rekindleme | Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been?

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Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been?

Who: Kit, her new Chocobo, and you
Where: Anywhere around the streets of Saeng Seong
When: August 1st. afternoon
What: Kit is taking her Chocobo out for a ride, since Salali needs the exercise and Kit needs the time to think about recent happenings. Anybody want to talk to her?
Warnings: Probably none? Will update if that changes.

Salali loped at an easy pace through the city streets. Kit knew she could go faster, but until they got to a more open area, that probably wasn't a good idea. The chocobo was a lot bigger than her, after all, and running into someone at speed could really hurt them.

Also, the easy pace, gave her some much needed time to think. What the leader of the Ragnar had said disturbed her. From the way he'd described things, it sounded like things here were similar to how they had been back home between the Cats and the Lizards. If that was so, then the Ragnar had a right to be angry. And something needed to be done before things got as bad as they had been back home; the lizards had destroyed Thundara as soon as Mumm-Ra had given them the technology to do so, and a great many innocent people had been killed, including very nearly Kat and herself. Whatever those in charge of Saeng Seong might be up to, the regular people who lived there didn't deserve to be punished for it.

But on the other hand, the leader of the Ragnar hadn't exactly presented himself in a way that inspired a whole lot of trust, what with the spooky messages, power failures, creepy candles, and a message over the terminals where he refused to really show his face. And aside from the whole sorta-kidnapping thing- which Kit felt was somewhat understandable, under the circumstances- the people of Saeng Seong had been nothing but kind to them. They'd given them money, a place to live while they were there, and had included them in their festivals and daily lives. Living here was the first time in a long time Kit had really felt secure, even if she still missed her brother and her friends. What if he'd been lying?

But then, the way those in charge had taken down the message... Why did they do that? Were they just mad at the Ragnar for trying to cause trouble, like they'd said? Or were they afraid that people would find out that they hadn't been told the whole truth?

Kit didn't know. The smart thing to do would probably be to go and ask Rhea about it. The leader of the Ragnar didn't seem to have a problem with her, and she was important around here. If anybody knew what was really going on and would be willing to tell them, it would be her. Kit had even kept the remaining stub of her candle, in case Rhea could tell her anything about it. But would that get Rhea into trouble? Rhea was nice, and the last thing Kit wanted was to do something that might cause her serious problems.

She sighed. That message had sure made things a lot more complicated.

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Diarmuid is worried when Luke suddenly goes missing. However, since he has been in the city as long as he has, he knows to first check the hospital to see if his friend is just 'sleeping' like people sometimes do. While he is still worried about his friend, finding him there does mean he is still in the city and hasn't been sent home. That is a good thing.

There isn't much he can do but wait for his friend to wake up. However, that doesn't stop Diarmuid from going to visit Luke everyday to tell him stories, so that the red-head doesn't get too lonely while he sleeps...

It's kid logic, don't question it.

He is on his way to the hospital, in fact, when he runs into Kit outside of Building 3. He waves and then runs over to her. Once he gets close enough to see the worry on her face, he frowns.

"What's wrong, Kit?"

When Luke hadn't shown up for their lesson Monday, Kit had been annoyed. She'd waited there all afternoon, but when she dot mack to her apartment? No call, no message, no nothing.

But maybe he'd been busy. Or had forgotten. Those kinds of things happened, after all. Surely there would be an apologetic message waiting for her the next day, maybe even a promise to make it up to her.

But no. Nothing. Another entire day passed with no word. It was about then that Kit moved past 'annoyed' and into 'concerned'.

It was now the third day and Kit had blown past concern into genuine worry. She'd asked around the building, even checked Luke's apartment. Nothing, No one had seen him, and the apartment was empty.

Which was why Kit was hurrying down the street to check the other buildings. Someone had to know what happened to him, after all. And upon spotting Diarmuid, she scampered over to ask him. He was Luke's friend too, after all, so surely he'd have some idea.

"Diarmuid!", Kit said, a little out of breath. "Diarmuid, Luke was supposed to give me a reading lesson, but he didn't show up, so I thought he might be just busy, but it's been three days, and nobody knows where he is, and his apartment's empty, and I'm really worried!"

After all that, Kit finally paused for a proper breath. "Do you have any idea where he is?"

Diarmuid listens carefully as she talks--it's the only way he won't miss anything with as quickly as she is speaking--and nods once she is done. He turns and points off in the direction of the hospital, "He's sleeping! It happens sometimes. People fall asleep for a long time and no one knows why. The druids call it a co-ma, but it looks just like sleeping to me. When I realized I hadn't seen him for a while, I went to check at the hospital and he was there! I have had friends end up there before."

He reaches out for her hand and gives her a gentle pull, "I was just going to see him to tell him stories so he won't get lonely while he is sleeping. Come on! I will show you where he is!"

It's good that Diarmuid knows how to interpret worried kitten, yessir.

"Sleeping?", Kit repeated, only somewhat less concerned than before. Diarmuid didn't seem worried, and he apparently knew what was going on, bit still...

Kit willingly took his hand, nodding. "Alright," she said. She didn't know where this 'hospital' was, and so was glad Diarmuid did.

"He will wake up eventually though, right?", Kit said as they walked. "This kind of sleeping is just for a long time, not forever?"

It's not that different than worried boy when it comes down to it...

"That is right!" Diarmuid nods as he continues to lead the way toward the hospital, "I was scared the first time it happened to my friends, but they always woke up. It happened to Suzaku twice even! I guess some people are just more unlucky than others?"

He really hopes it doesn't mean Luke might leave soon. After all, Suzaku had ended up leaving, but others he knows who fell asleep are still here, so he's not sure what to think.

Kit nodded. It helped to know that Luke would wake up eventually, but she wouldn't be really reassured until she saw him and knew that he was OK.

"Yeah, I guess," Kit agreed. Then after a moment of quiet, she asked thoughtfully. "I wonder which ones we are? The more lucky or the less lucky, I mean." She honestly couldn't tell sometimes, in this place. Things had gotten so weird lately...

"I'm...not sure..." There had been a time when Diarmuid would automatically have said they were the lucky ones, but now he isn't so sure, "Being awake means that we can fight and help figure these things out, but if we were sleeping we wouldn't have to worry about accidentally making the wrong choice or getting someone hurt."

To be honest, the little knight in Diarmuid leans toward them being lucky because he wants to be awake to fight, but he is still a child and there is part of him who would rather be sleeping so he doesn't have to figure these hard things out...

Kit nodded. "I guess it's like the book Luke was helping me with says," she said. "It's hard for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind. Or her mind."

"It would probably be easier to just stay in the Waiting Place," Kit said, "and wait for things to happen. But that's what everybody's been doing here for a hundred years. Just waiting for something to change. And it hasn't made anything better."

"So I'll take being awake, I think," Kit said, nodding decisively. "It's better, even if it is harder."

"I agree. Knights don't take the easy way. Not when there are people who need help!" Diarmuid nods, but as he does, a curious look crosses his face, "What is the book you are talking about? It sounds like a very good one! I would like to read it myself."

Or have someone read it to him if it is too hard for someone his age to read. Maybe Luke will read it to him too?

"Oh! Here we are! The hospital. Lets go in!"

"It's called 'Oh! The Places You'll Go!'," Kit said. "And it really is a good book; it's got some good advice in it. The guy who wrote it must've been really smart."

Kit looked up at the big building as they approached, making sure to memorize its location. She nodded and followed Diarmuid inside, looking around. Going in through the big double doors brought them into a large lobby with a very high ceiling. Immediately visible were a reception desk, a couple seating areas, a gift shop, and a few potted ferns, as well a number of adults going about their business. A particular pair stood out as they walked by talking with each other. They wore white coats and carried clip boards and both had the type of air about them that Kit had come to associate with 'Important People'.

"This sure is a big place," Kit commented. She hoped Diarmuid knew where to find Luke in here because it might take awhile if he didn't.

Diarmuid repeats the book's title to himself so he won't forget it and then nods, "I will have to ask the lady at the library to help me find a copy so I can read it. Thank you! Now, this way!"

He waves toward a hallway and then starts to walk down it. As they walk, several nurses and doctors wave at them. It's obvious they are getting used to seeing Diarmuid around. Finally, the boy stops in front of one room in specific.

"This is his room! Come on!" Diarmuid opens the door and slides inside. As he does this, he calls out happily, "Hello Luke. I'm back again. I brought Kit this time too. She has been worried about you!"

"They should have another copy," Kit said of Diarmuid's intention of going to look for the book. "But if it's out, just let me know and I'll lend you the one I got so you can read it too."

A number of the people in white coats- Kit could only assume they were the healers- waved to Diarmuid. It was obvious they knew him, or at least had seen him here before.

Kit followed him until they came to a specific room, Diarmuid calling out to Luke as they entered. Kit headed inside with him, almost worried about what she would see... but it was just Luke, asleep on the bed.

"Luke!", she said, hurrying over to him. "I know you're asleep and can't talk back, but I'm glad you're OK. When you didn't turn up for a couple days I thought something bad had happened to you. And I'm glad I ran into Diarmuid when I did; I'd have never known where to look for you otherwise."

"Okay! Thank you! I will let you know," Diarmuid pulls a chair over to Luke's bedside while Kit talks to him. He then climbs up into is and pulls a book out of his bag. "I wish they would put information about this into the letter you get when you arrive, but I guess they don't want to scare people or have them thinking this is a way they can get sent home. As far as I know, it can't be done willingly and people might get really hurt trying."

Diarmuid opens his book for a minute as if he is going to start reading and then stops and puts it down into his lap, "Do you want to talk to him and tell a story instead? Or we both can tell a story! That might be fun too! What if we make a story up together?"

"Yeah," Kit said. "I can see why they don't put this in the letter. People might think it happens more than it does. And yeah I bet some people would be dumb enough to try and do it on purpose to get home, even if it doesn't work that way."

Kit brightened, though, at the idea of story telling. "Yeah!", she said. "Let's tell him a story together. Do you want to start or should I?"

Diarmuid thinks about who should start as he puts his book away. Once he is done, he points toward Kit with a grin, "Why don't you start? This is the first time you have gotten to tell Luke a story since he was brought here. I am curious how you will start things!"

He falls quiet then and waits excitedly for her to start.

"OK, I can do that," Kit said. She pulled over the other chair in the room so that she could sit down and get into proper story telling position.

Once settled, she thought for a moment. What would make a good beginning to a story? Then she smiled. What did all good stories begin with, after all?

"Once upon a time, a long time ago, in a kingdom far away, there lived two brothers," Kit said. "But these weren't just any ordinary brothers; they were princes. They lived in the palace with their father, the King, and each did their best to please him. The older prince tried to follow in his father's footsteps, but the younger seemed to follow his own path."

"Which would have been fine," Kit said, "if the older prince had also been the Crown Prince. But he wasn't. Because the older prince had been adopted, he didn't belong to the royal bloodline, and couldn't inherit the throne while the blood heir, his younger brother, lived."

"The people of the kingdom didn't make any secret of who they wanted as their future King," Kit said. "They liked the solid, traditional older brother, rather than the dreamy, rebellious younger brother. But the law was the law, and unless something happened to him before he took the throne, the older brother would never be able to inherit."

"But as much as the older brother wanted the throne, he cared about his brother more, and would never think of doing him harm to get it. They were rivals, but not enemies. But unfortunately, the older brother wasn't the only one who wanted the throne, and the others did weren't nearly as worried about who got hurt along the way..."

There Kit trailed off, looking pointedly at Diarmuid. It was his turn now.

Diarmuid listens closely as Kit starts the story. It is a great start and he is very excited to pick up where she leaves off once it is his turn.

"The older prince spent a lot of time trying to find out if there was a way--any way--around the laws, but he had no luck. On top of that, he had to be careful how he got information and couldn't even just try to get the law changed because it would look like he was just trying to steal the throne from his brother. He wouldn't put it passed those who wanted to take the throne from both of them to set them against each other by starting rumors."

"His searching continued until one day he overheard some of the advisers to the king talking about having his brother assassinated. The older prince almost attacked them then and there in anger, but he managed to keep himself from doing so since that might get him killed as well. As he quietly left, he realized he couldn't just look for information any longer. He had to find some way to deal with this and he couldn't just take what he had learned to the King and Queen. It would be his word against the advisers and he didn't think that his would win out in the end. The prince couldn't just warn his brother either because he brother might act on the plans he had brought up the last time they talked about this--leaving the kingdom all together."

"No, there had to be another way and after a lot of thought, something finally struck the older prince. There was an old wise man living in a cottage in the nearby woods. The man was known as a Seer and had helped the kingdom in the past. However, the current rulers didn't really believe in his powers, so they ignored him. Still, the people trusted him and so it was to him that the older prince finally decided to go."

Diarmuid points out in front of him as if he is signally for a group to start off on an adventure and then waits for Kit to pick up where he has left off.

Kit grinned when Diarmuid pointed to her. She knew just where to go from there.

"The older prince slipped on a simple, hooded cloak to disguise himself, then slipped out of the palace," Kit began. "He passed unremarked through the city streets and headed out into the countryside, stepping off the main road that led through farms and fields, and taking a smaller, lesser used path into the forest."

"It wasn't long until he came to the Seer's cottage. He knocked on the door, and a moment later heard a voice from inside. 'Come in, Prince Tigon,' it said."

"The prince opened the door and went inside, pushing back the hood of his cloak as he did so. Near the back of the cottage stood an old man in a long, gray cloak. Though well past his prime, it was clear that the man was quite fit; almost as if the prince were looking at an old warrior, not an old Seer. 'How did you know it was me?', Prince Tigon asked.

The Seer just chuckled. 'That, my Prince, is why you sought me out, is it not?', he said. 'You have need of my power of Sight Beyond Sight.

'Yes,' he said. 'I fear my brother Lionell is in grave danger. I overheard several of our father's advisors plotting to assassinate him and steal the throne for themselves.'

'And you cannot go to either your father or your brother with this news without potentially making the situation even more dangerous,' the Seer finished, and the Prince nodded. The old man sighed. 'I had feared that something like this would happen. Though I'm uncertain how much weight my word would carry with your father. Nonetheless, I cannot deny that the sword has been restless lately. Perhaps it is time...'

'What sword are you talking about?', Prince Tigon asked.

'This one,' said the Seer, and pulled aside his cloak, revealing a sword hanging sheathed at his hip. He pulled it out so that Tigon could see it. Its blade gleamed like silver, and its hilt was beautifully carved. And set in the hilt between the decorative crossbars as a large, round, red jewel. 'The Sword of Truth, passed down through the generations from a time long before this kingdom stood as it is now. And to those it chooses, it can grant the Seer's gift. The gift of Sight Beyond Sight.'

'There is a legend,' he said, 'that our greatest king will possess the power of Sight Beyond Sight. Your grandfather demanded that I put him to the Sword's test, thinking himself to be this great king. And when he failed, he could not accept it, and sent me away from the palace. Doubtless he spent much time telling his son, your father, that I was at best a foolish old man, and at worst disloyal to the crown, which, I expect, is why I haven't been invited back.'

'But I will help you,' he said. 'For I fear that there may be a greater evil afoot here than a few schemeing advisors. Perhaps it is time I returned to the Palace, invited or not.'"

There Kit stopped, gesturing to Diarmuid. It was his turn again and she was eager to see where the story went.

Diarmuid tilts his head as he listens to Kit. He is sure he has heard Kit mention the name 'Lionell' before. Is she just borrowing the name or is she pulling elements of her world's history into the story? It is something he will have to ask her about later. For now it's his turn to continue the tale.

"'That is the story I was told,' Prince Tigon confirms in a sad voice. 'There are still a few that do believe in your power, but they don't say much for fear of what will happen to them. It took me a while to get them to trust that my intentions were good.'

'I am not surprised,' the Seer replies as he replaces the sword at his side, 'but you have done the right thing in coming here. I will plan my return and the blade will speak to us once more. For now, you should return to the castle and tell no one that you came here. Watch over your brother closely until the day that I arrive.'

Tigon seems a little reluctant to leave his brother's safety dependent on such a vague plan, but he doesn't know what else to do, so he agrees and returns to the castle. Weeks pass, though, with no word from the Seer and Tigon begins to worry that he has been tricked and that the old man might have been nothing more than a way to distract him while the others move forward with their plan to assassinate his brother. However, roughly a month from the day he went to see the old Seer, there is a commotion out in the courtyard of the castle. Tigon rushes to a nearby window and is surprised when he looks out and sees the Seer standing there in his finest dress with the sword held up in his outstretched hands.

'Who wishes to hear Truth this day? Who believes they are worthy enough to See a world few ever are blessed enough to see? Let them step forward now!'"

Kit grinned, picturing Jaga in full Cleric's regalia in her own mind. True, she had only seen him once, and briefly, but it was enough to picture him there now.

"A small crowd of people soon gathered around, attracted by the commotion. Guards, nobles, servants, even a few travelers, many of whom would have little reason to acknowledge each other normally, murmured among themselves. Who among them would be brave enough or curious enough to step forward and take the Seer's challenge?

After a long moment, a young woman stepped forward into the loose circle the crowd had created around the Seer. Her hair was golden yellow and had a windblown look to it as though she'd been running. And she may well have been, since she wore the uniform of the army's messengers, all of whom were strong and swift.

'I will take your challenge,' she said. 'I don't know if I'm worthy, but no one should be afraid to see the Truth.'

The Seer nodded, smiling a little. 'Well said, young lady,' he said, and handed her the Sword. She had expected to find it heavy and unwieldy for someone unused to carrying a blade, but it was surprisingly light. 'Hold the Sword pointing upwards, so that the Eye of Truth touches your forehead, and say "Sword of Truth, give me Sight Beyond Sight",' the Seer instructed. 'Then tell me what you see, if anything. Take care, though, that what you say is true. The Sword cannot be fooled, and does not take kindly to those who lie.'

The young woman nodded, a bit nervous now, but she clasped the hilt in both hands an held the sword so that the jewel in its hilt touched her forehead. 'Sword of Truth,' she commanded, 'give me Sight Beyond Sight.' The Sword's decorative crossbar curled around, framing her eyes. And on the Sword's Eye, a glowing, vertical pupil appeared. Within the frame of the crossbars, the woman's eyes sparkled with the same golden light as the Sword's awakened Eye.

After several moments of standing thus, silently, she lowered the Sword, its Eye closing and the crossbars returning to normal as the magic was broken. 'What did you see?', prompted the Seer.

'Nothing,' the young woman admitted. 'Only a golden glow that blocked out everything else.' She sounded disappointed in her inability to see more.

'Do not be discouraged,' the Seer said as she handed the Sword back to him. 'What you saw is what most see: the barrier that separates the Astral Plane from our own. Very few can pierce it. But to those who can, much is revealed.'

'And you think that there is someone here today who can?', she asked. The Seer just smiled knowingly, and she found herself smiling back without meaning to. Her family had always believed in the old ways and respected the Seer's skills. Indeed, she had been on of the first Prince Tigon had spoken to when seeking information.

The elder Prince had hurried down to the courtyard after having first spotted the Seer, though for now he hung back slightly, standing on top of the low steps that led up to the main doorway into the Palace proper. He was uncertain what the Seer hoped to accomplish with all this, but was willing to trust in the old man's wisdom. He watched the young woman be tested in silence, almost disappointed himself when nothing seemed to come of it... until the woman asked her question. The Seer's knowing smile was telling. He did believe there was another in the palace that day who possessed the potential to See. Perhaps he even knew. Perhaps that was what had delayed him.

'Is there any other who thinks themselves worthy?', the Seer asked once again holding up the Sword for all to see. 'Any other who wishes to hear and see the Truth?'

The crowd's murmurs were somewhat bolder this time, after seeing the woman had come to no harm from the sword's test. But a young man's voice from the back of the crowd rose above theirs to call out, 'I will take your challenge!' And Tigon's eyes went wide in surprise as the crowd parted to reveal a young man in sword-training armor, with unruly red hair and bright blue-green eyes.

'Then step forward,' said the Seer, pausing just slightly before adding, 'Prince Lionell.'"

Diarmuid is enthralled by Kit's storytelling and doesn't say anything for several moments after she stops speaking. He is almost positive now that she is telling a story from her own history and that leaves him wondering what he should say next. Does the younger prince see something when he takes the test? And if he does, what does he see? Maybe he actually fails and it is the older prince that ends up being able to see...

Finally, Diarmuid shakes his head and turns wide eyes on Kit, "What happens next? I don't know what it should be..."

Kit waited for Diarmuid to pick up the story again, and looked mildly surprised when he asked her to continue instead. "Hmmm..." she said, thoughtfully, considering the different ways she could have the story go... then grinned for a moment as an idea came to her. Composing herself back to proper storytelling form, she picked up again.

"Prince Lionell stepped forward to stand before the Seer, who prepared to hand him the Sword. But before Lionell's hand could touch it, a voice from the palace doorway bellowed, 'What is going on here?!' Emerging from the great doors came King Claudius himself, attracted by the commotion outside, and the gathering crowd.

Unlike his son, King Clausius was a mountain of a man, very tall and muscular, and the armor he wore only made him seem larger. But the Seer turned to face him without appearing intimidated in the slightest. 'And greetings to you as well, Your Majesty,' the Seer said dryly, making a polite bow.

'Father...', Tigon began, and attempted to delay the King at the top of the steps, but he brushed past his elder son, descending to the courtyard. Tigon followed, trying to hide his worry. This situation could go bad very easily.

The crowd parted before the King and he faced the Seer. 'What are you doing here?', he asked. 'And what do you mean by causing this commotion?'

'The citizens of this kingdom have the right to assemble peacefully,' the Seer remarked conversationally. 'Unless the laws have been changed without my knowledge. Which I find unlikely.'

'The law remains the same,' King Claudius said, 'but that sword in your hand doesn't look especially peaceful. And you know that you are unwelcome here.'

'Then it's fortunate,' the Seer said, 'that the Sword will soon be in the hand of someone who is welcome here.' he then turned and handed the Sword of Truth to the surprised Prince Lionell, who'd been trying to subtly hide behind the Seer's slightly taller frame since his father had appeared.

'Your son has agreed to face the Sword's test,' the Seer said. 'Hopefully he will do better than his grandfather did.'

The King glared. 'I won't have you filling my son's head with any more nonsense, old man,' he said. 'He finds enough of that on his own.'

He moved to take the Sword from the Prince, but was halted by a cry of, 'Your Majesty, wait!' He turned to see who had spoken, and saw the woman who had fist been tested. Though she shrank back slightly under the King's hard gaze, she held her ground, bowing gracefully. 'I apologize for speaking out of turn, Your Majesty,' she said, 'but I felt I must. Please, Your Majesty, if the Sword is nonsense, as you say, then what harm can come from the Prince's trying? If you're right, then everyone here will see it. No one will be able to deny it.'

'And no one would have any excuse to believe in it any longer,' the King finished. Then after a moment, he nodded firmly. 'Very well. Lionell may face your challenge, old man," he said. 'But only if Tigon does so first. I wish there to be no doubt in anyone's mind how foolish this all is.'

The King beckoned Tigon to join them, and Tigon, surprised by this development, descended the stairs to meet them in the courtyard. Lionell handed the Sword to his older brother, uncertain what their father was playing at. If he didn't believe in the Sword's power, why insist that Tigon try?

What neither of them knew, though, was that the King did believe. His father had told him what the Sword could do, and he knew the legend surrounding it. He felt certain that if anyone could pass the Sword's test it would be Tigon. Tigon was every inch a king, and though he loved his blood-son, he felt that Lionell was too soft-hearted. What sort of king spent time associating with peasants and traveling peddlers, or collecting useless trinkets?

Tigon was strong. Tigon was dedicated. Tigon would make an excellent king. And if he did pass the Sword's test, then Claudius could allow Lionell to step down without shame from a throne he didn't truly want. After all, not even a king could stand in the face of prophesy.

Tigon stood holding the Sword and glanced between his father and the Seer uncertainly. The King said nothing, but the Seer nodded once. Tigon nodded in return and took a deep breath. He gripped the Sword's hilt in both hands and raised it into position. 'Sword of Truth', he said, 'give me Sight Beyond Sight.' The crossbars curled and the Sword's Eye opened, bot its pupil and Tigon's flashing with golden light.

He stood silent and motionless for a few moments before lowering the Sword, crossbars and Eye returning to normal. 'I saw nothing,' he said solemnly. 'Nothing but the same golden light most see.' Tigon saw his father's expression turn stoney and glanced away, unable to meet his eyes. The sword's word was final; he was not to be the king the legend told of.

The Seer took the Sword gently from Tigon and held it out to Lionell, who was gazing at his brother with concern. It was a long moment before he turned back to face the Seer, taking the Sword once again in his hands. It seemed heavier to him now, with the weight of Tigon's failure.

Still, after a moment spent gazing uncertainly at it he gripped the hilt in both hands and raised it into position. 'Sword of Truth', he said, 'give me Sight Beyond Sight.' Again, the Sword's crossbars curled, and again the eye opened. A long moment passed in silence before the eye flared brighter, Lionell's eyes going wide with shock at the same moment. He jerked the Sword away from his face with a gasp, so quickly that he nearly dropped it.

It was a moment before the prince found his voice again, but everyone watching somehow knew what had happened before Lionell spoke. Lionell had Seen. 'I... saw something...', he finally said, sounding shaken, tearing his gaze from the blade in his hands to look up at the Seer.

'And what,' the Seer asked solemnly, 'did you see?' And not a single person in the crowd dared whisper as they awaited the Prince's answer."

There Kit stopped again, looking to Diarmuid to decide what the Prince had seen that had shocked him so. And that just might be a bit of a mischievous grin on Kit's face as she does so. "Your turn," she said. "I don't want to hog the whole story, after all."

"You aren't hogging it!" Diarmuid giggles for a moment and then falls quiet. He's been listening very closely to the story, especially this last part. He's still pretty convinced that she is basing it off something from home and he's not sure how to continue, but then he remembersj something that she told him about her home and decides to go with that. Maybe he won't be right, but it will make a good story!

"Lionell doesn't answer right away. Instead, he keeps looking at the Seer. What he had seen was terrible, but at the same time, there was hope in it. Would the people listen to him? Would they believe that he actually saw what he did?

The Seer seems to recognize the young prince's worry and nods confidently at him, encouraging him to speak. As he does so, Tigon steps forward and puts a hand on his brother's shoulder, 'Please, tell us.'

Lionell's eyes shift from the Seer to his brother and then he takes a deep breath and faces the crowd, 'This kingdom is great, but it will not always be so. A great evil stirs and readies itself to wake. It will challenge this kingdom and shake it to its core, but in the end as long as the people believe in each other and their king, the kingdom will stand. The shadow of evil will never extinguish the light that leads us.'

He has seen a few more details, but he doesn't want to cause panic in the people. The rest of these details they can talk about later when everyone isn't there to hear...

However, even what little he has said has stirred up the crowd and Lionell can't blame them. Still, he doesn't know what to say to calm them and so he looks to Tigon again for help. He doesn't dare look to his father.

Fortunately, Tigon seems to understand his brother's position and with a nod, he takes over, 'We will discuss what my brother has seen. His vision predicts danger, but also shows our success. With this warning, we will be able to prepare and make sure this evil is defeated! For now, we should take joy in what we have learned for we now know the old prophecy is true.' He motions to his brother, 'It is a great day for the king long predicted stands before us ready to lead us to a great future!'"

Diarmuid pauses then and looks toward Kit hoping he has continued the story is a good way. It seems exciting to him anyway!

Kit smiles. The story is exciting, though not quite in the same way a big battle scene would be. Suspenseful, she thought the word was. But in any case, it's her turn again and after a moment's thought, she picks up the story again.

"Lionell smiled slightly at his brother, grateful for his support. The crowd seemed to have taken the words to heart as well, their previously agitated state settling into one of acceptance, though they still murmured uneasily among themselves.

It was almost a surprise when King Claudius spoke again, cutting through the tension in the air. 'Lionell isn't king yet, Tigon,' the King reminded him. 'And hopefully he will not need to be for some years yet.'

'However,' the King said, stepping forward and resting a hand heavily on Lionell's shoulder, the Prince obeying the unspoken command to look at his father, 'I hope this convinces you to take your responsibilities as prince more seriously.' He gazed pointedly at Lionell until his son nodded his agreement.

He returned the nod, then looked up to address the crowd. 'You may all return to your business,' he said. 'You've all seen what there is to see here today.' Though it was phrased as a suggestion, the tone clearly made it an order. Even those who may have wished to stay, to ask more questions, reluctantly began to shuffle off, returning to their interrupted tasks.

He turned back to his sons and the Seer. He, like Lionell, had determined that the details of the vision were best discussed behind closed doors. 'Join me in the Council Chamber,' he said to them. 'If the situation is to be as dire as Lionell predicted, we must discuss it further without so many curious ears around. You will join us as well, old man. I'm uncertain how you planned all this, but it appears we may require your presence for the time being.'

'As Your Majesty wishes,' the Seer replied, bowing respectfully. The King turned and headed back inside without another word, the Seer and the two Princes hanging back for a moment before following.

'I don't understand,' Lionell said to the Seer as they walked. 'Did you know all along that I'd be able to use the Sword?'

'Did I know?', the Seer repeated. 'No. Though I had a strong feeling that you could. Though the Sword's power allows us to See some things, the future is rarely set in stone, and Seeing something that specific is rare. The truth, however, is that it could have been either of you.'

'Then why me?', Lionell asked. 'If it could have worked for either of us, why did it work for me and not Tigon? It's no secret that everyone thinks he'd be the better King, even Father. Even I think so, most of the time.' Tigon said nothing, but listened closely. He was wondering the exact same thing.

'The Sword is not called the Sword of Truth simply because it allows us to See beyond the visible world,' the Seer replied. 'It will not respond to anyone who deals regularly in deception. Even self-deception.'

'In what way am I deceiving myself?', Tigon asked, becoming a bit angry now. 'Stop speaking in riddles. I didn't seek out your help just so that I could embarrass myself in front of Father and half the palace staff.' Lionell glanced at his brother in surprise at the revelation that Tigon had sought out the Seer's help, but Tigon was too focused on the Seer to notice.

The Seer, however, remained calm. 'Prince Tigon,' he said, 'you are brave, strong, stubborn, and determined. But tell me... why are you all these things? Why do you strive to follow in your father's path?'

Tigon thought a moment. Clearly the question was some sort of test, but what was the proper answer? A truthful one, he finally decided. The Seer would likely know in an instant if he was lying in any case. 'Because,' he said, 'he's taught me everything that a King should be, and he is a strong and well respected ruler because of it. Even if the throne can never be mine, I believe it is a worthy example to follow.'

The Seer nodded. 'And therein lies the problem,' he said. 'The Truth does not change, no matter what one thinks is should be. And thus the Sword will not obey one who is more concerned with who they should be than who they are. Before you know anything else, you must know yourself.'

The Seer gestured to Lionell. 'Your brother knows the truth of his own heart, and lives it, even when it runs counter to what everyone else thinks he 'should' do. That is why the Sword chose him. Because that is precisely the kind of King that will be needed when the Sword's vision comes to pass.'

Tigon frowned. 'I'm not certain I understand,' he said.

'You will,' the Seer assured him. 'In good time.'

'Did you foresee that as well?', he asked, but received no reply. They had arrived at the Council Chamber where the King was waiting for them, and their private conversation had to be paused for the moment. There were broader matters to discuss."

Kit paused there, nodding to Diarmuid to pick up the story again, hoping her explanation as to why one brother and not the other could See made sense, and waiting to see what Diarmuid came up with next.

Diarmuid does understand her explanation. At least, he thinks he does. In any event, he is confident enough to pick up the story very quickly after she pauses.

'Everyone enters the Council Chambers and sits down. However, no one speaks for a long time until the King clears his throat and looked pointedly at Lionell, "Well?"

Lionell starts slightly when everyone's eyes turn to him, but after taking a deep breath, starts talking, "There are many stories that are told about good fighting evil. In most cases, good wins and then evil sleeps waiting for a chance to strike again. Why am I mentioning this?" An uncertain look crosses his face, but he continues, "It is because I can think of no other way to describe what I saw and felt. It was evil, rising from sleep and casting its shadow over this land. It wants to control all and if it cannot control everything, it will destroy it instead."

"The shadow rises and falls like a wave. Each time it rises, though, it meets and is beaten back by its reflection--those brave souls who stand for the light and the good. We are those souls and we have to prepare to fight for the shadow is ready to rise again. Soon and if we aren't ready..." His voice trails off and he shivers at the thought of what might happen to them all if that evil shadow he saw and felt won...

"Do you know the name of this evil?" It is the king who finally speaks up after Lionell falls quiet. Unfortunately, the only answer Lionell can give is a negative shake of his head.

"How do we prepare to fight evil when we don't know its name or what form it will take?" It is Tigon who speaks now, his earlier questions and doubt replaced now by concern and worry for their kingdom. "How do you fight the unknown?"

No one seems to have an answer for the prince's question and one by one everyone's eyes turn to the Seer as if they think he will have the answer. After all, he has had them all before. The only answer the Seer gives though is another question.

"How do you fight the known?"

The king and Tigon both mutter in frustration at the answer, but before they can scold the Seer for being so vague, Lionell speaks up.

"You can't fight the unknown. There is no way to plan for it, so all we can do is plan for the known--shore up our defenses, send out scouting parties, speak to our allies. We prepare the best we can and then adapt as the unknown makes itself know."

The Seer doesn't answer. Instead, he just smiles and nods at Lionell.

And they say he isn't fit to be king. It shows what they know...'

Diarmuid stops then. It almost seems like this could be a good place to end the story, but Kit might have different ideas. He will just wait and see.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been?

Where, oh where, has Luke gone? 8/6, Outside Building 3

Oh where, oh where can he be?

:-D

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