i need that fire just to know that i'm awake

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    algernon//thirty two//druid


    Algernon rode atop a golden stallion with a mane as dark as the midnight sky. He rode the horse a long distance, as the Surnak mountains were days away from Quoar's castle. He did not stop but to eat and wash before moving forward once more.

    At one time he stopped near a cliffside and crouched to look below at the lush greenery. It was summer, he decided. He was lucky it was not winter and that he could escape the cold of the mountains and be welcomed by such warmth. He slept on the soft soil, which was a nice change from the stone he had slept on for many years in the cave. When he woke, he brought a sword to his hair and sliced it.

    The village he visited next, closest to the castle, was quaint and mostly farmers. They watched the burly man with anxious eyes, but one woman noticed his uneven hair and gasped loudly. She was a kind woman and offered to cut his hair properly and trim his beard. He told her he could not pay her, but he could make her gardens flourish and her crops grow ten fold. And so he did and the woman bid him farewell with tears in her eyes.

    When Algernon finally reached the castle, there were guards who tried to stop him. He lifted his hands and a burst of wind threw the men backward. Their heads hit the wall and they fell to the floor unconscious. The castle doors flew open for him and he walked inside with purpose. He moved up the narrow spiral stairs and toward the throne room.

    He needed to speak with King Daniel, an old friend of his. He decided he could keep him warm and fed while he searched for the girl in his visions. Guards ran to stop him, but he used metal bending to bend the stairwell so they could not follow him. He told himself he would fix that later.

    His cloak billowed around him as he made his way down the twisted halls and toward the throne room. Before he entered the room, he heard men speaking among themselves. The voice was familiar, but not the one he expected.

    "We must find the girl. Scour all of the lands and bring her back to me. Do what you must if she resists. We must execute her publicly to show the people-"

    "That you are the snake they all believe you to be." Algernon entered the throne room with his deep, bellowing voice ringing off the pristine walls. The guards moved to take him, but Darren held up his hand.

    "How did you get past the home guard?" Darren eyed the man, shrouded in mystery, with almost delight. The large dog beside him growled and bared his fangs at the man.

    "I did them no harm, Darren." The man said before lifting the hood from his head. With his hair shorn, one could see the strange dark birthmark on the back of his neck.

    The man eyed the room they were in with wizened eyes. There were high windows on the back wall, so the light of the early morning sun shined directly onto the throne. The windows themselves were created with stained glass and each held the same symbol as the one on his neck.

    "Algernon." Darren breathed and the delight vanished from his face. His face scrunched up with disgust as he stood from his throne. Though it was not his throne, it was his brother's. But if he sat upon it, then he knew that his dear friend Daniel was dead. He would mourn the loss until the end of his days until he could meet him again in the afterlife.

    "Its been a long time, my old friend." Darren said slowly as he made his way toward the man.

    "We were never friends." Algernon corrected him while standing completely still. He was not afraid of the mad man. He never would be.

    Darren ignored him and turned to look toward his council members. Dukes and religious men who had turned on their previous king, he thought. Otherwise why would they let this mad man rule their kingdom.

    "Algernon, the last druid of the Marked Lands." Darren smiled though it was not a friendly one, but rather twisted and all wrong. His eyes glinted with madness.

    "Where is Daniel." He did not phrase it as a question, as he already assumed the worst. His eyes watched Darren carefully as he kept moving closer.

    Finally, Darren stood only feet away from him with his hand on the hilt of his sword - ready to draw his weapon. Though it would do him no good.

    "Dead. As his daughter will be soon."

    Algernon's heart ached at these words. Daniel had been a brother to him and they had fought side by side in battle. The loss caused a heavy weight to fall upon his chest.

    Darren began to circle the druid with a keen gaze and a slight sneer. "No one has set eyes on you for at least thirty years. I thought you to be dead. You have not aged a single day. How curious."

    Algernon had no time for the man's games. His expression vacant, he whispered beneath his breath, "I have been called by Melinoe to find a girl and she has led me here. I must find her."

    "Yes, yes. I am also searching for the girl. Madison, my niece. I assume that is who you mean." When Algernon nodded, the name ringing familiar in his ears, Darren continued, "I do not know what you want with her but she must die. She is a threat to my crown."

    Her crown, Algernon thought bitterly. He decided to try to reason with the man. "The Reckoning is upon us. If she dies then the fate of all the lands will have been decided and the outcome would leave the world in hellfire. I must find her and I must bring her back to where she belongs. Only there can she save us all."

    Before he could finish speaking, Darren was laughing in a dark manner. "I will not change my mind."

    "There will be no kingdom for you to rule if she dies. I swear that to you."

    Darren glared at the druid before a twisted smile spread across his narrow face. "Her fate has already been decided."

    With a heavy heart, Algernon understood that there was no getting through to the lunatic. He turned to leave, but the guards blocked his path.

    "Don't leave just yet. Do some magic for me."

    "I don't do tricks." Algernon said as he kept walking toward the guards with their swords pointed at him.

    As he reached them, he narrowed his eyes and told them, "Move."
    They did not and instead awaited their king's command. Darren walked up behind him and laughed once more.

    Before anyone could stop him, Algernon reached behind him and drew Darren's sword from its scabbard. He then swung it into a flat arc and split the man in front of him open - his guts hanging out of his belly as he fell over.

    The guards gathered around him and in a flurry of movements he sliced them up and left them sprawled onto the floor. He then tossed Darren his sword and told him, "When I return with the girl, you are a dead man."

    Darren called for the guards as Algernon walked away. He would get back onto his horse and ride off. He would call upon his sight and continue his search for the chosen one.





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    james zachary carbon//twenty two//royal guard


    James hadn't realized he had fallen asleep. He woke with his head on the desk in his tent and drool pooled around him. A quill was still in his hands and multiple papers scattered across the desk. His head pounded with a headache that made him groan.

    Lifting his head, James glanced around as light enveloped the tent - shining through the thin fabric. It must have been early in the morning and yet he still heard the bustling of people outside.

    As he wiped the drool from his mouth, the male glanced down at the papers. He had been keeping record of their journey and what had happened in Quoar. He decided that no one would write the truth of what happened in the Book of Quoar and so he wrote truths down on the parchment. The original book told of their gods and goddesses, their wars, their origins, their language, their art, their food, their landscape, their lives.

    Standing from the desk, he went to wash himself up and change into proper clothes. The clothes provided weren't as nice as he was used to, but they would do utility wise.

    After, he left his tent and strolled toward Madison's tent. He pulled back the tent flap, announcing his presence, but she was not there. For a moment, he panicked. She was nowhere in the tent and so he backed out and searched the camp with his gaze.

    A woman knelt beside a fire, on her hands and knees praying. A couple of men were sparring with grunts and heavy panting. A young girl was brushing a horse's main and singing to them. He did not see Madison.

    Moving through the crowds of people, James hurried through the camp grounds until he finally saw a woman with dark hair sitting on a log facing away from him. She was telling a story to the orphans and other ill-fated children who were left to die but were taken in by the guild.

    He smiled warmly as he approached her. "Madison."



    MADISON " MADDIE " ELIZA HUGHES


    twenty | cisgender female | heterosexual | crowned princess | marked with water/blood




    Madison had awoken this morning feeling entirely refused, which was something she had expected considering she hadn’t slept for a few days before arriving to this camp. For a moment part of her had hoped that what she and James had been through had been all but a horrendous dream, but when she opened her eyes and looked around she realized just how real it had all been. A sense of sadness clouded over her head and the princess found herself laying in bed for longer than need be. Part of her wanted to cry, to mourn over the loss of her father as well as Luke and her kingdom, but she needed to be strong. She could mourn when she had her kingdom back. Madison would even have a statue built to honor her father. With a new sense of determination the dark haired beauty climbed out of her bed. Letting out a yawn, she lifted her arms above her head in order to stretch her body out. She decided to draw herself a bath. She had been so tired last night that the moment she saw the bed she immediately climbed in and fell asleep within seconds and it was obvious that it was high time she had a bath. Just the thought made her a happy thrill run up her body. She never thought she would see the day when having a bath would cause her this much joy. As she drew her bath Madison couldn’t help but to realize that this was the first time she was doing so herself. Growing up the servants would always take care of things like this and Madison would just have to wait and get in and that would be the end of it but she no longer had her servants. Perhaps one of the good things about this horrific ordeal was that she would grow to be more independent. Something she had never gotten the option to do back in the castle. The princess took her time with her bath, enjoying the warm water and how it soothed her body. As she soaked she faintly wondered if James was up. More than likely not since the man would have come to check up on her by now. She bit her lip gently. They needed to talk. About what they were going to do once they left this camp, where they would go, who would be the most likely to help them take down Darren. She also would have to tell him about those visions she kept seeing. She had had one last night as well but it wasn’t as gruesome as the previous ones which she was thankful for. Another thing they needed to speak on was their almost kiss. She felt her heart flutter at just the mere thought of it. She felt that at this point the only thing she had left to lose was him so a large part of her was afraid to bring it up out of fear of him regretting it or that he did not wish to be with her after all. She let out a soft sigh, wondering why love had to be so complicated. Once she was finished with her bath Maddie got dressed. Her outfit was just a simple and plain dark blue dress. It definitely was not what she was use to but then again nothing here was what she was use to. She would just have to deal with it for now. The princess pulled her hair back into one large braid and called herself ready for the day. Exiting her tent she looked around curiously. She saw quite a few people already up and about going about their daily task. She saw someone cooking on an open fire and assumed that breakfast would be ready soon. As she stood there watching she realized that she had nothing to do herself. It was a strange feeling. Madison was so use to her day being filled with lessons and practice that having nothing to do felt completely weird. Right now would usually be the time that she and James would be practicing either hand to hand combat, sword fighting, or archery. Speaking of James the beauty walked over to his tent. Peaking her head inside a soft smile lifted her pink lips at the sight of him. He was sleeping in a chair, his head on a desk. Part of her wanted to wake him but she figured that he needed the rest. He had been taking care of her for so long that he was probably way more tired than she had been. She would just find a way to occupy her time until he woke up on his own. Madison didn’t think to leave a note or anything. She didn’t expect to be gone for to long and it wasn’t like she had anywhere to go so if James did wake up soon it wouldn’t take much for him to find her. Before long she stumbled across a group of children. All orphans or ill-fated children. Her heart aches for them all. This was just a up front example that not every person was born into a lavish lifestyle as she was. She wished nothing more than to help them all, to take them away from this cruel place and give them a loving home like they all deserved. She decided to sit with them and get to know them all. One boy stood out to her the most. He had dark curly and big gray eyes. His name was Philip and Madison basically fell in love with him immediately. One of the children, a little girl named Abagail, asked if she could sing them all a song and sing them a song she did. It was an old lullaby that had been sang to her when Madison was a young child and would sometimes have trouble falling asleep. The princess sang the sweet song with ease, her voice as sweet and melodic as the song she was singing. That was one talent Madison enjoyed more than the others. She had always loved to sing. When James showed up she was just finishing the song. The children all asked for another one and before she could respond she heard her name being called. Turning her head she saw James and a bright smile appeared on her face. Telling the children to give her a moment she stood from the log and approached the blonde man. “Good morning.” She said, seemingly in a much better mood than yesterday. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear she continued. “Did I scare you? I didn’t mean to leave without telling you where I was going but I saw you asleep and I didn’t want to wake you.”

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    james zachary carbon//twenty two//royal guard


    As James moved closer to the princess, he realized that she was not telling a story, but instead sang a song in a low voice. Her singing voice was as smooth as silk and sounded like chimes in the warm breeze. He stood a bit behind her, listening intently to the end of her song.

    The children stared up at her with wonder, the way a child looked toward their mother, with love and devotion. He wondered if her job around camp could be caring for the children. The way she sang to them, the way she spoke, was like a true mother.

    Madison noticed him and rose from the log she sat upon. She stood before him with a small smile. The clothes she wore were simple, no longer frilly, and her hair was pulled back into a thick braid. She looked like any exile would at first glance. Yet the way she carried herself, the way she spoke, showed she had royal blood. He hoped that if they were to be followed to this camp, that Darren's men would no longer recognize her.

    "That is alright." He assured her, realizing that he had overreacted. Though he wished that she had a flower vase in her tent, for when they were younger and she used to sneak out of her chambers at night to roam the castle grounds, she would place the flower vase at the foot of her bed, on the bronze chest, to show that she was safe and not to worry. He always did worry, though.

    His instincts were to keep her safe and in his sights, but the exiles seemed to have no intention of harming her. They were a band of hardened criminals who were not afraid to shed blood, and yet they took in any and all who did not belong or was left to die, as long as they pulled their own weight.

    His gaze moved toward the children who sat and watched their exchange with wide eyes. They were all extremely young, besides a couple who looked to be around twelve.

    "You used to sing that song to me, remember? When I had night terrors."

    As a child, he had often been restless at night - tossing and turning in his bed and crying out for his mother. He had nightmares of demons, hideous creatures, chasing him through the night. He watched them tear apart the people he loved with their teeth. Then he would wake to Madison singing the song softly and brushing her fingers through his dense golden curls.

    This thought brought a smile to his face as he gazed fondly toward the princess. Though before anything else could be said, he saw Minx walking toward them. He cringed as he recalled the night before. He had seen her tears, had seen that he had hurt her. He hadn't meant to, but he did not want to thank her in such a way. She deserved so much more, more than he could give her.

    "Minx." He greeted before clearing his throat loudly. The children scattered at the sound and went to play by the river.







    MINX " MINXIE " VALKYRIE RANGER


    twenty | cisgender female | bisexual | thief princess | marked with light



    Minx woke the next morning, in her lover's arms. Ilya still lay asleep beside her and the woman felt a sneer curl onto her lips. She twisted her dark brown curls cascading down her bare back. She looked over to Ilya with a soft smile. He slept soundly, a trail of murmurs leaving his plump lips. She ran her hands through his curls and decided to let him keep sleeping. She looked over, seeing the sunshine peak through the tent as dawn came. She pushed herself to sit up and then tossed her legs over the edge of his bed. He seemed to notice this disturbance and he grumbled, weakly trying to pull Minx back into bed. She let a giggle fall from her lips and she shook her head. "Keep sleeping, lover. I have a few things to do." Minx cooed in his ear before she playfully nipped his earlobe. Ilya chuckled deeply and looked at he with tired eyes. She threw on her clothes from the night before, as well as the cloak. She laced up her boots before pulling her hood over her head. Ilya watched her all the while, tracing random shapes in her side. Minx looked over to Ilya with a soft smile before she leaned into him, kissing him deeply. "Go back to sleep. I have to train the new pups." Minx purred and then kissed his forehead. She stood and walked out of his tent quickly, not looking back. she moved like a shadow through the camp as she made her way to her tent. She stuck true to her alias, Mirage. She could truly move through crowds like she was made of air and would never be detected. She hoped to teach her children this same trick one day but she highly doubted she would ever have children of her own. She fluidly moved to her tent, gracefulness in her movements. She made it to her tent within a few minutes and she pulled back her hood. She stripped off the clothes from before, smelling of lust and sweat. She tossed the clothes into a pile, knowing one of the women or men in charge of cleaning the clothes would come by and get them. Minx ran herself a streaming hot bath, sighing as she let her muscles relax inside the water. She looked up as the tent flap opened. She clenched her jaw, grabbing her dagger. She clung to the edge of the tub, prepared to kill whoever entered her tent without permission. And then she saw her wolf dog, Nymeria, trot inside. Minx sighed deeply and sheathed her dagger. "You cared me, girl." Minx mumbled and smiled softly as her pet approached her. She scratched behind Nymeria's ear as she leaned into her touch. Minx washed herself of dirt and of sweat, including her hair. She stood from her bath and then grabbed a towel, drying off her body. She looked in her chest of clothes and picked out an outfit. She looked at herself in the mirror and lifted her chin, her dark gaze shimmering with power.


    Minx pulled her hair into a braid, only letting her curls down when she was around people she trusted or wanted to bed. She walked out of her tent, Nymeria keeping pace beside her. For now, she kept her hood down and showcased her dark brown curls in a braid. Small tendrils of curls fell from the braid but they framed her face. She walked through the camp, a power about her. Almost like she hadn't gotten her heart broken the night before. She moved with grace, her hips swinging with purpose. She came up to Madison and James, Nymeria beside her and as a tall as her hip bones. The Wolf dog narrowed her eyes at James, as if knowing what he he had done. The protective canine growled lowly before sitting beside Minx as she came to a stop. Minx narrowed her eyes at the two of them and a small smirk played on her lips. "How did you two sleep? I know we don't exactly have the extravagant chambers a castle would have, but still. It's home." Minx spoke, venom in her voice as she dared James with her eyes.



    MADISON " MADDIE " ELIZA HUGHES


    twenty | cisgender female | heterosexual | crowned princess | marked with water/blood




    Madison smiled softly at the memory of her singing to James when they were small children. He use to be so afraid at night, now Madison wandered if he feared anything anymore. If so he never let it show. “Yes I remember.” Her child hood memories with James were one of her fondest. Sometimes she wished they could both go back. Before she felt all the pressure of being the crowned princess, and realizing that she loved him. Now everything was more complicated than she felt it should be. Before they could continue speaking Minx appeared. The sight of the woman brought curiosity to Madison’s warm gaze. She couldn’t place her finger as to why, but now that she was fully awake and alert Minx seemed strangely familiar. In an almost deja vu sort of sense. The princess waved off her sudden curiosity, deeming it just a coincidence of some sort. She placed a hand against her curvy hip, jutting it out slightly. Despite her situation she still held herself as a princess and would continue to do so. Her eyes landed on the..creature beside Minx and her brows furrowed softly at the sight of it. She had never seen such a thing. It looked like a dog, but also similar to a wolf. How strange, but cute in a sense as well. The beauty couldn’t help the suspicion that washed over her at the way James and Minx were interacting. Minx was acting hostile and angry in a sense, and James seemed nervous at the sight of her and Madison knew her friend and new that hardly anything ever made him nervous. Something definitely happened between them last night and she wanted to know what. She would just have to ask James later. They were best friends and told each other everything after all. He was the first to find out about her powers, the first to find out about her engagement to Luke, and he would be first to know about her visions as soon as they had a chance to speak. Alone and away from Minx and everyone else. “We slept alright, thank you. It really wasn’t tha-“ A faint scream caught her ear and made her pause mid sentence. Confusion racked her brain and she turned towards the sound. “Did you hear that?” It was faint and almost like a child’s. Then she heard it again. Almost immediately the motherly nature in Madison broke out and the princess broke out into a run towards where the sound was coming from, ignoring the warning from James.


    She ran through the forest with a determination in her stride, her feet crunching against the fallen leaves and branches. Before long she got to the river and the sight that she saw scared her. There was Philip and he was holding a little girl, most likely no more than five or six years old, in his arms. “Philip what happened?” She asked, worry lacing her voice as she went to kneel beside the boy and the girl. She didnt look like she was breathing, and she looked so cold and fragile. “I don’t know!” He promised, small tears filling his eyes as he spoke, his lips trembling slightly from fear. “We were just playing by the river and she slipped and fell in!” This was why children needed supervision, even if they were orphans. Nodding her head she placed her hand on the boy’s shoulder softly, seeming to manage to calm him down slightly. “Shh. It’s okay I need you to go and find a nurse okay?” She has an idea, but she didn’t need him or the other children around to see it. Frankly she didn’t want Minx to see either considering Madison hardly even trusted her but she knew that the woman wouldn’t leave and the little girl, who she was remembering was named Lillian, needed help as soon as possible. As soon as the children were gone back towards the camp Madison laid Lillian out against the grass gently. Placing her hand on little girl’s chest she let out a soft breathe. She closed her eyes, letting herself feel the water that had gotten into the blonde’s lungs. She should be able to get all the water out. Keeping her eyes closed, Madison lifted her hands. She started to pull her hands towards Lillian’s mouth in an almost tugging maneuver. It wasn’t clear that Madison was no pro when it came to using her powers but thankfully she was good enough for this. Once she got towards her mouth Lillian’s small lips parted and a stream of water came out that Madison then threw back into the river. The five year old started to cough and gasp for breath as she sat up slightly, clutching at the material of Madison’s dress.

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    james zachary carbon//twenty two//royal guard


    James hadn't noticed the scream. Probably because he was too focused on averting his gaze from Minx, who he knew still held a grudge against him for the night before. So he hadn't paid any attention to the different sounds within the camp and was surprised when Madison cut herself off to ask if they had heard it. The guard was unsure what she meant, but before he could ask, she was already taking off.

    The guard followed close behind her, his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready for a fight. Though as they neared the narrow river, he realized that it had not been an attacker, but two orphans.

    Madison fell beside the pair, asking what had happened. By the looks of it, the small girl had fallen into the river. Her skin was pale and grey, her chest perfectly still. She's dead, he thought.

    So he watched as Madison comforted the boy, and as she sent him away, he assumed it was so they could decide what to do with the body. But then Madison placed her hands on the little girl's chest and his eyes widened in surprise. He knew exactly what she was doing and was very aware that Minx, who had followed after them, stood directly beside him.

    He wasn't exactly sure if it would really work, as she did not have much practice with her abilities, but there was still the possibility that she could save this child's life.

    James stepped closer toward Madison, watching as she moved her hands in a tugging motion up from her chest to her mouth. The child's body convulsed slightly before spitting up water and rolling over onto her stomach - gasping for breath and grabbing onto Madison's dress.

    A relieved sigh left his lips, but then he tensed again as he remembered Minx. He wondered if she would tell anyone about Madison's extraordinary gift. If she had been anyone else, he would have to find a way to silence her. But she had a gift of her own, so he assumed that she wouldn't go blabbering about Madison to anyone. Even still...

    Turning on Minx, the nervousness left and his gaze had hardened. "You tell no one."

    He kept his hand on the hilt of his sword and his other hand slack at his side, palm facing her. He was ready for any fight she would give him. In truth, he knew that she was an exceptional fighter and wouldn't be afraid to play dirty, but he had some of his own tricks up his sleeve.

    When Minx did not respond to him, he leaned forward to whisper to her, "Can I trust you?"

    It was a loaded question, because she could have given either answer and he still wouldn't be sure if he could. But both women were of the same people, people who vanished many years ago, long forgotten. The Marked had been wiped out by the ungifted, so Minx and Madison were technically not supposed to exist. It was of the upmost importance that he kept her safe and that the people did not know that their beloved heir was anything other than human.






    MINX " MINXIE " VALKYRIE RANGER


    twenty | cisgender female | bisexual | thief princess | marked with light



    Minx smiled small when Madison answered her question, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword as she cocked her hip to the side. She blinked, stealing a glance at James. She wondered if he felt bad for the night before. She imagined he did but she wasn't exactly the forgiving type. She would be angry with him, hurt by his rejection. She had opened herself to him, allowing him be the one she chose. But he turned her away. All for Madison. The thought made her heart hurt. She turned to Madison, wondering what was so much better about her. Was she prettier in his eyes? Classier? She clenched her jaw. She knew she had not been raised in a castle as Madison had and did not have the same manners or class but she felt she at least deserved a chance before being shoved to the side. It wasn't like Madison could love him back, and even if she did, she could never marry him. She would be married to some lord, or even a Prince. And James, was just a knight. And Minx refused to be second best. Especially to Madison. Minx tore her gaze to the other woman as she spoke, asking if they heard what she had. Minx frowned deeply, confusion in her dark eyes. She had no idea what she had been talking about. And that's when Minx heard it. A child's scream. Minx took off into a sprint just as Madison had, nearly milliseconds apart. Minx grunted and pushed herself to run faster, knowing a child was in trouble. She may not be the most motherly woman ever but these children were under the protection of the Guild. Nymeria sprinted beside her human, her dark fur dancing in the breeze. Minx came to a screeching halt as they came to the river, panting heavily. Her dark eyes widened as she took in the scene around her. The children began to panic and were pleading for Madison to save their friend. Minx watched the other woman, a rage in her eyes. She had to be so helpful and good, didn't she? Minx pushed these thoughts aside, focusing on the children. They needed help.


    Minx watched as Madison dismissed the children and they rushed off, to find a nurse. The dark haired beauty panted and she watched the girl. She looked dead. She was pale and almost blue. She wasn't breathing. Minx gulped thickly, taking a step forward. She frowned deeply and watched as Madison moved, as if she was tugging on a rope. She panted softly, her chest rising and falling quickly. And then the water emerged from the little girl's throat and her eyes widened as she realized what was happening. Madison was marked, just like her. Minx felt conflicted. She had never met another Marked but then again, Madison kind of annoyed her. She clicked her tongue once the girl began to cough up the water and Nymeria trotted over. The wolf dog helped the girl sit up with a nudge and laid down beside her, letting her clutch her and pet her for support. Minx then turned her dark eyes to James as he turned to her suddenly. His gaze was hard and she narrowed her eyes at him. His words sounded more like a threat and she clenched her jaw, hard. She scoffed when she saw him rest his hand on the hilt of his sword, as if warning her. A fire ignited in her eyes and she panted heavily. She wrapped her own hand around the hilt of her sword, daring him to make a move. She wouldn't tell anyone, of course. But she didn't like James' threats or how he would fight her. When she had just opened up to him the night before. And he leaned closer and she glared daggers at him, showing him that she would not forgive him for threatening her. And then he asked if he could trust her. She rolled her eyes and shoved him back, causing Nymeria to lift her head to check on Minx. "Back off, Pretty Boy. I'm Marked too, why the hell would I tell anyone about her?" Minx snapped, fury in her dark eyes. She shoved past James and walked over to the girl, which Nymeria and Madison were tending to with tender touches and tender words.



    MADISON " MADDIE " ELIZA HUGHES


    twenty | cisgender female | heterosexual | crowned princess | marked with water/blood




    Madison felt both relief and pride well in her chest at the sight of the young girl alive and breathing. And all because of her and her powers. If she hadn’t stepped in to use her powers the nurses in the guild never would have been able to save her. Abigail more than likely wouldn’t have even made it all the way back to camp. Faintly she listened to James and Minx bicker, her heart fluttering slightly at the way James immediately went into protecting her. If she could never have him as a lover she was glad to know that she had him as her best friend at least. Madison ran her fingers through Abigail’s blonde hair soothingly, a gentleness in her eyes and the way she moved. Madison had always been a motherly person. The way she was around kids proved as much. Growing up it was expected of her to have children when she one day married but she never felt anger towards it, she always wanted kids. Three or more to be exact. The more the merrier in her eyes. After all in the world they lived in you never knew what happened. The more children she had the bigger the chances of one of them properly growing up to take the crown after she was killed. Abigail was still coughing and Madison rubbed soothing circles along her back to gently get her body to calm down a bit. Without speaking she swiftly picked the girl up, her small legs wrapping around Madison’s slender waist. “Shh..it’s okay I got you, little flower.” Abigail was the sweetest little girl Madison had ever meant and she reminded her of the gold sunflowers she would see blooming during the summer. Supporting the young girl Madison began to walk back towards camp, Abigail holding on to her tightly. James was right, she would be the perfect person to watch over the children in the guild. That was evident by the way she was the only person in this group who had even heard the young girl yelling. If she hadn’t been paying attention as well Abigail would have died. The thought saddened her. She didn’t know what was going on between James and Minx, she honestly believed that she didn’t want to know, but whatever it was it shouldn’t have almost costed this girl her life like this. “I see that your camp does not have many child sitters.” Madison stated her brown eyes looking ahead as she walked through the forest with a purpose. There was no reason in her eyes that children these young should be left to their own devices like this no matter whether they were orphans or not. Children were suppose to be protected and if it wasn’t for Madison they would have lost one for such a careless mistake.

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    james zachary carbon//twenty two//royal guard


    James stared hard at Minx and Minx stared hard right back. Each of them had a fire within them and something they needed to protect. Or rather, someone. For James, that was Madison. As for Minx, that was herself. He wondered if that would ever change.

    When Minx called him a Pretty Boy, practically bristling, he had to bite his tongue to hold back a retort. All of the guilt he felt had vanished as his honor took over and his will to protect the one he cared for. The way he held himself was like a wolf shielding their mate.

    Though he was relieved that she agreed it would be idiotic to tell anyone about Madison, considering it could possibly out her as well. The Marked were not welcomed among common folk and they would be more than likely slaughtered.

    When Madison helped the small girl stand and began to walk her back to the camp, James realized that now wasn't the time to be picking fights. There was a little girl there who had just almost died.

    As he watched Madison guide her back through the forest, James felt his chest swell with pride. She was learning to be a better bender by the day and this just proved that she had taught herself well. Before her father had been killed, after they practiced archery or other fighting techniques, they would often sneak into the gardens. There, Madison would sit beside the fountain and practice bending the water while James kept an eye out for anyone who may have noticed the odd behavior.

    With one last heated glance in Minx's direction, James started off after Madison. The little girl was sniffling and still coughing a bit. She would have to see a nurse and soon.

    It was then, a few yards from camp, that a man stepped out in front of them. He was a tall, hulking man who seemed to tower over the princess. Pale scars scattered across his russet skin and his cloak was stained with droplets of blood. He was a menacing man, but James' fear was pushed aside with his willingness to protect Madison.

    Moments after the man appeared from the brush, James moved ahead of Madison and unsheathed the sword from his scabbard. The guard then pointed it in the strange man's direction, the tip of the blade only a breath away from his face.

    "Put the blade away, boy." The man spoke in a low, almost hushed voice - as if afraid of being overheard.

    "I am no boy." James barked out harshly, his eyes alive with a burning fire. He was ready for any battle this man gave him. Though to his surprise, the man carried no sword or other weapon about him. Still, he could never be too careful.

    "Killing me would be treason." The man's booming voice bellowed around them, making it clear to all in the vicinity that his words carried great weight.

    James narrowed his eyes and lowered his sword so that it was level with the man's throat. The stranger did not break eye contact, did not move a muscle. He seemed unafraid of death.

    "To which crown?" James was skeptical of the man's bold claims, but his words were beginning to make more sense. Still, he was hesitant to trust a stranger - especially such a looming man with secretive eyes.

    The man lifted his chin, as if to expose his throat even further - almost daring the guard to impale him. "To the crown in which we all belong."

    His words fell heavy over the silence that settled between them all. As James took in the man's words, a nurse came running toward them. The boy must have sent for her. When she noticed James pointing a sword at a large, unrecognizable man, she faltered in her steps.

    With great reluctance, James lowered his sword, but did not place it back into its scabbard. If what this man said was true, then he was no true man at all. The other man curled his lips into an almost smile, as if he could hear his thoughts.

    "Take the girl. She needs your assistance. Hurry now." The man urged the nurse and so the lady quickly led the child away.

    Then the man's gaze slid toward Madison before landing on Minx. "Which of you is Madison Hughes."

    "Who is asking?" James demanded before either of the girls could speak. He still did not trust the man, less than he trusted Minx or any other exile. He knew nothing of this stranger.

    "I am Algernon. I am here to take Madison to Druid's Keep." His words were simple, as if they made sense to anyone who would hear them.

    James' eyes were incredulous at his words and he had half a mind to kneel before him. He had heard stories of Algernon as a small child, before coming to Quoar to serve under King Daniel as a personal guard to his daughter. He was said to be the last of his kind.

    "You're a druid?" He phrased it as a question, but he knew now that the man was not lying. Even still, Algernon nodded in response.





    MINX " MINXIE " VALKYRIE RANGER


    twenty | cisgender female | bisexual | thief princess | marked with light



    Minx felt a fury boil inside of her. She had rescued the two of them and this was her payment? To be mistrusted and shoved away, as if she was trash? Minx knew she wasn't a lady like she assumed Madison was, she never would be. But she was not worthless. She was a human being and everyone seemed to be constantly treating her like she was anything but. They shoved her around and hit her and tossed her to the dogs and into the mud. She had only ever loved once and that girl was ripped from her arms by death itself. She had hardened her heart after all she endured. All the cage fighting, all of the battles, all of the scars, all of the rejection, all of the loss. She had so many scars, inside and out. She was a hardened woman, not sure how else to deal with all the pain she was feeling. So she fought, and thieved, and lusted after men and women she would never stay with for long. She was damaged and hurt beyond words. Every day, she wished she could go back to her first fight and let the man kill her. Maybe then she wouldn't feel all this pain. She had grown up in the mud, constantly having to pick herself up when someone kicked her down. She was a fighter. She had to be. She knew in this world it was either kill or be killed, she knew this hard fact. James and Madison didn't. She knew they would need her help, even if they didn't want to admit it. Minx knew she would have to protect them, even if they shoved her away. She didn't like feeling like she had to protect them but now seeing as Madison was the only other Marked she had met, she couldn't help but feel responsible for her. Even if the girl did annoy her, the Marked were a dying breed. Minx then looked to Madison as she stood and began to march back to camp. The dark haired beauty sighed, pursing her lips in annoyance. And then the girl had the audacity to give her sass. Minx's lip curled into a snarl as she followed after the snooty girl. "Well excuse me, Princess. We have almost all of our men guarding the camp in some way and we are low on numbers. So unless you have some extra men hidden in that fancy dress you arrived in, I suggest you shut your mouth." Minx snapped at the girl, her eyes lit with fire. Minx huffed and clenched her jaw. Part of her wanted to march off and let the two of them fend for themselves in the woods. She hated being talked down, especially by girls like Madison. She shoved past James as they made their way back to camp, her hand on the hilt of her sword. Nymeria trotted beside her, sensing her human's anger and sending a soft growl toward the brunette girl.


    And suddenly, a hulking man came out of the bushes like a shadow. Minx instantly drew her sword and snarled at the man, her eyes narrowing into slits. Nymeria growled beside her, crouching into a pouncing position as she licked her lips. Minx watched the man. He towered over all three of them and was built like a mountain. Scars littered his body and she wondered if he had been in as many fights as she had. Minx eyed the blood droplets on his cloak as she lowered herself, almost like a crouching feline. Her lips curled into a snarl and if she had been a feline, her tail would be flicking and her fur would be standing on her spine. She watched the man carefully, not trusting him at all. He had appeared from nowhere and was in her camp, a camp with her family. As much as she hated some of the people in the Guild sometimes, they were her family. Especially Felix and Ilya. She imagined she'd be long dead without them. The man told James to put down the blade, and he even called him boy. Minx nearly snickered. She imagined James wouldn't be too happy about that. And as she suspected, James snapped at the man. And then the man said that killing him would be treason. The man's voice held authority but then again, Minx had always hated any kind of authority. She tightened her grip on her sword and Nymeria lowered her stance beside her, a deep growl rumbling in her chest. James asked what crown it would be treasonous to and the man simply replied with all of them. Minx narrowed her eyes at the man, as if he had just said the stupidest thing she had ever heard. Treason to the crown which we all belong? What kind of cryptic wording was that, Minx thought. And then the nurse from before came running up, panic in her green eyes upon seeing the show down between the group. Minx looked between Madison and then the man and then the nurse, her jaw clenched. If that man even dared to try and hurt that girl, she would rip his throat out with her teeth. And then,to her surprise, the man told the nurse to talk the girl. She frowned deeply and narrowed her dark gaze at the man. The nurse, a woman named Ryley, raced off with the girl who needed her aid. Nymeria never ceased her protective stance beside her human and Minx twisted her sword in her hand. Her eyes were lit with a fire, ready to take down the man if she must. The man looked to Madison and then to her and Minx tensed, letting out an animalistic growl. He asked which one of them was Madison Hughes and Minx clenched her jaw, keeping her fierce gaze on the man.


    James asked who was asking such a question and her dark gaze flickered to the bold blonde, ready to defend him. He was a stupid and bold boy but he was good. And so was Madison, as much as she hated to admit it. And one of her people. So she decided that she would protect the both of them, both her and Nymeria. Minx looked to her wolf dog and Nymeria looked up at her human, her muscles relaxing for a moment. And then the man spoke his name and why he was here. Algernon? Minx nearly laughed. What kind of name was that? And then he said he was supposed to take Madison away to some foreign place? She snickered, shaking her head as she eased up a bit. She stood up straight and sucked on her teeth, lifting her chin. She narrowed her eyes toward the hulking man and studied him. James asked if he was a druid and Minx rolled her eyes, not moving her sword. She twirled her wrist once more before tossing her sword into her left hand. The man nodded at James' question. She narrowed her dark eyes at the man. "Soooo we're just gonna trust this guy cause he's a druid? Do you hear how ridiculous that sounds?" Minx spat as she looked over to Madison and James.



    MADISON " MADDIE " ELIZA HUGHES


    twenty | cisgender female | heterosexual | crowned princess | marked with water/blood




    Madison felt annoyance creep under her skin at Minx’s words. She never was one to back down from an argument, being the future queen she needed to be able to handle her own against people who would try to undermine her. “It does not matter how low on men you are. There should be no reason that all of these children are unattended.” What would be Minx’s excuse if they had not been able to save little Abigail? Madison wouldn’t have been able to hear her try to excuse the girl’s death had they not gotten to her in time. It was scary to think of how many children had died here just because no one took the time to watch over them. If need be Madison would be their care taker herself. She adored kids after all and Minx said she would need to help out while they were here. She just hoped that once her and James eventually leave that someone would step up and care for them because it wasn’t like she could take them along on their journey. If she could she would because they all deserved a much better life. She would find them homes back in quoar and they would be safe and loved properly. Madison didn’t get to go much farther into the woods before a large, towering figure stepped out in front of her. Instinctively, and a bit of fear, Madison took cautious steps back wards more towards James. Her brown eyes wide and her hands gripping around Abigail almost protectively. She kept the blonde’s face nestled into her chest. She didn’t want Abigail to see the stranger and get scared. The princess took in the man curiously. He was..huge. Taller than any man she had ever seen before at least. He had scars littering his body, and drops of blood on his cloak that made Madison squirm. Had he just committed a murder? Or was it possibly from a hunt? She didn’t really want to know but this man was frightening. She watched as this man and James talked back and forth. She didn’t know what he meant by it being treason if he was killed, or that they were all to the same crown. That was really ridiculous since Minx was definitely not apart of Quoar. The exiles followed no crown. Before she could say anything against his words a nurse came running towards them. The poor woman seemed completely frightened at the sight of the towering man. Her brows furrowed in confusion when he was the one to urge the nurse to take Abigail away. Keeping her gaze set on him, Madison gently pried Abigail off of her and handed her over to the nurse who immediately went to get her some help. Letting out a soft breath, she placed her hand on her hip. Confusion racked her brain the moment this stranger spoke her name. How did he even know her? Better yet what did he want with her? Was he one of Darren’s men sent to kill her once and for all? With Madison gone Darren would be the sole heir to the throne. However once this strange man said his name Madison felt her breathing slow down, and her eyes widened out of shock. She knew that name. Her father had always talked about a man named Algernon. He spoke of how when he was much younger, long before he ever even met Madison’s mother, Algernon had been his best friend and practically like a brother to him. Her father never talked about his past much but one thing she knew was that Algernon was suppose to be dead. Her father said he had disappeared over thirty years ago and this man surely did not look as if he was old enough to be her father’s friend. The princess ignored Minx’s words. She would turn away god himself if he showed up outside her tent. “You knew my father?” She knew that it was silly to go off of what this man said but..to meet someone who knew her father, that knew him so well and knew things about her father that even Madison didn’t know made her heart clench. She had just lost him so to her this was like meeting a secret part of him. Someone who would know exactly what she was going through on missing her late father. Clasping her hands in front of her she stared the man down, suspicion still lying in her kind eyes. “How am I to believe that you are not lying? Why would I go anywhere with you when I don’t even know you?” This could all be a trick, a ploy by her uncle. If Algernon was friends with her father than Darren obviously knew of him as well and could have just sent someone in order to trick her, leeching off of her new found sadness of missing the only parent she ever had.

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    james zachary carbon//twenty two//royal guard


    James watched the man, Algernon, carefully and with his blade slightly lifted. The way Algernon was watching Madison, as if he knew her already, made James' hackles rise. He still was not sure if he could trust this man, who claimed to be the last druid, a chosen one with extraordinary gifts.

    Then Madison spoke up of how he had known her father. She was quick to distrust him which only made Algernon smile faintly. He stepped closer toward her and James moved further in front of her, lifting his blade a bit higher.

    "You are right to be suspicious." Algernon said, almost kindly, the way a father would speak to a child. "And yes, I knew Daniel very well. He was a brother to me. I am saddened to hear that he was killed by the impostor king. I do not acknowledge your uncle's reign. He was only legitimized and crowned because he controls the people by fear. You are the true queen, Madison. But you are also much more than that."

    The way Algernon held himself, the way he spoke, was like a true leader. He seemed to have an air of confidence about him and, if James were not mistaken, an auburn aura around him. Though his brow had furrowed into a frown as he thought of her uncle and he saw the truth in his eyes. That, at the very least, he was not one of Darren's men.

    "The Seven Lands are in danger. Only the last blood of the Nasrins can save it. You must come with me." His grey eyes were set like stones and a dark enough shade to be black. They were wide eyes that saw everything, James thought. He was watching her, his expression solemn.

    What Algernon spoke of was one of the most fanciful stories James had heard to date, and he had to bite his tongue to hold back a contemptuous retort.

    When the silence fell heavy around them, and the suspicion only seemed to grow, Algernon lifted his chin in the air and spoke again, "If you are to believe anything, believe this. You are the rightful heir to the throne of Quoar and a survivor of the wretched night that your father was killed. Your ancestors were kings and warriors; heroes, who lived and died defending the Seven Lands. Just like your father. And I swear I will do everything in my power to help you take back your throne."

    Algernon moved closer, causing James to back up a few steps, though he kept his sword held high enough. His ice blue eyes glanced toward Madison and he searched her face. He loved her. He loved her so much it made him feel sick. And he would do anything for her. But when he looked at Algernon, he saw the same loyalty in his gaze.

    "But do not forget, magic flows through your veins. Just like it did for your mother. And if you do not believe that, then you are lying to yourself." Algernon narrowed his eyes at her, as if daring her to refute his words. "I can show you how to unlock your full potential. Not only will it save the Seven Lands, but it will help you take back your throne."

    "How will you help her take the throne?" James demanded, his tone unfriendly. He would need the man to prove his loyalty before he trusted him anywhere near Madison.

    Algernon's gaze slid toward James, finally truly looking at him. "You are the childhood companion of the princess, are you not? Her personal guard, a trusted friend, and possibly much more..."

    Suddenly every pulse in James' body pounded. He felt the eyes of both Minx and Madison on him. Then Algernon came closer to him and was now looming over the trio.

    "I understand that you only want what is best for her and that is why I am offering for you to join us on this quest. As long as you do not slow us down." He spoke softly, fully aware that the nurse could have alerted their leader by now. Not that the man could give him much of a fight.

    Algernon's eyes found Minx and there was a question in his expression, as if he were listening to a voice only he could hear and was trying to piece together where she fit into all of this.

    "Come. All of you. We must ride. It will take many days and destiny does not take kindly to waiting." Algernon then moved away from them, as if heading back into the thicket.



    MINX " MINXIE " VALKYRIE RANGER


    twenty | cisgender female | bisexual | thief princess | marked with light



    When no one heeded her warning, she scoffed. She threw her hands up in the air and moved to sit on a nearby stump, grumbling to herself. "Sure, let's just ignore Minx. She had no idea about stranger danger and doesn't know how cruel people can be. Let's be trusting toward every man we come across that has blood on his cloak." Minx ranted in a mocking tone and sat on the stump, twirling her sword in her hand. She glared up at the trio before her, her dare eyes alive with fire. She lifted her chin as they continued to conversate. She sighed, obviously annoyed. She pursed her lips and leaned back against a tree behind her. Her brow quirked as the man mentioned knowing Madison's father and then all the dots began to connect. As they spoke, she listened intently with her eyes narrowed. She heard them talk about Madison was rightful heir to her throne and the woman couldn't help but scoff. Of course, Madison was a Princess. And James must have just been her knight. She clenched her jaw, staring hard at the trio. She stabbed her sword into the soft dirt and leaned forward. She seemed to blend in with the shadows as the trio almost seemed to forget she existed. She had known this feeling all too well and you would think she would be accustomed to it by now. She flipped her dark curls over her shoulder and narrowed her eyes, her elbows resting on her thighs. She lifted her chin as she had an almost studying look on her face. The man who claimed to be a Druid told Madison that she had magic in her blood, just as her mother did. Minx frowned deeply and looked down at her own hands. She wondered. Felix wasn't her father, sure. But he had raised her. So who had her true parents been? Were they both Marked? Or was her mother or father that was Marked, not both? Minx inhaled sharply at the thought of this.


    Her dark gaze lifted as her brows remained furrowed in thought. She heard the man speak about James and how he felt about Madison. Her eyes narrowed to slits and she clenched her jaw. She quickly averted her gaze, pain in her eyes. She inhaled deeply. She relived the painful memories from the night before and she grimaced. She had not been accustomed to rejection and she knew she could love him, even if Madison never returned her love for him. She blinked, her brows in a deep frown. Her deep brown eyes looked up and met the strange man as he told them that they were supposed to leave, all of them. Minx scoffed and stood, shaking her head. She pulled her sword from the dirt and brushed it off before sheathed it. She looked to the man with a feline glare and she almost seemed to dare him. "Yeah, about that. I'm not leaving. So you three can go off and have fun, skipping along the mountains and finding your destinies or whatever make believe shit this guy tells you. I'm not leaving my home." Minx barked, her eyes filled with fire as she huffed.



    MADISON " MADDIE " ELIZA HUGHES


    twenty | cisgender female | heterosexual | crowned princess | marked with water/blood




    Madison didn’t exactly know why but for some reason she believed this man. It was silly, she knew, but what if he was telling the truth. What if he could truly help her get her back what was rightfully hers. Of course it was still a bit unnerving to trust a man she had just met mere moments ago. When Algernon stepped closer Madison immediately took a hesitant step backwards. The princess stared at the man as if trying to figure him out completely. She could tell just by looking at him that he was a man of many secrets. It caused the dark haired beauty to silently wonder how many secrets he truly knew. At the mention of her uncle Madison scowled, casting her chocolate brown eyes towards the ground in anger. She was a princess, she was taught to control her emotions. It was necessary for when she would be queen. If your opponents could figure out what made you upset than they could use that logic against you and when you were a queen there were many enemies that wanted you gone. Still she felt such fury at the very thought of Daniel. He ripped her life apart in mere minutes. Madison had never been a violent person but she wanted him to pay and unfortunately she could already tell that the only way Darren would give up her crown was through his death. Glancing back upwards towards Algernon her brows furrowed in obvious confusion. “What do you need me for?” Madison was just a princess with no kingdom, who hardly knew how to use her own powers. She didn’t know how much help she could be in this fight Algernon talked of. Clutching at the bottom of the dress for some semblance of comfort Madison lifted her chin up into the air. Algernon was right. She was the rightful ruler for the crown, by birthright it was hers because she was not dead meaning that legally she was suppose to be queen. Not Darren which meant he would stop at nothing to ensure that he was the only remaining legitimate heir to the throne. But Algernon was speaking the truth. Madison’s father had been a great warrior and she had often times heard of his battles. She truthfully believed that was one of the reasons he had never been disgusted at the idea of Madison learning combat training from James other than to protect herself. Her body tended up drastically at the mention of her powers. Automatically her mind roared at her to deny it, to tell the man that he was mistaken and that she did not have any powers but before he could he shut her down. Seems this was another piece of-wait. How did he know anything about her mother? Glancing at the man in disbelief she tried to think back to the stories her father told her and none of them lined up with Algernon being around when her father even met her mother. She was snapped out of her thoughts as Algernon went on about James and Madison’s relationship. The princess through a look over to the blonde and stared at him for a moment. Did he care for her? It was times like this that made her wish that she had the power to read minds over bending water. It would make life so much more simple. Looking away she shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere if James isn’t with me.” She loved him, loved him more than she loved life and she would not leave with Algernon if he did not join them. She could never leave him behind. Then suddenly without warning Algernon said that they should all follow him and started to walk off back into the forest. This was all to soon, she needed to talk to James about this, figure out what he thought, and then they could consider going with him but she was not about to just blindly follow him. “Wait!” She cries out, waiting until Algernon stopped in his tracks. Letting out a soft sigh of relief once she saw him stop. Clasping her hands together she stared the man down, letting it known she would not be persuaded from what she was about to say. After all he couldn’t force her to follow him. “Sir, it is dreadfully early. Some of us have not even been awake for an hour. We haven’t even eaten yet. How about you let us eat breakfast, talk about this, and then we can decide what the best course of action will be?” After all Algernon and said nothing other than that he needed Madison to follow him and that wasn’t exactly a plan.

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    james zachary carbon//twenty two//royal guard


    James watched as the strange man made his way back through the forest, lowering his sword again, though his gaze never wavering. He heard Minx speak of how she was not leaving her home, which was not surprising to him. The only one who trusted this man less than him would be her. Before he could say his piece, Madison spoke up herself - saying they needed time to eat and rest.

    Lifting a brow, James kept quiet - wondering what the man would have to say for himself. Part of him wondered why she was even considering listening to a stranger, especially during such times, but he also knew that she would want more than anything to hear tales of her father.

    Algernon turned back sharply, staring between Minx and Madison, his lips set in a thin line. Then he bowed his head, and muttered what seemed like a curse in another tongue. When he lifted his head again, he walked forward a few steps, his hands balled into fists at his side.

    "I do not know your place in all of this, I know only what Melinoe tells me, and I follow her word without question. She tells me that you are the last of the Nasrins, and she has called me to take you to Druid's Keep. She has chosen you to take your people home."

    James scoffed at his words, finding this whole entire thing ridiculous. He had heard of Melinoe, the Great Mother, the goddess of the Marked. He had also heard tales of another continent in the far east, the place that the Marked had come from originally. He had heard stories as a child, but that was all they were - stories.

    "They are not just stories." Algernon corrected him, even though he hadn't spoken aloud. "You of all people should know."

    James' grip tightened on the hilt of his sword. It was a longsword, with jewels glittering the hilt, and the pale sunlight running down the shining steel. It was a splendid weapon, castle-forged, and new-made, never swung in anger. King Daniel had given it to him as a gift shortly before he had been murdered, for James' twenty second birthday.

    The man had been almost like a father to him, and especially showed his favor when he let him train his daughter. Though he had taught her hand-to-hand combat, it would never match a professional soldier's or guard's. Hence the reason she still greatly needed his protection. Still, he placed the sword aside, placing it back into its sheath. He knew that this man was undoubtedly Marked, from the manner in which he spoke and the odd birthmark on the back of his neck.

    Algernon watched his sword with indifference before speaking again, "I cannot force you to come with me, but I would greatly advise you to do so. If you say no, then fate will lead you in my direction anyhow. You might as well come along, girl." His gaze shifted up to the morning sky, which held the same pale grays of dove feathers and the same copper hues of wet clay. "They will be coming for us, and could arrive at any moment."

    James' brow furrowed, his jaw twitching. "They?"

    Algernon moved away from them, his muscles tensed, as if prepared for battle. He spoke stiffly, "We will stay in camp for now, if you insist. But understand that the longer we stay, the more we are putting the lives of these people at risk."

    "Is that a threat?" James snarled at him, his hand still resting on his sword, ready to pull it back out.

    "A warning." Algernon said beneath his breath. He then walked through the brush, back toward a golden stallion with a mane and tail as dark as midnight and eyes the same color. He mounted the horse and turned toward the trio.
    "All three of you have a purpose in the war to come. The sooner you realize that, the better chance we have of winning." Algernon then kicked at the sides of his horse and sent it into a slow trot back toward the camp.

    James glanced toward Madison, then to Minx, then to the ground. He wasn't sure what to believe anymore. He wasn't sure why Algernon had truly been sent to collect Madison, or if he should trust that his intentions were pure.

    "Do you believe this man to be true in his word?" James asked Madison, knowing not to ask Minx, who didn't believe anyone, especially men, could be honest.





    MINX " MINXIE " VALKYRIE RANGER


    twenty | cisgender female | bisexual | thief princess | marked with light



    Minx rolled her eyes when they all but ignored her completely. Her words didn't seem to register with them and she hated being ignored. She didn't feel that was a bratty thing but who likes to be ignored? Especially when trying to warn people of danger. She watched them all with narrowed eyes, almost like a feline about to pounce. She clenched her jaw and lifted her chin when they continued to converse between one another. She placed her hands on the hilt of her now sheathed sword and she leaned against a tree. She looked off. She had half the mind to let them leave and return to camp and forget all about the Princess and the man that she thought she could love. The female pursed her lips. She knew they weren't her problem and that they weren't people she had to protect. Her people were. Her Guild. The women, men, and children in the Guild. They trusted her. They respected her. She would be their next leader once Felix either stepped down or he died. She knew she had to lead them through all of this. And she did not need to get them involved in a war she has no part in. Madison's uncle had taken her throne from her by killing her father. Minx had to admit, that was very harsh. But she just hoped that Madison and James understood that she could never got to war for them. She had just saved them from some bandits. She wanted nothing more. She didn't want to involve her people in a war they never started. This was between Madison and her uncle. She would refuse to let her people die, not like that. Madison was a Princess. Once she got her throne back, she would never care about Minx's kind. The riff raff. The misfits. The thieves. They were all a liability to royal families. And Minx knew this. She had to protect her people at all costs, like any good leader would. She was the alpha female of her pack, so to speak. She would rule over the Guild. Even through he Guild was filled with thieves, she had known them to be more truthful than the ladies at court. She trusted her people. She would die for them. But she hoped it wouldn't come to that. Not before she had had a chance to truly live.


    The young beauty seemed to tune out the conversation going on a few feet from her. She knew they would not listen to a word she said, after all. She was just a thief in their eyes. And that's all she would ever be to them. To nobles, she was just someone they saw that they would assume would beg for money. And therefore, that made her a cretin that they kick to the dirt. She hadn't chosen this life but she would not change it. She could dance in the moonlight vicariously with no judgement. She could take lovers with no consequences of not being able to marry a Lord or a Prince. She could fight, she could be messy. She could be all the things she wanted. She was free. And Madison was not. She would always been in a box. She was a Princess. And she always would be. Minx glanced over to the group as the man brought a horse from the brush. She sat up slightly, pushing herself off the tree. She watched the man ride off and his words rang in her ears like a warning. The three of them? She looked to James and Madison. All three of them would have a part to play in the war? Minx scoffed and rolled her eyes, looking to a curious Nymeria. She sighed deeply and then looked back toward her camp. She figured Madison and James would need some alone time to talk since she felt this just concerned the two of them. She had meant what she had said. She would not leave her home. She refused. All for some prophecy that had nothing do with her. Minx shook her head and head back down to the camp, not even glancing back at the two nobles. Nymeria stood and trotted after her human and Minx strolled into camp with a thoughtful frown on her brow. What would this war mean for her people?



    MADISON " MADDIE " ELIZA HUGHES


    twenty | cisgender female | heterosexual | crowned princess | marked with water/blood




    Madison’s brows furrowed deeper into confusion, her brown eyes staring at Algernon hard. How was that suppose to help her at all? How was she suppose to trust to go with him on this grand journey when he didn’t even know what her role in this was? It wasn’t exactly smart to risk her safety like that. Glancing away for a moment she let out a sigh. She just didn’t understand how she was suppose to be this important person in this fight. Yes Madison was a princess and she had these magical powers but she was a princess with no army, no kingdom, and who barely even knew how to use her powers or defend herself. There was a reason that James still accompanied her everywhere. To be quite frank Madison didn’t keep James around just because she loved him, but also because she was definitely not the strongest person in the world. Though Madison believed that she knew what home Algernon was speaking of. The country that the Marked were rumored to come from. It was hard to believe though if she was being honest. The stories always said that there no longer was such a place or even that they were all wiped out which had to be a lie or at the very least what everyone was made to believe because if that was the case than Madison wouldn’t even be alive because her mother had been Marked. Algernon’s words made Madison look over to James curiously. What did the strange man mean that James would know what he meant? Was there something that James wasn’t telling her? She pushed the thought aside. James wouldn’t keep something that important away from her. Not at a time like this. After all they told each other (mostly) everything.


    When she saw James grab ahold of his sword, the one her father had gifted him on his last birthday, Madison lifted a hand to place it against his shoulder in a clear sign to tell him to calm down. The last thing they needed was to pick a fight with someone who clearly was not only Marked but intelligent. However Madison did not appreciate Algernon telling her that she would end up in his direction whatever choice she decided to make. Why was it that nothing was ever her choice? She didn’t entirely like the idea of her destiny already being planned out with her having no choice but to follow it. What if she didn’t want to go with him? What if she wanted to stay here and come up with a plan to reclaim her throne? That seemed like a better option.


    The princess’ lips set into a hard line at Algernon’s words about people coming after them. She wasn’t exactly surprised. She knew the moment that she and James ran that her uncle would be sending people after them. He would never feel safe unless she was dead and to be frank Madison liked that idea. She wanted him to be unsettled. To be afraid of the idea of her coming after her because she was. She would storm back into her home and make him pay for what he did to her father and to Luke. She may not have loved him as much as she loves James but she did love him. At the very least if Algernon was right they could at least be prepared. She watched as Algernon disappeared and not to soon after she noticed that Minx had gone back to camp as well.


    Tucking a piece of hair that had come free from her braid behind her ear she let out a soft sigh. “I don’t completely trust him but I do believe that there is a truth to what he is telling us. There’s no possible way that my uncle troop’s would have found us this quickly and he’s obviously a Marked like I am. Still I think we should keep an eye on him. I don’t exactly like the idea of following a man I’ve only heard stories about to some strange place.“