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KuroIgnoring the once again hurtful tone he used and the rude words he spoke, Jemma was filled with glee when he finally decided to give her idea a try. She scurried to the seats where the audience would be sitting and sat to watch. It would work, of course it would, but what actually happened she didn’t expect. As she examined each of his movements with much focus she could see how much more damage his left-handed attacks would do in a duel, or in a real fight for that matter. Jemma had turned out to be right, she knew what she was talking about, thanks to Rune and her other friends she met on her travels.
As her brother circled his prey she could see a small smile begin to form on his face but it was quickly erased as a painful sound was heard from his left shoulder and his arm went limp at his side. He reached for his shoulder in pain and yelled. “Jasper!” Princess Jemma gasped and ran over to her brother. “Are you alright, what happened?” She couldn’t have guessed that this would happen, she didn’t know enough about the wound to predict that using the arm would cause pain.
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3 yrs ago
Current
Nap time is all the time!
3 yrs ago
What if, I kidnap The Great Lithfangel? And THEN we have a fight to the death?
1
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3 yrs ago
I need a roleplay that will make me /feel/ shiz. like something that will make me angry and/or sad af. need some good writing/story
4
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3 yrs ago
Cira, I miss you...
3 yrs ago
I'm tired, who else is tired ?
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Jemma wore her self confidence around her like an invisible cloak, she wouldn‘t let Jasper‘s words deter her, she was determined to help Jasper and please her father. “Jasper, I know you may not be able to forgive me for, how you say, abandoning you, but trust me on this one. Although your shoulder was injured, I’m sure it can withstand just a bit of use… so please, just give it a try, it’ll be worth it I promise” Jemma urged her brother to try the technique, she wanted to try and help him in any way she could, somehow she felt like she owed it too him, or knew that he felt she owed him. “You’re my brother, our father’s son, the proud son of King Mitus, Prince of Everglenn. This will help you prove to all others that you are someone not to be trifled with”
With a warm smile she stepped back a bit so he could, hopefully, try out what she showed him. “Also, from now on, I’m coming to all your duels, so we can grow closer and be like we once were. Please don’t fight it Jasper, we are twins, meant to be closer than any other family.” The princess took a deep breath and let him take this in, she didn’t want to overwhelm him with what she had to say. “Listen to me rambling, don’t think on it too much, just focus on training for now, I’d love to watch if you’d let me”
With a warm smile she stepped back a bit so he could, hopefully, try out what she showed him. “Also, from now on, I’m coming to all your duels, so we can grow closer and be like we once were. Please don’t fight it Jasper, we are twins, meant to be closer than any other family.” The princess took a deep breath and let him take this in, she didn’t want to overwhelm him with what she had to say. “Listen to me rambling, don’t think on it too much, just focus on training for now, I’d love to watch if you’d let me”
Quick-witted Jemma smiled when Jasper looked in her direction and snapped at her; she quickly responded with, "you're always in the middle of something". Since a week had passed she was already beginning to recover from Jasper's hurtful words upon her arrival, and the loss of her mother, which came as a devastating surprise. "I've come to talk, Prince" The young princess continued over to her brother, this time around allowing her dress to drag on the ground a bit. "You've changed, but I still know you deep down, I know you want to talk, so let's talk, like the adults that we are pressured to be" Jemma kicked herself inside for letting that last part slip, but it was truly how she felt. "Of course, if you do not wish to speak with me... I'll leave you alone" This was indeed a lie, she made a promise to her father and to herself as well, she wasn't going to give up on Jasper.
By that point it she was undoubtedly sure that her brother's somewhat sloppy fighting was due to his right hand usage, he was using his non-dominant hand. She wasn't sure if Jasper would speak to her so she stood her ground a few feet from the training dummy on his right side and continued to speak. "I want to mend our relationship, Jasp. I love you, you're my brother, so let me start by giving you some simple advice" Now she stood next to him, facing the training dummy holding out an imaginary rapier in her left hand. "You're left handed, you always have been, so, if you want your attacks to be stronger and more precise than ever, use your left hand, like this" Mimicking a simple wrist movement she had seen him too she was trying to show him how it'd work, but unfortunately for her this showed to be difficult. Unlike her brother, Jemma was right handed.
By that point it she was undoubtedly sure that her brother's somewhat sloppy fighting was due to his right hand usage, he was using his non-dominant hand. She wasn't sure if Jasper would speak to her so she stood her ground a few feet from the training dummy on his right side and continued to speak. "I want to mend our relationship, Jasp. I love you, you're my brother, so let me start by giving you some simple advice" Now she stood next to him, facing the training dummy holding out an imaginary rapier in her left hand. "You're left handed, you always have been, so, if you want your attacks to be stronger and more precise than ever, use your left hand, like this" Mimicking a simple wrist movement she had seen him too she was trying to show him how it'd work, but unfortunately for her this showed to be difficult. Unlike her brother, Jemma was right handed.
Princess Jemma stared in disbelief as her very own flesh and blood (royal blood no less), blatantly disrespected their father, the king. Jasper addressed their father by his first name, something a well-mannered child would never do, Jemma at least knew that. But then Jasper left with the words 'like you care anyways', and Jemma could have sworn she heard him finish with the remark, 'you never had'. It was bad enough that he entered with cruel words toward her but a royal should know better than to act so rudely, especially toward the king. What all had happened while she was gone, everything was topsy turvy. She watched her father sigh deeply and shake his head. "If I may father..." She began.
"Yes, my daughter? I'm sorry you had to come home to things this way" He seemed to be apologizing for Jasper's rudeness as if he knew he was responsible for it. "Things have been quite different since your mother's passing..." King Mitus embraced his daughter, something she hadn't felt for many years, something she now found it hard to believe a king would do. "I could not be there for your brother as much as I wanted too, and he has become like the son I never wanted him to be" When he released her from his warm hug he rested his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes; he saw so much of his long lost queen in the bright blue pools. "I am very glad to have you back, Jemma, but I'm afraid I must ask something of you... if not for me than for Jasper"
She had wanted to ask about her mother and her mother's death, but it seemed like it was too painful for him to talk about, the only way she would get the whole story was from someone else in the family who had actually witnessed it, Jasper. For now, all she could do was listen to what her father had to say, which was fine, she missed his voice, his scent, his warmth, everything about him. "Anything father, I'll do whatever you ask" The princess gave her king a smile, letting him know she meant what she said. So far so good, she was worried she wouldn't be able to survive amongst real royals since she had been away so long, but things seemed to be going alright for now.
"Please, if you can, I want you to bring the Prince Jasper we once knew back. If he is to be king some day he cannot continue on the path he is on right now, you are his sister, he may be bitter about you leaving but deep down he still loves you very much. I believe that only you can help him see the that everything is not all bad. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes of course" Jemma stood tall with confidence, though inside her emotions still stirred regarding her mother and Jasper hating her.
"Now I will send a few of the maids to help you get settled into your room" He smiled at her but the smile did not reach his eyes, they still held sadness. "And one last thing, your mother had this made for you so that you could always have your brother close to your heart" The king took a golden heart locket out of his coat pocket and held it by the ends so she could see. It was too beautiful for words, Jemma bowed her head and held her hair so her father could clasp it onto her.
"Thank you, father" With a polite and oddly loving curtsy the young girl hurried out of the throne room to her own room. Somehow she would have to think of a way to make the old Jasper come back.
A week had passed and Jasper had barely even looked in the Jemma's direction since she had been home. The young princess had had a few mishaps in the castle but for once (thanks to Rune) they did not involve her curse. She was caught practicing archery in the training yard intended for the knights, something she didn't know was off limits for a princess. Another time she tried to cook her own food which got her shooed out of the kitchen by the fat old castle cook. And even worse she was sent to her room to change because her tight, boyish looking clothes were of course, not appropriate for a young woman, she just couldn't help herself. It seemed that all this only made Jasper despise her more. And oddly enough, Rune never seemed to be around to help her, unbeknownst to her, he was trying to allow her to learn the rest of the royal ways on her own.
That day, Jemma decided, would be her first attempt at melting Jasper's ice cold heart. He was where (she was told) he usually was, in the duel arena, training. She put on a somewhat comfortable black and gold, not as puffy as the other dresses, dress. It was one of her favorites, short sleeved and flowing, just how she thought all dresses should be. Carefully she hiked it up and headed into the arena. Peering inside she saw her brother, hacking and slashing at a training dummy with his knew blade, most likely taking out his frustrations on it. His strikes were a little sloppy and she could tell, she may not have known much about dueling, but she knew about sword play, and his technique needed a little work. It was obvious what the problem was, she knew her brother was left handed, but for some reason he wasn't using his left hand. Jemma crept over cautiously, "Jasper..?"
"Yes, my daughter? I'm sorry you had to come home to things this way" He seemed to be apologizing for Jasper's rudeness as if he knew he was responsible for it. "Things have been quite different since your mother's passing..." King Mitus embraced his daughter, something she hadn't felt for many years, something she now found it hard to believe a king would do. "I could not be there for your brother as much as I wanted too, and he has become like the son I never wanted him to be" When he released her from his warm hug he rested his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes; he saw so much of his long lost queen in the bright blue pools. "I am very glad to have you back, Jemma, but I'm afraid I must ask something of you... if not for me than for Jasper"
She had wanted to ask about her mother and her mother's death, but it seemed like it was too painful for him to talk about, the only way she would get the whole story was from someone else in the family who had actually witnessed it, Jasper. For now, all she could do was listen to what her father had to say, which was fine, she missed his voice, his scent, his warmth, everything about him. "Anything father, I'll do whatever you ask" The princess gave her king a smile, letting him know she meant what she said. So far so good, she was worried she wouldn't be able to survive amongst real royals since she had been away so long, but things seemed to be going alright for now.
"Please, if you can, I want you to bring the Prince Jasper we once knew back. If he is to be king some day he cannot continue on the path he is on right now, you are his sister, he may be bitter about you leaving but deep down he still loves you very much. I believe that only you can help him see the that everything is not all bad. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes of course" Jemma stood tall with confidence, though inside her emotions still stirred regarding her mother and Jasper hating her.
"Now I will send a few of the maids to help you get settled into your room" He smiled at her but the smile did not reach his eyes, they still held sadness. "And one last thing, your mother had this made for you so that you could always have your brother close to your heart" The king took a golden heart locket out of his coat pocket and held it by the ends so she could see. It was too beautiful for words, Jemma bowed her head and held her hair so her father could clasp it onto her.
"Thank you, father" With a polite and oddly loving curtsy the young girl hurried out of the throne room to her own room. Somehow she would have to think of a way to make the old Jasper come back.
A week had passed and Jasper had barely even looked in the Jemma's direction since she had been home. The young princess had had a few mishaps in the castle but for once (thanks to Rune) they did not involve her curse. She was caught practicing archery in the training yard intended for the knights, something she didn't know was off limits for a princess. Another time she tried to cook her own food which got her shooed out of the kitchen by the fat old castle cook. And even worse she was sent to her room to change because her tight, boyish looking clothes were of course, not appropriate for a young woman, she just couldn't help herself. It seemed that all this only made Jasper despise her more. And oddly enough, Rune never seemed to be around to help her, unbeknownst to her, he was trying to allow her to learn the rest of the royal ways on her own.
That day, Jemma decided, would be her first attempt at melting Jasper's ice cold heart. He was where (she was told) he usually was, in the duel arena, training. She put on a somewhat comfortable black and gold, not as puffy as the other dresses, dress. It was one of her favorites, short sleeved and flowing, just how she thought all dresses should be. Carefully she hiked it up and headed into the arena. Peering inside she saw her brother, hacking and slashing at a training dummy with his knew blade, most likely taking out his frustrations on it. His strikes were a little sloppy and she could tell, she may not have known much about dueling, but she knew about sword play, and his technique needed a little work. It was obvious what the problem was, she knew her brother was left handed, but for some reason he wasn't using his left hand. Jemma crept over cautiously, "Jasper..?"
Young princess Jemma entered her twin brother's room somewhat cautiously, but with an air of curiosity as well. When she saw him, saw the blood on his shirt and on the floor she couldn't help but feel guilty for causing him to be harmed. But, this wouldn't be the first time. He did not make eye contact with her; Jasper didn't even seem excited to see her at all. All the prince did was simply point toward his weapon rack, stating clearly that that was where his weapons belonged. In an attempt to impress her brother with her ability to be proper she held her dress properly with one hand as she carried his weapons tucked under her other arm to his weapon rack. Her brother beat her to it when she wanted to speak after placing his rapier and shorter blade carefully in the proper places. It was clear in his tone that he wanted her to listen and nothing more; which was fine with her, she turned to face him and watched as he prepared to clean his wound. "Where have you been?" He asked in an almost accusatory way, Jemma was sure now, the ribbon he had taken out of his hair was their mother's. Intensely she listened, wanting him to be more accepting of her, for the time he seemed like he didn't want her there.
Then she heard him say it, the words that cleared up the mystery of her mother's ribbon. Their mother was gone, passed away, she would never get to see her again. Jemma squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, ignoring her urge to cry, to question him about what happened, she stayed calm and stood up straight and tall, letting him finish what he had to say. He blamed her, that was something she didn't expect either, and something else, those scars on his chest. Like what he was doing in the arena got him hurt all the time, the wound couldn't have been her fault, but still, he said he blamed her, for everything. There was a small pause, Jemma had not shed a tear like most girls would at hearing these things from their brother or twin or loved one. Her emotions were under her control. But she couldn't help it when she heard what he had to say next.
"I hate you." Jasper whispered.
Jemma clenched her back teeth and stared at him in surprise. Inside, her heart broke at hearing those words. Not only was her mother gone forever, but her brother hated her, and for what? For being gone to get rid of a curse that nearly killed him? She wanted to understand, she almost felt like she could, but there was nothing tangible there. He had no reason to hate her. Jemma looked down for a moment, took a deep breath then looked up with tears in her eyes that she tried to pretend weren't there. "I'm sorry you feel this way brother, and I hope you can forgive me for all that I have done" Her words were sincere, she was in no way joking about what she said. Slowly she curtsied, a formal gesture that showed that they had no close connection. Not another word was spoken, she went to the door and saw herself out.
When the door was safely shut behind her, Jemma allowed the tears to overflow and slide down her cheeks. It all made sense now. Now she knew the reason for Jasper treating her the way he did, now she knew why he had their mother's ribbon, now she knew the truth. Why hadn't Rune told her about Queen Eileen's death? Jemma inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to stop the tears from flowing. But knowing that her mother wasn't going to be there when she went to see her father tore her apart inside. Her father... He had to be waiting to see her, right? She hoped her father hadn't changed. Jemma moved at a turtle's pace toward the throne room, thinking on all that Jasper had had to say. For now, it was about time she got to see her father again.
Then she heard him say it, the words that cleared up the mystery of her mother's ribbon. Their mother was gone, passed away, she would never get to see her again. Jemma squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, ignoring her urge to cry, to question him about what happened, she stayed calm and stood up straight and tall, letting him finish what he had to say. He blamed her, that was something she didn't expect either, and something else, those scars on his chest. Like what he was doing in the arena got him hurt all the time, the wound couldn't have been her fault, but still, he said he blamed her, for everything. There was a small pause, Jemma had not shed a tear like most girls would at hearing these things from their brother or twin or loved one. Her emotions were under her control. But she couldn't help it when she heard what he had to say next.
"I hate you." Jasper whispered.
Jemma clenched her back teeth and stared at him in surprise. Inside, her heart broke at hearing those words. Not only was her mother gone forever, but her brother hated her, and for what? For being gone to get rid of a curse that nearly killed him? She wanted to understand, she almost felt like she could, but there was nothing tangible there. He had no reason to hate her. Jemma looked down for a moment, took a deep breath then looked up with tears in her eyes that she tried to pretend weren't there. "I'm sorry you feel this way brother, and I hope you can forgive me for all that I have done" Her words were sincere, she was in no way joking about what she said. Slowly she curtsied, a formal gesture that showed that they had no close connection. Not another word was spoken, she went to the door and saw herself out.
When the door was safely shut behind her, Jemma allowed the tears to overflow and slide down her cheeks. It all made sense now. Now she knew the reason for Jasper treating her the way he did, now she knew why he had their mother's ribbon, now she knew the truth. Why hadn't Rune told her about Queen Eileen's death? Jemma inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to stop the tears from flowing. But knowing that her mother wasn't going to be there when she went to see her father tore her apart inside. Her father... He had to be waiting to see her, right? She hoped her father hadn't changed. Jemma moved at a turtle's pace toward the throne room, thinking on all that Jasper had had to say. For now, it was about time she got to see her father again.
Upon entering the duel arena, Jemma knew that the blonde haired duelist was her brother. Unfortunately she knew little to nothing about dueling and spoke out, interrupting him. It was her impulsive behavior that caused her not to think her actions through before acting. But it was Jasper she saw and she wanted nothing more than to run into his arms, even if it meant calling him over to her in the middle of whatever he was doing, (which was rude and she knew it). In her defense she had seen his eyes move to her before he stepped forward to attack once more, in this acknowledgement she thought it would be okay to call out to him, especially since she was concerned about the dagger sticking out of the door wooden door behind her. When her twin heard her voice she instantly saw his eyes grow wide and move to look at her once more, the other duelist disarmed Jasper and gave him a wound he would not come back from. With a gasp, Jemma watched as her brother made a pained noise and fell before his opponent, giving in to him. Was it a real battle, was Jasper about to be put to death? The Prince of Iglasia, who the Golden Princess recognized once she saw his face, did not further attack Jasper, but knelt to see if he was okay; this act surprised Jemma, what was going on? That's when she heard Jasper speak, his voice sounded different then before, a bit deeper with a cold tone that cut like a knife.
Once the Iglasian prince moved on, Jemma stepped forward to go to her brother. But he stood and limped toward her first, taking his obvious frustration out on his blade by kicking it away and then when he made it to Jemma he stopped only a moment and looked into her eyes. With all the cuts and blood on him he appeared to be in almost as worse of shape as before she left. What had she come home too? In his eyes, which did not shine like the matching pair of blue pools for eyes that she had, Jemma saw something there that was like something she had only seen in people that had gone through severe pain, not physically but more mentally. "Glad you came back?" he asked in a way that she didn't understand, a way that made her heart ache. The prince didn't even let her speak before taking off toward the main part of the castle. Princess Jemma looked down confused, her arms hung at her sides, she no longer held her dress up, she turned her head to watch him hobble away. Her trained eyes saw two things of interest, the ribbon in his hair which belonged to her mother, and the empty sheath for a blade on his back, it matched the blade in the door.
After a few minutes of recollection, the young lady took to finding where Jasper had gone. In one hand she held Jasper's rapier with the beautifully designed hilt, and in the other hand she held the shorter blade which had taken a bit of effort to get out of the wooden door. She cared not for where Rune had gone off to or for the guards that questioned her, she had her mind set on seeing Jasper, and talking to him, and she wasn't going to let anything or anyone stop her from going to him. Still, she kept her wits about her and remained both friendly and respectful toward everyone she passed. There was the matter of going to see her father and mother who she hoped where anxious to see her. But, impulsive as she was, she had to see if her twin brother was alright after whatever had happened in the arena.
It had taken her a while to find him. When she had gone back to the room they once shared everything was different. The room had been cleaned up so it seemed like nothing had ever happened, both child beds were no longer there. Their room had been completely redesigned and refurnished, the walls now bore a lovely pink flowery pattern, the floor was an elegant whitish stone with silvery specks covered by a large, fancy and incredibly soft rug with a red and gold swirl design along the border of it. White, girl furniture now stood in the room, a large bed with a silky white canopy overhang was draped with a deep red comforter lined with golden thread and white sheets along with pure white pillows sat against the wall on her right side with the foot of the bed pointing toward the left wall. There was also a rather big white wood wardrobe with handles of gold against one corner of the room. Her orange, black and gold chest with all her sentimental things was where she had always remembered it being, at the foot of her bed, it didn't match, but her mother must of told them to keep it. The last thing Jemma saw was a white tea table with two chairs and a recently dusted white tea set with pink flowers painted on it sitting neatly on the table, as if waiting for her return.
This was all wrong, this room didn't suit her at all; and even with all the new furniture Jemma could still remember exactly what it looked like before, the painful memories were still there. But then again, so were the good ones, her and Jasper used to have so much fun, what had happened to him while she was gone... why would he speak to her that way? A memory of the night of the second storm in her room flashed into her mind. The thing she remembered most about that night was Jasper being hit by a bolt of lightning and being slammed against the door. That was another thing that was different, the door had been replaced. It was wrong, she wanted her old room back, she wanted Jasper back.
With a sharp exhale the princess stiffened up and moved to one of the guards who was posted nearby, "excuse me, where can I find Jasper's room?" she asked politely. The guard was not only surprised to see someone in this particular hallway, since nowadays no one went there except the maids and they didn't speak, but he was also shocked to see that it was the princess. "Your Highness!" He bowed at the waist. "Prince Jasper's room is on the opposite side of the main hall" the guard replied with haste. Jemma's brow furrowed, she was inquisitive in nature and wanted to know why so far away, "why would he want his room to be so far from mine?". The guard was unsure of what to say, he had heard rumors but knew it was probably better not to discuss it with the princess. "Forgive me majesty, for I am unsure of the answer" hoping this would please her he stood up straight, his gaze was down upon her since she was so short, but she paid no mind to it.
"Well thank you very much anyhow..." She walked slowly down the hall and around the corner, once out of view of the guard she sprinted toward the hall where she could find Jasper's room. With her hands full she was unable to hike up her dress which caused her to fall down in front of several servants. "Princess Jemma?!" They all rushed to her aid and helped her up, one tried to carry Jasper's weapons for her but she snatched them off the ground before they could. "I'm sorry, I'm just trying to find my way to my brother's room, could one of you take me there... if it's not too much trouble"
"Oh highness, it's no trouble, you are the Princess, we will do anything you ask of us" A kind and gentle old maid-servant spoke, she smiled at Jemma and began to walk, "right this way, Princess" the woman led the young princess to the hall where Jasper's room was and they stopped outside his door. "Shall I see if he has returned to his room for you?"
"No thank you, this is one visit I'd prefer to make alone" Jemma said seriously. With that the maid curtseyed and promptly left so the princess could speak to her brother privately. A deep breath. In and out. Princess Jemma knocked lightly on Jasper's door. "Jasper, are you in there, I've brought your things back to you, your sword and such?" She questioned it for she did not know the proper terms for the weapons she held in her hand. "I'm sorry if somehow I upset you, can you please let me in so we can talk? It's been such a long, long time and even now I don't know what to say to you after all these years, I'd been so worried about hurting someone with my curse that I never even thought about what I was going to say when we were reunited, please believe me when I say I missed you, I thought about you every day when I was gone..." Her words trailed off, this was too deep, too serious for her fourteen year old self to handle. "Jasper, open the door"
Once the Iglasian prince moved on, Jemma stepped forward to go to her brother. But he stood and limped toward her first, taking his obvious frustration out on his blade by kicking it away and then when he made it to Jemma he stopped only a moment and looked into her eyes. With all the cuts and blood on him he appeared to be in almost as worse of shape as before she left. What had she come home too? In his eyes, which did not shine like the matching pair of blue pools for eyes that she had, Jemma saw something there that was like something she had only seen in people that had gone through severe pain, not physically but more mentally. "Glad you came back?" he asked in a way that she didn't understand, a way that made her heart ache. The prince didn't even let her speak before taking off toward the main part of the castle. Princess Jemma looked down confused, her arms hung at her sides, she no longer held her dress up, she turned her head to watch him hobble away. Her trained eyes saw two things of interest, the ribbon in his hair which belonged to her mother, and the empty sheath for a blade on his back, it matched the blade in the door.
After a few minutes of recollection, the young lady took to finding where Jasper had gone. In one hand she held Jasper's rapier with the beautifully designed hilt, and in the other hand she held the shorter blade which had taken a bit of effort to get out of the wooden door. She cared not for where Rune had gone off to or for the guards that questioned her, she had her mind set on seeing Jasper, and talking to him, and she wasn't going to let anything or anyone stop her from going to him. Still, she kept her wits about her and remained both friendly and respectful toward everyone she passed. There was the matter of going to see her father and mother who she hoped where anxious to see her. But, impulsive as she was, she had to see if her twin brother was alright after whatever had happened in the arena.
It had taken her a while to find him. When she had gone back to the room they once shared everything was different. The room had been cleaned up so it seemed like nothing had ever happened, both child beds were no longer there. Their room had been completely redesigned and refurnished, the walls now bore a lovely pink flowery pattern, the floor was an elegant whitish stone with silvery specks covered by a large, fancy and incredibly soft rug with a red and gold swirl design along the border of it. White, girl furniture now stood in the room, a large bed with a silky white canopy overhang was draped with a deep red comforter lined with golden thread and white sheets along with pure white pillows sat against the wall on her right side with the foot of the bed pointing toward the left wall. There was also a rather big white wood wardrobe with handles of gold against one corner of the room. Her orange, black and gold chest with all her sentimental things was where she had always remembered it being, at the foot of her bed, it didn't match, but her mother must of told them to keep it. The last thing Jemma saw was a white tea table with two chairs and a recently dusted white tea set with pink flowers painted on it sitting neatly on the table, as if waiting for her return.
This was all wrong, this room didn't suit her at all; and even with all the new furniture Jemma could still remember exactly what it looked like before, the painful memories were still there. But then again, so were the good ones, her and Jasper used to have so much fun, what had happened to him while she was gone... why would he speak to her that way? A memory of the night of the second storm in her room flashed into her mind. The thing she remembered most about that night was Jasper being hit by a bolt of lightning and being slammed against the door. That was another thing that was different, the door had been replaced. It was wrong, she wanted her old room back, she wanted Jasper back.
With a sharp exhale the princess stiffened up and moved to one of the guards who was posted nearby, "excuse me, where can I find Jasper's room?" she asked politely. The guard was not only surprised to see someone in this particular hallway, since nowadays no one went there except the maids and they didn't speak, but he was also shocked to see that it was the princess. "Your Highness!" He bowed at the waist. "Prince Jasper's room is on the opposite side of the main hall" the guard replied with haste. Jemma's brow furrowed, she was inquisitive in nature and wanted to know why so far away, "why would he want his room to be so far from mine?". The guard was unsure of what to say, he had heard rumors but knew it was probably better not to discuss it with the princess. "Forgive me majesty, for I am unsure of the answer" hoping this would please her he stood up straight, his gaze was down upon her since she was so short, but she paid no mind to it.
"Well thank you very much anyhow..." She walked slowly down the hall and around the corner, once out of view of the guard she sprinted toward the hall where she could find Jasper's room. With her hands full she was unable to hike up her dress which caused her to fall down in front of several servants. "Princess Jemma?!" They all rushed to her aid and helped her up, one tried to carry Jasper's weapons for her but she snatched them off the ground before they could. "I'm sorry, I'm just trying to find my way to my brother's room, could one of you take me there... if it's not too much trouble"
"Oh highness, it's no trouble, you are the Princess, we will do anything you ask of us" A kind and gentle old maid-servant spoke, she smiled at Jemma and began to walk, "right this way, Princess" the woman led the young princess to the hall where Jasper's room was and they stopped outside his door. "Shall I see if he has returned to his room for you?"
"No thank you, this is one visit I'd prefer to make alone" Jemma said seriously. With that the maid curtseyed and promptly left so the princess could speak to her brother privately. A deep breath. In and out. Princess Jemma knocked lightly on Jasper's door. "Jasper, are you in there, I've brought your things back to you, your sword and such?" She questioned it for she did not know the proper terms for the weapons she held in her hand. "I'm sorry if somehow I upset you, can you please let me in so we can talk? It's been such a long, long time and even now I don't know what to say to you after all these years, I'd been so worried about hurting someone with my curse that I never even thought about what I was going to say when we were reunited, please believe me when I say I missed you, I thought about you every day when I was gone..." Her words trailed off, this was too deep, too serious for her fourteen year old self to handle. "Jasper, open the door"
Today is the day. I can’t say I’m not nervous to see him again. But more than anything, I’m excited. I’ll finally get to see how much he’s grown since we were so tragically torn apart all those years ago. Has it really been 8 years? I’ve changed so much. Going from a weak coward who could do nothing but hide behind her guardian to probably the best and only female fighter in The Kingdom of Everglenn, my kingdom. I can’t wait to see my parents again. This is the reunion I’ve been waiting for, for what seems like a life time. But returning back to a world of responsibility doesn’t sound all that fun. I’m sure I’ll adjust.
I can’t wait to see Jasper.
The fishing ship came into the docks early that morning. It was nothing fancy, just a plain wooden ship with off-white sails that wreaked of anchovies. But it suited the princess and her guardian just fine. Since getting her sea legs, Jemma didn’t have a problem with any ship they traveled on. With a final deep inhale of the sea air, the princess walked down off of the ship onto the dock. Out in the cool, crisp air it was still a bit dark but she didn’t mind a bit. Rune came up behind her carrying their things. “Rune, I’m sorry but I really don’t like this dress… Can I please change back into my pants and shirt?”
Rune smirked with exhaustion in his eyes, but his humor never failed, “I’m not sure milady, can you?” It had been quite a long time since the teenage girl had worn an outfit suitable for a princess. She had grown accustomed to her “adventure clothes” that here would be considered either boy clothes or inappropriate clothes. Or both. Either way, her dress that was custom made for her was rather uncomfortable in her opinion. Despite it being elegant and beautiful with it’s sleeveless corset top, open laced back and black ruffles on the edges of the cut off long sleeves and top. The huge golden and black ruffles at the bottom hindered her speed and made her feel too exposed. The rest of the dress was decorated with four big black ribbons, neatly place one on her breasts and the other three at her waist. Indeed it was a lovely gown, which Rune helped design, but she disliked dresses now, and this one wasn’t helping at all.
Still, she dealt with it and returned Rune’s humor, “I know that I can’t for ‘it is not appropriate for a young lady to wear trousers, especially not a princess’” Jemma smiled, quoting her guardian’s words to the letter. In the distance she could see a group of men in armor on horses, knights from her kingdom come to meet her and Rune no doubt.
“Come now your highness, you want to see Prince Jasper and King Mitus, don’t you?” Rune asked as he led her towards the knights that he knew were some of King Mitus’s men, he could tell by the insignia on their horses’ saddles. He was thankful that they were finally going to be home and Jemma could be back with her family. On the other hand he felt a serious amount of guilt for Jemma still not knowing about her mother’s death.
“And my mother of course” Jemma replied as the two walked toward the entourage of knights. Her bright blue eyes were filled with excitement as she saw them, the first sign of home that she had seen in years, she pushed back a few strands of her blonde hair and adjusted the clips that held her bangs back. It seemed that she hadn’t given much thought to Rune not mentioning her mother in his question.
“…yes, of course, Queen Eileen as well…” Rune loaded their stuff onto one of the horses and gave each of the men a look that told them not to say a word about the Queen’s death. Out of respect for their old captain and for the princess they did just that, no one commented on the duo’s discussion about the Queen.
“Welcome back Princess Jemma, sir Rune, a pleasure to see you back safe” One of the men said politely and with sincerity. With ease Rune climbed up onto the horse behind the princess, who he had helped onto their silvery colored horse, and rode off. He allowed the men to lead him toward the kingdom since it had been so long since he had been in the territory and things had changed, he didn’t want to get them lost.
Inside Jemma’s mind, an endless amount of thoughts swirled through her head relentlessly, dizzying her. However, she tried to focus on the positives of her thoughts rather than the negatives. “Do you think Jasper will be taller than me? Long hair or short? Do you think he’s learned any special skills while I was gone? Maybe father taught him how to hunt like me. I wonder what my new room is going to look like, I know you said we can’t share the same room anymore, him and I, so I wonder which room will be mine…” She spoke aloud, verbalizing her thoughts to Rune so that they weren’t so jumbled in her mind.
Rune, who was sitting behind her on the horse, holding the reigns like he did the night he took her from the castle, replied casually, “you will find out soon enough, young princess”. He knew the princess was excited to see her brother but didn’t have the heart to tell her that Jasper had changed since she had been gone, according to the King and the Prince’s former wingman and faithful servant. The servant, named Raven for his jet-black curly locks that contrasted his pale skin and golden eyes, had served Jasper loyally for years since Jemma had left, only to be released from servitude by the Prince a year prior to the Princess’s return. Soon after that Raven was sent to serve in another Kingdom, away from the Prince that he would have died for.
Raven often sent messages to Rune for the King about the Prince just so Rune could tell Jemma that all was well. But all was not well, Jasper had become cold and callus, an arrogant and merciless shell of his younger self. This was due to the fact that his mother had died and Jemma was not around when he needed her most. Rune knew that when Jemma found out the truth about Jasper, and about their mother, she’d be devastated.
It was only a matter of time.
Night began to fall and they would not risk traveling with the Princess at night, not even on their own land, the Zanonians would never miss a chance to get at the young, supposedly defenseless, golden child of Everglenn. While the others set up camp in the damp forest at the foot of a number of large mountains, Jemma looked around at the trees smiling, this reminded her of Calorean, she wished only for a moment that she could go back.
That night in the tent that she slept in alone, she couldn’t stop thinking about her brother. Over the years she had learned to push thoughts about him aside so as to not cause an incident with her curse, but since it was gone her need to disregard these thoughts was no longer there. Her mind was worried that Jasper wouldn’t know who she was, or wouldn’t want her around because she hurt him. There was no way he would want her around, right? Rune, who was keeping guard outside her tent, heard her whimpering quietly in her sleep and wanted so desperately to comfort her, but knew not to leave his post or show certain feelings toward her. Though they had grown quite close, like family, he could not express this for it was improper.
Finally, the sun rose and they were met by a carriage when they got to the dirt roads leading toward the kingdom. On the way there, with just her and Rune in the carriage, Jemma rested her head on his shoulder and slept quietly, knowing she was safe and that her bad dreams were untrue as far as Rune had told her.
His words drifted into her head fading in and out like her consciousness, she didn‘t want to wake up. “Your highness, we’ve arrived” Rune had stiffened up and leaned her gently back against the seat, preparing to get out and hold the door open for her. “Time to awaken, your majesty” Rune fought the urge to wink playfully at her when she opened those pretty blue eyes of hers to look at him. “S-say again?” Jemma was proper even in her sleepy daze. “I’m sorry but, I didn’t hear you, did you say we’ve arrived?” She asked, rubbing her eyes trying to wake up more. “Yes princess, now please, step this way so we can get you in to see The King and The Prince” Rune smiled sweetly at her, a look she knew well.
Jemma nodded slowly and took one part of her dress in her hand so she could carefully step out of the carriage without her dress tripping her or dragging on the ground. It almost pained her to have Rune being so formal toward her, but it was the way it had to be. “Can we go see Jasper first, please Rune?” Jemma asked, her childishness showing once again, she was still very young and wanted nothing more than to see her twin and have things be the way they were before she left.
Before Rune could reply a guard came out and informed them both that Jasper was currently in the middle of a duel and wanted not to be disturbed. The man also added that her brother sent his regards. That last part was what got her the most, but she calmly processed it and stared up at the blue sky, making a clicking noise with her tongue as she thought.
“That’s all well and good, but I’m going to see my brother, I don’t know why he won’t come out to see me” It was not an angry tone she used, more of a questioning one. The young but independent and fearless princess walked past Rune and the man toward the dueling arena that she had never actually seen a duel in before. Rune chose not to follow and didn’t allow the guard too either, this was one problem the princess would have to face on her own.
The princess approached the door to where Jasper was and saw a blade sticking through the broken and splintered wood of the door. “Jasper…?” She spoke to herself. A guard rushed to open the doors for her and she walked in, still holding her dress up like a proper lady should. That’s when she saw him.
Her fourteen year old twin brother Jasper looked almost exactly as she imagined he would, a lot like her, only as a male. His lovely blonde hair was tied up, he had grown tall, taller than her and his stance, his aura… Everything about him was different. “Jasper?” She called out to him whilst he was in the middle of a duel, something she knew little to nothing about.
I can’t wait to see Jasper.
The fishing ship came into the docks early that morning. It was nothing fancy, just a plain wooden ship with off-white sails that wreaked of anchovies. But it suited the princess and her guardian just fine. Since getting her sea legs, Jemma didn’t have a problem with any ship they traveled on. With a final deep inhale of the sea air, the princess walked down off of the ship onto the dock. Out in the cool, crisp air it was still a bit dark but she didn’t mind a bit. Rune came up behind her carrying their things. “Rune, I’m sorry but I really don’t like this dress… Can I please change back into my pants and shirt?”
Rune smirked with exhaustion in his eyes, but his humor never failed, “I’m not sure milady, can you?” It had been quite a long time since the teenage girl had worn an outfit suitable for a princess. She had grown accustomed to her “adventure clothes” that here would be considered either boy clothes or inappropriate clothes. Or both. Either way, her dress that was custom made for her was rather uncomfortable in her opinion. Despite it being elegant and beautiful with it’s sleeveless corset top, open laced back and black ruffles on the edges of the cut off long sleeves and top. The huge golden and black ruffles at the bottom hindered her speed and made her feel too exposed. The rest of the dress was decorated with four big black ribbons, neatly place one on her breasts and the other three at her waist. Indeed it was a lovely gown, which Rune helped design, but she disliked dresses now, and this one wasn’t helping at all.
Still, she dealt with it and returned Rune’s humor, “I know that I can’t for ‘it is not appropriate for a young lady to wear trousers, especially not a princess’” Jemma smiled, quoting her guardian’s words to the letter. In the distance she could see a group of men in armor on horses, knights from her kingdom come to meet her and Rune no doubt.
“Come now your highness, you want to see Prince Jasper and King Mitus, don’t you?” Rune asked as he led her towards the knights that he knew were some of King Mitus’s men, he could tell by the insignia on their horses’ saddles. He was thankful that they were finally going to be home and Jemma could be back with her family. On the other hand he felt a serious amount of guilt for Jemma still not knowing about her mother’s death.
“And my mother of course” Jemma replied as the two walked toward the entourage of knights. Her bright blue eyes were filled with excitement as she saw them, the first sign of home that she had seen in years, she pushed back a few strands of her blonde hair and adjusted the clips that held her bangs back. It seemed that she hadn’t given much thought to Rune not mentioning her mother in his question.
“…yes, of course, Queen Eileen as well…” Rune loaded their stuff onto one of the horses and gave each of the men a look that told them not to say a word about the Queen’s death. Out of respect for their old captain and for the princess they did just that, no one commented on the duo’s discussion about the Queen.
“Welcome back Princess Jemma, sir Rune, a pleasure to see you back safe” One of the men said politely and with sincerity. With ease Rune climbed up onto the horse behind the princess, who he had helped onto their silvery colored horse, and rode off. He allowed the men to lead him toward the kingdom since it had been so long since he had been in the territory and things had changed, he didn’t want to get them lost.
Inside Jemma’s mind, an endless amount of thoughts swirled through her head relentlessly, dizzying her. However, she tried to focus on the positives of her thoughts rather than the negatives. “Do you think Jasper will be taller than me? Long hair or short? Do you think he’s learned any special skills while I was gone? Maybe father taught him how to hunt like me. I wonder what my new room is going to look like, I know you said we can’t share the same room anymore, him and I, so I wonder which room will be mine…” She spoke aloud, verbalizing her thoughts to Rune so that they weren’t so jumbled in her mind.
Rune, who was sitting behind her on the horse, holding the reigns like he did the night he took her from the castle, replied casually, “you will find out soon enough, young princess”. He knew the princess was excited to see her brother but didn’t have the heart to tell her that Jasper had changed since she had been gone, according to the King and the Prince’s former wingman and faithful servant. The servant, named Raven for his jet-black curly locks that contrasted his pale skin and golden eyes, had served Jasper loyally for years since Jemma had left, only to be released from servitude by the Prince a year prior to the Princess’s return. Soon after that Raven was sent to serve in another Kingdom, away from the Prince that he would have died for.
Raven often sent messages to Rune for the King about the Prince just so Rune could tell Jemma that all was well. But all was not well, Jasper had become cold and callus, an arrogant and merciless shell of his younger self. This was due to the fact that his mother had died and Jemma was not around when he needed her most. Rune knew that when Jemma found out the truth about Jasper, and about their mother, she’d be devastated.
It was only a matter of time.
Night began to fall and they would not risk traveling with the Princess at night, not even on their own land, the Zanonians would never miss a chance to get at the young, supposedly defenseless, golden child of Everglenn. While the others set up camp in the damp forest at the foot of a number of large mountains, Jemma looked around at the trees smiling, this reminded her of Calorean, she wished only for a moment that she could go back.
That night in the tent that she slept in alone, she couldn’t stop thinking about her brother. Over the years she had learned to push thoughts about him aside so as to not cause an incident with her curse, but since it was gone her need to disregard these thoughts was no longer there. Her mind was worried that Jasper wouldn’t know who she was, or wouldn’t want her around because she hurt him. There was no way he would want her around, right? Rune, who was keeping guard outside her tent, heard her whimpering quietly in her sleep and wanted so desperately to comfort her, but knew not to leave his post or show certain feelings toward her. Though they had grown quite close, like family, he could not express this for it was improper.
Finally, the sun rose and they were met by a carriage when they got to the dirt roads leading toward the kingdom. On the way there, with just her and Rune in the carriage, Jemma rested her head on his shoulder and slept quietly, knowing she was safe and that her bad dreams were untrue as far as Rune had told her.
His words drifted into her head fading in and out like her consciousness, she didn‘t want to wake up. “Your highness, we’ve arrived” Rune had stiffened up and leaned her gently back against the seat, preparing to get out and hold the door open for her. “Time to awaken, your majesty” Rune fought the urge to wink playfully at her when she opened those pretty blue eyes of hers to look at him. “S-say again?” Jemma was proper even in her sleepy daze. “I’m sorry but, I didn’t hear you, did you say we’ve arrived?” She asked, rubbing her eyes trying to wake up more. “Yes princess, now please, step this way so we can get you in to see The King and The Prince” Rune smiled sweetly at her, a look she knew well.
Jemma nodded slowly and took one part of her dress in her hand so she could carefully step out of the carriage without her dress tripping her or dragging on the ground. It almost pained her to have Rune being so formal toward her, but it was the way it had to be. “Can we go see Jasper first, please Rune?” Jemma asked, her childishness showing once again, she was still very young and wanted nothing more than to see her twin and have things be the way they were before she left.
Before Rune could reply a guard came out and informed them both that Jasper was currently in the middle of a duel and wanted not to be disturbed. The man also added that her brother sent his regards. That last part was what got her the most, but she calmly processed it and stared up at the blue sky, making a clicking noise with her tongue as she thought.
“That’s all well and good, but I’m going to see my brother, I don’t know why he won’t come out to see me” It was not an angry tone she used, more of a questioning one. The young but independent and fearless princess walked past Rune and the man toward the dueling arena that she had never actually seen a duel in before. Rune chose not to follow and didn’t allow the guard too either, this was one problem the princess would have to face on her own.
The princess approached the door to where Jasper was and saw a blade sticking through the broken and splintered wood of the door. “Jasper…?” She spoke to herself. A guard rushed to open the doors for her and she walked in, still holding her dress up like a proper lady should. That’s when she saw him.
Her fourteen year old twin brother Jasper looked almost exactly as she imagined he would, a lot like her, only as a male. His lovely blonde hair was tied up, he had grown tall, taller than her and his stance, his aura… Everything about him was different. “Jasper?” She called out to him whilst he was in the middle of a duel, something she knew little to nothing about.
"No, please don't make me leave my brother behind!" Jemma shouted, which was against the normal princess code, but seeing as she was 6 years old and upset, that didn't seem to matter. Her small hands reached toward her brother as Rune pulled her off and away. By now tears formed in her pure blue eyes and streamed down her cheeks. "Jasper wake up!!" For all the child knew her brother wasn't going to wake up because of her, and now they were taking her away for what could be forever? Jemma would not stand for it. Many guards looked with concern but stood up straight and said not a word out of respect for the tiny princess. As much as she struggled, she could not escape the strong but gentle man that held her. Upon arriving at the main hall Rune placed Jemma down and whispered for her to be still for her parents. She did as he told her for although she was upset she didn't want them to see her storm. The girl looked up at her parents with tears in her eyes.
"Thank you your majesty, I shall not fail you" Rune bowed at both the king and queen and turned so they could say there goodbyes to their young one. Jemma sniffled and clutched onto her parents. "Don't make me go, I want to stay here with Jasper" Princess Jemma begged them. Although it tore at their heartstrings they had to say goodbye, each of them kissed her goodbye and assured her Jasper would be alright. Her guardian led her outside; by now she was trembling, overwhelmed by emotions. The sky darkened and rain poured down, a true example of the storm inside the little girl. Rune lifted her onto the horse after strapping her belongings onto the animal. "Don't worry princess, we will be home before you know it, and who knows, you might even have fun while we are gone" The young man tried to sooth her. Before she could protest, Rune got on the horse behind her and grabbed the reigns, they were off. Under the safe and dryness of the front porch's overhang, the king and queen waved goodbye, the queen couldn't contain herself any longer, she hugged onto her husband and wept.
In an instant Jasper pushed past them trying to get to his twin, calling out her name in desperation. Jemma heard her brother shout and looked back past Rune toward her home, she saw him run and fall. Thunder roared and lightning struck. "Jasper" She whispered as more tears rolled down her pale cheeks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 years. 8 years and 2 months have passed since then. She had seen and learned more than could have ever been imagined. And as Fate may have it, she was finally rid of her curse after years of searching for a "cure". Rune had finally done it, he had finally freed her from it and they could return home. It had taken many people along the way, not just Rune. Many friends, and even enemies helped her to learn, to grow, to control her curse (for the most part). And once it was gone it took some getting used too.
First they spent a year in Everglenn, traveling around speaking to nomads and wise men alike. Jemma was still young then, just 6 and then 7 years of age. There she just learned to hide so no one would learn of her curse or that she was outside the castle, vulnerable to everything and everyone. The small princess learned to blend, to run and hide, to be on her own and wait when necessary.
From there they traveled to the neighboring country of Iglasia to find out more about a so called legend that may have had something to do with how Jemma came to be cursed. Two years they spent in this place, young Jemma picked up some of the Glasian language while her guardian Rune, with all his mysterious contacts/friends/allies, worked toward getting rid of her curse. The girl even made some friends of her own along the way, friends she'd never forget. They taught her things such as, how to survive a harsh weather (since Iglasia was known for it's many different environments and weather patterns), how to read basically anything in her language, how to scavenge and most importantly they taught her the first steps of patience. It was here that she earned her first weapon, a simple yet beautiful dagger given to her by Rune. He taught her how to defend herself in case of an emergency. Around this time, Rune received a letter from the King that the Queen had passed, he decided against telling Jemma for the time being to protect everyone, especially her.
After learning about the Legends of the Evil King Aron, Rune brought the princess to a place she would quickly fall in love with. Calorean was quite different from her mountainous home; the Elves of Calorean made their homes in all of the wondrous forests that covered the land. They spent the most time here, for the Elves were kind and very wise. While Rune spoke to many elders of the Calorean Elven villages, Jemma was growing up before his very eyes. She was 10 and grew up to 12 before they left. Here the princess made the best of friends, they were almost as close to her as Jasper was. In this forest country was where she was taught how to use a bow and to hunt. It was not long before she excelled at archery and hunting. As she grew older the more calm and controlled she became, even though her curse was getting worse, she was more able to keep it at bay. Jemma learned the importance of good and bad and how to know the difference.
By the time Rune and Jemma left for Atlantica, Princess Jemma was fluent in the Elvish language and was a pro archer, able to take down any foe if need be. The young girl lived for the adventure and didn't mind so much that she wasn't back in Everglenn. Rune was no longer too worried about her safety. But as always, he kept both eyes on her and never let her stray too far. Around six months they stayed in the strange country. Only Rune knew how to speak their language, for not many outsiders were welcome, but it seemed Rune had been taught years and years before. He had friends there, just as he had every where else, the perks of being a well-known and respected knight. The young princess learned meditation and discovered her love for sweets and sea food here. From the Atlantians she learned a very important lesson that she would take with her wherever she went, "try again". She would never give up from then on.
Rune had found out what he needed to know, there was a certain witch doctor on the island of Ticeron that could help Jemma with a certain artifact that was being kept on The Glenn, the island owned by Everglenn. They spent a short amount of time at The Glenn, it had actually taken them longer to get there. Jemma was becoming a woman and her strong sense of justice often overtook her. It was becoming more difficult for Rune to keep her at bay, she wanted to take down every petty criminal they crossed paths with, but he had to remind her it wasn't her responsibility. At The Glenn, Rune was able to easily retrieve the stone tablet that they needed to take to the witch doctor to help Jemma.
Finally, they headed toward Ticeron, Jemma enjoyed her time on the ocean, for the food was her favorite. Her and Rune had talked about it, she knew it was only a matter of time that she would be stuck in the castle having to tend to her duties. Ticeron, being a pirate port mostly, was a place of bad omens. There were places on the island where even the fearsome pirates dare not go, for they were superstitious and did not want to die or be cursed as Jemma was. This was the place where Jemma was hurt and would have the scar to prove it. She got into a fight with a scoundrel who was trying to harm a woman and he ended up trying to get Jemma when her and Rune had their backs turned. The young girl received a deep wound across her right shoulder blade. Rune was furious, but tried not to show it, after nearly killing the man he whisked Jemma away form all the fighting that had ensued and tended to her wound. The guardian had been wounded in the riot that had broken out after he attacked the man that harmed Jemma and there was nothing Jemma could do but attempt to patch his wound, which was not her forte. She hated herself for causing them both to get injured. After quite a while, the duo finally found the witch doctor deep in the supposedly haunted swamps away from the rowdy pirates. The blind woman had indeed known what to do to take Jemma's curse away, in exchange she wanted the guardian, Rune. Jemma got the woman to settle for something else, something to which Rune could not protest against, Jemma was old enough to give him orders now. Thirteen going on fourteen year old Jemma Hetterwood gave the woman nearly a jar full of her Royal blood. After bleeding herself, the princess fainted and Rune (however upset he was), politely thanked the woman for curing Jemma and carried the girl out. At last they could go home, the nightmare was over.
However... even though they'd be home in six months or so, and all could be well and good once again.... The nightmare was far from over.
"Thank you your majesty, I shall not fail you" Rune bowed at both the king and queen and turned so they could say there goodbyes to their young one. Jemma sniffled and clutched onto her parents. "Don't make me go, I want to stay here with Jasper" Princess Jemma begged them. Although it tore at their heartstrings they had to say goodbye, each of them kissed her goodbye and assured her Jasper would be alright. Her guardian led her outside; by now she was trembling, overwhelmed by emotions. The sky darkened and rain poured down, a true example of the storm inside the little girl. Rune lifted her onto the horse after strapping her belongings onto the animal. "Don't worry princess, we will be home before you know it, and who knows, you might even have fun while we are gone" The young man tried to sooth her. Before she could protest, Rune got on the horse behind her and grabbed the reigns, they were off. Under the safe and dryness of the front porch's overhang, the king and queen waved goodbye, the queen couldn't contain herself any longer, she hugged onto her husband and wept.
In an instant Jasper pushed past them trying to get to his twin, calling out her name in desperation. Jemma heard her brother shout and looked back past Rune toward her home, she saw him run and fall. Thunder roared and lightning struck. "Jasper" She whispered as more tears rolled down her pale cheeks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 years. 8 years and 2 months have passed since then. She had seen and learned more than could have ever been imagined. And as Fate may have it, she was finally rid of her curse after years of searching for a "cure". Rune had finally done it, he had finally freed her from it and they could return home. It had taken many people along the way, not just Rune. Many friends, and even enemies helped her to learn, to grow, to control her curse (for the most part). And once it was gone it took some getting used too.
First they spent a year in Everglenn, traveling around speaking to nomads and wise men alike. Jemma was still young then, just 6 and then 7 years of age. There she just learned to hide so no one would learn of her curse or that she was outside the castle, vulnerable to everything and everyone. The small princess learned to blend, to run and hide, to be on her own and wait when necessary.
From there they traveled to the neighboring country of Iglasia to find out more about a so called legend that may have had something to do with how Jemma came to be cursed. Two years they spent in this place, young Jemma picked up some of the Glasian language while her guardian Rune, with all his mysterious contacts/friends/allies, worked toward getting rid of her curse. The girl even made some friends of her own along the way, friends she'd never forget. They taught her things such as, how to survive a harsh weather (since Iglasia was known for it's many different environments and weather patterns), how to read basically anything in her language, how to scavenge and most importantly they taught her the first steps of patience. It was here that she earned her first weapon, a simple yet beautiful dagger given to her by Rune. He taught her how to defend herself in case of an emergency. Around this time, Rune received a letter from the King that the Queen had passed, he decided against telling Jemma for the time being to protect everyone, especially her.
After learning about the Legends of the Evil King Aron, Rune brought the princess to a place she would quickly fall in love with. Calorean was quite different from her mountainous home; the Elves of Calorean made their homes in all of the wondrous forests that covered the land. They spent the most time here, for the Elves were kind and very wise. While Rune spoke to many elders of the Calorean Elven villages, Jemma was growing up before his very eyes. She was 10 and grew up to 12 before they left. Here the princess made the best of friends, they were almost as close to her as Jasper was. In this forest country was where she was taught how to use a bow and to hunt. It was not long before she excelled at archery and hunting. As she grew older the more calm and controlled she became, even though her curse was getting worse, she was more able to keep it at bay. Jemma learned the importance of good and bad and how to know the difference.
By the time Rune and Jemma left for Atlantica, Princess Jemma was fluent in the Elvish language and was a pro archer, able to take down any foe if need be. The young girl lived for the adventure and didn't mind so much that she wasn't back in Everglenn. Rune was no longer too worried about her safety. But as always, he kept both eyes on her and never let her stray too far. Around six months they stayed in the strange country. Only Rune knew how to speak their language, for not many outsiders were welcome, but it seemed Rune had been taught years and years before. He had friends there, just as he had every where else, the perks of being a well-known and respected knight. The young princess learned meditation and discovered her love for sweets and sea food here. From the Atlantians she learned a very important lesson that she would take with her wherever she went, "try again". She would never give up from then on.
Rune had found out what he needed to know, there was a certain witch doctor on the island of Ticeron that could help Jemma with a certain artifact that was being kept on The Glenn, the island owned by Everglenn. They spent a short amount of time at The Glenn, it had actually taken them longer to get there. Jemma was becoming a woman and her strong sense of justice often overtook her. It was becoming more difficult for Rune to keep her at bay, she wanted to take down every petty criminal they crossed paths with, but he had to remind her it wasn't her responsibility. At The Glenn, Rune was able to easily retrieve the stone tablet that they needed to take to the witch doctor to help Jemma.
Finally, they headed toward Ticeron, Jemma enjoyed her time on the ocean, for the food was her favorite. Her and Rune had talked about it, she knew it was only a matter of time that she would be stuck in the castle having to tend to her duties. Ticeron, being a pirate port mostly, was a place of bad omens. There were places on the island where even the fearsome pirates dare not go, for they were superstitious and did not want to die or be cursed as Jemma was. This was the place where Jemma was hurt and would have the scar to prove it. She got into a fight with a scoundrel who was trying to harm a woman and he ended up trying to get Jemma when her and Rune had their backs turned. The young girl received a deep wound across her right shoulder blade. Rune was furious, but tried not to show it, after nearly killing the man he whisked Jemma away form all the fighting that had ensued and tended to her wound. The guardian had been wounded in the riot that had broken out after he attacked the man that harmed Jemma and there was nothing Jemma could do but attempt to patch his wound, which was not her forte. She hated herself for causing them both to get injured. After quite a while, the duo finally found the witch doctor deep in the supposedly haunted swamps away from the rowdy pirates. The blind woman had indeed known what to do to take Jemma's curse away, in exchange she wanted the guardian, Rune. Jemma got the woman to settle for something else, something to which Rune could not protest against, Jemma was old enough to give him orders now. Thirteen going on fourteen year old Jemma Hetterwood gave the woman nearly a jar full of her Royal blood. After bleeding herself, the princess fainted and Rune (however upset he was), politely thanked the woman for curing Jemma and carried the girl out. At last they could go home, the nightmare was over.
However... even though they'd be home in six months or so, and all could be well and good once again.... The nightmare was far from over.
Hearing that her brother was going to be alright brought some comfort to the young girl. But she wanted to see him, she wanted to know that her father wasn't lying for her sake. For all little Jemma knew her brother could be dead because of her and her awful curse. Rune took her hand and led her away from the room and from her parents. He spoke of an adventure that they were to go on and before she could ask about how Jasper was going to come with them, since it was assumed he would, Rune interjected, "Jasper can't come..." That is all the youngster heard, everything else was nothing but muffled, blocked out noise. "He can't?" She shook her head and pulled her hand away. "I'm not going anywhere without my brother" The princess stomped her foot, letting him know she was serious but not going to get upset about it because she didn't want the storms to come back.
..... Queen Eileen walked with her husband, a worried expression on her face. "Rune is to take our little girl away? Is this what it's come too, my love?" She asked sadly. The queen didn't wait for a response, she wanted to grieve but knew she would see her daughter again some time, it was best for this to happen, so Jemma could live a better life. Eileen kept a stiff upper lip and stayed strong like a queen should. "I understand... If this is what must be done, it's better for all of us, especially Jemma, she'll get to see the world and learn more then we could ever teach her." .....
With an unhappy expression Jemma moved toward the infirmary door to open in, she had to see her brother. Rune's face became serious and he stepped forward to stop her. The door had already been opened by her; all the princess saw was her brother on the doctor's table, unmoving. "Jasper?!" At last the emotions broke through and her eyes filled with tears. Her guardian stood behind her, with his hands on her shoulders. "He's okay Jemma, just resting, we have to go now, I don't want this to be any harder on you both" He told her. "Then don't make me leave him!!" Pulling away, the girl ran over to her brother, "Jasper, Jasper wake up, don't let them take me away, please wake up!"
..... Queen Eileen walked with her husband, a worried expression on her face. "Rune is to take our little girl away? Is this what it's come too, my love?" She asked sadly. The queen didn't wait for a response, she wanted to grieve but knew she would see her daughter again some time, it was best for this to happen, so Jemma could live a better life. Eileen kept a stiff upper lip and stayed strong like a queen should. "I understand... If this is what must be done, it's better for all of us, especially Jemma, she'll get to see the world and learn more then we could ever teach her." .....
With an unhappy expression Jemma moved toward the infirmary door to open in, she had to see her brother. Rune's face became serious and he stepped forward to stop her. The door had already been opened by her; all the princess saw was her brother on the doctor's table, unmoving. "Jasper?!" At last the emotions broke through and her eyes filled with tears. Her guardian stood behind her, with his hands on her shoulders. "He's okay Jemma, just resting, we have to go now, I don't want this to be any harder on you both" He told her. "Then don't make me leave him!!" Pulling away, the girl ran over to her brother, "Jasper, Jasper wake up, don't let them take me away, please wake up!"
thanks n_n
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