[h2] [color=fff200][b]The Lynx[/b][/color] & [color=f6989d][b]The Philosopher's stone[/b][/color] [/h2]



The light of the lantern filled the storage room, the soft steps of the boots coming down the ladder, the black long hair neatly tied up into a ponytail. The young woman's blue eyes searched amidst the various barrels, vine bottles and dried meat until her eyes finally landed on a figure walking out from behind one of the large vine stalls which housed the finest wines that a rich man like Ayel Raunefeldt could buy and brag about having. The figure moved out from it's hiding spot, the tanned man with his blond shoulderlong hair and ghostly blue eyes met with hers.

[color=fff200][b]"You are quite the bold one, to harbor a man on the run. To some this would be the vilest of treason towards not only the Aurelian crown but to Dawnhaven aswell. Traits inherited by your parentage perhaps? I doubt your adopted brother would approve of such actions."[/b][/color] The blond man said in a soft voice, his trademark smile forming on his lips as he approached the smaller noble woman.

[color=f6989d]"I simply do not want more blood spilt than what have already been spilt. I am just lending a hand to someone in need, if helping someone is a crime, then I am guilty as charged. My brother does not command me, my heart does. Prince Flynn would understand the meaning of staying true to oneself regardless how strong the wind may blow against you."[/color] She said softly, but in a proud manner as she put down the lantern on one of the barrels close to where she stood.

[color=fff200][b]"You are something else..."[/b][/color] The older man said with a chuckle as he traced his hand along one of the wine bottles in one of the racks, before picking it up. [color=fff200][b]"I see your brother is fond of even some newer brands. This particular one is a fine year. The year you were born."[/b][/color] He said softly, and slid the wine bottle back in it's place.

[color=f6989d][b]"The year I was born? How would you know that? You are from Aurelia aren't you? You called me Opal in the jail. Where did you learn my middle name?"[/b][/color] The young noblewoman asked the warrior who stood before her in the dimly lit storage room.

[color=fff200][b]"The ring you bear have that very stone, surrounding it are the symbols of fire, earth, water and wind. It symbolizes the fabled philosopher's stone, the magnus opus, the hidden formula to the elixir of life, to turn all other things into gold and cure all ills. The name was chosen by your mother, the ring... by your father."[/b][/color] Gadez said in an almost ominous manner, his hair momentarily falling over his eyes, concealing them before he moved his head back, allowing his hair to fall away from his face.

[color=f6989d][b]"My mother? You knew my birth mother? Just who are you? Do you know where I can find my father? Is he still alive?"[/b][/color] She stepped forwards, her eyes shimmering with determination, her pose being fierce despite her otherwise frail looking body.

[color=fff200][b]"I knew her indeed. I know her still. Cymbaline Malkin. Yet time is a cruel thing, as are the divine or those whom claim to be such. As for your quest to find your father? He died a long time ago alongside your mother, I would know... because I am he."[/b][/color] Gadez said in a soft and sorrowful tone of voice, his hand moving to his chest, placing it flatly upon it. Anora raised both of her hands to her mouth and her eyes closed slightly, tears forming and she was shaking.

[color=f6989d][b]"Y-you.... somehow... I knew... the moment I laid eyes on you in the jail. Your eyes. I knew them."[/b][/color] She frowned and looked up to the taller older man before rushing up and raising her hand. The slap resonated in the storage room as it struck the man across the cheek.

[color=f6989d][b]"I-I've looked for you for so long.. why did you leave me alone? How dare you come back to me now? Like this?"[/b][/color] She swallowed before reaching out with both her arms and wrapped her arms around Gadez, her head pressing against his chest. [color=f6989d][b]"Why? I have had so many questions unanswered... I have been so lonely..."[/b][/color] She said in a shaky voice, upset but happy regardless. His arms softly held her in an embrace. 

[color=fff200][b]"Of all the beings in this world, you alone have the right to pass judgement on me. I left you in a place where I knew you could find a better life, the old woman in the orphanage gave me her word, and she kept it. I had to harden my already dullened heart to leave you there. I also gave my word, that I would destroy those who destroyed your mother. The divine. Aelios. Your mother suffered from an illness no mortal could cure, no spell nor potion could save her. And the divine just allowed it to happen. That is something I cannot forget neither forgive. So I will do what I can to send both kingdoms into ruin along with all traces of their divines so that a new kingdom can rise. One which does not distinguish, does not care whom you are, where you came from. And the only one in my eyes, that is pure enough to lead that kingdom… is you..."[/b][/color] He lowered his head, taking a knee, something he had sworn to never do to any other, mortal nor divine.

[color=f6989d][b]"There's so much anger in you. Let go of it. Stay here with me. I will talk with Flynn and he'll understand I am sure. You speak of ending so many lives? Those who are left behind will seek revenge for the fallen and the cycle will never end. I do not know what plan the divine has in store for this world and it's people, but must the entire world burn for you to be content? The world isn't perfect, but we are working towards it day by day... and I could never be a leader, why should anyone care to listen to what I would have to say?"[/b][/color] Anora asked after shaking Gadez's both arms with hers, as if trying to shake him out from whatever dream he was in.

[color=fff200][b]"It has already destroyed me. What you see is a phantom of a man who died a long time ago. We humans have fought one another since the beginning of time, even the divine wage their endless war, they cannot accept one another. As for why they should listen to you? Because you will be the only one with royal blood left standing after I am done and the only one whose hands will remain clean. Dawnhaven is the only place where the people of the two kingdoms can find a common ground."[/b][/color] The blond man explained.

[color=f6989d][b]"Stop talking like that! There are good people left in this world. Royal blood?"[/b][/color] She tilted her head to the side, her eyes squinting slightly.

[color=fff200][b]"Indeed. You see… King Auric is my father, but I am merely that man's bastard child."[/b][/color] Gadez said with a snort.

[color=f6989d][b]"You.. are Flynn's older brother? But that would mean... I am..."[/b][/color] She asked herself, more than the blond man before her. It hurt her within.

[color=fff200][b]"...and this is why, I have kept you hidden, to shield you from harm. Both from becoming like me, but also from becoming like Flynn and the rest of Auric's accursed line."[/b][/color] The man explained, his hand reaching out to move the blond strands of hair from her face.

[color=fff200][b]"You dyed your hair to hide the fact that you were adopted by the Raunefeldt family, but it was also the haircolour that your mother had. It suits you well. Anora Opal Malkin. Precious gem of the feline. I watched you from the shade, for many years. Like a Lynx hidden amidst the trees. I was there when you celebrated your twelfth birthday. Do you remember the mime?"[/b][/color] He asked her, and gave a soft smile.

[color=f6989d][b]"The mime? That.. that was you? You... gave me that book. The one with the drawings."[/b][/color] Anora said softly in thought then smiled.

[color=f6989d][b]"What are you planning to do now... father?"[/b][/color] Anora said and set her gaze straight into his, fierce determination and defiance in it.

[color=fff200][b]"To set the stage for your kingdom come. Stay safe precious gem. Our beautiful Anora. Reveal not what you know of our connection, there are those here whom would use this knowledge to kill you."[/b][/color] His hand moved up to caress her hair and then he planted a kiss on her forehead.

[color=f6989d][b]"What if I will not do that? What if I will go immediately to Flynn and turn myself in and tell him what you plan to do? And stop talking about that whole kingdom thing. I reject it with my entire being! I will not, cannot be what you want me to be!"[/b][/color] Anora said in a fierce tone of voice, her hands placing themselves at her waist.

[color=fff200][b]"That's my girl alright. Defiant like myself. Like your mother as well. You have her heart..."[/b][/color] Gadez smiled softly as he began to try walk past her. [color=fff200][b]"I am sorry for not being there for you. I will never forgive myself for it, neither do I bear the right to ask for it. This is just something... I have to do or I cannot bear existing."[/b][/color] He said in a solemn tone.

[color=f6989d][b]"I forgive you... but you are trying to leave me again. Why can you not let it go? There are things we cannot change no matter how much we like to. She would understand that. She knew that. I am certain. I never wanted you to do this... you stubborn foolish man!"[/b][/color] Anora held out her hand offering it to the older man, her father, the fugitive, the bastard.

[color=fff200][b]"..."[/b][/color] He remained silent and began walking towards the stairs. [color=fff200][b]"Dress warm my precious Opal..."[/b][/color] He said softly, his hair hung over his face as if to conceal what he felt as he ascended up the stairs, throwing one last glance over his shoulder at the child, his child, the one he had left behind. His heart. His vulnerability. His soft spot. It was after all for her sake that he had set out to change the world, he never had any intention of being in it. Had she not been born, he would have died back with Cymbaline or while driving his blade into Auric's core.


[color=f6989d][b]"I'll stop this. I'll stop all of this. I'll stop you."[/b][/color] Anora said softly to herself, teary eyed as her eyes narrowed and looked up through her hair partially concealing her eyes.