The Dragon Rune

Chapter Two

Preparations for the journey began the following day. Theoduin sent messengers to the Dwarves and the Hjortdjur, informing them that they would need to pass through their lands.

Duvaineth knocked on the door of Theoduin's study, opening it carefully. It squealed loudly, despite her efforts.

"Hello Duvaineth, sit down please." He said, waving a hand while he shuffled papers.

She sat down, her hands shaking slightly.

"Has there been any word?"

He nodded.

"The Furste replied saying they would be more than happy to have you and the rest of the party stay there and would supply anything you would need as repayment for their stay here last year."

Duvaineth sighed with relief.

"And the dwarves?

His face clouded over.

"The letter came. It's not particularly... eloquent. They did, however, say they would send someone to escort you through the human territory and to Bryniau Hen Hearn."

"That's at least something?" she said positively.

"Indeed. His name is Kai Moonarrow. It said he'd be waiting on the North Road, just before Kallentown. "

Duvaineth nodded.

"When do we begin?"

"Tomorrow. You may want to say your goodbyes before the morning.  "

She stood, dipped her head, and left.

Her fingers ran along the walls as she made her way to Nyla's room. It had been a few days since she had seen her, Duvaineth had been too busy making plans and sending letters to talk to her friend; but, right then she was the only person she wanted to see.

She soon made it to Nyla's room, her fingers numb from the walls. She knocked - two fast taps, one slow- and opened the door slowly.

"Nyla?"  She she called quietly.

Duvaineth opened the door all the way, catching sight of her friend.

An abnormally tall, brown haired boy held her, their lips caressing gently. Breaking apart, they locked eyes for a moment. He kissed her on the cheek and left through one of the arches.

"Nyla, why didn't you tell me!"

Nyla jumped, "Duvaineth! You scared m..... H-how long have you been there?"

Duvaineth sat on her bed, a cheeky smile beginning to spread across her face. "Long enough."

The color in Nyla's face drained.

"I was planning to tell you..."

She lightly nudged her friend, "Of course you were. Who is he?"

Nyla's face began turning a bright shade of pink.

"He's on the same patrol as my brother. His name's Aluin."

"Oh is it now, I thought it would have been Treeman."

She scowled at Duvaineth, "You're the worst, really."

Despite her face, she giggled, falling back on the bed.

"Oh Duvaineth, he's wonderful."

"Better than that pig, Gahlan?"

"Much better and he kisses like a dream."

That better be the only thing he does like a dream, Duvaineth thought.

They sat together for a time, enjoying the silence.

"I'm leaving tomorrow, " said Duvaineth.

Nyla sat up.

"I guess this is goodbye?"

She nodded. The girls reached for each other, hugging the other tightly.

"I will miss you."

Duvaineth blinked a few times, attempting to keep the tears at bay.

"I will make sure to comb my hair every day."

The other girl giggled, wiping a tear. "You better. I don't want to have to cut it when you come back. Let me braid it one more time? Before you go?"

Duvaineth nodded, turning so her friend could braid her hair. Nyla started to hum her favorite tune.

The two girls started to cry, Nyla's interrupted by small sobs. However, Duvaineth's hair was soon braided and the girls hugged one final time before parting.

She rubbed her eyes as she walked aimlessly.

But her feet took her where her heart wanted to go and she wound up at the door of her father's quarters. She pushed open the door, the guards on the other side stepping to the side when they realised who it was.

She wound her way to her fathers room, passing guards and scholars.

He lay on the bed, still in the clothes from the day he collapsed. A shimmering barrier arched over him, encasing him a bubble untouched by time.

At least the blood is gone.

The scent of flowers increased the closer she got to his bed. They surrounded him, in all shapes and sizes and colors.

Duvaineth stood by him, her hands balled into fists.

I will not cry, she thought. I will not cry.

She turned to left, unable to look at her father any longer. Tears began to well in her eyes as she ran from the room, the guards stepping aside and closing the door behind her.

~~

Duvaineth sat by the sea. She buried her feet in the sand, wishing she could shove her head in instead.

I wish my mother was still alive, she thought, her eyes burning from the tears staining her face.

Wind whipped her hair gently as she sat there, staring south. Sand crunched gently behind her; but, she didn't bother to turn.

Someone sat beside her and Duvaineth distinctly smelled roses.

"When I first saw you, I couldn't believe my eyes. You were so small and so beautiful and here you are today, still small but even more beautiful. Losing your mother was a tragedy, however she brought you into the world before leaving it."

Duvaineth looked at Sarianidi.

"Do you think I...we can save him?"

She laid her hand on Duvaineth's back, rubbing small circles, and said nothing.

Duvaineth always wanted like her:  wavy red hair, sharp features, and dark green eyes. Even now, her hair streaked with white, Duvaineth wished she looked like her.

"Whatever happens, happens, dear. We can't change destiny, no matter how hard we try. Though I hope destiny is in your favour. "

They sat in silence for a while, watching the waves as the sun set.