Veiled Chaos

Darkmin smiled, "Well your Majesty all that you would need to do is deliver them to the Queen in the guise of a slave, she can do the rest on her own." keeping his pleasant demeanour on, the King was much more relaxed than Haedria was and so it was safer to show more emotion. "I'm just a wandering nobody going wherever the wind takes me your Majesty, you may call me whatever you like, but my name, is Darkmin." Feeling rather pleased to finally announce his name to someone he stood up straight, "As for the information, I am correct to assume you are meeting the Queen in person tomorrow at her court to discuss terms yes? Well I have it on good authority that she plans to murder you and your entire entourage in a bloody display." 'When I say it out loud, after seeing Haedria, that sort of seems obvious actually. I might need to get something more.'

"What!" the barbarian king roared. His grip on his stein tightened till it cracked with a loud snapping noise. "She was to honor her word that no harm would come to me and my company!" in a rage, he threw the empty stein to the ground. "I should have known that bitch would have no honor!"
He brought his knuckles to his forehead and thought. How was he to evade a trap on such short notice? "Traveler, Darkmin was it? This slave girl you said, she will be offered as tribute to the queen, along with what I have already prepared. Is that acceptable terms for your information?" he said darkly, now frustrated.

Darkmin looked up at the King seriously hiding his excitement for success, "Yes your Majesty, that would be most agreeable, I shall have her meet your envoy outside the City, I trust the honour of your people. Also in a gesture of friendship I shall provide one more piece of information to you." Darkmin took a moment to clear his throat before beginning anew, "Sagna is about to experience a famine, it seems a sorcerer has cursed their farmlands and they are not yielding any food despite the farmer's desperate attempts. Perhaps that would be useful to you as well your Majesty?"

The king's face brightened considerably at the news. "A famine! Hah! I will live yet to see that dishonorable whore and her kingdom to her knees!" he roared triumphantly. With a big smile, he reached behind his throne and threw a dark gray thing at Darkmin. It was the pelt of a gray wolf, ready to be used however he wished. "A parting gift, and sign of gratitude stranger! Wear it well, wherever the wind takes you!" he said in a happy, booming voice. The thought of Sagna weakened and the Red Sisters fallen gave him no small sense of joy.

Darkmin smiled, perhaps genuinely as he held the comfortable pelt in his hands. With a majestic bow Darkmin called to the King, "May we cross paths again one day your Majestic and good fortune to your and your people. I wish you luck tomorrow." Opting to wear the comfortable pelt then and there Darkmin felt the fuzzy skin as he turned and left the tent leaving the camp the way he came in. The cloak he had arrived with seemed to vanish from the ground it had been dropped as Darkmin wandered back towards the woods.

The next day, the princess woke to find Haedria standing at the window. Groggily she stared at her sister's familiar pale shoulders, the crimson hair that cascaded down her back. How long had she been up?
"Haedria? Are you alright?" the younger girl called, still slow and sleepy. The queen turned grimly, her face set in and her jaw a determined line. The black dagger was in her hands. "I am well, yes." she muttered. Sera noticed her eyes were glazed, a bit unfocused. "I have an idea." the queen set the black dagger on her nightstand and went to find a suitable dress for the meeting with the barbarian king.

Light shone down upon the Kingdom of Sagna; its people were bathed in the brilliant golden light warming them for a new day of work. The night had been banished and all the animals began stirring into the waking world: foxes poked their heads from their holes, yawning with maws of little teeth, the deer quietly lapped water from a nearby stream as little fawns danced around their legs, and beautiful birds flew about spreading their music heralding the dawning of the sun.

The men of Sagna trudged their way to work pulling the heavy loads of their daily lives and avoiding eye contact with the guards of the northern boarder patrol. The Barbarians were scheduled for today and everyone was tense. Innocent was the mind that the thought of an en massed attack by the horde did not cross and the peasants feared both the axes of the foreigners as well as the arm of their Queen.

The men and women of the Palace, servants, courtiers, guards, and advisers could all sense the tense mood of the air the halls echoes the slightest tap of a foot, or the faintest whisper as they wretched their hands, the Queen had been in a mood fouler than even the oldest among them had ever seen and all feared her terrible wrath. Servants panicked, prayed, cried, and tried to call favours fearing their forced interaction with Her Majesty, fearing her anger and the dungeons. Guards stood quietly at attention, lumps in their throats that could not leave, and councillors nervously tapped their quill against parchment, staring at the door to the courtroom.

The Guardsmen watched the border, ever vigilant, cold sweat clamming their hands as they gripped their weapons tighter at ever yip or animal or crack of twig suspecting danger. The Barbarians were crafty, wild, and rumoured to know the language of animals. Captain Tultrin unwary of the danger slept indignantly at the town's tavern, The Ale'ing Wench leaving his men to fear for their lives, alone.

The Barbarians were busy like bees tearing down their camp, putting out fires and pulling down tents all preparing for the day, each wary of the betrayal foretold by the wanderer. Men both young and old clutched their bows and axes, glaring daggers and spitting curses at the Kingdom of Sagna, and it's Bloodthirsty Queen. The camp was tense, perhaps eager for a fight.

The sun shone down on all these people illuminating them. The suffering and looming violence was just too much for the bringer of light as gloomy grey clouds rolled in with a chilly breeze hiding the sun's face and killing the warmth. The light was extinguished and the cold winds reminding all that today there would be not even a brief glimmer of respite.

As the gloom crept into Sagna a glimmering light shone through the darkness of the forest. a bright light pierced through a black mist erupting from a hellish dark core: Darkmin. Light began to warp and bend layering itself and weaving into shape. A figure began emerging from the shaping light. A tall slender body with long elegant legs and smooth feet stepped onto the grass. Skin became toned like aged oak and slender shoulders formed along with toned arms and soft hands. The head was dressed in long beautiful red locks, a deep velvet and feeling of silk, closed eyes opened and the milk orbs became coloured, filling with crystal blue. The shape of the body altered becoming well endowed with fertile hips and plush orbs of flesh.

The body stood alone in the forest twitching it's muscles, fingers, legs and face to test for errors in the design. Running hands down its body, details began to appear, carving themselves into the oak; lines of muscle, cheeks, a pair of rose lips, lashes, a long jagged scar across the right leg, pale against the flesh. As criss-crossing lashes appeared on the back wounds of a counterfeit life. A smile spread across the lips as a low giggle emerged shattering the illusion of a woman. The throat gurgled and grunted and its head shook violently as a cough erupted from it. Once more, it giggled this time soft like the ringing of a bell, a beautiful illusion.

She closed her eyes and the light reappeared and weaved itself over the delicately crafted body as clothing began to appear, a long dress of splendid Red and Gold flowed forth, decorated in designs of flowers and glittering with small pieces of coloured glass and metal. The cloth gently wrapped around her body allowing herself to show it off. Her arms became covered in bands that shimmered like the scales of fish. Touching a hand to her head, a small red gem crawled forth from beneath her skin.

The light faded and the figure emerged from the forest and bathed in the last of the fleeing sun's light, erupting, catching her skin and illuminating her form; from out of the forest emerged a meticulously crafted form. "This from needs a name yet," the soft cooing voice echoed, toying with the silence: "Elysia." she said simply as the woman walked towards the meeting place Darkmin had established just the night before. A twittering bird landed on the woman's shoulder and sang sweet nothings to her, a light laugh that made the mountains ache.

The barbarian king stretched his big arms in the light of the Sagnian dawn. Behind him, his tent was being brought down and pack. According to his orders, half of the band would retreat and hide within the forest, while the other would "escort" their leader into the town and castle. He arranged his bear skin to drape across his back and shoulders like a cape, with its head lying on his like a grim helm. His broad chest was bare, and his hips were covered in a ragged cloth that went to his knees, ending just above his hide-wrapped boots.

A tall, thin man with a scar across one eye came up to the barbarian king's left, while a younger man clothed in leathers came up to his right.
"Sire, the men are ready to take place in the forest. Your orders?" the scarred one said in gruff tones.
The barbarian king picked up his heavy axe and set it in its holder by his belt. "Send the signal. We go to meet the queen."

The barbarian convoy entered the town. Almost twenty men clothed in leathers and furs all armed to the teeth with swords, axes, and bows, and passed the northern Sagnian outpost sneering. The guards equally brandished their steel weapons, silently daring the barbarians to cause trouble.
The king called for a halt as he spied a vision of beauty waiting for them along the side of the road. His eyes greedily took in the image and a feral grin came on his lips. "What is such a beautiful thing like you doing mire in the shit of this kingdom?" he asked the girl from the eastern shores.

"Haedria, please reconsider! What has gotten into your mind that would make this a good idea?" Sera pleaded with her sister, though she continued to help lace up the queen's dress. It was a low cut gown of deep green that exposed Haedria's pale shoulders and teased of an ample bosom. With a strategically placed pendant on her chest, it was sure to draw the attention of the crude men of the north. In the full length mirror of the queen's chambers, Haedria's face was a mask, but Sera could see her hands as the shook.
"It was a fever dream, I suppose." the queen mused, but said no more. Her sister moved to arrange her sister's crimson hair into a high bun with locks that spilled across her shoulders, and bare her neck.
"What happened to your talk of pride, then? How you would never ally yourself and the kingdom with crude men? How you vowed to protect Sagna through blood spilled by none but your own hand?" the princess ask, brush gliding easily through the queen's soft hair.
Haedria whirled upon Sera in a sudden rage. "Do you think I like this? Do you honestly think I like the idea? No, it was my own pride that lay the kingdom vulnerable. My actions are my own, and you will not question the decision of your queen!" she said coldly, in the voice of one who would entertain no argument, no further words.
Sera, stunned, took a step back. Silently she bowed to her sister as the servants so often did, and removed herself from the queen's chambers. Haedria held herself with shaking arms and glanced at the black dagger where it rested on her table. Forcing herself to look away, she sighed. There would be no comfort this day. Not even from Sera.

Elysia turned her head slowly, as if her attention had only just been caught and she had not been waiting for the King. "Your must be the King, I believe you have an arrangement with Darkmin your highness?" Her voice flowed like water down a rapid, peaceful but with powerful hidden the further along you went. The Crystal eyes of the beauty seemed to pierce through each of the men accompanying the King, as though their very souls were being born to this goddess. Her lips curled into a frown, she had expected lust from all who saw this from, but to show it would not do at all. "Your Majesty I expect that a man of your station will honour his word to one who had brought you such useful information. As well with everything going on do you believe your men and yourself able to deliver me successfully?" Darkmin did not for a moment forget the possibility of a betrayal.

"Ah." The barbarian king's face fell. "So you are the one the traveler told of." the king tore his eyes away from Elysia reluctantly. He barked orders to the rest of his band that if anyone lay a hand on this woman, he would have their heads.
"I cannot guarantee the queen will accept you, only that you will be delivered as promised." he told the woman in flat, disappointed tones. With Elysia falling into step with him and his band, the king continued the march up through to the town.

Sera dressed herself in leather breeches with matching shirt, as the queen had ordered. She slipped on a chainmail shirt before donning a handsome jacket and sword belt. Her twin swords slid easily into their sheaths. Delicately, the princess touch the pommels of her swords. They were not enchanted like Haedria's dagger, but they were forged especially for her. Etched into the hilts of both swords with silver and gold was the seal of the royal family. With a sigh Sera fixed her hair into a high pony tail. She would disguise herself as the queen's protector and right hand, instead of the delicate princess she usually seemed. It was a weak ruse, but it wasnt what mattered.

Elysia walked closely behind the King a smile spread across her face as the Man seemingly kept his word, "Thank you your Majesty, I only ask that you deliver me, the rest is," Elysia sighed, seeming almost reluctant, "Up to me." she placed a hand upon his great shoulder, "Thank you your Majesty. If all goes well then perhaps we can meet again in the future." A sly smile escaped her lips, intentionally.

Captain Tultrin had been sleeping peacefully dreaming of beautiful wenches bringing him plates of food when he was woken abruptly by a pair of guardsmen shouting, "Captain Tultrin!" The Sputtering man sat up indignantly, "HOW DARE YOU!!!!" The Captain shouted, the guardsmen flinched at the fat bastard's anger, but one brave man stammered back, "But Captain the Barbarians have arrived." The sputtering stopped, "W W What!? I must inform the Queen at once, you guards watch them for anything suspicious!" and before the guardsmen could protest Tultrin was surprisingly already racing down the stairs, albeit a bit out of breath for he hadn't the opportunity to do his morning stretches before running but nonetheless the puffing man made it to the grey horse tied out front and rode off towards the castle.

Guards opened the castle gate for the barbarian company, though not without suspicious looks and grips tightening on sword hilts. Queen Haedria arrived at the throne room to receive the king and what company he decided to bring, with Sera dressed as a warrior standing by her side. As per the queen's instruction, long tables were set out full of the finest food Sagnia had to offer. Roasted pig, chicken in sweet nut sauce, grains flavored with spice and herbs all set delicious, enticing aromas into the air. There was of course also many containers of beer and wine waiting to be drained.

The barbarian king entered the throne room and cast suspicious eyes at the treats laid out for him and his men, and the palace guards that stood at strategic points throughout the room. His gaze found the queen sitting silently upon her throne, and he was quite taken aback. He had never seen the queen of Sagna before, and he had not expected a young woman so elegant and poised. Or stunningly beautiful. Caution made him pause as he looked for the other Red Sister. He found another girl with red hair, but wondered why she bore swords instead of more dainty princess-like things. Stepping forward, the large man bowed.
"Greetings, Queen of Sagna. I am Hamilcar of the northern tribes. I bring tribute, to honor you." he said gruffly, and waved a large, scarred hand towards his company. A few of them men brought forth a chest emblazoned with the seal of a foreign family, a strange animal in a cage, and several sacks of grain. The grain, Hamilcar added to the tribute after hearing from Darkmin about the impending famine. "And last but not least, your Majesty." he grinned. "A marvel from the Eastern Shores."

Elysia took this opportunity to walk forth into full view of the gathered company, this was her moment, she had to nail it. Walking gracefully with carefully maintained poise and an inviting smile Elysia surveyed the room. The Queen and Princess stood side by side as expected. With a majestic bow, and a slight show of cleavage Elysia prepared her most beauteous voice, "A great honour and pleasure to be granted to you your majesty. My name is Elysia, and I am from this day forth your humble servant." Her crystal blue eyes carefully watched the Queen and Princess for signs of either pleasure, or dis. while her red hair fell over her shoulder. This was it, Darkmin's riskiest move yet.

Haedria brought a hand to her mouth. She took in all of the slave girl, marveling at her face, her chest, those hips, the way her dress moved to show off her perfect body. Those piercing blue eyes and red hair, it was as if the gods themselves molded her and gave her breath. Beside the queen, Sera's mouth fell slightly open.
The queen slowly stood in awe, approached Elysia, and circled her slowly. She traced the lines of the girl's jaw, neck, and shoulders with a delicate touch. "An acceptable gift." she muttered, still stunned. Haedria motioned for Elysia to amuse herself with what gifts there where in the hall for a moment if she wished, reluctantly letting the gorgeous woman out of her sight.
"Gratitude, Great Hamilcar." the queen intoned, bowing to the barbarian king. Back by the throne, Sera's eyes widened. Haedria never bowed. Ever. "Your men are free to enjoy themselves this day. Is it possible however, than I may speak with you in private?" she continued.

Hamilcar had to restrain himself from barking a loud and possibly insulting laugh. He maintained what he thought was proper court etiquette. "You must understand, your Majesty. I have reservations against being alone with you."
Haedria closed her eyes and composed herself. "I am aware. If you prefer, you could search me. I am unarmed." she raised her arms, causing parts of the gown to expose more skin. Hamilcar raised a suspicious look, and set his large, rough hands upon the queen.
Sera grabbed a sword in alarm, but a stern look from her sister cast over Haedria's shoulder made her loosen her grip. The princess's eyes narrowed. She didnt like this. She didnt like this one bit.

Elysia smiled and bowed allowing her body to do it's work for her, "I am grateful for your acceptance my Queen" As Haedria left to discuss with Hamilcar Elysia wandered her way through the gifts, eyeing the strange creature and smiling, cooing a soft whisper to the beast she wandered off taking in all the sights of the hall with a gorgeous smile upon her face. Elysia slowly approached Sera as if by chance, "Oh pardon Mi'lady, knight I didn't not mean to come so close without thy permission I am merely lost in the splendour of these diplomatic meetings they interest me so, ah pardon my lack of manners," A hasty curtsy was given, and crystal eye locked with Sera, a soft smile was given and a tiny giggle that rung harmoniously "My name is Elysia Mi'lady, and yours?" She whispered quietly as not to disturb the Royals, though she kept an hear out for any hostilities.

Sera's eyes flickered back and forth between the slave girl and Haedria. The queen moved off to a side chamber to Hamilcar to discuss matters of something or other. Turning at least part of her attention to Elysia, she thought she might become trapped in those crystal blue eyes. "I am Sera, of Sagna. Protector and right hand of the queen." she said, keeping up appearances. As she was talking to Elysia, she didnt see the pleading, desperate look Haedria cast at her as she disappeared through the door with the barbarian king.
"You are from the Eastern Shores, correct? What caused you to be given as tribute by barbarians?" Sera asked.

Elysia turned her glance towards the fleeting image of the queen catching a mere glimpse of her sanguine locks. It would be important to know what they were discussing, any one word uttered in that private chamber could cause any hundred untold alterations to her plans. However, entering that chamber would be near impossible and not to mention risky. Catching Sera's words Elysia turned to face her smile drooping slightly at the reminder of her enslavement, "You see Sera, I was brought up a slave to a rich merchant whose name I cannot remember for I was young at the time, I remember very little of the Eastern Shores. I was traded a handful of time from owner to owner, my previous master before The King did not trade me away for apparently I had become beautiful, it was the King that found me on a raid and offered me today as tribute to your Queen as my new masters. I must admit I've never been a royal servant before," Elysia pulled her hand up to her mouth in concern, " I do hope I am adequately pleasing." she hummed a note of nervous song before looking back to Sera soft eyes and a small nervous smile, this frail beautiful creature looking to the strong knight for strength.

A lump formed in Sera's throat. This gorgeous women was a bit too close, and a blush was dangerously rising on her cheeks. And the princess wasnt used to people other than her sister calling her by name. She began to stutter but cleared her throat. "M-more than adequately pleasing. I mean, yes very much uh sufficient and definitely uh pleasing." Sera's voice petered out. The way the slave girl looked at her made her heart ache. Sera wanted to hold the fragile girl, to keep her safe. Her eyes trailed down the girl's revealing dress and saw a hint of a scar on her hip. Sera's expression darkened in concern. "What caused that?" she asked, rather bluntly.

Haedria took a deep breath before facing the barbarian king. "Great Hamilcar. I understand-" she started, but the big brute cut the queen off.
"Theres no need fer that now, is there?" He folded his arms across his chest. The gesture made him look twice as large. He easily dwarfed the queen. "Y'called me here, yet I heard y'have plans t'kill me. Murder in cold blood. There is no honor in that, so why should I even listen to ye?" he dropped all pretense for politeness.
Instinct made Haedria's fingers trail to her hip for her dagger, but it wasnt there. She closed her hand into a fist instead.
"Fine then. I've no plans for taking your life this day. If I had, you would be dead." her eyes shone with cold determination. "Yet I find myself in need of your assistance."
"What for?"
"Theoleas."
"Theo- hah!" Hamilcar barked his short, sharp laugh. "The queen of blood and ash needs my help, because ye finally found yourself a stubborn mule who refuses to die when you command!"
"He threatens not only Sagna. He would rout your band as well."
"And what of it? We can fight." the barbarian king proudly thumped his chest.
Haedria screwed her eyes shut and willed herself calm. "Listen. I would pay you, offer you an alliance, provide for your people, whatever it is you ask of me. That is if you agree to stand with me against Theoleas."
Hamilcar said nothing. He slowly circled the queen, much like how she circled the slave girl earlier. Haedria's skin rose with goosebumps as she felt herself violated with his eyes.
"Anything?" the barbarian king asked, whispering in awe.
The queen could not meet his gaze. She turned away, unconsciously baring to him her pale flesh. "Anything."

Elysia darkened with sadness tainting her face, and small droplets of water forming in the corners of her eyes. "Aye my leg yes, I'm sorry Mi'lady but it makes me more useless than a normal servant you see" Her voice quivered and shook like the last leaf in an autumn breeze, "Well one of my masters was particularly cruel so much so that I and a small band of others attempted to flee for safety, he did not take kindly to that and." The droplets in her eyes fell from her face as a small stream of tears began to flow. "Hunted us down, killed many and as for me he, sliced my leg finely and carefully in an such a manner that I could no longer run away, I can no longer dance or anything particularity strenuous with it, I I'm afraid I'm a worthless servant with such a scar Mi'lady." Wrapping her arms around herself her body quivered and let out a light sniff as more tears began to flow, "It was horrible." Her voice low and tormented.

The familiar seethe of anger started within Sera. The mere thought of a man so cruel as to kill slaves and mar such a beautiful creature for his petty enjoyment sent her blood boiling. The leather of her gloves creaked as her fists clenched tightly. The sight of such a delicate vision so distraught and broken softened the princess's heart, however. Awkwardly at first, Sera raised her arms to embrace Elysia. She wrapped an arm around the girl's tanned waist, her other hand finding its way into her hair as she pulled her close to her. "As long as I breathe, none in this kingdom will harm you." the princess said softly.

A light gasp as Elysia was pulled towards the disguised princess. Her snivelling slowed to a couple of low muffled cries. Elysia's arms wrapped their way around the back of the princess burying her face into her shoulder. Her body pressed against the Princess' curves against curves and he long hair soft as velvet and scented in exotic perfumes like flowers. The familiar scent of blood tingled Elysia's nose the Princess stank of it, it was embedded in her very skin. The gentle hug felt pleasant, easing Elysia, "Thank you kind warrior. My only regret is I cannot repay your kindness with dance or manual labour. Am I destined to be a burden to you?" Looking up to Sera her soft eyes welled with sadness.

Sera drew back a little to better see into the slave girl's face. "You need not repay me with anything. Your company, your presence alone is enough." her smile was kind. "Worry not, I'll petition the queen to give you lighter duties. Not have you dance, if you cannot." she gently wiped away a tear from Elysia's cheek.
The sound of a heavy door opening caused Sera to forget about the beautiful woman for a while. Hamilcar, the barbarian king, confidently strode out of the room looking quite pleased with himself. The large man strode over to the banquet table and picked up a stein of been, yelling jovially to his fellow barbarians. The queen didnt emerge from the chamber.
Her body suddenly alight with fear and worry, Sera rushed into the side chamber, calling for Haedria.
The room was dark. What little light there was creeped in from the gaps of the heavy curtains. The queen sitting on the floor, curled in on herself and shaking.
"Haedria?" Sera said cautiously. Her eyes adjusted to the gloom and she saw her sister's perfect crimson hair was messed, and her gown heavily creased. Her mind's eye flashed to the barbarian king's smug look and it dawned on her. Haedria heard the angry snarl of her sister and the sound of twin blades being drawn.
"Sera, leave him be. It is done." the queen's voice was hollow. When she stood, her legs shook badly. Haedria pulled at the low cut of her gown, trying to get the fabric to cover her shoulders. She didnt look the princess in the eye as she left the chamber, taking another exit into the castle hallway.
"The barbarians may leave whenever they wish. No harm must come to them." Haedria's voice wavered.

Elysia spotted the Queen and Sera leaving the chambers and made an effort to follow them. Her face racked with concern for her new master, "Mi'lady, your Majesty," Elysia called out and breathed heavily her leg slowing her down from the fast pace of both. Taking a short sprint to catch up to the two she bit down on her lip to stop the cry of pain her eyes feeling the hurt but her body ignoring it reached out to the Queen and held her arms comfortably holding the Queen pulling her into the comfortably sanctuary of her body. "My Lady," her voice trembled with pain, "Are you alright?" a small tear dripped onto Haedria.

The queen's voice was racked with sobs. She trembled all over, and the sudden closeness of the slave girl's touch pushed her mind into feral panic. "Dont touch me!" she screamed, wrenching herself free from the woman's hold. She saw Sera's blades and pulled one from her belt, swinging it wildly towards Elysia.
Quicker than even the queen, Sera drew her remaining sword and stepped between the two girls, meeting Haedria's blow with a perfect block. "Sister, no! Come to your senses, she has done nothing wrong!" Sera pushed against Haedria, forcing her to take a step back to regain her balance. Through the haze of tears and shame, the queen saw her sister's dark, forceful eyes. She had almost struck her. Sera.
The sword she held fell to the ground with a clang. Haedria brought both hands to cover her face as she turned and fled deeper into the castle. Sera made no move to follow. The princess could only watch in silence as her heart ached at the sight of her sister in such a state.

Elysia stared in disbelief at the scene that had unfolded before her. watching the sorrow wretched its way through the hearts of the two sisters. A very small, and slight divide had appeared, in her mind, between the sisters. Sera had defended her, it was a wonderful fluttering feeling in her chest. She slowly and cautiously placed a hand on Sera's shoulder to indicate her presence and leaned in to whisper, a quiet whimpering "I'm sorry."