Shadows of Atlantis Part One: Awakening

Chapter 11

11

Gems sparkle in her violet eyes,

while she lovingly gazes toward velvet black skies.

At nighttime her whispers are heard far away,

echoing distant and faint in the day.

The silvery strands of her hair flow down,

and children hide in the folds of her gown.

She is the guardian of intuition,

while he stands strong for illumination.

His hair is golden, a vortex of light,

striking fear in the hearts of our demons of night.

Fire and ice streak across each horizon.

Hark! See his brazen hail, sense her silence.

Through day and night they assume a chase,

which casts different shades of light on thy face.

The twins huddled in the shadows of a low-hanging tree and watched as Pan entered the courtyard escorting two women. Their voices were hushed, though accented with hints of urgency.

D'Vinid snuck back, having heard the same approach, and watched from afar. He immediately recognized the two women as Ofira Pazit and Vinesia Shanel. He hadn't seen Vinesia in a while. Not since she left the courts and took up residence among the Builder Sect. D'Vinid had always sympathized with her downfall. Since it was Kyliron who ruined her reputation, he always wondered about the truth of the matter. But then it dawned on him with a shiver. It was Pan who stood up for her in the courts. Pan didn't know about Bavendrick's presence, and yet, here was Vinesia. Or did he know? Or was this Ofira's doing? He produced the crystal she had given him, and wondered if it had some kind of spying ability.

"My dear Vinesia, you are looking more vibrant and beautiful than I've ever seen you." Pan's high timbre bounced vibrantly through the courtyard. "I have been wishing I could see you more often. Please consider attending my revelries from time to time."

"Thank you, Pan Aello." Vinesia's smile was genuine. She was dressed in simple Builder Sect clothing which failed to flatter her figure. Her dark skin was flawless, showing the upbringing of a proper Atlantean noblewoman, although she didn't carry herself with the refined grace of her station any longer. Once, there had been a chance she would be queen.

Pan liked to make sure she never forgot it. He accepted it was most likely the reason she avoided his hospitality. He had never known anyone who had more fortitude of spirit than she. And for that, he admired her profoundly. "I have recently made a new friend," Pan chirped as they entered the nodeyard. "She is from the dreamclans. Her name is Brigitte. And tonight she has become Queen of Atlantis."

Vinesia shuddered, thinking of Kyliron.

"Soon she will need to appoint a maydriss in her court. I was thinking about recommending you, since you have all the courtly training of a queen."

Vinesia stopped, stunned by the audacity of his suggestion. "Pan, why do you insist on teasing me?"

"My dear, I would never tease you where it hurts. But I would offer you a chance at revenge. Pay it no mind. It was just one of my outlandish ideas." He waved it away. "Why don't you take care of your business with the crystal-node, and then Ofira and I shall escort you to your guest room."

Vinesia thanked him, then stepped to the node and sank into a meditative state, feeling the edges of the messenger-crystal between her fingers.