I have heard many tales in my time. Some of faerys and maidens with long golden hair. Others with demons whose eyes burn with fire. All have affected me some how. But the tale of my friend Steeldragon saddened me. For I too know how it feels to be one being when the birds sing and another when the wolves cry. Different being, same soul. I have never told anyone of this. But I must tell you now...
All was well in the Kingdoms. My mother was queen and graced the presence of the lands with every word she spoke. Her heart was of gold. Her name was Caileadair, and nothing could take me away from her or the Kingdoms. Nothing... but a man. My blood is that of a warriors. My father was a warrior and his forefathers were so as well. No one in the Kingdoms could match my skill, and no one ever did. Until the time came.
One afternoon, I was sparring with some warriors as I did everyday. After the fight, I turned around to head home. But a man stood in front of me. My heart stopped. His hair shown like fire in the sun, his body was flawless, his face strong. His name was Skeld. He asked for a duel, and I accepted. I drew my sword and waited for him to do the same. He did not. Instead, he walked up to me and kissed me passionatly. I could not move for the life of me and i felt the earth move. Then I felt a cold blade to my throat.
He had won.
I hated him with the fire to make all other hate seem like ice. I went home and retreated into my chambers. I was in there for about one or two days. Only my mother could enter. Then I finally decided to get some sun on my face. and who do I see standing outside the castel? "I'm sorry if I have hurt you in any way. If I have, please let me make it up to you. I beg of this. After that, we became friends, and grew closer and closer every day. And I ended up falling in love with him. I wanted to be with him until my body sustained life no more.
An evening in the forest would shock me as nothing ever had. Skeld took a crystal ball from his pack, and handed it to me. I froze as I held it, watching souls of people just like I, screaming and moaning to break free. He was noneother then a Mage. But I was in love, and I thought I could live with that.
I ended up living with him. In that time I found out who he really was... dead cold, had no soul, cared for nothing. When his breath touched my skin, chills ran through me. When he kissed me, my heart broke. This was not love in any form. His kisses were more like bites and often left marks. A piece of my happiness dripped away each day.
One night at a simple meal of bread and cheese I could take it no more. "I can't be here anymore. I must leave this place forever," I said. "You will do nothing of the sort," he replyed. "My eyes see no light. The sun has turn crimson and my heart is dying. I did not know when I fell in love with you that your whole being is stone. And I feel not one drop of love for you." "If I cannot have you, no one shall." And with that, he arose in flight. Lightening filled the sky. I felt as if I was transending into the heavens. Then my body went limp.
I awoke in the embrace of the night sky. As I was about to stand, i looked into a puddle next to me and hung my head. The relection was a deep blue cat. By morning, I was myself agian, and panting, I flew into his door. "What is this curse upon me Skeld?" "If I cannot have you, no one shall. You think of my love as nothing. You have betrayed me. And for this you are cursed. See through you I can, and your soul has turned blue. The vibrant gold color running through your vains has now turned clear. For your soul is so sad, it knows no color. You will be the beatiful maiden warrior by day, and the deep blue feline by night. This will be the way of things till your days are over. You will never be loved agian."
That is the last time I ever saw him. I could not bear to tell mother so I left the Kingdoms which I hold so dear. I now fight for others.. those of the Shadow Kingdoms. Those either dark to begin with or have a sealed fate just as mine. I search everyday for a way to break the spell. And I stll havent found the love of which he speaks. I will search forever, I believe.
For who do you know could love me now, a dark maiden warrior as the crimson sun shines, or the deep blue feline who walks the night as the moon kisses the stars?