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Post by Sky on Jul 26, 2006 9:40:03 GMT -5
Briefly looking down, Sky's features froze in horror as he realized that he had done exactly what he had promised Christine he wouldn't do: transform and subsequently, ruin the day. Closing his eyes for a moment, he then said quietly, staring Byron down, "Then let them kill me. At least I'll have the peace of mind to know that I died doing something honorable - something I suppose you could never understand."
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 26, 2006 9:44:49 GMT -5
Christine silently made her way to Sky's side and placed her hand on his furred arm. Love, compassion and devotion conquered her fear and she looked at him, her face stained with tears but a sunny smile gracing her features.
The murmurs grew louder and Byron loved it. A few people threw around the idea that the beast had enchanted the queen and that he should be killed.
Finally, Christine had had enough. "I rather die the wife of a man who merely looks like a beast, then live as the wife of one who actually is one," she said, her voice echoing in the chamber. She didn't dare look any longer at Sky, lest she see anger at her bold words.
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Post by Sky on Jul 26, 2006 9:57:55 GMT -5
At Christine's bold declaration, Sky felt something strange come over him - as though a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. As though suddenly his prospects had once again brightened. As though somehow things were going to be okay.
As he continued to press Byron firmly up against the wall, not daring to give him an opportunity to escape, Sky watched in surprise as the fur slowly disappeared from his arms and wondered if it could possibly be true. If the curse could possibly be broken . . .
Because it felt different. It didn't feel like all the other times he had resumed his normal form after transforming - it felt like that part of him - that beast - was gone. No longer a part of him. As though he was just himself. Just Sky.
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 26, 2006 10:05:39 GMT -5
Christine's eyes brightened and she let out a cry of joy. "Oh, my, Sky, you're human," she breathed, excitement coloring her features. Tears again threatened to spill down her cheeks - only this time, tears of joy.
Ribestaus looked down from his perch on a beam above their heads. "So, she was the one," he said to himself.
"It looks like you've conquered the curse cast upon your family, princeling," Ribestaus's voice echoed through the hall. "Well done."
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Post by Sky on Jul 26, 2006 17:03:15 GMT -5
Twisting his head at the sound of Ribestaus' voice, Sky felt a surge of elation stream through his body. Free? So he had been right? It wasn't a joke? He was free. Free. Slowly, Sky mulled over these words, repeating them over and over in his mind until a smile broke out across his face. It was true. The curse was no more. Gone. Just like that.
As he felt the shock begin to subside, Sky hesitantly pulled his dagger away from Byron's neck before he said evenly, "You're not worth my time. I'll let the courts of Lovelylocks deal with you."
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 26, 2006 17:56:42 GMT -5
Christine breathed a sigh of relief. "He'll be relieved of his rule over the Enchanted Islands and be brought to trial," she said, pretending to be perfectly at ease with the whole situation.
Byron gave Sky a look. "You know she won't have me killed. Her kind heart would never allow it."
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Post by Sky on Jul 26, 2006 18:05:59 GMT -5
"Perhaps it's better that way," Sky replied, not taking his eyes off Byron. "Death would be too easy of a punishment."
Turning away, Sky suddenly felt the need to escape. There were so many eyes on him and while that normally wouldn't faze him, it was the look on everyones' faces that made him wish that he was somewhere else. Eyes were bulging and mouths were hanging open and . . . it was too much.
Not giving it another moment's thought, Sky strode away, abruptly pushing his way through the crowds and out of the large throne room.
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 26, 2006 18:09:25 GMT -5
"I need some air," she said, her voice carrying. "Excuse me." With that, Christine fled the chamber, fear still etched on her features. She'd have the ceremony completed once her nerves settled.
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Post by Karina on Jul 26, 2006 18:11:59 GMT -5
Gathering up her skirts, Karina hurried after Christine. When she had finally caught up to her, she asked softly, "Hey . . . you want to talk?"
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 26, 2006 18:15:46 GMT -5
Christine collapsed against Karina. "He was going to kill me or Sky," she whispered. "Oh, God... I don't know what I'm going to do," she continued. "I don't know, I don't know..." She trembled. "I'm just glad Sky was there..."
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Post by Karina on Jul 26, 2006 18:22:56 GMT -5
Knowing that there wasn't much she could say to provide Christine with comfort, Karina wrapped her arms around her friend in a tight hug and said quietly, "You're right, a lot of damage could have been done just now - but it didn't. Things are going to be okay now. Byron can't hurt you or anyone else - not after what he did. Everyone knows now that he's crazy and because of it, he won't just go free like last time."
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 26, 2006 18:25:54 GMT -5
Christine nodded. "I'll have to thank Sky when I see him," she said quietly. She leaned heavily against Karina. "Why can't we have normal parties like other people?" she asked.
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Post by Karina on Jul 26, 2006 18:31:55 GMT -5
Smiling wryly, Karina replied, "You know, I'm beginning to wonder that myself." Silent for a moment, she then said, giving Christine one last squeeze before stepping back, "Well, I suppose you want to go find Sky then, don't you?"
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 26, 2006 18:35:17 GMT -5
"Actually, that can wait. He looked like he needed air as well," she said, not truly wanting to budge at that moment. "Besides, I don't know what to say other then thank you - but I don't know what to say after that. Awkward moments and all."
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Post by Karina on Jul 26, 2006 18:42:43 GMT -5
Tilting her head, Karina replied, "Maybe so, but you'll get past it after a few moments and then you'll talk the way two old friends are supposed to talk. You know - easily and the like."
Biting her lip, Karina then said apologetically, "I'm sorry that I'm not very good at this comforting thing. I'm afraid I don't have much experience with it."
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