#muerlin

She’s beauty.

She’s grace.

This is my first short fanfic for Prompto and Muerlin. Also my first PromptoSmut piece, but with the Assassin’s Festival buzz, I couldn’t resist. xD Enjoy!

@ravagekamisama @aquathemermaidstripper @digitalkanvas @prettyprompto @insomniasix

Prompto awakens in Lestallum to enjoy another day of the Assassin’s Festival with his best friend and his beloved Muerlin, the Pythoness (a powerful descendant of Ramuh) and Queen of Willownoire, who snuck away from her kingdom to partake in the festivities. Unfortunately, she is no where to be found. Prompto pouts in slight worry. Knowing the empire was here, it wasn’t safe for such a powerful entity to be roaming the streets alone to potentially be harmed by the imperial army, let alone the love of his life.

“She’s probably out with Cindy somewhere having girl time...”, the Crown Prince Noctis tried to reassure his panicked friend. It worked. Prompto had forgotten that Muerlin and Cindy were pretty good friends. They met on Muerlin’s travels throughout Eos years ago. He chuckled wholeheartedly. “Yeah, you’re probably right”. They proceeded to leave the Leville and rejoin the festivities.

Morning, turned to afternoon, afternoon to evening and there was still no sign of the queen. Prompto grew more and more impatient as time progressed. “Gahh...where could she be? Lestallum is only SO big. There’s no way we shouldn’t have found her by now!” The blonde’s eyes widened in slight panic as he started going through his phone for the millionth time. Maybe she texted? Maybe she called? He forwarded his eyebrow and disappointment and worry. Nothing. “Uggghhh”, the blonde groaned in frustration. Maybe she was mad at him? But what could he have POSSIBLY done wrong? Okay...he was faulty at times, but not THAT bad. Maybe something came up in Willownoire and she had to go? No...she would have definitely said something. Especially since they never really get much time together anyway. Prompto gasped in fear before texting her for the hundredth time. “What if she was taken by Imperials?!” Noct rolled his eyes slightly. “Prompto”. “Or what if she was attacked by daemons?! Why can’t she just STAY. WHERE. THERE’S. LIGHT.” “Prompto”. “OR WHAT IF SHE GOT ATTACKED BY A BEHEMOTH?! THEY EAT PEOPLE!!!!”, the blonde shrieked in terror. “Prompto!”, Noct grabbed onto his panicking friend’s shoulder pulling him to the side. “Breathe!”, the prince loudly whispered, “we both know Muerlin would be fine against a behemoth. She’s got one as a pet back in Willownoire”. “Not all behemoths are as cuddly as Friday, Noct!” Prompto protested. The raven haired prince sighed. “You’re getting too worked up over this”, he continued on. “She’s probably just out here having a little fun like the rest of us”. Noctis returned his gaze to his friend who was glaring in his direction. The prince starred back wide eyed and gulped slightly. Prompto’s usual innocent shimmery blue eyes were nearly blackened as his glare pierced through his friend like daggers. “...wh-what?” Prompto quickly darted his eyes slightly to look at Noctis before returning them to their original position. Realizing whatever Prompto was starring at was behind him, Noctis pivoted to the side to see what his friend’s eyes were so fixated on. Only to forward his brow in shock at Muerlin by one of the snack stations chatting it up with an attendee. “...who is that...?”, Prompto hissed behind Noctis, sending a chill up his friend’s spine. “Dunno....buuuuuut he certainly is liking what he sees”. The man very crudely admiring Muerlin’s prominent features. Her outfit was anything less than revealing in some areas. Rather tight fitted and, like Prompto, she wasn’t really one for sleeves. Noctis turned back to face his friend who was very furiously tapping on his phone, his eyes never leaving the woman. When he lowered the phone, the prince returned his gaze to the man whose attention was now at the woman’s phone. His seemingly annoyed facial expression probed Muerlin to lift her phone from her pocket. Her eyes widened at the plethora of missed calls and texts from her beloved blonde that was suddenly returned by a smirk and a light chuckle as she read the most recent text.

“Bar. Now.”

She pocketed her phone with a mischievous grin before bidding the man farewell. As she retreated, the blonde scoffed as the man starred at Muerlin’s ass while she walked away, bitting his lip. He glanced up, his eyes landing on the two men staring at him from a distance. Particularly the freckled blonde glaring at him with clenched fists. The man’s eyes shifted to the direction of the woman he was just speaking to before returning to Prompto’s. Realizing he was the one who had been texting and calling her, he returned the young man’s glare with a devilish toothy grin and a wink before continuing his work. A furious Prompto stepped forward to approach the man before being abruptly stopped by his princely best friend. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”, Noctis nonchalantly asked his friend with an intense stare and forwarded brow. Prompto wanted more than anything to teach that piece of garbage a lesson...but Noct was right...he did have somewhere to be and someone else to deal with. “Right...”, the blonde responded in a calmer tone before turning his back on the man and hastily made his way to the bar.

 Chapter III | Chapter IV | Chapter V

@ravagekamisama @aquathemermaidstripper @digitalkanvas @prettyprompto

Special Guest OC: Six Ulric created by @insomniasix

Word Count: 5,954

Three years later…

“Muerlin…..”, a soft voice stirred the silver haired 8 year old from her slumber. 

“Muerlin”. The girl awoke to see her older sister lightly shoving her arm with a light smile. 

“Luna?…”, the young princess groggily manages to speak, in a light accent over the years of living as a Nox Flueret, receiving a small giggle from her more composed, more awake sibling. 

“Rise and shine”. 

The silver haired girl groaned at the bright sun that blinded her through the curtains. “What time is it?”, she asked in a slur. 

“A quarter after 9″. The girl groaned looking toward the 13 year old in disappointment. “Do I really have to get up now?”, the girl complained before pulling her pillow over her head, her voice muffled. “You’re the Oracle, not me”.

“Muerlin”, the older girl firmly spoke, “Lucis has been our alley for centuries. You’re just as much apart of this family as I am. Besides, I promised Noctis that he would see you at least once while he was here”.

Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum of the Lucian Empire was recently involved in a horrific accident, involving a daemon, nearly taking his life and in a desperate act to save his beloved son, King Regis requested the aid of the Oracle to heal him. 

Rolling her eyes at her sister’s nagging, though admiring her devotion, the young princess rose from her pillow to stretch her arms over her head with a yawn. 

“Yes, ma’am”. 

“I’m NOT a ma’am!” the elder sister retorted at her joke. 

“Are so”, Muerlin teased as she made a silly face at her annoyed sibling. 

“Just get ready”, Luna chuckled at her sister’s playfulness. “Mother says to be on our best behavior. Mind listening for a change?”, she smirked before exiting the room. 

“Yeah, yeah…”, the silver haired girl rubbed her eyes before forwarding her brows in offense. 

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN ‘FOR A CHANGE’?”

Some time later, the sleepy princess finally rose from her bed, showered and got dressed. As she fixed the sleeves of her light green dress, she lifted her gaze to her mirror to examine herself. She smirked in slight disappointment. 

She looked strange in light colors. Like she was trying too hard…and what was up with these dresses? They looked great on Luna, but they made Muerlin look sooooo stupid. 

Like….a weird little bunny. 

Especially since Queen Sylva had the servants cut her hair. It was trimmed down to a boy cut, but her bangs still low enough to cover the right side of her face. It looked nice and it was a LOT easier to maintain. 

It was Eirenne’s best feature….now if only she had some decent outfits. The girl sighed lightly as she stared at herself in her mirror. Even though she didn’t really care for the bright colors and frills, the silver haired girl had to admit…she looked far better than she did before. There was a glow to her features. No longer shrouded by lingering depression. No longer at the mercy of others, but actually appreciated. 

Still….why did she feel so…hollow?

Let’s face it…she wasn’t really Luna’s sister…she wasn’t really a Nox Flueret. She had no idea what she was…but she definitely wasn’t this. 

It haunted her so because she loved her family so dearly…but she wasn’t one of them. She didn’t really belong…and then there was this strange print. Still staring in the mirror, she lowered her gaze to her right wrist, currently covered with a thick bracelet. It had to remain hidden…Eirenne had no flaws. 

Eirenne was perfection. Eirenne….was a Nox Flueret. 

Muerlin wasn’t. 

Muerlin was damaged…angry…alone. Flawed. Imperfect. Disgraceful.

How did Luna see beauty in Muerlin? How could she? When all he saw was….power.

Tears began to fill the girl’s eyes as she lifted her hand to her head. It trembled as she placed it upon the area where he clutched onto her silver locks, yanking them at their roots. The pain was still very fresh in her mind as well as his words…his desire to witness her agony and smile. His sinister grin plastered in her memory. His chilled touch still putting goosebumps on her delicate skin. She shivered and sobbed at the sound of his chilling voice echoing through her head.

“You miss me, don’t you?”

“No…”, she whimpered to herself.

“You will come back to me…”

“No…I won’t…don’t touch me..”, she began to panic, his voice growing louder.

“You are mine….and you always will be”.

“Leave me alone…”, she started pounding at her head with her small fist. “Get out…”.

“You can’t escape me…”.

“Get out..”, she whimpered.

The echos intensified, becoming almost inaudible. Like there was 30 of him roaming her head. She sobbed lightly as she curved herself into a ball and released a blood curdling scream before a large freezing hand suddenly clutched upon her mouth.

“Hey”.

A light and calm voice awoke the girl from her trance. She blinked twice realizing she was still standing in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. The voices ceased. Silence engulfed the room. She turned her head toward the door to see a raven haired boy with deep blue eyes. He was dressed in black and in a wheelchair. Relieved and slightly startled, the girl finally replied.

“Hi”.

“You’re Eirenne, right? Luna’s sister”.

She nodded. “Y-yeah”.

“She said that you would probably be here still”.

“Oh…are you Noctis?”

“Yeah…it’s nice to meet you”.

“You too….”, the girl wrinkled her lips a bit. She wasn’t really good at making conversation, but she didn’t want to seem rude. “Where are you going?”

“Oh…I’m not really sure. I kinda just wanted to look around…I don’t really know my way around though". 

He looked rather shy…like a babe in the wood. If anything she should’ve been more nervous. After all, she was the false princess. Yet, this was such a breeze. She was the one that felt at home. 

“I can go with you”, she offered. “That way you won’t get lost…if you want”.

“Sure”, the young prince accepted. The girl approached the boy taking hold of his wheelchair and began pushing him through the hall. There was silence for a while. Smiles from the servants, friendly waves, as the children made their way to Lunafreya’s field of sylleblossoms on the far side of the palace. She parked the wheelchair in the center of the field and sat next to her new friend. A light breeze blew through their hair.

“So…what’s it like being the Prince?”

The boy twisted his face before giggled lightly at her question.

“Shouldn’t you know?”, he turned to look at her. “You are a Princess”.

“Not really…I don’t feel like one…”, the girl shamefully admitted.

“Why not?…You’re Luna’s sister”, his voice so innocent, “and she’s a princess”.

“I guess…”, she replied in a melancholy sigh. 

The boy was slightly uncertain of what to say to her. He shifted his gaze to his small trembling hands.

“How old are you?”, the girl turned toward the boy.

“Eight”. Same age as her.

“Do you have any friends?”

“Luna…”.

Was that it? The Crown Prince of Lucis, not a real friend in the world, other than her sister. Lunafreya. Just like her. Not a real friend in the world. Although, unlike him, she had no scars.

“My dad…is kind of busy a lot…and I kind of don’t really talk to anybody and then when I came here…I met Luna…she’s been really nice and…she takes care of me”. The boy smiled lightly while he praised his dear friend.

“What about you?”

The girl shook her head as she stared into the horizon. The blossoming blue buds swaying in the breeze.

“What?”, the young prince asked, appalled. The girl noticed his reaction in her periphery. “Not even from school?”

“I don’t go to school. Ravus, Luna and I have tutors”. To be honest, she wasn’t really allowed to leave the palace. The rules are to not go unsupervised, but given the fact that she really didn’t have anywhere to go, she realized that was just a fancy way of saying “no”. Unbeknownst to her, the queen’s worry of her adoptive daughter’s identity and well-being is really why the girl remained cooped up inside House Flueret.

She thought of her sister for a moment and realized…she didn’t really have any real friends either. Of course, she was adored by everyone who met her, but…none of them were really friends. She was sure the Cornw Prince of Lucis had his fair share of cheeks pinches by nice clingy old ladies from time to time too and yet…he had spent more time in loneliness…and Luna was his haven.

“Do you like my sister?”

Noct rose his gaze toward her, with a light blush in his cheeks.

“Well…I mean…we’re friends”, he looked toward the morning sky, “she’s great”.

The girl lightly giggles at him leaving the boy blushing deeper.

“W-what?!”, he stammered over his words leaving her giggling more.

“What’s so funny?!”, the boy exclaimed in embarrassment.

“You have a crush on Luna!”, she teased.

“Do not!”, Noct retorted.

Aside from her amusement, she was happy that he cared for Luna so much…maybe just as much as she did. Maybe more.

“Thank you…for being her friend, Noctis”, she smiled at the boy with such sincerity, his cheeks returned to their natural hue.

“Oh…you’re welcome”.

She returned her gaze to the horizon as the sun peaked over.

“And…y’know…”, the prince hesitantly started, “we could be friends too”.

The girl’s eyes widened at his words before she turned back toward him to see if he was serious.

He was? REALLY?

She nodded in delight. “Okay”. She felt a warmth in her cheeks.

“There you are”, a light voice echoed from behind the children.

They turned their attention toward the source. Lunafreya delicately approached the two with a graceful smile upon her face.

“Oh, hey Luna”, the boy greeted, clearly delighted to see her. The silver haired girl rolled her eyes at the young prince. He definitely liked her. She rose to her feet, dusting off her dress.

“Hi, sis”.

“I see you two have gotten acquainted”, Luna rose her eyebrow slightly toward her sister as she smiled.

That was the face Luna made when she was right about something. A face that was sorely hated by her younger sister especially since Luna was right most of the time.

“Yeah. We’re friends now”. The girl crossed her arms refusing to look at her elder sister.

“I’m glad”, Luna replied. Her tone was sincere. She was actually happy. This shouldn’t have surprised the silver haired girl for Luna was naturally really nice, but for some reason it did.

Eirenne made a friend. That was something to be happy about…right?

“Eirenne!”

A low voice echoed from the other side of the field toward the palace, alarming the three children.

Ravus waved toward his youngest sister. “Come on! Your tutor is here!”

The girl sighed and slumped in a dramatic fashion receiving a giggle from the Crown Prince. She gave him a sassy glare. “Sorry”, the boy responded with a chuckle.

“It’s only for an hour”, Luna tried to reassure her sibling as she retreated toward the palace.

“That’s like….a billion years in dog years”.

Luna giggled at her sister’s offense. “Well, then lets be happy we aren’t dogs”.

“Hurry up!”, Ravus shouted.

“I’m coming, I’m coming! Sheesh…”, the girl retorted as she jogged toward the 16 year old.

“She’s funny”, Noctis commented to Luna in a giggle as she watched her sister in slight worry. Despite her seemingly playful attitude, something seemed…off.

Ravus’ eyebrows forwarded at the child sluggishly walking in front of him. Usually when he walked her, the whole way was nothing less of constant complaining. The reason why he had to walk her in the first place was because she used to hide for the whole hour until her tutor gave up waiting and left, but this time she didn’t bother putting up the slightest fuss and that unsettled the young man. Something was bothering her. He could sense the rain cloud floating above his sister’s head. She was 8 years his junior and her constant bursts of energy often annoyed the heck out of him, but he still loved his sister dearly and she knew it…but she often felt a burden to her brother and because of this, she would never openly tell him what was wrong. Not unless he asked first.

“Hey”, Ravus called to the girl, stopping in his tracks and crossing his arms.

She turned toward him in slight confusion, “…what?” He looked mad. She got kind of nervous as her mind raced wondering what she could’ve possibly done wrong now.

“What’s the matter with you?”

His tone toward her was generally pretty unwelcoming, but it still often rubbed her the wrong way. “What?”, her response slightly sassy.

The boy smirked a bit. He found it amusing when she tried to act tough, but he really was worried so he softened his tone.

“You hate when your tutor shows up. Yet today you seem like you don’t even care”.

“So…?”

“So…that’s not like you. Which means something must be wrong”. The boy pivoted slightly to lean his back against the wall, his arms still crossed. “And we are not going anywhere until you tell me what it is”.

She lowered her gaze to the shiny, speckled floors. Staring at her reflection. Warm tears filled her eyes, her breaths slightly choked by light sobs. Ravus’ eyes filled with concern.

“…am I…bad?…”

The young prince’s heart sank at his sister’s question as she lifted her tearful gaze to meet his. Her face drenched with salty tears that dripped from her cheek onto the floors. Ravus knelt down in front of his sister.

“Hey, hey….where is this coming from?”

“…everyone calls me a princess…but…I’m not really one of you….”.

“Eir-”, Ravus started.

“You all call me Eirenne….Eirenne is a princess….a Nox Flueret…she’s one of you….but…I’m not…I……I don’t even know what I am”, she finally admitted, hanging her head in shame. Her sobs echoing through the halls. Ravus softened his eyes at his dear sister as a sweet smile stretched across his face.

“I know what you are…”, the young prince replied as he lightly placed his finger underneath her chin, delicately lifting her gaze to meet his.

“Hmm…?”

“You’re my sister…no matter what else you may or may not be…to anyone else”.

What?

“And I love you very much”.

“…because I’m your sister?”

“Because…you’re you”, he gently boops her nose, emitting a small giggle from the girl as she wiggled it. He smiled, noticing her sorrows had ceased, before looking toward the clock.

“Well, you’re late…”, he stated before he rose to his feet, “…we should get going to avoid any trouble”. He strolled past the silver haired girl proceeding to take her to her tutor, but suddenly stopped when he noticed she wasn’t following. He turned back toward the girl with a raised eyebrow.

“What?”

“There’s something else…but I have to ask mom”.

Ravus released a light sigh. “Might as well…not much chance of you learning anything at this point”.

The girl rolled her eyes. Looks like he was back to his normal self.

On the far side of the palace, Queen Sylva enjoyed a cup of tea on her personal balcony delightfully marveling her kingdom. Her citizen’s going about their busy days, their smiles bright and carefree. She shut her eyes as she took a deep breath, taking it all in. Absolute bliss.

“Mother…?”

The queen was awaken from her daydreams to her youngest daughter’s soft voice. She smiled at the child as she shyly approached.

“Goodmorning, my darling”, the queen gracefully greeted.

“G-goodmorning”, the girl hesitantly spoke, “..am I interrupting?”

“Oh, no, of course not, love. Come. Join me”, she lightly patted thee plush white chair across from her welcoming her daughter to sit.

As she sat down, a small crystal glass plate of sugar cookies caught her eye. Her eyes widened at the sugary treats, before she lifted her gaze to her mother who responded with a light giggle.

“Go on”, she permitted. The girl hastily grabbing a cookie, shoving it into her mouth.

“Mmmmmmm”. She shut her eyes as the sweet sensation danced upon her tongue. The queen emitted a small giggle as she poured her daughter a cup of tea.

“Slow down, my love, you’ll choke”. Sylva smiled at her daughter as she continued to indulge in her morning dessert. She returned her gaze to her marvelous kingdom as the sun lite up the stone and the streams.

“So, how was tutoring?”

The girl halted at her mother’s question.

“It is still within the hour. I’ve never known for lessons to end so early”.

She raised a slightly suspicious eyebrow at her daughter while still welcoming a smile.

“Um….”, she swallowed making a gulp sound, “I didn’t go…”.

“I figured so”, she replied firmly making her slightly nervous as she bowed her head and stopped eating.

Sweet child….she looked just like her mother. So beautiful, so innocent, yet…harboring such pain and she doesn’t know what to do with it….or how to deal with it.

“What’s wrong, my love?”, Sylva kindly asked her daughter, concern in her voice.

The girl lifted her gaze to her mother’s. “I….um…well….I”.

“Darling…”, the queen smiled at the silver haired girl, “relax”.

The girl straightened herself up, in an attempt to block out her obvious nervousness. “…I want to go to school”.

The queen’s eyes widened at her daughter’s statement.

“That so?”

The girl nodded purposefully. Very determined to get her point across, despite being nervous.

“…and why would you want that?”, the queen nonchalantly asked as she sipped her tea, only wishing to understand her reasoning.

“W…well…I just…I’m not special like Ravus and Luna…and…I just…want to have something…that’s just…me”.

Sylva gazed upon her daughter, impressed with her wishes for independence amongst her siblings, while also feeling a strap of guilt for her sense of lost identity. This whole time the queen wanted nothing more than her safety against those who would rather have her for her power, but all the while, she’s been isolated from the entire kingdom that was meant to be her home.

“Muerlin…”.

The girl lifted her gaze to her mother, her eyes slightly widened, with a raised eyebrow.

With all her grace, the queen gently placed her hand upon her daughter’s plush cheek. 

“You are special…you are beautiful, unique and will amount to wondrous things in the future….you’re much more than you will ever know…”, she smiles reassuringly, “…anyone you meet at school would be blessed by the Gods to call you their friend”. 

The silver haired girl’s eyes lit up. “Does that mean…?” 

Sylva responds with a light nod. “Absolutely, my lo-ooh!” 

The princess leaped from her seat embracing her mother tightly. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” The queen laughed returning her daughter’s embrace. “I promise, I’ll do REALLY good! And I’ll make lots of friends and then you’ll be proud of me!”, the girl insisted in an elated tone. 

“I will always be proud of you, my precious flower, promise me you’ll remember that”. 

“Promise”, the girl replied before her mother placed a gentle, loving kiss against her forehead. 

A few days later… 

“What do you mean he has to gooooooo?”, the silver haired girl whined to her big sister.

“Muerlin”, Lunafreya giggled, “you didn’t think he was going to stay forever did you?”

“Yes!!”

King Regis was returning to Tenebrae to take Noctis back to Lucis today. He was still impaired, but wasn’t far from full recovery.

“Muerlin, he is the Chosen King. He cannot stay here forever”.

“But you loooooooove him!”, the child whined to her older sister.

Luna’s cheeks flushed at her sister’s comment, releasing a small sigh.

“Besides, I was finally starting to get good at this friend crap…”.

Luna turned toward the girl, who was sitting criss crossed on her bed, her arms folded in frustration in a pout. Awww, how cute. She was just upset because she was going to miss her new friend.

“We can visit him in Lucis anytime you want, you know”.

The child lifted her gaze to her sibling who reassured her with a smile.

The silver haired girl returned the smile. “Okay”, she replied gleefully with a nod.

“For now, I better fetch Noctis. The King will be here shortly so make sure you’re properly dressed”.

The child hopped from the bed and curtsied at the baby blue blonde in a dramatic fashion. “As you wish, Lady Lunafreya”.

The elder princess giggled at her sister before returning the curtsy and retreating from the room.

A short time later, the young princess was examined herself in her best white dress. White used to look terrible on her when her hair was longer. She looked like a weirdo, but now that it was short, she figured she could get used to it. White was DEFINITELY Eirenne’s color.

As she marvelled her reflection, her eyes abruptly shifted to the dark figure in the corner of her mirror.

“The princess resembles winter’s snow…beauty above all”.

She turned toward her door with a large smile. “Goodmorning, Gentiana”.

“Goodmorning, Lady Eirenne”.

The girl skipped to the tall woman. “Do you really think I look pretty?”

Gentiana nodded softly emitting a delighted giggle from the girl.

“The King awaits in the fields”.

“Oh! He’s here already?! Well, let’s go!” The girl raced to meet her family and the Lucians, Gentiana following close behind.

When they arrived, the silver haired girl stood in awe as she gazed upon the King of Lucis. He was tall, wore a black suit and looked….like Noctis, but…scarier? As he conversed with Sylva, she noticed a general kindness in his eyes. He shifted his gaze to the small child staring at him from afar. He forwarded his brow slightly while greeting her with a smile.

As he focused onto her eyes, he noticed a slight…familiarity. 

They displayed such innocence, curiosity…they flicked like a calm fire underneath the lagoon surface. Although, the fire didn’t rage…. It…..danced. A playful sensation by such a destructive device. A truly hidden strength. It reminded him of…. 

“Ceres…?" 

His voice was no louder than a whisper. The queen rose an eyebrow at the king before turning to see her daughter standing behind them. As she was about to address her, a woman in a dark grey and black suit with long black hair, a scar that ran across her right eye lightly, placed a hand upon the king’s shoulder. 

"Your Highness….”. 

The King averted his gaze to the woman before he turned his attention into the direction she was looking. Sylva joined the two. The curious girl raised her eyebrow before noticing her sister approaching with the Crown Prince in his wheelchair, looking much better than he did the last she saw him. She skipped forward taking position next to Ravus as the two approached. Pleasant smiles covered everyone’s faces, sighs of relief of the prince’s health escapes their lungs. Everyone was in such a good mood. It wasn’t everyday that Ravus smiled. He was kind of a butt like that, but here he was….happier than he usually seemed. It was so refreshing to see everyone in such high spirits. To finally see everyone happy…she closed her eyes, basking in the joyous moment. Nothing could possibly take this away. 

Or so she thought… 

Suddenly a loud bang awoke the girl from her daze. Her ears rang as the explosive sound echoed through her sensitive ears. A small sting surged through her arm as she felt an unknown object graze her arm. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion as the ringing in her ears rattled the girl’s mind. A familiar shriek alerted the girl. She returned her gaze to her front…to witness Queen Sylva collapse to her knees in front of this large figure….his mighty sword yanked from her chest. 

Tears poured from the girl’s eyes as her mother fell to the ground…dead. Her body paralyzed by her fear and the pain that coursed through her. 

“King Regis! HELP US!" 

She shifted her gaze to her brother, on his knees, his sleeve coated in blood, as he cried desperately to the King. 

"LUNA!!" 

She pivoted slightly to witness the King fleeing, Noctis on his shoulder reaching toward her elder sister who stood calmly in the distance. As the girl reached toward Luna, her arms trembling….her vision was abruptly shrouded by black. 

All was quiet. 

There were no sounds of screams. 

No smell of smoke. 

No crackling of the flames. 

No taste of blood as it coated the air. 

The only sound was of the rapid beating within the child’s chest and her heavy pants as she finally learned to breathe again. Her eyes darted all around. Or at least…they felt like they were. It was far too dark for her to really tell. Pitch black. Like an eternal void of nothing.

A few moments later, the girl was abruptly blinded by the afternoon sun. Though it was slightly blocked by a tall figure in front of her.

“She alright?”

“All seems well…I think you for your aid”.

“No problem…take care, your majesty”.

As the girl’s eyes finally adjusted, the brown eyed Gentiana knelt in front of the princess, worry evident in her face.

“Lady Eirenne…”.

The young girl stared at the woman, confused to what just happened.

“Are you alright?”

She looked around, panting heavily.

“Where are we…?”

“The far side of the kingdom…worry not, we are alone”.

It must’ve been the furthest side of the kingdom. The young princess had never been here before. Then again, she had never really been anywhere before.

“Who was that…?”, the girl noticed the other figure was gone.

“A loyal glaive”, the woman in black replied with a smile.

The small girl rose to her feet and strolled past Gentiana before abruptly coming to a halt. She stared at the kingdom from afar, smoke engulfed the air above the palace. Her home. At that sight…the horror she witnessed, it all came rushing back.

But….it could not be real…it wasn’t…right?

“Lady Eirenne….”.

The girl slowly turned toward the kneeling woman, gazing into her brown eyes. The hot tears that filled her lagoon pools broke Gentiana’s heart as she awaited the girl’s response.

“Where’s my mommy…?”

“…Lady Muerlin…”, Gentiana lightly whispered to the child. She wanted to deny the truth, but she knew….the woman knew she knew.

“Where’s my mommy?”, her tone was louder. Tears streaming down her cheeks.

Gentiana silently gazed into her eyes. The girl unsatisfied with the woman not answering her question turned away to run back to the palace before two arms wrapped themselves around her pulling her into Gentiana’s chest.

“NOOO!”, the girl screamed as she her small body tried to escape the woman’s grip. “WHERE’S MY MOMMY?!”, her small fists pounded against the tearful woman’s arms and chest. “WHERE IS SHE?!” She turned back toward the flames in the distance desperately reaching forward. “RAVUS!!” Gentiana felt a slight pressure against her body that increased the more the girl panicked. She noticed the child’s pearly white glove began to slowly tear, revealing her black fingers. The earth beneath them began to tremble under their feet. “LUNAAAAAAA!!!” The girl’s scream erupted a telekinetic pulse toward a barren land form nearby. Her rage and frustration shattered the massive land form.

Gentiana pulled the girl against her chest, her hand gently placed upon her head in a gently pet, ceasing her scream. The woman’s black garnets soaked with the tears that poured from the child’s eyes.

There was no denying it now….her mother was gone.

Tenebrae was lost.

A several weeks later…

The storm had seemingly ended, but people were still recovering from what it left in its wake.

When Gentiana and the young princess returned to the palace. They were greeted by an army of Imperial Soldiers, much to the girl’s dismay. Memories of depression, betrayal and pain flooded her mind. She remembered that slimy Chief Besithia. She remembered…him. The soldiers present in the room turned to look at her. The fear that roamed her body sent her into a cold sweat. One began to approach her before the woman in black intervened.

“Lady Eirenne wishes to be with her family”, she stated firmly. The soldier paused for a moment before stepping to the side allowing them to pass. The girl looked confused at the imperials. They weren’t trying to attack her or grab at her. They didn’t even look like they recognized her. What was up with that? Maybe he forgot about her….

Then again….maybe not.

Gentiana led the girl into the drawing room where Lunafreya waited. 

“Muerlin…” She sighed in relief at her sister’s return. “Thank the stars you’re alright”, she embraced the child. The silver haired girl returned her embrace.

“Mommy’s dead…”, the girl whimpered.

“I know…”, the elder girl replied.

The child looked around the room. “Where’s Ravus?”

“I don’t know…”, Luna calmly answered desperately trying to soothe her sister. She continued to hold her tightly as Ravus’ faint screaming was heard somewhere in the palace. Tears streamed down the princess’ bronze cheeks as she finally accepted her reality. She was a prisoner…again.

Ravus had been recruited to the imperial army. He was seemingly proud of his position though it wasn’t certain. However, he was very open about his new found hatred for King Regis and the Crown Prince of Lucis. He felt like the benevolent king left them for dead. She and Luna knew the truth…Noctis was the Chosen King…and, of course, his son. They understood…and felt no ill will.

The young princess sat in the drawing room on a sofa opposite of a second sofa where Lunafreya sat reading. Ravus stood in front of the fireplace, in his Imperial attire. The only sound in the room was the fire crackling and the pages of Luna’s book turning. The child stared at her mother’s empty chair on the other side of the room, remembering the talk she and her mother had a few days before her death.

“I promise, I’ll do REALLY good! And I’ll make lots of friends and then you’ll be proud of me!”

“I will always be proud of you, my precious flower, promise me you’ll remember that”.

“Promise”.

She sat there in silence for a moment before she clenched her fists, slightly nervous of what she was about to say.

“I want to go to school”, she stated quietly.

Lunafreya looked up from her book to her sister, her eyes widened slightly. Her sister’s eyes never left the fists on her lap.

“What…?”, the 16 year old turned toward his youngest sister.

“I want…to go…to school”. She rose her gaze to meet his. The reflection of the fire behind him flickered in her eyes.

“Why would you even worry about that right now? Our mother is dead and we have been dragged into a war that had nothing to do with and you want to go to school? Why?!”

“Because mom said I could”.

He stood there puzzled for a moment before remembering the day he was walking her to her tutor.

“So that’s what you wanted to talk to her about…”, he sighed. “Why would you want that now? The kingdom is swarming with imperials. It’s not safe”.

“I don’t care. I want to go”.

“Muerlin…”, Luna tried to calmly intervene.

“Mom said I could go and I want to go”.

“Mother isn’t here anymore!! Don’t you remember?!”, the boy shouted. “The people that killed her are roaming the streets in MASS and you want to walk among them, pretending they aren’t there?!”

“I’m not the one who needs to be reminded of whose fault it is for her death!!”, the young princess shouted back storming toward her brother.

“Muerlin”, Luna stood in an attempt to soothe her sister only to be interrupted by Ravus.

“I know who’s responsible!! The Lucian dogs who abandoned us to this hell!!”

“Regis was only looking out for his family, Ravus!!!”

“And who is here to look out and care for us?! You?!”

“I CARE MORE THAN YOU!”

“COMING FROM THE NAIVE CHILD WHO WANTS TO GET HERSELF KILLED TO GO TO SCHOOL!!!”

“MOM SAID-!!!”

“SHE WASN’T EVEN YOUR MOM!!!!”

The rage in the girl’s chest had finally reached it’s peak as she decked her brother in the jaw with all of her strength. The built up telekinetic force knocked him off his feet onto the floor behind him. Ravus stared at his sister, appalled.

“Muerlin, please!”, Luna pleaded grabbing her sister’s wrist only for the girl to violently shake her grip, staring intensely at her brother while desperately trying not to cry.

“You’re not my brother anymore….”, she growled at the boy before darting from the room.

“Muerlin…”, Ravus began to stand as he reached toward his sister, but she was already out of the door.

“Ravus”, Lunafreya started, clearly disappointed in her brother, “you know how she feels…she is already in hiding because she’s the Pythoness. It haunts her everyday…all she has is a name. Nothing to show for it…”.

“…I made a promise to keep her safe, Lunafreya….both of you. You and Muerlin….you’re all I have”.

“Then don’t lose her by allowing her to lose herself…she loved mother just as much as we did…and only wishes to make her proud. Wouldn’t you want the same?”

Ravus sighed at his sister’s words. She was right. That was what he wanted…but he was loyal to the empire now, and had to show it…for the good of the family.

Later that night, the silver haired princess lay awake in bed like she did every night. Reflecting on the events of her day. She mulled over Ravus’ words to her earlier, grumbling in irritation under her breath before she heard her door open. 

“Muerlin”, Lunafreya whispered, “are you still awake?”

“Yeah”, the child nodded.

The delicate blonde entered, shutting the door behind her. “I just wanted to see if you were alright…you weren’t at dinner”.

The young princess bowed her head. “I wasn’t hungry…”, she softly replied.

“Muerlin”, Luna went on, “you know he’s only trying to look out for you…he didn’t mean what he said”.

“I know…still…”.

“What?”, Luna asked as she climbed on her sister’s bed.

“Eirenne Nox Flueret is your sister. Was mother’s daughter….and she’s nothing”, the young princess explained. “I want to be something you all can be proud of….be worthy of being a Nox Flueret”.

“Alright, but there’s something wrong with that”, the blonde scooted closer.

“What?”

“You’re my sister. You are a Nox Flueret. You will always be worthy to everyone you meet because that is who you are”, she smiled, “and you will make all of your friends happy at school”.

The girl’s eyes widened slightly before she returned her smile.

Behind her bedroom door, Ravus stood listening to the girl’s conversation, smiling to himself. He loved her, dearly, and wanted the best for her…but what good was that if she wasn’t happy?

“I can already see it”, Luna gleefully stated, “’look at that beautiful girl with the silver hair!’” She gently ruffled her sister’s hair emitting a small giggle from the child. “They will run up from all over to speak to you”.

“You think so?”

“Absolutely, they wouldn’t be able to resist”, she insisted. “What would you say back?”

The girl imagined the scenario, taking a deep breath, a kind smile stretched across her face.

Prologue| Chapter I

@ravagekamisama @aquathemermaidstripper @digitalkanvas @prettyprompto @insomniasix

The sun set awakened my slumber for the night holds the key. The key to quiet. We never realize the beauty of nature until it’s all that surrounds us, or until its gone. Willownoire. The forest of old. Beckoned the moonlight as it shown over the trees illuminating the veins in its bark, the roots at its base, the soil pulsating under my feet at every step. The flower petals glistened like a blue fire within. The subtle breeze blowing its crystal like pollen past your nose. Your eyes could follow the crystal shards into the sky and you would stop at the coeurl curled up on top of a large branch cleaning its paw. Beautiful creatures. So delicate and poised, yet electrifyingly dangerous. Still peaceful in the right setting. As were the other creatures that roamed freely and peacefully among the forest, among the people who reside within these trees. Hidden from the metallic civilizations that lie beyond the dirt and grass. Everyone….everything had a soul here. Peace. Love. Tranquility. We do not fret to misfortune and we do not fear the storm…for I am it’s sender and this was my kingdom. Welcome the downpour as it blessed my beloved and I with a humble gift, a child of royalty, beauty, and power. Asteria Zephyr; the Pythoness. She grew alongside the behemoths, brash and strong, yet elegant and beautiful. Her silver hair danced through the wind. Summoner of storms, telepathically bound to the elements. Seeing and hearing all. Adapted to all aspects of life. Knowing peace. The Astrals, as I, were not always the Gods among the elements, but the keepers of the peace. The deliverance from evil. A brotherhood of none other. Titan, Shiva, Leviathan, Bahamut, beside me to marvel at her glory in our conquest for peace. Perfection. Beloved by all. As well as those who could end her with a mere flame of a kiss. A man, so unruly yet charming, witnessed the beauty from afar. Unraveled by her angelic form, the rage of the storm surging through her veins, the burning passion brewing in his chest. In his eyes. I could sense it. He would bring destruction of everything I loved. He wooed the innocent fawn with his treacherous gaze to which I ceased without a strap of hesitation. The glare he returned to me chilled my bones to the core, but I firmly stood. Do not fret, they all said, she is a goddess among us. They judged my worry and my fear and advised I ceased for I am the storm. I am not to know fear. But I knew what remained of my heart would soon cease to exist. The man, so cunning with his ways, slowly convinced Asteria of my foolishness. That they were destined to love for eternity. That their souls were to be forever bound and to blossom. With this, the man took my beloved Asteria under the stars, illuminated by the moon. I sought to end this, but my dear Asteria would not see harm come to her beloved. She beseeched I end my worrisome ways and allow her to be free to love and know peace with the man. Alas, I sided against it much to her dismay. My beloved ashamed of my decision to break our daughter’s heart. I knew no good was to come of this man, but the thought of losing Asteria was more than my old bones could bare. I ceased my ambitions on the sole condition that he would never be given my blessing to marry my beloved child. Although her glee cooled my nerves, I felt the devil’s flame brewing beneath my feet. The man was furious, burning in anger. He loved the Pythoness and wanted nothing more in this world than to make her his own. It was his mission. His goal and he was to achieve it by any means he saw fit. The man approached my throne asking once more for Asteria’s hand in marriage, only for me to refuse. He asked once and only once before he swiftly exited and began to lay waist to my forest, to the people residing within it, with ravaging flames. The crystals were replaced with embers and floated through the blackened wind. He asked once more for Asteria’s hand. I refused. Before my eyes, my beloved was slain by a swift slice to her throat. She fell dead into my arms as I knelt cradling her corpse. The man approached and asked once more. I refused yet again. The man lunged toward my body to strike his final blow before as I hurled a bolt of lightning toward him. I was prepared to die as long as my beloved daughter would never have to live under his scourge. Just as he closed in, my dearest Asteria intercepted the blade of her beloved. No longer allowing him to lay waist to her home. Betrayed and heartbroken, the man hurled his sword into Asteria’s heart. Her blood seeped into the dirt below mixed with her salted tears as the pain seared through her fragile body. Placing her hands upon the blade, the raging flames scorched her pure essence. Her hands quivered and turned to black as the man’s vengeful daemonic essence seeped through her veins up her arms. Her legs were limp as her body chilled welcoming her death. Her weak state allowed his essence to engulf her legs. Accepting her fate, she raised her head to the man before her body began to illuminate a radiant blue from the moonlight’s gentle touch. He stared on in anger and impaled her once more. She was dying, but she still breathed, still had power. “I will not stop you…but you shall never claim me as your prize”. At her final words, the man withdrew his sword from his lover’s body, all evidence of life escaped her as her body fell to the dirt in a pile of ash. The man looked upon me, such fury emitting from his eyes. She was dead, but not gone. Asteria’s final wish, her final spell, to grant her spirit back to my being to one day deem worthy a new prodigy. A new Pythoness. The man reverted himself to a calmed tone. Grazed his blade against his palm sweating to me, an oath in blood. “Ramuh, King of Willownoire….I pledge, whenever you deem a putrid soul a worthy vessel…I will be there…somehow…someway..I will be there…and when the power of the Pythoness is in my hands….you will remember this name”. Ifrit. It was a name that was scarred into my mind. Branded in my memory for eternity, but I knew no fear. For I…am the storm.

Prologue |Chapter I| Chapter II

@ravagekamisama @aquathemermaidstripper @digitalkanvas @prettyprompto @insomniasix

5 years later… 

 “Your highness…..”, said a soft muffled voice. “Your highness….please do wake up”, the voice was slightly louder before a hand is placed against the girl’s small arm. The girl shivered and whimpered at the man’s cold touch before she opened her eyes barely turning to view whomever was disturbing her. “Goodmorning, dear Muerlin”, Imperial Chancellor Ardyn Izunia greeted her with a grin, “did you sleep well?”. She leaned forward to sat on her bed, rubbing the sleepiness from her big teal eyes, and nodded at him with a small “mm-hm”. “Excellent”. The girl looked out her window to the left of her bed. White. Always just white. She let out a small sigh of disappointment even though the sight was all that she was familiar with. “Are you hungry, my dear?”, Ardyn lightly asked the girl which she responded by shaking her head as she usually did. She rarely spoke. Never smiled. This cold, sank compound didn’t really scream fun and it seemed everyone here was just as metallic as the building itself so what point where there in smiling? No one ever seemed to look happy. Honestly, no one ever seemed to look like anything. The depressing state was enough to break anyone. Even the spirit of a child, but you can’t break what you never had. Or ever got the chance to have. But…that’s Niflheim for ya. “Why don’t we take a walk?”, Muerlin exhaled hard. He said that every morning. It was routine. They’d take a talk, he’d get caught up with something, tell her to run along for a while and she’d wander the compound until he was finished and then he’d find her. He ALWAYS found her. No matter where either of them were. It was like he was constantly watching. Like a vulture. There were many days where she wanted to just stay in her room and this happened to be one of those days, but she reluctantly nodded her head before climbing out of bed and taking the Chancellor’s hand. “Wonderful..off we go”, he said trying to sound cheerful like it’s ever worked anytime he’s tried. It never has. Why was he always in such a good mood? How could he be? He must’ve found some amusement being in this place all the time. Whatever it was, he never shared it with her. He wasn’t exactly fair, but he was nice and was the only one there that wasn’t a total creep. Well….he was still a creep. Everyone was, but he was the kind of creep that you could get used to. She trusted him. He seemed to actually enjoy her company when she followed him and even though his hands were always ice cold to her little charcoal paws, he always welcomed them so who cares if he’s creepy? Right? “You know what would be fun?”, Izunia lightheartedly asked the obviously depressed child. Visiting Minister Besithia? “Visiting dear Minister Besithia”. Really? How could that be classified as fun? The girl remained silent as the chancellor rambled about his dear friend. Verstael Besithia was a wacko and Muerlin was pretty sure he hated her. He always seemed like he was trying way too hard to be nice when she showed up with Ardyn resulting in the chancellor kind of hastily asking her to leave. Guess it wouldn’t be helped though. Ardyn entered a code on a keypad in front of Besithia’s lab. He always glanced down at her before entering it to make sure she wasn’t looking. Not that it mattered. She knew the passkey. 547893065. She’s wandered these silent, empty halls for years memorizing every unique sound including the sounds the device made following every digit being pressed. There was a subtle uniqueness to every beep that she assumed no one else really heard. Guess that’s why brilliant Imperial Chancellor Izunia never found out. The door slide open revealing a long circular hallway and a descending staircase. The two began their decent to the lab. “Watch your step, your highness”. Like she’s ever fallen. Please. She forwarded her brow barely in annoyance at his comment. And what was with that title? Your highness? What was THAT supposed to mean? Was it some pet name he came up with thinking that it was supposed to be cute? Or funny? It wasn’t though. Tch…grown ups. Weirdos. Whatever. He called her that all the time and it’s not like he was gonna stop now. The chancellor glanced down to view the adorably confused expression on Muerlin’s adorably chubby cheeked face and let out a chuckle. “Children…”, he stated under his chuckle reverting his gaze back to the front. Muerlin shot up an offended glare at the man. Butthead. Reverting her gaze back to her original state, she felt a small triumph over getting away with “swearing”. Well. In her head anyway. They approached another door without a keypad and it graciously slid open for them. The lab didn’t scare her anymore, but it certainly was eerie. It was much darker than the rest of the compound and there were a lot of people sleeping naked in these giant tubes. Their arms crossed like vampires in coffins. They probably were vampires the more she thought about it. Every morning when she came there they were sleeping and it was so dark in the room. Maybe they woke up at night and put on their fancy shiny suits before going outside to protect them just in case the sun came out before they got home. They all had funny markings on their wrists too. It was probably some sort of secret vampire language, but it always puzzled Muerlin. Why did they all look the same? Why would you need to read the same thing over and over again? Maybe it was so they could tell the good vampires from the bad when they had their shiny suits on. Sort of like a password to a secret club. Although, she didn’t know where the bad vampires would be. Eh, guess it didn’t really matter. Not like she’d ever be get to find out anyway.y “Goodmorning, Minister Besithia!”, the chancellor greeting his friend. “Goodmorning to you, Chancellor Izunia”, he replied before looking toward Muerlin obviously very uncomfortable. She looked up at him awaiting with a rather blank face. Let’s see what he was gonna do today. “Goodmorning…your majesty”. Alright. She could take a hint. Releasing the chancellor’s hand she proceeded toward the exit. Both men watched her cautiously as she exited. She knew the drill. He’d find her. As the door shut behind her, the minister looked to his friend with a concerned expression. “You know it’s only a matter of time, old friend”, he quietly explained, “she is no ordinary child. She is the Pythoness. She’s more intelligent than she appears”. Ardyn still stared at the door listening to his friend’s words. “She doesn’t refrain from speaking due to fear anymore. She is learning things she shouldn’t. Keeping it hidden….at this rate it is a mere matter of days before she is able to summon the Stormsender’s power”. Ardyn’s grin returned to his face before he turned toward his friend. “Not wanting to go through another schism?”, the chancellor joked. “The Lucians already delayed my research….that girl could end it….although I expect her to one day be a most fetching bride”, Besithia stated with a smirk. Ardyn beamed at the thought. His friend wasn’t wrong. She would, indeed, blossom into such a beautiful creature and the chancellor could hardly wait, but first….he would have to permanently make her his own. “I agree. I believe it’s time”. “Excellent”, the slimy Besithia exclaimed with a mischievous smirk, “when do we start?” “First thing tomorrow!”, the chancellor boasted in excitement. “Then we shall celebrate as planned”. “Wonderful”, his friend hissed with pride. “Now, my dear friend, if you’ll excuse me, I must go find my future bride”, the man devilishly grinned before exiting the lab. Meanwhile, Muerlin sat on a bench in front of a large window on the east side of the compound. Her knees hugged against her chest. She shivered slightly at the frosted air emitting from the window. It was freezing, but she liked to watched the snowfall. She liked the jealousy she felt toward every snowflake. Freely drifting through the breeze. Where would they go? They didn’t know. She didn’t know. Where would they end up? Here? There? Anywhere. So much uncertainty was scary, but the journey would be worth it. Or would it? Who’s to tell? It didn’t matter. They were free. Something she would probably never be. Well….honestly, she could be. She knew every code to every door, she knew every nook and craning, everyone’s daily routine. She COULD be free….but what about Ardyn? He would definitely miss her….wouldn’t he? He fed and clothed her, was always there if she needed him. She couldn’t just leave him without saying goodbye. That would be cruel….besides it’s not like anyone could love her like he did. “There you are”, a familiar voice echoed from down the hall. Muerlin lifted her head to see her dear Ardyn approaching her with a smile. Her eyes ever so slightly lit up at his presence slightly surprising the chancellor. “Why, you almost look happy to see me”. She reached for his hand as he got closer and he gently took it. Perplexed by her sudden welcoming behavior, he watched her squeeze his hand as tightly as her tiny fingers could before shifting his gaze to the small smile she gave him. She was so angelic and precious. The way her real eyes twinkled, the light illuminating her bronze face, light freckles upon her nose. Yes. She would, indeed, make the perfect bride. The thought brought a smile to his face. “Let us go, yes? You’ll catch your death of cold sitting next to this window”. She nodded and followed the benevolent chancellor. As they walked, Ardyn peered down to the little girl and sweetly asked “are you hungry?” This time, she was..

 That evening, Ardyn had Muerlin’s favorite dinner entrée prepared. 5 scoops of green tea ice cream topped with chocolate cookies dust, two sticks of strawberry Pocky and a strawberry milkshake. Even though her smile was the equivalent of a small smirk, he could tell she was pleased. He watched her graciously as she stuffed her face with the frozen sweet and loudly slurped her frozen beverage. She made little eye contact with him. She had far too many important things roaming that developing mind. Like how do they make tea….into ice cream? And they should make fatter Pocky sticks. Whoever came up with these twigs was stupid. She knew he was watching her, but she was too intrigued in her “dinner” to really care or wonder what he was thinking about. Probably to ask her for some of her ice cream. She hoped not. She hated sharing, but didn’t really want to tell him no. In reality, the crooked chancellor was envisioning the day he was to marry the young Pythoness. Not Muerlin. The Pythoness. Knowing she would potentially retaliate in the future, he had to ensure that she would comply to his scheme. He and Chief Besithia had had this horrid plan in the works since before she was born. He craved the half daemonic power that coursed through her tiny veins, the blood of the Stormsender at his disposal. A divine slave. As she began to near the bottom of her bowl and cup, she peered to the silent chancellor who sat with his usual creepy, but charming grin. She took the last few spoonfuls of ice cream before gently pushing the bowl away from her and lightly smiling at him signaling that she was finished. “Have you had enough?”, the man asked kindly. She nodded adding a cheerful “mm-hm”. With a light chuckle, he stood from his seat reaching for her hand, “well then, we should get you ready for bed”. She wasn’t really tired, but she begrudgingly lifted herself from her chair, taking the chancellor’s hand and followed him to her room. As they entered her bedroom, Muerlin quickly shuffled toward her dresser in the corner of the room and picked out her pajamas. Ardyn standing by the door with a hand on his hip as he watched her indecisively pick out what she wished to wear to bed. She thought about the blue ones that Ardyn for her for her birthday. They had panda faces all over them, but they itched for some reason. She wanted him to know you appreciate him, but not enough to suffer through that. The white ones with the monkeys on them catch her eye, but the monkeys looked more like poops so she ultimately decided against it. The pink ones with the hearts briefly caught her attention. No. She dug deeper to find a bright yellow t-shirt with a chocobo in the center, that said “KWEH” in big bold letters under the picture of the bird. She lightly smiled at the shirt. It was her favorite. It was much too big for her so it fit her like a baggy dress and she liked it that way. She pulled the shirt from her drawer, Ardyn released a small chuckle. It’s not like he was surprised. She wore that shirt every chance she got. Satisfied with her choice, Muerlin retreated to the bathroom to bathe and put on her shirt. Ardyn remained by the door awaiting the little girl’s return. A short time later, the bathroom door swung open emitting a cloud of steam and a refreshed Muerlin runs out toward her bed and begins to climb up. “Ah-ah-ah”, the chancellor sang, Muerlin quickly turning toward him with an eyebrow raised in confusion. “Did we forget something?”, he asked with a smirk. The girl quietly groaned rolling her eyes before sliding off her bed and trudging back to the bathroom. He followed her leaning himself against the door. She releases an irritated sigh before grabbing a blue toothbrush from a small glass cup sitting next to the facet and a thick tube of mint toothpaste from the opposite side. She squeezed a line of toothpaste onto her toothbrush and lazily placed it into her mouth while adorably glaring up at the maroon-haired chancellor from her still partially fogged mirror. Hmph. Butthead. Bet nobody had to make HIM brush his teeth. After she finished, she placed the bristles under the hot water that ran from the sink before putting it back in its rightful place. “Alright, then”, Ardyn said satisfied before shifting from the entry way to allow Muerlin to exit and head to bed. She climbed up and sat in front of her pillow waiting for the chancellor to tuck her in. He graced her with a smile and pulled her blankets over her small body. She laid herself down upon her thick fluffy pillow. “There we are….goodnight, your highness”. She looked up to the man with the sweetest smile before he gently brushed a long strand of her silver hair from her face. He returned the smile before retreating toward the door. He turned off her light as he exited the room. “Pleasant dreams” he gracefully said to her just as she shut her sparkly teal eyes. As he lightly shut her door, he began to make his way down the hall. A grimacing smiling stretched across his face followed by a mischievous chuckle. “…until tomorrow”, he hissed, “….and for all eternity”. 

  A new white snowy day dawned upon the compound and greeted the young girl with a glare in her small sensitive face. It was early…earlier than she usually got up obviously. Ardyn wasn’t here. Oh, well. At least he’d be proud of her for waking up on her own for once. She climbed out of bed and exited her room proceeding her normal routine making her way toward Chief Besithia’s lab. With any luck, Ardyn would already be there and she was actually feel hungry this morning. She quickened her pace slightly. Maybe they could eat breakfast together. That sounds like fun. She began to lightly skip down the hall. What if he was SO proud of her for waking up early that he’d make chocolate pancakes! Mmmm..OH! With syrup! And whipped cream! Her excitement was so overwhelming that she began to run down the halls. A smile stretched across her face. Bare feet slapping the hard floors as she dashed toward the lab. Was this what it felt like to be…happy? Maybe this place wasn’t so bad. After all, it was her home. She quickly approached the laboratory’s keypad. Releasing she was way too short to reach, she pouted in frustration. Why did grown ups have to be so tall? So unfair, but she wasn’t about to let some stupid old door ruin her chance for chocolate pancakes. With all her might, she hoped up and pressed to 5. HA! Who needed to be tall? Not this girl. She hoped once more typing in the remaining digits and the enter button before the door slid open. Pleased with her progress, she began her decent gleefully humming to herself. Chocolate paaaancakes and whipped creeeeeaaam. Yum yummy yum yum. Her tummy growled the closer she got the the second door. She could hardly wait. She hoped down the last two stepped into a goofy pose with her legs spread apart and her hand extended toward the door. Open sesame. She let out a small giggle as the door slid open. She ran into the laboratory to find no one. She looked around the room slightly pouty. Where was he? Where was Minister Besithia? Hmph. Probably still asleep. Lazy butts. Don’t they know that the early worm catches the bird? …or something. Muerlin continued searching the room. Stopping in front of a shiny figure in the corner of the room. She stared at it for a moment before turning toward one of the chambers behind her with a smirk. Silly vampires. Leaving their suits all over the place for Chief Besithia to clean up. Oh, well. Might as well have a closer look. She approached the suit, her fascination increasing. Wow. It sure was pretty. She stood directly in front of it and stared at the green mask. Wait. What? Green masks? What the-…oh, right. Maybe it protects the vampires faces. She stood there for a moment examining the suit closely. “Chief Besithia, would you mind coming to the lab?”, a familiar voice announced over the intercom. Muerlin smiled with pure glee. Ardyn! Why did he use the intercom this time? Has he always done that? Must be a heavier sleeper than she thought. Who cares? He was coming to the lab! She started toward the door to greet him when he arrived. She heard a loud wurr before her right arm was clutched tightly by an unknown figure halting her in her tracks. She turned to address the being. It was…the vampire? But…that’s impossible. They were all asleep….weren’t they? She began to tuck to try to retrieve her arm only to have it squeezed tighter. She winced in pain and started to panic continuing to tuck. Let go! It hurts! She whimpered as the pain increased. Hot tears formed in her eyes. Why was it so strong? It was effortlessly breaking her arm. She sobbed at the feeling of her bones beginning to give before….SNAP! A blood curdling screech echoed through the lab followed by howling sobs of pain as her attacker lifted her small body off the ground by her broken arm. The weight of her body pulling against the severed limb. She desperately tried to free herself by pounding at her attacker’s hand to no avail. If only she were stronger, but the pain was unbearable. Her face drenched with her bitter tears as she peered into the blood red eyes of her attacker. They appeared almost as a light….was was it? Her heartbeat was so loud in her little ears that she didn’t even hear the lab door open or the approaching footsteps. All she heard was a familiar voice. “Now this is what happens when you play with other people’s toys without permission”. Her eyes widened. It couldn’t have been…. She turned her head opposite of her attacker to see Ardyn. She was SAVED!….or…wait. Why was he looking at her that way? He was smiling…like he was happy. Like….he was enjoying this. No. He could’ve have been. He was going to help. He was going to save her. She knew it. He loved her…didn’t he? He sighed, as if he was disappointed, “I was hoping we could do this the simple way…but no matter….I prefer the fun way”. What?! Did he WANT this to happen? Why was he being like this? WHY WASN’T HE HELPING?! The chancellor chuckled in delight gesturing toward the creature wielding the little girl. “Shall we?” At this, the creature started walking. Whimpering at the pain emitting from her arm at every step, Muerlin continued to desperately struggle to get free. The creature approached a staircase that she never noticed before, climbing it and headed toward a glass pane revealing a separate room behind it. There stood multiple men in shiny suits with guns surrounding a large table with a cloth over it. What were they doing? Were they going to kill her? She started to kick due to her increasing fear and her sobs became louder. They entered the room where she was laid upon the table. In an attempt to escape, she leaped up only to be slammed back into the table by 4 of the men in armor and strapped down by both arms and legs. Her left arm turned over where her palm was flat on the table, exposing her outer wrist. She struggled as hard as she could to loosen the straps, but to no avail. She was trapped. No way out. She panted heavily as her mind raced. She was certain she was going to die here. But how? What were they going to do to her? A look of terror glazed over her face. “Oh, do calm down, your highness”, Muerlin shifted her gaze to the chancellor who was as calm as ever, “you are perfectly safe. Why, you always have been. You really think I would do anything to harm my future bride?” What? What was he saying? Bride? “Your arm, well….accidents do happen. And, my dear, you really shouldn’t agitate the magetik troopers. They can be quite….unforgiving”. She had so many questions, but was too fearful to speak. She merely starred in horror at the man while he reached down gently caressing her drenched face with the back of his cold fingers. “The Pythoness…fragile as a scared puppy. I suppose in time you will offer more….”, he said with slight disappointment. “Patience is a virtue, my friend”. Muerlin’s eyes darted toward the entrance to see Chief Besithia approach with a sinister grin on his face. Oh, no….he was in on this too? “She will no longer be a frightened pup come dawn”. Ardyn chuckled slightly stepping back to allow the scientist to commence his experimentation. “Tck…pathetic. So…small, delicate…weak…like your pitiful family, he mocked. “ I remember when the name Zephyr meant something more….but I suppose all good things must come to an end. Well…until now”. Muerlin screamed as the chief punctured her abdomen with a long sharp appendage. Her shrieks were choked as he pushed it further and further into her body. “Your power will be known throughout all of Eos as my finest creation and the symbol of Niflheim”. She starred at him with half hooded eyes beginning to catch her breath before an intense pain shot up her left arm. She shrieked in agony as a large machine had lowered a pad covered by various inked needles pierced her outer wrist. She watched the blood drip from it onto the floor before the needles began to emit a heat that slowly began to burn the inside of her wrist. Her sobs were so loud that the chief took it upon himself to back hand the child’s jaw with his armor, leaving a horrid bruise. “Such cowardice…”, the cold hearted chief growled at the frightened girl. The chancellor sighed, “your highness, please do not upset Minister Besithia. He has very little patience for such things”, he said in irritation. He was upset at her. Not him. Not the one who hit her face. That thing that broke her arm…but her. Muerlin tried to remain silent despite the horrible pain she felt. To her body and her heart. She was betrayed by tiny whimpers as she kept her eyes shut. “Insulant child….your cries will be silenced tonight. For you will be reborn…”, the pad retreated from her wrist hastily and she released a slightly loud cry before examining her wrist. She was stunned to see a bloodied black mark printed onto her skin. Was that the…same mark from the people in the tubs? But…why? What was it for? “…there. Welcome to the Magetik Infantry, my dear. Chancellor Izunia….how shall we proceed?” Muerlin turned toward Ardyn, anxiously awaiting his ruling. The sweat emitting from her forehead made her terrified face shine which sickeningly enticed the chancellor. He approached her slowly with a sinful grin. “I say…’why not awaken that daemonic power that I’ve craved for all these years”. He grabbed a patch of her silver locks from the root. She winced at the aggressive gesture. “Besides…I’d like to hear more screams…” She stared into her former friend’s eyes. Why was he doing this? Why would he betray her this way? She thought he loved her….but it was all a lie. A lie…. “Agreed…”, Besithia hissed with a snicker as he exited the lab to watch from behind the glass pane. Ardyn joined him. Soon the table began to rise and held her in almost a crucifix position. She felt the surface against her back be removed without warning and she tried to look behind her to witness what was about to happen. She whimpered and sobbed and starred point blank at her betrayer from behind the pane who gingerly waved at her still grinning. Her tears and sweat dripped from her chin to the hard floor. She inhaled sharply as a larger pad covered with small appendages was abruptly shoved into her back perfectly aligned with her fragile spine. The pain she was experiencing was so unbearable, she could barely find the strength to breathe. Just kill me…..please…just kill me… There was a pause, the soldiers in the room with Muerlin all looked toward Chief Besithia who looked toward the chancellor standing beside him. “Proceed”, the man lightly said before Besithia nodded toward the soldier. All Muerlin heard was a switch. Her body tensed. What was th-KHAAAGGGHHH!! A horrid scream erupted from the girls lungs as 500 vaults of electricity pulses through her spine igniting every nerve in her tiny body. Her heart raced at an alarming rate to the point where every beat was like a kick to her chest. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Stem began to emit from her delicate skin, her eyes. Her veins began to shift to black throughout her body. Her scream morphed into a echoed howl, the whites of her eyes became a murky black. Ardyn’s eyes widened with excitement. It was happening. Her half daemon essence was beginning to take over. It was only a matter of time now. Until beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep……Ardyn’s smile suddenly disappeared. What happened? She stopped screaming. Noticing the look on his friend’s face, Chief Besithia ordered his men to shut down the machine. They complied and Muerlin’s small body fell limp. “Check her pulse!”, Ardyn barked at the solider next to her. There was no pulse. Chief Besithia snarled “don’t just stand there! Bring her back!” The solider, slightly panicked, ignited the appendage in her chest sending a jolt though the girl’s body. Nothing. He repeated this with more voltage. Beep. “AGAIN!”, the chancellor shouted at the solider. Increasing the voltage even more, he repeated the action. Muerlin inhaled sharply, her now blackened eyes burst open. Her vision blurred, she scanned the room while panting heavily. What…..happened…? Who are……what is…..is that….she rested her gaze upon the chancellor. Seemingly puzzled. You….you did this…the girl glared at the man who betrayed her. Black and indigo crystal dust emitted from her body into the air like black smoke. A low growl slithered from her throat. She panted hard, teeth gritted intensifying the power manifesting from her small frame. She wanted to kill him. Tear him to shreds. Feel his blood squish between her tiny fingers. Crush his heart like he crushed hers. Her growl became louder causing the soldiers at her side to back away. The crystal dust morphed into sharp crystallized shards that floated about the room as her rage grew. Ardyn stared in bewilderment as well as the Chief, although fear was noticeable. Suddenly, the corner of Ardyn’s mouth creased into a slight smile. ENOUGH. Muerlin emitted a vengeful daemonic shriek unleashing the storm she harbored inside for so long. The shards were sent flying throughout the room slicing the bodies of the soldiers. Their pained shrieks flooded the room, their shredded bodies plummeted to the floor. The chancellor beaming at this astonishing power only angered the girl more. She hated his smile. HATED it. It sickened her to her core. Her blood boiled at the sight. The crystal shards still continued to soar throughout the room at high velocity. Her body began to shake slightly as her daemonic essence raged throughout the room. The room began to appear hazy to the men standing behind the glass pane. Besithia backed up slightly, “Chancellor Izunia….may I remind her we are dealing with the stormsender?” he said with caution as he felt the air thicken. Ardyn noticed the sudden change as well and nodded in agreement. “Muerlin, dear…..do be a good girl and calm down”. Calm…..that’s what he wanted?… Muerlin grew angrier at the man’s words emitting as much power as she could….she was going to end him. Here. The glass pane began to crack. Ardyn looked upon the girl in concern. “Muerlin…”, he called to her. A mischievous grin stretched across the girl’s face as she continued to rage. To rage. The air grew thin and began to suffocate the soldiers occupying the entire wing of the compound as well as Chief Besithia. “Muerlin! Stop this!” A vengeful growl echoed from the child’s throat as the pane continued to crack and the machinery within the lab circuits sent sparks flying everywhere. “MUERLIN!” There was no stopping it. She had full control….and she would die before she gave it back to him. With one more pulse of her magnificent power, the glass pane shattered and the emergency evacuation siren sounded throughout the compound. Machinery was set ablaze, crystal shards were eating away at the soldiers from the inside out, the entire wing of the compound was unstable. She was going to bury them all. The chancellor grabbed his friend before fleeing the scene just before the damaged machinery erupted into an incredible explosion. Half of the compound was buried into the snow. 

Chapter I |Chapter II | Chapter III

@ravagekamisama @aquathemermaidstripper @digitalkanvas @prettyprompto @insomniasix

“GAH! THAT WRETCHED BRAT!”, a heavily injured Chief Besithia raged at the sight of his destroyed laboratory as well as a decent portion of the facility. Muerlin certainly did a number on this place. Literally a third of it was flat against the snow burying many of its residents let alone billions of gil worth of equipment. “She will pay for this....I will bring that girl to her knees”, he continued envisioning tearing Muerlin’s tiny throat out with his large fist. The chancellor, as calm and collective as eve, examined the damage. “Now now, just a slight delay...nothing we cannot fix”. The ruined facility wasn’t much of a concern to him. He just witnessed the magnificence of his future bride and her divine power. All he was concerned over was retrieving her. The Chief knew this and it annoyed him slightly. “Tck...his radiance will not be pleased by this ‘slight delay’”, Besithia added expressing his irritation. He had every right to be. The Emperor would probably have his head. Iedolas Aldercapt didn’t really participate in much of anything, but he pretty much had a leash on every commanding officer in Niflheim short of Ardyn, and when he received word that not only did one of Besithia’s experiments temporarily put one of his facilities out of commission, but she also escaped...he was going to be anything, but pleased. “I’m sure I can assuage his excellency one way or another”, Ardyn affirmed with confidence. “Even so”, Besithia still impatient to capturing Muerlin, “the Pythoness must be intercepted and we can’t risk a worldwide investigation. It could spark...unwanted attention”. The chancellor smiled toward his concerned friend, “not to worry, dear friend, she will return to us in due time...on her own shortcomings. The Stormsender’s Daughter can’t hide in the shadows forever”, his eyes widened slightly with evil intent, “...but that doesn’t mean we can’t give her a little push”. Besithia smirked at his friend’s logic. He was right. The Pythoness was going to pay.

  Meanwhile in Willownoire...

The sun peered into the windows of the homes throughout the sleeping kingdom. Mother’s and father’s snuggled their children close after soothing their nightmares from the previous night. The stray coeurl pups nuzzled against their mother’s firm bodies still pleasantly dreaming. Even the great behemoths spent their mornings prowling for their next meal, disturbing the fish within the clear lagoon. So gentle, so peaceful. “Your Majesty”, a light voice interrupted the tranquil daydream of Willownoire’s king. King Silvanus Zephyr CXIII turned his head slightly in indication of his attention to his servant, Leira. “My apologizes...you asked me to inform you upon King Regis’ arrival”, the elderly woman softly stated to the troubled king. “Yes...thank you, Leira”, the king kindly replied to the woman. She graced him with a smile and a light bow before exiting the room. Regis Lucis Caelum, King of Lucis, was a dear friend of the Zephyr’s. He rarely got to travel to Willownoire due to imperial watch. Though there were times he could sneak past the empire’s defenses. Thankfully, this was one of those times. Silvanus reached out to his friend recently as a personal favor. Usually most forget that even a king needs a friendly ear every now and again. Silvanus exited his quarters to meet his old friend by the hidden garden behind the kingdom. It was only accessible to a Zephyr. After all, it was Asteria’s favorite place to play. “Blessed be the Stars”, Silvanus shouted pleasants toward the Lucian king,“King Regis...as I live and breathe”. Regis chuckled at his friend’s dramatic greeting. They have sent many letters back and forth over the years. He was also aware that he was coming that day. “Spare me, you old fool”, the Lucian joked as he embraced his friend with a hug. “Have you been in good health?”, Silvanus patted his friend’s shoulder. “Quite so”. Regis nodded. “I can tell. You have a glow”, Silvanus gestured toward the Lucian king’s pale cheeks, illuminated by the morning sun, as he walked past him toward the garden. Regis shook his head with a chuckle at his friend as he followed his lead. He seemed in high spirits despite his seemingly desperate plea for his aid though he could tell there was something off. As they entered the garden, Silvanus’ smile dissipated. Protected by the cerulean hedges and their crystallized roses, he proceeded to divulge his emotions to his trusted friend. Luckily, Regis was already aware of what ailed him. “I can feel the weight of your guilt”, Regis softly yet firmed stated to his friend. A slight chuckle escaped Silvanus’ throat, “is it that obvious?”, the Willownoirian sighed in defeat. “You forget, I am also a father...”. There was not much else needed to be said that hadn’t been said or thought already. How could he do it? How could he give away his little girl? HIS DAUGHTER. The Astrals would be ashamed of him. WERE ashamed of him. Any father would be ashamed of him. Silvanus perched onto a marble bench lightly throwing his head back toward the sunlit sky. Hot tears forming in his violet eyes. Exhaling slowly, he opened his eyes letting his tears fall down the side of his face. “I betrayed her...”, the king spoke, his words shaky with grief and heartbreak. His friend joining him on the bench looking to the large pond in front of them. Watching the koi frolic under the surface. “Willownoire has survived under the shadow of the empire for decades...my father before me, his father...his father”. Regis shifted his gaze to his freind with a forwarded brow, curious as to where he was going with this. “...all strong willed men...all made their share of sacrifices”. “But not at their children’s expense”, Regis barked. Silvanus gritted his teeth at his friend’s comment. It was a low blow, but he knew he was right. He allowed his family to be divided out of his fear for his kingdom. He allowed his own flesh and blood to be taken from his grasp knowing full well he would possibly never get to hold her again. “Even the Fulgerian himself never would’ve done such a deed. We all know the legends”, Regis continued in a firm tone. “A King is bestowed his duty upon the day of his birth. It is his destiny. A father’s duty is bestowed upon the birth of his child. It is his privilege...and his legacy”. Silvanus taking in his friend’s words lowered his gaze to the pond. “How is the young prince?” “Noctis is well...”, the Lucian looked toward his ring of the old kings with a heavy anguish. Silvanus placed friendly a hand onto his friend’s shoulder. “The Chosen King will find his way”, Silvanus smiled to the Lucian. He did not have to explain. The young prince, Noctis Lucis Caelum, was destined to be the Chosen King prophesied to sacrifice himself to save Eos in the distant future. His son....destined to die. A burden his the Lucian king was not fully prepared to face.  Regis nodded in gratitude at his the Willownoirian King’s gesture. Of course he understood. After all, his daughter was the Pythoness. Harboring half white and black magic. Half daemon. Destined to be despised by most. Destined to be alone. “...and the Pythoness will find peace”, Regis reassured his dear friend. Silvanus patted the Lucian’s shoulder. He shifted his gaze toward the sky, a gleam in his eye. For the first time in 5 years, Silvanus Zephyr was at true peace.

As the afternoon sun settled into the sky, King Regis had departed Willownoire to return to Insomnia. King Silvanus retreated toward his palace, his gaze hung low in deep thought. “Silvy...”, snapped back to reality by the soft, yet stern voice, he smiled sweetly to his beloved Ceres, his Queen. “Don’t you get tired of always brooding about? The citizens are starting to think we’re no fun”, she joked with a smirk. Hands placed firmly upon her hips. The king chuckled, “we cannot have that can we?” “No, we most certainly cannot. Not while my reputation hands in the balance”. Silvanus playfully rolled his eyes. Suddenly this was about her. “Imagine if the whole kingdom found out I was married to such a stiff? I’d be ruined!” “Well, I apologize for inconveniencing you, your Majesty”, the King dramatically joked with a bow. “As you should. No way will I let this kingdom think the Zephyr’s aren’t fun, for I, sir, am VERY fun”. “That you are, my love”. Satisfied, Ceres smiled and proceeded to head back into the palace. Her king following beside her. “So, how was the mighty King of Lucis?”, Ceres asked in a cheerful tone. She missed Regis’ company greatly, but was far too busy to take the time out of her daily commute. “Very well. He sends his regards”. She lightly giggled. “...and young Noctis?” She looked toward her king with slightly worried eyes. “I’m sure he is alright...he has Regis as a father after all”, he reassured his queen with a large smile. Ceres chuckled at her husband’s playfulness though she still seemed bothered. “They ought to be the same age...”, she whispered. The king’s heart cracked at his wife’s sorrowful tone. Ceres was the radiant star that lit up the darkness that brewed in his since he lost Muerlin, but he sometimes forget that while he wallowed for his sins as her father, Ceres was her mother. Silvanus wasn’t the only one who lost something those 5 years ago. “Yes...which means once this is all over, they can rule together against the empire. Hand in hand”. Ceres raised a confused eyebrow at her husband whom had an unfamiliar look of determination on his face. Against...the empire? Was he thinking....no..that’s ridiculous. ....isn’t it?  Silvanus felt his queen’s stare and despite her general sprightly nature, she worried for his well-being. He was very stubborn and prideful, and still, after all these years, refused to deliberately give into his sorrows to his wife. Or “display weakness” as he called it. “Hey...”, Ceres softly addressed her husband placing a firm hand upon his chest stopping him in his tracks. She stepped in front of him leaning against her king’s heart, meeting his gaze with undying love and devotion. The man melted into her glittery blue eyes. “I know you’re not going to tell me everything and you don’t have to...”, the woman delicately spoke, “but...just remember...we’re a team...and whatever path you take, I will be right by your side...always”. Dearest Ceres, she always knew exactly what to say to mend her husband’s broken heart. He smiled at his beloved wife, gently placing his large hands upon her angelic face, caressing her cheek with his thumb. She reached up gently clutching onto her husband’s wrist, a light smile upon her lips. “Ceres...”, he whispered to his love. “Yes?” Their faces mere inches from one another. “...you think I’m fun, right?” The queen scoffed playfully slapping her husband’s hand away before hastily retreating to the palace. “Idiot”. Silvanus chuckled chasing after his love. “Ceres, c’mon! Don’t you think I’m fun?” “No, but your son does. Why don’t you go bug him for a while?”, she gingerly waved her husband away. Silvanus stopped in the foyer, his wife continued on. “I love you!”, he shouted after her, the servants smiling at their banter. “You better!”, she replied with a chuckle, turning slightly and winking at her husband with a grin. With that, the king made his way to the right hallway. Who says the king of Willownoire was no fun?

“Wow...that’s really good”, Lord Ein, the eldest of the Zephyr children, chuckled at his younger brother, Taron’s, tower of building blocks. “Thanks”, the 4 year old said as he grabbed a green block from aside his brother. “What’s it supposed to be?”, the elder brother asked shifting to the side slightly so the boy could reach his remaining blocks. “A castle”, he answered gleefully, grabbing two more. “A castle? Who lives there?” He grabbed a few of his action figures to sit in front. “You...me...daddy...mommy...Gaea...Heira”, he listed as his grabbed one more sitting it in the middle. “Who’s that?”, Ein gestured to the mysterious figurine. “That’s Muerlin”, the boy answered looking at his brother with a duh expression. Ein looked at the four year old in slight shock, but refrained from questioning him further. “Right. Of course, it is....Muerlin”. Taron was born a year after Muerlin was taken, but it couldn’t be anymore normal to the naive boy. Ein on the other head had a more difficult time just accepting it. After all, he was there. He remembers it like it was yesterday. 10 years old, sweating bullets as he heard his mother’s blood curdling shrieks from outside her bedroom. A young maid being escorted out and vomiting on the stain glass floors. 4 hours of continuous panic until he heard his infant sister’s subtle cries. Leira finally granting them and Gaea access to view the small bubblefaced baby with short silver hair...only to watch her be taken away 14 hours later. Completely helpless. If only he could’ve stopped them....if only.... An abrupt knock on the prince’s door brought him out of his thoughts. “It’s open”, he replied granting his father’s entry. “Well, well would you look at this?!”, Silvanus enthusiastically exclaimed toward his sons. “Hi, dad”, Ein greeted his father with a chuckle. “Now what have we here- WAIT! Don’t tell me....ummmmm”, the king joked with his youngest son who giggled at his gesture. “It’s a castle!” “A castle! Of course! And is your brother helping you?” “No!”, Taron turns toward Ein with a smirk, “he’s just sitting there watching like a dope”. “Hey...you said you didn’t want me to help”, Ein protested. “I don’t because it’s mine”. The 4 year old satisfied with his logic continued with his masterpiece as Ein rolled his eyes and stood up approaching his father who was chuckling at his youngest son’s retort. “Funny...you were just like him back in the day”, he teased the collective young man. “Tch..yeah, right”. Ein crossed his arms watching the boy play. “I saw King Regis here earlier...by the garden”. The king shifted his gaze to his inquisitive son. Ein was quite sharp...sometimes too much for his own good. “Yes...he and I had a little chat earlier”, Silvanus said in a lightened tone hoping to ease his son’s mind. “Don’t you think that’s a little risky? With the empire breathing down our necks and all...?”, Ein turned toward his father, a stern look in his eye. Ein had the means to be king someday, but was never very keen on the idea. “The empire should be the last of your worries”. “Because you’re the only one whose neck is on the line?”, Ein retorted sharply at his father. Silvanus couldn’t argue. He wasn’t wrong. “Taron’s never even met Muerlin...yet his mind is on her constantly. He thinks this is normal. That she’s just...on vacation or something. And who knows what Heira thinks?”, he stepped closer to his father, “what’re you going to tell them when she doesn’t come back?” Despite how much he wanted to deny it, his son had a point. To be honest, Silvanus was certain none of them would ever see Muerlin again...but negativity would get them nowhere. “That is not of true importance right now. What is is how deal with the empire”. Silvanus firm and poised watching his son frolic in naivety. “I will not serve them, dad...I don’t care of the consequences-”, Silvanus cut him off, in a relaxed tone, “you will not have to”. The prince turned toward his father, perplexed, “...what?” “You will not have to...”, the king met his son’s eye. “Willownoire will no longer live in the shadow of Niflheim. I cannot promise much...other than the fact that our people will prevail. Only with your help,” the king placed his hand upon the young prince’s shoulder, “...my son. Help me pave the way for your sister to follow and I promise you...Willownoire will prosper”. Ein was young, but he was sharp. Looking toward little Taron, he knew what his father was trying to tell him...and though it hurt, he knew it was his duty to aid the Pythoness. To aid his sister. He returned his gaze to his father and nodded, accepting his fate. Yes. Willownoire will prevail.

Meanwhile, on the southern side of the castle...

“Ow.......OW! Mom!” Ceres, startled by the sudden outburst looked down to see a frustrated Gaea, the second eldest of the Zephyr children, underneath rubbing the back of her head. “Oh, I’m sorry, dear”. “You need’a break?”, the 12 year old sighed, “I’m sure Heira would like a turn at the torture session”, the angsty pre-teen joked gesturing to the small girl playing on the sofa across from them. Heira was the youngest of the Zephyr children, only 2 years of age. “Now, now”, Ceres chuckled at the girl, “let your sister play. Besides, her hair is still fine since the last time I brushed it unlike someone’s”, the queen teased. “That’s because she doesn’t go anywhere”. “Or she just gets into less trouble”. Gaea huffed at her mother’s teasing and watched the child play. “I remember when you were that cute”, Ceres sighed jokingly antagonizing the fussy pre-teen. “I remember when there were only two of us”, she attempted to mumble under her breath only to receive a light smack to her cheek. “Simmer down, Squirrel Girl”, referring to Gaea’s chubby cheeks. “MOOOM! Ughhh!” Gara covers her cheeks with her hands. Ceres laughs at her daughter’s annoyance and gives one of her squirrel cheeks a loving kiss. Mmmmmwah. Little Heira, hearing the funny noise, giggled at her mother and sister revealing her nearly toothless smile. She places her tiny hands upon her cheeks squishing them imitating her big sister, but also crosses her eyes and sticking her tongue out making fart sounds. Ceres chuckles at her daughter’s humorous cuteness. Gaea on the other hand, rolls her eyes and shifts her gaze out the window. Silence invades the room for a moment. “What was King Regis doing here earlier?”, Gaea asks her mother, voice monotone. Ceres raises an eyebrow. She never expected her to be so observant. “Your father asked him here for a personal favor”. “Like what? Thinking of getting rid of Taron next?” The queen winced at her daughter’s question. Gaea protested Silvanus giving Muerlin away to the Nifs. She was only 7 years old when Muerlin was born. She was such a lively and eccentric child and was so excited about her little sister, but since that fateful day, her relationship with her father had strained. Taron was born only a year later. She wasn’t Ein, but she at least knew that her mom must have gotten pregnant right after Muerlin’s abduction. ...Then Heira only 2 years later. She loved her siblings, but couldn’t help but feel like her father was trying to replace the one he gave away to distract everyone from the fact that the empire had complete control over them. Most of Willownoire didn’t even know about Muerlin. Hell, pretty much all of Eos didn’t....but nobody cared because there was Taron and Heira. Like a Hydra. Cut off one head, two more grow in its place. “Your father wouldn’t do that...”, Ceres finally replied to her angry daughter. “Tch...he did it once”. “Gaea...”. “What makes you think he wouldn’t do it again?” “Gaea”. “Then you can have two more babies”. “GAEA!” Ceres shouted startling little Heira. The baby girl dropped her toys onto the floor and started to cry. Ceres rose from her chair, “oh dear...”, she whispered as she made her way to the crying 2 year old, cuddling her close to soothe her. “Shhh...mommy’s sorry, pumpkin. She didn’t mean to scare you”. Gaea stood from her seat and huffed as she exited the room not saying another word. Ceres was angry...but could she be really? She knew how losing Muerlin effected Gaea...and frankly, she understood. She never really expressed it, but she despised the empire and the destruction it brought to her family. Frankly, she was sick of it. Enough was enough.

That night...