The Places We Go

Chapter XII; Soleil

     It was over. Soleil and Luna were finally back in Imperial City, having left Rielweth a long time ago. However, the kingdom was not as they had left it. The graveyard was bigger, the hospital was still trying to catch up, and the Zellarid flag flew from the post and the Mirirejar one was nowhere to be found.
     A woman was outside her home, hanging laundry. She was the only civilian there, and Luna ran over to her. "What happened here?" Luna snapped as soon as the woman was in earshot. "The Zellarid Queens! They were here! Anastasia and Arlie. They had brought a massive army! They took over the castle by force. We attempted to revolt, but, well, you see the flag. Many were killed and many more injured. My husband is still in the hospital. They are good fighters, Queen Luna, they've taken over Rielweth already. Queen Arlie herself killed King Ryaxleb and took his crown." Luna almost fell down at this news. "They've taken my castle and Ryaxleb's? What about Faormen?" The woman winced at Luna's booming voice. This was the first time her words weren't comforting, for they were full of rage aimed at her two best friends. "Queen Anastasia and Prince Ideus are engaged to be married. Faormen didn't want to lose any lives and took a more peaceful fate compared to Rielweth." What? Anastasia can't marry him, that elf prince, he's not right for her. Luna was as shocked as Soleil, but for different reasons. "Are they still in the palace?" Luna asked. "I'm not sure. No one has been brave enough to leave their homes. I barely got the courage up to hang our laundry. All I know is that their flag is still waving high, both here and to the south, and soon in the north as well."
     Luna was plotting. "Do you have two rooms to spare? You will be heavily rewarded if you grant me and my companion refuge." Companion? It's better than nothing. "I only have one empty room." the woman replied. "That will work. Thank you. Please lead us there and we will be no trouble to you at all." The woman obliged and led them to the room. "I do apologize, this was my daughter's room before she moved in with her husband. It's quite small, but comfortable." The woman was right. The room was small, but cozy. "It will do. Thank you. I promise you and your family great prestige when Mirirejar rules supreme." The woman bowed her head and returned to her laundry. Soleil began to unpack and she thought about this situation.
     Why doesn't she just kill me? Or at least try and get some information out of me. Of course I wouldn't know anything, but still. If the tables were turned I know I wouldn't keep her around. Or maybe... That's nonsense. She's biding her time. She's smart. Besides, that's not the most prominent issue. But then again, what is? Anastasia's getting married and I'm not even going to be there. And to that horrid man who made me unable to walk? She'll never walk again by the end of their first dance! She can't do that. And what about Arlie? She's Queen of both a third of Zellarid and all of Rielweth? And soon Anastasia will rule another third and then half of Faormen. What is this? Are they even looking for me? Should I try to look for them? I've had plenty of chances to escape. But I'm in too deep.
     Luna came running into the room. "Stop unpacking, put all of the things back in the suitcases. Your friends have apparently left here, we're going back to my castle." Luna said, excited. The two quickly re-packed, thanked the woman for the information and promise of shelter in the future, then returned to Luna's home. When they arrived, Luna's first order of business was locking Soleil up again. She seemed reluctant this time, but Soleil brushed it off as her overthinking of possible signs. She sat on the bed and sighed, she had nothing to do but wait until Anastasia and Arlie came to her. Or, did she? I must escape. It's my only choice. I have to get out before I go deeper.
     So she decided to train, knowing that she would have to be agile in her seagull form. She spent her time practicing flying around, making obstacle courses for herself. But, no matter how hard she trained, she knew that Luna's powerful voice would always beacon her out of her morphed form. So she trained herself with her shiv, which Luna had forgotten to take from her all this time. She used a pillow to practice her hits, but knew that it would never be enough. No matter how much she trained, she would never be good enough to best Luna. Even with Arlie by her side Luna was still even more powerful. She knew that no matter how complicated her obstacle courses were, Luna would still command her and beat her in battle, there was no other escape but speed.