Two of the Same

Chapter Nine *Avian*

Avian's skin seared and bubbled as the silver cuffs of his shackles dug painfully into his wrists. He winced and bit his lip trying hard to dispel the pain as best he could. Admittedly being locked in the dungeon beneath such an expansive castle as this had its benefits, it wasn't as cold or moldy as it could have been, there were a grand assortment of interesting fellows amongst the other cells, and as far as Avian could (from smell of course) there was only one rotting skeleton. In all Avian could say that he had been in far worse places, some of which he had even called home at one point or another. As he lounged his it small cell listening to the birds singing from outside his cell window, he had been thinking about the princess ever since he had woken up in this dank smell box. Her eyes had haunted him ever since their first meeting; her face danced in the darkness every time he closed his eyes. Avian didn't understand why he was so taken by this girl who in all honesty would have meant nothing to him at any other point and time of his life. He just couldn't forget the way she had looked at him, her expression held no disgust or predjuice, she didn't look at him like he were a criminal, her eyes didn't hold the disdain that he found in everyone else's. Even when he had changed she wasn't afraid of him, she was so different, so unlike everyone else that had come into his life. Just as much as he was drawn to her there was another part of him that rejected her. Half of him wanted nothing to do with him, afraid of such a powerful effect she had on him. He wanted to run away from her, keep as much distance between them, not wanting her to influence him or bring forth those feelings that were so foreign and so terrifyingly paralyzing. Avian was torn, at war with himself and every thought that crossed into his mind was negated and approved, dissected and then reassembled all at once. How could he live like this? Groaning, Avian covered his face trying to find some way to gain control over himself once again.

There was the loud clanging sound of the prisons main door being opened. Avian pulled his hands away from his face, peering at the stairs, curious as to see who it was coming down to join the lowest of the low in the Kingdoms finest criminal containment facility. A few of the other prisoners had dragged themselves to their cell doors, their arms hanging out through the bars in their usual beggar air clawing.

"He's over here." Captain Arul's voice echoed though out the small halls. Avian leaned over to get a better look down the hallway. He could see torches glowing, casting elongated shadows onto the stone walls as the group processed down the hallway, coming closer and closer to Avian's cell. He fell back, sprawling out on the ground trying to look casual.

"Here" The group stopped in front of Avian's cell and he tried hard not to let the grin on his lips grow as he looked up smugly into the Captain's sour face.

"Oh Captain, what a lovely surprise, come here to apologize I see? Well you had better make it good, I had a terrible night's sleep so you're going to have to grovel for my forgiveness for a while. After all its only fair." Avian said cockily as he picked at his finger nails nonchalantly.

"Why you little ingrate!" The Captain roared reaching for his sword.

"No!" a soft voice rang through like the single note of a flute, a small hand was placed firmly on top of Arul's stopping his sword from being drawn, she stepped out from behind the guards so that she was standing before the bars of Avian's cell. He felt is jaw drop in shock and his heart speed up. It was her. Her dress looked as though it had been dyed in blood, deep and vibrant it's contrast with her pale skin and dark luminous hair was astounding. She wore a thick black leather belt that was tight around her waist holding her knife and thin rapier by her side. Her body was thin but shapely; she looked as though she were a nymph graceful and stunning. Even when she was standing still she was fluid. Avian's throat tightened as he starred, again feeling as though he were tied to horses and being pulled apart in every different direction. She met his piercing stare confidently, not daring to look away. She fell to her knees, sitting there face with Avian as though there were no bars between them, socially or physically. The guards stiffened at the princesses informality; the captain stepped forward as though he were going to try and stop her.