broken reign: prologue;
“Blessed be, Elpida.” There came the formal greeting. She had heard it all day and was growing tired of it. She longed for dusk to come and lead her back to her bed. She was tired of walking around and greeting people. She wanted the festivities to begin and end so she could go home.
Elpida wanted to slip out of her white, silk dress. She wore her dark hair down. It fell close to her waist, but she planned on cutting part of it. It was getting too long; it was beginning to become a hassle for her to comb every day. Her feet were sore and the rituals had not begun. With several other chosen, she was to perform the Dasal - the prayer to honor the Celestials and the gift of life.
Legends also said the Dasal was a prayer of protection.
And where was protection when she needed it?
“I said blessed be, Elpida.” said a friend.
Elpida stared blankly at her childhood friend. Her pale blue eyes were piercing, but Helios did not flinch. His hazel gaze would not waver. Neither would his smile.
“And blessed be, Helios.” She replied.
He was adorned in a red shirt and black pants. Helios’s silk shirt was undone, revealing his torso. It appeared he was working on his form. Elpida could only assume it was from his sword fighting lessons required of a young man of his status.
“Milady, do you not know it is rude to address a prince in such a manner?”
“You are a childhood friend of mine, are you not?” replied Elpida. “I am under you in status, but I might as well be of royal blood. After all, my mother is related to the Seraphim of Faith.”
Helios closed his eyes before sighing. It was as if he had heard this conversation many times before. A small smile crossed his face. “One day, Elphie. Like Lady Kismet said, a good star of power will give birth to royal blood.”
“Jasmine said that one year ago from today.” Elpida looked up at the sky. The sun would set in an hour or two. The Dasal would begin at sundown around the Great Flame. She would have to be there when that happened. She would dance with the other chosen to take part in the prayer itself.
“Elphie?” Helios broke the silence.
“Hm?”
“Happy birthday.”
She felt a smile form on her lips. Finally, someone outside her family remembered it. Helios reached out for her and their palms met. Elpida could feel the power flowing to the meeting point. Her innate magic was beginning to stir within her. This was why she had befriended him. Their magics called to each other, always seeking their ally.
But they themselves were not drawn to each other in such a way.
Elpida knew this. So did the prince.
It was common knowledge that these two were fond of each other. It was expected that they were wed, but the childhood friends had announced they would not. Many were disappointed with this dilemma including many members of the royal family and a few of Elpida’s kin.
It was not meant to be.
Somehow, some way, Elpida knew it couldn’t. She couldn’t explain how or why. It was just a feeling she had. She would not marry Helios for that reason alone. Only the head of the family, Elpida’s mother understood this and politely disapproved of the arrangement. She knew her daughter best so no one questioned it.
But why?
Elpida was not told what that feeling of knowing was. Her mother didn’t tell her. Helios might have known, but she would not ask him. His magic was a different kind than the one Elpida was born with.
Helios stared at her blankly. Their palms were still touching, but the magic faded. It was not strong enough to do anything.
“Prince Helios.” Someone called.
Elpida quickly backed away, drawing her hand from the feel of her friend’s hand. She looked up to see an extremely pale face and pale-blue eyes staring at her. A jagged scar ran down his left cheek; she imagined that it came from a blade. Like Helios, he was dressed in silk as well, but it was dyed black.
“It is a pleasure to have you join us,” Helios smiled at the newcomer. “I’m glad you could make it to this year’s Dasal, Lelouch.”
“Am I keeping you from your…other guest?” Lelouch was still focused on Elpida, who slightly blushed and looked away from him. Elpida began to play with her hair, avoiding speaking up in their conversation.
“No, not at all.” Helios glanced between them. A mischievous smile appeared on his features. One of his eyebrows arched when he began to speak again, “Lelouch, this is Elpida Der Macht. Elpida, this is the Earl of Illiyen: Lelouch de Prospero.”
“You’re the Lady Alasdaira’s daughter?” Lelouch’s eyes widened.
“Her firstborn.”
“It is such a pleasure to meet you.”
“Enchanted.” Elpida replied.
She was surprised though. She could have sworn she might have met this noble before. Elpida couldn’t seem to remember. No, it might have been another of her kin. Or maybe, she just heard of him.
“I’ve been acquainted with your brother, Ashton.”
There was her answer. Ashton told her everything when it came to his meetings with nobility. Then, the space between the three grew extremely tense as a cold wind passed them by. Elpida held her arms close to her body when she looked back at them. Lelouch was avoiding her gaze, but she had sworn she saw him looking at her the moment before. Perhaps, she was just imagining it. She sighed and looked back up to the sky.
Time was moving slower than ever.
“Anxious, Elphie?” asked Helios.
“Extremely.” Elpida answered.
“May I ask why?” Lelouch questioned.
Elpida opened her mouth to reply, but the prince beat her to it. “Elphie will be joining her mother and the Lady Seraph. She will be performing the Dasal at sundown.”
“What an honor that is.” The Earl commented, “I would have never have thought you would be a dancer.” He was smirking. Elpida didn’t like it. She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. She began to wonder what Helios saw in this one. Maybe, it was a friendship based on politics - much like theirs.
“I’m not a dancer, but performing the Dasal is in my blood.” She retorted. It was tradition. Her mother had danced the Dasal from the moment she was maid of sixteen. It was expected that Alasdaira’s daughter to the same.
“Shall I test your word out?” He then turned to Helios, who was still grinning. Lelouch gave him a stern look, but Helios’s resolve did not waver. “It is all right if I steal her away from you, my friend.”
Elpida’s gaze narrowed. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and placed both hands on her hips. “The both of you do know that I am not just any woman you can toss around.”
Helios laughed at her statement. He could always count on her to say something unorthodox. “Go and dance. It is a celebration of life after all, but you must ask the lady for her permission first.”
Lelouch looked at Elpida with his pleading eyes. Pale blue locked with grey-blue ones. He offered his hand to her. She could turn him down, but she didn’t want to. She had heard about him. Lelouch de Prospero, the current Earl of Illyien, was seen as an outcast. He was deemed illegitimate at birth, but it was later proved that he was the legal child of the late Earl. But still, society was wary of his presence. The Society of Faith had welcomed him with open arms.
It was that very society which proved his birthright. Although he had such a status, it was said he was rather cynical at court. Elpida was told it stemmed from the treatment he was given as a child. She wouldn’t be surprised.
“Very well, Earl.” She finally replied.
“You may call me Lelouch if it pleases you.”
“And only if you let him call you Elphie.” Helios chucked.
“Elpida is just fine.” Lelouch rolled his eyes. He knew his boundaries. Elpida shot a deadly look at the prince. She would have been charged with treason if the Royal Guard was within the vicinity. It wouldn’t have looked good. Her magic began to stir, but Lelouch placed her hand on his to draw her away from trouble. Elpida shook her head, breaking her concerntration.
“Shall we?” He asked. “May we be dismissed, Your Highness?”
“Enjoy yourselves.” Helios bid them goodbye before going elsewhere. He was still grinning like a schoolboy when he left, searching through the congregation. Elpida was not pleased with this. She would get him back much later that evening.
Lelouch began to lead Elpida the opposite direction --- toward the river Dinah. People were beginning to stare at them. Whispers could be heard. Elpida could only imagine what they were saying. So she kept her chin up.
“It’s the outcast earl. He is no good for such a lady.” said a gossiping woman.
Lelouch’s grip tightened.
“Hush,” said another. “They are both under the protection of the Nox heir.”
Elpida proceeded to ignore the gossip. She was used to things like that. Either her family or Helios was there to shield her, but she figured Lelouch had no one. She squeezed his hand gently. “Pretend to not hear them.”
“How?” He whispered.
“Tell me something to make me laugh or something.”
“What? That’ll make them think I’m courting you.”
Elpida shook her head. “Well, aren’t you? You asked for a dance.”
“I don’t know what I request sometimes,” He said. “Words just come out of my mouth.” He was impulsive, but seemingly polite young man. The Earl of Illiyen didn’t look before he leapt.
“I see. That’s not a good thing if you want to find someone to settle down with.”
Elpida was lightly joking, but he had given her some kind of look. His pale eyes seemed somewhat sad. Her eyes widened when she realized what was said. She bit her lip and slipped her hand away from his. “I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s alright.” Lelouch shrugged his shoulders. “Shall we?”
They were drawing close to the river. Lelouch halted before the ground became muddy. He assumed Elpida would not want her dress to be ruined before her debut. The trees above obscured the vision of the sky, but some light broke through the branches once in a while. Some of these rays would touch Elpida’s skin, allowing her to glow.
Lelouch held his breath. “Practice the Dasal with me.”
“I don’t know all the steps. And-”
“Trust yourself.” He whispered.
Beyond the hushed gossip, there was someone clapping their hands. In the distance, Elpida could see someone approaching. She was a tall woman dressed in white silk. Her amber hair crowed her head, tumbling down to her lower back. Her golden, heavenly eyes were fixed upon them, but one of them seemed to be clouded, darker in shade than the other. She had a tattoo of a pointed cross upon her shoulder blade, a symbol of her bond to the world.
Everyone grew still as she passed them by. This woman was held with the highest esteem --- even the royals would bow their heads. She was Jasmine the Lady Seraph, the goddess who chose to walk and live among the people.
Dance, Elpida --- Lady Hope of the Power. And I will sing for you.
This was what the goddess’s eyes said to her. Elpida was compelled to obey. She took a step back. She pointed her left foot to the ground and raised her arms over her head, crossing her wrists together. She took a deep breath, watching Lelouch step back and bowing.
Without any accompaniment, Jasmine began to sing. Her voice was haunting, ethereal but beautiful. It made everything stop what they were doing and watch. All nervousness washed away from Elpida as she began to dance.
My prayer is simple, just for you to hear.
Let them see the dawn when it nears.
Let them see the light of this life.
Elpida uncrossed her wrists as she slowly spun around. Her palms were facing up as she faced the people, welcoming them to join her as well. No one moved forward. Lelouch merely watched her with gentle eyes. She continued on alone.
Let them see the dusk and its kiss to night.
Elpida flicked her right wrist, blowing a kiss the sky above. She tiptoed toward Lelouch and kissed him on the cheek, symbolizing dusk’s kiss to night. She twirled away from him when she could hear the beating of a drum. It was faint, but she began to follow it.
When crown and blood fall,
Her heart was beating in sync with the steady drum.
My prayer is sung for all to hear.
Can you see the twilight near?
You can see the darkness fall.
Then, the drum grew louder. Her movements became more complex. Ripples of power began to radiate from her, causing her air of magic to be seen as she moved. It appeared that there was more than one woman dancing, but in truth, she was alone.
All together, we dance around the fire.
Our prayer is simple for us to ask.
It is much too simple to ask.
Deliver us not to the flames of hellfire.
Suddenly, there was a loud cry, echoing throughout the forest and the river Dinah. Jasmine stopped her song. Once again, one of her eyes was clouded with a vision. Almost instantly, a barely tanned man appeared at her side. His eyes were a pale blue almost white. He too wore silk robes and had a tattoo on his shoulder blade. He carried no weapon at his side, but he had power far stronger than any human.
“Kreios, what is the matter?” Jasmine asked of her vampire mate.
“Lucifel. Canaan went to hold him back.” The vampire grumbled.
Jasmine touched his cold cheek and understood his message. Their son went to go take care of their business. She looked through the crowd. Her worried expression could not be hidden as she cried out in a loud voice: “Alasdaira, Lady Protector of the Power. Come forth.”
The congregation parted to allow a woman through. Her dark hair was held up by a clip on her head. Her rain-colored eyes were rather cold, examining the scene laid before her. Elpida bowed her head to her mother. So her mother had seen the dance.
“You summoned for me, Lady Seraph?” Alasdaira asked.
“We need your power to protect.” Kreios answered.
Elpida’s mother did not hesitate as she nodded. Hushed whispers started up. Kreios led Alasdaira the way Kreios came from. Elpida assumed they were headed back to the heart of the river Dinah, toward the Lake of Naught. People argued that it was a man’s job to protect. Her mother was a protector and a woman.
It was her mother’s legacy.
“We must return to Enna, the Phantom’s Court.” Jasmine announced suddenly to the remaining congregation. No one would question her. Nor did they know what was going on. Elpida watched the Lady Seraph while she led to them the opposite direction, away from Kreios. Lelouch walked close beside Elpida.
“You danced well.” He commented.
“Now is not the time for flattery.” Elpida shushed him.
She wanted to know what was going on. Lucifel? She had sworn she had read the name somewhere before. It sounded familiar enough. Lelouch slipped his hand into hers as she started to worry about her mother. He could see it on Elpida’s face as she muttered words about Alasdaira. He pretended not to hear them.
“Lady Kismet, will the Lady of Power return safely?”
“It is in her destiny.” Jasmine replied cryptically.
“Will she-?” Elpida was interrupted.
There was a bolt of lightning and chaos broke out. Families were separated from one another. Children were screaming. People were being trampled on. A witch-like cry sounded throughout the forest again. Arrows rained down from the tree tops.
Elpida shared her voice with the others screaming. Pushing them away from the dirt path, Lelouch jumped in front of her, shielding her from the incoming arrows. That was when Elpida felt a burning sensation running through her body. Her eyes felt like they were burning. She shut them tight.
“Lelouch, they’re burning!”
“What are?”
“My eyes!” She cried.
“Open them. Let me see.” He said soothingly.
She cracked them open to see a shocked look on his face. What was wrong with her eyes?
“One of them is crimson.”
She knew what it meant. Lelouch helped himself and Elpida up before beginning to run. There were arrows pierced onto his back with slight bleeding. He was breathing deeply, but still he kept going. They followed the crowd at a distance until Lelouch tripped over a tree root. He shoved Elpida forward.
“Go.” He said.
“No, Lelouch. I can’t.”
He shook his head. He no longer had the strength to get up. It hurt too much. He could only watch as the rest retreated to safety. “You’re the only one who can inherit the Der Macht legacy. You’re not expendable unlike me. You’re the Lady Hope. You are needed. Now, go!”
She didn’t want to leave him behind. Elpida stepped toward them, but he shook his head. She looked beyond the darkness, hearing the rustling of the trees. The threat was coming. A tear trickled down her face.
“Follow the river back to Phantom’s Court.” Lelouch suggested. “I wish we had much more time. Now, hurry. Go, Elphie.” He nodded at her, telling her it was okay. She bit her lip and slowly turned away. Elpida began to run away toward the water. She didn’t stop even when it hurt her.
She only halted at the border of Phantom’s Court. Up on the bridge, the refugees stopped and stared at her as she swayed at the shoreline dividing the forest and the river. She closed her eyes and fell through the water, crying. Someone --- a dhampirs resident of the city --- dove in to save her.
She barely remembered his name for she was whispering another.
“Lelouch.”
She was guilty.
And Elpida Der Macht fell into the river once more.
Elpida wanted to slip out of her white, silk dress. She wore her dark hair down. It fell close to her waist, but she planned on cutting part of it. It was getting too long; it was beginning to become a hassle for her to comb every day. Her feet were sore and the rituals had not begun. With several other chosen, she was to perform the Dasal - the prayer to honor the Celestials and the gift of life.
Legends also said the Dasal was a prayer of protection.
And where was protection when she needed it?
“I said blessed be, Elpida.” said a friend.
Elpida stared blankly at her childhood friend. Her pale blue eyes were piercing, but Helios did not flinch. His hazel gaze would not waver. Neither would his smile.
“And blessed be, Helios.” She replied.
He was adorned in a red shirt and black pants. Helios’s silk shirt was undone, revealing his torso. It appeared he was working on his form. Elpida could only assume it was from his sword fighting lessons required of a young man of his status.
“Milady, do you not know it is rude to address a prince in such a manner?”
“You are a childhood friend of mine, are you not?” replied Elpida. “I am under you in status, but I might as well be of royal blood. After all, my mother is related to the Seraphim of Faith.”
Helios closed his eyes before sighing. It was as if he had heard this conversation many times before. A small smile crossed his face. “One day, Elphie. Like Lady Kismet said, a good star of power will give birth to royal blood.”
“Jasmine said that one year ago from today.” Elpida looked up at the sky. The sun would set in an hour or two. The Dasal would begin at sundown around the Great Flame. She would have to be there when that happened. She would dance with the other chosen to take part in the prayer itself.
“Elphie?” Helios broke the silence.
“Hm?”
“Happy birthday.”
She felt a smile form on her lips. Finally, someone outside her family remembered it. Helios reached out for her and their palms met. Elpida could feel the power flowing to the meeting point. Her innate magic was beginning to stir within her. This was why she had befriended him. Their magics called to each other, always seeking their ally.
But they themselves were not drawn to each other in such a way.
Elpida knew this. So did the prince.
It was common knowledge that these two were fond of each other. It was expected that they were wed, but the childhood friends had announced they would not. Many were disappointed with this dilemma including many members of the royal family and a few of Elpida’s kin.
It was not meant to be.
Somehow, some way, Elpida knew it couldn’t. She couldn’t explain how or why. It was just a feeling she had. She would not marry Helios for that reason alone. Only the head of the family, Elpida’s mother understood this and politely disapproved of the arrangement. She knew her daughter best so no one questioned it.
But why?
Elpida was not told what that feeling of knowing was. Her mother didn’t tell her. Helios might have known, but she would not ask him. His magic was a different kind than the one Elpida was born with.
Helios stared at her blankly. Their palms were still touching, but the magic faded. It was not strong enough to do anything.
“Prince Helios.” Someone called.
Elpida quickly backed away, drawing her hand from the feel of her friend’s hand. She looked up to see an extremely pale face and pale-blue eyes staring at her. A jagged scar ran down his left cheek; she imagined that it came from a blade. Like Helios, he was dressed in silk as well, but it was dyed black.
“It is a pleasure to have you join us,” Helios smiled at the newcomer. “I’m glad you could make it to this year’s Dasal, Lelouch.”
“Am I keeping you from your…other guest?” Lelouch was still focused on Elpida, who slightly blushed and looked away from him. Elpida began to play with her hair, avoiding speaking up in their conversation.
“No, not at all.” Helios glanced between them. A mischievous smile appeared on his features. One of his eyebrows arched when he began to speak again, “Lelouch, this is Elpida Der Macht. Elpida, this is the Earl of Illiyen: Lelouch de Prospero.”
“You’re the Lady Alasdaira’s daughter?” Lelouch’s eyes widened.
“Her firstborn.”
“It is such a pleasure to meet you.”
“Enchanted.” Elpida replied.
She was surprised though. She could have sworn she might have met this noble before. Elpida couldn’t seem to remember. No, it might have been another of her kin. Or maybe, she just heard of him.
“I’ve been acquainted with your brother, Ashton.”
There was her answer. Ashton told her everything when it came to his meetings with nobility. Then, the space between the three grew extremely tense as a cold wind passed them by. Elpida held her arms close to her body when she looked back at them. Lelouch was avoiding her gaze, but she had sworn she saw him looking at her the moment before. Perhaps, she was just imagining it. She sighed and looked back up to the sky.
Time was moving slower than ever.
“Anxious, Elphie?” asked Helios.
“Extremely.” Elpida answered.
“May I ask why?” Lelouch questioned.
Elpida opened her mouth to reply, but the prince beat her to it. “Elphie will be joining her mother and the Lady Seraph. She will be performing the Dasal at sundown.”
“What an honor that is.” The Earl commented, “I would have never have thought you would be a dancer.” He was smirking. Elpida didn’t like it. She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. She began to wonder what Helios saw in this one. Maybe, it was a friendship based on politics - much like theirs.
“I’m not a dancer, but performing the Dasal is in my blood.” She retorted. It was tradition. Her mother had danced the Dasal from the moment she was maid of sixteen. It was expected that Alasdaira’s daughter to the same.
“Shall I test your word out?” He then turned to Helios, who was still grinning. Lelouch gave him a stern look, but Helios’s resolve did not waver. “It is all right if I steal her away from you, my friend.”
Elpida’s gaze narrowed. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and placed both hands on her hips. “The both of you do know that I am not just any woman you can toss around.”
Helios laughed at her statement. He could always count on her to say something unorthodox. “Go and dance. It is a celebration of life after all, but you must ask the lady for her permission first.”
Lelouch looked at Elpida with his pleading eyes. Pale blue locked with grey-blue ones. He offered his hand to her. She could turn him down, but she didn’t want to. She had heard about him. Lelouch de Prospero, the current Earl of Illyien, was seen as an outcast. He was deemed illegitimate at birth, but it was later proved that he was the legal child of the late Earl. But still, society was wary of his presence. The Society of Faith had welcomed him with open arms.
It was that very society which proved his birthright. Although he had such a status, it was said he was rather cynical at court. Elpida was told it stemmed from the treatment he was given as a child. She wouldn’t be surprised.
“Very well, Earl.” She finally replied.
“You may call me Lelouch if it pleases you.”
“And only if you let him call you Elphie.” Helios chucked.
“Elpida is just fine.” Lelouch rolled his eyes. He knew his boundaries. Elpida shot a deadly look at the prince. She would have been charged with treason if the Royal Guard was within the vicinity. It wouldn’t have looked good. Her magic began to stir, but Lelouch placed her hand on his to draw her away from trouble. Elpida shook her head, breaking her concerntration.
“Shall we?” He asked. “May we be dismissed, Your Highness?”
“Enjoy yourselves.” Helios bid them goodbye before going elsewhere. He was still grinning like a schoolboy when he left, searching through the congregation. Elpida was not pleased with this. She would get him back much later that evening.
Lelouch began to lead Elpida the opposite direction --- toward the river Dinah. People were beginning to stare at them. Whispers could be heard. Elpida could only imagine what they were saying. So she kept her chin up.
“It’s the outcast earl. He is no good for such a lady.” said a gossiping woman.
Lelouch’s grip tightened.
“Hush,” said another. “They are both under the protection of the Nox heir.”
Elpida proceeded to ignore the gossip. She was used to things like that. Either her family or Helios was there to shield her, but she figured Lelouch had no one. She squeezed his hand gently. “Pretend to not hear them.”
“How?” He whispered.
“Tell me something to make me laugh or something.”
“What? That’ll make them think I’m courting you.”
Elpida shook her head. “Well, aren’t you? You asked for a dance.”
“I don’t know what I request sometimes,” He said. “Words just come out of my mouth.” He was impulsive, but seemingly polite young man. The Earl of Illiyen didn’t look before he leapt.
“I see. That’s not a good thing if you want to find someone to settle down with.”
Elpida was lightly joking, but he had given her some kind of look. His pale eyes seemed somewhat sad. Her eyes widened when she realized what was said. She bit her lip and slipped her hand away from his. “I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s alright.” Lelouch shrugged his shoulders. “Shall we?”
They were drawing close to the river. Lelouch halted before the ground became muddy. He assumed Elpida would not want her dress to be ruined before her debut. The trees above obscured the vision of the sky, but some light broke through the branches once in a while. Some of these rays would touch Elpida’s skin, allowing her to glow.
Lelouch held his breath. “Practice the Dasal with me.”
“I don’t know all the steps. And-”
“Trust yourself.” He whispered.
Beyond the hushed gossip, there was someone clapping their hands. In the distance, Elpida could see someone approaching. She was a tall woman dressed in white silk. Her amber hair crowed her head, tumbling down to her lower back. Her golden, heavenly eyes were fixed upon them, but one of them seemed to be clouded, darker in shade than the other. She had a tattoo of a pointed cross upon her shoulder blade, a symbol of her bond to the world.
Everyone grew still as she passed them by. This woman was held with the highest esteem --- even the royals would bow their heads. She was Jasmine the Lady Seraph, the goddess who chose to walk and live among the people.
Dance, Elpida --- Lady Hope of the Power. And I will sing for you.
This was what the goddess’s eyes said to her. Elpida was compelled to obey. She took a step back. She pointed her left foot to the ground and raised her arms over her head, crossing her wrists together. She took a deep breath, watching Lelouch step back and bowing.
Without any accompaniment, Jasmine began to sing. Her voice was haunting, ethereal but beautiful. It made everything stop what they were doing and watch. All nervousness washed away from Elpida as she began to dance.
My prayer is simple, just for you to hear.
Let them see the dawn when it nears.
Let them see the light of this life.
Elpida uncrossed her wrists as she slowly spun around. Her palms were facing up as she faced the people, welcoming them to join her as well. No one moved forward. Lelouch merely watched her with gentle eyes. She continued on alone.
Let them see the dusk and its kiss to night.
Elpida flicked her right wrist, blowing a kiss the sky above. She tiptoed toward Lelouch and kissed him on the cheek, symbolizing dusk’s kiss to night. She twirled away from him when she could hear the beating of a drum. It was faint, but she began to follow it.
When crown and blood fall,
Her heart was beating in sync with the steady drum.
My prayer is sung for all to hear.
Can you see the twilight near?
You can see the darkness fall.
Then, the drum grew louder. Her movements became more complex. Ripples of power began to radiate from her, causing her air of magic to be seen as she moved. It appeared that there was more than one woman dancing, but in truth, she was alone.
All together, we dance around the fire.
Our prayer is simple for us to ask.
It is much too simple to ask.
Deliver us not to the flames of hellfire.
Suddenly, there was a loud cry, echoing throughout the forest and the river Dinah. Jasmine stopped her song. Once again, one of her eyes was clouded with a vision. Almost instantly, a barely tanned man appeared at her side. His eyes were a pale blue almost white. He too wore silk robes and had a tattoo on his shoulder blade. He carried no weapon at his side, but he had power far stronger than any human.
“Kreios, what is the matter?” Jasmine asked of her vampire mate.
“Lucifel. Canaan went to hold him back.” The vampire grumbled.
Jasmine touched his cold cheek and understood his message. Their son went to go take care of their business. She looked through the crowd. Her worried expression could not be hidden as she cried out in a loud voice: “Alasdaira, Lady Protector of the Power. Come forth.”
The congregation parted to allow a woman through. Her dark hair was held up by a clip on her head. Her rain-colored eyes were rather cold, examining the scene laid before her. Elpida bowed her head to her mother. So her mother had seen the dance.
“You summoned for me, Lady Seraph?” Alasdaira asked.
“We need your power to protect.” Kreios answered.
Elpida’s mother did not hesitate as she nodded. Hushed whispers started up. Kreios led Alasdaira the way Kreios came from. Elpida assumed they were headed back to the heart of the river Dinah, toward the Lake of Naught. People argued that it was a man’s job to protect. Her mother was a protector and a woman.
It was her mother’s legacy.
“We must return to Enna, the Phantom’s Court.” Jasmine announced suddenly to the remaining congregation. No one would question her. Nor did they know what was going on. Elpida watched the Lady Seraph while she led to them the opposite direction, away from Kreios. Lelouch walked close beside Elpida.
“You danced well.” He commented.
“Now is not the time for flattery.” Elpida shushed him.
She wanted to know what was going on. Lucifel? She had sworn she had read the name somewhere before. It sounded familiar enough. Lelouch slipped his hand into hers as she started to worry about her mother. He could see it on Elpida’s face as she muttered words about Alasdaira. He pretended not to hear them.
“Lady Kismet, will the Lady of Power return safely?”
“It is in her destiny.” Jasmine replied cryptically.
“Will she-?” Elpida was interrupted.
There was a bolt of lightning and chaos broke out. Families were separated from one another. Children were screaming. People were being trampled on. A witch-like cry sounded throughout the forest again. Arrows rained down from the tree tops.
Elpida shared her voice with the others screaming. Pushing them away from the dirt path, Lelouch jumped in front of her, shielding her from the incoming arrows. That was when Elpida felt a burning sensation running through her body. Her eyes felt like they were burning. She shut them tight.
“Lelouch, they’re burning!”
“What are?”
“My eyes!” She cried.
“Open them. Let me see.” He said soothingly.
She cracked them open to see a shocked look on his face. What was wrong with her eyes?
“One of them is crimson.”
She knew what it meant. Lelouch helped himself and Elpida up before beginning to run. There were arrows pierced onto his back with slight bleeding. He was breathing deeply, but still he kept going. They followed the crowd at a distance until Lelouch tripped over a tree root. He shoved Elpida forward.
“Go.” He said.
“No, Lelouch. I can’t.”
He shook his head. He no longer had the strength to get up. It hurt too much. He could only watch as the rest retreated to safety. “You’re the only one who can inherit the Der Macht legacy. You’re not expendable unlike me. You’re the Lady Hope. You are needed. Now, go!”
She didn’t want to leave him behind. Elpida stepped toward them, but he shook his head. She looked beyond the darkness, hearing the rustling of the trees. The threat was coming. A tear trickled down her face.
“Follow the river back to Phantom’s Court.” Lelouch suggested. “I wish we had much more time. Now, hurry. Go, Elphie.” He nodded at her, telling her it was okay. She bit her lip and slowly turned away. Elpida began to run away toward the water. She didn’t stop even when it hurt her.
She only halted at the border of Phantom’s Court. Up on the bridge, the refugees stopped and stared at her as she swayed at the shoreline dividing the forest and the river. She closed her eyes and fell through the water, crying. Someone --- a dhampirs resident of the city --- dove in to save her.
She barely remembered his name for she was whispering another.
“Lelouch.”
She was guilty.
And Elpida Der Macht fell into the river once more.