To Love the High Mage
My first post on Yiffstar! Actually, my first real "adult" story.
This little story is based on a project of mine. The project is named Ashen for now (As clever as that may seem). This story follows a line that will not be deeply followed in the Ashen series, but I figured a little teaser might raise some interest. I will have more info about Ashen up on my web page in upcoming updates over Memorial Day Weekend. I also have some other projects of mine on my web page. Don't be gentle. This is my first adult story, and I want the truth. I can handle the truth.
*****
Side notes, for those who are curious about some things in this story:
The feline species in the story have very long lives. Average life span can be over four-thousand years.
Bralshara = Queen of Hell
High Mage = Given title to the most powerful (known) feline mage in any given lifetime.
This world is not D&D. Magic is rare, and magical items even more so. Magical items are so rare that even warriors and mages such as these will rarely see them. They are the stuff of legend.
Cynmae, who is only mentioned once in this story, is actually the main protagonist of the series I'll be working on. Can't give away too much with this little story. :-)
On with the show. I hope you enjoy!
Part 1
It was not life as she had expected it. A world drawn in on itself, a silent that would never end for her. The simple fact that she still existed was an enigma that she had not been able to solve, and it seemed that she never would fully understand why she was forced to survive. For it was all that she could find in this thing that others called life now; the simple act of survival.
Around her the world moved onward. Small, feline children laughed as they chased each other down cobblestone streets with one toy or another. A baker called out with a warm loaf of fresh, fragrant bread thrust forth for all to see in hopes of his first coin of the day. Birds sang in joy to their mates, or in display to future mates as they darted back and forth over the tents and canopies within the market in hopes some small morsel would be dropped for them to snatch up. A daughter's laugh, a lovers smile, a cool breeze was welcomed on the humid day...
All but one knew the joys of life within the market, drawn into her past with bitterness and regret. A longing that would never be fulfilled, a desire that had nothing left to turn to. Dull, amber eyes scanned the crowd without seeing past that which haunted her. She would see them pass, watch them frolic, and barter their lives away one moment after another. None would know how precious it was. They would not understand, until it was too late, how swiftly these simple things could be torn from a life.
...If you want him to live, pretty kitty... Silence your spell.. Very good. You see how well she obeys with the proper motivation? Now... Show me what you hide so well with that robe...
A pause in her steps, as a trio of children dashed pasted her, without a care in the world. Softness touching her eyes for a moment, as she imagined a future. Children of her own...
....What? No, I did not... Argh! Fool male! ...Damn it, look at what you made me do.. One little favor, and you would have been on your way with her. But now... What a mess.. Squire! Gather the men, we leave at once..
A future that she could never have now. Tears formed silently in amber pools as she watched the children play beyond her now. Shimmering droplets trickling down earth colored fur as a tightness that now always remained within her chest grew stronger. The wave of agonizing sorrow struck with such force that she visibly staggered in the mist of all around her.
The soft touch of one concerned hand found her, and for a moment. Through her tears she saw the deeply loving eyes of her mate.. Her husband staring back at her. She froze in silence, and waited for a breath as she blinked away the tears. No.. The one who held her was older, though his face was kind. A silent word of thanks was all that she could offer before pulling herself upright, and as any Mage of her rank should have, she drew herself up with pride and slowly pressed onward.
"It only seems to take you longer every time we need you, Velara," came the low tone of a male voice from behind her. It was a slow sigh that escaped her, but it was one of annoyance as she turned her head slightly. Not really looking at the one who intruded on her thoughts, but giving him some small form of acknowledgment before she spoke in a cool tone.
"Your needs do not concern me, pirate." She did little to keep the ice from her voice when she spoke to him. Constantly he vexed her. Tried to draw her out, bring her out the past she shelled herself within. Tried to claim that he wanted her for something more than his own pleasure. And just as constantly, she had struck down his attempts without a second thought. "But I suppose the others have been waiting as well. I will be sure to apologize to them."
"As you wish, High Mage. I am certain that they will be glad to hear it."
A fluid sweep of her robe as she continued on her way was all she needed to signal the end of their short exchange. She felt no anger towards the dark furred male, felt no hated. She also felt no desire, nor a hint of what she may have considered fondness. She would only feel, what she wanted to feel.
Nothing.
* * * * * *
While those outside were moving about in their lives, blissfully unaware of what war would bring to the very gates of their pristine city, there were those who prepared. The toll of the war was seen on every face within the dim flicker of the candle light, the young and the old. The faint, earthy scent of the freshly cut stone that surrounded the group was broken only by the acrid scent of wax and wick burning slowly to it's final end. Many of them felt as the candle must have. No matter how long or how hard they had battled the oncoming tide of death, no matter how brightly they had burned in life, their flames would be snuffed out within hours.
There were, however, also those within, who believed in one thing. A simple fact of existence now that He had been found. Ashen would save them.
Fight as they might, in the end it would be the words, and power of a single, undaunted male that would bring them victory. All of those eyes were turned to him now, near worship filling them with such hope that they had not felt before. Hanging on his every breath, daring to hope that the silent, withdrawn male who hid himself just outside of the candle's light would speak and make everything that they feared vanish.
Silent was the only answer they received for silent prayers.
All eyes lifted as the wooden door was cracked open. The single guard in a room full of warriors and soldiers held his ground as he waited to see who had found entrance into the silent room. Upon seeing the well kept beauty of the mage step past the threshold, he eased his stance and took a step to the side to allow her entry, trailed only a breaths span after by the midnight fur of her escort. The unbroken silence in the room only seemed to build in gloom as the well known sorrow of the female seemed to follow at her heels. All understood, and all said nothing as silent footfalls led her to the table in the center of the room, where she sat as only a well bred lady could before the aged male at the center of it all.
"Now then," began the elder male, the general of the tiny army around him. "We will make this as short as possible. Our time is limited, and there is much to be done if we are to ensure that the people within the city are kept from harm."
One young feline stood, his eyes blazing with certainty as he spoke with all of the faith of a religious zealot. "What have we to fear? There is no army that can stand against us! We have Ashen here to..."
"Silent yourself, you young fool," the general growled sharply. Despite his earlier guile, under the withering gaze of his commander even one of such faith backed down slowly, and returned to his seat silently.
"Let the lad finished," interrupted the midnight furred male. With one rapier in his hand, and a cloth in the other, he sat apart from the others. Drawing the cloth down the blade slowly, a gaze of sparkling emerald turned towards the silent figure in the corner with a small smirk dancing over his muzzle. "We have Ashen here to save us all. The Mighty. The Unstoppable, Slayer of Hezzatue. What concern is a little army of undead to the likes of him? Certainly, Ashen will protect this glorious city of the rich and well fed."
"Fool. Ashen is powerful, but he is a single male none the less, Rendau." The dry tone of Velara drew all gazes in the room as the rogue fell silent. "He cannot be everywhere. If but one of those rotting corpses makes their way into the city streets, it could cause untold damage. For each one that they kill, they gain more strength, more numbers. One house, one family could raise scores more within the span of an hour."
"Enough, everyone," the general shot in sharply. "We don't have time for this. The matter at hand is that we will not rely entirely on Ashen to defend this city." When all grew silent around him once more, he continued. "There are four weak points that can be used to pass the walls. The most obvious, and most likely target is the front gate. It is the hardest to defend, with the army gone to join My Liege. A massive assault would tear them down. This is where Ashen will halt their main advance. The priest will go with him. Perhaps his talents can assist against the undead."
"The second, and third are through the cities waterways to the east and west where the river flows. Cynmae will take two men to cover the east," he nodded towards the tabby furred female who had remained as silent as Ashen up until that point. Once a slow nod was given by her, the general continued. "The west will be covered by Rendau, and again two soldiers will be given to you." A slow grunt was his only reply. "The final is the forest that runs along the southern wall of the city. We believe that something comes through the forest during the main assault. Two of our scouts have vanished, and we dare not risk more. Velara, as High Mage we believe you would be best prepared for what may come."
"I understand, General," came her silent reply.
The silence that followed remained unbroken for long moments. All considered their part in the upcoming battle. And some considered the parts of others. "By the Hells, I heard nothing of Velara being assigned soldiers, General. Do you expect her to stand the post alone, while the unknown creeps through the shadows?" The frustration in Rendau's voice was clear to all, though the attempt to hide such only ended in a growl that betrayed his concern, as well as his words. "Let her watch the west with your men. I will handle the forest myself."
"You will do no such thing you... Arrogant bastard!" Velara cut in sharply. The grace and calm of a lady left her as she glared at the male across the table, her hand clenched before her robe as she felt her anger rise. "I will not allow danger to befall this city for some male's belief that he can save me! I am the High Mage! I am not some cowed female that you can protect!"
With a growl that came from deep with in his chest, the male drew himself to his feet, the metallic ring of his rapier sliding into it's sheath ringing through the room as her final words fell. "So I am to stand quietly by while you finally get your wish to die?" The words rang silence through the room, and even the target of his words was struck dumb by what he had spoken. "You would add to the danger of the city, if you left her to stand alone. She is as likely to throw herself into the arms of the enemy to join her dead husband as she is to throw her magic at..."
A sharp force struck the male square across the muzzle, sending him staggering back a step as his final word was lost. Tongue rolling within his mouth, tasting the bitter copper of his own blood as he drew himself up, he stood and faced her squarely where she still sat. "A little too much truth in those words, High Mage?"
"You speak out of place," Velara said, her tone now more reserved, though she refused to lower her gaze. "I would never place the lives of innocents in jeopardy. You, I worry about, however. He who always has a plan. He who always has a means of escape before he enters any situation. What would stop you, then, from fleeing at the first sign of real danger? I would not have the streets of this fair city overrun with corpses before next sunrise!"
A soft snort was his only reply to those words as he turned towards the door. A few softly spoken words under his breath affirmed his place in the upcoming attack. "West it is, then."
* * * * *
The night was the perfect time for them to attack. While the undead were no weaker in the blazing sun, and no stronger in the blackest night, un-living eyes saw everything even in the richest gloom. Though not a drop of rain would fall, the clouds blanketed the sky above. With no moon, and not a single twinkling star to light the way, this night was little more than un-ending darkness. So deep it ran through the forest, that even sharp, feline eyes could hardly find focus.
Though the conditions were not ideal for a watch of this kind, Velara was determined. For one single reason, above all others. It did matter that she was to stand in defense of a city full of innocents as the High Mage. It weighted on her mind that she could not fail for the honor of her people, for the friends that loved her, or for the Emperor who had christened her. Above everything else, above honor and love and faith, there was the desire to prove that male wrong. To show him that she would do what needed to be done, no matter the broken heart that still beat within her chest.
And she was well prepared to do so. Armed with nothing more than robes of the softest wool, and the sweet scent of ingrained herbs and incense. These things, along with the soft sounds of the night kept her calm, and allowed her focus. Above all else, she needed focus. She clouded her mind from all things but the sound of the forest. There was no past, nor was there a present. Simple existence, living within the flow of magic that she allowed to build within. Like a balm, it soothed and refreshed her body and mind, trickling through every fiber of her being until she felt submerged in an almost blissful state of belonging to something greater than herself. And even as it calmed and soothed her body, it electrified her mind and heightened her senses to levels beyond what most would ever have the joy of understanding.
This silence, this peace was not meant to last on a night such as this. Somewhere in the distance, over the many roofs that blanketed the city, past the wooden gates that barred it, the sounds of a battle began. The sky rumbled with a terrible thunder that had nothing to do with stormy weather, and the clouds above flickered blood red with flashes of white and yellow and blue. She knew what was happening. Spells of such power that even she could not have grasped their use were being used against the army that came.
It froze her at times. She could feel a crawling over her fur and skin, creeping it's way up and down her body. To understand what a male like Ashen was capable of was different from witnessing it. She knew very well that, while she was the High Mage of the lands, she was certainly far from the most powerful user of Magic. The aftermath of a battle with Ashen left the earth blistered, forests leveled and armies in ruins. They had no chance, and had they minds to understand the hopelessness of their plight, they would have fled in horror at the prospect as the mass slaughter that awaited them.
In all, however, the frontal assault was a distraction. The one who commanded this army knew the outcome very well. Something else was planned, something that would come from the east, the west.. Or the south.
Suddenly alertness came over her, washing through her in a wave as the magic within her soared upwards in power. Calmly, amber shaded hues opened to survey the shadow swallowed forest before her. Just as calmly, lithe female rose from her place on the soft grass with a steady grace and a head held slightly upward with pride. She would show him, and prove to him that she was not...
Fear coursed through her. All of her bravado of a moment before swallowed in a gasp that she was unable to contain as she saw what was coming. Lumbering in deceptively slow steps towards the wall behind her. A rotting corpse that had once been a human male. And while she did not know the male himself, she knew what he was now and it sent a quiver down her spine, causing her tail to fluff. For the first time in two years, sense the death of her mate, she felt fear for her life.
The ghast kept it's pace slow and steady. The undead bane of all who used magic, few spells could mar it's already decomposed flesh. Saturated so fully with magic at the moment of it's birth into un-life, that even the most potent spells would slide over it's flesh harmlessly. Flame would starve to death in an attempt to devour the flesh, ice would melt, lightening would find rest only in the ground at it's feet, and nothing would leave a mark outside of the effects of time.
This ghast was ancient from the looks of it. It's body showing bone covered only slightly by whitening flesh, the organs within gray and brittle with age, the eyes long ago taken by some harmless carrion bird leaving only eyeless pits that reflected the soulless, empty husk in motion. To define what made it a ghast was the faint glow that surrounded the entire of it's body as boundless amounts of magical energy wove it's way around, and within the flesh hungry cadaver. And while they were not intelligent by any means, the massive amount of magical power within allowed their creators to play with their... Talents more so than with others of it's kin. In this one's case, it seemed able to wield a sword. A sword that was drawn slowly from it's sheath at the creature's side, the rusted, but none the less lethal weapon held with the ease of unholy strength.
Spells came to mind, magic to hurl as she tried to calm her mind and think like the High Mage she had been named. Everything would slide off. Everything that she could think of. Defend! A solution would come, but in the instant that the creature started towards her with a sudden, blinding speed she raised her hands and barked a sharp word of power. The very ground before her rose in anger, a rush of soil and stone brought together in one moment as the sword came crashing down and was halted.
In the same breath as the ghast withdrew it's sword from the earthen shield, she was gone. Only a dozen or so paces away but far enough to buy some more time. The ghast was after her. She knew that the moment it turned towards her again without seeing. Whoever lead this army had known that she would be here, had know what to expect of the people. He was no fool. And his test of their tactics had paid off it seem.
Thoughts continued to rush through her mind, and as the corpse set into motion towards her again at such speed, she knew instantly that she would have no way to avoid the blow. High Mage as she was, however, she was not unprepared. An enchantment placed upon her robe in the solitude of her chamber flared to life just as the rusted blade came whistling through the air at her throat. She could feel it's passage, the metal so cold that it caused her to shiver to her very core. The blade passed through flesh and bone with ease, even as it was slowed by the impact of iron against the flesh of the living for the barest moment. She felt it all, but when the blade finished it's deadly course, she still stood unharmed. It was a one time only. And it was painful to say the least, leaving her gasping for breath as the effects of what was really having her head lopped from her shoulders, only to heal so quickly that the action was not fatal.
She acted quickly, even as the ghast turned the edge of the blade for a blow that would be fatal this time. Her hand raised, and the earth reacted once more. An upheaval of soil from below sending the ghast flying through the air away from her as she growled low in her throat. Still in control, still as calm as one could have expected her to be. But she knew that she was fighting a loosing battle at this point.
She watched the now more distant figure draw itself upright, as if she had done nothing. Again, it moved towards her directly. The same lumbering pace as before, but with increasing speed. Reacting with what had worked so far, she raised her hand with a swift motion again. To distract it, delay it. She knew that if she could simply keep it from entering the city until the battle at the front gate was finished, the creature would be destroyed. The earth rumbled once more, and rose...
This time, however, the ghast seemed to know what was coming. Leaping to the side with the same incredible speed that it show before, the rise of soil and stone missing completely. It adapted! She felt true, deep fear roll through her as she growled. A desperate attempt as she focused on another element, unleashing a bolt of white hot flame that the ghast made no attempt at all to avoid. With good reason. The flame struck, square against it's chest and erupted into a pillar of flame so intense, that the blade within it's hand began to glow red almost instantly. But no matter how the hungry flames licked, they could not touch the flesh of the ghast as it continued through un-phased.
The scorched earth crackled faintly as the last consumable foliage around the ghast was rapidly consumed, the almost pleasant scent of charred oak from the trees around filling the air. It was like a dream, in one way. She had, for two years now, wished for death to take her. With honor, in battle. Never give in, never willing walk into the arms of the Gods, always find a way. Still, she had hoped. And now, before the inevitable end that faced her now... She wanted to live.
She saw his face now in the moment before the ghast reached her. The smile that graced his features when he was pleased, the high set of his ears to show his confidence, the power of his body. The way his eyes sparkled softly when he looked her, wanting, waiting, persistent, but patient. The eyes were emerald, and they questioned her desire to live, and her desire to die. He had been right. Damn him! Damn that pirate, damn that fool of a rogue, why was she thinking of him? Why was she wanting to see him one last time?
Why was he standing before her now, like some phantom leaping from her dreams? The clash of blades drew her from within her mind, the gaze of shocked amber locked on the back of the male who haunted her mind against her will. The sparks of two blades meeting lit the gloom around for a moment, the low growl of an enraged male filling the forest. He strained, and forced forward with his rapier against the larger blade of iron, muscles rippling under the ebony of his pelt as he roared at the effort to force the ghast back and away from her. As it stumbled, he drew back a step. A step that placed his body once more between the startled High Mage and the ghast that quickly recovered.
It grew silent. It grew still. Nothing moved, save for the quick breathing of two mortals before the face of the powerful undead. Even the battle that raged at the front gate seemed so distant now as she waited, waited for some action from the ghast. When it came, the action caused skin under fur to whiten as her ears pealed back flat against her skull. It spoke. Or... Someone spoke through it, perhaps. A cold, echoing voice forced through magic over a great distance. As if that were not enough, the words it spoke sent a lance of pain through her heart that nearly sent her toppling to her knees.
"Rendau, we had a bargain. This city is mine."
Her heart cracked into a thousand pieces all over again, and the world blurred around her. Focus came quickly, however, as she heard the sound of metal on metal. Watching in frozen silence Rendau sheathed his rapier in silence. A breath followed by three others was the length of time it took him to speak, how voice as cold as the iron she had felt from the sword held by her foe. "You offered, and I accepted, true. But everyone is allowed a change of heart."
"Do not cross me," the voice behind the ghast warned. "I hold true to my offer. Riches beyond your wildest dreams, a kingdom to rule, any female that you desire. Anything you desire. Anything. Even the one who stands behind you, could be yours if you step aside."
Another silence followed, only slightly longer than the one before. Velara could hardly breath. He had betrayed them, he had offered up the city in return for.. Power, money... Females? Her emotions could not decide on their path. Rage boiled, only to be quenched by sorrow, and frozen by a desire that she could not explain running suddenly cold within her.
Before she could sort them, before her answer came, he turned to her slowly. This male who had betrayed them all, earned even her trust though she had refused to admit it. She knew the tearing in her chest was because she was betrayed, and she opened her mouth to strike down his words before he spoke.. Until she saw his eyes. The sorrow within seas of emerald green struck her dumb. A sorrow for what he had done, or what he had almost done. But there was more than that. There was a love that she had only thought to see once in her life, directed at her.
"With all my heart," he whispered in such a soft tone that even she could barely hear him. The simple words threatened tears to form in her eyes as he turned back to the ghast, his hand once more upon the hilt of his rapier which he drew with a swift hiss.
"Everything I have, I earned with these two hands, with my sword, and my skill. I will not change that now. I will burn the heart from my chest on my own before I give you this city. I will look up from Hell with a smile while Ashen burns your dead kingdom down around you. And I will race Bralshara herself for the right to drag your soul down to join me!" His final words were roared as he leapt at the ghast, brandishing his rapier with the speed and skill that had made him a legend.
As the blades clashed, Velara found that she could only remain where she was. She could not bring herself to move, could not even manage a saint thought as she watched this male collide with a foe he had no chance to defeat. She was confused. She wanted to hate him, hate him for his betrayal, hate him for loving her when he had no right.. But how could she?
Even to herself she had never admitted how much he haunted her, how much he meant to her. And now, watching him skillfully avoid another downward slash from the blade of the ghast, it began to rise in a way that she could no longer contain.
She loved him.
As heroic as his intentions may have been, the battle was short. His skill was great, but skill would only take one so far against creatures such as this. One final parry, and a sudden forward slash by the ghast shattered the rapier held against it. Fragments of sparkling steel glittered for a moment, and a pained growl confirmed that one had found it's way into the males body. She could not see where, but she saw him stumble, saw the ghast lung forward with it's body and drive him back with such force that his feet left the ground. A tree stopped him, solid wood against mortal flesh. The male crumbled, panting for breath with a broken sword still held in his hand bleeding hand, telling her where the shard must have struck him.
He tried to rise, slumping back against the trunk weakly as he managed one last parry, a powerful slash knocked aside at the last minute. Velara was horrified as she watched. Some part of her expected, hoped that at any moment he would pull some wondrous trick from his pocket and destroy the ghast, find the strength to fight on until Ashen came from the front gates to save them both. He always had a way out. It was his pride, it was his life. He had said it countless times, that he could escape anything and always had a plan.
But this time, he did not. She realized that he had rushed to her aid, knowing very well that this night would be the end of him. His final act. The traitor turned hero, a rogue turned into her vestment against this unspeakable evil. He played the part to the end, and as the blade of the ghast rose for the final blow she screamed in a way she never had before.
There was a legend, though no one really knew the truth. About Ashen, and how he came to be the powerful male he was today. His mate, his lover murdered before his eyes had driven him mad. And the incredible rage that had consumed him, had only cooled after he had wiped an entire regiment of soldiers from the land single-handedly. She did not believe such stories. Power such as his was earned, just as she had gained hers. With skill, with determination and study. Not with rage or blind emotion.
For one moment in time, she knew how wrong she had been. A feeling like she had never experienced before flooded through her like a wave of flame. Rage born of fear, the desire to protect this male who would die to protect her. It built, and grew until she felt the tingle of her magic became a full burn. Her fur and flesh blazed with it as the magic in the world around her was sucked in by the raw force of her need for it. A vortex of light surrounded her as she devoured every drop of magic from the world around her, swirling into her and building to a level that she had never dreamed possible.
And she screamed out in defiance of what was inevitable to her now, the build erupting forth in a torrent of what could not simply be called flame. "I won't let you take him from me!"
Like liquid emotion, wrapped up in a magic so powerful that everything in the path of that brilliant release of red, yellow, white, and blue was consumed. Even the ghast could not stand. The very magic that had saturated it's body and protected it had become a part of the weapon that destroyed it when the pillar slammed through it. The flames did not consume it, for by the time the flames reached the undead beast there was nothing left to taste. Ash, and a pair of twitching feet that had been out of the magic's range were all that remained.
And like most things that burned so brightly, the magic fled her as quickly as it had come. The vortex dissipated, and her strength left her standing, and swaying slowly. She understood many things in that moment. Oh Ashen... How wrong I was... How do you live will all that you must hold inside...
She also knew, as her eyes were drawn to him, that he was alive. The ebon furred rogue that had somehow managed to sneak past her self pity and sorrow to steal her heart. She watched as he stood, and surveyed what had gone on around him. Her eyes followed his eyes, into the forest. A scar left so deep in the land that the end could not be seen in the gloom. Some trees had vanished altogether, some still stood save for a crest shaped chunk burned from their trunks, some still had simply fallen over. She would have been stunned, if there was anything she cared about in that moment other than the one who was now coming towards her at an urgent jog.
She found why, as he caught her in his arms before she fell. All strength was gone now. She hardly had the will to keep her eyes open as emerald eyes filled with love, concern and more than a little awe met her amber gaze. "Damn you, Rendau," she whispered, feeling for the first time in too long secure held within someone's arms. "Damn you for lying to me.. Damn you for loving me.. And damn you for making me love you, too." Tears spilled down her cheeks as blackness started to fall over her, repeating his words which now held more meaning than anything he had said to her before. "With all my heart.."
End part 1
That was... Something of an intro. ::Chuckles:: Do let me know what you think. Part two is coming. And yes, there will be some yiffiness in the next chapter.