Derowynn was awoken by a pair of soft warm lips touching her cheek. Opening her eyes, she saw Elizabeth looking down at her. A bruise was on her cheek with a few scrape from where she had been hit, but otherwise she had a grin and looked to be feeling better. "Good morning, Sunshine. How is that head of yours feeling today?" Elizabeth just shrugged a little and smiled, "It is still throbbing a bit, but I think I will live." Derowynn smiled and leaned up to kiss Liz.

The two crawled out of bed and cleaned up and got dressed. Poking their heads out of their tent, they saw a fire blazing and Waverly, Clarke, and Amasis all sitting around it talking quietly and cooking food. They gave the couple a smile as they came from their tent and Dero and Liz went over to hug Clarke, seeing she was back. Derowynn sat next to the girl and cuddled tightly to her as snow was starting to fall again. "How did things go, Clarke? I am assuming you all made it back alive and destroyed the cup?" Clarke nodded and told the two women the stories she had been telling Waverly and Amasis.

The food was done and they were all eating when the rest of the group started to file out of their tents. Derowynn had almost forgotten about the minotaur and jumped a bit when she saw him emerge from his tent. Taurus let out a snort and then went a bit deeper into the wood and could be heard relieving himself. The group giggled a bit as the large beast came back and plopped to the ground, picking up a plate of food.

Vadik sat next to Amasis, his head with hair sticking every which way leaning against the large man. Davi brought out her blanket and cuddled next to Waverly, wrapping the blanket around them. The group ate and told their stories of what happened the past night and when done they realized they could make their way home back to Isengard. A new surge of energy came to them as they packed up camp and then plotted their course for home. From the looks of it, they could make it back to the inn run by Waverly and Clarke's mothers in about two to three weeks if the snow didn't get too bad. From there it would be another two week trip to Isengard itself.

The first leg of the trip was more or less uneventful. There were some small run in with some of Aborjan's men, but the group noticed that these men were more or less traveling back to where they were going. No doubt there was no longer a reason to keep his army scattered to guard things that were no longer there to guard, so Aborjan must have been bringing his troops back home to consolidate them for the fight he knew would be soon coming. Vadik did not like this. He knew the longer that it took them to get back and launch the attack against Aborjan, the stronger Aborjan's army would be. So he had the group move quickly. Some days they went two days before stopping to rest and sleep.

They finally found their way to the village and were standing at the door of the inn. It had taken them just shy of two weeks to make it. Waverly was about to open the inn door when it burst open and Mother Ginger came running out, wrapping Waverly in a bear hug and kissing her cheek. "You're back!" she exclaimed as she saw the group and then stopped suddenly when she saw the minotaur standing in their midst. Clarke came up to Ginger and hugged and kissed her, "It's fine, mother. He's with us." Ginger just stared and nodded a bit, "Well, alright then. Come inside then and get yourselves warm and some food in ya." They didn't need to be told twice. The group entered the in and made their way to the main room to get something to eat.

---

That night the group told stories about their journey to Mama June and Ginger, the two mothers listening intently. They stayed up late, talking and laughing, not going to their separate rooms till late that night. Before Vadik had left with Amasis to go upstairs Ginger stopped him. "Two months after you guys left, we got a letter from Isenguard, from Violet. She wanted us to find a way to tell you that she made it home safe. You were right about Caspian, he asked her to leave instantly, so now she's back with her Father. She's very sorry about what happened between you two, and she hopes you can forgive her." Vadik frowned, eyebrows scrunching together. He thanked the older woman for the information, going upstairs, followed by Amasis. The Guardian was silent, although Vadik could tell he had multiple questions he wanted to ask. Once in their room, Amasis spilled. "I know you don't like talking about your ex lovers, but I must know... If you had the chance to go back to Violet, would you?" Vadik froze, in the middle of taking off his boots.
He looked up at Amasis like he had two heads, confused as to why Amasis would be so worried about such a thing. "Of course I wouldn't go back to her, Amasis! She left our entire group because she couldn't handle this, she was cowardly and not strong enough for us. Why would you think I'd go back to someone who hurt me, and my friends?" Amasis stood awkwardly, looking down at his feet. "I know that sometimes our relationship makes you uncomfortable, and you've always been with women, so I'm just worried that you'll want to go back to Violet, because you're more comfortable being in a relationship with her..." Vadik was speechless, continuing to stare at Amasis. "Did you ever love her?" The question was so quiet that Vadik barley heard it. It took him a few seconds to answer the question. "I think I forced myself to love her. I had lost Rowen, and my heart was desperate to cling onto another person once it was fixed. That, and Derowynn and Elizabeth weren't giving me much of a choice." Amasis was still quiet, not looking up at Vadik. It took Vadik a second to realize that Amasis was crying, obviously jealous and worried.
Getting up, Vadik went over to his taller lover, wrapping his arms around Amasis. Amasis turned his head, trying to not look at Vadik, who couldn't help but smirk. He leaned up, kissing Amasis behind the ear sweetly. "I never loved Violet like I love you, Amasis... You don't have to worry about her, or anyone else. I'm comfortable here, in your arms," Vadik whispered into his lovers ear. Amasis finally looked at Vadik, blushing a bit as Vadik kissed the tears that were trailing down his face. The two kissed, first a small peck, but quickly trailing into a passionate lip lock. Vadik lead Amasis to the bed, pushing him down onto the soft furs. That night the two men didn't sleep, too busy keeping each other company. The next morning at breakfast everyone was staring at a ruffled looking Vadik and Amasis, most of them grinning widely. After a few minutes of everyone staring, Vadik finally asked, "Were we that loud?..." Everyone simply giggled, not answering the question.
Three days passed before Vadik finally told the group that they needed to get going. It would take them two weeks to get to Isenguard, if they went on the straight path. The group agreed to move on, saying their goodbyes to the mothers, packing up their stuff. Amasis summoned a crow to which Vadik tied a letter to, explaining to Caspian that they would be to Isenguard in two weeks time. The crow was sent out shortly before the group left, Amasis instructing it where to go. The first week went by fast, the group easily traveling through the woods, never running into any of Aborjans troops, seeing as the closer they got to Isenguard the safer they were. The second week felt like a month, the days going by slowly, and the group slowly growing more and more anxious. It had been a year sense Vadik, Dero, and Liz have seen Isenguard, and to the rest of the group it was like moving to a new city all together. Amasis was worried that Vadik would be judged for their relationship, but Vadik just kept reminding him that he was the king, and no one would dare try and break them apart, seeing as no one ever tried tearing Dero and Liz apart. On the last night the group hardly slept, everyone to excited. Davi brought up the idea that Taurus would become a general for Vadiks army, which Vadik quickly agreed to, saying that the minotaur could help him out in counsels. Taurus also agreed, happy to help his king further.
When morning came, the group spent a long while polishing their armor, and cleaning themselves up. Amasis tied his hair into a tight bun, Vadik trimmed his beard, Davi, Dero, Liz, and Clarke all put flowers in their hair, braiding it, while Waverly put her semi-short hair into a half up, wearing her wand proudly on her thigh. Taurus spent the entire time brushing his fur and polishing his horns. The group rode for multiple hours, not reaching Isenguard until noon. They decided to ride through the town, to show off that the they were finally home. It didn't take long for people to be drawn out of their houses, everyone crowding along the streets, cheering for the king and queens. No one seemed to even notice that Vadik was holding Amasis' hand as he lead the group, two by two, down the streets. Vadik was smiling wide, looking to a very nervous Amasis, winking at his lover. Just to be extra, Vadik leaned over to Amasis, kissing him on the cheek. He was laughing so hard at how red Amasis got that Vadik almost didn't see Violet staring him down. Unfortunately the two ex lovers locked eyes, Violet looking both angry, shocked, and relived at seeing Vadik home. Vadik just looked at her like she was another subject of his.
The group rode up to the castle, where Caspian, Dakari, and Merri were all waiting for them. The group quickly dismounted, Vadik hurrying to Caspian while Merri and Liz bear hugged one another. Vadik and Caspian hugged tightly, smiling to one another. "You've gotten skinnier!" Caspian said, taking in Vadiks appearance. "And you've gotten older!" Vadik laughs, the two kings hugging again. Amasis gingerly walked over to the two friends, standing a few feet behind Vadik. Vadik, seeing his nervous lover, quickly pulled Amasis over, keeping his fingers interlocked with Amasis'. "Caspian, this is Amasis. He's a Guardian, as well as my boyfriend." Caspian looked shocked, staring at Amasis, who was slowly getting more and more shy, his hand tightening around Vadiks'. "You're a Guardian?!" Caspian suddenly burst out. Amasis, taken by surprise that Caspian wasn't throwing a fit about the second part of what Vadik said, relaxed his hand, blinking at Caspian before quickly nodding. Caspian smiled wide, asking Amasis multiple questions, Vadik having to quickly interject before the conversation could get too long. He introduced the rest of the new group members, explaining who were wizards, who were now Kings Guards, and adding that Taurus was to be a general, as well as Vadiks personal war advisor. Caspian had no objections to any of what Vadik was saying, greeting each person happily, shaking their hands. "We can talk more about our adventures later, Caspian. For now, if you can show everyone to suitable quarters. I'm going to take Amasis to our room, show him around a bit." Caspian nodded, ordering multiple servants to show the group members to their new rooms. Vadik turned to Amasis, who looked much less nervous, now in complete awe as to what was going on. "Welcome home," Vadik grinned to Amasis, leaning up and pecking his lover on the lips.

That night a huge banquet was held in honor of the group. The head table held the adventurers along with the rest of the royal family. The banquet hall was full of nobles and their families from the castle and from the village. The next day a large picnic for the kingdom would take place to celebrate the return of the heroes.

The food seemed neverending and the wine flowed freely. Derowynn and Elizabeth were both a bit drunk by the time the feasting ended, laughing and giggling as stories were being shared. Liz was spending a great deal of time with Marribeth, filling her in on the experiences the group had. When Caspian brought up Thorin, the group went silent. Vadik's face, which had just been beaming bright, grew a bit pale and sullen. Caspian, seeing that the topic brought pain to Vadik, Dero and Liz quickly changed the subject to the new members that had joined the group on their travels.

As the group continued to speak and Elizabeth was engaged with her sister, Derowynn got up and made her way to the table where she saw Violet sitting with her father. When Violet saw the queen coming, she quickly turned her face away and acted as if she was engaged in a conversation with the person sitting next to her, whom was an old noble that was well beyond drunk.

Derowynn lightly placed her hand on the shoulder of Violet, Violet's father about ready to speak up when Violet raised a had to stop him and looked up at the queen. "My queen, to what do I owe the honor of your presence?" A hint of sarcasm could be heard in her voice, but Derowynn brushed it aside and reached down to take the hand of the flower girl. "I would like to talk with you, Violet. I would like to see how you are fairing." Violet pulled her hand away and placed it on her lap next to her other hand. "I don't see why that would be any of your concern," Violet piped back.

Derowynn frowned a bit and said, "Very well, I never have done this before, but as your queen I order you to come with me...now." Violet looked at her father, who was once again ready to speak, but she once again indicated he should remain silent with a shake of her head. Violet stood and went with Derowynn, the two making their way out to the garden to be alone in the moonlight.

"How have you been Violet? I hope things are going well for you." Violet gave Derowynn a bit of a glare and turned sideways to the queen. "Why should my well-being concern you?" Derowynn went to Violet and took her hand. "Violet, I would have hoped you had known and seen that I was on your side with this. Vadik and I had a serious argument after you went away and I was tempted to come follow you and see you home safely. I understand why Vadik was upset with your not wishing to continue on, but I know what it is like to be away from one's home too."

"But you see this place as your home now and you had your significant other with you. I had neither home nor Vadik's love to comfort me anymore...I see I was so bad for him that he even turned gay. How lovely. No wonder why he never had an eye for me." Derowynn brushed her hand through Violet's hair and pulled her in for a hug. "I don't believe it was his intention to hurt you and I think he had feelings for you, but was not sure what they were or how to express them. It was our fault, Elizabeth and mine, for pushing this relation ship on the two of you. I apologize for that. It was not our intention to see people hurt."

Violet sighed and returned the hug. "I understand. I was a bit stubborn too and quite honestly I felt a bit awful for leaving. My father was not happy to hear how I left the group alone as I did. That is what he was going to tell you back there." Derowynn grinned and nodded. "It is all good. I am certain that a beautiful girl like you will find love soon." Violet shrugged and then a grinned crossed her face, "My father has handed over his business to me though. I am now the owner and he is enjoying the life of retirement. He helps me from time to time, but enjoys his days fishing or spending time with friends at the local pub."

The sound of footsteps could now be heard and soon Elizabeth was standing by them, hands on her hips and acting as if she were upset. "Are you cheating on me Derowynn with this lovely woman?" Dero giggled and pulled Elizabeth onto her lap, holding and hugging her tightly. "She is quite lovely, isn't she? But you are the one my heart belongs to." Derowynn giggled again and gave Liz a kiss. Soon the two were locked together in a passionate kiss and Violet, turning red, got up and started to walk away. "I, ahh, I will hope to see you at my flower shop some day then, my queen...Elizabeth." Derowynn looked up and giggled some. "That you will Violet. You take care." Violet gave a little wave and Derowyn and Elizabeth went back to their kiss.

---

Amasis honestly looked hilarious wearing a shirt. He was stiff and looked like his whole body was being constricted, despite the fact that the shirt was rather lose, and had plenty of room, even for a big man like him. Every time Vadik looked over to Amasis, he couldn't help but smirk, the Guardian standing there stiffly. During the picnic Vadik stayed close to the company, everyone looking rather confused and out of place. Amasis and Taurus stood awkwardly to the side, trying to act like they were use to such formal gatherings. Clarke and Waverly seemed moderately comfortable, but they were both apposed to dresses, instead wearing their usual riding clothing. Davi, who wore ripped pants and a leather jacket kept pulling out her wand and messing with unsuspecting victims, turning their forks into snakes and making the dead fox scarves around the ladies necks come to life. Vadik ended up having to take her wand away for the rest of the lunch, seeing as she ended up making a woman faint and hit her head when she felt the stuffed fox head on her shoulder lick her. "It's not my fault they wear funny cloths!" Was Davi's excuse.
By the time the lunch party finally ended Davi got her wand back, and Amasis ended up purposefully spilling wine all down his shirt so he had an excuse to take it off. As people started to depart the Company was taken away by the black smith, who was going to take their measurements for their Kings Guard armor, Taurus deciding he wanted to go oversee the training of some new men. Vadik, now alone, waited till most of the people were gone before he stood to leave, he stopped, however, when he saw Violet walking over to him. Vadik successfully managed not to frown, but it was visible in his eyes that he wanted to bolt. Instead Vadik stood his ground, standing tall as Violet went up to him. "You're looking well, your Majesty," Violet gave Vadik a sweet smile. The King didn't return the smile, simply looked at Violet with a blank face. Violet, after pausing to see if Vadik would say something, continued on, "I know we didn't end on good terms, but I still wish to be friends. I know it's a long shot, but it's still worth a try." Anger flared in Vadik, continuing not to say anything, even though he was saying a lot in his head. "I'd rather not, Violet," Vadik mumbled, turning and starting to walk away.
"Derowynn and Elizabeth forgave me, why can't you?" Violet called after him, now irritated. Vadik spun on his heals, taking two long strides back over to Violet. It took every ounce of his strength not to grab the front of her shirt and shake her. "They can forgive you, because they're not the one you gave up on. They can forgive you because they don't see that you're trying to play the victim. They can fucking forgive you, because they don't understand that I refuse to drag an unwilling member of the group around the country, which will end up slowing us down!" Vadik had started to raise his voice, but quickly brought it down to a angry growl when people started to look over at him. Violet looked just as angry, continuing to fight. "You could have talked me out of it! If I had known that you'd turn gay over this, I'd maybe try to make more of an effort, both in the group and in the relationship you gave up on!"
"You're upset because I'm with a guy now?! We both knew that our relationship was forced, and I wasn't as ready as I thought, and last I checked you were never homophobic towards Derowynn and Elizabeth!" Vadik gritted his teeth, angry and shocked that he was actually fighting with someone like Violet about this. "I actually loved you, Vadik, and jokes on me for thinking you actually loved me back. I'm not upset that you're dating a man, I'm just confused as to what happened to make you switch teams." Violet crossed her arms, frowning. Vadik, having enough of the conversation, quickly mumbled, "For starters he doesn't leave the group because he's home sick." Violet looked shocked, staring at Vadik as he turned and stormed away, fuming. Elizabeth, who had watched most of the fight go down from the woods, quickly followed Vadik into the castle. "Are you really not going to forgive her?" Liz asked. Vadik groaned, turning to glare at Elizabeth.
"I can't bring myself to forgive her for what she did. I'm not mad that we broke up, I'm mad that instead of speaking with me, she stormed off leaving the group." Elizabeth looked just as annoyed as Violet, crossing her arms. "Maybe you should have talked to her as well?" Vadik, tired of having the same conversation with a different person, turned and walked away. "This isn't about our relationship, for fucks sake! I know I'm not innocent when it came to me and her, but at least I didn't storm off because I was tired and home sick. She was selfish and was acting like she was the only one who was tired and wanted to go home." Elizabeth followed Vadik, continuing on. "Well if you stopped her from leaving you-" Vadik stopped, turned around and grabbed Elizabeth by the front of the dress. "Enough!" Vadik roared, his voice loudly echoing in the halls of the castle. "Why can none of you understand that I'm not going to drag an unwilling person around?! I tried to talk her out of it before we got to the Inn, but she was too tired and gave up. Stop talking to me like I'm the one who forced her out of the group! She did it on her own accord, she left us and that's why I'm mad at her, no amount of making me look like the bad guy will fix that!" Vadik shoved Elizabeth away from him, letting go of her dress, leaving her stunned in the hallway. Vadik went up to his room, throwing the door open to see Amasis wearing a prototype for the kings guard uniform, except for the make-shift chest plate. Amasis turned to Vadik, smiling wide, but stopped when he saw the anger on Vadiks face. "What's wrong?!" Amasis asked, hurrying over to Vadik, taking him over to the fire place and sitting him down in a chair.
After Vadik was done explaining the two fights he had Amasis sat there, frowning for a long while. "I want to meet this Violet woman." Vadik looked at his lover like he had two heads. "Meet her?! Why?" Amasis scoffed. "Just to see who she is, what she's like. Maybe me and her can have a calm conversation, seeing as you get all worked up and angry whenever you see her now." Vadik frowned, but accepted the idea, saying that they can go down to her flower shop after everyone else from the Kings Guard gets back from getting their measurements taken. Amasis changed, and went to go look for the rest of the group. Two hours later the Davi, Clarke, Waves, Amasis, and Vadik rode into town. Vadik showed the group to the flower shop, but only Amasis went in. Violet, who was arranging some flowers, turned with a smile on her face, which quickly disappeared when she saw who was walking into her store.
Violet looked both frightened, confused, and angry at the sight of Amasis. "What do you want?" She snapped, turning to look fully at the man who was twice her size. Amasis kept his usual grin on his face, calmly walking forward. "I just want to talk. Get to know the woman who made our King so upset." Violet was silent, glaring at Amasis. "My name is Amasis, if you didn't know. I understand that you and Vadik have a history together, and that you left in the middle of a very long quest, because you were home sick, and tired of the harsh conditions of traveling." Violet crossed her arms, looking very annoyed. "Are you here to make me feel like a horrible person, too?" Amasis chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I'm here to try and make peace between you and Vadik." Violet looked shocked, not expecting this from Amasis. "Currently Vadik can't look at your face without wanting to punch something, and honestly that's not very healthy. May I ask why you want to become friends with Vadik, even though he and you had a loveless relationship?"
Violet thought for a moment before answering with a shrug, "Even though Vadik was distant, we were still good friends. I enjoyed talking to him, and he really is a good guy. I regret leaving the group the way I did, but I couldn't take it any more. Vadik was right, I'm a flouriest, not a warrior. I know what I did was wrong, and I know that both our relationship, and the Inn reminding me of home is what drove me to leave. I should of talked with everyone, told Vadik how I felt, not just stormed off. I hurt everyone, and I know Vadik can't forgive me for letting the group down, but I'm trying to make amends for that." Amasis silently listened to Violet, nodding here and there, smiling a little when Violet was done talking. Violet looked down at her feet, frowning and tearing up a little. "I'll explain this to Vadik, and try to help him come to a rational, non-rage filled decision about all of this. It was lovely meeting you." With that, Amasis turned and left the store.

Derowynn was back in her comfort zone. She was in Elizabeth's and hers "love nest" as the two referred to it in private, curled up on the love seat in front of the fireplace which was blazing away on this cool spring evening. Of course a book was open and she was reading away as she snacked on a red juicy apple.

She heard the door to the room open and then get pushed shut. She stopped and looked up as the footsteps just stopped at the door. Looking over, she waited to see who would pass by the door of the library, assuming it would be Elizabeth, but when no one did, she put down her book and apple and went to see who had entered.

Looking out the door, she saw Elizabeth leaning against the door, her face in her hands and her body shaking as she cried quietly. Derowynn quickly went to her and wrapped Liz in her arms. "My love, what is the matter? Why are you crying?" Elizabeth just shook her head as if to say "nothing" and wrapped her arms around Derowynn. The two held each other like this for a minute and then Derowynn took Elizabeth by the hand and led her to the love seat in front of the fire.

The two sat cuddled together for quite some time, looking into the fire and just holding each other. As Elizabeth started to settle down, Dero wiped some tears from her cheeks and gave her a soft kiss on her forehead. Brushing Liz's jet black hair from her face, Derowynn tried again. "Elizabeth, what is the matter? What happened?" Elizabeth sat up a little and then retold the incident with Vadik. As Derowynn listened, she felt herself grow warm. When Elizabeth told how Vadik had grabbed her and yelled into her face, Derowynn's fists started to clench.

When Elizabeth was finished, Derowynn started to get up, "That bastard! He will pay for this! I don't care of he is the king, he will not treat the wife of the queen in this manner, nor should he treat anyone else like this either!" Derowynn stormed to her closet to retrieve her cloak. Elizabeth followed closely behind and then reached out to Derowynn and brought her in close and holding her tghtly. She spoke quietly into Derowynn's ear as she rubbed the queen's back to help calm her.

"My dear queen, please do not do this, at least not while you are in such a rage as you are now. Let yourself calm. I made the mistake of going to Vadik when I was upset and this was the result. Please do not make the same mistake I did." Elizabeth could feel Derowynn's chest heaving up and down as she now held her tightly. Soon the heaving became less and she could feel the tension leaving Derowynn's body. As they stood in front of the closet, Elizabeth noticed two beautiful and nearly identical dresses hanging there that she had not seen before. One was a light pink and one a light purple.

Feeling Derowynn had settled down, she went to reach into the closet and pull out the dresses. "I haven't seen these before. They are beautiful." Derowynn nodded, "Your mother dropped them off earlier. She made them for us as a welcome back gift. She said she started them the day we left and finished them a week before we returned." Elizabeth took the purple one and held it before her, looking down at it and doing a little spin. Derowynn walked up behind her and started to undo the buttons and snaps of what she was wearing now, "Let's try them on, Liz."

Soon the girls were giggling and undressing and then redressing in the new dresses. They looked stunning in them. After doing their own little mini "fashion show" they sat on their bed hugging and giggling more. "Lets ride down to the village and go to the café there to get some tea,' Derowynn suggested. Elizabeth sprung up and pulled Dero to her feet. Soon the two were riding into the village and dismounting in front of the café.

As they sat at the café, sipping their tea, they saw the rest of their little group ride into town and stop in front of the flower shop where Violet worked. As Amasis dismounted and went inside, Derowynn stood up. Immediately Liz's hand shot out to grab Derowynn by the wrist as if she could see what was about to happen. Derowynn turned to look at Liz and simply said, "I will be pleasant." Elizabeth let the arm go and watch as Derowynn made her way to Vadik. When she reached Vadik, Elizabeth could see Dero say something, point back in her direction and then saw Vadik look over at her. His shoulders slouched a bit and he dismounted and started walking back with Derowynn.

As they got near, Derowynn gave Vadik a slap on his rear and a little shove in his back. She then stood there as she watched Vadik walk sheepishly up to Elizabeth.

---

Vadik stood awkwardly, Elizabeth trying not to grin at his embarrassment. Vadik had no idea how to start off the apology, so he just sat down and looked sadly at Liz. "I'll start, so you can get your pride out of the way," Liz chuckled, "I'm sorry that I provoked you. It was stupid of me to attack you when you were already angry, and I can only blame myself for the way you reacted." Vadik shook his head, now finding the words he needed. "I'm a gentleman, I shouldn't be running around screaming at my sister-in-law, and violently grabbing her. I lost my temper, and I'm sorry I lost it on you. It wasn't very kingly of me." Elizabeth scoffed, grinning and grabbing Vadiks hand. "We're all human. Let's both agree not to fight like that again, okay? Not only will it ruin our friendship, but I'm sure Dero will kill you the next time you do something like that." Vadik blushed, looking down at the table. The two talked for a few more minutes before Vadik got up and walked over to the rest of the group, Derowynn walking past him back to Liz. The two royals paused, Vadik mumbling an apology to Derowynn, kissing her cheek before pouting over to the rest of the group.
By then Amasis was walking out of the flower shop, looking confused at the sheepish look on Vadiks face. He turned and managed to quickly spot out Derowynn and Liz, frowning as he went to Vadik. "Is everything okay?" He asked, putting a hand on Vadiks arm. Vadik nodded, "We were just making up." Amasis nodded, glancing over to Liz and Dero again before relaying Violets message to Vadik. Vadik frowned, feeling even more like an ass. When Amasis was done talking, Vadik looked at the flower shop, frowning. "How 'bout we all go t' the pub for a drink, an' then we'll figure out if we should talk t' Violet or not, eh?" Davi suggested, noticing how upset Vadik was getting. The rest of the group agreed, getting on their horses and riding off, Vadik in the center. Before they turned the corner, Vadik turned and waved to the far off Derowynn and Elizabeth, who walked back.
The group went to the bar, Waverly ordering multiple pints of ale while the rest of the group found a table that was in the corner of the room. "Personally I'd be stubborn and not let her back into the group," Clarke said with a shrug, "But that's because I value loyalty before comfort." Vadik leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "And as cute as that is, Clarke, we can't hold it against Violet, who's not a natural born fighter like we are," Waverly said with a smirk. "I feel bad for Violet," Amasis spoke up, "She knows she messed up, but she can't help it if she doesn't have warriors blood in her veins." Clarke frowned, not giving up. "Derowynn and Elizabeth don't have warriors blood either. In fact, I remember being told that Derowynn was extremely reluctant to go on the quest in the first place. You don't see her leaving the group, do you?" Suddenly Vadik spoke, "Derowynn and Elizabeth didn't leave because Derowynns the queen. She has a duty to help her people, and Elizabeth didn't leave because her wife was there, and she'll go wherever her wife goes. Violet not only had a loveless relationship, but she also had a father to go back to. Thorins death changed her view of the quest, made it more real. She never got to say good bye to her father, and the idea that she could get killed scared her into leaving." Everyone was silent, Davi coming back to the table with tray holding five pints of dark ale, handing one to everyone. She sat down, sipping her drink. "I don't think you should make her your maid of honor at your weddin' or anythin', but you should at least invite 'er to your weddin'," Davi said through a white foamy mustache, which she licked off.
The mentioning of a wedding made both Amasis and Vadik blush, the couple glancing at one another. Waverly, catching the exchanged look, grinned wide, looking as if she was holding back a secrete. "You two would make an amazing power couple if you had rings on your fingers," She drawled, her grin breaking into a smile. Amasis quickly pulled his drink to him, taking multiple long gulps. Vadik just glared at Waverly, catching on to her little game. "Who do you guys think would wear the dress?" Waverly giggled, the rest of the group giggling as well. "It would be a plot twist if Amasis wore the dress," Davi laughed, snorting a bit. Amasis kept quiet, continuing to chug his ale. "I think Vadik would have the brides maids, Derowynn being the Maid of Honor," Clarke said, winking at Vadik, who quickly stood up. "Okay, that's enough, drink your drinks and then we go," Vadik said, walking away to the bathroom. Amasis sat there awkwardly, the girls still grinning at him. Once Davi started to hum 'here comes the bride' Amasis bolted up and followed Vadik to the bathroom.
Vadik was leaning up against the counter, looking down into the water basin with his eyes closed. "I'm sorry, I'll be back in a few minutes, I've just got a lot to think about," Vadik said, glancing to Amasis. Amasis gave Vadik a warm smile, hugging him from the back. "Don't feel so pressured. I don't want to get married." Vadik almost spun completely around, looking upsettingly at Amasis. The Guardian quickly added, "Not right now, at least." Vadik physically relaxed, leaning back against Amasis. "Right now I want to just be here. With you, and our friends, and I want to take things slow. Maybe after this whole Aborjan fiasco ends we can think about maybe getting married, but for now we can just focus on what we have now." Vadik nodded, smiling a bit. He turned completely around, wrapping his arms around Amasis' neck. "You're amazing, you know that?" Vadik mumbled before leaning in and kissing Amasis. "Of course I know that," Amasis chuckled.

Derowynn went to stand next to Elizabeth as she saw Vadik walking off. "How did that go?" she asked, seemingly knowing the answer as she saw the grin on Liz's face. "It went very well. He is a gentleman. I know he has much on his plate right now too and I should not have poked the bear with the stick. I did tell him though, if it happened again he would be dealing with you." Elizabeth's eyes smiled at this as she watched Derowynn grin. "Yes he will, and I will kick his ass if he touches you in that manner again."

The two hugged and watched as the five mounted and started down the street. They waved at Vadik as he had turned to wave to them and then took each other's hand and walked back to their horses. Although spring had come, it was a cool evening. Soon a wet, heavy snow started to fall. Before the girls were back to their horses, they were already covered with the wet, sticky moisture.

The ride back to the castle was a bit slow as the wet snow made things a bit slippery. The horses took their time on the paths and the girls could have cared less. They talked and talked, laughed and giggled the whole way back. Getting to the stable, the handed the horses over to the stable hand and then made their way to the castle. Once inside, they were greeted by two servant girls who took their wet outer garments and then led the women to their room where a warm pot of hot chocolate and some cookies awaited them.

A fire was already blazing in each fireplace of the women's suite. They took time to undress and put on their night clothing and then found their way to the love seat in front of the library fireplace. There they curled up with the hot chocolate and cookies and continued to tell more stories of their past and some about present company.

The night wore on and the cookies and chocolate disappeared. Soon the two were embraced with each other on the love seat, a warm quilt wrapped around themselves. As late night became early morning, the mates drifted off the sleep in each others arms no doubt having dreams of the stories told that night or perhaps fantasies of being with each other.

---

Two weeks had passed sense the company had returned home. Everyone was slowly learning their way around the castle, spending their days with each other and exploring. Vadik and Taurus, however, were busy the entire two weeks in meetings about what their next move in the war would be. Both Taurus and Vadik sat in the sessions for hours on end, bored out of their mind listening to old men bicker about the plans. Between meetings Vadik would go and find Amasis, spending the few moments he had talking and complaining, while Amasis just chuckled and tried to relax Vadik. Finally, one night, Amasis thought of an idea. "What if we take the weekend off?" Vadik, who was in his office reading over some maps while Amasis lay in bed, reading. Vadik looked up at Amasis, raising his eyebrow. "What?" He asked, tilting his head to the side a bit. "There's a little bed and breakfast place down in the village. We won't be too far away, and we can have a night or two to ourselves. It'll be like that one time we got separated from the group!" Vadik frowned, although he did think the idea sounded wonderful. "There might be an emergency that'll need my help," Vadik replied. Amasis kept his smile, knowing Vadik would always be hesitant to leave his castle. "We'll be less then ten minutes away. If they need us, they'll easily find us... Come on, Vadik, allow yourself to have fun this one time!"
Eventually Vadik agreed, after thinking up every scenario that he could. That night the two men went to bed chuckling and making up bogus reasons why they would be called back, both of them eventually falling asleep with a grin on their faces. When the sun rose, Vadik and Amasis went to breakfast, telling the group that they were going to be spending a day or two away from the castle and all of its politics. Everyone agreed, Davi commenting on how fun it would be to go to a bed and breakfast. The group continued talking and eating, but Vadik stopped halfway through a mouthful of bacon when he noticed a very out of place man walking into the room. He was wearing villager clothing compared to the soldiers and the lords and ladies in the room. It took Vadik a second before he finally recognized the man as Violets father. Vadik quickly swallowed his half chewed food, and slowly stood up, eyes locked on the man who was walking up to him. He looked... Worried, and scared, like something very bad just happened.
Violets father came to the head table, bowing to everyone. "Your majesties, I am Lucio... I am Violets father," The man said in a quivering voice, wringing his hands nervously. Vadik furrowed his eyebrows noticing the tears starting to brim in the mans eyes. "I... I'm afraid that Violet has gone missing," Lucio said, the tears filling his eyes more. It took a second for Vadik to process what Lucio had said, his face visibly pausing before realization crossed him. Vadik quickly walked out from behind the table, putting an arm around Lucio and leading him out of the dinning hall, Derowynn and Elizabeth quick on his heals. The group turned into an empty meeting room, closing the door quickly. By now Lucio was crying, tears rolling down his old withered face freely. "T-This is my f-f-fault!" He wailed, putting his face in his hands. Vadik glanced over to Dero, both of them looking confused and worried. "What happened?" Vadik asked, putting a hand on Lucio's shoulder.
"I-It all started after you guys left... I got b-bored of life after my daughter had stopped visiting me to go on your quest, so I filled my time with gambling. Unfortunately, I'm not the best gambler, and ended up losing more money then I could pay back, around the time that Violet came home. She found out about my debt, and tried to help me pay it off, taking over the store and trying to sell as much as she could. Then you guys came back, and she thought that maybe you could help us out, but it was too late. By the time she came to confront you guys, my bookies got tired of waiting. They took me, and said that they don't care about the money anymore, that they'll just sell me into slavery for the price that I owe. I don't know how, but Violet managed to find me. She told my bookie to take her, not me, that she would be worth more sense she was younger. I-I don't know what to do, that was three days ago, and the company I gambled with is known for being ruthless with their clients who don't pay... I-I'm afraid it's too late.... I only just remembered that you people could help..."
The three royals listened in silence, no one saying anything for a couple seconds, Vadik turning to look at the two girls. Both of them looked just as shocked as him. "We need to," Elizabeth whispered as the three of them walked across the room to privately talk it over. "I know we need to, but how? We don't know any of the details about this company, what if they have their own private army?" Elizabeth crossed her arms. "Do you forget that you're a king? You have your own army as well, and a kick ass Kings Guard... We can easily storm the building and get Violet back, along with any other person who's stuck in there." Vadik thought for a moment before saying, "We can take our group, go in, get Violet, we'll have backup waiting if we need it, and we can stop the corrupted company while we're at it." The three smiled, nodding and agreeing at the idea. They told Lucio they would help, Lucio thanking them a thousand times. Elizabeth and Derowynn took Lucio up to a room, saying that he could spend the night in the castle while they went to get Violet.
Vadik called the Company together, explaining the situation, and what they would do. "We'll have Davi infiltrate the building by talking to one of the people. Lucio says you just have to ask to make a bet and they'll lead you right in. Once Davi is in, She'll send red sparks out the window with her wand. We'll go in, back up waiting if we need it. Derowynn, and Elizabeth will go down to find Violet, the rest of us will fight off any men that come. Once we have Violet we get out, and the authorities come in to shut down the company for good." The group all nodded in agreement, everyone grinning a little bit. Vadik smiled and nodded, "We leave in three hours, get ready."

Derowynn and Elizabeth went back to their room to change their clothing into something appropriate for the work before them. Elizabeth choosing her leather pants and top outfit, while Derowynn wore a linen dress. They strapped on short swords, Derowynn concealing hers under a long hooded cloak she put on. When they were ready, they assembled with the rest at the stable. Vadik had been explaining his plan to the group while they saddled their mounts.

Davi would gain entry first to try to be a distraction and then Vadik and Amasis would enter and go into the cellar of the building while Derowybn and Elizabeth would go in and make their way to the upper floor of the building. Waverly, Clarke, and Taurus would wait concealed outside, giving the group inside five minutes before they would make entry. On the way to the building, which stood on the outskirts of the village, Vadik spoke to the captain of the village guard and informed him as to what was about to happen and that he should be ready with a group of two dozen city guards to move in once Vadik and his group had what they came for.

When they got to within two hundred yards of the building, the group dismounted and made their way to their spots. Davi went up to the door and knocked. Soon a large man stood before her form the other side of the door. From a distance, the group could see Davi was talking all sweet to the man in the doorway. Was it their imagination or had she opened a few more buttons on her shirt? It sure seemed she was showing more and the man in the doorway had yet to make eye contact with her. Soon he had an arm going around her waist and was leading her inside the building, the door shutting behind them.

Elizabeth smirked a bit, "She seems to know her way around men." "Men have one, well two things on their mind when it is offered to them," Dero said. Then she looked over at Vadik, "Well, most men." Vadik didn't seem to hear her or didn't seem to care what she had implied. He just sat transfixed on the building, watching for Davi's signal.

They didn't need to wait long. Soon a set of red sparks was flying out of a window in a back room on the main level of the building. Vadik turned to look at the group and nodded. The four going inside made quick strides to the building while the others stayed hiding in the bushes they were currently in. When they reached the door, Vadik tried the doorknob and to the surprise of everyone, it turned. Either Davi had been able to do something to unlock it, or the oaf she went in with had too many things, or perhaps two things, on his mind and forgot to lock things up again.

Entering the building quietly, they saw no one in the room they came into. A quick look showed them a set of steps leading to the lower cellar and another set leading up to the upper level of the building. The girls made their way down while the boys went up. The set of steps leading down ended on a landing of dirt. The floor of the bottom level was packed dirt and a hallway lined with three doors on either side stood before the girls. Though a set of torches were there to light the passage, the light was dim.

Slowly and as quietly as they could, the two women made their way down the passage. Coming to the first door, Elizabeth tried the knob. It turned easily and she slowly pushes the door open. The lit of the passage flooded the room and revealed it as being empty. The same was true of the following four rooms. When they came to the last door, the knob would not turn. Elizabeth looked back at Derowynn, who just nodded. Elizabeth took off her sword and with the hilt gave a sharp blow to the knob. The blow weakened the knob and another one sent it falling to the floor. Pushing the door open, Elizabeth took a step in and saw an old man sitting on the floor inside the room.

The old man was leaning against the back wall of the room and smelt of booze and like he had messed himself. Derowynn patted Liz on her shoulder and motioned for her to come out. The old man just looked at the two women, perhaps thinking he was having a dream. When they were back in the passageway, Derowynn said, "We will let the guards take care of him. The two then turned and went back up to the main level room they had entered the building. They went to the door that lead to the inside of the main level and Liz put her ear to the door. She could hear voices on the other side and held up a hand to Derowynn to tell her to hold her position.

After a moment, she moved away from the door, a grin on her face. "Well, for now it seems Davi is entering those perverts she is with. I can hear her broken accent and then laughs coming form the men she must be with. She seems to be ok for now." Looking at the steps leading up, she then asked, "I wonder how the boys are doing?" Derowynn shrugged and moved closer to the outside door. "I think we should wait here for them to come back. See what they find and then make a new plan if needed." Elizabeth shook her head in agreement.

---

Everyone in the Kings Guard, except for Davi, was wearing the same armor. It had a light weight leather chest plate, tall leather boots, armor that protected their legs and groin, and finally a cloak. As Elizabeth and Derowynn searched downstairs, Vadik and Amasis, who refused to wear the chest plate, but accepted the cloak, went upstairs. Apparently no one had been alerted when Davi sent out the red sparks, probably having done it behind her back, or while no one was looking. Vadik and Amasis had their swords drawn as they quietly marched upstairs. Entering the first room, which looked to be an sitting room, with more doors in it, Vadik was pleased to see that no one was there.
Relaxing his sword Vadik looked around, walking to the first door he saw. Putting his hand door handle, Vadik paused when he heard laughter right below him. "We must be above Davi and the rest. We need to be quiet about this," Amasis suggested. Vadik nodded in agreement before turning the nob of the door slowly. Vadik opened the door a few inches, then suddenly threw it open, raising his sword to jab at anyone that was close to him. A man, who was sitting on a toilet, gave a surprised yell when the door flew open. Vadik quickly ran his sword into the mans chest, covering his mouth with a gloved hand. The man screamed against the glove, but his eyes slowly rolled to the back of his head, passing out. Vadik withdrew Rhindon from the toilet mans heart, the blade stained with blood now. Backing out of the smelly bathroom Vadik closed the door. Amasis went to the next door, throwing it open. No one was in the bedroom, nor in the room after it. Vadik opened the fourth and final door, reviling three men playing poker.
All of them looked surprised for a moment, Vadik taking the advantage and swinging his sword into the first man. The second two men drew their weapons, but the second man was struck down easily by Amasis. The final man seemed to be more trained in combat, managing to block a few of Vadiks blows before Vadik locked swords with him, punching his jaw. The guard fell to the ground, Vadik driving Rhindon into his side, piercing his lungs and heart all in one move. The noise of bodies falling and metal hitting metal made the men downstairs audibly stop laughing and talking. Davi, who was sitting on a large mans lap, visibly paused in her story telling, eyes flickering up to the ceiling above her. Quickly she went on, reaching the punch line of her joke, a now nervous twitch in her eyebrow. The men, although still visibly skeptical, continued to laugh and talk.
Amasis and Vadik went up to the third and final level of the house, trotting up the stairs quickly. However, right as Vadik got to the door, it swung open, a rather large man roaring in anger at the sight of Vadik and Amasis. The brute kicked a leg out, knocking Vadik in the chest, sending him flying backwards. Vadik rolled down the stairs, making a ton of noise, while Amasis managed to jump just in time, dodging Vadiks flailing body, and blocking a axe swing at the same time. Vadik lay motionless at the bottom of the stairs for a few moments, his entire body groaning in pain. The loud crash now fully alerted the guards on the lower level, the man who Davi was sitting on roughly pushing the Witch off of him, standing and glaring at the ceiling. Davi, realizing the gig was up, quickly drew her wand and sent a man flying through the door that Liz and Dero were listening through. The five remaining men all jumped into action, Davi dodging out of the way and quickly sending another blast of red sparks, alerting Taurus, Clarke, and Waverly, who all burst through the door a few seconds later.
Meanwhile, Vadik and Amasis struggled to fight the large axe-man, who had the upper hand being on higher ground. Multiple times Vadik and Amais were knocked back down, until finally Amasis managed to duck under a swing from the mans axe, and jab upwards. His sword sliced the mans belly, the curve easily ripping the stretched skin right open. Blood and guts poured out, all over both the two men and the stairs, making the wood slick. Once again Vadik took a tumble down the stairs, Amasis kneeling there, covered in blood and bits of organs that got cut by his sword. The axe man swayed where he stood, his weapon buried deep in the wall of the narrow stair case. Slowly he fell backwards, Amasis once again jumping just in time to doge the flailing body, which ended up landing right on Vadik. The two men could hear the fighting down below them, Amasis exchanging a bloody but worried look with Vadik, who was wiggling out from under the brutish axe man. Both of them hurried upstairs, trying to not slip on the blood that coated the bottom half of the stairs.
Once up on the final level, Amasis and Vadik could see what the axe man was guarding. There were at least 10 cages each housing a chained up person. Everyone looked either shocked or hopeful seeing Vadik and Amasis. Violet was in the farthest cage along the wall, her clothing ripped and the bottom half of her dress missing, reveling the fact that she was in fact forcibly raped. The once beautiful girl looked defeated, her right eye swollen closed, and her lip heavily busted. While Amasis broke all the locks on the cages, Vadik hurried straight to Violet, absorbing the door and the chains that held her. Violet fell limply into Vadiks arms, a cry of relief escaping her throat. Vadik heaved her out of the cell, the other nine prisoners quickly rushing out of the attic. Amasis hurried over to Vadik and Violet, inspecting the damage done. Not only did Violet get her face beaten bloody, but blood caked the inside of her thighs, and her wrists were badly chaffed where the chains rubbed when she pulled against them.
Vadik carefully picked Violet up, carrying her bridal style, looking to Amasis with a mixture of worry and rage. "Let's get out of here... Kill anyone you see," Vadik growled, Amasis looking just as angry as he nodded, leading the way down the steps. The three didn't run into anyone else as they went to the ground level, The men surprised to see that all of the women had managed to take down the group of five men. Most of them were either badly wounded, or knocked out, but there were a couple who were dead. Everyone had the same reaction that Vadik and Amasis did when they saw Violet, enraged at what they did. The Company left the building, Taurus waving down the large group of city guard. The captain came over to Vadik, eyeing Violet. "Capture all the living men in there... Arrest them, get all the information you need out of them, then execute them," Vadik ordered in a cold voice. The captain nodded, leading his men into the bloody building. Vadik gave Violet to Taurus, who could easily carry her as the rest of the group rode their horses, going back to the castle, everyone silent as they rode through the streets.

Derowynn stayed with Violet in the castle's infirmary that evening. The healers, doing what they could for the young woman, took their leave. The queen sat in a chair near Violet's bed and read some poetry to her as she laid there resting, a look of shock more or less still on her face. Around supper time, Elizabeth came to the room with two trays of food. She placed them on a table and then sat next to Derowynn, her eyes asking how things were going.

Dero just gave her a sad look. "I think it will take some time for her to recover physically, but she may never recover mentally." Violet just stared ahead, a tear coming to her eye that Elizabeth reached over to wipe away. Violet quickly reached for Liz's hand and just held it tightly as if never wishing to let it go. "Would you like to eat something, Violet?" Elizabeth asked. Violet slowly nodded her head and sat up in the bed. Derowynn brought the tray over to the bed and set it before the girl, who eagerly ate the food as she had not eaten for a few days now.

After she finished eating, Violet curled back up under her covers and finally fell asleep. Derowynn and Elizabeth left the room and told one of the nurses to keep a close eye on Violet and let them know if she needed anything. The nurse gave the two a curtsy and then they went on their way.

As they were walking through the courtyard to the main hall of the castle, a messenger came running by. Seeing the two ladies, he bowed deeply and then asked a bit frantically, "Your highness, the king...king Vadik...where might I find him?" Derowynn looked at Elizabeth who just shrugged as she had no idea where he could be other than his private chambers. "We are not sure. Is there a message you need delivered? I can take it to him for you," Derowynn said.

The messenger shook his head, "No, my queen. I must deliver this myself. The general gave strict orders to me." Elizabeth frowned, "General? Why is a general sending a message to the king?" The messenger looked a bit more frantic now, "Mi lady...our outpost on the southern border is under attack by Aborjan's men. We need immediate reinforcements if we are to hold our else our position will be breeched and the armies of the enemy will start to flood in!"

The two women looked at each other. "Stay here and we will search for the king. We will send him to you when we find him," Derowynn said as she started to move to the door of the main hall. "Elizabeth, go check his chambers. I will check the Council room," she continued. The women went swiftly in their opposite directions on their search of Vadik.

It would be Elizabeth who found the king in his chambers, relaxing with a cup of tea and conversation with Amasis. When she was let into the chambers, Vadik could see from the look on her face that there was trouble. He rose quickly from his seat, Amasis rising and standing next to him. "Our southern outpost...it's under attack!" Elizabeth managed to get out. "There is a messenger waiting for you in the courtyard!"

---

"Send our guards!"
"Do nothing, we can afford to lose that outpost!"
"Are you a fool?! That outpost is what's keeping Aborjan from coming here full force!"
a large group of old men all bickered and yelled, a small handful silently staring at the table, shocked that something like this would happen. Vadik, and Taurus stood there silently, waiting for the uproar to calm. After a few agonizing minutes of trying to decipher what was being yelled at him, Vadik looked to Taurus, who nodded at the look. "Silence! Let the King speak!" Taurus bellowed, the chandelier above them swaying slightly. The loud roar made everyone stop, their eyes wide with fear and surprise. Vadik, who had been sitting, stood and put his palms on the table. "We will not send the guards we have here, that's leaving the castle wide open for Aborjan to send another attack. We will pull troops from the Northern and Eastern outposts, they are the most dormant outposts, and have the most men. I will also take a group with me, and we will go with them."
The last part sent the consul into a frenzy. "Go?! You musn't go, we need you safe here!" Vadik crossed his arms, looking to Taurus again. "Quiet!" Taurus yelled again. Vadik thanked the Minotaur, then continued to explain his plan, "If Aborjan is there at the attack, Me and my Company need to be there to stop him once and for all. We've spent a year hunting, and destroying, the items that will weaken him, but he has one last item that is currently in his possession. A wand that can beat all other wands. No one else has the tools or knowledge to destroy it. Me and my group are going to protect our kingdom, and that's final."
Vadik and Taurus took their leave, walking out of the silent room. Quickly they told two messengers of their own to gather the proper amount of troops, but not to leave the other outposts vulnerable. The messengers ran off, leaving Taurus and Vadik to go and gather the company. Everyone had heard about the attack, and all of the Kings Guard was already dressed in their armor. Vadik looked at the group, pride in his eyes but a frown on his face. "This could be the battle that ends it all, you guys. If Aborjan is there we must focus all our efforts on him. He's a powerful wizard, but we have two powerful witches, a Guardian, a Minotaur, and three bad ass females. We can all do this." The group cheered, raising their fists up in the air. Vadik smiled a bit, telling the group to go off to get ready, but held back Dero and Liz. "I know both of you are worried about Violet. I won't be mad if you wish to stay here and watch after her. I do think that we need your man power, but I know how much you both are with Violet. If you chose to go, we're leaving in the next hour." With that Vadik nodded to them both, walking away.

As Vadik walked away, the two women looked at each other. It was Elizabeth who spoke first. "After all we have gone through with our group, I have no intention of leaving them fight this battle without us and thinking us to be cowards. I intend to get my gear and to be ready to go in an hour." Derowynn grinned and nodded, "I must agree with you. We shall go along, but I would like to check in on Violet before we depart."

Elizabeth nodded and went back to their quarters to start to assemble their gear while Derowynn made her way to the infirmary, finding Violet sitting up in her bed and eating. Derowynn went and sat down at the foot of her bed and gave her a smile, "It appears you are feeling better." Violet nodded, placing a spoonful of soup in her mouth. "Much better, my queen." She sat silent a moment and then looked back at Derowynn, "Is it true? Are our forces being attacked by that mad man?" Derowynn nodded, "It is. Some of us are leaving within the hour to lend our aid. That is why I cam to see you. I wanted to see how you are fairing and to let you know we will be away for a short while."

Violet set her bowl of soup aside and laid her hands on her lap. "I thought he would be defeated after the quests had been accomplished. Why is he still a threat like this?" Dero sighed lightly, "He still holds a horcrux that we must destroy. Perhaps this will be the final battle. I do not know. I would like to live in peace though."

Violet sat quietly for a while again and without looking at Derowynn asked, "And if it is, is it true that you and the king can go back to your home world?" The question blindsided Derowynn as she had not thought of her home world for quite some time. The time of the quests and her life with Elizabeth had all but erased that thought from her mind. She felt as if she had always been part of this world of Narnia. "I suppose it would be a possibility," she replied back to Violet. "Will you? Will Vadik?"

Derowynn moved closer to Violet and laid a hand on the woman's lap. "I cannot speak for Vadik. But, I don't wish to leave my life here. I have made friends and have a beautiful mate to share my life with. This is my home now. Violet smiled slightly at this as is saying, "that is what I wanted to hear". Derowynn leaned down and kissed the woman on her forehead. "You get better. I want to see you up and in your flower shop by the time we all return." She emphasized the word "all".

Derowynn rose and left the room to make her way to the quarters. When she got there she found the gear packed and Elizabeth in need of some help buckling up her armor. Derowynn walked to her and aided her. "And how is Violet?" Liz asked. "She is doing better. Was sitting up and eating when I got there. I think she will be in her home by the time we get back from this trip." Liz turned and smiled, "That is good news. Now, get yourself undressed and we shall get your armor on." Obediently, the queen started to disrobe.

---

When people say 'The Southern Tower' what they really mean is an old abandoned ruin of what use to be a watch tower. Set in a rocky valley surrounded by mountains, the tower overlooks a few roads that lead from Isenguard to other castles and towns. The watch tower was undermanned, due to everyone thinking that Aborjan was going to attack from North or East side. As Vadik rode into sight of the tower, he was shocked to see how much blood had already been shed. The ground was littered with bodies, although Vadik was pleased to see most of them were Aborjans men. The fighting was loud, and as Vadik rounded a rocky hill, he saw the war raging on. The Northern and Eastern guards were already there, giving them around 200 men. If Vadik had to estimate, however, there were at least 500 still standing men on Aborjans side. Amasis rode next to the stopped Vadik, looking worried but alive. "How are we going to defeat Aborjan?" Vadik shrugged, shaking his head. "He's going to be well protected, and hard to fight. I'm going after him to get his wand, once I managed to destroy it, everyone can move in and attack him." Vadik looked back to see everyone, except for a bouncing Davi and a calm Taurus, had the same look as Amasis. "I expect all of you back here when this is over.... However, if I don't..." Vadik couldn't finish his statement, his throat closing up with emotion. "We'll be right behind you, Vadik," Clarke said with a smile and a nod. Vadik smiled back before turning to look at the battle field again.
Drawing his sword, Vadik kicked his horse into a quick gallop, leading the charge of his men and volunteering towns members into the thick wave of men. Multiple enemies turned to look at the noise, their eyes widening as they saw the heavily armored Company, and another wave of 'soldiers'. They put their spears out to stop the Companys horses, but the group simply jumped over them, landing deep in the mess of things. Vadik slashed his sword on every side, feeling the blade hit skull and throat with each swing. His mount bucked and reared wildly, knocking people clear away from them. Vadik looked to see everyone else doing the same, although Taurus had gotten off, and was cutting six men down with one swing of his axe. Vadik jumped when he felt something sharp slash his shoulder, leaning off to the side just in time to be missed by another arrow. The arrow sank deep into his horses shoulder, the horse rearing and whinnying with pain. Vadik turned to see a bat man riding a horse of his own, grinning evily with a bow in his hand. Vadik, pulling the arrow from the bleeding wound of his horse, turned his mount around and sent it into a mad gallop. Men were knocked and trampled as Vadik ducked down, the bat man wildly shooting arrows in his panic.
Swinging his sword Vadik sliced the man clean in half, right before someone buried their axe into Vadiks horse's chest.
The horse fell forward, sending Vadik flying five feet through the air, landing on a rocky patch of ground. His head helmet hit a rock, the strap under his chin breaking and the helmet flying off. Vadik groaned, eyes blurring a bit as he struggled to remain awake. Vadik could hear something slashing and yelling, but he didn't sit up and look around until someone forcibly grabbed his breast plate and lifted him up. His eyes slowly adjusted, focusing on Amasis, who was wiping some blood from Vadiks brow. "Are you okay?" Amasis asked, standing Vadik up and slashing at a charging bat man, cutting him down easily. Vadik nodded, looking around at where they were. Vadik stopped when he saw a flash of green light a few yards from where they were. Vadik instantly recognized the light as a byproduct of the killing curse that he's seen many times before. Amasis had seen the light, too, looking back at Vadik confused. Vadik, however, was excited. "Go get Davi and Waves, I'm going to need their help!" Vadik yells to Amasis before charging into the crowed again. He cut and slashed, killing anyone who tried to stop him as he ran through the fighting men. Vadik stopped when he saw a clearing of men, Aborjan in the middle swinging his wand wildly around, flashes of green light hitting their marks, killing Vadiks men easily. Vadik let out a yell, Aborjan turning, shock on his face as he saw Vadik charge at him. Aborjan yelled the familiar spell 'Avada Kadavra', but Vadik baseball-dived down onto the ground, the green ball flying over him and hitting Aborjans own man in the chest. Vadik got up just in time to block a swing from a soldier, Vadik managing to easily over power him, driving his sword into the mans chest.
Vadik looked up to see Waverly and Davi both sprint into the clearing, stopping when they saw Aborjan. Amasis, however, kept on charging, his curved sword raised high over his head. Vadik couldn't even get out the words, 'no, don't', before Amasis was suddenly thrown to the side with a flash of red light. Amasis hit the ground heavily, but was still moving around, awake but breathing heavily, like his ribs were broken. Davi and Waverly sent out two different hexes, both of them being blocked by Aborjan, who was paying more attention to the two Witches then he was to Vadik. The King took that advantage to sprint at him, sword razed. However, Aborjan moved fast, blocking two more hexes from the girls, then turning and sending a bolt of lighting right in front of Vadik. There was an explosion, Vadik was thrown through the air, landing in a crumpled ball on the ground. His armor was smoking, and there was blood coming from his ears, nose, and a new gash on his head. Davi and Waverly paused in their hexing to look at the smoldering Vadik, relief flooding their face when he started to move, groaning. The girls continued to attack Aborjan as Vadik slowly started to get up. There was a bellow behind Vadik, who looked up with unfocused eyes just in time to see the figure of Taurus leap over him, axe in hand. Aborjan's form tensed up, ducking out of the way of a hex before sending a flash of green light, yelling the killing curse at Taurus. Vadik froze, the green light hitting Taurus right in the chest. The Minotaur, however, kept on running, although he had slowed down, something splattering out of his mouth that Vadik figured was blood. Aborjan sent another killing curse at Taurus, this time hitting him in the head. The general went down this time, although he was so close to Aborjan that he ended up hitting the wizards, sending Aborjan flying a few feet back.
Vadiks vision started to clear up, his eyes landing on the motionless Taurus, who's entire left side of the face was burned badly from where the curse had hit him. The Minotaurs eyes were still open, staring blankly into the crowed of fighting men, his mouth slack while his tongue hung out. Vadik, consumed by anger, tightened his grip on Rhindon, taking a few steps towards Aborjan, who was getting up now. Vadik was about to lift his sword and run at Aborjan, but Davi and Waves beat him to the blow. Both of them flourished their wands, both of them yelling, "Expelliarmus!" Two flashes of red hit Aborjan in the chest and neck. The force of the blow send Aborjan flying one way, his wand magically flying the other. However, the wand landed too far from Vadik, and Aborjan looked to be recovering quickly. As if a mirical happened, Derowynn, Elizabeth, and Clarke all appeared right by the wand. Vadik, acting on impuls, yelled out Derowynns name, throwing her Rhindon. Dero caught the sword, spotting the wand. Aborjan was now yelling, running towards the group of girls, but it was too late. Derowynn had swung down, slicing the wand clean in two. There was the explosion of smoke, Aborjan freezing in his spot, anger and fear mixed on his face.
Vadik took this time to run and football tackle Aborjan to the ground, his forgotten rage returning. Vadik got on top of the stunned Aborjan, and started to punch him repeatedly in his face, his armored glove doing an amazing amount of damage. Vadik didn't realize he was screaming in rage as he beat Aborjans face bloody, but when Elizabeth and Clarke pulled him off he attempted to go back and attack Aborjan again. Amasis, who was now recovering from being hit in the chest with a spell, grabbed Vadik around the middle and held onto his struggling lover. Vadik slowly calmed down, although his breathing was still hard. Clarke and Waverly grabbed Aborjan by the arms, sitting him up on his knees. Derowynn came out of nowhere and managed to get a good kick in the face before quickly being backed away by Elizabeth, who was grinning proudly. Davi looked at Aborjan blankly, her wand gripped tightly in her hand. Vadik grabbed his sword, and was about to drive it through Aborjan, but paused right as the tip dug into his chest. Vadik turned to the silent Davi, and offered Rhindon to her. Without hesitation Davi grabbed the sword, but didn't drive the blade through Aborjan. Instead she grabbed his bloodied face and looked down at him.
"Do you remember me?" She growled down to the defeated wizard. Aborjans cruel eyes studied Davi for a moment before he shook his head. The held back anger flared in Davi's eyes as she tightened her grip on Aborjans jaw, the wizard groaning in pain. "You killed e'ryone I ever loved. You killed my mother, my father, my two kid sisters, and the woman I loved. Now you jus' killed a good friend of mine," She pointed at the massive form of Taurus, "And you're tellin' me you don' remember me?!" Davi punched Aborjan, breaking his already broken jaw more. "I'm gonna enjoy this," Davi mumbled before taking Vadiks sword, and slowly sliding it into Aborjans hard. The wizards eyes went wide, and he started to scream although no one helped him, everyone too busy fighting. The light started to drain from his eyes the closer Davi got to the hilt of the sword. Once Rhindon couldn't be pushed into Aborjans heart any more, Davi continued to stand there, staring into Aborjans dulling eyes until finally the wizards body went limp, his eyes blankly looking back at Davi. Davi was crying, taking a few steps back. Vadik grabbed Rhindon, pulling the sword out as Waverly and Clarke dropped the body. Everyone stood there silently, some crying, some not sure what to feel or do. The one feeling everyone shared was relief... Their enemy they've been fighting for almost two years was finally defeated. And what was most satisfying, is that no one seemed to noticed that their leader was dead.

The smoke and dust was settling on the field of honor. Derowynn and Elizabeth sat on the ground leaning on each other for support. The day had been long and the fight had been hard. Both women were at the point of exhaustion as they sat looking around them. Soon they were joined by the other members of the group. First Clarke and Waverly, then Davi came walking up with Vadik and Amasis.

They all sat around in a circle. The moment was a bittersweet one. In the distance they could see the black mound on the ground that was Taurus. Vadik had already given an order to have his body taken back to the castle where it would be given a proper burial and he would be remember as a hero of the realm. A young boy came around with a bucket of water and a scoop. Each of the member took their turn taking a drink.

Standing up, Derowynn said, "It is time to head back. Our work here is done." She held out a hand to Elizabeth and helped her from the ground. The other rose soon after and they went to find their mounts. As they walk to the back of the lines, they saw crews picking up bodies and burial of the dead started. Aborjan and his men were thrown into a large pile that was later set on fire to destroy their dead bodies.

When the group arrive back at castle gates, they were greeted by a crowd of cheering people and Caspian. That night they feast well, toasting their victory and their fallen comrades. With the threat of Aborjan now gone, it was the first night the members of the group along with all residents of the kingdom sleep well, dreams of enduring peace passing through their heads.

---

In the years to come, the King and Queen reigned as well loved rulers, praised for their bravery in the battle against Aborjan, and all the other wars that had come and gone. Caspian died an old man, surrounded by everyone he loved, in his former castle that he had gotten back after the fall of Aborjan. Dakari took Caspians place on the throne, ruling and helping Vadik and Derowynn when needed. Dero and Liz ended up adopting a orphaned boy, raising him, with the help of Vadik, to be the next King of Narnia. Vadik and Amasis ended up marrying, living with the rest of the Company in Isenguard. Davi never found love, but her favorite thing to do was play with Derowynn and Elizabeths' son. Clarke and Waverly ended up splitting from each other, although they were still close. Taurus was buried in a glorious grave, next to the empty grave of Thorin, magnificent statues marking each burial site.
Vadik and Derowynn ruled Narnia for over sixty years, and the first to pass away between the two was Vadik. He had already lost Amasis, who was just as old as Vadik was, so the King was ready to pass onto the next adventure. Derowynn sat next to him, her white hair in a beautiful braid. She held Vadiks wrinkled, scarred, spotted hand rightly, some tears slipping from her eyes. Vadik just talked quietly about the old days, thinking back on that one adventure they had, their best adventure, where they rode all around Narnia hunting horcruxes and defeating evil. Elizabeth, Waverly, Clarke, and Davi all joined in the reminiscing. Vadik slowly closed his eyes, a smile on his old face as he passed away thinking about Amasis and all the amazing memories they had together.
The funeral was beautiful, and right after Derowynn and Elizabeths son was sworn into Kinghood, along with his wife and child. Derowynn and Elizabeth both died in each others arms, content in their sleep. One by one the rest of the Company passed away, their stories becoming history that all the children learned in school. Back on Earth the memory of Vadik Nadir and Derowynn Hopkins was erased, their existence wiped away so that no one would miss them, or remember them.