| Shukusen Written By Maeve |
| Think of me, think of me fondly When we say goodbye Remember me, Once in a while please Promise me you’ll try. When you find that once again you long to take your heart back and be free if you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me. -"Think of Me" Phantom of the Opera Chapter One: A Look At the Past It was late evening in the kingdom of Tortall. The sun was sinking slowly below the horizon, dying the sky lovely shades of crimson and orange. Soon, when it became dark, lights fueled by magic would illuminate the landscape around the palace, stables, and training grounds for the multitude of people who would be out after darkness on this fine summer night. For now, however, a lone figure was just content to stare at the beautiful sunset from her place in the Riders’ stable, focusing on the past, rather than the future. Buriram Tourakom, commander of the Queen’s Riders, former personal guard of Thayet the Peerless, and K’mir tribeswoman, was that person. She leaned against her pony-a savage-looking (and savage mannered) yellow dun mare. Much like the one Queen Thayet herself used to own. Buri’s pony, named Serepta, had already been groomed, and fed, and was currently standing still watching the sunset with her owner. Buri sighed. Serepta cast a sideways glance at her rider then followed suit by heaving a loud sigh. Buri smiled, and bent down to pick up her grooming kit. She climbed a ladder to a loft and set her kit down. She walked over to a window, where she could see the sun setting perfectly. This week it had all been a little too much. First there was her friend, Keladry of Mindelan getting knighted. Then she had been called off for some petty little ogre who had been terrorizing the village. And now, well now she was remembering those she had lost so many years ago. Buri sighed, she had lost so many people in her life. Her mother, her brother, and even a lover. Well, ok so he wasn’t exactly a lover. He was more of a-well yes, he was a lover. But he was a lowlander completely, she thought scowling. Then she had lost one of her greatest friends. Just the thought of Aviva brought tears to Buri’s eyes. Crying wasn’t something she normally did. Buri did some calculations in her head and finally realized that this summer would have been Aviva’s eighteenth birthday. She frowned, deep in thought. Aviva had died about a year after she left the palace-when she was nine. She had come there when she was five, due to the decease of her parents: the Duke and Duchess of Snowy Peak. It had been ten years since Aviva’s death. But Buri didn’t think she would ever get over it. No one would. Not even King Jonathan had. Although Buri DID wonder about Jon. Aviva was one of those people who left a mark on your life no matter how short of a period of time they were with you. Buri was one of the people who knew her the best. The other three people were Alanna the Lioness, Raoul of Golden Lake and Majorie’s Peak, and Queen Thayet herself. Raoul was another thing Buri didn’t want to think about. Her feelings for him were muddled. He was one of her greatest friends, but she didn’t know if he thought of her as more than a friend. She thought he did, and she didn’t want that, because she wasn’t really in the mood for any romance. She had a story, a past that no one knew, except Aviva who was supposedly dead. She hadn’t told anyone, not even Thayet. Buri was about to go inside to her rooms when she felt whispers of silk in her mind. It felt like someone had slid silk ribbons in her mind, and Buri didn’t mind at all. It reminded her of Aviva. Suddenly there was a voice, -It IS you !- Buri whipped around, looking for the person who had spoken. Then she quietly called, "Umm, hello?" -I’m here- Buri whispered, "Where are you?" -In your mind.- Buri was shocked. Millions of questions popped into her head. So she asked, "How?" -It’s actually quite simple. It’s just a basic use of my gift to talk to you telepathically. But don’t worry. I can’t control your mind or anything. I can just talk, and sometimes I can see what is on your mind.- Buri frowned, "Can I talk to you without speaking out loud? And are you Aviva or what?" The voice giggled, echoing inside Buri’s mind. Buri knew then that it was indeed Aviva, because no one else had a giggle that was as catching or as pretty as hers. She hadn’t answered Buri’s other question, so Buri decided to try to talk to her mind to mind anyway. She thought, where are you? -I’m in Tortall. With a group of friends. We’re meeting up at a vacation spot to discuss events that have been going on in other countries. I don’t think I’ll be visiting the palace though. At least not formally. I might come see you and Alanna.- -So tell me Buri, how are things at the palace?- Buri said, "Everything here is fine. The Prince is going to get married this spring. I’m on the planning committee. Such a thrill let me tell you. I never knew there was so much planning involved in weddings! Aviva snorted, then said -Uh oh I have to go. I’ve been on the Coastal Way coming from Port Legann for a few days. I can see Corus now. Don’t get too excited Buri. Once my party reaches Corus, around noon tomorrow, we pick up supplies in the market place, then we take the Great Road East towards Tirragen. Can you guess where we’re going?- Buri frowned then said, "You’re going to Cascata." Cascata was a place in North Tortall. It was basically a huge rock building with waterfalls and a lake at the front. That was how it earned the name Cascata. Almost no one knew about Cascata. It was supposedly a legend. A place where merfolk swam and where faeries and elves lived certainly couldn’t exist. Buri knew it did. Cascata was very close to the palace, and she and Aviva were two of the very few people who knew the way. She waited for an answer but then realized Aviva was gone. She sighed and sat down, to think. After a while Buri got up and walked down the ladder and out of the stables, running smack into a group of people which included, Onua, Daine, King Jonathan, Queen Thayet, Prince Roald, Alanna, Kel, Raoul, Neal, Gareth the younger, Shinkokami, Lady Haname, Yuki, Numair, Sarge, and Princess Kalasin. Onua said, "Buri! Where have you been? We’ve been looking all over for you!" Buri raised a copper eyebrow, "You have? Why?" Thayet sighed, "I told you that we were having another meeting tonight. When you didn’t show, we came looking for you." Buri said, "When did half of you people get put on the wedding planning committee anyhow?" Raoul muttered, "I asked that myself. Thayet slapped me upside the head, so I stopped." Buri grinned and began to apologize when she felt it again. -Miss me?" came Aviva’s voice. Buri saw Thayet watching her and knew she should have apologized but instead said, "Could you give me a minute?" Thayet nodded and Buri walked back inside and picked up her tack box, trying to look like she was doing something. I’m kinda busy Aviva. -That’s ok. I just wanted to tell you that when I come to town tomorrow, I’m coming to the palace. I’ll see you there!- With that she left. Buri walked out of the stable, apologized and walked inside. About halfway through their little ‘planning session’ most of the wedding committee noticed Buri wasn’t really paying attention. The entire committee became quiet. Shinkokami looked a little hurt that Buri wasn’t as enthusiastic about the wedding as everyone else was. Kel and Daine were whispering to each other. Thayet said, "Buri!" Buri still didn’t snap out of her day dream-like state. After several attempts to get Buri’s attention, Alanna finally walked over to her and whispered something in her ear. Buri yelped and jumped a few feet into the air. Alanna cackled, "Works every time!" Thayet looked at Buri and said, "What has gotten into you? I can understand you forgetting about a meeting. But not paying attention is just rude!" Alanna rolled her eyes. Puh-leez Thayet, she thought. Lately Queen Thayet had been most unlike herself. Alanna wished that would change. She glared at the ass whose fault it was. She gritted her teeth soundlessly as she glared at her new enemy. Oh yes, King Jonathan would have his coming soon enough. Her attention snapped back to Buri. Buri couldn’t believe her best friend had just insulted her like that. She had put up with Thayet through all of her terrible moods, with her when she first met Jonathan and could talk of nothing but him, and just about everything else. And now Thayet was being, well she was being, well she was being a prissy court lady! Buri’s coal black eyes narrowed as she glared at Thayet and she said, "I’m sorry your majesty, but I am tired. I have had a very strenuous week and I have gotten very little sleep. So if you will excuse me, I’m going to bed!" With that Buri got up and left the room, leaving everyone to stare after her, stunned. >>>>>>><<<<<<<< Chapter Two: The Duchess The next morning, Thayet awoke with a feeling of guilt. She ran her fingers through her tousled black hair, combing it out while trying to think what could have possibly been wrong. Jonathan came striding into the room. She smiled at him and said, "What happened." By his calculating look, Thayet knew he was trying to put the current situation into words. Finally he managed, "Last night…Buri.." Thayet remembered. She sighed and Jonathan knew she had gotten the point. HE was about to comfort his queen when Alanna came striding into the room, positively beaming. Jon was a bit annoyed and asked, "Yes, Alanna?" Alanna cleared her throat and said in a voice a bit higher than usual, "I’m going to the city for the day! Bye now!" Jon rolled his eyes. The "bye now" had come out as a squeak. Alanna must have been very excited. He wondered why….but then turned his problems back to Thayet, who was mouthing wordlessly while sitting on the bed. She shook her head and muttered, "Since when has Alanna been a perk, happy person?" ~*~*~*~*~*~ Alanna hummed happily to herself as she began to saddle her horse. All of a sudden Buri flew into the stable and nearly knocked her backwards. Alanna pursed her lips in mock anger, "What do you think you were doing miss? Flying lessons are OUTSIDE." Buri snorted, "For your information shorty, I wasn’t flying I was knocked backwards by Raoul and I happened to be thrown into this stable rather than knock into a wall." Alanna nodded understandingly, "Those taller men are so cruel." Buri laughed. Raoul’s voice came from outside, "Buri? Buri where are you? I know you’re here somewhere! Buri…answer me!" Raoul walked in to see Buri and Alanna snickering in one of the stables nearby. He cleared his throat loudly. Both women looked up guiltily. "Hiya Raoul!" Alanna called cheerfully. Raoul rolled his eyes, and muttered, "Someone’s been drugged." Alanna’s eyes narrowed, "WHAT was that?" "Nothing." "Ya sure, that was nothing. I’ll get you for that." Buri sighed, "Always fighting. Be peaceful my children." Alanna said, "Raoul thinks I’VE been drugged!" Buri grinned, "So, where are you going today?" Alanna finished saddling her horse and was about to mount. She mounted and then said, "To town of course!" Buri gasped and tugged Alanna off the saddle saying, "But you can’t!" She finally succeeded and Alanna fell into the hay with a WHUMP! Alanna rubbed her back and said, "Ok Buri you’ve been acting a little weird lately so spit it out. I mean sure I’m weird too, but I have a right. You haven’t had your best friend backstab you, ok I take that back but you were weird before all this too! What is going on?" Buri looked up at Alanna, her black eyes wild. She then glanced at Raoul and turned her full attention back to Alanna. Two words came out of Buri’s mouth. Two words that Alanna and Raoul thought they’d never hear again. Two words that would terrify any noble besides them. "The Duchess." ~*~*~*~*~*~ Thayet was now perfectly calm. Jonathan was in his office and she was in breeches and an old shirt. She wanted to go riding. She popped her head in Jon’s office and told him. Then she made her way down to the stables(A/N: THE STABLES, international meeting place of all the psychotic Tortallans!). She was about to walk into a stable when Alanna came rushing out. Thayet jumped back and said, "Hey Alanna." Alanna turned to her and shook her head. Thayet looked puzzled. Alanna nimbly climbed to the roof of the stable, thinking how all those years knowing George when he was a theif were now coming in handy. She narrowed her purple eyes as she looked down the road that led up to the palace. Sure enough, a girl was coming. She had about 10 guards surrounding her. Why so much protection? Alanna’s eyes followed the path behind her. She gasped, there must have been thousands of servants following her. And hundreds of wagons full of supplies, or little children. Alanna climbed down and said, "Buri, she isn’t coming to the palace. She’s just passing by, to get to the Royal Forest. But everyone will see her if she comes this way!" Thayet, who was a bit out of the loop said, "Who?" Buri said, "I think that is exactly what she wants." Thayet persisted, "WHO?" Buri waved a hand, "You tell her Raoul. I’m going to go tell the king." Alanna said, "No, let me. I can’t wait to see his face!" As Alanna went off in search of the King, Thayet said, "I still want to know who you were talking about!" A voice from behind said, "Me I suppose." Thayet spun around and came face to face with a gorgeous girl who was about her height. She had long, silky, wavy black hair that was currently cascading down her back, and was half-heartedly pulled back into a half ponytail. Her face was heart shaped, her skin was a perfect ivory, quite a contrast to her blood red lips and icy blue eyes. She was dressed in breeches and a lightly woven shirt, but even those couldn’t hide her chest, and her perfect curves. She certainly was a beauty, more perfect than Thayet or Shinko in fact, but the girl couldn’t have cared less about her looks. On her shoulder rode a pure white cat, with eyes exactly like the girl’s. Thayet smiled, "Aviva." Duchess Aviva of Snowy Peak grinned back and then glanced around, "I’d love to stay and chat but I’ve got to get to Cascata. I’ve got a meeting there, and I’d hate to be late for it. The people I deal with aren’t exactly….forgiving. Plus, I don’t want to the King to come out here." She lifted her left hand into the air and gave some sort of signal. The procession moved into the forest, in a short amount of time for so many of them. Aviva stayed long enough to ask how things were and if she could possibly visit from time to time before mounting her pure black mare. "Well I guess this is so long for now." With those words she clicked her tounge to her horse and was off. King Jonathan came out with Alanna, Roald, Shinko, and Kel in tow, just in time to see a beautiful girl gallop past them on a midnight black mare. She grinned wickedly and saluted the King. With that she rode off into the forest. Raold blinked a few times, then said, "Who was that?" Alanna, who was purely enjoying her chance to frighten everyone said, "Oh just an old friend. You know that sort of thing. Of course, Buri and I were rather excited. I mean it’s not every day the Duchess comes to town!" It was about then that King Jonathan decided it would be a good time to follow the procession that Aviva was leading. ~*~*~*~*~*~ Aviva rode her mare, Zareal up to the front of the procession, where her head servant, Sasha, awaited her. Aviva smirked, "So did you see her?" Sasha smiled, "Yes, I saw her. She has managed to copy me in everything I do! She even owns her own dress shop now! I mean honestly! Can’t the girl do anything for herself? First it was years of actually teaching her how to sew and putting up with her, and now she has to do everything like me!" Aviva’s icy eyes narrowed, "Don’t get so upset Sasha! I’m sure that Vera or Thom can think of some brilliant way for you to get rid of Lalasa." And so the procession headed on to Cascata. ~*~*~*~*~*~ Meanwhile, King Jonathan had called up all of the noble’s that were currently residing at the palace, including pages and squires. They were all presently in a large meeting room. King Jonathan stood up, commanding everyone’s attention. He looked around the room, then he said, "Many of you have heard terrible rumors and tales of a fief called Snowy Peak. Many of your tales involve a Duchess names Aviva. Usually these tales tell of Aviva killing someone, often her own parents. Today, I am here to tell you that Duchess Aviva is here, in Tortall, and she is not guilty of any crimes. She is headed toward the legendary place called Cascata. She has great powers, and can help us with the situation in Scanra. Which of you will come with me to demand her help?" Everyone in the room stood up. "So mote it be!" |