Spirits of the Earth

OOC: This thread takes place after this one: The Coldest Day of The Year (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=14660.msg134578#msg134578) and takes place in the spring there after~

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It was at the beginning of the winter thaw. There was ample flooding, and ample winds, and ample tensions growing on the mountain passes down from the mage camps. The first boughts of resistance had begun, and although he had been trained for this for quite some time, it still came as a shock when rogue mage fighters suddenly attacked his camp. His garrison was small and quickly surrounded, the mordecai taken out first. Then the black powder was found...
and he couldn't recall the rest.

To Uthlyn! Uthlyn!
The bodies came back in cartloads, most being dead, but even the wounded had to be piled one on top of the other that as they carts rolled into town, it  was hard to tell which were meant to go to the graveyard, and which to the doctors.

A make shift hospital had been set on the east side of town, though many injured soldiers had been brought and treated here, the building barely had enough space to house them all, and soon tents were erected outside the building in the surrounding streets, and more and more scholars and women were brought in to tend to the wounded as the war progressed.

A particular cart load of men from the attack up north had been brought in, and it had been 2 days of rough travel. From the few that did survive with injuries, many died along the way, and it was here, before the tents, that the bodies were sorted. When a smaller body from a poor solider who's legs had been blown off was removed and revealed the unconscious form of Killian Gryst below, at first, they believed the man to be dead, but as another soldier was lifting him up to be discarded, he made a face.

"This one still feels warm. I think I see breathing."

"Toss him into the other cart anyway, if he ain't awake, he is of no use to us. He might as well be dead," one of the elder nurses stated. "He probably won't make it through the night anyway. Look at that gash to his head. If he ain't waking up now, he won't ever."

And the man nodded, and tossed Killian right along with the pile of the dead.

Though the little town she was in had been nice, by mid winter she knew it was time to move on. Solita had left Millie a note in case Killian came back looking for her stating that she was heading to Uthlyn. She had found a nice little spot to stay when not begging, it was tucked away, mostly out of the view and protected from the harsh wind. That was where she was when the bodies started rolling in. At first, in her hunger filled daze, she thought nothing of it. The thought of Killian soon rose to the for front of her mind though and cut through the haze. She was on her feet in a matter of moments.

Though her steps were not exactly steady she went racing through the streets, do her best to see if Killian had been in the mess, asking around, asking if anyone knew. She was mostly ignored. She had nearly lost hope as the day drug on. Either no one knew or no one would tell her, she could feel despair welling in the pit of her stomach. 

Maybe she would never know, maybe he had already been thrown in the ground. Still, even with the tears wanting to rush down her cheeks she sat against a wall so she could see the head nurse and where they were sorting bodies, maybe, just maybe she would find him. She sat there for a long while before catching a glimpse, at first she thought she was mistaken, then, after looking for a moment she knew. They were putting him in the dead pile. Solita felt the tears run over the brim on her eyes and before she knew it she was running to what she thought was his corpse.

She fell to her knees by his body, all she could hear was the rushing of blood in her eyes as her heart throbbed in her chest. If she would have stayed where she was she would have never known. She would have thought that he had just left, that their little day together was nothing. Still she couldn't say that the gods were on her side, there lay Killian on the ground at her knees, all covered in blood.


She slowly, hesitantly reached down, taking his hand in her own. He was still warm, which only made the tears run heavier down her face.
"Killian," She spoke softly, her voice ragged with emotion.

She might be able to save him, she looked up at the head nurse. That would be if the nurse would let her take care of him. She could of course heal him right where he lay, if he wasn't too far gone of course but that would surely get her sent to the mage camps.

"What are you doing over there?" the head nurse snapped as she yanked onto Solita's hand and roughly pulled her away. "Let the dead get to their graves! We are very busy around here! You can mourn over your lost lover once he is in the ground! Now either pick up a shovel to help dig in the hills, or clean yourself up and help me inside with the suffering soldiers who are still alive."

Solita clung to Killian's hand, refusing to let go.
"He is not dead, I, I can keep him from dying, please, let me take care of him!" Solita sobbed as she resisted the pulling of the head nurse. She could save Killian right there but if he knew the truth, that she was a magic user would he still want her, would he still care? She was desperate, and her next actions all depended upon the head nurse and her next words.

The nurse gave a mean glare.
"We can't heal the almost dead, girl," she said temperamentally. "If he hasn't woken up by now, he's not going to. We've got healthier soldiers that could use the treatments far better than he. Since there was a renegade band of mages halting supplies to this city, we're running low. I have strict orders not to waste them  and he.."she said, pointing to Killian. "Is not worth the cot space we do not have."
Shaking her head and continued to glare.
"Now leave the soldier at once before I have you taken away from here. This is not an area for commoners. Volunteers only. Like I said earlier, you can see him when he's in his grave."

Solita didn't need any of the supplies that they had in the hospital of the tents. She knew she would probably end up regretting what she was about to do. Killian would probably hate her and the gods only know what was going to happen to her after they dragged her away to whatever hell whole they dragged mages, but she would not sit there and let Killian die.
Killian had once saved her and now she was going to return the favor, though her returning the favor would cost her much more dearly.

She pulled her hand free of the nurse, before moving her hands over Killian. One over his heart and the other over his forehead. She closed her eyes and within moments her hands began to glow. She felt the instant drawn the started when she healed someone, especially someone with injuries as bad as his own. All she could hear was her own blood rushing behind her ears. Her healing magic worked fast, within the first moments of her hands starting to glow the injury on his head was almost closed. Before long her nose started to trickle blood. She knew that the soldiers would be pulling her off soon, dragging her to her fate, she didn't pull away and try to run, she was going to heal Killian until the last second, she wanted him to live, even if she would not.

"What on earth are you doing!?" The nurse shouted, but then found herself stunned, watching in horror as the woman began to glow with magic. When she finally found her tongue she shouted, "Guards! Guards!" And as soon as the nearest soldiers were alerted, turning her way, she shouted, "Call of the mordecai! We have an unmarked mage here messing with the dead soldiers!"
And within seconds the men were around her, not hesitating to tear her off of Killian's side.

By the time Solita was ripped from Killian's side he was mostly healed. Blood was dripping from her nose and eyes and she was slipping in and out of consciousness. The guards shouldn't have much trouble dragging her light half consciousness form where ever they were going to take her. Tears started to run down her face mixing with the blood from her nose. She just hoped that Killian wouldn't hate her.

As the guards began to take her off, a crowd began to gather and a female mordecai soldier came racing their way. But that's not what had the old woman gasping, for in that moment, the body of the body suddenly came back to life, and he doubled over, emptying the contents of his stomach before shivering and curling up on his side, clutching onto his gut, which had also been injured but miraculously healed by Solita.

"By Angsar's light.... the boy soldier.. he..."

And Killian groaned, lifting up his face; his hair, so soiled it no longer looked white as it hung over his ice, blue eyes sputtered out, "What.. what happened!?"

The nurse put her hand over her lips, her eyes widening and the guards too, now turned around to look at the soldier who was now looking around at the crowd which had turned silent.
He wasn't sure what to make of this, or how he'd gotten into this town, but as he lifted a hand to his head, he winced. The wound had all but cleared away, but it was very evident the boy was very much alive....

Solita looked up at as the guards that were dragging her away stopped. She reached out her hand towards Killian weakly, she was much too far away from Killian to touch him but still, even in the horrible situation she tried.
He had once saved her and now she returned the favor.
"I'm sorry Killian," Solita tried to speak, her voice came out forced and hoarse. Still she tried, she didn't want Killian to hate her even though she was a magic user, she hoped that the fact that she saved his life would be on her side. Finally from all of the stress of the major healing she just preformed and the simple emotional stress of the moment Solita passed out completely.

When the woman collapsed, the nurse pursed her lips, but hten gestured to the mordecai.
"Take her away, quickly. We'll have to question her and get her marked." Then her eyes went to the soldier, who was still coughing over his own bile. It was only then Killian realized, with a furrow brow, "Solita?!" And he looked puzzled, uncertain what to make of all of this, but as the men began to tak eher away, he stumbled as he tried to stand.

"Where-" and then he felt the arms of a few nearby guards upon his shoulder. He looked at them, panicked and tried to shrug them away. "Where are you taking her!?"

The nurse frowned.
"It seems your friend is a mage.."
and then she looked Killian over as the solider made a face. He was so taken back by this, e had no idea what to say. "But she had saved you life. We thought you were dead." Then to the guards she gestured. "We'll have to question you too, unfortunately. Angsar save us all." And she made a warding mark and gestured for the second mordecai on scene to take Killian.

"Please see to it that he is looked after. A mage cast a spell on him. We can't be sure he is safe, so be on guard."

It was cold, that was the first thing that Solita noticed. She wasn't dead, or maybe she was and this was just where one went when they died. Of course she had imagined something much more grand. She was sore though, she doubted she would be sore if she had died. She let out a deep breath, one that felt like she had been holding for a while. She was feeling rather numb at the moment. She knew she had already been marked, they would have done that before she had woken up. The only thing that was left was to ponder on what they would do with her next.

She didn't want to think about Killian still it was hard to push him from her mind. She quickly felt stinging of tears in her eyes. She wondered if he would be in trouble since he had been healed by magic. She couldn't know, she was stuck in the cell with not enough motivation to make herself sit up or even open her eyes. She knew eventually she would end up in the mage camps. Honestly she would almost die before letting herself be put through that.

When she awoken, it had broken Killian from his own spell of depression and uncertainty, for he had been fretting away with worry inside his own cell beside hers for the last few hours. They weren't about to trust him, soldier or not, just incase the taint of the woman's magic would affect him. and he couldn't believe it, not just the fact he had been tossed into jail for doing nothing, but from what was revealed to him- that Solita was a mage.

During the time spent while she was unconscious, he had gone through a series of emotional roller coaster rides. His innards were tangled up in knots, his mind and body in sweats, and he could not make two cents out of anything. He knew he was happy to see Solita again, puzzled he had nearly died, puzzled he had been saved by her, and when everything began to (well begin to..) settle, he was now clutching the cell bars that seperated them and peering back towards her form on the floor.

"Solita?" his voice came laced with uncertainty, and he spoke quietly, barely above a whisper. "Solita, are you awake?"

Solita jumped when she heard Killian's voice.
Had she gone mad?
She weakly pushed her body up from the filthy floor to see Killian, and the bars that separated them. She instantly got scared, why was he here? Once again she asked herself if she was made, was she hallucinating?
She reached forward, uncertain, wanting to touch Killian's hand to just make sure he was real and not a figment of a broken mind.

"I-I'm sorry I got you in trouble.... I... I couldn't just watch them throw you away, you.... You weren't dead yet but they were going to bury you," Solita started stuttering.
Her face was still streaked in blood from where her nose had been bleeding and her hair had matted blood in it from where her ears had been bleeding.

Killian's eyes widened at the sight of her face.
"Angsar's breath.. Solita.. your face." His eye wavered, shifting back and forth as he studied her in wide eyed horror. "You... your bleeding.." and he looked down at her filthy attire, her filthy face and frowned, his hand reaching hers and touching it lightly.

Solita looked down.
"You were very near death, it took a lot to heal you to the point you are now, but you saved me once, so I felt is was only fair," She spoke before trying to wipe the blood away as best as she could.

"What?" Killian was taken back by her words, his eyes widening. "You.. you healed me but I.. I never did anything so kind I...and I... I..." he shook his head, still shocked by all of this. "Solita, now that they know what you are.." he pressed his face up against hte bars, holding them tight within his fists. "You could be killed! You're risking your life for me? Why? The only thing I ever did for you was offer a meager meal and a warm room for the night." He didn't understand.. and Angsar's sword, did he ever feel terrible for it.

"You are forgetting how we met," Solita said, trying to soothe Killian the best she could while she herself was more scared than she could verbally communicate.
"Those men that you saved me from would have done horrible things to me, they would have probably killed me in the end because they knew they could get away with it, so you did save my life," She spoke as she touched his hand softly, looking around to make sure no one was looking when she did so.
She didn't want to get him into even more trouble.

She forced a smile across her face, "If I have made it this far I will find a way to survive. Fate has never dealt me a happy hand but it has always kept me from death. At least in here I will get food and water. At least more then I would get out on the streets," She added softly, her hands trembling slightly.

Killian stared at her, his eyes so wide and his skin nearly as pale as his hair.
"But Solita... this... this is even worse. I..." and there were tears prickling at his eyes. "I've seen what they do to mages! It's horrible, terrible and it makes me ashamed to be called a knight!"
ANd at the outburst, hot tears began to fall down his cheeks.
"Gods, Solita.." he looked around, trying to keep his voice hushed as he tried blinking back his tears. "We've got to get you out of here. If they send you North to the camps, it's like hell.. and if they don't.." More tears welled up within his eyes. "You'll be killed."

Solita wiped away Killian's tears as best she could.
"Shhh, now. If you know my fate to come is hell why not make the time I have before that a little more.... Bearable?" Solita spoke softly, offering up another smile.
She wouldn't let herself regret what she did, she just wouldn't, he deserved it.
"Plus, you can change more alive than I ever could," She added in a whisper.

Killian shook his head.
"But Solita, that isn't true! By Angsar's breath, I'm such a moron and I.." and it was only then he noticed her pointed ears and blinked. "And.. you're.. you're an elf?" he asked, his voice in but a whisper, as if afraid he might break glass if he were to speak any louder. He stared at her ears, then to her face. "Gods... they're going to hang you," he whispered, a soft whimper escaping his lips as more tears ran down his face.

Solita pulled her hands back, moving her hair over her ears better.
She took a long deep breath in silence. Closing her eyes for a moment, gathering herself, she wouldn't let herself get hysterical.

"You are not making this any easier on me Killian. I..." Solita took a deep breath, blinking back the tears that had rushed to her eyes.
She reached forward, wiping more of his tears away.
"Be proud of me, okay, I save a life, I saved your life, okay," She said simply as one tear fell down her face.
She knew what her fate would be, she didn't have to have him to tell her.

"Oh no.. Gods, no! Do not think I am not happy you saved my life!" he exclaimed, his blue eyes wide as he shook his head. He reached his hands out, finding hers and holding them tight. "But Gods.. the things I've seen on the field, out in battle..."

And a guard came by, his boots heavy upon the stone way. He rattled his spear against their cell bar doors.
"Keep quiet in there, you two. We don't need the pair of you riling up the other criminals." And he sneered at the pair before moving away, back to his post.

Killian's eyes had been glued upon the man, before he closed his gaping mouth and looked over at her.
"I'm sorry, Solita. I truly am," he whispered, squeezing her hand and moving a hand forward now to brush away her tears. But the images, the horrifying images of what they had done to the mages was still burned inside his mind. It was wicked, it was cruel, and now he felt himself swell on the inside with fear for her. He squeezed her hand, tried to keep himself steady, but it was so hard, especially after the stress he had just gone through from the last ambush, the last battle...

What Solita heard the guard coming her heart all but stopped. She knew that eventually one of those guards were eventually going to be leading her to her death. She was terrified. She wouldn't let her fear rule her though, if she was going to die she was dead set on trying to enjoy the little time she had the best she could.

"Hey... Now don't think about all of that. None of that matters right now, okay," Solita spoke, once again trying to soothe Killian as best she could. She squeezed his hands tightly.
"Now don't you be sorry, you can't help you were caught in the ambush, just like I can't help what I am. You have nothing to be sorry for, the laws that I am under aren't your fault," She spoke, hoping her words offered him some comfort but doubted they would.

"Yes, but I still can't help it... Solita..." He squeezed her hand, his blue eyes shining with tears. "As a knight of Connlaoth, I was in the thick of it all. As a knight, I supported this. Gods..."
Flashes of the fight, all the killing.... the deaths... all of it that had left scars inside him came welling to the surface as a few more hot tears slid down his face.
"I'll find a way to make this right. I promise you."

This time when a guard came by, he gave the pair of them a sneer.
"You'll be questioned in the morning. The head guard is out on a mission right now. So for now, the pair of you better behave. We've got mordecai all over this place, so don't even think about trying something." And with that, the guard walked away.

Killian released his breath, his lips trembling as he stared over at the window. It was late evenign by now, he could see it in the violet sky. The stars would be outsoon, as would the moon.
"Perhaps we ought to try to get some rest.." he said, scooting closer to the bars as he still held her hand. He tried to smile, in spite of all of this. "Perhaps there's still hope. Perhaps they'll understand... after all, you did save my life."
Yes, he had to remain positive, if for anyone, for her.

The guard's comment on not to try anything funny almost made Solita laugh. What the guard didn't know was she didn't have the type of power to try to escape. She was a healer, not a war mage, she simply couldn't do anything destructive like war mages could.

Solita scooted to where she was right up against the bars.
"Okay, lets rest," She spoke, squeezing his hand.

Killian lay on his side. The ground was hard and cool, hardly comfortable enough for sleep, but his eyes never left hers. And he felt tired and achy, but his heart was racing a mile a minute, as was his mind. Smiling back at her, he squeezed her hand.
What were they going to do? The odds were stacked against them...
and soon he found his eyes drifting towards the window in the cell, staring out at the stars until the moon was rising well into view, and the sky was changing into the red-violet of morning.

He heard the rustle of keys... the guards had come to get them, when suddenly a scream outside in the streets had them halting.

"What was that?" one of them said.

Then there was an explosion and more screaming and panic. As the guards left, Killian sat up in his cell, arms gripping the bars as he looekd down the hall. A second later, he was smelling smoke, and another explosion shook the building.

"Gods.. what's going on out there?" he breathed.

Solita had curled up and had managed to fall asleep, she was rather exhausted not only because she had spent so much energy healing Killian but because she was already so weak.
She was woken up by the sound of the guards coming towards the cell, then woken up even more by a boom.

Solita sat up quickly, causing the room to spin a bit. She smelt the smoke, heard the next boom, felt the way it shook the building.
"The only thing it could be, the mages have made it this far, they are finishing what they started," Solita spoke, her voice trembling slightly. She was a bit scared herself, she didn't have a lot of active magic like some mages, though she was an elf, she if they came into the prison and if she hadn't been killed by an explosion she would probably be spared. Killian on the other hand, was a different story.

"If they make it in here they might try to kill you...." Solita said, seeming to grow a bit worried.

Killian shook his head. He was still in his armor, this he knew, but he was defenseless. They had taken his sword and shield when he was tossed into the pile on the cart with the other injured. Now, he felt himself beginning to sweat, his world spinning as he closed his eyes.

"There's nothing we can do right now, Solita. There's is nothing to fear. For now, we can only wait and see." But another explosion smashed directly into the side of the building, and soon the entire room flooded with debris, smoke and dust.

Coughing, Killian felt temporarily deafened, and he was blinded by all of the smoke, the dust..
he tried to swat his hands through it, tried to see, before calling out, "Solita!? SOLITA!!" Gods he hoped she was ok. His ears were still ringing as he looked frantically about.

Solita heard a loud noise then everything went blank for a moment.
The only thing she could hear was the rushing of her own blood, her body hurt. She had been blown back and cut up by some of the debris. Her head hurt the worst, it was throbbing.
She coughed, trying to clear some of the dust from her lungs.
"K-killian?" She called out softly.
She reached forward with her hands, trying to feel for his hand. She slowly realized she was laying on her stomach. So slowly she moved to her knees trying to look around, but seeing nothing because of how thick the air was with dust.

"SOLITA!" Upon hearing her voice, his breath quickened and he rushed her way, all but forgetting the cell bars that separated them as a 'clunk' was heard as his body met with them at full force.

"Owe.." he siad, rubbing at his face that now stung from the strike. But then, as he reached a gloved hand forward, fingers lightly feeling for the cell bars, the moment he touched them, he gasped and felt one of them come loose.

"Solita! LOok out! One of the cell bars is about to fall!" and no sooner did he finish speaking did the bar break away from it's confines, and went crashing loudly onto Solita's jail cell floor.

Solita managed to shuffle back to just miss getting his by the bar.
She then moved to the bars, trying to reach through them to feel for Killian, she was small enough to squeeze through the gap that the missing bar would have left behind. She pulled herself to her feet and the room started to spin, but she didn't let that stop her.
"Killian," She spoke before coughing some more.
"I'm going to try to get into your cell, okay," She spoke as she ran her hands over the bars until she felt the gap the missing bar created.

She turned sideways and started to fit herself through the small space.

Killian held a breath, his heart beating inside his ears. Then he heard her, and thank Gods he did as he released a held breath. At her plan, he moved away, allowing some space, but the smoek was still thick, but not blinding enough to stop him from seeing..
"Solita!" and once she was on his side, he scooped her up suddenly, clutching her into a tight embrace, one that felt as if he might never, ever let her go from.

Solita wrapped her arms around his neck weakly, clearly glad to be in his arms, it was extremely comforting.
She leaned her head against his chest, taking slow deep breaths, trying to catch her breath, the dust in the air making it hard for her to do so.
"What do we do next? She we stay here or what?" She asked softly.

Killian tried to talk,but was coughing through his words.
"I think it might be dangerous anywhere we go." he spoke, his mind whirling. "But if this is our chance to escape.." he took her, squeezing her to him tightly. "Then we ought to do it."

Solita nodded.
"Okay, if you think it is for the best," She said before leaning up and kissing him on the cheek.
She knew that it was going to be rough, if the mages were attacking they would attack the two because of the way Killian was dressed.
"Do you have something decent under your armor? if the mages are here they will kill us if they see you in your knight armor."

Killian shook his head.
"It's too dangerous to take it off.." though she had a point. "And it would take too long. Come on, we ought to take our chances now while the smoke is still thick." He stood up, listened to the noises outside before pulling Solita up beside him.
"Come on, just stick close and we'll be ok."

Solitaire was terrified, she clung to Killian as they made their way through the chaos. She was terrified they would fun into a mage and they would be killed. She wasn't strong enough to heal Killain again, so if he was hurt again she would have to watch him die.

Killian kept a close hold on Solita, keeping her at his side as he stepped out through the broken stone wall and out into the grasses. Debris and smoke still covered the ground,a nd he could hear the chaos of foot steps as he kept the pair of them close to the building, groping onto the wall as he felt his way along.

"Just stay close, stay quiet.." he whispered, though a swell of smoke rolled over them, he couldn't help but cough, and just as he did so, the smoke began to fade, and before him was an armed group of guards, looking every bit the angry and fierce role they ought to play.

"Hands where I can see them!"

And then another explosion went off, and Killian was thrown against the wall.




The world was white,a nd the ringing in his ears sent a shock wave through his brain. The world was moving back and forth like the rocking ship sailing on the ocean, but as he came around, he looked down, realizing, with relief, he still held Solita protectively in his arms. Though he couldn't hear, he still tried to ask her.
"Are you alright!?"

But then he looked up, paling as a group of mages approached, their bodies on fire and hteir faces mean and half covered in blood. And the guard from earlier remained nothing but charred pieces on the ground.

Even though Solita was still in Killians arms the blast had made the world around her spin. Once again all she could hear was the rushing of her own blood. She leaned heavily against Killian for a moment before looking up and seeing the mages.

They were so angry she could almost feel the hate rolling off of them like surges of heat. She had to do something, if not they would both be dead. She pulled free from Killians grasp, standing in front of Killian.

"I'm a mage," She screamed, she fell to her knees, a trampled nearly dead flower before here. She put her hands around it, forcing her energy to the plant. The plant in a matter of minutes was standing though some of the pedals were still brown and it wasn't the healthiest flower ever it still proved she had magic.

She looked back up at the mages, "And he helped me, if you kill him your will have to kill a mage first, you will have to kill me," She screamed as she looked up into their angry bitter faces.

A large man from the group stepped forward, a mean scowl upon his face.
"So what if you're a mage? Are you supporter the soldiers?" he scowled, looking from the flower, then up to Solita accusingly.

"N-no! It's not like that!" Killian tried to protest.

"Silence and let the woman speak!" the man barked, and Killian fell silent at his words.

"Just him, can you not see where I am coming from. It wasn't you, my own kind that has saved me from starvation, who has cared for me and roomed me, it was him, he is not taking up arms against you, since your attacks on this town have started he has been trying to protect me. I am no war mage, I am a healer. He was in that prison there because of his association with me!" Solita stood, backing up towards Killian slowly.
"I don't care if you kill everyone else in this town, though, I have never seen war solve anyones problems, if it is what you feel you must do, just don't kill him," Solita spoke, her words abnormally loud.

"Then you are a fool to befriend our enemy. You house them, you face the consequences," the man growled, then gestured. "Step aside. We are aiming to take over this facility to save our commrads in arms that are locked inside. If you stay out of our way, we'll do the same for you."

"No more foolish than an ant trying to take over a mountain," Solita spoke as she grabbed at Killian, pulling him along to get out of the mages way. If they wanted to save the mages, good, they deserved to be saved.

Killian had been silent most of the time. He wasn't sure what to say, and he only found his voice as he was being dragged away.
"It's like the battle field has come home," he said, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Solita, be careful where you step. The mages aren't the only one's causing these explosions." Though why were the knights using black powder bombs on home ground?This was crazy, everything was crazy, and as they wound their way through the smoke, Killian nearly tripped over one of the wounded men.

"G-General Serenus!" he stammered, his eyes going wide as he peered down at the gaping, bloodied wound in the man's gut.

The General looked up, and despite the wound, the man was smiling.
"The mages are getting away, but we will not let them harm the city any more than they've been. You there, I see you are unarmed. Take my sword and go after them."

Killian felt numb by his words,a nd was never a man to disobey orders, especially from a man so high up in command, but slowly he found himself shaking his head before sputtering, "But G-General.. you're bleeding!"

The General laughed and lifted himself up a bit off of the grass.
"That I am.I can see it and feel it boy, what of it? Do not all soldiers bleed? But now is not the time to worry about wounds. The mages are breaking into the prison, and some very dangerous mages are being kept int here that have yet to be transported up North, to the camps. We can't let them get out, or this battle will only get worse."

And for a brief moment, Killian froze, uncertain what to do. The General assumed his hesitation was due to the fact there was a girl beside him.
"You girl, what are you doing here? This place is unsafe. Soldier," he shot a sharp gaze towards Killian. "You, of all people in this city know it's unwise to drag a woman here near the prisons. Have her follow the wall and stay out of the way This is now a battle sight, this is war! And no one is safe, not even you, child," and he gestured towards Solita, and it was only then he noticed she wore the mark of the mage.

"But General..."

"But nothing, that's an order, solider!"

BUt could he really just let the General die like this!?

Solita looked between the two men. The battle didn't scare here, she was a survivor, she had always been able to wiggle herself out of tight spaces.
She turned to Killian, hugging him tightly, leaning on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, " Don't get killed, I will stay with him okay," She whispered in his ear before releasing him from her embrace.

Solita turned to the man, kneeling down beside him. The wound was bad, but nearly as bad as Killian's had been earlier.
"We should get you off the battlefield as well as myself," She spoke to the older man, not looking up to see if Killian had taken off. She knew how much being a knight meant to him, so she didn't want to get him into any more trouble.

Killian was torn between his duty, and protecting the woman who had saved his life. But what was ther eto say, he took a few steps away, eyes going frightfully wide as he clutched onto the General's sword and disappeared into the smoky mists.

As he did so, the General chuckled as Solita fussed over him.
"Just help me get to my feet and I should be right as rain. I' carry two swords on me for a reason." And he hooked an arm around her, and once he was on his feet, he released a pained sigh, a hand clutching his wound. "Thank you girl, but why are you helping me? Are you not apart of this attack?"
The General was more open minded than most, and wasn't dumb enough to believe all mages were the enemy.

The moment the general touched her her energy started to flow into him. It made her knees buckle slightly but she managed to steady herself before both of them fell.
"I was put in that prison because I healed Killian, that is why he was in the prison as well. He wasn't dead but they just threw him in the dead pile, I, well, he saved me once so I couldn't just let them let him die," She spoke, closing her eyes as she continued to feel the man pull at her energy.
"You know you are  too wounded to fight, you will just be a sitting duck," She said, not answering his question right away. She let herself think about it, why exactly was she helping him?
"I am helping you because Killian seemed like he cared about you, and because you didn't order him to kill me when you saw my mark. War and violence have never solved anyones problems, it only causes heartache and death. There will always be someone who thinks I am evil and going to try to poison there mind simply because I was born with a gift, like someone who is extremely talented in music and art. They cannot help that they have that gift, and if not used, its wasted because it could be put to good use," Solita tried to explain as she helped him hobble along.

At first, the General grunted, growing a bit tense, almost defensive when he felt his wound tingle an d suddenly, the flesh as seeping together, weaving and blending together as the flesh began to knit and heal. The General stared at the healing wound for a moment before looking up at her.

"Not many would believe you in a country such as this," he told her truthfully. "You should have let me die, but I won't run you through. You've done no harm. You wear the mark so we are aware of what you are, it'sthose without marks, those with dark intentions who disobey the laws that have helped toss this country into bloody chaos." He shook his head.

"You seem to care a great deal for that boy.I'll see what I can do in getting him home, but you shouldn't be out here." then he paused, studying her. "Do you have a name, girl?"

"Anyone who is persecuted for long enough can turn bitter," Solita stated softly about the mages with the darker intentions. By the time his wound was healed she was rather weak, she tried to hide it though, healing Killian had taken more out of her, but she was still recovering from that.
"My name is Solita Sir," She spoke, her voice soft as always.

"Solita," he repeated, and gave a nod of his head. He seemed to all but ignore her question, that was, until he responded. "People have a choice where they live. If things were so terrible here, you'd think the mage population would be wise and move to Serendipity." ANd he didn't state it harshly, more like a matter of fact. But now that he was feeling better, he smiled more broadly and took the girl in.
"Though it seems you've done well for yourself. Perhaps once this war is over and the mages calm down, you and that soldier might settle down?" THough before either of them could say or do anything, another massive blast exploded off the side of the building, and the force sent both the General and Solita to the ground.

The impact to the ground sent her head reeling once more. Her thoughts weren't with herself even though she now bled from a wound on her head. Her thoughts were with Killian and hoping he was okay, and hadn't been hurt by the explosion. She slowly sat up up, barely able to keep her eyes open as the area around her felt like it was spinning a mile a minute.
She finally looked over the the man, seeing if he was okay, or if the explosion had somehow hurt or killed him.

A groan indicated the General was still alive, but when the dust settled, it was evident his condition went from bad to worse. He was bleeding just about everywhere, and now he was clutching onto his arm that had a gaping wound now on the side.

Solita crawled over to the General, looking him over slowly.
"Oh Lawdy, you just can't seem to stay whole can you?" Solita said, more to herself than to the man. He looked bad, and if she didn't do something he would only get worse. She couldn't kill herself healing everyone she saw that was injured, but she didn't want this man to die.
She knew he was in the higher ups, so he could help clear Killian's name, and if she had any luck at all, he could keep her from being thrown into the mage camps.
She moved to the General, setting his head on her lap.
She laid her hand on the man, she had to fight his body from drawing her energy. She had to focus on only healing what had to absolutely be healed for his survival.

At her touch, the General grunted.
"What.. what are you doing girl?" he demanded through a half winced growl.

"Shut up and relax," Solita spoke in a combination of frustration and concentration.
"I'm keeping you from dying, unless that is your plan, and if that is so go ahead and tell me so I don't waste my energy. Ain't nobody here to see me heal ya so you don't have to tell anyone and get yourself into trouble. I can tell Killian cares for ya and so I don't want ya to die. okay?"

The General raised his brows questionably at the girl, but simply nodded.
"In this moment of severity, I will over look your magic taint, but girl, you must realize whom you are dealing with." And at this, he chuckled. "For I'm the General of the entire Northern Army here in Connlaoth, and my goal is to eradicate all mages who pose a threat to our nation."

"Well Mr General, how is healing a threat to anyone. Especially since I have only healed Killian and yourself?" Solita asked with a deep sigh, feeling the pull on her energy. She was starting to feel weaker with each passing moment. She healed all that she could before pulling away. She took a deep breath.
"There, You should live now."

The General still kept his smile, a chuckle ever present in his eyes as he nodded his head.
"Healing magics, perhaps the least of all evil," he went on, though it was hard to tell if he was joking or not, though his smile seemed to imply he was. "Are a generous property, I assure you, but most magics are not that simple." And then he noted something, her complexion paling as he frowned and sat up, surprised by the fact he had regained most of his strength and the pain, all but disappeared.
"Girl, are you alright?"

Solita leaned back on her hands, waving off the general's concern.
"I will be fine, but healing takes its toll, nothing comes free, not even with magic," She spoke, closing her eyes and taking a slow breath.
"Just try not to get hurt again because I doubt I could heal you again," She added, a gentle smile spreading across her face.

Serenus gave a nod.
"We should get you to a safer place. There's too much going on here, but it seems some of it's calmed down." He paused to listen, his face scrunching as he made a noise. "Come with me back to my men. We're gathered on the other side of the jail. Perhaps you can help us file a report, and I can get an update from that boyfriend of yours?" he added with a wink and a classic Serenus chuckle.

Solita's face turned blood red as soon at Serenus said the work boyfriend.
She looked down as she pushed herself up to her feet.
"When everything settles dark are you going to throw me in jail again?" She asked, her voice softer than normal. She was scared that he would, or even worse, he would put both Killian and herself back in the jail. She didn't want that, Killian didn't deserve that.

Serenus was only briefly quiet before he answered her directly, "My actions are dictated by law. If you are a threat, than it shall be done. For now, you'll at least become marked when you have your statement written up by the men of my garrison." But then he paused to realize she already bore the mark and he quickly corrected himself, "My humblest apologies. It seems they already branded you." Then he gestured on ahead. "See that cart with the canon and the men posted beside it over there on the opposing street. We'll be heading there." ANd he paused a moment to observe her. "Do you think you can walk? You looked drained."
But at least for now, it appeared as if the mage threat had moved to the opposing side of the jail, so the pair were safe for now.

Solita nodded.
"Yes, I should be able to make it," She answered as she looked towards the cannon.
"Will they fire when they see me?" She asked after a moment hesitation.

"I should hope not!" Serenus said with a laugh. "I'll be right at your side. You've got nothign to fear." Except.. she had everything to fear. Though Serenus was no fool, he knew her fate would be handed over to the church, most likely- even if she was a war hero. Even that, he thought inwardly with a frown, could be considered a crime. Though useful mages like Solita...
might even end up experimented upon or held onto and forced to aid the country.

Solita looked at Serenus, she could see the slight flicker of emotion behind his eyes. She knew that there was something to know about. She knew her fate could now end up worse than being sent to the northern camps.
She frowned, maybe she should have just ran when the building was blown up, but she couldn't have, she couldn't just leave Killian.
"Okay,' She said simply before she took off running towards the cart with the cannon.

Moving along with Solita back to the canon, it was reported the radicals were flushed out. So those that attacked the prison were already subdued, killed, or had been chased off. With news they had a prisoner to question, he simply nodded but tossed his head into a bit of a laugh, "Looks like we might need another prison to take him. Lock him up and chain him to the end of the wagon,a nd post two mordecai to watch over him."

Then as the men looked down to Solita, the General announced, "And this is a mage whom helped me out when things were getting hairy. She was a healer. I'm taking her with us since she's already surrendered herself, and we'll see what the Grand Duke wishes to do with her."

One of hte men gasped, "The Grand Duke!? But why take a mage to him? Isn't that dangerous?"

"He has to have the full report, and did you forget?" the General said with a laugh, "That before he was Grand Duke, he was stillt he man I reported to back in Allar. He would expect nothing less of me now. Now.." an dhe turned to his men and bellowed out, "LET'S MOVE OUT, MEN! TOT HE PALACE!!!"
And soon the wagons were lurching forward and the soldiers all gathering, but so far.. there was no sign of Killian Gryst amongst them....

Solita moved along beside the general. She scanned the faces as they moved along, all but desperately looking for Killian.
She looked up at the General, "Do you see Killian?" She asked, her voice revealing the panic that she was feeling.

The general placed a hand upon the girl's shoulder and gave a light squeeze.
"Don't worry girl," he said, affording her a smirk. "He's a soldier. If anything can be said about them, we always find our way home." And he gestured for the men to keep moving forward, a hand resting at his hip near his blade.

"Unless he ended up the way I found him when they first brought him into this place, on a cart all but dead, and I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to save him this time," Solita spoke softly, talking more to herself than to the General.
Solita nervously played with her sleeves as she looked around, praying that she would see Killian again, alive.

It seemed the men and the cart had searched through all the rubble and the settling dust. But there was still no sight of the blue-eyed knight. The General, however, seemed unphased as they continued. There was a lot of grounds to make, and not all of the men accounted for. Though when news came back the rebels were taken care of, and what few lingered in the city's border were chased off, he simply nodded and commanded his men back into formation.

Though now that the men from his troops were all gathering, and still no sign of her soldier, the General looked Solita over with some mild interest.
"How are you holding up, my child?" Though he hadn't pressed the issue earlier, he knew she must not be well- after all, what she had gone through today was harrowing.

"I'm alive, that is all that matters right?" Solita spoke, her voice a bit hoarse. She let out a deep sigh, crossing her arms tightly. Honestly she was cold, hungry, weak, and most of all she was worried out of her mind. She started to chew on her already chapped lip.
"What if he is dead, or worse, buried under some rubble slowly dying?" She asked as the image played slowly in her head. If she didn't find him soon she was going to end up pulling her hair out with worry and frustration.

She looked down at the ground. Why couldn't love be easy, like in all of the fairy tale stories. Why couldn't they just be together and it not have to be so much work. She then returned her gaze to the general.

"Do you really think we will find him alive?"

"To tell you the truth, there are a lot of men here already. When we go on break, I could escort you through the line to see if he is among those that have returned. There are probably other men stationed that are grouping in the south of the city, where as we are to the North. If he is not in our party, he might be in theirs."
And as he studied Solita, he hrmmmed a bit and scratched at his beard.
"You seem hungry, here.' And he pulled out a cloth sack and handed it towards her. "A few rationed hard biscuits I and the men enjoy on the road." And the way his eyes sparkled implied the 'enjoy' part was debatable. "Eat that and hopefully it will calm your nerves, child. But these are trying times at best. War is not good on all."

Solita took the hard biscuits. Honestly she had eaten worse, much worse. So to her it was practically a delicacy.
"War is good on none, it romanticizes death, kills love, breaks families, and changes people, hardens their hearts and warps their mind," She spoke softly, more to herself than to the general, she didn't want him to get mad at her. The words had already slipped out before she could stop them though.

"Yes, " the General agreed, most soft and gruff. "But do not forget, without men and their swords, lands would go to chaos. The soldier is meant to protect."

"If every man lay down his sword and grudges, and held up his fellow neighbor instead there would be no need for soldiers," Solita replied with a sigh. She knew that would never happen. It wasn't in the nature of most beings to not want to conquer everything around them. Most beings were selfish, and would rather sacrifice everything they have for a fleeting taste of power and riches instead of being satisfied with enough to get by.

"I agree full heartedly with you, Solita. But as it turns out, the world is full of dogs, and I do not aim to lower my sword when there are beasts ready to attack."

"I wouldn't expect you too Sir, I am realistic enough to know that soldiers are needed and wars will never end, but enough of a dreamer to still have hope that maybe one day everyone will find common ground," She said before taking a small bite out of the bread he had given her.

"And it's a fine dream, my young girl. And it's wonderful to see that sort of out look in one so young. Tell me, if I might inquire, how long have you known the soldier?"

Solita looked down, blushing.
"Not too long, but he is the only one who has ever even attempted to care about me. He saved me when we first met, and we spent as much time together from that point until he had to leave. Then we crossed each others path here, when I saw them throwing him into the pile of dead bodies. I guess what we have would be considered love at first sight."

"Ah, young love. It must seem like such a horrible thing the war has come between you. I hear and read many a letters about spouses and lovers lamenting over their lost or missing lovers. It's tragedy all around us. But unfortunately this is war- and all we can do is fight and pray."

"And I am praying that Killian isn't lying under the rubble we are walking over," Solita replied with her head down a bit, her mind drifting deep off into thought. What would come once they had made it out of the city, what would happen to Killian and herself. Would she be killed? Or would something worse happen, she had heard of places that exsperimented on mages, would she be sent there? She frowned as she thought about it.

"If you wish, young girl, you can accompany us all the way back to the barracks," the General offered. "If your soldier is alive and well, he will know to report there within the day. For now, I suggest you do not fret so easily. Certainly, death is all around us, but it is best not to assume until you see for yourself where the blood has spilled than to worry yourself unto death."

"Well history tends to repeat its self and last time we were separated he all but died," She whispered the words barely audible as she continued walking with the men to the barracks.

Serenus only smiled at her remark. He had seen it all and was thankful when they had all made it to the barracks with no other attacks against his men, but he might not be the only one surprised, for they had barely taken a few steps into the place did a familiar voice cut through the voices of men.
"Solita!" It was Killian, and his blue eyes shined upon seeing her. He shouldered his way through the others until he was upon her,a nd hesitated not to capture her in an embrace as he held her fierce.
"By Angsar's will, I was so afraid something had happened to you."

And General Serenus watched the exchange with a toothy grin.
"I doubt you were the only one fretting. See, young lady? I told you not to worry. The majority of my men have been coming back alive, and with you having given him a second chance, I doubt our good savior Angsar would have let him die so easily. I have no doubts great things might befall you both."

And it was at that wording that Killian peered up at the General curiously.
"But General... you do know that..."

And the General nodded.
"I am aware what she is, but I have something to share with you both. But later. Settle in and get yourselves warm. I need to check on the other men. Then I have something to share with your mage."

And Killian felt his heart tighten. Were they goign to take her away? Though it didn't seem likely, for the General was smiling, and surely he could not be so cruel as to smile over two young lovers being torn away by such a fate! But he could not help having his doubts. They were at war. Nobody wins in a war.

Solita wrapped her arms tightly around Killian's neck. She felt hot stinging tears forming in her eyes. He was alive, he wasn't hurt, he was there in her arms. She could have died happy in that moment with so much relief falling on her. For that split moment when they first embraced, nothing mattered, it was just her and him and the rest of the world could wait until another time. Could wait until she could catch her breath and they had embraced each other. 

"To the gods I was terrified that I had lost you again," She whispered against his neck.

Solita grabbed Killian's hands tightly in her own. She couldn't describe how she felt in words.
"I saved your general on the battlefield, without me he would probably be dead, he isn't going to send me to my death after that, he isn't that type of man," She said squeezing his hands comfortingly.

"Oh, Solita," he said, tears filling his own eyes at the sight of her own as he cupped her face with his hands and before she'd know it, he was kissing her suddenly.
"I'm just so glad you are safe."
And then he laughed as he added, "And I know...t he General is a good man, or else I'd never have wanted to take up arms or desire to become a knight."
And as he spoke, he kept his arms around her tightly, just holding her to him still as more hot tears spilled down his face.
"Oh, Solita.. I am sorry you worried over me."
But what could he do? He was a soldier- and this was war.

Solita pulled back from the embrace only enough  to see his face. She moved a hand to his cheek, wiping away his tears.
"Shh," She said softly, a slight smile crossing her face, "There is no reason for you to apologize, you are a soldier and I am a worrier."
She then laid her head back against his chest and gave him another tight squeeze. "Its all going to be okay now," She whispered.

Killian sheepishly brushed his tears away before he wrapped his arms around her again.
"I suppose we should count ourselves as lucky." ANd he peered over at the General who only smirked at the pair but gave Killian a knowing looking, and the young soldier nodded before looking back down to Solita.
"I believe the General wants to talk to us. Come on, let's wait for him in his office. It's just down this way." And he took her hand and guided her along, weaving through a sea of other soldiers, a few giving the pair a curious glance, and even a few others whistling at the girl as she passed.

"Easy men, treat a lady as a lady," Killian shot back, and it was enough to get the good natured whistles to cease.


Soon the pair were rounding a bend, where the office door was slightly ajar. Killian pushed it open and gestured for Solita to step inside before he himself followed her and he noted a pair of chairs before a desk and moved towards them, pulling one out for Solita.
"Here. We might as well make ourselves comfortable."
And once she was seated, he moved to begin a fire.
"The General might be busy since our return, in the mean time I'll get this place warm for us. I'm sure he has a lot f questions and a lot to go over about what's to become of us."

Solita's face was a bright red by the time she made it to the office. She wasted no time in sitting down. She was glad that he was lighting a fire because though it wasn't as cold as it was outside, it was still very cold.
"What do you think he is going to tell us? Am I the only one who is worried about it? What if it is something that is bad?" She spoke looking up at Killian.

Killian was still feeding the fire as he spoke.
"I'm not sure, but I know the General is a good man. Though there are rules he'd have to follow.. he might be able to help us appeal whatever case they have against us. You being a mage..... that's what I'm more concerned about." And he glanced at her, studying her over his shoulder. "Solita, I don't think he'll send you to a mage camp, bu tif he does..." and here he drew in a breath and studied her face for a moment before he informed her, "I will go with you. You should not suffer such a journey alone."

Solita shook her head.
"No, I wouldn't want you to go, honestly, I would almost rather die than go there. You know I would probably die there, I would rather not suffer. I have suffered and went hungry enough as it is. Why go to a war camp that treat me worse than the streets?" She asked Killian softly. It wasn't a pretty thought, but it was true, she had plenty if time to think about it.

"I know." Was all Killian could reply as he found himself wrapping his arms around her. "I know. But perhaps the General will be more generous with your fate. You did save his life after all."

"I think he will," She said as she relaxed against Killian's chest.
"Did you get the fire going good?" She asked after a moment of silence.

Almost forgetting about the fire entirely, he nodded to her and pulled away, but kept her arm latched around his.
"Yes, come, let's sit by the fire as we wait. General Serenus is a busy man, so we could be waiting for some time before he comes." And as he took a seat, he shivered a bit and held his hands up towards the fire.
"Have you been ok since I had to leave you? I still feel awful for that. But I have my duty to maintain as a soldier," he said quietly, staring at the flames as they reflected softly off of his blue eyes.

Solita leaned heavily against Killian, "I have managed to survive, the same as I always have, I missed you, I worried about you, I thought about you every night," She whispered softly.

At her words, Killian leaned into her, keeping his arms around her tightly as he just shared that moment with her in silence. His eyes were partially closed, and the only noise was the crackling of the fire before a soft squeak indicated someone was entering the room. Jolted from his moment of reverie, Killian was not entirely surprised to find the General smiling back at the pair.

"General Serenus!" he said, standing suddenly when the armored hand of the General was held up.

"Please, no formalities here. Feel free to sit down beside your girl." And here, the General gave Solita one of his grins before he walked over towards his desk, his armored boots thumping heavily upon the floor. "I see you've already made yourselves at home, good, good." And he paused beside the chair on his desk, fingers curling onto the back of it before he glanced over at the pair. "You know, in all of my years of service, things have never become so complicated for me as they have been now. THe war brings out... interesting scenarios, but at the end of the day, I am still a soldier who has sworn allegiance to my country and the Grand Duke."

At this, Killian felt himself stiffen as his hand instinctively held onto Solita's.

"Are you coming in here to inform us there is nothign you can do?"

At that, the General's eyes danced a little before he shook his head.
"On the contrary, your situation is most unusual, but I must admit, the proposition I have to offer you to relieve both of you of any sentencing is an interesting one indeed.' And his eyes went from Killian to Solita then to them both before he cleared his throat. "Are you ready to hear what I have to say? I know the pair of you have been through quite a lot today."

Killian licked his chapped lips and nodded his head eagerly.
"But of course. We've waited too long to hear what might become of us. And I trust your judgement, General." ANd he just hoped his trust was in the right man! Readjusting his weight upon his chair, he squeezed Solita's hand and awaited their judgement.

Solita felt stiff. She just wanted to hear what the general had to say. She didn't care about formalities, or waiting a bit because their day had already been a long one. She started to feel an emotion that wasn't all to familiar with her, a hint of anger started to boil inside of her as she started to feel impatient, after all, it was truly her neck on the line.

"Please, just spit it out, I can't stand another moment of having the guillotine hanging over my neck, please, just tell me, us, what is to come of us."

"Well, as ironic as it seems, with the war going on as it long as it has been, and despite Angsar's name sake thwarting the very existence of what you are, my child, it seems you have truly a gift." And here, the lead soldier gestured towards her while Killian blinked, not certain as to what he meanst But he wasn't about to keep them in suspense as he explained, "It turns out certain mage types are waived off on their 'restrictions' so to speak. Those with a healing ability, such as Solita's, the army finds quite useful, and so long as the mage is willing to submit herself to a mark and to conscription and work with the other soldiers and general's, such as myself, on the war efforts, then you won't be seeing a jail cell any time soon, or even the cold confines of those mage camps up north."

And though he smiled, it was an uneasy one, for even the General, in his good natured state, knew what sort of implications this had on the pair of them.
"And I might be able to pull a few strings so the two of you can remained stationed together, at least for a little while, but the decision is up to you. I will not force you either way, but I won't lie to you either. If you refuse to lend aid to the Connlaothian government, I will be forced to turn you in, and send you up North via mordecai escorts to the mage camps. And frankly, at a time like this and considering where we are currently stationed, this is the best I can offer."



Killian was silent a moment, his lips hanging open before he set his jaw and furrowed his brows sharply at the General.
"SO this is her only option? To fall in line with other soldiers where she can die in hopes to heal others, or go up north to try to survive the poor conditions of mage camps?"

Even though Serenus smiled, it was a sad one as he nodded.
"And due to our location... I can't offer a third option..."
That of which, Killian was even surprised he had mentioned. To think, he would have allowed the two of them to escape...
but as it were, they were now on the outskirts of a major city, and their fate was now set before them- both grim, and both with no real clear resolve as to what will become of Solita if and when the war comes to an end.

"So that is it then? To join soldiers or prisoners," Killian muttered softly, his eyes angrily cast upon the ground. But even still, he found himself squeezing Solita's hand in comfort before turning to her, eyes seeking her and seeing all the emotions that pooled within. "Well, this is your fate, Solita. I will support which ever you should decide."

Solita was looking at the ground, breathing slowly, thinking over the proposition she was given.
She hated both of her options. She would rather die than go to the mage camps, but she wasn't soldier material, so as a soldier she just might do that, die.
She stayed silent for a while, with just the crackle of the logs from the fire, the room all of a sudden felt stale to her, the air stagnant.

"What can I expect if I choose to stay?" She spoke, finally breaking the silence, her voice soft, but holding something else within it that made her sound a bit different, it held anger. She was angry that she had to choose, she had to choose between death from starvation or death from war simply because she as a bit different than the men who sat in the room with her, because they feared her kind. She wouldn't be considered neutral, she would be helping the men, the duke who despised her kind kill her kind.

"My men will only remain here for the next day or so, but once we move on- they might return you to what's left of the jail," General informed her. There was no sense in lying to the girl.
"If you choose to work for the military, more than likely you will be stationed some place more secure, but due to the fact most healers are needed near the front lines, I can not guarantee what sort of places you might be needed at. Though the choice is yours, and I know it will not be easy to make, I can guarantee you if you refuse both, the mordecai of this city will find you and hunt you down. They are on high alert now and I'd hate to see you get taken in by them. They are not as merciless; you might even become so unfortunate to go on trial if you are taken to jail, which I can guarantee you, you will not receive adequate support on your own behalf,a nd more than likely will be sentenced to death or worse. They don't keep mage prisoners for long." If she caught his drift.


"So that's really the only options," Killian repeated bitterly, not entirely sure how he felt as he avoided both Serenus's eyes and that of Solita.

"So no matter what choice I make, I am choosing death in one form or another," She let out a deep sigh, closing her eyes. The weight of the situation made her tired, she wanted to go curl up in a ball somewhere and sleep. At least, for now, her dreams were safe, though, soon they would not be. She knew they would be filled with the faces of the dead or dying. She wasn't the soldier type. She wasn't strong, she could barely muster a seed of bravery.

"You know I have no real decision General," She spoke, her voice slightly ragged with the anger she was starting to feel.
"I have to work for the military, if not I mind as well take your sword and kill myself, I would recieve the same fate just me doing it myself would be quicker."

"Please understand, I realize your grievances and though I can not offer you more than that, I will be sure to keep tabs on what they plan to do with you. Being a mage willing to help aid with the war efforts, you'd become a valuable asset, though I can not promise how you'd be treated. Considering it is mages who we are fighting against here, and things do not seem to be calming anything soon, a lot of the soldiers have grown tired from their long boughts of service. But if it can be done, I can see that Killian is there with you. I might even be able to pull a few strings to see that he is placed as your personal escort- though naturally, a mordecai might be stationed with you, but even the military understands if they are to exploit your power, it would be meaningless to keep it nulled by the mordecai."

Hesitating, the General studied the two before affording them a smile.

"I know it is hard to believe now, but the two of you should consider yourselves fortunate. Any other general would never give a prisoner a chance to join the military, or even a mage camp- They'd have no qualms putting you on the block. I'm just sorry I can't offer you any more aid than that."

"Any other General and I would have let you die of your wounds and inflicted a few more to make sure," Solita mumbled with her head in her hands. She let out a deep sigh before looking up at the general.
"I would appreciate it if you could get Killian as my personal escort. It would be rather ignorant for them to station me with a mordecai, what am I going to do, heal someone to death?," She was growing tired.
She lifted a hand, "I'm sorry. I'm just tired," She said, the mixture between the exhaustion and anger turning her mood sour.

The General nodded his head.
"Considering Killian is now under my orders, I'll see what can be done. The two of you rest up here. I must speak with a few others and I'll be back with the paper work so we can do this properly. We don't need the Grand Duke down all of our throats." And he smiled in spite of the situation and moved to leave, leaving Killian there who kept his arms around Solita for support, not knowing what to say in that moment. But at least they could be together.

Solita looked up at Killian, worry in her eyes.
"What do you think will happen?" She asked softly, squeezing his hand lightly.

"I can only hope this war will end sooner than we think. I don't feel well knowing you'll be out on the field, but at least if I know I can be nearby.. I suppose that's something," he told her, peering into her eyes but not entirely sure what else there was to say. It seemed their situation was hopeless and terrible, and he terrible for it.
"Solita, I'm sorry you've become involved. Had you never have met me... I wonder if you might not have been safer and better off."

Solita smiled, "Well let's not worry about it, lets just enjoy being together, you never know when we will be separated," She said with a soft blush, leaning her head against his chest. She was tired and felt weak. She was still drained from all the healing she had been doing.

"Would you like me to take you to the sleeping quarters so you can rest?" he inquired, holding her close. "Or would you prefer to remain here." He noticed a few blankets. They could make do here, and it'd be a bit more private than the solider's sleeping quarters, that was for sure- though he wasn't entirely sure how long they'd be welcome in the General's personal office.

Solita hugged Killian tight.
"No, lets enjoy this privacy while we have it, okay?" She spoke softly before looking up at him.
"With me having to help the military I will basically no longer have privacy, so, I want to spend this time alone with you, until the general asks us to leave," She spoke softly, her hands resting on his chest.

Killian nodded. He knew more than she could know about the truth in her statement.
"At least we'll be able to be together. We live in most unfortunate times," he spoke, his voice soft as he moved a hand to brush some of her hair from her eyes.

Solita leaned forward, placing a soft, hesitant, and quick kiss on Killian's lips, knowing she wouldn't get much of an opportunity to do it any other time. She looked down quickly afterwards, her face turning a dark red.

The sweet and softness of her kiss was enough to draw his attentions back to her, and what reasons they were there to fight. Yes, he was lucky to be alive, and to see her blush, he did so as well as he moved a hand forward and tucked back some of her draping hair from her face. ANd he coaxed her to look at him, and took a step even nearer to her before he leaned down and cupped one of her cheeks softly and kissed her, though this time it was not so quick and he deepened it after a while, stepping in towards her as he moaned.
"Solita..." he whispered, his lips finding hers again. "Let's just enjoy what we have while we can." And as his fingers combed through her hand, a third kiss met hers, and it was a kiss of passion, growing love, and need.

The need and desire in Killian's kisses scared Solita. She had never been kissed in such a way. Add with the way that his kiss made her feel such desire and passion. Her heart began to pound in her chest and she felt butterflies in her stomach. She could feel her face growing hot with a blush as she reach up, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as she stood on her tip toes.

Taking off guard that she had been just as eager as he, he felt himself lose his balance in the moment as he teetered forward.
"Woah!" and down he went, cradling Solita in his arms as he crashed loudly onto the ground, his iron armor rattling as he cringed. "M.. maybe I should remove some of this armor," he said sheepishly as he scratched the back of his neck. "I thought I was going to crush you beneath it there for a second!"

Solita's body tensed as he started to fall in her direction, her body naturally clinging to his. Though her face a a dark crimson she let out a soft laugh as she look up at him cradled in his arms.
"I think with all of that armor you very possibly could have crushed me," She added, still giggling.

Killian gave a crooked grin in response and sat up, helping Solita before he began to work at the bindings on his armor, but after five minutes of it, he really had only gotten one just one clunky section over his left arm removed before moving clumsily in attempts to remove the armor on his right.

Solita laughed as she watched him.
"Here," She spoke softly as she leaned towards him, "Let me help you."
She leaned in, using her small nimble fingers to start working at the bindings for the armor.

"Thanks," he said, blushing as she helped him and smiled as he peered over towards her. Once his other sleeve of armor slipped off, he worked awkwardly at his mid section before turning around and sheepishly asking. "Mind helping me with this part as well?"

Solita laughed sheepishly as she leaned forward.
"Yeah, of course," she said as she leaned forward, her small, nimble hands once more working on his bindings of his armor. The bindings for his mid section proved to be a bit more difficult, but slowly managed to undo them.

Slipping out of the bulky breast plate, he set it aside and turned to Solita with a blush and smile.
"Thank you, you wouldn't believe how cumbersome that armor is." And his grin grew a little more as he took her in and the way the fire danced across her body and illuminated her hair.
"You look beautiful," he told her in earnest, though it might have seemed like an awkward thing to say just then, he meant it.

Solita looked down, her face growing a dark red. She believed he felt that way, but doubted she actually looked that beautiful considering there was blood and mud streaked across her face. She reached forward, her hand gently caressing his face, "I'm just glad we are together, that we know both of us are safe."

"What? Let me see the mage girl!" Zannrick was pissed. He couldn't believe it, and was glad to be in the area when this whole mess occurred. To think, General Serenus, of all people, was allowing a mage in camp!

"Zannrick, you're over reacting," the General said, following along beside the mordecai as they were making their way towards his office. "She's in my office as we speak. But her powers are with healing. She had saved my life, and that of another soldier's who ought to be dead. You know what the orders were about healers..."

Zannrick cast the General a scowl.
"I am aware of the orders. Just let me see her."

Pausing before his door, he gave a rigid nod before opening it nad as Zannrick stepped in, Killian stumbled to get to his feet.

"G-general Serenus!" And his face went beet red.

Zannrick, catching the soldier without his armor on turned a glare towards Serenus.

"I guess I forgot to mention this healer had some relations with that soldier?"

Zannrick scowled at General Serenus before strolling forward to inspect the girl. He glared at her sharply. "So you're the mage?" Noting her ears, he gave a 'tch', as his eyes narrowed. "She's not even human. How are we to get the men to even accept this?"

Solita felt tears rush to her eyes as she turned her back to the other soldier. She had done nothing to deserve anything, not his words or his hate.
"Leave me alone," She spoke, her voice soft but surprisingly stern. She was growing tired of being lashed out at beaten and abused, she had been on the receiving end all of her life. No she didn't have the sass like she wish she had, like other woman she had seen, but she knew, if she was going to be thrown in with the Connloathian military, she would have to get a voice of her own.

Zannrick, not impressed, let his lips curl towards the girl. And it was under his scrutiny did Killian step forward, his hand now holding Solita's.

"Please, if you wish to address her, I am responsible for-"

"Quiet your tone," Zannrick said with a glare, which immediately silenced Killian. "Do you not realize your rank soldier? Really, Serenus, is this how you keep your men?" And he cast a glare back to Serenus while Killian took a reassuring step nearer towards Solita, but in truth, he needed the small gesture of comfort as much as she did.

"Really, Zannrick," the general began. "You're being unfair. We just found the girla nd she's willing to help-"

"Tch, willing to help.." Zannrick looked the girl over before making a face at Killian. "And I bet she charmed you by saving your life. That's how they trick you, you know. Not that it matters. Her powers are useless with me around," he said with a irritated sigh and turned to look back to Serenus. "I'm sure you can make use of her, but I'll have to keep an eye on the girl while I'm here. Though it seems now, with our new addition, I might need to remain among your ranks for even longer."

And the General simply bowed his head at that. "Naturally."

Solita was enraged by the way Killian was treated, she felt her blood boil in a way that, if she had any destructive bone in her body, she would have gone off.
Instead, she grabbed a nearly dead plant in the corner as the man she now mentally referred to as 'ass hole' spoke. The moment she stopped near it you could visibly see it perk up. She grabbed it and walked towards the Mordecia.

"I'm not a human, so your powers don't affect me the same. No, I can't heal like your general has seen me heal, but my presence alone is all that is needed to make things grow and heal," She spoke. Her voice was still rather soft, but stern, angry, the plant still slowly visibly perking up and turning green.
"Why do you hate people you don't know so much, I have never hurt anyone. But I've been hurt time and time again by ignorant people like you, by the sound of it its not me who is the monster, but you," She spoke, her face growing red as she felt hot angry tears filling her eyes.

OOC: If my actions are not ok, I will rewrite my post- but Zannrick is terrible, and does not take sass from no stinky mage! Naturally, consequences :|

---------

If Solita thought she was angry, nothing fueled the true fires of hate than a mage speaking out against a Knight of the Grand Duke, and one of the spear heads of the demising destiny of mages. So when she dare proved herself against him, he back handed her quicker than lightning. As she toppled over, Killian was late to catch her, but dropped to his knees as he exclaimed, "Solita!"

"Keep your tongue, mage! You could hang for less!" and his voice roared and shook the room and as he moved forward, as if to strike the girl again, General Serenus's arm came down on the man's shoulder.

"You might be in a position near to the Grand Duke, but do not forget you are in my military base," the General reminded- and the point made Zannrick steel himself, but hte fiery rage was still evident within his ice blue eyes.

"She might be in your camp, General, but a mage is a mage, and her innocence is a matter of the church." Here, he glared at Serenus as he tossed his cape over his shoulder. "If you don't keep her in line, I will. I wouldn't cry if I had to leave you with a healing mage mute. It would only help our cause."

"Zannrick, your courtesy surprises me," The General said with a laugh. "Though I suspect you won't be laying another finger on the girl. After all, she agreed to heal the wounded, which is more than I can say for you. When is the last time you've gone off to battle?"

Zannrick shot a glare at Serenus.
"Do you dare challenge my place, Serenus?"

The General grinned.
"Not at all, just your manners. But really, there is no threat here when a woman saves lives. Save your hate for those who really need it."

"I can see taht I already have," Zannrick spoke between his teeth before he bowed rigidly to Serenus and left, and the room grew awkwardly quiet.

"S-Serenus... Will... Will that man be back to see Solita again?" Killian's words came out more shaky than he would have liked as he held onto the girl, keeping her close.

"Yes.. I think he might. But next time, we'll just have to be more prepared." Turnign to Killian he looke the man over. "Return tot he barracks and leave the girl with me. We don't need any rumors spreading. You can join her again come dinner time." And then noting the blood trickling from the girl's nose, Serenus reached into his pocket and drew out a kerchief and offered it to them. "Here.. for the bleeding."

Solita hit the ground hard, though it didn't phase her as much as one would think, it wouldn't be the first time she was smacked to the ground. Once the man was out of the room she looked towards Killian, offering him a soft smile to show she was okay.

"I'm okay, my words were true so they hurt him, that is why he was so angry," She replied softly before reaching up and taking the kerchief nodding a soft thank you before dabbing the blood away. Though the blood didn't make much of a difference, there was still dried blood on her face from he short stint in the jail.

"I am sorry I have caused you any trouble sir," She spoke as she moved to her feet shaking her head slightly as she did so.

Serenus chuckled.
"Don't think a thing of it. I'd be worse off were it not for you. I just pay my dues where they are owed." And nodded over towards Killian, he gestured towards his armor.
"And oh, soldier, next time you want to get intimate with a girl, try some place that's not your officer's quarters."

Blushing, Killian nearly dropped the armor he was scooping up.
"General, I uh-"
But Serenus's laughter helped ease the mood, and as Killian blushed, he still managed a smile.

"Thank you, General. I will keep that in mind next time." And he bowed his head and moved t leave the room, sparing just one glance back to Solita before he left.

Solita's face tuned just as red, if not redder than Killian's. Worst of all she was going to have to stay alone with the general. She of course didn't think that he would hurt her, but she was always so socially awkward.

Seeing Solita's awkwardness, the older man gave a chuckle.
"You look like a frightened rabbit!" Though the comment was in good humor, he took a moment to walk over towards the fire. Clasping his hands behind his back, he went quiet a moment before speaking again.
"At least it seems you know how to tend a fire. I'll have to keep close tabs on you while you're here. With one of the Grand Duke's personal mordecai.... you'll have to forgive me for the extra restrictions." He smiled again, another soft chuckle coming through closed lips.

"So tell me, girl. Are you originally a Connlaothian?" He felt the need to ask because of the obvious elven blood. The pointy ears gave that away.

Solita reach up, her fingers running over her ears for a moment before moving her hair over them.
"I, I don't know, Connloath is all I can remember. I never knew my parents, I was told that they died before I was born, so I guess this is where I am from," Solita spoke, her eyes growing distant and sad.

Serenus nodded at her response.
"I'm sorry to hear that. To lose one's parents is tragic, but not to know them- truly a terrible thing. I can only pray for you that things will go more in your favor, but with the war and now you being labeled as a mage, the road will be difficult indeed." But he smirked and looked her over. "But it seems you've found a wise man. Perhaps when things have settled, the pair of you can settle down somewhere. The Grand Duke hope sthis war will only last through the rest of this year."

But even the general knew that was impossible.

"I am no strategist, nor military mind, but I don't think the war will be over that quickly, I think the resistance runs too deep, I think its simply too strong, the attack on the city today for example, if they can stage an attack like that, it is definitely going to take more than a year. You will always have mages, so the war will never truly end," Solita spoke softly.

The General went quiet at her words. He said nothing to discredit nor approve. He simply kept his back to her and smiled at the fire. It was then there was a knock on the door, and when he answered, a man informed him,
"General Serenus! The men.. there seems to be a lot of disturbances in the infirmary."

"What? What do you mean?"

The soldier shifted his weight, but remained at attention.

"Sir, they say a lto of the wounded are suffering from nightmares and pain."

The General stared at the man thoguhtflly for a time before glancing over at Solita.
"Very well then, tell them we'll be sending in a healer."

"Yes, sir!" And the man stepped away while the general turned his attention to the young elf.

"Solita.. tell me.. are you willing to test your abilities now on our soldiers? I promise no harm will come to you, but if you can offer at least some assistance, and some relief, it might prove to that mordecai of your worth, if at least a little." and he added the last part with a soft laugh.

"I am weak, so I cannot produce miracles, but I will go down there and do what I can general," Solita replied softly, suddenly she could do more for the suffering of the poor souls she was sure to encounter.

General Serenus lead the way into the infirmary. Once inside, they were greeted by the wails and agonizing groans from injured and dieing men. Many lay on cots, others on the ground in piles of hay,a nd blood stained the cobble stone bricks and even, in some places, the wall. There was a doctor and a few helpers moving around to tend tot he wounded, but it was one man in the corner, suffering from fever and sweats that drew Serenus his way, and the soldier that drew his attention from earlier, waited. He saluted the general before speaking.

"General Serenus. This is one such man. There were others like him, but after fits of nigtmares, all of them perished. The doctor said there was nothing that can be done, that it must have been trauma that sent them into shock, and that trauma that's slowly killing them. So as you can see, this man now suffers from what seems to be night mares. See how he writhes in fits and spews none snese?" The soldier shook his head. "It's a shame" And curiously, he peered towards Solita.
"Is this? Is this the healer?"

The General nodded. "Aye. She is here to help. Let us see what can be done- Oh, and soldier, see if you can command the mordecai to remain out of this area. I don't want her powers hampered."

Fear lit up int he soldiers eyes but he nodded and obeyed.

"And tell him it's a direct order," Serenus added.

Solita walked towards the man, her mind almost zeroing in on him, the screaming and moaning seemed to all fade away into the back ground. What a tortured soul the man had, she couldn't even imagine what he would have to see to put him in such a state. She kneeled down, brushing her hair out of her face so she could clearly see the man, look him in the eyes.

She slowly reached out, hesitant, she didn't know if she would be able to help him or not, she had never tested her powers against a mental wound. Her fingers brushed lightly against the mans temple, she felt an odd sensation, one she had never experienced before, one that slightly scared her.

The moment Solita touched the soldier there was a noticeable cringe before his next reaction, which- surprised mst as he sighed away, almost to death. But instead of being dead, his chest raise and fell with breath. No, the soldier was very much alive- and Solita's touch had granted him some semblance of peace.

"Is.. is he dead?" the soldier asked.

Serenus narrowed his gaze and placed a finger to the 'dead' man's throat and confirmed it.
"No..." he drew his hand back. "He's alive. Just sleeping." His eyes went to Solita. "And a lot more soundly, it seems. He doens't appear to be in any pain."

The soldier's eyes went wide. "Truly?" He could not believe this- had this healer taken away his nightmares? The things that were driving the wounded soldier insane?

Solita felt sick though, she felt it spread like a poison, it seemed she had taken on, in some form, the mans ailment. She became pale, the color washing away from her face. She stood slowly before leaning heavily against the wall. She felt what ever she had wash over her.

"I think I need to rest," she spoke, looking up at the general.

The General gestured towards the soldier.
"See to it she gets a clean bed, I'll tend to this soldier and question the others. MIght as well see where we are needed."A nd he gestured for them both to be off.

OOC: Feel free to control the npc soldiers XD maybe we can hint at something that might make the soldier start a rumor that she can cure nightmares or something~

The soldier seemed nervous as he led the way. Solita followed silently, honestly just as nervous as the soldier. She made the soldiers nervous because she was a mage, but she could do no harm to them with her power, so only their ignorance made the chill of fear run up their spines. She was surrounded by soldiers; soldiers in who most of which hated her kind.

"Umm, just around the corner," The soldier spoke as if trying to fill the awkward silence that fell between them with something, anything, before looking over.
He cleared his throat lightly. "How did you help him sleep, how did you heal his mind?" The soldier as timidly, as if scared the words leaving his mouth might some how get him in trouble.

Solita shrugged as her answer, she truly had no idea.

"Was it..." the soldier pressed. "Part of your magic?" And the last part of his question was whispered.

Solita looked up at the soldier who was a bit taller than her, of course everyone was taller than her. She didn't honestly know how to respond, she didn't know, but she soon found herself nodding a yes to the soldier before hurrying off to her clean bed. She didn't want to answer any more questions, or see anymore dying, injured men.

She wanted to snuggled close to Killian and fall asleep, of course she knew that would never happen. So she decided having the fact he was so near and safe would have to due. It was better than nothing and much better than before when she didn't know here he was or if he were dead of alive.

The soldier was in awe, and when the healer had left his side, he made a marking with his finger across his chest and moved off to pace elsewhere on his own. The idea rattled him, and when Zannrick was doing his rounds, he noticed the soldiers sudden activity and stopped him in his tracks.

"What are you doing, soldier?"

The man looked up at the mordecai with a frown.
"I.. I've seen something. Something strange.. the bizarre working miracles of magic. Ansgar save us all."

Zannrick made a face.
"You mean the healer?"

"Yes."

Zannrick peered over into the mess of groaning injured men before glancing back to the soldier.
"It's best to catch some sleep now if you can, soldier. Save your strength for another time."
And he left the soldier to it, while he himself sought out the General.

Though when he inquired nad spoke up about the healer- Serenus only shrugged.

"And this soldier went on to tell me something more interesitng than your healer just healing wounds on men..."

And Serenus now turned, more curiously so at the mordecai as Zannrick's eyes hardened.

"He said this elf healer cured dreams." And before Serenus could respond to that, Zannirck added, "See that she does not start any foolish rumors that are not true. The man seemed almost to wish to bless her powers- good thing his religion seemed strong enough to deter such irrational thoughts."

"I'll see what ca be done," Serenus said with a smile, his eyes going to the fireside in his office as he pondered over the entire events of the day.
It had been quite interesting indeed....
But to heal dreams? Cure nightmares? It seemed strange, but he saw no reason for anyone to fear over this- unless.. she was able to change people's opinions and their minds. And even that notion made his belly turn cold.

Solita found her dreams full of monsters, terrors and horror. She spent the night tossing turning and covered in sweat. It was a relief when she finally opened her eyes to find it was morning and at least for the time being the nightmares were over.

But the time for other's nightmares was not quite done. It seemed the restless ones moaned even louder today than they had before, and the soldier from earlier approached Solita as she was waking.
"Are you ready for the day?" he asked her, voice barely above a whisper. "We have a lot of men who need seen to."

Solita got up, still drenched in sweat and exhausted from her nightmares of the night before. She pushed her hair back off of her sweaty forehead before giving the man a nod and walking to his side. Ready for him to lead the way to where ever she could help.

Men were lined up all along the walls, and as much as Zannrick began to gain interest, General Serenus warned him to keep back when Solita was working- but while she was attending to a series of men, he came barging int the room anyway, and instantly, his powers negated whatever magics may have been brewing.

"There are some rumors circulating about you girl." And Zannrick set his lips firmly, as his gaze pierced down at her. "So it's about time we had a little talk."

Solita stood up straight, her body growing tense at the sight of the mordicai, oh how she disliked the man. "I think you are just upset because I am proof that not all magics bad, and that not all mages are bad," she replied, seeming to grow a back bone when ever around the man. Of course the night or terrors and exhausted only egged on her growing attitude.

"Girl, I am upset because our last Grand Duke is dead because of ones like you and their arrogance. Ansgar save their souls. No, I am not afraid of a silly healing girl," he told her poisonously while he narrowed his gaze. "But what I am afraid of is you spreading any none sense about what you really are. These men think you are performing miracles- even curing nightmares. A healer is a healer, girl, make no mistakes. But claiming to do something so ridiculous.." He shook his head and his icy stare turned colder.

"I will not tolerate such ideas among the ranks of Connlaothian men. Be sure to quell the rumors by confessing to the truth."

"I stopped that mans nightmares last night!" She said her voice raising slightly in anger. "Me confessing the truth is it appears that my healing appears to go beyond that of just physical wounds. I don't know the extent, it might not go beyond removing nightmares, but I know that that is one thing I can do, and I will not be bullied by you!" She spoke in aggravation. She was exhausted and frustrated and tired of the man.

Zannrick's eyes narrowed.
"Watch your tongue, girl," he growled. "Serenus might be the commanding General here, but he holds not jurisdiction when my word is treated like that of the Grand Duke's."

"Would the grand Duke condone the killing of a poor girl who can ease the burden of a tortured soldier, a soldier tortured by his own mind?" She asked. Her voice was no longer full of frustrated but full of softly spoken disgust.

Zannrick's glare did not lift.
"He would if she was slandering his name and that of the will of Ansgar."

"How am I slandering anyone's name? I haven't done a thing to hurt either in thought nor action, I am simply existing. If anything I am helping the Grand Duke, I'm healing his forces while they slaughter the innocent and guilty alike while you remain here babysitting me, someone's powers are nothing but of a healing nature. You could be rallying troops and fighting the guilty elsewhere," Solita spoke her words coming out slow and soft. She wasn't afraid of the man, he was a man of hate, she wonder what ever happened to him that made him so cold and heartless.

"The more you speak the more you anger me girl," Zannrick growled. "Our men are not murderers and you, most certainly, are no saint. Just watch your tongue. If I'm alerted again about you... I'll take this matter personally to the Grand Duke himself."

"I do not aim to be a bleep on your radar, I'm simply trying to preform my duties," Solita replied before turning her back on the man to face the next soldier she was to help.

Zannrick left her there to do her work- saying not but a word. It was evident his eyes would be on her- either his, or the men that worked for him among them. It was hours later when Killian showed up, peering in to see how Solita was doing with a tired smile.
"Hey." he told her, moving up close to her side. "How are you fairing? It's not too much for you here, now is it?"

Solita got back to work as soon as he left, she was growing tired of the man and wasn't going to let him get under her skin.
"I'm fine," she spoke offering Killian a soft tired smile.

"You don't look so fine," he told her, moving a hand to sweep her dark hair from her face. "You look tired."

Solita leaned into Killians touch ever so slightly.
"Really, I am fine, just a bit tired, I didn't sleep too well last night," she replied softly. She then looked over Killian, "You don't look well yourself."

Killian breathed a laugh trough a partial smile.
"That's because I didn't sleep well either. It's hard to focus on sleeping when I know that you're so nearby- and though I know you'd be protected, we're still in the army. ANd we're at war.."

"I have a way of surviving" Solita spoke softly to Killian with a gentle smile. "I am more concerned with what would happen to you if we were to get attacked," Solita spoke softly, looking down bashfully. She wished for just a few hours she could go back to the first day they met.

Killian nodded, trying to keep his smile.
"I know, you always mentioned you were resourceful," he breathed softly, and hesitantly, let his hand linger near her face as he stepped in close and whispered, "Can I kiss you?"

A soft blush consumed Solita's face.
"Y-yeah," she stuttered softly, hoping that he wouldn't get in trouble for the action.

Killian gave a smile and a blush as he leaned in closer, cupping her cheek. But after only a moment of hesitation, he kissed her softly, before pressing into her more with need. But realizing they could be seen, he drew away suddenly and released a trembling breath.
"I'm sorry, Solita. I had to," he breathed.  "I was afraid I might not get the chance to do that again."

Solita turned a dark red. She had enjoyed the kiss and she wished that it would have lasted a bit longer. She knew why he pulled away though, but still she didn't like it.
"Why wouldn't you be able to?"

"Solita.." he breathed in almost a whimper. "The war's not getting any better- I'm a soldier,a nd now you're in the army..."
Need he imply more?

Solita looked down, "don't talk like that," her voice soft, so fragile sounding. She didn't let him die once, she wouldn't let him just die, even if that meant giving up her own life, she didn't want to live life alone again.

Killian's expression fell as he looked at her, then suddenly, wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
"Then I won't." he told her, solemnly and nuzzled his face against her's.

"It might me hard, and we might get separated for a while but we will be okay," she said softly enjoying how close he was. She only wished that it could last longer, but she knew that eventually someone would come along.

Killian hugged her tighter, before he heard some of the other soldiers scuffling near.
"We should part ways here," he whispered, and pulled back as he peered back down into her eyes.
"I'll steal another moment to see you again in the morning. Good night, Solita." And he bowed his head towards her before he left.

Solita let out a deep sigh after Killian had left before leaning her back heavily against the cool stone wall. She didn't know why she was under the illusion that now that she was in the same place as Killian that she would be able to spend more time with him.

She stayed there for a long time thinking before finally turning and heading for her little bed.

Most surprisingly, Zannrick only stayed another day to observe what was going on inside the camp-and it seemed something had silenced his tongue, even as he watched the healer girl like a hawk.
Elf AND mage... it served to irritate him beyond all reason, but he had gotten what he had came for and departed just as swiftly as he had came.

And for the next few days, things seemed to go seamlessly, that was, until the General got word to report to the castle- as well as a certain healing mage...

Ad it was while she was working that the General approached her, clearing his throat as he watched her work.
"Seems youv'e helped many men today," SErenus began.

Solita looked up, a hint of a frown on her face. She could tell that the general was about to tell her something she might not like. She let out a deep sigh and straightened herself before nodding.
"I have tried at least," She spoke before crossing her arms.

She braced herself for what ever he was trying to ease her into.

Serenus gave her a smile, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
"A Captain will be taking over this outpost. I'm to report to the Grand Duke's Palace."
And here he hesitated, but saw the way she looked at him before he added (realizing he couldn't hide anything from her). "And he requested your presence, too."

Solita sighed heavily before reaching up and rubbing between her brows. His words brought her an almost instant headache as worry started to make her heart race.
"Why does he want me?" She spoke, fear very evident in her voice. She didn't want to go, she knew he was the whole reason for the mage war. Would he kill her, or worse, experiment on her? All the unknowns just made her want to run away.

"Will Killian be able to go?"

"The details behind this were not revealed, but I am no man to deny or question the requests of our Grand Duke."
And at her latter question, he paused a moment before nodding.
"He can, if you wish. I could bring him along as a soldier and escort."

Solita took a deep breath, wiping her forehead with back of her hand.
"I wouldn't expect you to question him," She started, seeming to want to say something more but stopping herself.
"I would appreciate it, it would make me feel... safer," She spoke softly. She knew that Killian didn't hold much weight in rank, and if the Grand Duke wanted her dead she would probably die. Still, it would be nice to have him with her.

The General gave a nod.
"Then let us prepare for travel. Gather up your things-" If she even had any... "And I'll go fetch the soldier and give him the orders. I might be a while, so take your time. Nothing is ever so easy as to say 'Let's go!' in the military." And he gave a light hearted chuckle at that and left her to be- though less than an hour later, she'd hear a knock at the door.

"Solita?" There was a pause. "It's me- Killian."

"Come in," She spoke softly, her voice sounding a bit more brave and steady than she actually felt. She had already gathered the few things she had. They lay neatly on the coat beside her and she staired absently to the opposing side of the room. She was trying her hardest to keep her brave face on as she faced the uncertainty of her journey and the intentions of the Grand Duke. Her mind was wracked with the darkest fears of what her fate might be when she entered the Grand Dukes clutches.

He opened the door tentatively, but froze with a hand perched on the nob. His blue eyes remained locked upon her, and the in a couple of heart beats, he was before her, arms around her, holding her tight.

Solita wrapped her arms around Killan tightly.
"I'm so scared," she whispered against his chest.

Killian held her into an even tighter embrace and buried his face against her shoulder.
"I am too, Solita. I am too." And he continued to hold her close, afraid to let her go, just taking this as a time to have a moment with her, for they had no idea what sort of world or life Solita would be dragged into- and for all he knew, they were taking her into the wolves' den to be killed.

Solita was shaking. It was nice to have Killian holding her.
"I am afraid the Grand Duke is going to have me killed," she spoke softly, "Or something worse."

Killian held her protectively, kissing at her hair.
"I won't let that happen." And he took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'll protect you. I promise. I swear to you. As long as I'm near,no body will harm you."

"You can't stop the Grand Duke, and you have to promise me you wont get in the middle of it, I don't want you to get in trouble, I don't want you to be killed," Solita said pulling away slightly.

"Solita.." he pulled away, just enough to look down into her face, his own eyes full of worry.
"But I want to protect you, Solita.." And he knew the risks that might entail.

"And I want you to survive, you have family," Solita spoke, reaching up caressing his face gently.

"And I want you to survive," he told her, clasping his hand over hers as he leaned into her touch. "So that someday, you can have the same."

"But you have to think about the family you have now, I can't let you get killed because of me, and take you away from them" Solita replied with a hint of a frown.

Killian went silent and simply held her close.
"Let's not speak of this. For all you know, maybe this will be a positive thing for you. You never know." And he smiled in spite of the fear that gripped, but he stood there, far too afraid to let her go.

Solita nodded. It was nice to be able to feel his arms around her.
"Do you know how long it will take to get there?" She asked hoping he would have more of an idea of how long it would take than she did.

Killian continued to hold her close and spoke against her hair.
"Not that far. We're only about an hour away," he murmured, gently stroking at her hair as his blue eyes went distant, lost in thought to the fears yet to come.

"We're that close?" Solita asked her voice sounding completely disappointed. For being so close she found it odd that they had such a big attack. The resistance must be getting much braver than she thought.

He gave a nod and continued to hold her close.
"Come on. Before they wonder where you are. We should head out."


OOC: Feel free to post a reply if you wish, but this thread continues here (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=17103.msg198812#msg198812)