Pendalia: Malik - New Beginnings

Malik - New Beginnings - Chapter One Pt. 4

Zink soared across the canopy of weeping pines, his grand wings cutting through the air like butter. Malik felt sick to his stomach and hoped that he would puke, and it would go all over Zink. Even so, true to Zink's words, it was the most efficient way of travel. Above the clouds, away from the snow storm, and with the creatures of the fastest wings in all of Rya.

Just over twenty minutes later, Zink made an abrupt, sharp landing at Malik's window- he would have been more surprised Zink remembered where his chambers were, but he was too busy trying not to hurl to really think about it.

"I'll have your horns for that, you cruel bastard...!," Malik dry heaved, plopping down on a soft, burgundy chair by his bookshelf. Zink snickered delightfully, "I'd love to see you try... say, do you suppose I could surprise Queen Meabh? I doubt she even knows that I exist."

Malik shook his head slowly. "Zink, just go to the guest chambers already. We'll discuss this further in the morning. You've exhausted all of my patience for the day," he placed a hand over his forehead, rubbing his brows stressfully. A looming figure creeped over him and Zink placed his hands on the arms of the chair, leaning close over Malik. "Are you sure you don't want to have a bit of fun before bed?," Zink grabbed Malik's chin, looking at him mischievously.

Malik punched him in the face. "Now you have exhausted all my patience."

"Alright, fine! Suit yourself... I'll come bother you in the morning, little bunny... get some sleep!"

"Don't you- ah, whatever..."

Zink left Malik's chambers, leaving the king alone with his thoughts. With a stressful sigh, Malik undid his vest buttons, standing up and tossing the article of clothing aside. Unfortunately, no matter how tired he was, there was no time for sleep for the remainder of the night. There was much preparation to be done for the coming departure in less than forty-eight hours now.

Against Miss Pomly's wishes, Malik had a potion table set up in his bedroom- it was just easier to get up and make potions and go back to bed without having to walk all the way to a room across the castle dedicated to the craft. He just preferred the efficiency-

"King Malik!"

A voice called from down the hall. It was Miss Pomly.

The maid barged into King Malik's chambers for the second time today, her hands firm on her hips as she scowled at him. Under her dress he could see the motion of her bushy tail flicking angrily- that was a rare sight. "Where were you?! You had me worried sick!," she scolded.

Malik sighed. Even though he was the one who took her in, it always seemed like she was guardian in this relationship. She was the only employee in the castle who could castigate him in such a manner.

"I apologize, Miss Pomly. I had to make sure no one would interfere," King Malik looked back over to his desk, pulling an opened book forward. Backwards Potion... turns your enemies head backwards. How fun.

Miss Pomly shook her head slowly, approaching The King from behind and putting a soft hand on his back. "I'm not going to pretend I'm nearly as old as you are, but for the entirety that I have known you, you've been trapped in this same cycle. I would even bet you've been trapped in it longer than I have ever even been around," Miss Pomly paused, Malik finally looking over his shoulder to her. "You do realize you don't have to do everything alone, don't you?," she prompted the question, but Malik knew there was no verbal answer he could give. For such a young lady- well, in his eyes anyway- he could swear she was much more wiser than he ever was.

"Thank you, Miss Pomly," Malik's voice was softer, a tone he didn't use much around other people. Miss Pomly gave him a big-old-mama-bear embrace that he returned with a side hug- which for him was quite the loving notion.

"I'll refrain from lecturing you about the potion table in your room and late night crafting for tonight. Just make sure you get at least a little bit of sleep, your highness," Miss Pomly patted King Malik on the back, walking out of the room and shutting the door behind her. She seemed tired now, making Malik feel slightly guilty for worrying her awake late into the night.

The rabbit disregarded his thoughts and turned his attention back to his book. It wouldn't be the longest night of potion crafting, but it would definitely be quite a few hours. He suppressed a yawn in his throat- just thinking about it made him tired.

The following morning came slow. Malik had awakened slowly, his eyes squinting in the bright morning light. His head rested upon a giant book and-

Wait. Giant book?!

Malik rose quickly, sitting down on his desk. His nose twitched furiously.

"Your highness, are you awake- oh. Oh my!," Queen Meabh invaded Malik's chambers, spotting his small, fluffy white body upon his desk. He turned to look at her, his flocculent body breathing slowly. "Good morning, Queen Meabh," he greeted, not acknowledging the situation. Queen Meabh stared for a moment before covering her mouth with one hand, then the other, before spitting out in a fit of laughter. Malik thumped his feet irritably below him.

"Malik, you know if you exhaust your magic you'll be reverted into conservation form!," Queen Meabh's laughing slowed, though she still giggled as she stepped forward, brushing his clothes off of his chair and taking a seat in front of the rabbit. "Yes, I am aware of that," Malik looked unamused at Meabh. "This is not funny."

Queen Meabh reached forward and grabbed Malik under the arms, holding him up effortlessly. "I mean, it's a little funny," she chuckled delightedly.

"Put me down!," King Malik flailed around and Meabh set him back on the desk. "Sorry, you're just so small and adorable like this!"

Small and adorable. She hadn't a clue how hard it was to lead a country being a little fuzzy, cotton tailed bunny rabbit. How difficult it was to be seen with respect and hold a high stance among his peers. It was miserable.

Meabh could tell she had struck the wrong chord and cleared her throat, changing the subject.

"Well, we'll plan for the departure tomorrow. You should be fully recharged by then," she smiled and Malik shook out his fur, taking the invitation for distraction. "Yes, very well," Malik heaved the back cover of his book over the front, using his whole body, and pushed it neatly back to the corner of the desk.

"By the way...," Meabh began slowly, "I heard that you employed Zink Suoh as your proxy." Malik looked at her. He knew what she was going to ask.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Malik sighed heavily. "As a king, I do not like to have my actions questioned. As the ruler of the largest country of Rya, I do not like being second guessed. As a host, I do not like being investigated. As the eldest alive among us... I do not like being challenged," he puffed his chest out, sitting tall with his head held high. Queen Meabh looked a little taken aback, but smiled respectfully at his words. "Very well, your majesty. I trust your will," Queen Meabh stood, heading for the door.

"Wait!," Malik called and the elk halted, turning around quickly. "Yes?," she asked.

"... Could you at least place me upon the floor, please?"