Of Magicken

[Crystal Tears]

Hey all, I've decided to try again with posting stories and such in Fanfic. I hope you all enjoy, just a warning though, this story will contain sexuality (not much), profanity (nothing extreme), and violence/gore.

And now the story!

Of Magicken
I

Rain was pouring down on the cobblestone roads of the upper Arcadian streets almost like a waterfall. No one was out there; no one dared step out of their homes. As their city was safe no longer, Kaiser Cavendish, the long beloved ruler of Arcadia had been pronounced dead only a day before. Because of this, the city of the province Soca had lost whatever old world charm it had, and now was completely enveloped by what Prince Lucien called ‘Imperial Arcadia’.

I will tell you this, I am no friend of Lucien’s, nor am I a fan of his new empire, but when he vowed to find and bring his father’s killer to justice, I believed him. Who could not believe such a passionate young man? I am, like so many youth in this dying city, captivated by him and his essence. Trinity City beware, for if Lucien has his way, and I have no doubts he will, you’re province Aselic will be obliterated in one swift strike of fire and might.

My name is Iain Farquhar, I’m not an aristocrat; I’m a noble. That simply means that, seemingly I’m not as important to the royals, and have a greater grasp on reality than the ones above me. My family name is both frowned upon and admired because it was the Farquhar that was the first ‘poor’ bloodline to rise up above the 6 lower levels and become comfortably situated on the 9th. But my history is not important, in fact, this tale of my line holds no importance to you who are reading this, so why am I bothering?

Because I want someone to listen, Nabreus, the beloved northern continent of Amasia is not the picture perfect place many would want you to see it as. Arcadia, or rather, Imperial Arcadia through its province Soca, has strengthened its hold on its neighbour Nahara and its President: Erik Kortzfleisch. A good man, or so says my father, but he (Erik) unfortunately chose a very powerful and controlling ally. I need someone out there to realize that the less fortunate in this friendship (if that is what it can truly be called) are being crushed under what would be called progress… My pride and family name reminds me not to care, and if they really wanted change, they would be able to grasp it.

But something just doesn’t sit right to me, how can the people being overwhelmed by Imperial Arcadia and it’s might change their fortune when no one is willing to show them the way?

~ Iain Farquhar


The rain proved to be little more than a nuisance to Iain. He never did mind the rain, nor the thunder or the lightning that often accompanied a storm like this. His brunette hair, which was darker than most, was soaked and thus by consequence black. His eyes were a slick, and rather rare dark-grey, bordering on stormy. Iain looked cold, drenched by the frigid fall rains of Nabreus, yet he wasn’t.

It will take more than a little rain to deter me… He mused, noting how his once beautiful white shirt was now drenched because he had absentmindedly forgot his coat back at Juliet’s. The man frowned, rounding a corner only to see three Arcadian guards pushing a beggar back into the lift, so they could put the peasant ‘back where he belongs’. Iain respected the guards unwavering faith to Arcadia, and had to admire the armour they wore for their homeland. Each suit of refined steel and adamiun had the crest of Soca imbedded into it, and the higher the rank someone was, the more armour they were forced into wearing. But hardly impressed by the practicality of it, it lowers their speed, leaving them open.

But what did Iain know of combat? He had quit the academy when he was twelve and knew only the basics. Perhaps there was some trick the soldiers of the Empire had.

He doubted it though.

The soldiers glanced at him for a moment before continuing with their duties. The beggar was on his way back to the lower levels. Iain quickly headed for the rather large building at the end of the street. Before he was even up the steps to the entrance the door was open, a man dressed entirely in black had the door open, bowing his head respectfully as Iain entered.

“Lord Farquhar, I regret to inform you that your father has already left.”

“Hmm..” Was Iain’s reply as he entered and stretched. “Robert, has there be any word from my mother?”

“I am sorry sir, but no.” Robert, who was an elderly gentleman, had tired eyes and a sad expression. “I believe the storms that plague the east have temporarily shut down communications.”

“Of course…” Iain sighed, “Why would anything go well for the world?”

“Sir, if the world were perfect it would be a boring place.”

Iain smirked at the old man as he entered the living room and flopped down in a rather large and comfy armchair. “Ever the optimist Robert.”

“Sir, I would be more optimistic if you were cease to sit in the most expensive piece of furniture while you’re clothes are soaking wet.” The man’s eyes narrowed, and the boy (at least compared to Robert’s age) smirked.

“Lets hear it than.”

“I’m sure once your father hears of the troubles the east is having; he will send an airship to retrieve her.”

The lord of the house tilted his head somewhat in a curious manner. “Airship? Why do people insist on referring to a balloon filled with gas as an ‘airship’? Airship implies grand, powerful, remotely important… A blimp is none of those things.”

“Sir.”

“Yes?”

“You are still sitting in the most-“

“Expensive piece of furniture, yes, yes, Robert I got it the first time.” Iain rolled his eyes as he lifted himself out of the chair.

“Sir, if I may ask… Are you attending the funeral for the late Kaiser? Your father hopes you are.”

“My father only wants to further his own ends by becoming best of friends with either Prince Lucien or General Schramm. Preferably both if it was up to him…”

“Is that a no sir?”

“Indeed it is Robert.”

* * *

Is that a trumpet?

Iain’s right eye cracked up just enough for a sliver of dull, grey light to shine into his pupil and practically blind him. The man groaned, turning over in protest. He was right though, it was a trumpet sounding, and no doubt from the neighbours. Oh how he hated them and their love of music at the crack of dawn. Who in their right mind gets up before the sun has risen to blow air through a twisted piece of metal? He thought sourly, though in the back of his mind he noted how this morning’s tune sounded much better than it did a week ago. At least that had improved.

“Sir?” Robert’s voice was muffled by the solid wood door, but it suddenly became far more persistent and annoying as the butler opened Iain’s door and stepped inside. “Sir it’s eight o’clock.”

He continued to face the wall.

“Sir-“

Robert furrowed his brow as Iain grabbed one of his pillows and covered his head. “For the love of Arcadia Robert, God isn’t even up yet.”

The Butler rolled his eyes and noted how dirty Iain’s room was. He refused to move into the master suite, and remained in his smaller, closet of a space that seemed to collect discarded clothes, books, and dust faster than a maid. Robert made mental note to have the cleaning woman come through here with a vengeance. “Sir, God never sleeps, he is kept from his bed to make sure your room doesn’t claim you as it’s next victim.”

“Oh… Aren’t you the joker…” Came a sarcastic and bitter reply. Robert smirked; Iain had never been a morning person. “And just who was the first victim?”

“That would be your mother’s prized hare, who met an unfortunate end when your bookshelf came… Oh, what was the term you used? ‘Tumbling down’?”

By this time Iain has rolled over but was still securely under his pillow, Robert could just see one silvery eye gleaming out at him, much like a cat that was hiding underneath your bed.

“Just why are you waking up now anyways?”

“Sir, your father has personally requested you attend the late Kaiser’s funeral.”

“I politely decline.”

The elder man rolled his eyes. “And what is your reasoning?”

“To sleep.”

“You would sleep rather than go pay your respects?”

“That, my dear friend, would require having respect to give.”

The butler let a small smirk break his usual stone face. “Liara will be there.”

Iain threw the pillow towards the Butler who easily dodged. “I will NOT be tempted!”

“I heard she was talking about you…”

“Never!”

“Her dress will expose her shoulders…”

“DAMN YOU!”

* * *

“Iain, you made it.” Spoke a rather tall, bulky man. Iain nodded, smiling only a bit to make it seem like he was actually grieving. His father patted him on the shoulder roughly as he sniffled, though it sounded more like a snort a pig would make. “I’m just so…” The others around the two nodded solemnly and moved on, leaving the men alone in a hallway.

“Father, they left. You can stop acting like you heard your chair turned to ashes.”

Iain’s father, Somerled Farquhar, was a man who had a fine eye for rare items and trinkets. Because of this he had been making money left, right and center, saving up to move himself (and eventually) his son up to the famous 10th level. The man, who was going on fifty, glared at his son and huffed.

“I care a great deal about the Kaiser.”

“You lie.” His son smirked, and crossed his arms. He had not gotten dressed up in this fancy get-up and left his precious jacket at home to listen to his father’s lies. “You care for the profit and fame father, nothing more.”

“And you seem to have forgotten you profit from it.” He snarled. “Don’t patronize me, boy, you’ll regret it.”

Somerled and Iain had a quiet stand off before the son gave in. He didn’t want to deal with this; he had just spent 3 hours standing around a coffin that made his own home look like rotting box in the first level. “Have you spoken to Lucien yet?”

“PRINCE Lucien…” Somerled growled. “And no, I haven’t. But I did speak to General Schramm; he seemed disappointed when I mentioned you quit the Academy…”

“God forbid I displease-“

The smack was quick and hard. Iain’s eyes burned into his father, who looked quite proud of himself he had drawn blood from his son’s lip. “You dare to use the Lord’s name in such a manner?”

“If I spoke how I do at home, your ears would bleed.”

“Blasphemer…” The father growled, and struck his son again, who only curled his hands into fists. “Learn some respect.”

Bite your tongue damn it… He thought, he’ll only hit you again, probably harder- “I give respect only to those who deserve it.”

You idiot.

Somerled didn’t know exactly what to do, but beating his son to death had certainly become an option.
“Lord Farquhar.”

That voice belonged to the prestigious and royal Prince Lucien Cavendish. Both men turned to see a rather elegant man, a little older than Iain (who is 22) striding down the hall. Everything he wore, even his expression, was black. The son had to feel a little sorry for the man, Lucien had rumoured to have been very close to his father, and the emotions he felt were spelled out on his face. Sorrow, grief, perhaps even guilt, all tied up into one sad facial expression.

“Prince Lucien,” Somerled greeted, bowing his head, and holding back a sigh Iain did the same. “I’m so sorry for your loss…”

The man, who was to any sex, quite attractive, even when sad, brushed a dirty blond bang from his face and nodded. His ocean-blue eyes fell upon Iain.

“Iain, I did not expect to see you… You didn’t know my father very well did you?”

“I am here to pay my respects Prince, he was a great emperor.”

“Hmm…” The prince nodded, and fiddled with the gold ring on his middle finger. “They say I am to become Kaiser…”

“I’m sure you’ll be a fantastic leader.” Somerled spoke.

Lucien looked at him and barely managed a smile. “I don’t share your optimism, Lord Farquhar.”

“You should.” Iain said. “You were by your father’s side every step of the way, you have learned from the best and many people seem captivated by you, Prince. You have the entire province standing at your side that should count for something.”

The Prince merely nodded, and perhaps a bit more confident, but he just seemed so broken and vulnerable. “Oh Iain, I almost forgot, Liara was looking for you. She’s by the fountain.”

[Asilynne]

Thats interesting so far ^-^ I like how he disrespects his fathers reasons for being there but yet when the dead emperors son shows up he isnt cruel and doesnt rub it in his face. Very classy. Although you ended it on a mystery T.T lol <3

[Crazy Elf Boy]

Good story, you did a good job of building up your characters personalities and I can picture them in my head. Can't wait for the next chapter.

[ChobiChibi]

I love Iain's attitude to life XD It cracks me up every time... Especially the exposed shoulders!

And I still imagine Robert to be a Brit. I just love the way he treats Iain, he always knows exactly what to say...

Moooooooooooar! D:

[Crystal Tears]

Sorry my reply is late, I got caught up with life and it wouldn't let me go. ^^;;

Asilynne: Iain will probably become known for disrespecting a lot of people. I'm sorry I ended on a mystery, but I have a tendency to do that.

Crazy Elf Boy: Thank you. ^^

ChobiChibi: You demand more and that is what you get. :3

And here is the next chapter, small warning: it has a lot more dialogue.

Of Magicken
II

Liara had always been my friend, a bit stereotypical, I know. I originally met her when I was eight; she was different, like me.

You see my mother is native from the east; she looks different than the women here. Her eyes are narrow and slanted, and her body is petite. My father originally met her when he was out ‘touring the world’, which meant he was running away from something. He discovered my mother, and was captured by her love for the sea.

My family has always loved water, maybe that’s why I feel so connected to Liara.

She came from the sea.

Liara was adopted by a noble family when one of their servants found her in the streets crying. The servant had questioned Liara, but she couldn’t answer much. Apparently Liara said that her family had abandoned her and the sea had adopted her.

“The sea brought me here,” She had whimpered. “But I can’t see it anymore. I’m afraid without it.”

Liara was taken in by the Celestyn family, and then I met her a couple days later. She said she could see the sea in me, and for that I would always be her friend. I never argued about it, at that point, I was just happy that there was someone who looked different, like my mother and I.

I wonder if she loves me as much as she loves the sea…

~ Iain Farquhar


Iain stepped out into the courtyard quietly; the sun was shining today, so the marble bricks and tiles were reflecting the light, it looked quite attractive actually. The light bounced off the marble and made the crystal statues shine like the stars in the sky. He smiled a little, leaning against the archway as his silver eyes focused themselves on a woman.

Her skin was an odd mix of pale and olive, somewhat bordering on green but it didn’t look unnatural or alien, rather nice actually. Her dress was long, simple, and foreign. It had a slit up the side and was a beautiful maroon colour. It had no straps, exposing her shoulders and neck like it wasn’t a sin. Though Iain imagined the pastor here today had already given her quite a talk on the relationship between skin and hellfire.

Robert didn’t lie at least… Iain smirked, admiring the exposed skin.

“Are you going to stand there all day Iain?” She spoke with a soft smile as she turned. “Or are you going to come say hello?”

Iain smiled, stepping forward. “Hello Liara.”

“That’s more like it.”

“How was the west?”

“Absolutely dreadful.” She seemed almost annoyed he had brought it up. “My father went on and on about how beautiful it was… I will never believe a word he says again.”

“It was hideous?”

“Hideous would be putting it lightly…” Her eyes narrowed, and the soft green turned to a cruel yellow. “It was horrendous; it’s all just barren rock. Even the sunsets were lacklustre.” She paused, allowing herself to cool off. “How is your father?”

Iain’s eyes rolled and he grimaced. “Just lovely.”

“That bad?”

“You, my pretty little friend, have no idea.”

“Awww…” Liara smiled kindly as she placed her hand on his cheek. “Aren’t you the sweetest little suck up?”

He frowned. “I am not ‘sucking up’.”

“You’re a horrible liar Iain.”

“Nor am I a horrible liar, you just refuse to believe me.”

Liara smirked, turning away from him and gazing into the crystal clear pool of water in the fountain. It had a number of butterfly koi swimming around in it; occasionally one would come far enough to the surface to make ripples. Carefully she knelt down and began to run her fingers along the surface of the pool.

“Have you told him about your mother yet?”

Iain froze, he was used to Liara knowing certain things she shouldn’t, a trick that made her rather good at chess, checkers and any other board game you tried to beat her at.

“My mother?”

“She’s stuck in the east, yes?”

“Yes…”

“You should tell your father.”

Iain frowned. “Why?”

Liara looked up at him for a moment. “Have I been wrong before?”

“No…”

“Then why don’t-“

Abruptly Iain had Liara on her feet; her arm held firm in his grasp, she looked terrified. He pulled her away from the fountain.

“Iain what-“

“What am I going to tell him?” Iain growled into her ear. “That I just know a storm is coming? That Liara can see into the future and told me what was going to happen?”

She froze, his words stung. Her eyes narrowed a little suddenly. “Robert told you the same thing…”

Oh… Iain growled inside his head. That’s just cheap…

“No…” He sighed, his grip loosening a little. “He was basing it off of facts Liara, about what has happened before. But there is no evidence of a storm coming.”

“My word isn’t good enough for you?” The woman hissed, tugging her arm free.

Their eyes locked, anger and frustration shooting back and forth between them. “It’s not for my father…” He dragged off, breaking the lock between them and looking towards the koi pool. “If he even suspects you of anything…”

Liara gently placed her hands on his face and made him look at her, locking eyes with the man once again. “I do not fear your father Iain, neither should you.”

“What if you’re wrong?” Iain questioned, more to himself than her. “Just this once…”

“The ocean would not lie to me…” She smiled weakly, managing a quiet laugh. “You’re still that little boy I met at that housewarming party…”

“I am not.” He grumbled, pulling his face free. “I’m taller.”


There was a silence between them for a moment, awkward and unnerving Iain turned going to admire a statue of a man pouring water from an urn. On a slab of rock before it was its title “Aquarius”. Funny, he thought. I just can’t seem to escape water can I?

“Will you?”

He turned slightly, looking at her from the corner of his eye. “Yes.”

Liara smiled and approached him, knowing the last of his armour had crumbled away. “You’re an interesting person Iain.”

He turned to face her completely. “Hmm?”

“So many men your age want to make a name for themselves, to befriend the powerful and go down in history… You run away from the future, you linger in the past and refuse to want anything…”

“That’s not true.” Iain smiled. “There are a few things I want.”

Liara looked confused. “So why don’t you take them?”

“Because that wouldn’t be polite.”

She broke into laughter. “And since when did you care about being polite?” He let a devilish smirk appear on his face before looking away. “What?”

“You know what.” The man shrugged.

“Contrary to popular belief, I can’t see into people’s hearts.”

“Why?” He smirked. “Water doesn’t flow that deep?”

“It’s hard to explain…” She frowned, and shrugged. “But usually I don’t need to see into people’s hearts.”

“But could you?” Iain questioned, brushing a few bangs out of his eyes. “See into someone’s heart if you really needed to? Or wanted to?”

Liara paused, staring at the man before turning and walking back towards the fountain. She knelt down again and began to play with the water. “I could, yes… But it would be difficult…” The woman paused, standing up and turning towards the entrance to the courtyard. “You’re father is coming.” Liara glanced at Iain. “What did you do?”

Iain grimaced. “Oh, you know the usual…”

The woman shook her head. “Before he comes, you need to know something.”

“What is it?”

“You can’t keep running from the future Iain, it’ll catch up to you, and change that has been denied so long can only have a violent outcome.”

* * *

As long as I have legs I can keep running… Iain mused, heading down the entrance stairs in somewhat of a rush. Yes, he would ask his father to get his mother but his exact reasoning wasn’t coming to him. He could be like Robert and throw the pattern into Somerled’s face but that man wouldn’t accept facts unless he was the one to discover said things. Iain frowned, looking at the twin rivers that ran down on either side of this grand staircase. A nice effect, but it had no purpose; Iain had never really grasped the idea of making something appear more attractive than it deserved. Of course I’ve been told I’m attractive, and I doubt I deserve such a blessing… A smirk crawled across his face at that thought and he stopped about halfway down.

“She’s not afraid of my father…” He spoke quietly, turning so he was gazing up at the white-brick castle. “Liara, you need to learn who to fear…”

“Sir?”

Iain nearly jumped, he turned back after his startle to see a guard standing before him, looking a little concerned.

“Sir, are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Iain found himself hissing; angered he had been caught off guard. “Why?”

“You just seem sort of pale, sir.”

Iain could see the fear in the guard’s eyes; he was no doubt from the lower levels and was just trying to do his job. He knew that Iain held the power to go him fired, and for a brief moment the noble considered playing that card, holding his power over the poor man who could, in any other situation, knock the living daylights out of Iain.

“I’m fine.” He sighed, pushing past the guard. “Go do whatever it is you guards do.”

“Erm… Yes sir.”

Look a little pale… He rolled his eyes. He was feeling a bit under the weather yes, but Liara hadn’t mentioned anything, and she would’ve. It was just the way she was. Iain pulled him his pocket a tiny gold coin and began to twirl it in his fingers as he reached the final set of stairs. Whoever designed this place… The man thought, sighing. Should be forced to walk up and down these steps for the rest of his life.


An amusing idea, and one that lingered with Iain has he stepped onto the lift that would bring him to the glorious 9th level. He couldn’t wait to get home; it was only twelve, but he was feeling absolutely exhausted. Iain hadn’t slept very well the night before and of course his neighbour and Robert had gained up on him this morning. The man was feeling rather happy about the idea of lying down on his bed, closing his eyes and-

“Iain!”

“Oh…” He growled, rolling his eyes as he turn around to see Liara running for him. Or he assumed it was running, it looked like something close to ‘wanting to move fast’ but he wasn’t sure if it qualified as running. “Damn....” Iain bit his tongue gently to keep himself from saying anything really rude and held the lift door open for her. “Yes Liara?”

“You left without a word…” She dragged out the sentence sadly, and made him feel the sharp, stab of guilt. “Did I make you angry?”

Yes. “No.” He spoke, smothering his thoughts with other, not so abrupt ones. “I just hate funerals.”
Liara looked at him curiously, her eyes narrowing just a tad. She couldn’t get through the sudden block of thoughts. “Alright…”

“Honestly Liara,” He smiled. “I just don’t’ like them…” It wasn’t a complete lie, he did hate funerals. His mind wandered a tad, and he found himself tracing her shoulders and neckline with his eyes for a second.

“Ehem…” She smirked, breaking his train of thought as the lift began to move downwards. “Not very subtle of you.”

He rolled his eyes and half-smiled. “I would bother trying to be subtle if you couldn’t read my thoughts.”

“I don’t read them all the time, you know.” She laughed. “You’re not that interesting.”

“Why thank you…” The man frowned. “I’m glad to know I’m terribly boring.”

She patted him on the cheek. “Sorry Iain.”

He pushed her hand away and looked away. “Don’t you have someone’s palm to read?”

“And you have a mine to work in.” she countered.

“Damn it Liara.”

“You started it.”

She’s got you there. His thoughts betrayed him, joining his friend’s side of the argument. All the noble could do is roll his eyes and lean against the wall of the lift. They had just reached level fourteen, another good twenty minutes before nine.

“Hey Iain,” The woman began. “Do you want to go down to the waterfront?”

He blinked. “Why?”

“It’ll make you feel better.”

“I feel-“

“Iain…”

“Fine.”

Liara clapped her hands happily before reaching out and pressing the button labelled WF. She looked up at Iain who didn’t know whether to be amused or annoyed at the sudden change of destination. “Then you can go home and sleep.”

He frowned at her. “Stop doing that.”

“Sorry?”


The lift however, came to a halt at level eleven. The doors opened and both of them were greeted by four armed guards who gestured for them to step out. Without realizing it Liara grabbed Iain’s hand and arm, fearful of the guards who had their hands on the hilt of their swords.

“What’s going on?” Iain questioned.

“Sorry Sir, but we’re shutting down the lifts on account of a beggar being on one of the higher levels.”

“That doesn’t explain why you’re shutting down the lifts, they usual operate-“

“We have reason to believe,” A voice interrupted Iain, who was infuriated for a second before he turned his head to see a rather imposing man in a long coat with numerous metal clasps on the collar. “That this beggar is the assassin who murdered the late Kaiser.” The man’s eyes turned to Liara, whose grip tightened on Iain’s arm a little. “Was she with you the entire day sir?”

Anger quickly boiled in Iain, who could keep his mouth shut. “Excuse me?”

This man, whoever he was, obviously didn’t expect that sort of reply. “Was this woman with you the-“

“No, no…” Iain growled. “You misunderstood me, kind sir. I heard you quite clearly, seeing as how quiet the area is…” The imposing man raised a brow. “What confused me is that you might be implying that she is one of the suspects.”

“Sir, she obviously isn’t from Arcadia, it is my job-“

“Oh shut up.” Iain spoke, with a razor sharp edge to his voice.

“Sir, do you know who I am?” Now the man’s voice was rising. “I am General Hajo Schramm, now, I meant no offence to you sir, but she doesn’t look like a noble or anything above.”

You are arguing with a man who could have you killed… For looking at him the wrong way… Iain thought, knowing he was just getting himself in trouble. “So now you imply that she is nothing but some sort of hag from the lower levels?”

“Iain…” Liara spoke, catching his attention. She looked afraid. “It’s okay…”

“Iain?” The General spoke, eyeing the man with a smirk. “Iain Farquhar? Somerled’s boy?”

Iain didn’t budge.

The man laughed, his black hair falling in front of his face somewhat. “No wonder you’re giving me a hassle. You’re father said you had little respect for anyone.”

Iain opened his mouth to say something, something that would get him beaten to a pulp more than likely. But as he glanced at Liara, his thoughts changed. “She was with me the entire day.”

Hajo laughed and issued for the guards to let them pass. “That so hard boy?”

Don’t say anything… Don’t say anything… Don’t say anything… Iain had never bit his tongue so hard as he and Liara passed by.

* * *

“Do you want to get yourself killed?” She hissed, as they entered the house. Iain rolled his eyes, hanging his coat up on the hook as Robert moved forward, and took both people’s things. “Honestly Iain can’t you once just so something an ounce of respect?”

Iain looked at Robert, ignoring Liara for the most part. “How was your day?”

“Same as usual sir,” He spoke, glancing at the fuming woman. “How was the funeral?”

“To die for.” The boy replied.

“Robert.”

Both Iain and Robert turned to Liara, who was smiling politely at the old man. “Can you leave us please? I need to speak to Iain privately.”

“Of course Miss Celestyn, don’t yell to loud. You might wake the neighbours.”

“God forbid.” Iain rolled his eyes as his butler left them in the living room. Frustration began to mount however, when Liara slapped him across the face.

“DAMN IT.” He growled, noting how her slap stung worse than his father’s. “Why do you people insist on hitting me?”

“Because you deserve it!”

“Oh that’s rich…” The man spoke, his words oozing anger. “What could I have possibly done to deserve that slap-“ Before she could answer, Iain turned from her. “You know what? I don’t care what reason you could have for slapping me.”

“Iain!” Liara called as he began up the stairs. “IAIN! Get back here!”

He turned, staring at her from halfway to the second floor. “Just go and talk to the ocean, read a palm, look into a crystal ball… I DON’T CARE. Just get out of MY house!”


Robert in the kitchen shook his head as he heard Liara begin up the stairs. “This cannot end well…”


Iain had closed his door and locked it, but that didn’t keep the woman outside from pounding her heart out on it. The door was visibly shaking from the fists that were slamming into it, which, must be noted, was a feat in itself. He didn’t know what to do at the moment, he just wanted to sleep, but instead he had a mad woman trying to break down his door. Though about a minute afterward the banging stopped and he was left alone in silence.

“Thank you lord…” He smiled with relief as he fell onto his bed, sliding off his boots. “I’ll try harder not to use your-“

The door began to open, and Iain stared in disbelief as Robert opened the door for Liara, key in hand.
“Robert!” He called, not knowing whether to be amused or not. “You traitor!”

“I am sorry sir.” Though he didn’t exactly sound it. “She took dinner hostage.” With that the man left so Iain was now facing off with Liara in his own room.

“You never answered my question.”

He gritted his teeth. “Which one?”

“Can you give anyone an ounce of respect?”

“Umm..” He thought (not really) and looked Liara in the eyes. “No.”

Which resulted in him being slapped again.

“Damn it woman!” Iain roared. “STOP SLAPPING ME!”

“You deserve it!”

“Oh yes, I forgot.” He growled. “I’m a disrespectful boy who needs to be constantly hit to remind him of his place.”

Liara frowned. “I don’t want you to be hung because of your tongue Iain.”

“I won’t be.” Was his answer, though he didn’t even believe it.

“Could you give me an answer I believe?” She requested in a quiet voice, knowing his defences were falling.

“I…” He could barely look her in the eyes. “I shouldn’t have to fear them…”

“That’s true…” She spoke. “But unfortunately not reality Iain…”

There were quiet for a long moment, when the woman looked at Iain, blinking in confusion. He glanced at her, rolling his eyes afterwards and turning back to his bed. The man was tired and wanted to sleep, he had been arguing with her for at least an hour, which was more than enough time to realize that it just wasn’t worth it. And in the end she had won.

He smirked for a moment. Bet she saw it coming… Numerous other things had crossed his mind for the time they had been arguing as well, things he had wanted to bring into the fight but they could wait for another. No doubt it was bound to happen.

“Is that…”

Her shaky voice made Iain turn around in confusion; she looked unsteady. “Is that… Really what you want?”

“Pardon?” Iain questioned, lost.

“Your thoughts… I… I didn’t mean to…” She seemed a bit nervous. “I’m sorry…”

“You know, by now you should have realized I don’t care that much, you’ve been doing such things since we were little.”

She moved closer to him, which made him back up a little. “What is it?”

“Do you… Want that…” Liara looked down blush appearing on her cheeks. “This…”

“This…” Reality hit him in the head like a ton of bricks, and he was at a loss for words. For all the comments he had come up with in this life he would give them all back for the right thing to say in this situation.

I would be lying if I said no...

She looked up at him, and he gritted his teeth. “You… have got… To stop listening so closely...” Liara smiled at that comment.

“I’m sorry…”

“Stop apologizing to me.” She looked confused. “You haven’t done anything wrong.”

“So if you want…” Liara cut herself off. “Why don’t you act on it?”

Iain didn’t have an answer for that, instead he moved closer to Liara and gently touched his lips to hers, the kiss deepened a second after. When they parted the duo looked at each other with intense eyes.

“There…” Iain said, carefully keeping himself neutral. “I acted on it. Happy?”

Liara pulled him down for another kiss, before pushing him towards the bed. Iain looked rather amused and surprised at what was happening
.
“Iain, I’ve been waiting for you to kiss me since we were sixteen.” She smiled like a devil. “I’m ecstatic.”

[Asilynne]

Aww thats cute ^.^ I like the first part of this chapter the best, the scene with the two at the fountain, it was very tranquil and emotional. Though I was kinda hoping to see a bit more development of their relationship before they had thier first kiss, I know theyve known each other for awhile but it could have been a bit more intense. Otherwise I love this story, cant wait to read more ^-^ <333