Returned To Fight

[Felypsa]

The regal white tiger looked down at the submissive Hawk, a small smile curving his powerful maw. The smile grew slightly at Phoebus's bold words. At length the king spoke. "Arise, friend of my daughter. I have not seen such dignified behavior in a very long time - certainly not from Istariel." His dark orange eyes twinkled as he said this, an indication of his sense of humor. "It is impressive. But come, I'd much appreciate it if you introduced yourself, as your friend the hawk has. Phoebus," the king added, inclining his head regally. "I am Istariel's father, Melkior King of the Cave-demons."

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"And I," put in the lovely coyote queen, "am her mother, Valkyrie Queen of the Cave-demons. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you all. But, Istariel...you have not spoken a word on behalf of your comrades. Come, now, dear daughter, you are not usually this quiet."[/color]

Istariel smiled at her mother. "I am a wolf today," she said, addressing the issue Queen Valkyrie had previously brought up, "because I have made a decision that will dedicate the remainder of my life to being one of the lupine species." She turned her smile to Hawk, her rosy eyes shining.[/color][/center]

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk rose to his feet at the words given forth from the king. He could not suppress a small smile at such friendly words given unto him. At the request, he gave forth his name. "I am Hawk, formerly of the Elite, formerly of the Defenders, and currently-" However, he did not speak as to what he currently was. He was cut off by his beloved's words. Almost as if my some precognitive ability, he looked toward Istariel at nearly the same moment she gazed at him. A soft smile pulled at his lips. It was apparent he intended to let her tell the monarchs as to their newly-found love.

Phoebus fluffed up his feathers as the two looked at each other. With a light 'hmmph' he took to flight. The bird of prey swooped over to the two beings who called themselves Melkior and Valkyrie. He found himself a new perch on the headrest of the king's throne. There he settled into a comfortable position and awaited for the news to unfold itself.

[Felypsa]

Istariel read the message in his eyes and turned back to her parents, completely confident of their approval. "Hawk is a very noble wolf with whom I've fallen in love," she announced, making no secret of it, "and we've mated. Last night." She beamed at the monarchs.

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There was a brief silence while the parents absorbed the news. It was broken by Queen Valkyrie, who smiled and said, "That is wondrous news, Istariel. We are very happy for you. But, if you don't mind, I'd like to speak with you...alone...excuse us," she added to the others, lifting herself from her throne. She beckoned to Istariel, and led her out of the grand hall, into a little niche.[/color]

"Well," said King Melkior, examining Hawk a second time through the lens of the sudden news. "I can't say I expected this. Hawk. My daughter says you are very noble, and it would be foolish of me to doubt her word. However, you must forgive my mate and I - we must only make sure that you are fit to be Istariel's prince consort. We firmly believe in love and its wonders, but that Istariel would make such a spontaneous act...never mind. I hope you won't mind clarifying a few things for me, Hawk? For instance, the Elite and the Defenders you once belonged to? I have heard tell of them, but I do not trust rumors. If you could enlighten me...my friend Phoebus," the tiger added to the bird above him, "you may perch anywhere you like, except above me. It makes me nervous. I should like to have you in my sights, thank you."[/color]
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[Monkey Monk]

Hawk smiled warmly as his mate gave forth the news at their love. Yet his buoyant expression fell from his visages as Istariel and her mother left. His ears fell to his head as he felt as if he had done something wrong. Yet when he was spoken to, he responded in a luscious voice that held no deceit. "I will not lie to you sire. As a child I was stolen from my home and my family was killed. I was brought far from the deserts of my homelands, and delivered to a cold environment. There I was raised and taught to be a soldier, a murderer. It was thus that I was drafted in a group out of the ordinary, the Elite. However, after a short time. Br- my friend Icewolf's family was killed. He enacted his revenge. These events brought to our attention the evils we had been forced to perform. We then fled from the place where we were taught to kill. We changed our title from Elite to Defender and vowed to protect and serve those we once wreaked havoc upon. Yet one of our members has seemed to have lost his sanity. He..he killed all of us. When I came back, I was met by Ammolite, who I am sure you are acquainted with. I then revoked my title of Defender and ripped the brand from my leg. Since then I have been on many adventures which have brought me through your kingdom and the realm of spirits. I also learned that my whole life was a plot formed by a seemingly ancient creature. He influenced my kidnapping, rebellion, and rebirth. Do not get me wrong your majesty. I may have left the Defenders, but I am very adamant as to their cause. In truth, only one thing surpasses my loyalty to protecting others, and that would be the love I have found, and that has flourished, to you daughter."

Phoebus muttered a respective apology and hopped over to the other, more vacant throne. He listened intently to Hawk's overdrawn story. As the last notes drifted into the air, the hawk remained silent.

[Felypsa]

The king listened intently to the abridged version of Hawk's entire life. Once he had finished, Melkior did not respond immediately. He sat there, mulling over the information calmly and slowly. After a while, he spoke, addressing Hawk directly. "That is quite a tale. It is obvious you are very well acquainted with the hardships of life...and death, even. There is little you have not experienced firsthand, it seems. Not even I can boast as much as you can. Very well, Hawk. You have not lied to me, I make no lies to you. I am deeply impressed, but I wish there could have been some other way for you. You have suffered greatly, and it has scarred you - physically, emotionally, mentally, psychologically...well, there is no use going over what has already been said. I can tell you nothing new about yourself. You have convinced me that my daughter's opinion of you is not at all exaggerated, and that your opinion of her is completely sincere. I can think of no better creature in the world as my son-in-law and prince, and I am sure Queen Valkyrie will agree with me. You and Istariel will have my blessing once she returns. I can only hope my blessing will offer the slightest reward for all you have been through." I will be having a word with Ammolite, as well, he added silently. Istariel mentioned a journey to the Spirit World, and I can tell her pass has already been used, but there is obviously much more to the story than meets the ear... King Melkior smiled at Hawk, his son-in-law. "You are a master of actions as well as words, Hawk. But forgive this oldster - may I inquire as to the story behind the symbol on your leg?" He nodded to the eye of Ra tattoo.

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[Monkey Monk]

Hawk was lost in his mind for a moment. His thoughts buzzed about like annoying insects. Prince..? Whatever does he mean? Oh..in mating Istariel I must have gained some sort of rank. Never thought about that..still, it matters not. After a few moments of silence he let his voice rumble up in his chest. "I try not to think of the past sire, only learn from it. And of course, your blessings mean much to me. As to the mark..I am not too sure about it. I have had it all my life."

It was then the Phoebus spoke up. He spoke as if his words held a great importance. The feathers of his chest fluffed up slightly as he straightened. "I can answer that last question. You see, many many generations ago along the line of Hawk's family, one of his ancestors made a deal with the deity Ra. The deal was that the wolf's family would forever serve Ra however they were needed. In return, the members of the family were granted a fertile land to live upon and a guardian, who would be me. I was there to watch the deal be made. And at the birth of every member of Hawk's family, I placed that tattoo onto the eldest pup. It has always been that way. Yet the startling news of the long demise of Hawk's family makes me wonder if my duties are still needed."

[Felypsa]

Melkior was privately amazed, but he did not show it. Still, he looked at both Phoebus and Hawk with new respect. "Protected servants of a god...why, that's an interesting coincidence," he said quietly. But he did not explain his mysterious words. He addressed Phoebus. "That is an intriguing practice. But surely, if you are here, and Hawk is here, you are needed. Especially with this recent mating between Hawk and my daughter Istariel...there might be new cause for protection." He was insinuating something, but was not so impolitic as to mention it outright. If they didn't understand, well...they would eventually. He and Valkyrie might be long-living, but they weren't immortal, and Istariel would one day have to take their throne. And as a queen, she would need an heir..."Hawk, one thing concerns me," Melkior remarked. "Are you aware of the longevity of a cave-demon's life? It might present a problem, unless you are equally long-living..."

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[Monkey Monk]

Hawk looked at the king silently for a moment. He could decipher the message hidden within the first few statements offered forth. The wolf let a most polite smile form across his lips as he bowed his head in thanks as to the mentioning of his presence being needed. Yet at the last statement, he quirked his head. "That never occurred to me sire. I know not how long my life will extend. It is very likely that returning from the dead has extended the length of my being. Yet it is equally as likely that I will perish in a decade or so..I know not the answer to your question sire..yet there is the saying 'that bridge will be crossed when he come to it.'"

Phoebus was unusually quiet. The bird shifted slightly as his fierce eyes stared off at nothing in particular. I wonder...could I? It is possible...yet should I? That is the true question I should be asking myself...It would be for a good cause....yet even the best of intentions can bring about the worse of effects.....still....great sun above, I know not what to do...but Hawk is right...there is plenty of time to come forth with a decision....

[Felypsa]

King Melkior nodded, knowing the case was closed. "Very well then. We shall see." A moment later, the white tiger spoke again, but his voice was broader, as if addressing a wider audience. "Ah, my mate and daughter have returned." He indicated behind Hawk, where the two gorgeous cave-demons were approaching the others.

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Istariel seemed chastened as she walked, but a smile adorned her face nonetheless. When she saw Hawk, her eyes lit up and her smile turned loving, and she hurried until she was beside him again. She gently entwined her triple tails around his, letting him know that everything was alright, that there was nothing to worry about.[/color]

Queen Valkyrie resumed her seat on the throne beside her king. Melkior whispered something to her, something that made her smile. She turned to Hawk and said, her voice quiet, "Forgive me, Hawk. Some things needed to be clarified." She did not say what needed to be clarified, or who needed to do the clarifying. "But everything has been settled now. Congratulations, Hawk. No one will make you happier. Same for you, Istariel."[/color]
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[Monkey Monk]

Hawk smiled dreamily as he watched his beloved aproach him. When she again was at his side, he leaned forth and pressed his cheek against her's softly. His smile widened as her multiple tails tightened about his single one. The mascu was lost in a foggy daze, looking upon Istariel with the most purest of passions. Yet he was snapped from his stupor when the monarchs spoke up. As the queen told him that he could be with his lover a surge of joy shot through his veins. Quickly the golden mascu dropped his head, careful not to his Istariel, and spoke his gratitude. "I thank you both for your blessings."

[Felypsa]

Istariel's own feelings were the twin of Hawk's; she rejoiced in their simple touch and in her parents' blessings. Everything is going to be fantastic. SHe could not stop smiling. This is the first time I've ever felt this way before. I hope it lasts forever...

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"Hold on, let's do this right," Valkyrie said, interrupting. "You cannot imagine that such a joyous occasion as this should go unnoticed...and, as Istariel tells me, we've yet to express our gratitude to Fiendark for healing us from the Sickness. Therefore, we shall hold a double-ceremony in honor and celebration of all this."[/color]

Melkior nodded and spoke an unknown language. A few shapes dashed from the hall into the tunnels, merely flashes of color. They were messengers, sent by the monarchs to fetch the formerly Sick demons, Fiendark, Azarak, Ammolite, Zues, and anyone else willing to attend the double-ceremony.[/color]
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[Monkey Monk]

Hawk continued to beam in glee as his new in-laws spoke forth. At the mention of a ceremony, the mascu felt himself humbled and grew quite. Softly he rubbed his face against Istariel's again, turning his head to look into her eyes softly.

Phoebus seemed to snap out of his thoughts at the word 'celebration'. The down feathers of his chest fluffed out as he bat his wings slightly. Those talons of his gripped the back of the queen's throne as he spoke out in a rather cheeky tone. "A party? Sounds most excellent. I wonder if there will be any tasty lizards." A chuckle passed his beak lowly.

After some time, Zues entered the chamber to which he had been summoned. His fierce yellow eyes looked about with a questioning gaze. The wings that sprouted from his back stretched slightly as he stopped at a fair distance. He eyes Hawk and Istariel before moving his gaze to the two creatures who sat upon the thrones. His brow quirked slightly as he bowed as Hawk had earlier.

[Felypsa]

The formerly Sick cave-demons entered the throne-room, some of them dipping their heads in respect towards the monarchs, but mostly just greeting each other and talking casually. Some female cave-demons spoke in a high-pitched voices, clucking to one another about their princess's choice of suitor. Some male demons muttered that they could've won Istariel's heart if they'd really set their minds to it. But when Fiendark stepped in, he was practically swarmed by a huge group of grateful demons, all of whom showered him with appreciation and avowals of eternal loyalty to him. Fiendark took it all in stride, walking through the throng (which parted for him) until he stood beside Zues, behind Hawk and Istariel, and before the king and queen. He bowed his head low to the well-known monarchs.[/color]

"Fiendark," said King Melkior, and the moment he spoke, all of the present cave-demons fell silent and became watchful. "My subjects owe their lives to you - indeed, my entire kingdom is indebted to you, thanks to your timely arrival. We are especially glad to welcome you back home after the many years you've been away. This is indeed a day to rejoice, to have so many of us healed to normality, one of us restored to this world again, and two of us joining in love forevermore. This is a fine day to celebrate." He smiled broadly, and at this sign the gathered cave-demons erupted into cheers, cheers for the heroes standing before them, cheers for the newly united princess and warrior. But Ammolite was nowhere to be seen or heard. Indeed, for that matter, neither was Azarak. But neither the cave-demons nor their rulers noticed that.[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk was too caught up in the moment as to notice the absences. He looked over to Istariel again with that gaze of pure, dreamy love. Slowly he looked about the crowd, though not truly seeing the faces. He did however see Zues to whom he bowed. The black and red Defender smiled to his friend and returned the bow. Slowly he looked over to his side and thusly Fiendark. With a smirk he spoke up so that only the demon could hear. "Well my friend. It seems that you've become a celebrity."

Phoebus, however, did notice that they were missing two very important figures. He had been rather looking forward to seeing Azarak again, and had thusly been keeping and eye out. Swiftly he took off from the queen's throne and landed atop Hawk's head. He stayed there only long enough to whisper to the couple "I'll be back" before he took off again. The agile bird of prey shot over the crowd and headed off into the tunnels to search for Azarak and Ammolite.

[Felypsa]

Istariel smiled sweetly at Hawk, feeling filled to the brim with joy and ecstasy as the demons behind them cheered them on. For just one moment, she would capture it in her mind and preserve it in memory as long as she lived. Something temporary can thus become everlasting. She saw both Zues and Fiendark and beamed at them, unable to be anything but purely happy. "You two are heroes," she gushed. "Oh, this is a dream come true..." She inclined her head into Hawk's side.

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Fiendark grinned lopsidedly at Zues. "Ah, it will pass...and I will become one of the masses again. These are my five minutes of fame, however, and I intend to enjoy them. As should you. We could not have saved Ammolite were it not for your aid, for which I am very grateful." He bowed his head at the Defender. Speaking of Ammolite...where is she? I must not worry, though, for Azarak is surely with her.[/color]

Indeed he was. The little lizard had followed Ammolite up the Surface world, where he clambered onto her back without her noticing. If Phoebus were to leave the Underground completely, he would find them standing nearby the entrance between the oak and the water-rock. Azarak muttered, "Ammolite, I do not think this is very wise...your father will go berserk if he knew what you were up to."[/color]

"Great Dalia Below!" Ammolite gasped, leaping practically two feet into the air. "Azarak! When did you get here?" She shook her head. "Never mind. I'm not 'up to' anything. I'm just...taking a breath of fresh air. I've found I prefer the Surface world to the Underground...and I haven't had the chance to properly enjoy the Surface. Daddy'll understand."[/color]
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