Between the Light and the Darkness - Chapter 27

>> Sunday, February 22, 2009


Shirra lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling. She had been crying for hours, and the sadness was starting to ebb. In its place was anger. An anger that started deep within her. An anger that she could feel in every fiber of her being, every cell, every pore.


An anger so consuming that it literally ate the sadness away, repairing the hollow ache in her heart. She lied in its pool, festering, and let it slowly devour her, eating away at her other emotions until it was the only one left.





~*~*~*~*






Tim awoke on a hard stone floor. His head throbbed, and every muscle protested when he tried to move. The back of his head was wet and sticky, and he realized he was bleeding. The room was dark and he didn't know where he was. He knew that he wasn't in the prison, and surmised he must be somewhere in Shirra's dwelling.


If you fail, then she will, too.
He had failed. Ileeya was hurt, and it was all his fault. He cried, feeling remorseful. There was no hope, now. Everything that had happened this past year and a half, everything that led up to this moment was all for naught. The people of this world would be destroyed, save for a few loyal ones. Those loyal would become Shirra's new world and would serve their queen. Shirra would give birth to a son - his son, who would learn how to rule from her, how to be just as ruthless and unforgiving. Jondak would claim Ileeya, and she would wish for death to come quickly, for Jondak was just as ruthless as Shirra.


Finally, the damn burst and the flood came. Tim sobbed uncontrollably. He cried for what seemed like an eternity, remembering every look Ileeya had given to him, what her touch felt like, the sound of her voice...
Go straight to hell, Timothy Mitchell.
And that's exactly where he was.



The ache in his head magnified. His body felt heavy, and he could feel his mind drifting away. A comforting darkness washed over him as he closed his eyes, and his limbs suddenly felt lighter, like they were resting on a cloud or like he was being carried. He let the feeling sweep over him and gave in to it.






~*~*~*~*









Ileeya knew where Tim was upon returning to the empty cell. She knew he was at Shirra's. But she had no clue where that was. For hours, she had tried searching for him, but to no avail. She sensed danger, so palpable it threatened to overwhelm her. She had to find it, she had to find Shirra's home. Tim needed her...







~*~*~*~*








Jondak was walking on air. He couldn't believe his good fortune. He was almost sorry Shirra was in pain, she looked like a frightened child, sobbing in her hands. And he may have felt sorry for her, if she had not been so harsh with him. If she had not denied his needs for so long. If it weren't for her, Tim would have been taken care of shortly after arriving, and Ileeya would already be his.


But now, Ileeya was his. Tim was likely to never come back to the cell again, would be lucky, actually, if he would even live much longer, and Jondak had been given permission to have his way with Ileeya, finally. Not just been given permission, but instructed to hurt her.

He had refrained in the past, because he didn't want to cause a commotion in the prison. It's not that he cared, really, if the guards punished him, but the confinement cells were the worst, and he'd rather not go there.


He didn't really want to hurt Ileeya, at least, not directly for the purpose of hurting someone. At first he wanted to love her. He was capable of love. He was mezmerized by her when he first came here.


He had never seen such beauty, such perfection. None of the women from his village measured up to even a fraction of the loveliness Ileeya possessed.


And he was confident in his ability to woo her, as he was quite adept at persuading young ladies to sleep with him. He had never been turned down, not once. Until Ileeya. She had turned him down repeatedly, but still he did not want to hurt her. He simply tried harder.


That day, long ago, when she had pushed him down, sparked his anger, and the vision he gave her was a manifestation of that anger. He did it as a warning, hoping if he scared her, she would come around. But he was wrong, and his wanting grew.


Looking back, he suspected that the anger grew because he wanted something he couldn't have. And the more he tried to get it, the more it ran away. He finally had to face up to the fact that he was not worthy of her love, and to him, that was not an option. He would succeed. No matter what.



Then Tim arrived. And Shirra followed closely behind. Everything changed. Now he had no choice but to work for her. Normally, he hated that, except for today. Shirra had just given him the message to ready himself for teleportation. He was to be transported to Ileeya's cell, now that she was alone, where he was instructed to do whatever he wanted.






~*~*~*~*






"Gertie. It's my time, isn't it?"

"It can be, if you want it to."

"I failed. Shirra has won. She has Ileeya..."


"Tim, Ileeya is safe, but not for long."

Tim's head snapped up in disbelief.


"She's still at the prison, searching for you."

"But..."


"The girl Shirra hurt was not Ileeya. She was captured by Shirra's servants and brought to her, where Shirra then cast an illusion on her. The real Ileeya is safe, and her mind is reaching for you."


"I must go back!"


"You are very hurt, Tim. Your head is bleeding. I don't know if you'll be able to wake up. But you must try. Shirra has not won, yet. But she will soon unless someone fights."

"Send me back, Gertie!"


Gertie looked at him sadly. "I can't, Tim. I don't have that power. You must be on your own from this point on. I can no longer help you."

"Gertie, please..."



Gertie smiled at him. "You're a big boy, Timmy. You can do this. You are ready, even though you don't think you are. You must wake, now. Despite the pain. We'll meet again someday..."






~*~*~*~*






"Mother, why is magic so bad? Why is it so wrong?"

"Our people are very superstitious. They are afraid of things they don't understand; things they can't control."

"But Shirra was in control of what she did."


"Any witch would want you to believe that, and would want to believe that herself. But how much control does one really have over that kind of power? A power to hurt? A power that can change things? It is an awesome power, and no one being can completely harness it, no matter how strong or confident he is. Magic is dangerous, and therefore shunned. As a warrior people, we don't have need for it, and we'll go to great lengths to rid our village of it."


"Do you really believe Shirra made you sick?"

Her mother looked at her for a moment before answering. "I don't know what I believe. Shirra has been changing for a long time, and has allowed herself to be fooled by the promise of power that magic brings. That power corrupts, and she was becoming corrupt herself. I can't say for certain that she had a hand in what happened, but I can't rule it out, either."


"What do you think will become of Shirra?"

She siged and turned away. "I don't know. Your father was torn. He sent her away because he loved her, he couldn't bear to see her persecuted for her practice of magic. But as he loved her, he also hated her for what she was becoming. Corrupt. I don't even know if your father truly believed that she was the cause of my illness, but it gave him enough of a fright that he wanted to put a stop to her practice. Sit down. I want to tell you a story.


Your great grandmother, Nauri, was a witch. A quite powerful one.


She was never afraid to display her talent openly, often frightening the other townspeople.


She selected your great grandfather, Merillon, to father her child - your grandmother. Merillon was a traveling merchant. He never stayed in one place for long, and soon the time came for him to move on, never even realizing that he had been used to impregnate a witch. I'm sure he had heard the rumors about Nauri, but with her powers she seduced him, then made him forget.


Your grandmother Lainel was born. She was a beauty that took heavily after her father. Sun kissed skin, deep violet eyes.


"When the child grew into a beautiful young girl, she began to notice things about herself. Things that weren't quite normal.


She was able to change the course of the wind just by concentrating on it. She could cause butterflies to land on her arm. Lainel was a good child, pure of heart, and didn't possess the same chaotic streak that was present in her mother.


"Her mother had settled down by now, not practicing as openly, and was at peace with herself. She taught your grandmother about her 'ways', her magic, and was creating her own little witch.


But she cautioned her daughter, she warned her of the dangers she would face should others find out. She made her promise to be careful, and only practice in secret. Your grandmother agreed.








"When Lainel was barely a teen, her mother was killed. The villagers hung her for her witchery. They did not know your grandmother was also a fledgeling witch, and she was careful not to let them know.


Life was difficult for Lainel, having to live on her own since her early teens. She missed her mother terribly.


Years passed, and your grandmother's wounds healed. She met a nice man, your grandfather Arodor, and settled into a domestic life with him.


They gave birth to a son - your father, and they were very happy.

But, villagers will be villagers, and people began to wonder why your grandmother didn't attend the warrior festival. When your father was young, they had no one to look after him so she could attend. But once he came of age, she was always conveniently sick during the festivals. Rumors spread, and people began to look at her differently. They suspected her of witchery, having known about her mother's romance with it.


"Your father tried very hard to look the other way when the townspeople would talk about his mother, sometimes to his face, sometimes behind his back.


But deep down, he knew, though he tried to deny it. He saw things, things she didn't know he saw.


Like a pot on the stovetop that stirred itself, or a garden that flourished despite harsh weather.


He told me how he returned home early one day and saw the kitchen cleaning itself while his mother was reading an odd looking book. An evil looking book, to hear him tell it."


"But not all magic is bad, right? Grandmother wasn't corrupt, she didn't use it for bad things, did she?"

"Not directly. Not like her own mother. But use of magic, itself, is evil, whether you use it to stir your pots for you, or kill someone. It weakens the constitution, makes one become soft. If you spend hours studying magic, how will you have the strength to lift a sword?"


"But couldn't a magician just swing the sword with their magic? Or fight some other way?"

"That would not be the way of the warrior. Magicians are cowards. They hide behind their magic because they lack the strength and spirit to fight like a warrior."

"If father knew that grandma was a witch, why did he let us spend time with her during the festivals?"


"Your father loved his mother very much. She begged him to let her see her grandchildren. He refused many times, but her sad eyes ate away at his soul, and he eventually gave in. But after he found out about Shirra's interest in magic, he regretted it. He blamed himself. That's why you were no longer able to visit granny, and why father forbade Shirra to practice magic.

Now, it is late. I do believe your father wants to squeeze a couple of hours of practice in before heading to town in the morning. He told me that handsome lad, Malir, asked after you again."


At the mention of Malir's name, Ileeya's heart flipped in her chest. He had asked after her! It was only recently she had started to notice him as more than a childhood friend.


She couldn't get his light green eyes out of her head, and the way his golden hair fell over his beautiful face. Without further comment, she rushed to bed, where the conversation with her mother about magic, witches, and persecution fled from her memory and was replaced by the image of Malir's golden skinned hands caressing her own.


Ileeya woke suddenly to the sound of the cell door shutting. She had fallen asleep searching for Tim. She got up and stretched her cramped muscles, then took a long drink of water. She had no interest in the dried meat that had just been placed inside.


She knocked on the cell door. Aark nodded silently, and escorted her to the King's conference room.


She paced the room, waiting for the king and his advisors to arrive. She was nearly sick to her stomach with fear, as it seemed like things were unravelling at a startlingly quick pace. She would not allow her sister to win this.


She must not! Shirra had already taken too many things from her, she would not allow her to take Tim as well. When she was done warning the king that he must ready for a fight, she would go back to her cell and try finding Tim again. She had to find him.

17 comments:

QG February 22, 2009 at 4:15 PM  

"Send me back, Gertie!" I so had to laugh at that! It sounded in my head like " beam me up scotty", or well down in his case. and I thought, she's dead you silly guy, it's not like she's Spock XD although i thought my comment funny, yours was better. soft, tender, with a soft smile:)

pft and Jondak "He had refrained in the past, because he didn't want to cause a commotion in the prison. It's not that he cared, really, if the guards punished him, but the confinement cells were the worst, and he'd rather not go there." he's a scared litlle weazel! he rather sit on his ass avoiding the whole thing. I do Like his pretty eyes..starts dreami... no! I don't like him! You cant make me XD

poor tim's head. I know the sweet darkness too. It's the waking up that's a total **** I hope Ileeya finds him when he wakes up. but he did get the fighting spirit back when he heared she was safe.it's like the new hope makes you want to join them!

I wonder if the key lies in Ileeya's dream.. about not winning by magic, but wits and strenght... should prove intresting, though, killing shirra, if that's what it comes too, doesn't really mather if it's by magic or sword..it still eats away part of your soul I think....*ponders about that*

even though there is not much current action in this chapter, it feels like it's still getting better. I don't know what it is. but I felt like I could feel all the vibes, even though it's only written text. the serenity and grace of Gerty, Jondak telling himself he's not as scared as he really is for his sorry ass, tims desperating, letting go and his new found fighting spirit. the feeling of the memories...amazing!

well done and on to the next chapter!

thewynd February 22, 2009 at 11:20 PM  

This was extremely enlightening and actually makes me feel hopeful that all is not lost for either Tim or Ileeya. I still feel so bad for Tim thinking that he failed and the despair he must have felt.

The history of Ileeya's family was a brilliant touch and her ancestors...well I can see the family resemblance right down the line.

I have to agree it seems that magic may not win the day especially if it weakens you. In that sense Ileeya has an advantage because she can use magic but is a great warrior. Gives her a bit of an advantage I think and of course she has Tim on her side.

Wonderful writing and beautiful pictures. Again, I loved that glance at Ileeya's past. Really well done.

Zayury February 23, 2009 at 6:58 AM  

OMG! Girl, how do you do it?! You’re a FREAKING GENIUS! First, the pics are GORGEOUS! I love the sharpness and crispness of the ones from the history of her family! :wub: How do you come up with all those beautiful characters and their names?! Your imagination knows no bounds my friend!

Merillon, dang HOT, HOT, HOT!!! Lainel, girl she was such a beautiful girl, loved the pic of her surrounded by the flowers, and she grew up to be such a beauty! I'm so glad you made her available for download at Sugah's Place!

Girl, the pics of the hangings were amazing, awesome CC!!! :wub:

Jondak’s grin was priceless, lol, great pic of him! He is quite the looker! ;) I fear though he is going to get quite a surprise if he goes ahead with his plan, lol! :D

Gerta looked so lovely in those pics, it's so sad that she is gone... :(

I hope Tim and Ileeya kick Shirra’s arse!!!! AWESOME STORY my friend! :wub: :rah:

Astral Faery February 23, 2009 at 1:58 PM  

QG - LOL you had me cracking up with the references to Star Trek. I guess it was kind of Beam me up-ish, wasn't it? Didn't think of that but it makes me laugh.

Your comments cheer me. What well thought out and wonderful things to say. It's a joy to log in and see them!

Yes, you have Jondak pegged. He is a wimp and a half and he enjoys manipulating and bullying others. (He's up for download, by the way. I'll put up a link, soon.) Typical bully attitude - he gets away with it until someone calls him on it and challenges him on it, then he gets all wussy. That being said, he really does have a lot of skill to back him up, and that adds to his superiority complex, but he's still more afraid than he'll ever let on. A bit of a bottom feeder, he is.

Not a big action chapter, but a lot going on. Many transitions to be made, and the pace will pick up again next chapter.

I'm very happy you found this story - thanks for the lovely comments!

Astral Faery February 23, 2009 at 2:07 PM  

Hi, Gayl!

Thanks for all the wonderful comments.

I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter. Ileeya's family is hot, huh, lol? I have several of them up for download and will provide links soon for those interested.

Ileeya does have an unusual advantage,in that she possesses the 'natural' magic her grandmother was born with. You'll learn more of that later on. And I don't want to give too much away, but lets just say that Tim ends up helping quite a bit ;)

Thanks so much for your compliments on the flashbacks. I had fun with those as by this time I was SO SICK of shooting scenes in those tiny freaking cells! I had been kicking myself for not making them bigger, lol. It was also nice working with some different actors for awhile.

Love your comments and so happy you're keeping up. I've slipped way behind in my reading again, but I will get caught up eventually.

Astral Faery February 23, 2009 at 2:12 PM  

Hi, Zayury!

Aw, your words are so inspiring! I appreciate them way more than you will ever know.

I was pretty happy with Merillon, yummy! But for the names, I used an elven name generator. I suck big time at making up names, so I played with it for a long time and found a few that I liked.

I have several cast members up for download, and will put up links soon.

Thank you so much, dear friend, for all the lovely compliments.

S@n February 24, 2009 at 11:08 AM  

Great chapter Ariana, the writing so engrossing. the pictures perfectly done!!!

I really enjoyed reading more about Ileeya's past!

Ileeya has perfected her warrior skills, but she is also a magician, I really have high hopes for her and Tim, I know they will be fine and they will kick Shirra's butt! :D

I also really enjoyed seeing Gertie in this chapter, she is like the messenger of hope! :D She always appears when needed! :D

I do feel sad for Shirra, she was really in love with Tim, she loved him in her own way... she might not be the best person in the world but I know she is capable of love...

Great chapter Ariana!!! :D wonderful update as always!!! :D
Bravo

Sherry February 24, 2009 at 10:04 PM  

Okay the pretty pics of Jondak, could totally be pics of a certain doc. Especially the thoughtful smiling one. Scary.

Sooo. Butterflies on arms. Remind us of anyone? And then you hang the red headed witch. Hmmmm. I like it. Bold with a dash of snarky. It's perfect;) <3AureliaB

Astral Faery February 25, 2009 at 4:44 PM  

Hi, Sandy!

You're right about Shirra. She was very much in love with Tim. But just like with Malir, she would rather Tim die than her sister have him. Kind of like the 'If I can't have you no one will' mentality. Morbid, I know, but sometimes I just can't help myself, lol.

I'm glad you liked the flashbacks and seeing where Ileeya came from. I had fun creating the characters and finding names for them.

Gertie being the Messenger of Hope - I like that! Very cool!

Thanks so much for reading!

Astral Faery February 25, 2009 at 4:47 PM  

Hi, Sherry!

Thanks, chikkie! Glad you enjoyed it. I've gotten quite a few compliments on Jondak during this story. I kind of fell for him while filming.

Thanks for reading!

S.B. February 26, 2009 at 8:44 AM  

Really enjoyed the look back - it was well done and fit it smoothly. and can I say how glad I am that Ileeya is finally making the decision to stand up on her hind legs and fight!! I don't know if she's been buried in despair and depression all this time, but good for her!

Beautiful shots!

Astral Faery February 26, 2009 at 1:48 PM  

Hi, Beth!

You pretty much hit it. Ileeya has been buried, and didn't believe in herself. But she finally found her balls and is ready to put her dukes up, lol!

Glad you like the flashback, too. I liked being able to fill in some of Ileeya's past.

Colliegirl February 26, 2009 at 8:19 PM  

Great reading! That was truly remarkable! I found it quite interesting to hear about Ileeya's family history. She had some gorgeous looking relatives! Arodor was one of my favorites. No wonder she's so pretty! It also helped explain where all that talent came from that the two sisters share. That quite a history they have.

But, It made me feel sad to see Malir again... to see him happily holding Ileeya's hand... enjoying the sweetness of their young romance... and to know that he would soon be killed by Shirra's cruel hand. Poor Malir.

Gertie is such an angel. She always seems to make an appearance whenever Tim needs comfort or guidance. She is really quite remarkable. And still quite the mystery! Who is she exactly? How does she fit in to all this? She looked very beautiful too! I loved the pictures of her with Tim in the meadow scenes.

Beautiful work, Ariana!

Astral Faery February 27, 2009 at 10:00 AM  

Hi, Tamara!

I'm so happy you liked it. I love Arodor, too, but surprisingly, you're the only one that's said anything about him. I love his soft skin and pale features. Quite different than Merillon, but I love him, as well.

Ah, yes, much sadness. Malir practically has own little fan club, and you're not the only one who was sad to see him again! I honestly hated to do that to such a beautiful man, but the story had been written and SOMEone had to fill the role. Besides, it really gives a hard tragic edge to Ileeya's past. But rest assured the actor that played Malir is alive and perfectly fine, lol!

You'll find out more about Gertie later on. She is shrouded in a lot of mystery, but eventually you'll get to find out what she's all about.

Thank you so much for your kind compliments! I love to read them!

cheripye March 10, 2009 at 6:21 PM  

Ok catching my breath...

It was so lovely to get a glimpse into Ileeya's past, to hear how her people look upon magic and witchcraft as evil... How confusing that must be for her, to go against everything she has known, all that she has believed and now be using it and actually wanting to.

Poor sweet darling Tim... And *Shudder* I cant believe that Shirra is preggo... Ick, I hope its a girl and not the son she wants. LOL!

Have to admit I was a bit surprised at the fact that she was actually hurt over his actions, and I must say your writing STUNNING!!! I loved the descriptions!!!

Jondak... UGH... That's about all I can say, he has a black heart!

Your writing and screens are magnificent, sorry for falling behind in my reading... One final thing is alright if I post a link to your stories on my reading list???

Astral Faery March 13, 2009 at 5:09 AM  

Hi, Cherie!

I'm soooo flattered you want to post me on your reading list! Of course you may, and I'd be honored!

It is very difficult for Ileeya to come to grips with the fact that she not only has this natural power, but it's shunned by her society, as well. She does finally embrace it, though, and that's a good thing for her.

Thank you so much for reading!

KDSGS April 23, 2009 at 7:59 AM  

First off, I am so sorry I fell so far behind, I had no idea, EEEK! And thank you Ariana, for the lovely comment you left on Jake's story, I am still all aglow!

I LOVED the look back, filled in a lot of questions. And oh my, my breath caught in my throat over Arodor, just stunning! Will be be available for download? LOL! (contact me by my email at my main blog, top of page)LOL! *begs*

Tim's despair was heart wrenching, so glad he found out there still may be hope!
A little surprised that Shirra was so hurt over Tim's deception, but serves her right!

And what can I say about Jondak? Just such a scheming little toadie. 'I will love her first, then hurt her.' He is an interesting character!
And what does the king want with her?
Great update as always, I have said it before, but I was never into fantasy much, but Ariana, thanks to you, you opened up a whole new genre for me, cheers!!

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