Worlds Collide

Dad made steak. And made me sit and eat with him. I love him to death, but he doesn’t seem to quite grasp the idea that I really do need to sit here for long periods of time and that just a fifteen to twenty minute break to eat dinner could kill me. HA! Doesn’t he KNOW I have a story to write?! No, no he doesn’t. At least the food was good? (= No, it was. (;

In the meantime, go play with Yoshi. He’s doing movie quotes at hello! Yoshi. You know you want to play with Yoshi. C’mon now. He’s all about the boobies! (;

Y’all love your adventure, don’t you! You love you some twists and turns and backroads. ::grins::

Fine, fine. Off we go, after the artifact! Lucian will GO.

However, Jarrod will need to stay home. There really is no one else Lucian would trust with the construction. So – who will go with him? And whom will they meet while they are there? (;

Lucian exhales slowly. He circles the desk, settling back in his own chair, staring at the image. He hands it to her. “What does it look like to you?”

“A clearing?” Solstice frowns, obviously confused.

“No, look at the void left by the leaves, where you can see the lake.” Lucian looks out the window to his left. He rubs at his head.

“Oh, I see what you mean. It looks to me like it might be – oh – I see. It appears to be a bird in flight? There is something unique about the position of the bird, however…”

“Aye. There is.” He pulls something from a desk drawer. He hands this to Solstice.

“This is it! This is the symbol. Where did you get this?” Solstice looks up at Lucian, shocked.

“It was the standard for my mother’s family. When she married my father, she discontinued use of it, so I had forgotten about it.” He gets to his feet and begins to pace the room slowly. “My mother once told me a story about a lost family sword, one which had brought years of peace and prosperity to a forgotten kingdom. She often told me only the true of heart could find it. She asked me if I was true of heart. She laughed when I told her yes, every time. She would kiss me and tell me she knew I was. I thought naught more than a family story. It is real?” He pauses to look to her.

“It seems so, Lucian. The artifact is said to appear to be a weapon of war, but it is not a weapon of war, but one of peace – when held by the true of heart. If it were to fall into the hands of Ryall…” She frowns.

“You said he could not find it on his own, did you not?” Lucian strides forward, picking up the picture he had drawn.

“Aye. He would need to find someone true of heart. He may have one or two in his guard – Nicholas was one – but I am not sure. However, it sounds as if you must race him to the hiding place of this sword. Will you go after it?

“I am not certain. I am needed here to oversee the construction of the fortifications of the city. Not to mention, the people of the kingdom like to see their monarch from time to time.” Lucian frowns, sliding his fingers over the image.

“And yet – this brings you closer to your mother, doesn’t it.” Solstice smiles faintly.

“Aye, it does.” Lucian looks up at her.

“Then, it seems, you have a choice….”

You guys really, really, really, REALLY like honesty! ::chuckles:: Like – REALLY like honesty. But – that’s cool. I like honest too. (=

And, Solstice likes honesty as well. (; So – Lucian will tell her the truth.

And we’ll have some background information on that particular artifact – and perhaps some other mysterious happening.

(I warn you. I’m starting to get really loopy..)

Lucian sighs softly, closing his eyes. He leans back in his chair as he shoves a hand through his hair. The long strands go flying, then settle against his face once more, making the gesture seemingly useless. Unless it was merely a nervous tic. He opens his eyes, looking toward the seer. “If you have any wisdom to impart, I am open to ideas, Solstice. I admit to being at an utter loss at what to do now. I am uncertain how to truly end this conflict. He will not stop. Not until he has what he wants. Which is my fath – no. My kingdom.” He frowns, obviously somewhat uncomfortable with the notion.

“I know he will not stop, Lucian. However, he must be stopped. And I – I may have an answer for you.” She draws in a breath. “Do you have a small mirror somewhere nearby?” Solstice looks about the room.

“I believe there is one. My mother hung one up years ago and my father never took it down.” He gets to his feet, looking about the bookcase-lined room. He then moves toward the opposite wall, where a mirror was hung over a small shelf. He picks it up, pulling it away from the wall. He carries it back toward her, offering it to her.

“Thank you.” She takes the mirror and draws in a deep breath. She sets it down on the desk, placing a hand upon it. She looks up at Lucian, then takes his hand. She places his hand upon the mirror as well.

“Solstice? What are you doing?” He sounds confused. “I wish to show you what I have seen. This is one of the few ways I know of doing so.” She exhales slowly, then inhales slowly. She reaches out, placing her other hand against Lucian’s side. She groans faintly. Lucian looks to the mirror, then his eyes widen at what he sees. His head tips to one side.

“Solstice? How is this – is this truly – ” He is unable to form a coherent sentence.

“Aye. It is what I have seen of Ryall. No matter what else changes about the future, this does not change. Ever. You must intercept him at this point in time.”

“How am I to know when he will make for this exact spot? And why is he going to this spot?” Lucian frowns, puzzled.

“He believes it to be the hiding place of a great artifact which will aid him in his quest. However, he is ignoring the fact that only those with the most true of intentions can see the weapon, much less wield the weapon. Anyone else will find nothing, nothing at all. However, he will go for this spot. And he will be there soon. Do you know of this spot?”

“No. I have never seen it before..” He frowns. He starts to sketch the location on the back of a paper on his desk. It is pretty well drawn.

“Perhaps Nicholas would know of it.” She blinks as Lucian pauses, his gaze locked on the sketch.

“Solstice, what do you know of the weapon?”

“Not much at all, I am afraid. Why do you ask?”

Lucian drags in a breath, looking toward her. He then looks at the ceiling.

“Lucian?”