Curse

TheDarkQueen · Apr 19, 2007, 07:49 PM // 19:49

Hi, I'm new here. *looks around, the crowd is indifferent* Hmmm... I'll take that as a good sign.

So, here's the thing: I love to write and I think I'm pretty good at it (but you'll be the judge of that, won't you?) and, therefore, I've decided to write a story about my two favorite Guild Wars characters - Mhenlo and Cynn. Don't shoot me, I'm a hopeless romantic. Of course, I'll do everything not to make the story a pathetic, cheesy bunch of different love declares and things like that. Just the beginning

Feedback is not necessary, but will be appreciated. Oh, and I hope my grammar isn't too embarrasing, since English isn't my first language. Ok? Ok! Here we go...

The Price of Love

Chapter 1

It was still unbelievable how everything prospered. Instead of plain, red dirt, his horse trotted across vast fields of fresh, green grass bejeweled with numerous flower cups in all shapes, colors and sizes. The sounds of birds chipper made him want to close his eyes and just stop, taking full pleasure in his surroundings. There was no more heavy smell of scorched wood and flesh, but scents that could only be found in the Mists, he was sure.

General Tydion thought he will never live to see Ascalon recover from the horrible Charr invasion. And yet, he is now patrolling the area north of the Wall, still astonished by what he sees. On the other side, the land is even richer. Every city and town is being rebuilt remarkably fast. Even Surmia, for which he thought there was no hope.

And it's all thanks to a young Warrior, Devona, and her friends. Yes, everyone now knew their name. General smiled - his own son dreamed of becoming a Ranger as great as Aidan. He pulled the reins and his stallion came to a stop, just on top of a small hill. A sigh of content escaped his lips as his eyes traveled across the horizon where the sun slowly drifted away: finally, the days of peace arrived again.

Suddenly, his horse began to shiver. It was so light that only an experienced rider as he was could sense it. Something made the animal anxious. It started backing up, nervously waving its long, silver mane.

"Shhhh..." general tried to relax him, tugging on the reins, but it didn't seem to work. The horse just became more restless, turning around and slowly but steadily heading downhill.

"What's wrong, Gryff?" general asked, doing his best to find the source of all this. As he was searching for anything out of the ordinary in the peaceful nature around him, a strange feeling struck him. A feeling that he was being watched.

Without hesitation, he drew out his long sword, its blade shinning magnificently in the dying sunlight. Whatever it was, he was going to slay it.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something move. Gripping tightly on the handle of his sword he whirled around, ready to strike.

But what he saw made his arm stop in mid-swing, almost dropping the weapon.

The figure in front of him most certainly wasn't a human being. He didn't know what it was. It was tall, incredibly tall, twice his height. It's... face, if you could call it that way, was long, with a chin ending in a sinister thin point somewhere where its navel should be. There were two eyes, size of general's fists, staring at him blankly, with no irises. Just pure blackness. No nose, no mouth, nothing. It was wearing some sort of a long white dress, covering its whole body, only it couldn't have been made of cloth. The clothing was gleaming eerily in the dusk, turning into white smoke just before reaching the ground.

It spoke. No, no, it couldn't speak, thought general, it had no mouth. And yet, he could hear its voice in his head. A sound he never heard before.

And, before he managed to react, to take another swing at the being, a silent scream escaped his throat; his sword fell to the soft ground, as his whole body went numb and his eyes became completely black, empty, just like those of the creature.

***

Cynn opened her eyes. The bed was empty. Bright, silver moonlight sneaked into the room, illuminating the canopy around her and herself. From where she was lying, she could see the stars glitter in the night sky and feel the soft, summer breeze on her face.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, she rose up and grabbed a light blue, silk robe from the floor next to her feet. Donning it, she walked across the bedroom and out through the open, glass door leading to the garden.

There, at the end of the green path, beneath a tall statue of Dwayna, knelt her Monk, his hands put together in a prayer. She sighed - she lost the number of nights in a row he spent like this. Something was troubling him deeply, but she didn't know what, he refused to say.

Careful not to frighten him, she walked to his side, determined to get him back in bed.

"Mhenlo..." she whispered gently, placing a hand on his bare shoulder.

Saying last words of his prayer, Mhenlo stood up and turned to look into her blue eyes that always left him breathless.

"What's wrong?" Cynn repeated the question she seemed to ask a lot lately.

He smiled reassuringly and kissed her forehead, "Nothing, dear, everything is just fine."

Suddenly, the brightness of her eyes was replaced by a dark blue shade. She gritted her teeth in a rush of anger and desperation. Knowing these signs all too well, Mhenlo backed away one step, as far as the statue let him, bracing himself for what was going to come.

"Just fine?!" Cynn's voice boomed across the garden, "For more than a month I've been sleeping alone in that bed and you say that everything is fine?!"

"Cynn, please..."

"No! I don't want to hear it!" she continued yelling at him, throwing occasional pokes in his strong chest, "I'm trying really hard to make this work, you know how difficult it is for me! But I can't do a damn thing if you won't talk to me!" her voice was turning from angry to devastated, "You're drifting away and I can't do anything to stop that! I..." her eyes began filling with tears, "I don't know what to do anymore, because it's clear that something is wrong and..." she broke into a whisper as the pain from the past weeks arose in her and a few tears rolled down her cheeks, "...I just don't know what."

She lost control over herself and slumped down to the soft grass, burying her face in her hands, crying.

Mhenlo started feeling the pressure in his chest, as he does every time Cynn is unwell. He crouched next to her and removed her hands from her wet face.

"Look at me," he whispered softly, still holding her hands. Reluctantly, she did what he told her to and he gently wiped away the tears from her cheeks, "I can't tell you the reason of my strange behavior, for I don't know it yet myself. I'm hoping that Dwayna will guide me to the answer. When I decipher what it is that Gods wish to tell me, you will be the first to know, I promise."

She calmed down a bit, listening intently as he continued, "And I love you, Cynn. More than my life. Don't you ever doubt it, not for a second."

"Well, I hate you," she retorted, avoiding eye contact, "You make me feel so weak. I hate being so vulnerable."

He laughed and wrapped his arms around her, "That is the price of love, my dear."

floppinghog · Apr 20, 2007, 06:43 PM // 18:43

I like it, need more for the story to continue

I'm hopeless too unfortunately, which is why I want more xd

Shadow Kurd · Apr 20, 2007, 09:06 PM // 21:06

Crying Cynn.... Ive got to see that in-game :P
great story tough, MORE! MORE! MORE!

shadow-violet · Apr 21, 2007, 01:34 AM // 01:34

Great Story! Next chapter please XD.

Storm Crow · Apr 21, 2007, 05:56 AM // 05:56

Very nice to be written in a second language. I know a lot of people who couldn't write that well, even with English as their native tongue. Good job.

TheDarkQueen · Apr 21, 2007, 04:20 PM // 16:20

Yay! People like the first chap! I was going to write more anyway, but now I'm deffinitely continuing the story. I'M SO HAPPY!

And a bit hyper, must be of all the chocolate...

Alrighty, moving on! This one is a bit shorter than the previous.

CHAPTER 2

"My father is stronger than yours!" the blond boy shouted, pointing his wooden sword at his partner.

"Is not!" the other one retorted, swinging from below with his own practice sword, trying to knock out the fake weapon from the blond boy's hand.

"Is to!"

"Is not!"

The blond boy dropped his piece of wood and lunged at the one who made him angry. They stumbled to the ground, rolling in the dust of Devona's training yard.

"Regan! Darrey!" the warrior rushed to split them up just as they were trying to strangle each other. She grabbed each boy by the back of his vest and separated them.

Regan shot Darrey death glares, but they were both unable to move due to Devona's firm grip. She narrowed her eyes, "How many times do I have to tell you two that this kind of behavior is unacceptable?!" she hissed, "This is your last warning. Next time you'll be expelled."

That last word seemed to take effect, just as Devona expected. Regan looked up at her pleadingly, "No, please, not expelled. I really want to become a warrior."

Darrey joined in, "Yes, miss, what will my father say? His dream is to see me in full armor with a mighty sword in one hand and a shield in the other."

Their trainer gave them one last angry stare before she softened a bit. She let their vests go and crouched to look at both of them directly in the eye, "If you really want to become a warrior, you need to know that it's not just about the strength and tactics and ability to overcome the enemy. First and foremost, it's about the discipline," the boys listened to her in awe, "Learn how to control yourself and nothing will stop you on your way to greatness. Don't let fright or anger cloud your mind, because you'll need it clear in the battle. Otherwise you don't have a chance to survive. Do you understand me?"

Darrey and Regan nodded quietly, not even aware that this will be a lesson they will never forget.

Devona smiled and was just about to send them back to practice with her other students when a voice interrupted her, "Milady?"

She recognized the voice of King's messenger and instantly stood up, "Class dismissed! Don't forget to put away your swords!" she shouted and the children hurried out of the training yard, vividly talking about the moves they have learned just now.

Devona turned around, "Yes, Caleb?"

The messenger came closer, "The King requested your immediate presence, milady. He said it is of great importance."

Hearing this, Devona didn't hesitate a second, "I'll be right there. Thank you, Caleb."

The messenger bowed his head and left, quietly as he came.

***

King Adelbern is an old man. His strength is leaving him gradually, but his mind is as sharp as his sword once was. He is surrounded by people who worship him, especially now that the Charr are gone. His wealth is immeasurable, his palace coated in pure gold.

But, now he stands in his own luxurious library and wonders: What good of it all? What good, if he can't share it with his own son? Memories come flooding his mind in these days of solitude. Grief is almost unbearable. It pains him to think about the times he and Prince Rurik conflicted and even more when he remembers the good times. Countless nights he prayed to Balthazar to take him, so that he could join the heir of his throne in the Mists. But, to no avail. He stands firmly on the ground, just as he did years before.

A quiet knock on the door returns him abruptly to reality.

"Your highness, lady Devona is here to see you," the little chambermaid announced.

"Yes, send her right in," he turned away from the window and sat at a large desk made of the finest wood in all of Ascalon.

Devona entered and bowed, "My King, you wished to see me?"

"Yes. Please take a seat," the King offered, gesturing to a leather armchair in front of his desk, although he knew it was no use.

"I prefer to stand, if that's alright," her answer was already expected.

The King smiled warmly at this, "Of course it's alright," but then his face turned serious and a shadow darkened his features as his mind trailed to what he had to say. Devona did not fail to notice this.

"As you have seen for yourself, Devona, all of Tyria is flourishing. We can finally live at ease," the warrior sensed this was just an overture for something not as pleasant. There was a slight pause before the King continued, rising from behind the desk and approaching the window once more, as if to comfort himself by gazing at the careless and free townsmen below.

"Sadly, a tragedy has happened," his voice was grave, "North, on the Wall. One of our finest men, general Tydion, is missing. His stallion came back alone early this morning, with no sign of its rider. He was supposed to be patrolling a small area just across the Wall over the night."

Devona was listening intently, watching the King turn to her and look directly into her eyes, "I need you to assemble your team once more and go north, in search of the general. Anything you find, report directly to me."

The warrior nodded and was just about to leave when the King called her back.

"Oh, and Devona: Tydion was my close friend and a great soldier. You will understand why this has to be done quickly and quietly."

"Yes, your highness," she nodded again and bowed before leaving the library.

Storm Crow · Apr 21, 2007, 04:58 PM // 16:58

-claps-

Definately some of the finest writing I've seen in a while. Kudos to you, Queen.

Shadow Kurd · Apr 21, 2007, 05:27 PM // 17:27

If chocolate makes me write so good, that the only thing i'm gonna eat!

Gj great story **WAITING FOR THE NEXT ONE**

shadow-violet · Apr 21, 2007, 05:34 PM // 17:34

*cheers and hands queen a piece of chocolate*, very nice chapter and get hyper again I want another chapter SOOOOOOOOOON

TheDarkQueen · Apr 25, 2007, 04:13 PM // 16:13

New chapter!

CHAPTER 3

Just as she turned around a corner, a warm, cozy little house came into Devona's view. It was a simple home made of white bricks, with a blue roof. Windows where long, providing enough sunlight to the interior. Surrounded by numerous shrubs of flowers, tall, lush trees and hundreds of herbs and plants it seemed as though it was in its own world, separated from everything beyond its elegantly curved fence.

Devona opened the gate and walked down a pebbly path to the wooden front door, beautifully carved. The whole scenery made her incredibly serene and she admired her friends for having this home that only existed in fairy tales.

She knocked three times. Footsteps were heard coming closer from the other side and, finally, the door opened.

"Oh look, if it isn't the hammer-wielding Miss I-know-everything," a voice welcomed her.

Devona's face darkened.

And, like in every fairy tale, she thought, there's a witch who gets on everyone's nerves.

"Nice to see you, too, Cynn," she replied through gritted teeth.

The Elementalist smirked, "To what do we owe this great pleasure?"

Devona decided to ignore the sarcasm, "Is Mhenlo home? I need to talk to you both."

Cynn sighed, slightly annoyed, "Yes, he's home. Come in."

The Warrior followed her down a couple of steps into the living area. The view through a window covering one whole wall was absolutely breathtaking. Devona found herself stunned by green hills and forests and the sun shinning high amongst feathery white clouds.

"Sit, if you want," Cynn interrupted her fascination quite rudely, "I'll go get Mhenlo."

Devona shot her a death glare before sitting on a white sofa. She still couldn't believe how someone as caring and loving as Mhenlo could be interested in such a... Never mind. It was beyond her understanding and it will remain there probably forever.

She lifted her head and saw the Monk appear from the garden, smiling widely, followed by his girlfriend, who was still carrying that bored expression on her, Devona had to admit, otherwise beautiful face.

"Devona! How wonderful to see you again!" Mhenlo couldn't restrain his joy as he hugged his friend.

She laughed, "Oh, come on! It wasn't that long ago that you saved my life for a millionth time!"

Cynn rolled her eyes, slumping down in a white armchair across from Devona. She wanted to skip all this pathetic chit-chat, "And? What is so important that you just had to come all the way up here to tell us?"

Mhenlo looked at her, "Cynn, be nice."

"I am being nice. As much as I can..." she muttered this last part.

Mhenlo ignored it and sat next to Devona, "What did you want to tell us?"

She threw a careful glance at Cynn, partly waiting for her to utter something, but when she didn't, Devona began retelling the conversation between her and King Adelbern.

The moment she was finished, Cynn snorted, "Finding the general? Pfft, that'll be a piece of cake. When do we leave?"

"As soon as we get Aidan," Devona replied, "Which means tomorrow. At dawn. Meet us just outside of Ascalon."

"Alright," Mhenlo replied, "We'll be there."

***

It was horrible. Her screams echoed in his mind. But he couldn't move. The shackles were too strong. He tugged on them with all his strength and power, without result. They remained firmly gripping his wrists, mocking him.

Those foul, ugly creatures were now closing in on her. Her mind was possessed, she barely even noticed them. He watched as one grabbed her gentle neck and lifted her from the ground.

"No!" he cried out, in a desperate attempt to stop them.

His heart raced as his loved one struggled to survive. One last spell. Interrupted. Helplessness washed over him. There was nothing he could do. Nothing to save her.

And, as the color of her eyes slowly turned black, the pain in his chest became unbearable.

"CYNN!!!"

Mhenlo woke up with a start and sat in his bed.

"Mmmmm?" was heard next to him.

Breathing heavily, he turned his head to see Cynn lying there peacefully, her eyes closed. His scream must have woken her up.

"Nothing," he replied, calming down a bit, "Just a dream. Go back to sleep."

He kissed her head and climbed out of the bed. He couldn't sleep anymore. A dreadful feeling disturbed his mind and he couldn't shake of the thought of how something terribly wrong is coming their way.

***

"I don't like the way your tiger is staring at me," Devona uttered, glancing nervously at the large, white feline walking by Aidan's side.

Cynn laughed, "Who would've thought? The almighty Devona is afraid of cats!"

Devona shot her a death glare, "I'm not afraid. It just... makes me edgy, that's all."

Aidan chuckled, "Don't worry, Oryx won't hurt you. Unless I order him to."

"Where did you find him anyway?"

"In Cantha. You would be amazed how many tigers just run around freely there."

Mhenlo smiled, "I've spent a few great years in Cantha."

Cynn frowned, "When?"

"I was a student of Shing Jea Monastery, quite a while ago. I have many friends there."

She looked at him, "How come I don't know about this?"

The Monk got caught off-guard, "Uh..."

"We're here," Devona announced.

Thankful for this save, Mhenlo breathed out, taking in the sight before him. The Wall stood so high; one would think it reached the clouds. Beneath it was a small settlement - the Frontier Gate. It was a home for all those soldiers who patrol the area around the wall.

As the group slowly made its way towards their goal, little did they know that someone was watching them...

Shadow Kurd · Apr 26, 2007, 10:41 AM // 10:41

0.o Amazing! MORE MORE MORE!

cilenia · Apr 26, 2007, 02:42 PM // 14:42

good story! Keep on posting.

Only one point that could be improved... sometimes you seem to mix passed and present tense up

Keep an eye out for that and you will improve your writing even more

Knight of The Shadows · Apr 27, 2007, 01:15 PM // 13:15

Awesome story. Brilliant English. That gives you two pieces of chocolate.

Wish Swiftdeath · Apr 28, 2007, 05:43 AM // 05:43

Excellent story, i wish i could write like that. I have just discovered this thread and now i am hooked :P

TheDarkQueen · May 02, 2007, 07:57 AM // 07:57

More!

Yes, I am aware of the fact that I sometimes mix the tenses and I'm trying to fix that as much as I can, but... I don't think it's working, lol. I just hope it's not so bad that you can't read the story...

CHAPTER 4

"Did you hear that?" Aidan whirled around.

"What?" Devona strained to see or hear something, but she just wasn't as skilled as her friend.

"There is something rather weird about this place. I have a feeling that we're not alone," the Ranger replied, turning back to the road as the group continued forward.

They were marching through the area general Tydion was supposed to be patrolling the night he disappeared for a bit over an hour now. It was peaceful and unexpectedly beautiful at this side of the Wall, but it made Aidan feel uneasy. The sooner they find anything the better, he thought.

Cynn sighed, "I'm bored," slumping down on a nearby log, "Why don't you guys continue the search and I'll stay here? If you find anything, just send your pretty little kitty to get me."

Devona looked at her, "Lazybones."

"Tight ass."

The Warrior's eyes instantly flashed with anger, "Why you--..."

Just as she advanced with her hammer, Aidan grabbed her arm tightly, "We don't have time for this, girls. Cynn, you stay here if you want and the rest of us should keep moving if we don't want to be at this the whole day."

Devona snorted, still glaring at Cynn, but she let Aidan drag her away.

Mhenlo let them walk off a few steps before he turned to Cynn, hesitating, "Are you going to be ok?"

Cynn laughed, "I'm a big girl, don't worry."

Rather reluctantly, he parted from her and followed his friends, turning around a tall tree and leaving her sight.

***

The grass they walked on was unnaturally green. Or maybe they just didn't see it for a long time.

Devona breathed in deeply, "How I've missed this smell of nature."

Aidan chuckled, "Tell me about it. This is heaven for me."

Mhenlo wanted to say something as well when, suddenly, a quiet scraping noise was heard. Immediately, Aidan pulled out an arrow and nocked it to his bow.

"Devourers," he muttered.

Something moved in the bushes. They fixed their eyes on the source of the movement, ready to strike. Oryx growled as the creature appeared.

Mhenlo loosened his grip around his staff. It was just a lynx cub. Poor little thing seemed to be injured. It limped a few weak steps before collapsing on the path in front of Devona's feet.

She bent down and pet it as Aidan's tiger came closer, snuffling it curiously, "Isn't he adorable?"

Mhenlo smiled and whispered a few comforting words. A soft ray of blue light emerged from the wound in cub's leg, spreading fast, relieving the animal of pain. When the spell effect subsided, Devona picked it up gently.

"Aw, I wish I could keep it," the little kitty began purring in her hands.

"I think it's for the best to return him to his mother," Aidan replied, "Which means you shouldn't touch him that much."

Devona grimaced and put the cub down. Just as she did, Oryx continued inspecting it thoroughly.

Suddenly, a scream boomed through the little forest. A loud, chilling sound that made their blood freeze in a second.

Mhenlo's heart stopped beating for a few moments, "Cynn," he whispered, barely audible.

***

They ran back to where they left their friend as fast as they could, all the while praying for her to be alright. Devona's heart started racing as her adrenaline rose, building up for a smash. Aidan sent Oryx in front of them to surprise whatever was attacking Cynn. And Mhenlo... He just couldn't think. His mind was completely clouded by fear, unable to grasp what was happening around him. He just needed to see her, to convince himself that she is unharmed.

Before they even turned around the big tree, loud voices were heard.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Cynn yelled.

"It was just a joke! He didn't mean to hurt you!" someone else shouted back at her.

Devona slowed down immediately, recognizing who the second person was. Aidan and Mhenlo must have too, since they both sighed in relief - Cynn wasn't in any danger. Yet, the yelling continued.

"How was I supposed to know that?! He could've been anyone's!"

"Oh really?! And just how many flesh golems do you see walking around freely?!"

The two women in a row finally came into Devona's view. Not too far from them lay the remains of a fallen minion, smoking in ashes. Aidan called Oryx back and smiled, enjoying the scene. That Necromancer always knew how to push Cynn's buttons.

"And just what was your intention with it?!" the Elementalist stormed.

"I told you! It was meant to be a joke!!!" Eve retorted.

"Should we interfere?" Devona whispered to the guys, watching the commotion in front of her.

Aidan's smile broadened, "Nah, let them. We deserve to have some fun."

Cynn turned around angrily to her friends, pointing at Eve, "She wanted to kill me with her golem!"

"I did not!" the Necro protested, "I just told him to surprise you, that's all! There was no word of killing! You didn't have to send out a meteor at him!"

"I think both of you should calm down," Mhenlo was brave enough to attempt to reconcile them.

Cynn and Eve glared at him, "Stay out of this!"

He sighed, "Cynn, please..."

"No!" his girlfriend shouted at him, "She was al--..."

But they never found out what Eve has always been. Cynn stopped in mid-sentence as her face went pale. She wanted to speak, but no voice came out of her throat.

Her mind became completely empty. There was nothing but that strange sound she has never heard before. It was something between a song and a scream. But amazingly beautiful. Her whole body went numb while she slowly drifted into unconsciousness, not even fighting to stay awake. How can something as magnificent as that harm her, anyway?

Shadow Kurd · May 02, 2007, 08:09 AM // 08:09

Quote:

"You didn't have to send out a meteor at him!"

lol, that was funny

/excited
Waiting for more

Brother Doug · May 02, 2007, 10:47 PM // 22:47

I've just stumbled upon this, and I must say...very, very nice. Heh, I'm inspired to write something of my own. That is, if I ever get the time...

It seems to be somewhat of a tradition 'round here, so...have some chocolate.

shadow-violet · May 03, 2007, 01:28 AM // 01:28

This is getting really good keep it up! =)

cilenia · May 07, 2007, 12:58 PM // 12:58

write more!

TheDarkQueen · May 08, 2007, 07:09 AM // 07:09

A little announcement: I will continue writing this story, but I just don't know how much time will pass between chapters. Cause, beside playing GW

, I have school and practice and lots of other things to do. I won't make you wait for too long, though.

CHAPTER 5

"Cynn!" Mhenlo was the first to react, lunging forward and catching her lifeless body just before it hit the ground.

Thinking fast and clear, Devona immediately pulled Aidan and Eve with her and rushed to stop whoever was doing this to their friend. That someone had to be in range to cast whatever it was on Cynn, therefore he or she, or even it, couldn't be that far.

The Elementalist began shivering lightly in Mhenlo's arms. Her eyes stared blankly at somewhere above while her lips were apart, in a voiceless cry for help. Unfortunately, no one could answer. Mhenlo tried desperately to bring her back, to remove the spell she was under, but it was no use. It wasn't a condition, a hex or anything he has ever seen for that matter. Not one of his prayers worked and Cynn's lips were already turning blue.

"Stay with me..." was all he could whisper, holding her close to him.

Of course, he could resurrect her if it went that far, but he didn't know what consequences the spell would leave on her. Some curses he saw left a permanent mark on their victim, physical or psychological.

Cynn's breathing became heavier; Mhenlo could hear her struggling for oxygen. Something strange began happening to her eyes - their deep blue color faded away slowly, turning into pure black. The Monk's nightmare came to life.

"No!"

As if responding to his hopeless cries, suddenly, she stopped shivering. The black in her eyes disappeared and color slowly began coming back to her face and lips.

She looked at him tiredly and painfully, "The music stopped," she whispered, before falling into oblivion.

"Mhenlo?" Devona's voice interrupted his thoughts.

He turned to her, a bit shaken by the memory he was just replaying in his mind, "Yes?"

She walked to where he was sitting, next to Cynn's bed, and placed a comforting arm on his shoulder, "You need to eat something."

"No," he protested quietly but firmly, gripping Cynn's hand more tightly, "I'm not hungry."

As much as she was worried for her friend lying in bed, that much Mhenlo concerned Devona as well, "Please, Mhenlo. It has been three days. You haven't eaten, you've barely slept..."

"I don't care," he cut her off, "I will not leave her side until she wakes up."

Devona sighed, defeated again, "Alright. Aidan and I will be outside if you need us."

And with that she left her friend, quite reluctantly.

Mhenlo turned back to Cynn's calm figure. She looked so peaceful, as if she was going to wake up any minute now. He prayed for it to happen. With every second passed, he knew, there was less chance for her to awaken.

He didn't even want to think what would happen if Devona, Aidan and Eve hadn't interrupted the attacker. The Ranger told him that they saw some motion close to where they were but, by the time they reached the place, no one was there. Only a small piece of metal lying in the ground. It was then when the effect of the spell ceased.

Mhenlo gazed at Cynn, with an iron grip around his heart, "You can do it. Just fight your way back to us," he encouraged her, not even aware that she heard his every word.

***

"My King," Devona kneeled in front of King Adelbern.

"Ah, Devona," he smiled down from his golden throne, "Any news?"

"Yes, your highness," she rose up and pulled something out from her pocket. It was a golden badge, a medal of honor, which King Adelbern recognized instantly.

He stood up and descended the steps, never taking his eyes off the object, "Where did you get this?"

"On our scout across the Wall."

With a trembling hand, the King picked up the medal from Devona's hand, "I awarded this personally to general Tydion. For his unselfish acts of braveness during the Charr invasion."

Devona's face was serious, "I have reasons to believe that the person who attacked my friend on the short journey we undertook was in possession of this badge. I found it not too far away. My beliefs are that it was the general himself."

The King gritted his teeth, not caring for these kinds of accusations, "Impossible. Tydion was a good man, honorable, brave and thoughtful. He would never do such a thing with a sane mind. Finding this object had nothing to do with the assault on your friend."

Devona bowed her head lightly, not convinced, "Very well, your highness. But, I assure you, if the general had anything to do with this, I will personally make sure that he is brought to justice."

The King didn't reply anything, just stared angrily at Devona, clenching the medal in his hand, "You are free to go."

She kneeled again and left the Throne Hall of his palace.

***

Bright sunlight bothered her eyes and she needed to blink a few times to adjust. After a few seconds, a clear view of her bedroom appeared. It was broad daylight, and she couldn't remember what she was doing in bed.

Trying to recall what happened, her eyes fell on the person asleep in the chair to her side, with his arms and head on the bed. His hand was holding her own.

A faint smile played on her lips. Her Monk. Sometimes she couldn't comprehend how he could tolerate her. She was complicated, cold and pretty harsh. Yet he seemed to enjoy her presence, so much that they moved into this pretty little house together.

It was nothing compared to her palace in Surmia, but still...

Mhenlo shifted his arm and opened his eyes.

Her smile grew wider, "Hey."

He looked lost for a moment, startled by her voice, but quickly recollected himself, straightening up and returning the smile, "Hey. How are you feeling?"

Cynn closed her eyes and sighed, "My head hurts."

She heard him murmur, laying a warm hand on her forehead and, soon enough, the ache went away.

Looking at his pale expression again, she spoke, "What happened?"

Mhenlo didn't answer straight away but stood up and took off his vest, revealing his muscular arms and shoulders covered in tattoos. He then climbed in the bed next to her and rested his head on her stomach, closing his eyes, "I'll tell you when we wake up."