Dragon Dust

Forbidden Friendship

As the sun set, bringing Vairia into another crisp autumn night, Thysadine took to scrying in her mirror. She had seen the princes escape the castle and save the little fairy from the goblins. The Mistwalker watched carefully as they were lead to the fairy village and Prince Dorian met his Fairy Godmother. She didn't account for this chance meeting and for Dorian to get a history lesson on the Mistwalkers. However, she hardly worried. Dorian was still coming to her. A cryptic smile grew on her face.

"How touching, very touching," she uttered to herself. Nimali poked her head into the room. She had been eavesdropping. Thysadine knew, but allowed it anyway.

"What? Is he coming?" she asked eagerly. She came further into the room. Thysadine hardly took her eyes off the mirror.

"And bringing the other two princes with him," she replied. Nimali formed a grin. Things were getting exciting now.

"Oh, good thing too because I'm half starved," Damiese groaned from the corner of the room.

"You're lucky he's bringing two snacks with him then. Can't go wasting our prize now," Thysadine reminded her. She continued to scry, keeping an eye on the princes, to make sure they made it to Widdershins Hollow in one piece and by the last day of the potion.

From the hallway, Isolette had been listening in. After the Mistwalkers stopped conversing for some time and it was clear that Dorian would be spending the night with the fairies, she retreated down into the room where they were keeping Bianca. She hadn't officially met the girl yet and she wanted to take the opportunity while it was available.

She gently knocked on the door to give her fair warning that someone was entering. Then she inserted the key into the key hole and turned the lock. She stepped in and shut the door behind her and hid the key before Bianca could see it. If Bianca got out and escaped, Isolette wasn't sure if the Mistwalkers would let her live for such a slip up.

Bianca looked up from where she sat with fear in her eyes. Isolette realized she might believe that she is one of the Mistwalkers. She gave her a small, reassuring smile.

"Hello there," she said. "My name is Isolette and I am nothing like those monsters that kidnapped you."

"Then what are you?" Bianca demanded. Isolette was a little surprised at the girl's fierce interrogation. It was not what she was expecting.

"I'm a prisoner, just like you," she answered. Bianca loosened her tension a little as Isolette slowly made her way closer. She was not only cautious, she was timid. She took in a deep, calming breath as she sat down.

"Prince Dorian is coming for you," Isolette admitted. She saw a faint sparkle in Bianca's eyes and detected a wave of relief.

"How do you know this?" Bianca asked. Isolette broke eye contact with her and glanced around nervously. She had a burning feeling that the Mistwalkers were watching her, even when they weren't. Bianca observed this behavior and trust began to settle in.

"No . . ." she said assuringly. "You don't have to tell me how. Just . . . thank you for telling me at all." Isolette felt the tension leave her. Bianca looked at her from across the way, with sympathy.

"You have a pretty name," Bianca said. She was suddenly grateful to not be completely alone here. If Isolette really was another prisoner to the Mistwalkers, then she wanted to get to know her and give her a friend. Something she probably needed more than anything right now.

"Thank you . . . I know who you are. You're that famous singer that all of Vairia loves so much," Isolette replied.

"Yes, that would be me," Bianca confirmed. She smiled briefly. It was hard to be happy in this place.

"I've never heard you sing. I would ask you to now, but the Mistwalkers might hear and . . . well I don't want to bring anymore attention than needed," Isolette admitted. Bianca shifted in her seat.

"Perhaps one day I can sing to you freely," she offered. Isolette grew a genuine smile for the first time in so long.

"Oh, I would love that," she said. Bianca reached across and took Isolette's hand in hers.

"You're not alone here anymore," she pointed out. Isolette just realized this herself and was glad that Bianca was willing to keep her company.

"Isolette!" they heard the muffled shout of Thysadine. Isolette shuttered at the very sound. She looked at Bianca with big, worried eyes.

"I must go," she whispered. "There's no telling what they'll do if I don't respond quick enough." Bianca let go of her hand as she scrambled to her feet. Isolette stumbled and trembled on her way out. Bianca felt awful for the girl. She hoped Dorian would get here safely and be able to save them both.