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WoLaD: Birth of Hope Ch.20

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"Wars of Light and Darkness"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

Prelude: "Birth of Hope"

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Chapter 20: "Arandor and Hailamei"

   It was the beginning of another love story, as well as another move to help the creatures of this world.  However, unlike the echidnas that simply needed some enlightenment and guidance to give them the title of the Golden Race, the hedgehogs of Valordian, while they needed the same guidance, above all, needed rescue.

   From the start, Hailamei was their only true ally.  She knew their exact purpose, and thus did her best to caution the people, although she could not reveal the secret, fearing that if word got out, Arandor and Shadow would be punished, most likely with death.  What they were doing was beyond bold or heroic; it was potentially deadly.

   Going with his plan, Arandor and Shadow gathered the warriors together to begin training them, supposedly to help King Kulfos and Prince Urlumin maintain their stranglehold on the village.  From the start, Shadow and Arandor both tried to prove to the warriors that their intentions were different and infact quite peaceful, but as outsiders, the warriors still felt they could not be trusted.

   It was a grim situation.  When Arandor and Shadow weren't training the warriors, they would often walk through the village, something not even Shadow had done, hidden by Darkness.  As they would walk, none would make eye contact with them, even when they offered friendly greeting.  The villagers would simply lower their eyes, terrified of looking at them, and even more afraid it seemed, of making a mistake.

   It was a loathsome existence.  For Arandor, who now embraced his roll of protecting all life, it often sickened him to have to see it.

   Shadow, who was all too familiar with grief, would in turn close his own eyes, in fear of what it would do to his heart.

   Still, they had to wait to make their move.  Urlumin's birthday was only four months away.  Though uncertain of exactly how they would overthrow King Kulfos and Urlumin, Shadow and Arandor knew it wouldn't be until they had earned the trust of both the king and the prince, and the villagers.

   And so Arandor and Shadow, against their will, had to feign disgust for the warriors when they failed to meet up to their standards.  Urlumin and the King would watch from afar, chuckling as they saw Arandor shout and belittle a young warrior for missing his throw.  Arandor put on the show of hatred, drawing attention away from Shadow, who would quickly step up to them, returning them their weapon, whispering words of encouragement, promising Arandor did not mean his angry words.

   It was a delicate balancing act, but slowly, gradually, the warriors felt they could start to trust Arandor and Shadow, especially when Arandor would make apologies for his actions, only when Kulfos and Urlumin were not there to see him extend kindness.

   At the same time, Kulfos was more than tickled with how Arandor and Shadow handled themselves.  They treated the warriors both harshly and cruelly, almost more so than he or Urlumin ever did.  It was enough to even begin to earn Urlumin's respect, but not just from watching the training on its own.  He was in awe of Arandor's and Shadow's unique battle skills, the Ancient Arts without application of Light or Darkness, and yet a different form than they taught the echidnas.

   So greatly impressed by their skills, after the first couple of weeks, he approached Shadow and Arandor, and asked for them to teach him as well, and not simply what they were teaching the warriors; he made it clear he wanted to fight just as they did, as if the elements and powers of the world offered them no resistance.

   This was both a good and bad thing.  It meant that Urlumin admired them, and was thus starting to trust them.  It was bad, because it would mean revealing battle secrets to him that would make it harder to take him down when the time came.

   It would mean Arandor and Shadow might have to call on their elements in order to defeat him, something they did not want to show any of the villagers.

   But if they refused Urlumin he would go back to hatred and distrust.

   So Shadow and Arandor cooked up a plan, the only plan they could think of.  Because it was assumed that Arandor would be the one to take him down, Shadow decided to be the one to teach Urlumin what he knew.  Shadow's version of the Ancient Arts was slightly different.  It wasn't quite like the version Arandor taught the echidnas, and infact Arandor and Shadow, were they to fight each other, had their own moves they could use to get around ones thrown upon them.

   This would mean Urlumin wouldn't know exactly what to expect in a fight.

   Arandor would continue training the warriors, while Shadow spent most of his time instructing Urlumin.  He complained of it; disgusted with how Urlumin regarded life, and especially of how he talked about Lady Hailamei.

   Hailamei was not simply a bystander to the plan.  Playing on King Kulfos' love for her, whenever she had the opportunity, she would praise Arandor and Shadow, telling the king exactly what he wanted to hear.  The two strangers were making the warriors powerful and strong, meaning King Kulfos would certainly never be challenged.

   It pleased him, and to hear Hailamei talk about it so eagerly pleased him as well.  She was his favorite servant for her beauty, and because it seemed she was the only one who didn't detest her position, walking around with a hopeful smile instead of a frown and heavy eyes.

   And yet this was why he saved her, sparing her from the nightly sex parties in his bedroom, involving almost every other maiden in his service.  To be given to his son, meant she had to be a virgin.  Her time was coming, and Urlumin had made it a personal goal to tame her.  He couldn't lie to Shadow.  The Dark Elemental knew that in Urlumin's twisted world, to tame someone, was to break them.

   He wanted to talk to Arandor about it, but found that he couldn't.

   After the first few weeks, Shadow would come back to the guard house every night, only to find Arandor wasn't there.  He would ask the guards about him, and because the warriors were slowly trusting Shadow and Arandor, they would tell him the plain and simple truth, in hushed words, as if Urlumin could hear them from a mile away.

   "He is with Lady Hailamei."

   Shadow would simply shake his head, sighing as he smiled.  He knew the guards were getting bolder, ready to cover for and protect Arandor and Hailamei to the death.  Going inside and sitting on the wooden bed, Shadow murmured, "Just be careful Arandor, that's all I ask."

   After the first month had passed, Arandor and Shadow had earned their place in King Kulfos' admiration.  As long as Arandor and Shadow trained the warriors every day, what they did the rest of the time didn't matter to him.  He quickly began to love them like sons, especially when they claimed they were brothers, and orphans, never knowing their father.  As Shadow taught Urlumin his combat moves, and as Arandor continued to train the warriors with an iron fist, the young prince felt he could trust them as well.  After that first month, Shadow and Arandor could do what they wanted, no questions asked.

   The guards that were assigned to follow Hailamei, would infact follow her into the woods, but only to get outside of the village, appearing to follow orders.  They would stop once out of sight and wait for her to return, for they knew she was with the young warrior Arandor, someone they were growing to love, for while he masqueraded as an impatient sergeant, he was never hesitant to show them love and encouragement when he felt it was safe to do so.

   Already there were whispers that Arandor could be their new king.

   There was just something special about him; everyone saw it, including Hailamei.

   And so once Arandor earned Kulfos' trust and admiration, Hailamei would take him on walks through Valordian.  Hailamei did a lot of the talking, but it wasn't about herself.  She was curious about Arandor, who she still regarded as her hero.

   He told her pretty much the same story he and Shadow gave Kulfos and Urlumin.  He claimed that he and Shadow were brothers, saying he was the oldest whenever asked, which would produce a smirk from Shadow, usually the one receiving the "old one" jokes.  He then told her they were orphans from a young age, and simply traveled the continent.  This was how they had met other hedgehog tribes, and knew enough to know how badly in poverty the Valordian hedgehogs were.  It wasn't until about six weeks had passed that Arandor told her he had also met a different race; the echidnas of the nearby sea cliffs.

   This amazed Hailamei.  She confessed that any whispers of the echidnas made them out to be ruthless warriors.  Arandor could only laugh, and quite heartily, knowing the truth; the echidnas were quite like angels on earth, he told her.  He promised her they were noble and beautiful, known as the Golden Race by all who knew them.

   "They would surely offer you protection and advice," he would tell her, "Shadow and I spent years with them, and we did not lose our necks after all."

   Hailamei's smile would weaken when reminded of their plight.  "I would sincerely hope so, my Lord Arandor.  The last thing we need is to be down-trodden even further into the ground."

   Not hearing an answer, Hailamei looked to Arandor.  He was gazing at her, and right before her eyes, the glow behind his amber eyes faded, his weakened smile crumbling.  Placing his hand on her shoulder, he whispered, "Please, speak no more of poverty and sadness.  I have every intention to change that."

   Then he noticed something odd.  Hailamei quickly bowed her head, almost as if she was scolding herself to forget to, just so she wouldn't be looking into his eyes.  A weak giggle escaped her.  "Forgive me, Lord Arandor, I did not mean to cause you distress."

   This troubled Arandor.  He tried to move his own head so he could look into her eyes again.  When this didn't work, he used two fingers under her chin to raise her head higher.  When finally they made eye contact, Hailamei wouldn't smile, and Arandor felt her body start to tremble.

   "Perhaps, we should go back now, Lord Arandor," she whispered.

   Arandor lowered his eyes.  This was terrible; she couldn't look him in the eyes, and he knew why.  However, he wasn't ready to press the issue.

   Taking her hand, he murmured back, "I will walk you home, my Lady."

   That night was about a week ago.  He and Hailamei had not taken a walk together since then.

   Resting on the wooden bed, Arandor gazed at the ceiling, thoughts rushing through his head.  In the beginning, he thought a lot about his ailing father, Mitsukai, his two children, and the echidnas.  Now, after a little over a month, his mindset had changed.

   He still worried for Kalak, praying to him and for him every night, and while his family still remained, he now thought more about the hedgehogs than anything.  He saw the way the women in the castle could never look him, Shadow, or the king and prince in the eyes, and sometimes not even with the warriors.  They were quiet and subservient, and Hailamei was the only one that was happy.  The girl named Lulabei had spent time with Shadow, and made it perfectly clear that all, save Hailamei, were sexually abused by both the king and the prince on a daily basis.

   Over half of the food grown went to the king and the prince, and it seems they only fed the warriors to keep them strong, and the females to keep them from becoming too skinny and sickly looking, so they remained sexually appealing.  The remaining villagers had little food for their families, including small children.  Babies born often died because their mothers could not get enough to eat during pregnancy.  Mothers often died during labor because of this, and because there were no trained doctors to assist them.

   The crop yield was poor; only Urlumin knew how to catch fish and hunt down prey, so only those living in the castle were lucky enough to have meat in their diets.  The villagers could only count on nuts, and the eggs of birds.

   The poverty was beyond terrible.  It sickened Arandor to tears.  He and Shadow were well-fed, and yet often times Arandor would regurgitate what he had eaten, once he was reminded of the king's madness, and would have to drink water and eat some fruit to ease his sickness.

   Something had to be done.

   Yet for now, he could only think about her.

   His eyes were closed, and his thoughts were trained on her.  He barely noticed when the door swung open, and Shadow trudged inside, his shoulders slumped and his head hanging.

   He didn't notice Arandor at first and groaned, "Damn that Urlumin.  He'll never master the moves.  He's hardly what I'd call a warrior.  He's a spoiled brat, doomed to be bloated and rotten like his father!"

   When Shadow didn't hear an answer, he looked to Arandor, who had now turned to the wall, laying on his side quietly.

   Shadow's expression softened, and he went to sit beside Arandor.  "I'm sorry brother; did you fall ill again tonight?  We should be spending more time together, but, damn Urlumin keeps me busy."

   Sitting up slowly, Arandor sighed.  "No Shadow, I am not sick, for once, but, it's hard not to be," he murmured.  Looking to Shadow he added, "I didn't think such a low standard of living was possible.  These poor people do not attack out of fear, but, also because they're not strong enough to.  He's starving them to death, and frightening them into submission.  This is terrible."

   Shadow was somewhat stunned by this outpouring of emotion.  He began to understand why this was affecting Arandor so deeply, for he was someone who was born to protect all life.   Both he and Arandor began to realize they had to protect the innocent, not just from Mukot, but from evil ones seeded amongst them.  They were used to war and bloodshed from the bat tribe.  They couldn't believe a leader would hold his own people under such oppression.  It was like grinding glass upon Arandor's heart.

   It depressed Shadow as well, who hung his head.  "To think Darkness could be used to such ills," he whispered, "It sickens me.  Kulfos reminds me of Mukot in so many ways.  It is frightening to imagine that power magnified, taking over the whole of the world."

   "And that's not just it, Shadow, it's their mentality, especially the way the women act," Arandor added, looking up.  Shadow put his arm around Arandor; he knew what was coming.

   Outside of the guard house, Hailamei could be seen exiting the mansion.  She took quick, but careful steps down the stairs, before running to the guards.  She smiled and asked, "Lord Arandor, and Lord Shadow, are they inside?"

   Lendred, who was one of the guards on watch that night, nodded.  A rare smile curled his lips, the hope of the entire village secretly lifting with Arandor and Shadow amongst them.  "I just saw Shadow go inside a few minutes ago, and Arandor I am certain has been there since after dinner.  Go on, we will keep watch for you."

   Hailamei smiled, bowing her head.  "Thank you Lendred; I am happy, for everyone is slowly becoming courageous.  Keep it up," she answered.

   The guards simply nodded, smiling briefly, before looking away.  Hailamei watched them for only a second longer.  Accustomed to walking straight into the shack, she stopped, and like she did on the first night, she listened to the boys as they talked, curious about their words.

   "They are taught to keep their heads down, not look into a man's eyes, and when the time comes that he wants intercourse, they must simply submit.  There's no question; they can't say they don't want it.  They have to take it, no matter what it is," Shadow murmured, talking out all he had learned and heard from Urlumin over the weeks he had trained the prince.  Scowling heavily Shadow turned his head and groaned, "And he spoke to me as if I should enjoy such a lifestyle.  Humph!  I was abhorred, beyond disgusted.  I could have cut his throat for speaking such words."

   Arandor cradled his face in his hands.  He sighed deeply, moaning softly.  "Perhaps that is why Hailamei could not look me in the eyes.  Sure she trusts us, but, how is she to know we don't hold the same attitude, especially after we've spent so much time with Kulfos and Urlumin?" he asked, looking up at Shadow.  The Dark Elemental simply shrugged, shaking his hand.

   Rising to his feet, Arandor sighed again, pacing in the room.  Hailamei ducked under the window so she wouldn't be seen, but she was frozen where she sat.

   "Shadow, I just…I didn't think my heart could be moved to love again," Arandor said, speaking softly, "And I don't know exactly why it is opening to her, although I know it is not simply out of necessity.  Is it because I mourn what has happened to her and her people?  Is it because I'm disgusted at the fate she is facing should Urlumin take her?  I just…I don't know."

   "Perhaps you should ask yourself what it is you admire about her," Shadow offered, "Then, you should tell her about it.  This isn't just about saving the hedgehogs anymore."

   Arandor glanced back at Shadow.  A small smile curled his lips as he shook his head, chuckling softly as if frustrated.  Turning away he said, "Of course Shadow.  Ask me to explain why Eries revolves around the sun why don't you."

   Shadow smiled, shaking his head, "Arandor…let your heart do the talking.  If you can't manage to tell me you'll never be able to tell her."

   Another sigh escaped Arandor.  He hung his head.  "Truthfully, I love that innocence, but not because I want to corrupt it like Urlumin does.  Rather, I want to embrace it…I want to thrive off of the closest thing to the Light itself, for she embodies such beauty, wearing the Light like a tiara and gown.  I admire that beauty, both on the outside, and within.  How she can stay so happy, hopeful, and trusting just stuns me.  I just…if she opened her heart to me Shadow, and I could take her away from here, I'd show her whatever beauty in the world that she wanted to see.  I'd give her anything."

   Slowly, Hailamei rose to her feet, slower than normal, for her numb legs could barely move.

   Looking back to Shadow, Arandor hung his head again.  Another defeated chuckle escaped him as his head shook.  "I'd love nothing more, Shadow, if I could simply convince her to look me in the eyes, instead of looking down from me, when it should really be me, looking up at her, from down below."

   Hailamei had inched her way to the door.  She let out the softest of gasps, feeling a tear trickle down her face as she held her hand over her mouth.

   "Arandor," she whimpered softly.

   Meanwhile, inside, Shadow had stood up and was embracing his friend.  "Be patient Arandor.  It might take her some time to get out of that disgusting mindset.  We must show her and all of them that they don't deserve the treatment they've been handed."

   Arandor nodded slowly, gradually returning the embrace.  "None of them deserve to feel so low and terrible…especially Hailamei.  Among them all, even you and me, she deserves the highest admiration…at least, in my heart, she does."

   Shadow felt a smile creep to his face.  He could imagine how confusing things were for his friend, and yet, it showed the resilience of the heart, and how no matter what happens to it, it is always ready to love again.

   Just then, they heard the door creak open.  Both Arandor and Shadow looked and saw Hailamei standing there.  She didn't nudge the door closed with her foot as she usually did.  She gazed at Arandor for only a minute before looking away.  With her arms clasped behind her back, she murmured, "Arandor…would you like to walk with me?"

   Arandor wanted to sigh when she looked away, but instead he smiled.  "Certainly my Lady," he answered, "I am coming."

   Hailamei looked up once more, before turning and quickly leaving to wait outside.  Arandor sighed again, but before he could leave, Shadow grabbed his arm, holding him back.

   "Don't be discouraged Arandor," Shadow whispered, "I do believe I saw blushing on her cheeks.  This time, I believe she is being shy, instead of subservient."

   It took Arandor a moment to process what was said, but a grin flirted with his lips.  He didn't answer Shadow, only pulling away and dashing out of the shack to catch up with Hailamei.

   Shadow shook his head, laughing to himself as he sat on his bed.  "Ah leave it to the heart of one consumed with Light to be so eager to love again," he said to himself.  Reclining back on the rather uncomfortable bed, Shadow chuckled softly and closed his eyes to rest.

   "The only person who could ever look down on you Arandor, would be an angel from Heaven, for then, one can go no higher.  I do believe, you have met one of your angels tonight."

   Arandor had to run for a little bit to find Hailamei, assuming she had gone to the edge of the village to wait for him.  Residents poked their heads outside to watch them run.  Most of them knew about the friendship Arandor and Hailamei had built; they would smile, then act as if they hadn't seen anything, just like everyone else.

   By the time Arandor reached the perimeter of the village, he realized he had lost sight of Hailamei.  Though some moonlight made it through the canopy, and his night vision was great, he realized he couldn't see her anymore.

   He stopped, shading his eyes with his hand.  "Hailamei?" he called out anxiously.

   Silence.  Then, Arandor felt something on his shoulder, coming from behind.

   He whipped around fast, expecting Shadow, or possible even Urlumin.  He was stunned to see Hailamei behind him, looking at him curiously.   She took back her hand, and after a moment she smiled, giggling softly.

   For once, she didn't look down.

   Taking Arandor's hand, she giggled again and said, "Shh…come on, let's go to Lake Vala."

   Arandor grinned, allowing her to lead him.  "Why the lake my Lady?" he asked.

   She giggled.

   "Because you can see the stars there."

   Together the two ran through the lines of dark trees, swiftly and secretly, both accustomed to the paths of the forest.  Often Hailamei would look back to him, only for Arandor to joke about it.  "You look back as if wondering if I'm there, and yet you hold on to me," he would say.

   She smiled.  "Just wanted to make sure I wasn't dreaming again," she replied.

   Arandor laughed.  The moment consumed him, and he no longer thought about anything heavily, letting himself be carried forward without resistance.

   When they reached the lake, Hailamei finally came to a stop, slowly letting go of Arandor's hand, clasping hers together before her as she looked out across the water.  Opis was waxing full, and the beams of moonlight, along with the stars, caused the waters of the lake to sparkle like jewels in a treasure chest.

   Arandor was also in awe, for it was indeed beautiful.  The closest body of water to the echidna village was the ocean, and while there was a small stream, a waterfall, and some small ponds near the sea cliffs, there was no large lake of this size to create such a breathtaking scene.

   He understood why it enchanted her so much.  Eries, she was a beautiful planet with landscapes as though stolen from a dream.

   He awoke from the wonder when he felt her take his hand again.  He looked to her, only to see her gazing at him.  She looked down for a brief moment, but quickly looked up again, as if she had to remind herself to do so.

   "Come with me Arandor," she said again, tugging on his hand, "I want to sit beside the water."

   Arandor smiled.  "Of course my Lady, if that is what you wish."

   There it was.  She blushed again, quickly looking away, leading Arandor down to the edge of the lake.  Arandor's heart fluttered in his chest.  Shadow was right.  She was definitely shier than before.

   Something was different.

   "Here," she said when they arrived, followed by a giggle.  Letting go of his hand she looked to him and said, "The water is always so warm.  I like to stick my toes in it.  It's nice after walking around in dirt all day."

   Arandor chuckled.  He looked to his feet, noticing the sandals on them.  As he sat down, he took them off without thinking about it.

   Hailamei watched him and said, "Did the king and Urlumin get their sandals from the same place you and Shadow did, Arandor?" she asked.

   Arandor paused, finally taking off the second sandal.  "I'm not sure my lady," he answered, "I do know it is not that hard to make them.  Everyone in the village should be wearing shoes.  That's something I intend to change."

   He stuck one of his feet in the water, testing the temperature.  It was quite warm, and so he allowed his other foot to follow it.  He got comfortable and closed his eyes, breathing deeply to savor the air.

   It was quiet for a moment, then he heard, "What else will you change?"

   He opened his eyes.  Hailamei was looking at him again.

   He loved the eye contact.

   "Everything my lady," he answered.  Taking her hand in his own, he patted it gently.  "I have seen better living than this, and I intend to make it the standard around here.  I will save our people.  This oppression won't last much longer."

   "I…am glad," Hailamei whispered, speaking softly.  She lowered her eyes again.

   Arandor sighed, letting go of her hand to place his fingers under her chin, raising her head again.  He shook his head, asking, "Why do you always look down and away from me?  I dislike it."

   Hailamei's cheeks were a rosy red.  She smiled both shyly and sheepishly.  "I…it is what I am commanded, my lord.  Urlumin demands I look only at his feet.  The King does as well, only not so harshly.  It…is out of habit."

   "No it is not," Arandor insisted, shaking his head, causing Hailamei to gasp softly.  "I never told you to look at my feet, nor have I scolded you when you didn't.  If I do scold you, it's because your eyes are beautiful, as is your face, and I do not like when I cannot see them.  How am I better than you, for you to look away from me in this way?"

   She held her breath, and for a moment Hailamei wondered if she could answer him.

   "If anything…you are better than Kulfos and Urlumin…my lord, and if I must look away from them…then, out of respect, perhaps I should…"

   "Never," Arandor insisted, interrupting her.

   She gasped again, trying once more to look away.  Arandor responded by placing his hands on her cheeks, holding her head gently, so she could not look away.  He felt her tremble under his hands, but not from fear.

   "Never," he murmured again, shaking his head and smiling, "I want you to always look me in the eyes, so I might gaze into yours.  I want you to smile, so that my lips may in turn be inspired to curl.  I want you to laugh, so my heart may race, and tickle my throat until I can no longer stifle a chuckle.  Only curtsey before me, so I may bow even lower, to fully honor you.  If I ask you to dance, it will be so I may share the steps with you.  If I ask you for food, it is so I can prepare it for both of us.  If there's something you need, I want to be the one you ask.  If you dream, I want to be part of it.  Never, do I want you to look away."

   It was as though he was reading from a poem etched upon his heart.

   When he stopped speaking, he regained awareness.  He felt numb, and so his hands slipped from her cheeks falling into his lap.  He bent his head to look at them, only able to focus on his breathing, and the solitary thought in his head.

   "What is happening?"

   Then, any thought was chased away from his head when Hailamei placed her hand on one of his.  He looked up at her.  She had taken his hand with both of hers and was rubbing it gently.  Her lips were half curled in a smile, and her head shook gently.  She looked up at Arandor, and with a giggle she replied, "Perhaps the trick, will be both of us looking up at the same time."

   She had lowered her eyes to watch their hands as she was speaking.  Arandor felt stunned, unable to move or speak, yet somehow a soft chuckle escaped him.

   "I am looking…my lady."

    Her eyes drifted back to Arandor's face.  She spoke softly.  "If that is what you want of me, you will have it…my Lord."

   "No," Arandor shook his head gently, "Only if you want to do these things for me, should you do them.  I do not expect them or demand them."

   Her cheeks blushed even darker.  "What do you want my Lord?"

   Arandor took a breath and closed his eyes, "Other than for you to be happy, all I want is…well, I also want you to stop treating my like I'm some sort of dignitary while you're nothing but a peasant, I also want that," he said as a chuckle escaped him.

   Hailamei giggled softly, "I will try, my lord…"

   "Arandor," he interrupted, placing a finger to her lips briefly.

   She smiled as he took his finger away, but she still trembled, her nerves firing on her all throughout her body as her heart raced.

   "Arandor," she whispered, "I-I will try to…treat you correctly."

   "No," he murmured again.  He scooted closer to her, as close as he could get, and gazed into her eyes.  "Treat yourself correctly.  See yourself as I see you, and treat yourself as I treat you…as one of great beauty and utmost importance."

   A shaky breath escaped Hailamei as she looked to the water.  She could feel tears forming in her eyes.  She closed them, not wanting Arandor to see the tears.  All she could say came in a soft whimper.  "How Arandor…how do you see me…?"

   She left the thought hanging as though she wanted to say more, and yet she didn't have to.  She felt Arandor cradle her head with his hand, gently turning it back to him.  Ready to tell him she honestly didn't know what to say, she opened her eyes, only to see his amber ones closed as he leaned closer to her.  He inhaled quickly, and kissed her as his lips met hers, hushing any further words.

   An aura of countless feelings enveloped them, feelings felt by both hearts.  Hailamei felt hers race, and yet as her nerves fired at her, tickling her violently, especially in her back and stomach, she felt strangely calm.  Arandor had slipped his other strong arm around her, holding her close to his body as they sat by the lake with their feet still dangling in the water.

   He felt so strong, and so warm, and his kiss was so tender.  Hailamei's eyes closed slowly.  Arandor held her securely, and she leaned into him.  She had never been kissed before.  Somehow Arandor made the night perfect, just how she wanted it to be, even if she had no idea how it could happen.

   He made it happen.

   Slowly he pulled back, opening his eyes half way.  She did the same, and saw him smiling sweetly.

   "That's how I see you, Hailamei, with my heart," he whispered, taking one of her hands to hold.

   Meanwhile her heart continued to race, but for once, she didn't blush.  "I assumed you were my hero Arandor…I didn't know…that you planned to do more than save me."

   Arandor looked up at her, and grinned.  "To be honest, I didn't expect to fall in love Hailamei.  Was it not part of your dream?"

   Hailamei giggled softly, looking down to their hands.  "Well, yes…but I didn't know if it was part of yours, Arandor."

   He chuckled.  She made a good point.

   But he had his answer.

   "It is now."

   They both looked up.  Finally he could see into those emerald green eyes, while his amber hues continued to enchant her.

   "You have my love…Arandor," she murmured.

   He paused, thinking of his answer.  "And I love you, Hailamei, forever."

   In the Valordian dialect, adding the word "forever" to the phrase "I love you" was not necessary for a spouse, or anyone.  Yet, Arandor meant it.

   They both committed treachery that night, and yet they kissed once more before rising to their feet.  Arandor put his sandals on, and carried Hailamei in his arms as they left the lake.  "I'll see to it you're the first to get sandals.  For now, I'll carry you as far home as I can."

   Hailamei giggled again, holding on to Arandor as he walked.  She was happier than she could ever remember being, as long as she could remember.  Not only had she found her hero, she found her heart.

   And Arandor, the love in his heart expanded, and so, he continued to heal.

   It allowed him to see beyond the potential heartbreak, reminding him that it was always worth it when all was said and done.

   Shadow was asleep when Arandor returned home.  He would wait to tell him everything when morning came.

   Arandor and Hailamei's love was certainly beautiful, but had to be kept secret.  With Prince Urlumin's birthday less than three months away, Shadow and Arandor now needed to plan how to overthrow both King Kulfos and Prince Urlumin.  Though the anguish felt for the hedgehogs of Valordian was great, it was Hailamei that was the main focus of the mission.  If the night came where Arandor could not protect her and Urlumin stole her innocence, the chance of passing on the Light would be lost.

   Imagining Hailamei being subjected to such violence was terrifying.  She was more than just someone to save.  Arandor loved Hailamei, and if not in the name of the Light, he would protect her in the name of love.

   Sensing this change in his friend, Shadow had already tried to figure out what might be a good way to trap Urlumin.  He spent most of his time training Urlumin, the Darkness within Shadow allowing him to appear as if he genuinely enjoyed his time spent with the wretched prince.  Yet Shadow's days as a humble servant were running out.  Soon he would have his own story to tell, and it would begin with a hedgehog maiden even shier than Hailamei, a sweet lavender hedgehog, named Lulabei.
Yep, I'm back into writing it would seem.

Anyway, poor Arandor discovers his heart has healed. Now, does this mean he has forgotten Mitsukai. Never. Infact he's worried whether he will be able to love someone again. After this night with Hailamei, he realizes he can, while he never forgets his love and memories with Mitsukai.

How sweet <3

Anyway, so Arandor and Shadow are earning the trust of both Kulfos and Urlumin, and the people. Arandor and Hailamei fall in love and now must keep it secret, or Arandor will be killed.

But umm, yeah, I've decided to be good to Shadow this time <3

AND IF ANY OF YOU GET ON ME FOR PUTTING SHADOW IN AN INNOCENT RELATIONSHIP I'LL GET YOU!!!

You know how I feel about putting official characters with fan characters...I don't like it. That's why it's not a permanent pairing, or even one very serious. Besides, you'll see why it can't be later on.

Besides it provides for drama...you know he'll end up with Rouge once she shows up <33333

So yeah...just saying...

All characters belong to me, except Shadow, although this kickass version of him does X3

~ Camillia :rose:
© 2010 - 2024 ReverseTheEclipse
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