Never Ever

14

They were now on their guard, and they were determined to march through the land, seeking the siren leaders. They all erected a magical barrier around them, just in case

A large group of sirens approached. Amongst them, was a beautiful older woman, inspite of the errant silver hairs and slight lines around her eyes, she looked absolutely perfect

When she saw Romeo she exclaimed: Your highness! I beg your forgiveness. We had no idea you were coming. We were just informed we had intruders in our land..

She looked towards two worn looking yong women, that were dragging a younger man, still unconscious..

She continued: I am truly sorry, for the young guards here hadn't recognized you. I swear upon our honor, that we had no idea it was you. It seems also that they were extremely weary of you. I wonder why

She looked at them sternly

One of them dared to speak: I'm sorry, lady Farrow.. We only felt that something dangerous, and with tremendous power approached

The other woman continued: It was like someone whispered for us to destroy the threat

Lady Farrow looked uncertain..

Romeo sighed: I think, Lady Farrow, this requires enquiry on both sides, for I am sure we sent messengers to tell you of our approach, this stinks of fowl play.. I would have to check with the palace.. But I am sure you are not at fault. It seems your own guards might have been under a strong, if malicious influence..

She nodded, then curtsied: I thank you for your understanding. Rest assured that we well do all in our power to get to the bottom of this

Lady Farrow looked at the women again

They both kneeled down, clutching the young man: We are extremely sorry your highness. Our fates rest within your hands

Romeo: Rise.. I only advise you to please be careful of the identity of the intruders before you attack, if possible. Your fates rest within Lady Farrow's merciful hands

She caught his meaning, he didn't wish them to be punished severly. She was grateful. Usually an offence like that led to war, or at least the death of the attacker

Lady Farrow: If you will please follow me to your chambers, so you could rest

She turned her attention towards Ever: Why you must be a Nightingale. It was smart of them to send you.. The Nightingales are the only Fae with Siren blood.. But you are an unusual looking Fae..

Ever sighed..

Lady Farrow smiled: That's not necessarily a bad thing you know

Ever's cheeks colored again. She heard a faint whisper: I agree. She looked around her. It didn't seem like anyone had spoken. Did she imagine this.. She shrugged and followed Lady Farrow.. Despite the healing magic Romeo performed, she still felt quite tired and wanted to rest
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She agreed with Noire and Axel to be alert. They wouldn't hover constantly around the doors of Maya and Romeo's room, it would be an affront to the sirens, especially after providing them with several guards, but they would check on them, from time to time

She rested for a bit, but felt like she could stay still no longer. This, was a part of her. She wanted to get to know a few things about sirens. To be sure, upon leaving her room, she observed they were all good looking, much like the Fae and Elves, but even more so. Even without using their powers, anyones gaze would flick towards them, they were incredibly charismatic. It reminded her of her sister Helena

Lady Farrow: What are yo thinking, child?

Ever: I was just wondering about this part of my heritage, being a siren. As far as I know, I have no siren qualities myself

Lady Farrow: Oh, and do your siblings have?

Ever noticed Axel standing nearby. Could he hear them? She didn't know if he could, but she discovered she didn't mind if he would..

Ever: My sister Helena is the most like a siren. Whenever she passes through somewhere, all heads will turn towards her. No one could keep his eyes away, even women admired her beauty. Meryl has a great pull on magic, it's a bit unusual, even for a strong fae. Auden.. My brother, he's certainly very handsome, and many girls fawn over him, and he has very strong magic, but I'm not so sure.. Maybe he does have the same pull on magic Meryl does. They are almost equals, but he has more experience, being much older

Lady Farrow: Those qualities could be disadvantages as much as they are advantages. The beauty pull as you would refer to in your sister, will render it hard to distinguish genuine affection from the influence of her charms, and the same goes for your other sister, her powers might be the main attraction, if any one expresses his interest in her. Their qualities will lead to targeting them, and envying them at times. While your charms are your own. You can be sure, when someone takes interest in you, it will be for you, not for your powers and looks alone

Ever smiled a self deprecating smile: You make it seem far more appealing than it is.. I have almost no fae qualities, and no siren ones..

Lady Farrow: I realize it makes you feel inferior, what with your unique situation and the importance you fae put on having strong magic, but you can only make the best of the qualities you have, and should stop lamenting what you don't, otherwise, you will never reach your true potential

She lifted her gaze, Axel was looking right at her

Ever: Thank you lady Farrow.. I will certainly do my best to take your advice

Lady Farrow smiled at her. She felt the need to move away from the young woman

Axel approached, he stood before her and whispered: She is right you know. You should never lament what you don't have. Amongst all the fae I've beheld, you are the most beautiful and intriguing that I've ever seen. If only you realized how special you are

His eyes looked pained, her heart skipped a beat

He turned to leave, but she held his sleeve

Ever: Are you alright?

He smiled, his eyes were still pained: I am well. Please don't concern yourself

She frowned: You are not! Stop pretending..

He wanted to leave but she tugged at his sleeve again

He sighed, running his hand along his face

His hair was disheveled, she liked it this way..

Ever: Please, what's hurting you?

His eyes widened, then they reverted to the pained look

Axel held a lock of her hair: I failed..

This act flustered her, she was having a hard time paying attention: Failed.. At what?

Axel: At my obligation.. I couldn't protect you.. Any of you..

Ever: It wasn't your fault.. You couldn't have prevented it either way.
Axel: Maybe if I had magic

Ever: Now who's lamenting what they don't have? It wouldn't help, even so, we were unprepared

Axel: I should have been

Ever: Would you stop blaming yourself.. It wasn't only your obligation, it was all of ours. None of us managed to be prepared. If anyone is to blame it should be me, and maybe Noire. We are the ones that should sense magic..

Axel: You don't blame yourself, surely? It wasn't your fault

Ever: Exactly, neither was it yours

Axel: I- We could have lost you!

He gripped her shoulders

Her eyes widened, and her face flushed: You didn't.. I'm still here

Axel: Yes.. Thank god you are..

He looked like he wanted to say or do something, standing like that, but he just removed his hands and walked away