Flamehearts-Prologue.
All characters copyright to me. Any resemblance to any person living or dead purely coincidental
Lyrics of the song used in the story copyright to its owner.
Flamehearts
Prologue
Crossroads.
„Princes Ashala! Princes!"
Young lioness dressed in long blue robe, let an irritated sigh left her muzzle. 20 Minutes of concentrating and gathering energy were gone. Had the servant given her five more minutes, she would be done for today. Now she'll have to deal with whatever her guard came with, and then start everything all over again. She ran fingers through her short hair.
"I thought I gave strict orders about interrupting me when I'm practicing. One day I'll blow us all up, if I wont have silence."
A tall tiger bowed in apology.
"My apologies, My lady, but your father has called you. He was very...demanding about the timing."
Ashala sighed again. Of course. He was one of few people in the whole castle who could mess her exercises up. And, of course, he did so, as often as he could.
"Excellent...where am I supposed to meet him?"
"He will be waiting in the library, my lady. He said that you are to meet him as soon as possible."
Which means I'm supposed to meet him five minutes ago...great.
"Thank you Kalath. You're free to go."
She said, leaving the room. She gave the ritual circle drawn on the floor one, last, longing look. She felt she wont be using it for a while. Her master wont be happy.
As she made her way through the castle to the library, she was thinking of what was so important, that father decided to interrupt her. Although they both knew that the chances of her blowing the whole castle up were, in fact, minimal, one servant already ended up in infirmary, when the bear she summoned almost ripped him to shreds. When the guard -a tall lion clad in iron- opened library's doors for her, she knew, why her father called her.
He was standing near the wooden table, that was covered with papers, and books. King Balgash, called the Iron Lion in his youth, was still intimidating figure even for her. Standing over two meters tall, he was head an shoulders above her. Although now he was wearing mostly woolen clothes, mainly blue and golden, it was easy to imagine him in set of plate amour, with a two handed sword when he was younger.
But it wasn't her father that caught her interest. For right next to him, was standing one not often seen in this country-a fox.
He was tall, taller than her, yet still shorter than her father. His arms were wide, hands strong and certain. In his stance one could see that this was veteran of many battles, trained to remain vigilant even in his sleep. His hair was cut short, to fit well under the helmet. He seemed few years younger than Father, perhaps in his middle thirties. He was wearing a brown leather tunic, black pants and green cloak. His shirt- probably white at some point- was covered in dust from the road, much like the rest of his garment. He was saying something and pointing at some point on the map on the table.
As they heard her enter, they both turned to face her. Her father smiled and beaconed her over with his hand. She noticed his crown was laying on the table among the papers. His deep voice was official but warm.
"Ah there you are, daughter. We have been expecting you. Let me introduce you to Sir Fanar. He arrived just a few minutes ago."
"Princess Ashala. It's an honor to meet you, milady." Said the fox, bowing in respect, but not as deep as usual soldier would. His voice calm and certain. It was a man used to visiting kings and talking with lords. She nodded slightly, and replied him with official voice.
"It's pleasure to meet you, sir Fanar. Does your presence here means, that we will soon be visited by prince Setho? He was supposed to visit us near the end of the month."
The fox smiled slightly, laying his hands at the table. Now she saw that the map was showing the border area between their two kingdoms.
"Sooner than you expect my lady. Young prince decided to change his plans slightly. He was inspecting our forces near the border, and, since there are no urging matters for him in the country, he decided to make his way here right away. We expect that he will arrive tomorrow, by the morning."
Her eyes widened a little as she heard those words. She never met prince Setho in person, but he was known to be making such decisions almost every day. With his older brother preparing to take the throne after their father, Setho was most of the time free to make any kind of diplomatic missions beyond the country.
"An excellent time, as I was saying" said her father. "We are in the middle of the Summer Festival right now, I'm sure prince Setho will be interested in participating."
"Of course he will." Replied Fanar. "He was speaking about the festival many times. It was one of the reasons why he decided visit you sooner."
She smiled and then said "Oh yes, the celebrations are truly wonderful. I'm sure you also will like them. Our best fire mages along with the fire dancers will be performing for the next week every night. It's something you mustn't miss."
He returned her smile, and bowed a little.
"I'm sure it will be wonderful."
"But please. You sound weary and I imagine you traveled long and hard to get here this fast. Our servants will lead you to your chamber, where you can eat and rest, and change your clothing." She waved her hand. At once a servant- tall Abyssinian- appeared.
"Take sir Fanar to our guest chambers, and provide him with anything he orders."
"Of course milady. This way please, Sir."
Fanar bowed to her and then to her father and left through open door without another word.
Balgash left out a long-drawn sigh as door closed behind the fox messenger.
"I must admit, I didn't expected this of prince Setho. But when dealing with foxes you should hardy expect anything predictable to happen."
"You sound almost amused by that." She said with a faint smile. He laughed.
"Foxes are quick to make a decision, and even quicker to put it in motion. As long as no one gets hurt I wont complain about that...especially that some of their ideas require quite a courage."
"Speaking of courage...was there any other reason you forced Kalath to interrupt my ritual?"
" Actually there is one thing. I know you are supposed to participate in the performance of fire mages on the Carnival Night, but with our guests arriving when they do, I think you understand you have more pressing matters."
She couldn't believe her ears. "But father! I've been preparing for this for months! I have to participate!"
He shook his head, and then looked her right in the eye. "Listen, we both know you have your responsibilities. You are a mage, but first of all you are Princess, and my daughter."
She grit her teeth's, clutching her fists so hard it hurt. But she quickly restrained herself. She knew this tone- as heavy and cold as stone. The decision has been made. She sighed, calm.
"I see. Is this all? I have to inform my friends that I wont be able to come."
"I will send someone. Also I'd like you to remain within the castle for the time being. Especially at night. With Setho's arrival we have a lot of things to prepare."
So now he also forbids her from seeing the festival she worked so hard for?
She sighed again. "As you wish. Anything else?"
"No, that is all."
"Then if you excuse me I have things to attend to." She said turning away towards the door.
"Ashala."
She turned back to him. He was looking at her, with tired look in his eyes. He was bending over the table, his hands resting on the papers. He never looked so old, she thought. And that thought chilled her.
"Please try to understand. I'm not doing this because I like it. I need you here at the castle. Please." His voice devoid of that ice-cold tone. Only weariness remained.
She smiled reassuringly, her anger at him forgotten.
"Don't worry Dad. I just need a little time to accept it. That's all."
With those words she left.
As the doors closed behind her, Balgash took his crown, and turned towards the window. Beyond it he could see vast plains, with mountains towering far, far away, and then disappearing behind the horizon. To the left stood mighty forest, almost as old as these mountains. His Kingdom. The land he fought for, for over fifteen years, first in the wars of the crimson fang, then with mad, undead Panthress Ashtara and her legions. But he and his men prevailed. But now, he was faced with problem that cannot be solved with a sword and courage. He could only hope, that she really meant those words. And that he was doing the right thing to do.
She entered ritual chamber and slammed the door behind her. Her anger returned, directed not towards father, or even the prince who decided to visit them, but towards the whole world. But just like five minutes earlier she calmed herself quickly. Self-control and restraining her own emotions were one of things she had to master before even starting her apprenticeship as mage. She looked around the chamber. Circular room, around ten meters wide, with bookshelves and tables set under the wall. Center of the room-usually free-was now occupied by a circle drawn with white chalk. Carefully drawn symbols were inscribed in the circle, making a complicated drawing, almost a piece of art. She waved her hand and the whole pattern vanished. She will remake it later. Now she had more pressing matters on her hand.
She began to rummage through shelves and chests in the room. She was looking for a very particular amulet. She soon found it-a small disc not much larger than a coin, with runes of blindness and wind engraved into it. It was dangling on a silver chain which she put around her neck. She then opened one of her spell books and started to look for one very special spell.
Around an hour later she left her study chamber and headed towards her bedroom. She repeated her plan in her head, making sure she didn't forget anything. Soon Ashala found herself inside the chamber. Small room(and purposefully so),with a small table, a bookshelf filled with books she liked to read before going to sleep, and wide and soft bed. Ashala quickly changed into more casual clothes and then sat on her bed, repeating every single spell she would need today. After about ten minutes she decided she was ready.
"Kalath!" She called through the door.
A tall tiger entered her chamber. This was her personal guard, serving more as a butler than her physical guard. He was one of her most trusted servants, one from whom she held no secrets, and one of her true friends.
"Yes my lady?" He asked as he closed the door behind him.
"Kalath I'm going for a walk. You are to stand in front of the door and tell anyone willing to enter that I do not wish to be disturbed. That includes even my father."
If the tiger was surprised at all he didn't show that. He only nodded.
"Yes my lady. May I ask where are you going?"
"My father decided to...limit my freedom for the time of the festival. I would like to tell that to Ifrits myself."
"Ifrits" was a name of a group of fire mages performing during the festival. Ashala was one of them.
"I see. Anything else?" Asked the tiger in undisturbed voice. Again if the thought of his protégée sneaking out of the castle without her father knowledge, and apparently against his orders, worried him, he didn't show it any way.
"Yes. I'm going to disappear now. Keep the door opened for a second."
Kalath nodded again. Ashala pulled the silver amulet from under her robes. She muttered a few words, and could feel the spell enveloping her body. She soon became invisible, even to her own eyes. Kalath again shown no concern. This almost forty years veteran has survived through the horrors of the last, most bloody years of the Wars of the crimson Fang, as well as Ashtara's rise to power. There were few things that could surprise him, which was exactly why he was chosen as personal guardian to this mage-princess. He opened the door, and kept it open for a moment, long enough for Ashala to sneak past him. As he was slipping through the door she muttered. "I'll see that next week you have some extra free time to enjoy with your cubs."
"Yes my lady" He said in the direction of her bed, just for the show for the guards. "It will be done." He added and closed the door behind him. Ashala headed down the corridor, but she could hear Kalath say "Lady Ashala is tired and does not wish to be disturbed anytime soon."
With a wide, invisible grin Ashala headed towards the main gate of the castle that led to the town.
She soon found herself outside the castle, inside the City itself. Ifrits had their tent set up on the town square, where they would perform. Yet she couldn't go there yet. She still had to rid herself of this bothersome illusion. And she couldn't just dismiss it on the middle of the main street in the crowd. That's why she went deep into labyrinth of side-walks and back alleys that were surrounding main streets of the city. She knew the city quite well since, despite her father wishes and often without his knowledge, she traveled outside the castle walls quite often. True, most of the time in a simpler manner, but special times call for a special measures and she had to make sure her disappearance would not be noticed. She soon found herself on small square, surrounded by buildings from each side with only two little alleys leaving it. The place was deserted, mainly thanks to Festival. As soon she made sure she's alone, she dismissed the illusion with a single thought.
Now came the hard part. She couldn't just show herself in public. True, not many people would recognize her, as she wasn't making any public appearances yet, but she couldn't take any chances. Thus she cast another spell on herself. A spell that would not affect her, but any person who looked at her. The spell would cause those who met her not to recognize her, and forget the meeting shortly after. They would see, even talk to her, but it would never occur to them who they were really talking to. Of course the spell had its limits. Those who knew her, and saw her more often-Father, nobles and servants at the castle, even some of the guards- could recognize her almost immediately. But those who didn't- and it meant practically all of the citizens- would never knew who they met, and would soon forget the meeting at all.
Of course such a spell had to take its toll.
Blood rushed to her head and whole world started to spin. For a couple moments she just stood there, supporting herself against the wall, fighting to regain breath. As always, casting a spell of such power felt like running a couple miles. After a minute or so, she regained enough strength to start walking again. Still little shaky she headed towards town square.
It was already getting dark, and first torches appeared on the streets. The summer festival, lasting for three days before and three days after the summer solstice, would celebrate not only summer but also fire. And thus, torches, gigantic bonfires, fire dancers and fire mages would be a common sight. It was first night of the festival, but the big celebration would be held on the night of the solstice itself. As Ashala entered the square she noticed big, yellow tent with emblem of star engulfed in flames-a mark of the Ifrits. She noticed a big pile of wood in the center of the square-still unlit since it was about half an hour before the sun would set, but individual fire dancers were already preparing their tools if not giving spectacles yet. Bigger groups of artists would appear later or wouldn't appear at all tonight, saving all their spectacles for the night of the solstice. The mages were nowhere to be seen, so she decided they should be inside their tent. But as she neared the entrance to the tent a tall leopard crossed her way.
"I'm sorry miss, but only mages are allowed here."
She rolled her eyes. Of course. Like many spells this one also had some drawbacks, one of them being not recognized even when she wanted to. She could not risk lifting the spell, since she was almost certain she wouldn't be able to recast it fast.
"I just wanted to talk to Taranis...he should be inside."
"The whole group is not here at the moment. They should be back about an hour after sunset. If you have any message I can pass it to him when they return."
Ashala sighed. Of course, they were probably bitching around in some tavern right now. They were supposed to perform tonight as well, but they saved, of course, the best show for the Big Night as they called it. And, as mages, they had the means to neutralize alcohol in their blood...to certain limits of course.
"I'd be most grateful. Please tell him that Naya wanted to speak with him." It was the name she used when sneaking out of the castle without her father knowing. If she used that name, it meant that Ifrits were not supposed to use her real one either. "I have to talk to him about performance. It's quite important for both of us."
The leopard nodded. "I'll pass him your words. Now if you excuse me."
She watched him disappear into the crowd that gathered around the entrance while they were talking. Now what? She had about an hour to waste before she could meet with Ifrits. Trying to find them in the city would be pointless. There were dozens of places where they could be right now. Magic was also not an option, not until she got back to her chamber with all the divination components she needed. Finally she decided she can have some fun by herself. She headed towards her favorite tavern near the outer gate. First of all it was one of the best taverns in the city, with fine wine and good food. Secondly, she had small chance Ifrits would be there, since they all liked that place. All and all it looked like a good place to kill the time she had.
The tavern was crowded, but not as much as usually by this hour. This no doubt thanks to the fact that some people were celebrating on the streets. The owner of the inn-man of business after all-quickly sensed an opportunity and set out additional tables out on the street.
She made her way to the bar, ordered a cup of wine and took her place at one of the free tables on the street. She observed the passing crowd and two jugglers who threw lit torches to each other. There was no magic in them, just a simple training all the more charming in its simplicity. The dancing flames were almost hypnotizing and she thought...
"A lovely night wouldn't you agree miss?"
She blinked, drawing her sight away from the fire jugglers. She never noticed anyone sitting on the opposite side of the table, but there he was, right in front of her. Young fox, maybe three years older than her. He was wearing green tunic, brown pants, and green traveling cloak. On his head rested a small green hat with single, big feather attached to it. He was carrying a lute. He had half-grin across his muzzle, and nice playful voice. He was slim and, she had to admit, even worthy to be called handsome. She replied him with a warm voice deciding a discussion couldn't hurt.
"Oh I'm sorry I didn't noticed you sitting there. Yes the night is indeed very...nice."
He chuckled a little.
"And would it be awkward if I asked what a lovely lady like you is doing alone on such...nice night?" He asked.
"Oh, I'm merely keeping myself busy, while waiting for a friend."
He didn't seem disappointed by that. On the contrary he quickly stood up grabbing his lute.
"Well, then why not kill some time while listening? I happen to know a few melodies."
His fingers danced on the strings playing simple, yet pleasant melody. Couple patrons looked their way, curious about who it is that plays. Ashala listened for a minute to the music, until bard suddenly stopped. He was looking at her, waiting for permission. She nodded smiling lightly. The fox replied with wide smile of his own, and then noticed that he caught attention of some of the nearby people.
"Noble ladies and gentleman's! Let me please you with a melody that wind itself played for me when I was on the road here." He suddenly stopped and leaned over a little.
"I was so stunned that I forgot to ask for your name, for which I deeply apologize." He said quietly looking at Ashala. She grinned and replied him with a playful tone.
"I'll forgive you this time...My name is Naya."
"My name is Tanah." Then he said louder. "Then let me dedicate this song to lady Naya."
Then, without another word, he closed his eyes. Soon his fingers came to life, playing a melody much more complicated than before. The music flowed for a couple moments undisturbed. Then, with eyes still closed, he started to sing, with dreamy voice, as if from another world.
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was a true love of mine
Tell her to make me a cambric shirt
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Without no seams nor needlework
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Tell her to find me an acre of land
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
Between the salt water and the sea strand
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Tell her to reap it in a sickle of leather
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
And to gather it all in a bunch of heather
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was a true love of mine.
She was soon lost in melody, and listened with closed eyes, letting her imagination take her to sea cliffs filled with blooming flowers. But all too soon the song has ended. Tanah continued to play for a moment. When the last tone faded away, the whole audience (including Ashala) gave him long ovation.
With a wide smile he bowed his head modestly as to say he didn't deserve it.
"Thank you." He said when applause ceased. "If you wish so, I shall play some more as soon as I drink something and let my legs rest a little. I have gone a long way and brought many songs."
Someone from the audience caught a suggestion and soon a jug of wine and a cup appeared on their table. Tanah returned to his place on the opposite side of the table, pouring some wine into his cup.
"So? How did you like it?" He asked, looking at her over his cup.
"A...relaxing song, but I would say a little too sleepy for tonight."
"Ouch." He said grinning. Then he emptied his cup with a single gulp. "My lady, I see, is not easily impressed."
"You'll have to try harder." She replied laughing.
"Should I play another one?"
"In a moment. For now, tell me about your travels. I've never been anywhere far from the city." She said. This was of course not true, but at this point she had whole story made up, in case being questioned about her own history. His eyes got brighter like those of a man who enjoys to be in the center of the attention. Then he started to talk about his travels, and wonders he saw across the world.
She had to admit that if even a half of those stories were true, he has really seen much of the world. She listened to him describing with emphasis shifting sands of the southern deserts, so hot they feel like liquid fire. He talked about high towers of desert cities, magically protected against sandstorms. Then he described castles in the north, protected by walls of ice, so cold that a limb would froze from single touch and so hard a sword would brake after one hit. She even caught herself listening just to his voice rather than his words, blankly staring at his fiery eyes and lively gestures. It soon got dark, and more and more fires appeared on the streets as moon climbed higher on the sky. All too soon the time grew short. She gulped the rest of her wine, and stood up, preparing to leave. Tanah drew his attention from small audience that gathered, and turned to her.
"You are leaving already?" He asked.
"Yes. As I said, I am just waiting for someone. I'm supposed to meet him on the town square soon."
"So you are heading to the town square? What a coincidence! I was planning on seeing it today too. Ladies and Gentleman! Thank you for your attention. If you wish to hear more of my songs, or stories I will be performing on the Solstice night on the Town square. Ask anyone about Master Tanah, I am sure you will find me." He said to his audience, bowing deeply. Once the ovation ceased he bowed again and turned back to face Ashala.
"Shall we get going?"
She laughed shortly, but didn't object. Young bard was pretty nice company for tonight, and it might be fun being around him. They soon headed towards the town square.
"So who is this friend of yours?"
"My partner in our show. We dance together."
"Oh? So you are also an artist?"
"You could say so."
The first change she noticed-apart from great pile of wood blazing on the middle of the square- was fence, about five feet tall encircling wide empty area, near the tent. It was even bigger than the arena they trained with. She carefully examined the crowd around the fence and soon found who she was looking for.
"There he is." She said pointing at a white tiger near the tent. They started to make their way through he crowd. At one point they had to grab their paws just to avoid being split by the mass of bodies.
"Taranis!" Ashala shouted waving her free paw.
A tall, white tiger looked around and waved back with a smile when he saw who was calling him.
"Asha..." He began but when he saw the look on her face he suddenly changed his mind. "A shame you couldn't join us sooner Naya. One of the guards told me about your message. You'll have to forgive him he is new and cant remember ALL of us..."
"And who is your companion?" He asked looking at Tanah.
"I'm Tanah, traveling minstrel and storyteller." The fox introduced himself., taking a step forward.
"Taranis, fire mage of the fourth circle." Replied Tiger shaking his hand.
Tanah's eyes widened as he heard that. He looked at Ashala. She had some hard time trying to pretend that she didn't notice anything, and not laughing at poor bard.
"Why don't we get inside?" Asked Taranis, pointing at the tent.
"The others will be happy to see you. We didn't expected you today."
"There where some...circumstances. I'll join you in a second." Said Ashala. Taranis nodded, and headed towards the tent.
"You didn't tell me your friend was a mage." Said Tanah with amusement.
"There are few things you don't know about me." She replied with a wide grin. She could be carefree, since she knew the spell she put on herself would erase any memories of her from his mind by the next morning.
"Now lets not keep Taranis waiting."
The inside of the tent was illuminated by a dozen or more glowing crystals emanating soft white glow. Each corner of the tent was separated from the central part by a canvas screen making about ten small "rooms" which gave a little privacy. As they entered they saw half a dozen furs, talking, laughing or stretching in the center. Each one called to her or waved. She beaconed them over with her paw.
"Hey folks. I know this is a little sudden but my Father decided for a small change of plans." She said in a tone not leaving any place to guess what she thought about it.
"I wont be able to perform at the night of the Solstice." She added.
There was a general groan of disappointment from everyone.
"What happened?" Asked Taranis in calm voice.
"That's not important at the moment." Replied Ashala making almost unnoticeable motion in Tanah's direction.
"What IS important that if possible I'd like to perform tonight with you, since I'm not sure we'll be seeing each other through the rest of the festival." She added with a wide smile.
Taranis seemed to be a little surprised, but he nodded. There seemed to be general approval to the idea.
"Well then, if we are to give our best tonight, lets get ready!" He commanded. The group dispersed.
Tanah seemed a little confused.
"Something bad happened?" He asked Ashala.
"No, not really. We were planning to give a show on the night of the Solstice, but my father decided I had better things to do then. We'll just perform tonight." She replied.
"Maybe I can talk to him?" The bard asked with confidence.
She laughed imagining him trying to convince the king to do anything.
"I'm afraid he's not the one to be easily persuaded." She said.
"You'd be surprised at how much I can..." He began but she just shook her head.
"Don't worry about this right now. Now you excuse me I have to get ready."
After saying that she just turned around and walked away, heading to one of the corners to change. Tanah was left dumbfounded in the center of the tent. In a second he was joined by Taranis, who now was wearing nothing but leather pants. He was holding a jar of some kind of black paint in one of his paws, while rubbing it into his pelt with the other..
"So, our pretty lady gave you a piece of her mind?" He asked in cheerful voice. Apparently that happened a lot.
"She doesn't seem to like talking about her father. Who is he anyhow?"
Taranis laughed at the question.
"If she didn't tell you, I'm not going to make your job easy. Say, you said you are a minstrel right? There are some parts of our show in which we could use an extra lute..."
The two talked for some time with Taranis' fur being systematically covered in black paint.
After about ten minutes they were joined by Ashala. Tanah's jaw nearly hit the floor when he saw her. She was wearing an red top which barely covered her breasts with lots of beads hanging from it. Aside from that, long, golden-red skirt-or rather half of the skirt since it covered only one of her legs. Neither the tiger, nor lioness could contain laughter at young fox's reaction.
"Don't tell me its first time you see a southern dancing costume." Said Ashala when she managed to stop laughing. She was obviously feeling comfortable in it.
"Of course not." Tanah seemed to be almost insulted with the question.
"But seeing it on you..." His voice trailed off.
Ashala chuckled again.
"If you like it..." She said wiggling her hips playfully(Tanah swallowed loudly at this point),
"Wait until you see what we have in stock for tonight. Are you ready Taranis?" She asked. The tiger nodded. He was almost completely covered in black paint. With agility typical for a feline he was able to work the paint even into fur on his back.
"Just a moment more. I'll be right back." With these words he turned around and headed for another of the small areas hidden behind canvas screens.
"I guess I'll go take my seat then." Said Tanah turning towards the exit.
"You wont wish me good luck?" She asked with just a hint of laughter in her voice.
He stopped near the exit and without turning around said "THAT only would bring bad luck." He then turned around with a wide smile. "But if you want it so much, I'll wish you good luck after I talked to your father. On the night of the Solstice." With those words he left.
Ashala had to laugh again.
"He IS a stubborn one." She heard Taranis behind her. He was now completely covered in black paint including his whole face. His eyes were glowing orange, if only a bit.
Ashala nodded. There was no question that she wouldn't be able to talk the bard out of his idea. Although she didn't bothered herself with that too much-the spell she put on herself worked stronger, the longer fox was around her-the idea of the poor bard trying to convince King Balgash to do ANYTHING was amusing.
"More stubborn that you, perhaps?" Taranis teased her.
"Maybe." She replied to tiger's surprise. "Are we ready?" She asked the whole group that gathered. Everyone gave a confirming nod.
"Then lets do this."
The empty, circular area encircled by the fence was about ten meters wide. The only gap in the fence was placed next to the entrance to the tent. Tanah stood near the fence with the entrance to the tent exactly on the opposite side of the circle.
Six furs emerged from the tent. First two were a tigress and black panther both clad in long robes. Behind them walked a calico cat and a lynx both carrying long staffs, and two cheetahs so similar to each other that they appeared to be one person. All four were wearing only woolen pants that were giving much freedom, and no shoes. Ashala and Taranis were nowhere to be seen. The tigress and panther headed for the opposite sides of the fence on the left and right from the entrance. Calico and lynx headed towards the center of the arena while twin cheetahs remained near the gap in the fence. When everyone were in their positions the Tigress and Panther rose their paws high in the air. They were soon enveloped by orange aura, that concentrated at the palms of their paws. If they hadn't caught the attention until that point, they certainly caught it moments later when twin columns of fire, erupted from their paws and rose high into the air, illuminating whole square. The crowd cheered and rushed to the fence.
Calico and lynx were standing back to back with staffs straight up. Being a bard after all Tanah recognized the scene-Mavar and Keras, two guardians of Pantheon of the Gods of Flame, always competing for title of best warrior. Then the twins had to play the roles of Mari and Keno twin fire gods of fighting and swordplay. Tanah turned his attention back to the pair in the center. They would begin the show.
As if on some mark, each made two steps forward and then spun around holding staff in defensive position. Lynx was the first to move. He made three steps forward, and brought just a tip of his staff crashing down on calico's head. His opponent easily blocked his strike, and replied with one of his own, aiming at lynx's exposed ribs. The crowd gasped when just a tip of calico's staff burst into flames. Lynx took just a step to the left, and led his staff vertically down blocking calico's strike. The pair exchanged blows for about a minute, with even more flames appearing each second. Soon apart from their staffs their paws and feet were enveloped in fire. And they weren't alone. Too focused on each other, the pair didn't notice twin cheetahs moving behind them.
When they attacked each other again, the twins prepared to strike. As they readied themselves swords made of pure fire appeared in their paws. When calico's and lynx's staffs connected, neither tried to attack, both pushed simply trying to overpower his opponent. The crowd gasped again when cheetahs jumped on the struggling pair. Even Tanah, although he knew perfectly well it was all staged, couldn't contain wide grin.
The lynx and the calico spun around in last split second, each blocking the flaming sword with his staff. The twins jumped back a step and started to circle around the pair. The lynx and calico were now standing back to back to face their new opponents. The twin's coordination was nothing short of magical-Tanah indeed suspected that there was some trick behind it. Whether they attacked, pulled back or took a step they did so in perfect harmony. The spectacle continued. The cheetahs were gaining visible advantage. They managed to split the other pair, and never let them coordinate to counterattack. Using their coordination they managed to pin down the lynx before calico could help him. As they were moving for a finishing blow, a circle of fire enveloped whole group. The crowd gasped as yet another actor entered the stage.
Taranis was standing near the gap in the fence. While his fur was completely covered in black paint, his stripes, usually also black, were now all glowing bright orange. The effect was as much terrifying as mesmerizing- the pattern reversed, orange stripes on fur black as night. His eyes were covered with a blindfold, but even under the cloth they could be seen burning with yellow flame. Garash the Devourer, fallen god of fire magic.
Again the alliances on the arena changed in an instant-all four furs now stood facing Taranis, not carrying that just a second ago they were fighting to death.
The tiger didn't seem bothered in the least. He calmly walked to the center of the arena, letting four furs surround him. Again without any visible mark, all four furs attacked him at once, in unison. But just as weapons were about to hit him, a wave of flame erupted from his raised paws knocking back all four. The crowd recoiled from the fence, but nothing but warm breeze reached the fence. Tanah finally understood what role did Panther and Tigress play in the show. Taranis raised his paw again. The flaming swords in twins' paws glimmered and vanished. So did flames enveloping lynx and calico. All four dropped to their knees. All flames in the arena seemed to be drawn to Taranis' raised paw. Both pairs collapsed. Taranis closed his paw, and flames disappeared. In turn the stripes on his body took on much stronger glow, changing from orange to very light yellow, almost white.
Suddenly a dozen or more small embers appeared all round the tiger. He spun around to face the last actor-or rather actress-of the show. The crowd sighed. Tanah's eyes widened.
Ashala was standing near the gap of the fence. She looked like an incarnation of fire itself. Her whole fur, normally light yellow, was now glowing bright orange. The tuft of her tail turned into a living flame. Her eyes were glowing with the same shade of orange as her fur. A small flame marked each place where her feet touched. Tayana the Flame of the World, mother of all fire gods.
Silence fell among the crowd. Everyone felt that this was the last act of the show.
Ashala took a step forward. She made no offensive move, cast no spell. Yet Taranis jumped back like being attacked. Ashala slowly started to walk in his direction with her arms open as if to embrace him. Taranis kept walking backwards, keeping his distance. Ashala stopped at the center of the arena. The tiger was now about six feet's away from the fence.
Suddenly his paws burst into flames. A stream of fire erupted from them, aiming straight at the lioness in the center. Ashala spun around. An orange circle appeared beneath her, and invisible, protective barrier rose around her, absorbing Taranis' spell.
The tiger growled, and waved his paws again. Two wolves made of flames appeared at his sides, and charged at Ashala. She rose her paws again, and creatures erupted into small orbs of flames that quickly vanished. This time however she was faster. She made a quick gesture and what appeared to be shackles made of fire appeared all around Taranis, binding him.
The tiger tried to brake free of his bonds but failed. Ashala walked to him slowly. She stopped just a step away from the tiger. She extended one of her paws, as to help him. Taranis noticed her move and stopped trashing. He lowered his head in defeat. But when Ashala made her final step, he rose and disappeared in the eruption of sparkles. The crowed gasped as he reappeared just behind her with flaming sword in his hand ready to strike. Again she was faster. She spun around and laid one of her paws on his chest. Taranis was blown away from her, landing about ten feets away. He rose yet again and prepared to cast next spell, until he noticed where he was standing. Right in the middle of the arena. Exactly on top of Ashala's magic circle.
A column of fire erupted from the circle, enveloping Taranis. His figure disappeared for a second in the inferno raging around him. When Tanah regained his sight he saw that Taranis was still there, kneeling. His blindfold was gone revealing his bright orange eyes. Ashala again slowly approached weakened tiger. He mustered all his strength and tried to rise, but ended up collapsing on his knees again. Cracks appeared on the black paint covering his fur. Ashala kneeled in front of him, placing her paws on his face. They looked into each other's eyes. Then Ashala bent forward and gently pressed her lips to the tiger's. The center of the arena erupted in yet another blinding explosion. Then there was silence.
When the fire disappeared Tanah saw all eight furs standing in the center. The tigress and black panther, both seemed tired but satisfied. Calico, lynx and twin cheetahs next to them with wide smiles. And in front of them Ashala and Taranis, his black painting now all gone, visibly exhausted but no less happy. The crowd cheered and gave loud ovations. The fox joined them eagerly. This was not the show you see everyday. All actors bowed and then turned around heading for the tent. Tanah started to make his way through the crowd to the tent.
"God I'm spent." Said Ashala collapsing at one of the chairs in the room. They were sitting in one of the rooms in the tavern next to the town square. The owner insisted for them to be his guests for the night. There were ten of them: all eight Ifrits, Tanah and one of the guards. The rest decided to stay on the festival. All mages were back into casual, comfortable clothes.
"Hey no kidding." Said Taranis pouring wine into his cup. "But try telling me it wasn't worth it." He added with wide grin. Ashala had to agree.
"I wish we could do it again tomorrow, but I don't think I'll be able to get out of the bed." She said with a weak smile.
"Don't stretch yourself too much. You have to save your strength for the night of the Solstice." Said Tanah while tuning his lute. Third string was a little off.
"I thought I told you my father told me I'm not going to be there for the Solstice."
"And I thought I told YOU I'll talk to him."
Ashala sighed. She was too tired to argue with the bard.
"You're a stubborn one ain't ya?" Asked Taranis, seemingly amused.
"Just confident. Want me to play something?"
"Yeah, why not."
Tanah's fingers danced on the strings of his lute. He played calm, steady melody, that helped everyone relax. Ashala's fatigue started to catch up with her. She closed her eyes listening. Whole day's worth of weariness both physical and emotional soon sent her off half-sleeping. She could still hear voices but didn't registered them, nor cared about them.
"Hm...looks like someone's done for the night."
"No surprise. She made most of the job on the spectacle, and believe me, its not so easy as it seems. I'll take her to her room."
"Nah don't worry. I can see you're barely standing yourself. I'll carry her."
She could feel gentle paws picking her up from her chair.
"Come on now princess. Time for sleep."
Tanah carried her upstairs to one of the rooms the innkeeper lend them for tonight. He put her on the bed, and then lit a small lamp that stood next to the bed.
"Well then, sweet dreams." He heading towards. He was surprised when he heard.
"Don't go yet."
He turned around. Ashala was still lying on the bed, now supporting herself on her elbow.
"I wanted to talk to you. Sit down."
He took one of the chairs that were in the room and set it next to the bed. He sat on it.
"Thought you were sleeping. What you wanted to talk about?"
He was right. Ashala WAS sleeping, however that "Princess" was just what she needed to wake up, if only for a while.
"Why are you so keen on helping me?" She asked.
"Oh that?" He chuckled. "Do I need a reason to help a pretty, talented mage to show her off a little? Maybe because I'm an artist myself. Maybe because my father didn't accept my love for art too. Or maybe because I'm quicker to do something rather than to think about it."
She laughed a little and laid back on a pillow.
"Quick to make a decision, quicker to put it in motion, eh?"
"Oh yes." He said rising. "We, foxes, do things fast..." He bent over her a little. "And worry about consequences...later." He added, and kissed her.
The kiss was a gentle one, but lasted for what seemed like an eternity. When they finally broke apart, she was looking deep into his eyes. He had this half-grin across his muzzle.
"Stay here for tonight." She said. "Now, don't get any ideas." She added when she saw his surprised expression. "I just need a little...warm tonight." She said softly.
He nodded, and laid down next to her. She cuddled up to him. They soon drifted off to sleep in each other's embrace.