[B]Annaveya IV[/B] -- [i]Introduction[/i]
 
(Words rhat are between "< >" are in the Drakken tongue.)

Hurriedly, Miry rushed along the halls as the ivory she wore flickered in the light of passing torches. Winding through the labyrinth that was the Keep, Annaveya was mindful of her surroundings as always. The air a mixture of scents and sounds that were thick with pheromone and lust. Drakken lords taking thwir brides as they saw fit. Despite it all however, Annaveya remained calm. If anything, there was a faint glimmer of hope within her eyes.

For it were truly simple. One can tell the conscience of a man by how he treats those below him, evej how those below him act. Those of the nation that had long oppressed hers were known for their monstrosity had been helping Miry as best they could until Anna had stepped in. Even when she did, they even complimented the Gem on her application of healing water magic.

Though in her mind, it shouldn't come as a surprise. She was a noble, which already spoke volumes ofnthe potency she held within her. Combining such with her tutelage in Magic, there should be absolutely no doubt as to what she was capable of. 

The surprise in fact was the Drakken's humbleness in recognition of the prowess of a Gem! All that she had been taught, all that she had been told was that those of Drakken blood despised any Gem who showed any strength in the arts of mysticism. Never had she thought they would not only ignore the strength she had, nut compliment it to boot! In fact, as she hurried along with Miry towards Zakroti's chamber, she walked with her head held high. She was proud of how far she had come, how much she had done, even in spite of how far she had fallen.

The door swung wide, and into the chamber she glided into a grisly scene. There was blood, and alot of it streaming from the broken horn of a younger Drakken. She remained unresponsive, perhaps even placid as Miry nervously introduced Anna too the room. There was a sudden mixture of excitement that took to the air, as Zakroti's grandfather expressed zealous joy at his Grandson's newest acquisition. Though she could fully and clearly understand him, she decided it to be wise not to respond accordingly until hurried out of the room.

With a final word of encouragement to Zakroti from one of his servants, he stood tall. Straightening himself and regaining his regal composure as even he was one of the smaller Drakken, he towered over Anna quite handily. 

He spoke eloquently for a Drakken, even in the Gemmenite's tongue; not only that, he made the offer to allow her to go find a new husband if she was dissatisfied with him. Once again, she was taken purely by surprise as he and most of the others bowed deeply in her presence. Naturally in response, she would considerately do the same, bowing deeply as she swept the ivory length of her dress to one side. Once she rose, an uneasy silence hung over the two for just a moment before she began to speak. This time she would similarly offer him a surprise.

Unlike most Gems, she could fluently speak his native tongue.

[B]"<You needn't apologize for the lack of hospitality, milord.>"[/b] She began with the Drakken tongue rolling smoothly off her lips. [B]<"But I do humbly request that you hold still, if but for a moment's breath.>"[/B]

Gently, carefully, the young princess would come to rise upon the tips of her toes and her fingertips would hover over the broken horn. It took only a brief moment as she drew ever closer to him, so close that his senses could catch the hints of her luscious perfume. With a flicker of concentration, and a faint glisten of water magic, little azure droplets drizzled upon his horn as the pain he was experiencing would rapidly fade. As she squeezed her hand akin to how another would wring out a washcloth, the droplets continues to pour until the agonizing wound had healed completely. 

Alas, however, she could not regenerate his Horn, that would only grow back in due time. 

Even as the crisp, cool water traced down his cheek, she would reach over and take a rag that instantly became damp from her touch. With it, she would gently dab away at the blood with smooth execution. Each movement she made was just as diligent and purposeful as it were graceful. She even leaned closely, so closely that even the warmth of her sweet breath could graze his skin as she meticulously insured that the blood had been thoroughly cleaned.

[B]<"There, milord. I do believe that you will find such cleaning to be satisfactory, as it will be my duty as your future wife.">[/b] She finally spoke again with here elegant tongue. [B]<"It is I however, that must thank you. It is rare to see a Drakken with kindness and chivalry as virtues. As I am sure you can hear, most are oft subject to their vices. I cannot hardly stand to hear my people suffer any further, so can we please abscond from this place?">[/b] she pleaded slightly before glancing back to Miry.

This time however, she would speak in the Gemminite tongue, just in case that Miry did not understand the Drakken Language.

[B]"And I have another request. Just one, and I will be yours unto the end of my days. I know that you must preserve a face for the public, so take Miry on as a songstress, an entertainer, and my handmaiden, but not as your wife. Spare her the nuptials that are inevitable this eve, and I will more than willingly take her place so that she has a chance at freedom, and marrying a man of her own choosing."[/b] 

She paused for a second, as even despite her pleading, she remained firm. 

[B]"I am sure that taking the third in line to the Gemminite throne to he your wife will be just as impressive as taking several wives. Spare Miry, [i]please[/i]."[/b]