muscles for some time now and he was bleeding from small cuts, everywhere. He was in no way ready to continue fighting this strong, clever, little devil. Nonetheless, he smirked at the kid and raised his sword high.

“Come on, brat. Give me your worse!” And Iadden did.

TBC…

Ending notes: Yep and everybody saw this coming. I really don’t know why I have to write so much on a simple scene. Sometimes, I annoy myself. Really. Anyway, sorry I took so long. The plot will take a small leap now. Love you. See you next update.