PART II: FLORINA (Pearl Version)

PART II: FLORINA (Pearl Version)

“Blue Gloom” is the name of the tune that plays during Florina's dream.

Chapter 1A: Blue Gloom: Dusk

     The cold blue December dusk spilled across the city, flowing between the silent buildings, then paling and dissipating into nothing as it clashed sullenly against the brilliant glow of the jewels set into the pavements of the narrow, circular streets. There was no escape, no rest from the constant light within the city's premises. But as the city sunk into its lower sectors, inhibited by the commoner Jumi- that nameless, faceless mass of people whose core quality was not as rare and fine as the cores of the Lucidia nobility, and half-Lucidia middle-class- the light of the jewels dimmed a little, they became rare, and their glow could no longer battle the night as effectively.
    In a silent, neglected part of these lower sectors, Alex stood leaning against a partially ruined wall with his arms folded across his chest, gazing absently at the pale remnants of the day that flickered in the sky. His eyes, bright in the lingering sunlight, sought the faint pinpoints of stars, but they were too far away, too obscured by the restless glow of the towering city heights, and he could detect nothing except that ever-present halo that brightened the sky into a dim blue color.
     Down in these lower sectors, however, the night managed to overcome the light. Silent buildings, their closed windows dark and opaque against a thickening dusk, surrounded the Clarius Knight. It was eerily quiet here; there was no sign of life, no human voices sounded from within the cramped, tiny houses. Before the latest tides of the core-related plagues had hit the city this sector was the slum area of lower sectors. The poorest people of the Jumi society, those who could not afford to move into the higher, safer areas, populated it. Even for low-class Jumi this dwelling area was considered bad. For, as in any society, the lower classes, in absence of the tight regulations imposed upon the city above, had created a subsection of community that followed rules entirely of its own devising; and most of the basest and most corrupt activities concentrated in these low-level eastern slums. The policing authorities never frequented this part of the city. The criminal activities festering in the slums did not truly provide a great amount of trouble to the ruling classes, and consequently remained largely ignored by the ruling authorities, who were entirely occupied with ever-increasing tides of trouble plaguing the higher sectors.
     Of late, however, even this part of the city had quieted down. The desolation haunting the city as its population was slowly decimated into a mere two thousand became woefully apparent everywhere. The main cause of this was Core Waning, one of the various core-related illnesses that pervaded the city for over three hundred years.
     Core Waning was an illness characterized by a sudden loss of energy. Victims of the illness would become weak for no apparent reason. The first loss of energy was usually followed by fever, and the sick person would have bad dreams and delusions before they succumbed to a slow process of dying that involves a general apathy and, eventually, a lack of recognition of one's surrounding. The illness was always associated with a dimming of the core and an eventual extinguishing of its light. When the light was completely quenched, the Jumi would die.
     The process of the Core Waning and its variation had been thoroughly researched and described in many volumes by Jumi medical scholars; what none of them could clearly identify was its source. It was a centuries-old sickness that became worse during the last three hundred years, and some attributed it to the slow-accumulating after-effect of the Jumi's drying cores; but no one could prove for certain whether the theory was correct. The Core Waning was the primary reason why Florina's strength had been sapped quickly compared to previous Clarius. She was a relatively young Clarius, and normally she shouldn't have been in such a bad condition relative to the few years she had served.
     The Jumi royalty gave precedence to the sick of the upper classes, and largely abandoned the lower classes as the number of people inflicted with various core-related illnesses increased and the pressure on the Clarius and other Jumi healers mounted. The commoner Jumi thus lost a large percentage of their population in the various tides of Core Waning that plagued the city.
     Diana, whose initial ascent to power was largely achieved because she bestowed the low-class Jumi with voting rights, had made at first some attempts to dispatch aid to the commoners during times of trouble. But as the problems increased her efforts gradually grew half-hearted, until she abandoned them completely and left the commoners to manage the best they could with their own handful of healers.
     The significant reduction in population caused the commoner Jumi to abandon the lower city and ascend to its better upper parts; and only the most base of people now hibernated in the slums lying beneath the spiraling avenues. Even Elazul, who hated the constant light of the upper sectors and had nothing to fear from anyone, never liked to frequent these desolated places. While well-acquainted with vice, that he frequently encountered in his travels among the humans, his ascetic tastes were revolted from it when he met it in his own kind. As if- despite his unvoiced belief in this fact- the confirmation that Jumi were very much alike humans even in their depravity and impurities jarred to him.
     Alex, standing among the destitute and deadly silent houses, knew of all of this. He did not worry much about the prospect of encountering the disreputable Jumi inhibiting the slums; but his particular interest did not lie with those Jumi. The silence and ruins were, for him, mute witnesses to the corruption to which this city, the city that he wholeheartedly hated, had sunk to.
     This city changed me, he thought, and the smile that stole to his lips was acerbic. Nothing used to disturb me before I came to this accursed place, nothing marred my serene belief in the inevitable, nothing altered my deeply-ingrained dislike towards all of humanity. So I could see people dying, bodies slashed apart brutally, and I accepted these things without question, nay, with detachment, and with very little remorse for the dying. I had the power to heal them, and if they died, the chance I had given them was wasted. It was fate.
     This was before I met them, who finally made me care about someone other than myself.
     Damn you Florina. Damn you, Elazul.
     And Alex reflected with the cynicism deeply ingrained in his nature, this love that I now feel increases my hatred towards everyone else twicefold, makes me wish to destroy this city, that uses one person mercilessly with the same coldness of which I myself would have approved had it been anyone else but either of THEM.
     Yes, I myself would have permitted these cold-hearted policies of theirs, Alex thought, and the green eyes suddenly widened with the dazing realization. I could have run this city with the same relentless efficiency that SHE does.  Perhaps this is yet another reason why loath her so much. In her, I see my mirror image, that heartless, brutal part of me. I have to witness it every day, have to bear with it as it wounds those I care about.
     Alex gave up the vain quest for the stars and turned towards the gray, broken wall, watching the darkness of the desolated slums.
     Damn you… damn you, Black Pearl.

     It was a night in early December. Elazul, on palace duty, wandered about its wide corridors. He chanced to pass near the stairway leading to the luxurious top floor, which consisted of the spacious suits reserved for the palace dwellers. Recalling that Florina was unwell for the last two or three days, he decided to pay a visit and see how she was faring.
     He was not surprised to discover Alex sitting on a chair just outside Florina's room. The Clarius Knight's head was supported by his hand, that rested against the arm of the deep velvet chair, and his eyes were closed. Elazul observed that the Alex's face was very white, and that lines of weariness marred the narrow countenance. He approached quietly, but Alex, ever-alert, immediately opened his eyes and glanced at him. A tired smile welcomed Elazul, but Alex did not say anything for a moment.
     “Can I see Florina?” asked Elazul as he came to stand before Alex.
     “Yes,” answered Alex. “She slept for the last few hours, but she woke up an hour ago and took her supper.”
     “Why are you outside?” Elazul asked, leaning against the wall with his hands behind his back and glancing at Alex.
     “Florina ordered me out,” answered Alex. He yawned profusely and crossed his arms behind his neck, shifting his body in the chair. “She claims that I make her feel morbid, and threw me out with an injunction to come back when I cheer up.”
     Elazul raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing. Alex uttered a short laugh that Elazul privately considered a little harsh. “Oh, you know how insufferable I can be! Anyway, I've had maybe five hours' worth of sleep in the last two days and I'm pretty much an unstrung wreck, and I can't seem to fall asleep either. But can you imagine the ungratefulness of that woman?”
     “Well, you can be rather intolerable, Alex,” answered Elazul. “I have no idea why I myself still put up with you.”
     Alex uttered a small laugh and stretched carelessly. “Thank you, Lapis Lazuli,” he answered. “I like you too. And although I acknowledge this damning judgment on your part, I still happen to like me very well.” He considered his answer for a moment, his eyes on the ceiling, then yawned again and added, “Of course, if anyone else was like me I would have to kill them.”
     Elazul made no answer, and only remarked, “I am glad that Florina is better.”
     “I am too,” agreed Alex. Elazul noted that his tone was curiously detached, and he reflected that Alex did not seem himself; but as he attributed it to the accumulation of fatigue he made no comment upon this behavior. He perceived that Alex lowered his head a little and leant back in the chair, his weariness overtaking him. Lingering, he glanced at him; but Alex remained silent, his eyes closed. After yet another moment he was breathing softly and regularly.
     “Alex,” said Elazul quietly. He received no reply and Elazul reasoned that he was asleep. He observed the Clarius knight, whose face, relaxed in that childlike repose, appeared deceptively angelic, and a smile edged his mouth. Then he turned and knocked on the door of Florina's room.
     Florina's gentle voice greeted him, and he pushed the door open and entered the spacious suit. The only light in the suit was from a small lamp burning by Florina's bed, whose wavering glow created soft, moving shadows. The Clarius' thin body was concealed under her thick blankets, but discerning Elazul she immediately straightened and motioned him to come closer. In the huge old-fashioned bed with the heavy, rippling blue covers the frail young woman appeared like a small, lost figure inside a vast pool of water.
     Elazul seated himself on a chair at her side and examined Florina. She was pale, but after he expressed his satisfaction at seeing her well again she answered in a strong enough voice, her sweet smile illuminating her features: “I am glad that you came to see me, Elazul.”
     “It's my pleasure,” answered Elazul warmly. Florina then inquired for news, which Elazul supplied her to his best knowledge; but as he was not the best source for gossip, the subject lasted for a very short duration. After it concluded, Elazul said: “Alex fell asleep on the chair outside. I wonder if you'll mind sharing your bed tonight, Florina?”
     An unholy light entered Florina's eyes. “At last, my dear! Do feel free to share this bed with me.” She patted the blanket besides her invitingly, adding, “As you can see, there's plenty of room.”
     “I can tell that you're feeling better, Florina,” Elazul remarked dryly. “What would Alex say if I comply to this interesting offer?”
     “Alex is asleep and will never know,” answered Florina wickedly. “And serves Alex right for all those vile medicines that I am forced to drink.”
     “Vile medicines for a vile woman, Florina,” Alex's voice said from the door. He strode into the room with a quick step and immediately threw himself on the bed, pulling one of the heavy blankets off Florina and wrapping it around himself. “I am going to sleep now,” he announced testily. “And I would appreciate no further interruptions. Good night.”
     Elazul smiled and rose to his feet. “I guess that I'll leave now.”
     Florina sighed. “So soon?” she asked. “Just as I was feeling happy again.”
     Alex, for his part, opened one eye and measured Elazul speculatively. “Are you still here, Elazul?” he asked warningly. “Out, I said. Out, out, out!” He yawned, adding, “You can join us later if you wish to.” And upon this conclusion he rolled onto his back and pulled the cover over his head until he was completely concealed from view.
     Florina stifled a laugh but nodded her head towards the door; and Elazul obeyed, closing the door quietly. After a pause Florina said softly: “Alex!”
     There was no reply. Florina pulled back the blanket and discovered that Alex had fallen asleep. A smile trembled on her lips, and she arranged the blankets around the Clarius knight's body. “Dear Alex,” she sighed.

     The next morning Florina awoke to find Alex sitting on the chair by the window and into the morning sky. He supported his chin with his delicate hand and his dark eyes, illuminated by the sunlight, appeared a lucid green. Florina studied the sharp, fine profile silently, and suddenly wondered how long Alex will be able to stay in the city. Not for long, she realized, feeling a sadness stealing over her for Alex, who in the last few months had become like the dearly beloved sibling that she never had.
     Alex finally perceived that Florina was awake and glanced at her. “You look much healthier today, Florina,” he observed, turning in the chair.
     “Good,” she replied. “It's a little exasperating to always look like a haggard, sad spectacle and have people ask you after your health, as if this is what you should be constantly thinking about!”
     “Personally, I can't see how you can endure it,” Alex said tartly. “Anyway, I can see that my new concoction helped. I was worried that it might not, but it seems pretty effective after all.”
     Florina bestowed a smile of genuine gratefulness on Alex. “Indeed it had! You've a true talent for medication.”
     He gave a derisive smile and shrugged with an indifferent air. “Perhaps, I don't know. As long as it helps you I'm glad. Otherwise, it's not that important.”
     “It saved more than one life,” Florina pointed out gently. “And one of them is important to us both.”
     “Hm,” was all that Alex replied.
     Florina leant against her pillow. “Alex,” she said slowly, “I think that you should use your medications on Jumi who experience Core Waning.”
     A dark look stole into Alex's bright eyes. “I don't think that I wish to do that,” he answered.
     Florina examined Alex's countenance. “Why not?”
     “Because I don't wish to help those who advocate the way that you are used,” Alex answered moodily, his eyes fixed on some indefinite point in the chaste skies of the morning.
     This was not the first time such a comment surfaced. Florina heaved a secret sigh, but said softly, “It will help to relieve their suffering, Alex.”
    He made no answer, but his expression was morose now. Florina, perceiving this, offered no further remark. She leant back against the bed and closed her eyes, succumbing to the weariness of several days' illness. Alex remained likewise silent, mulling Florina's suggestion in his mind. But, his mouth thinning, he said with quiet fury: “No, no, no! I shall not.”

     Lately Florina was often called to tend Jumi afflicted with Core Waning, and her attacks of illness increased with alarming frequently; and every time she took to bed again Alex became angrier, a direct opposition to his easygoing, level-headed manner. His mood, of late changeable, became autocratic, and his uncivil tongue lashed out brutally at anyone unlucky enough to cross him. The only people he would tolerate at those times were Florina herself and Elazul, who would never allow Alex to sustain such behavior towards himself.
     Elazul's equally merciless retorts to Alex's malicious taunts ironically restored Alex to his usual good-humor; but the moment Elazul was gone Alex would become restless again, and Florina, although she tried not to show it, felt greatly disturbed by this erratic behavior. Alex appeared to be mulling some idea in his head, constantly cross-questioning her about the Tower of Leires and the angel legend until Florina herself felt tried and exhausted by his behavior. Alex noticed this. “I am a great trial to you, aren't I, my dear?” he asked her one day with a caustic smile. She made no answer and he left the room, vanishing for three whole days to some obscure corner of the city known only to him. Florina called Elazul and begged him to find Alex and tell him that she asked for his forgiveness. She felt guilt-stricken for doing so, for she could perceive that Alex's mood was affecting Elazul as well, and further aggravating Elazul's recent habit of occasionally avoiding Alex; but she felt that she had no other choice, and told him so. Elazul took her hand and comforted her. “Don't ever worry about coming for help to me, Florina,” he told her.
     She looked at him with a tremulous smile. After he left she said to herself, for no apparent reason, “Poor Elazul.”

     It took Elazul some time to discover where Alex disappeared to and to burrow him out of his self-imposed solitude. But, following upon clues, he finally directed his steps towards the lower eastern slums.
     When passing one of the sealed buildings in that hauntingly desolate district, he thought he could see the shadow of a person from inside, appearing as a silhouette that moved against the window. The slender figure and sharp profile were familiar to Elazul, and he immediately guessed it to be Alex. Approaching the house, he pushed the door open and entered.
     He found Alex sitting crouched against the wall. Alex made no motion to rise even as Elazul approached him, but kept flipping something between his hands that looked like a dirty bundle of clothes. When Elazul finally paused and stood before him, he looked up and smiled, tossing the thing to him. Elazul caught it instinctively, and discovered it to be a semi-dismembered doll made largely out of spare rags. It must have been ugly even before it was mutilated, patched up clumsily by an inexpert hand; and after lying in the musty house for a long while, it was hideous.
     “Must have belonged to some child,” Alex said, without waiting for Elazul to speak. “Just one of many who died here.”
     Elazul said nothing but stood clutching the ugly thing, his eyes fixed on Alex.
     Alex now rose to his feet and turned to the wall, supporting himself against it with his outstretched hands, his head hung low.
     “I know what you came here for,” he said over his shoulder. “Tell Florina that I'm sorry, but I need some time alone.”
     “I can't do that,” answered Elazul.
     Alex said nothing, and Elazul continued: “You should go back and apologize to her, Alex.”
     “Well,” replied Alex, his voice now acquiring that arrogant quality that Elazul so disliked in him, “I am not going to; not yet. I'll do it- but at my own time.”
     Elazul, searching for an answer, struggled with conflicting feelings. His pity for Florina's distress was reinforced by his anger at Alex for that selfishness ingrained in the Clarius Knight's soul. But these emotions battled with that peculiar sympathy that Alex always elicited from him, the feeling that, as different as he was from Alex, they were also akin to each other in some deeply meaningful way. He longed to bestow a good verbal lashing on Alex, to shake the Alexandrite out of that self-serving, careless selfishness; but looking at the Clarius knight's turned back and the rag doll in his hand he knew that, somehow, he could not.
     Alex became aware of Elazul's silence; and suddenly began to speak.
     “Do you know, Elazul, that I changed since I came to this city? I lost that indifference that made me so tranquil, that enabled me to accept life with detachment. I used to be able to face death without caring much about the fate of the people who suffered from it; but now I can't watch one person die without feeling an anger that I had never thought possible in myself.”
     Elazul remained silent. He knew that no reply was required.
     Alex continued to speak with a peculiar tranquility that Elazul found disturbing, even a little eerie. “I hate this city, Elazul. This city is full of people who all accepted a way of life that is based upon my own philosophy; they learned to cope with the cold hand of fate. They all accepted the logical rationale of deliberately killing one person for their own sake; they sealed their emotions and taught themselves not to care, because all they think of is their own well-being. And let me tell you this: it's not pleasant to see your own reflection multiplied time and time again and applied to a whole frame of a society, and this society your own. It becomes a nightmare; a huge gaping mask, a monster staring at you with your own eyes. I hate it, and I hate myself because of it!”
     Alex now uttered a short, angry laugh. “I always thought that I could accept my own cold-heartedness. But I cannot endure it when it becomes the philosophy of a whole society, a society that I wished to go back to, believing it will provide me with a place of my own in the world. Instead I found the irony turned upon myself, the world becoming one single, vicious joke at my expense. But, Elazul, I am determined not to let it continue this way. A society that contains people like me surviving and people like Florina dying is a society that ought not to exist!”  
     “Don't, Alex,” said Elazul suddenly. “Don't talk this way."
     There was silence, and then Alex uttered another short laugh, passing his hand over his eyes. “Impossible, aren't I, Elazul? Tell Florina that I'll be back soon.”
     But Elazul had caught a glimpse of his profile, and although he had not made a comment upon it, he was shocked to see tears sliding down Alex's face.

Chapter 1B: Blue Gloom: Night

     It was a special privilege of wealthy Jumi families of high rank to occasionally venture into the outside world. The license for visits had to be requested ahead and approved by the high council. On these occasions the family would be escorted by at least one member of the elite royal guard; and the more high-ranking the family, the more skilled the knight.
     It was almost the middle of December, several weeks after Elazul met Sapphire. Elazul was informed that Rubens required his presence; and upon repairing to Rubens' office, he was told by the councilor that he would be accompanying her family for a three-day visit to a nearby town.
     “And as you know,” Rubens added, after conveying minute instructions to Elazul regarding his duties towards the family, “Sapphire, as the prospective future Clarius, requires a special attention.”
     Elazul knew about the high honor and distinction this kind of a duty conferred upon a knight; but he didn't feel particularly interested in it or grateful for it. His replies were dry and to the point.
     “I'll keep it in mind, Sir.”
     Rubens regarded him with some attention; then, keeping his tone carefully neutral, he said: “I have noticed that you talked to Sapphire at various times these last few weeks.”
     “I did, Sir,” answered Elazul. “She is a friend of Emeralda's.”
     “And what do you think of her?” Rubens prompted.
     He noticed that the young knight's eyes glanced towards him with a guarded expression, and immediately wondered whether he should have approached the question less directly. But Elazul replied casually enough, “She's a very nice girl. I like her very well.”
     This statement, uttered in a non-committed way, did not satisfy Rubens; but, familiar with Elazul's reserved nature, and mindful of the need of approaching him cautiously, he refrained from responding to it directly. He returned to the business at hand. “Well, then I am glad that you feel this way about Sapphire, and I am sure that you would guard her well. Her value is high for us, Elazul, and I want you to keep at her side at all times.”
     Elazul privately considered this kind of vigilance a trifle exaggerated for a mere three-day visit, but he accepted Rubens' instructions without comment. He felt that going out into the world for a while and breathing some fresh air might serve to clear his mind a little; and as he liked Sapphire, he did not mind spending some time getting to know her better.

     Two days later, Elazul met the family he would escort to the outside world. He already met the three girls of the family, and as he did not particularly warm up to either Amethyst or Marina, he was not prepared to like their parents. He discovered that the father, brother to the former Clarius, was a pleasant-mannered enough man; but his wife was a haughty woman full of self-importance and affectation. Elazul disliked her almost at once.
     He quickly sized up the position that Sapphire, the socially important but lackluster cousin, had in her family. The mother regarded her with disdain that stemmed, Elazul guessed, from jealousy of her consequence and high-quality jewel; and her daughters, as he had already observed, treated her with indifference that sometimes spilled over into careless hints of maliciousness. Her easy-going uncle, too insensitive to perceive this situation, did not bother to correct it.
     Elazul could instantly discern that his dislike was returned by the lady of the family; and despite the covert glances flashed towards him by Amethyst, her mother was determined to distance both her and Marina from him as much as politeness would allow. Elazul guessed that she knew about his “reputation” and was determined to shield her daughters from him, but this made so little difference to him that he showed no objection, and no sign of being insulted. Rubens' instructions served him better than he had foreseen, for keeping close to Sapphire was a good excuse to escape affecting interest in her aunt and cousins.
     But what drew Elazul's attention the most was Sapphire's greeting of him- or rather, her lack of it. She was suddenly closed up and quiet, and he could barely draw two words out of her. This was unlike her behavior during the last two weeks, in which she greeted him with shy familiarity and even a growing hint of friendliness. Recalling that she had conducted herself in much the same way when he first met her in her cousins' presence, he put this behavior down to the disagreeable proximity of her family, and expected to draw her out of it soon enough.
     He stayed by her side for the entire first day of travel with this intention. But, to his surprise and some chagrin, her silent treatment of him continued. Sapphire rarely opened her mouth except to answer remarks addressed towards her by any member of her family, and as these were few, she spoke very little; and nothing that Elazul said could end her sudden fit of silence. Elazul had the distinct impression that she appeared to derive very little gratification from his presence, and by being the specific object of his particular attention she furthermore became the target of the intense envy of her two cousins- each of whom privately reflected that had SHE the distinction of receiving personal attentions from this handsome knight of the royal guard, SHE wouldn't have behaved with that insupportable dullness exhibited by their cousin.
     Elazul's particular concern, however, was over Sapphire's behavior; and although he still did not know her very well, her estranged manner troubled him.
     They reached the town in the evening, and lodged in the pre-prepared facilities inside a beautiful inn frequented by wealthy travelers. Elazul summoned the family on the next morning and recited the instructions concerning proper clothing and behavior to conceal the fact that they are Jumi. He also laid out the strict schedule allowed by the council; they could wander out together, but had to report to him every hour at the inn.
     By the end of the lecture Marina was stifling a yawn, and Elazul immediately called her to attention. “Were you paying heed to anything I said?” he asked sternly.
     She looked startled by this sudden inquiry, but answered with inconsequential lightness. “Oh, I did, certainly!”
     “Then please repeat my instructions,” he told her.
     Marina grimaced petulantly, but obeyed; and her performance, as Elazul expected, was far from confident. He listened to her in silence, and when she finished he said, “You missed a few crucial details. Please try again.”
     He was rewarded with a disdainful stare from her mother, who apparently reflected that his behavior transgressed his proper social boundaries; but she dared not object, knowing that the council would side with Elazul in any matter that concerned their safety. Marina, for her part, darted a look of resentment at him. She was never taken much with Elazul, and considered his present severity rather mean. But she also discovered that she was a little afraid of crossing the Lapis Lazuli knight, and she launched upon another half-hearted effort without protest.
     “You still forgot too many details,” Elazul informed her curtly when she finished. “Sapphire, tell me what you remember from the instructions.”
      Sapphire, startled at this sudden address, looked up at Elazul with an expression that appeared mildly bemused. It displaced the vague air with which she treated him the previous day, and Elazul was secretly pleased that he was able to disconcert her into this alteration. He directed a small smile towards her, but she fixed her eyes on the floor and, after a moment of hesitation, began to recount what she recalled from his lecture.
     “You BOTH haven't been listening to a word I said, have you?” asked Elazul dryly when Sapphire finished her uncertain recital. “Well, then, I will have to repeat my instructions again, per the council's orders.”
     Sapphire, who was gazing past his shoulder with indifference, suddenly looked up; and Elazul, who scrutinized her expression, was pleased to see the beginning of a smile flitting across her face. It vanished quickly, and she fixed her eyes on her shoes; but it left Elazul feeling cautiously reassured her apparent change of mood.
     The rest of the family were not inclined to be amused as they were rewarded with another half-hour of minute instructions; and then Elazul, feeling weary himself of all this formality, released them. But he arrested Sapphire's arm as she turned to go.
     “You must pay attention, or I will be in trouble,” he told her. “You understand me, Sapphire?”
     “Yes,” she murmured.
     “What is wrong?” he asked her after a moment of silence, during which he regarded her steadily. “Did something happen?”
     She was standing with her eyes fixed on the floor, the corners of her mouth sloping downwards. Elazul suddenly sensed something else in her demeanor, a vague disapproval, and it disturbed him slightly.
     “Did I offend you in some way?” he asked her.
     Sapphire started at this direct question, the fingers of her delicate hands lacing nervously. “No- I- no,” she stammered with confusion. “It's just that-“
     Her voice trailed off for a moment; but then she said, a faint color staining her white face, “I- think that I wish to go into the town now, Elazul.” And, avoiding Elazul's eyes, she began to move towards the door.
     This strange exchange increased Elazul's unease, but he was disinclined to press an inquiry on Sapphire, with whom he had been acquainted, after all, for barely a month. For a fleeting moment he had the distinct impression that she was about to say something important; and he was left with an apprehension that she knew something that he did not. He decided to keep at her side and to refrain from trying to heal the breach, reasoning that, if Sapphire wished it, she would do this herself.
     His uneasy suspicions increased upon catching a snatch of conversation carried between Sapphire's cousins on that very day, as he and Sapphire walked near them in the town square.
     “Oh, I know why you don't like it, Ami!” he heard Marina whisper.
     “Be quiet, Marina,” Amethyst ordered with ire. “After all, we both know why it's happening, and besides, I don't believe for a moment that-“ But here she suddenly noticed Elazul and Sapphire and turned away abruptly. Marina, apparently unabashed, pressed her small hand to her mouth to conceal a giggle and darted an impertinent glance at Elazul from beneath her long lashes.
     Sapphire said nothing, but another uncharacteristic wave of color tinged her cheeks, which plainly showed that she had heard this conversation and understood its import; and Elazul noticed this reaction on her part.

     Despite the fact that Elazul served as Sapphire's constant bodyguard, the silence between them continued that whole day. Her mood in trailing the narrow streets of the town was, if nothing else, listless; and after a while, suddenly sensing that his presence was a burden on her, he agreed to let her go by herself if she reports to him every half-an-hour; and he was obliged to stay in the town square and amuse himself the best that he could. The strange schedule wearied him, and the days of the vacation were rapidly becoming an exercise in monotony, relieved only by his free evenings.
     On that evening Elazul, staying up late, left to breath some fresh winter air after his supper. It was ten o'clock, and the family had gone to sleep; and although he was required to watch over their door from midnight to five in the morning, he had two free hours between ten and twelve in which he could venture out into the town. He was preparing to take a stroll in the streets of the town, and made an exit towards the direction of the town square (although he was beginning to loath it by that point), when a figure of a girl traveling in the same direction arrested his eyes. The street-lamps revealed that she wore a dark blue cloak, but it would have escaped his notice had he not been prepared to pass her on the road; and, as chance had it, his eyes alighted on her face as he did so. He immediately paused in astonishment, his hand shooting out and grabbing her arm.
     “What do you think you are doing, Sapphire?” he asked, turning her towards him with a quick motion of his hand.
     She seemed shocked to be suddenly handled this way, and, immediately realizing who it was, she turned rather pale and stared at him without a word. Elazul regarded her grimly, awaiting an explanation, but she remained silent, her eyes averted.
     “Answer me,” he ordered.
     Sapphire opened her mouth. “I-“
     Elazul perceived that she was upset, and relented at once. “If you wished to go out, you should have told me,” he said, more gently now.
     She said nothing. A little exasperated now, he continued: “Well, then, I'm afraid that I must escort you back to the inn. And,” he added, “I must warn you that the council strictly forbids this kind of a behavior, Sapphire. If they knew that you ventured out alone, they will not permit you to go out of the city again.“
     “Please-” said Sapphire in a low voice, “Please don't-“
     Elazul raised an eyebrow. “What?”
     Sapphire looked up. “Don't tell them- I -“
     “I won't, if you promise me not to do it again,” Elazul answered flatly.
     She made no reply and Elazul, discerning that she was not going to speak, turned and told her to follow him. She obeyed, and they reached the inn within a few minutes of walking. But instead of going inside, Elazul seated himself on a bench and indicated to Sapphire to sit likewise. Once again she followed his instructions, settling at his side with her eyes on the earth. The night was cold, the sky over their heads a deep velvet blue in which the pale moon floated aimlessly.
     “Listen, Sapphire,” Elazul began quietly. “I want you to explain to me what is wrong.”
     Receiving no reply, Elazul leant forward and peered into her face. “Look at me,” he ordered, although a smile suddenly pulled at his mouth. “You act as if you are offended by the very sight of me.”
     At this she raised her head. “No, no-“ she murmured. But then she suddenly paused and looked down again. “I-“ she stammered, “Elazul, you, you must- you must stop it. You- I didn't think that you could- behave like- that.“
     Elazul was taken a back for a moment. He did not understand this strange accusation or her manner of uttering it, and after a pause he said, very deliberately, “What do you mean?”
     She lowered her eyes again, but Elazul suddenly leant towards her and caught her arm. “Sapphire,” he said abruptly, “I want to know what you meant when you criticized my behavior.”
     “But- you- you know!” she said miserably, her white face flushed, her voice very low.
     “No, I don't,” Elazul replied. “What is it, Sapphire?”
     She looked up again, and he could see that she was torn between anxiety and uncertainty. “You, you must know,” she stammered. “For my uncle and aunt told me that you do. The council decided to, to arrange this outing so that we can get acquainted further. For they mean to make you my, my knight soon- when I come of age at the end of the winter.”
     Elazul could only stare at her at this announcement; and Sapphire continued with stumbling haste, her voice having a tinge of anguish now. “And I- I don't like it, because I won't- won't have them- deciding for me. Except that my aunt told me that the Clarius has no decision in this matter anyway-but I- I don't wish for a knight!” She looked up, but the expression on Elazul's face frightened her a little, and she ceased speaking. She watched the Lapis Lazuli, whose blue eyes were dark with a mixture of emotions, chief of whom was a simmering fury; and suddenly feeling chilled at his aspect, she faltered: “I am so sorry, Elazul! I did not mean to insult you! I like you very well, but I don't- I don't-“
     Elazul looked towards her. To Sapphire it appeared that he momentarily forgot her presence; but as he beheld her pitiful aspect his expression softened.
     “It's all right, Sapphire,” he answered, and his voice was unexpectedly calm. “You don't have to-“ and he uttered a sudden laugh that surprised Sapphire, “-to apologize! I am not at all insulted that you don't wish to have me for your knight.”
     “I am glad,” she said simply. “Please understand that I don't wish for a knight, not one forced on me this way.”
     “Is there anyone else that you wish to have for your knight, then?” asked Elazul, watching her closely.
     But Sapphire shook her head, a slight color rising to her cheek. “No, not at present. But-“ she cast down her eyes, her fingers clutching each other tightly- “I am afraid of what they could do and say, if I refuse!”
     Elazul extended his hand suddenly, covering Sapphire's small hand with his fingers. “You don't have to worry, Sapphire,” he said. “For I swear that I will not let them bully you into consenting to become my guardian.”
     She glanced up. “Thank you,” she answered softly. Her color deepened and she said wistfully, “When I- when I do have a knight- I wish it to be someone that I love.”
     “I understand very well,” replied Elazul quietly. “For I feel the same way.” He pressed her hand with a sudden, spontaneous smile. “Sapphire, I never had any siblings, and I lost my father a long time ago. But lately I felt that I acquired a family again, here in the city. Lady Florina is like an older sister to me. And you, Sapphire, I feel almost as if you might be a younger sister, for you have a little of what I recall from my mother's manner. She had dark hair and blue eyes, like you do; people say that I look like her.”
     “Thank you, Elazul,” she said voicelessly. “I feel that you are someone I would have liked for a brother.” Her soft smile appeared, lighting her beautiful eyes, and she offered timidly, “And what about Alex?”
     Elazul was surprised. He withdrew his hand and Sapphire noticed that a strange expression entered his eyes. But after a moment he looked up at her and a smile twisted his mouth.
     “Alex,” he replied, “is my personal bane.”

     Upon returning to the city, Elazul went to Rubens and informed him in no uncertain terms that he had discovered the council's intentions and that he had decided (choosing his words with careful civility, for he deeply respected the high councilor) to refuse the offer. Rubens listened silently and, upon Elazul's concluding his speech, merely said that he would ask Elazul to think upon this matter, and that meanwhile he would not tell Diana of this turn of events. Elazul informed him that his mind was made up and took a concise, polite leave, not feeling very reassured, and trying not to think over what might happen next.
     He resisted the urge to unburden this matter to Alex, whom he had no doubt had known about this long before Sapphire's disclosure, feeling disinclined to discuss it with him for some reason. He could already imagine Alex telling him, in the usual derisive way, to accept the council's gracious offer; and as he knew that the subject of Black Pearl would come up eventually during the conversation, he felt a strong urge to avoid it.
     Alex heard about the whole event from Florina some days later, and guessed Elazul's reasons for not discussing it; but he kept his thoughts to himself, plainly reading Elazul's mind. He remembered his own prediction about Diana's planned coercion, and, like Elazul, knew that this was not the end of the Sapphire matter yet.

Comment: Here's a LoM douj drawing</a> that fits LoJ's Alex perfectly. Thanks goes to the maintainer of S*A*N*D*R*A for her permission to use it.

Here's something I need to mention: the Jumi, apparently, don't reproduce biologically (something I didn't know until chapter 3, and decided to ignore in my story). Instead they somehow form around their respective cores, and can stay alive as long as the core is whole, hence the whole ending bit in LoM. Again, in my story they die natural deaths, as if the core finally weakens, only having extended lives because of the cores.

I did not know all this because it is never mentioned, and Esmeralda has 'sisters'. In my story, the reproduction method is biological. Thus, Snow and Sapphire (and everyone else) have parents. I guess this explains why so few Jumi exist in LoM, in addition to the fact that they were hunted; the number of Jumi stones is obviously limited. Although it does not explain why Jumi would be human in appearance, nor what “makes” Jumi stones.

Chapter 2: Snow

     The passing of autumn, the advent of winter, always raised conflicting emotions in Florina. She loved autumn, with its rich tapestry of orange and vermilion and old gold, its slow, flaring sunsets, and the mournful beauty of a world silently sinking into deep sleep. But the black winters, morbid, still and serene, made her feel melancholy. It was getting harder to bear the cold weather as the years passed and her body succumbed to weakness, its frailty rendering it susceptible, sensitive to the altering temperatures; and somehow this caused Florina to sense her approaching death more acutely. She always felt certain that if she dies sometimes within the next few years, it would be on a winter night- passing away quietly, cool and feverless on the white sheets of her bed, her strength spent.
     Florina shook her head as if to chase the morbid thoughts away. Winter isn't all death and desolation, she reflected, and attempted to rally her spirits by the cool, bright vision of the chaste blue skies shining outside her bedroom window. Saristin, she recalled, was born in the winter; and he was like the best embodiment of the season, pale and serene and steady-hearted. And winter is beautiful, too, she thought; nothing is lovelier than the purity of the falling snows.
     The thought of snow made Florina glance at her companion, the young man who was its namesake. He was presently bent forward over the mahogany table, inscribing runes upon a freshly-pressed scroll with careful precision. He worked silently for the past hour, his sharp features and lean body poised in complete concentration upon his task; but as Florina looked towards him now she noticed that he had paused, perhaps for some time without her noticing, his gray eyes fixed on her watchfully.
     “Is something the matter, Snow?” she asked, smiling at the boy.
     He immediately averted his face, and his hand, which had slowed at its task, continued to trace the runes with renewed pace. “No, ma'am,” he replied evenly, although his color heightened a little, staining the too-white face. “It's just that I thought that-“
     His voice trailed off, and Florina did not press him to speak further, although she was curious to hear his thoughts. Snow aided her to trace runes for some weeks now, and he proved to be a careful and apt scholar, surprisingly patient when it came to the small details; and Florina found his help invaluable. He always treated her with strident respect, and was habitually loath to speak to her about anything but the research work. She knew that he was more voluble with Emeralda and Sapphire, and wished to draw him out beyond the carefully respectful answers of “Yes, ma'am,” and “no, ma'am”, which, she knew, ran contrary to his usual manner.
     She therefore regarded Snow inquisitively. “What is it?” she finally asked.
     For a moment he did not reply. His face was turned down, his eyes intent on his scroll; but then he said slowly, “It's just that, I thought that- I saw you shuddering. Just a little.“
     “Oh, just a momentary reflexive reaction at a thought,” she answered. “It was nothing.”
     For a few long minutes he said nothing further. Florina returned to her work, thinking that that conversation was at end; but then Snow added:
     “You always try to put the best face on things, Lady Florina, although you are often ill.”
     She raised her eyes at this sudden comment, which was uttered quite artlessly and a little vehemently, and barely refrained from smiling. She suspected that she was finally seeing the Snow that everyone else knew, and was glad that he overcame his mask of reserved shyness to utter something more spontaneous.

     “Oh, I try!” she replied. “It would be dreadful to always mope about my condition, and people would probably find me insufferable if I do, which would be appalling, since I have to deal with them every day whether I wish to or not.”
     “Yes,” said Snow, in a lower voice. “You are always obliged to do things that you don't like, and yet-“
     Florina watched him, wondering what he would say next. He was still bent low over his work, but he paused, frowning. Then he said in his decisive way:
     “Emeralda was right.”
     Florina raised an eyebrow. “About what?” she asked.
    There was a dark look in Snow's eye, a morbid concentration on an apparently unpleasant thought. “When we first met, Emeralda said that I was prone to excessive self-pity. I got extremely angry at her for that criticism; but ever since I met you, I realized that she was right.”
     He now met Florina's eyes with a direct gaze. “Ever since I began to work with you, Lady Florina, and I saw how you bear exactly the same situation that I do, burdened by an excessive, continual illness without self-pity, and without imposing your troubles upon others, I realized how insufferable I had always been. And I respected and admired you for being different from me. And,” he added, speaking quickly and with a sudden burst of emotions, “it made me realize that I need to change. I need to behave more like you do, Lady Florina.”
     He uttered this speech with such a heroic air of admission that Florina tried not to betray her amusement, suspecting that it would deeply humiliate him; but she could not help but like his frank, straightforward manner.
     “Don't be hard on yourself,” she replied gravely. “People who know you really well, like Emeralda, are fond of you all the same.” She could not but help adding, her eyes twinkling, “Also, a lifetime's habit is hard to break. Give yourself time.”
     He understood that she was laughing at him and reddened slightly, but accepted this calmly enough. “To be sure,” he answered. But then a reluctant smile edged his mouth. “I promise, Lady Florina, that I shall try my best.”
     At the moment the door opened and Alex burst into the room. Snow, whom Alex always made vaguely uncomfortable with that mocking, sharp tongue, immediately excused himself, with a lack of grace that showed Florina that his new resolution to change his behavior will require a long uphill climb. She was amused at the thought, and as soon as the door closed behind the young man she scolded Alex for his taunting manner around Snow.
     Alex settled himself in Snow's vacated chair. “It's not my fault that this ill-favored, scrawny boy is your new admirer,” he answered, green eyes brimming with mischief. “Although I am shocked that you had it in you, Florina, to steal him from Emeralda, after he had been stalking her for weeks with a lovestruck expression on his face.”
     “Be quiet, you wretched child,” Florina commanded. “Snow deserves a better treatment from you. I, for one, am glad that he wished to help me with the inscription of runes. I pity him for always having been so closed-up, and I am glad that he found a kindred spirit in Emeralda. He is certainly improving in manner and-“ here she glanced at Alex with a glimmer of amused reproof, “he's not that bad-looking. He has nice eyes.”
     “Unfortunately, I am not a great believer in kindred spirits,” Alex retorted. “And it irks me to think of that mere child Emeralda getting a lover before I do. But-“ and here Alex seemed struck by a thought- “perhaps I should try and steal him from both of you? For I confess that his infatuation with Emeralda makes me feel slightly ill, especially since she is completely oblivious to it.” He crossed his arms behind his head and, winking at Florina, added: “Got to maintain that reputation of mine, you know.”
     Florina moved her eyes back towards her scrolls and resumed her task of rune-translation. “I see,” she replied, determined not to display her amusement at this depraved little speech, so typical of Alex.
     “Don't you wish to ask me about my reputation, Florina?” Alex inquired, deceptively innocuous.
      “I was about to inform you that I wish to avoid finding out about it at all possible cost.”
     Alex raised an eyebrow. “Then you don't wish to know how I acquired it?”
     “Not at all,” answered Florina patiently.
     “Too bad. It's an interesting story.”
     “I'm sure of it.”
     Alex heaved a resigned sigh. “Corrupting you is so difficult, Florina.”
     “There is no need to,” Florina replied serenely, as she dipped the feathered pen in fresh ink. “After all, my dear, aren't we kindred spirits?”
     Alex's eyes opened wide. “For shame, Florina! I wouldn't insult you with such a supposition for the world.”

     Florina looked up, her eyes beginning to dance. "I have only this to say, Alex. If you truly wish for a lover, then I know of the perfect lady for you.”
     Alex's eyes narrowed suspiciously. “I'm afraid that my last statement is about to be proven wrong,” he said tragically.
     Florina uttered a tiny laugh. “A wonderful lady, Alex.” Her expression turned dreamy as she gazed out of the window into the cold blue firmament. “Very attractive… and quite tall.”
     Alex straightened in his chair, uncrossing his arms and placing them on the table. "Florina,” he said, very evenly.
     "She has such eyes, too," continued Florina wistfully. "I envy her! Compared to my nondescript gray…"
     "Florina," said Alex again, leaning forwards, a warning green glint entering his eyes.
     "And she has such a fine figure, too," finished Florina with a rapt sigh.
     "FLORINA!"
     Suddenly Florina leant across the table, lacing her fingers together pleadingly, her expression distraught. “Oh, Alex! Forget about her! Take ME instead!”
    Alex burst into a pealing laugh. “You are depraved, shameless woman, Florina,” he informed her, brushing his hair out of his eyes.
     A wicked smile laced Florina's mouth. “I told you that we are kindred spirits,” she answered placidly.

     Emeralda, Snow and Sapphire agreed to meet in the maze garden one cold morning in the middle of December. Snow, arriving early, seated himself on a bench and waited for the girls to arrive.
     Snow's mood was not particularly good, for he felt unwell for the last three days, suffering from a slight fever and the usual succession of nightmares accompanying illnesses that include a high body temperature. He had to disguise his sickness the best that he could so his parents would agree to let him out for these few hours. He now huddled inside his heavy coat to protect his thin body from the severe chill, and his gray eyes, that gazed absently into the white morning, betrayed his illness by their unusual brightness.
     He sat alone for a while, feeling very cold and, although he tried to ignore it, just a little delirious, when a figure stepped in front of the bench and a voice addressed him: “Hello, Snow.”
     Snow looked up and beheld Sapphire's cousin, the aquamarine Jumi, standing just opposite. She was wearing a sea-blue jacket with burnished golden buttons that partially concealed a cream-colored sweater and a coral-hued skirt. Her pale azure hair was gathered in a long braid laced with a crimson ribbon, and her bright eyes brimmed with mischief.
     Snow did not like the aquamarine Jumi, and he was not at all impressed by the charming little vision she presented. “What do you want, Marina?” he asked, fixing his eyes on the white distance with a marked show of indifference.
     “Waiting for someone?” Marine inquired.
     “Isn't it obvious?” Snow asked ironically, still gazing ahead. “I'm out here to enjoy the cold weather.”
     Marina bestowed a sweet smile on him, unfazed by the clearly unfriendly welcome. She noticed Snow's ill appearance and said, immediately grasping at her chance, “Come, Snow, let's go to the palace. It's much too cold out here for you.”
     Snow looked up again and fixed her with a steady stare. He was beginning to have a notion of what she was about, but he was far from pleased at the realization. “No thank you,” he answered shortly.
     “Why?” she asked.
     Snow maintained his even gaze on her. Despite his recent resolution, the increasingly severe chill and his intensifying fever put him in an ill-humor, and besides, he had always disliked the aquamarine Jumi. “Don't you have something else to do, Marina?” he asked curtly.
     She put her arms behind her back with a girlish gesture, smiling at him angelically. “No.” Tilting her head slightly to the side, she inquired with feigned innocence, “You're not afraid of what Emeralda will say by any chance, right, Snow?”
      But Snow wasn't disconcerted, and he felt himself dangerously near to losing his temper. “You're being a pest, Marina,” he said crossly. “Get lost.”
     He wished that this would offend her enough to rid him of her company; but Marina pressed her hand to her mouth to conceal one of her small titters. When she moved it away she bestowed another of her bright smiles on Snow. “So you CAN be masterful!”
     Snow felt that she was mocking him, and his pale face flushed with chagrin. He was beginning to sense that Marina, in her own way, was quite as tenacious as himself, and not quite as silly as she appeared, and he was baffled by the realization that he was not going to get rid of her using mere impoliteness. He remained stubbornly silent and Marina, perceiving his disconcerted air, was about to take a step towards him when Sapphire showed up.
     She gazed at Snow and Marina for a moment without saying anything; but Snow greeted her with an air of obvious relief, inviting her to sit at his side. Sapphire was surprised, but immediately complied. Marina's malicious little voice spoke at their side. “Oh! What shall I tell Emeralda, then?”
     Snow was incensed now, and he turned towards Marina abruptly. “Don't be stupid,” he flashed at her. “Emeralda is coming soon.”
     Marina giggled. “Oh, I see. Would you mind having a third, Snow?”
     He flushed vividly, for a moment at a loss to answer. Sapphire, for her part, remained silent; she was used to Marina's ways and apparently didn't particularly care to intervene in the exchange. Snow, perceiving that he would receive no support from her, rose from his seat. “Sapphire,” he said, attempting to conceal his aggravation to prevent Marina from thinking she won the exchange, “I think I'll go to the palace for a while. Please tell Emeralda that-“

    But before he could complete his sentence he suddenly paused and raised his hand to his head. “Oh-” he gasped, and collapsed back onto the bench.
     Sapphire, a little alarmed, fixed her eyes on Snow apprehensively, and Marina raised an eyebrow. He leant forward with his hands on his knees, staring ahead. “I don't feel… very good,“ he said in a faint voice. “It's my…“
      But suddenly his hand shot to his neck. “I- I can't breath!”
     Sapphire started in fright and grew very pale. Marina, however, immediately sized up the situation. “Don't just sit there, Sapphire!” she ordered. “Use your healing tears on him. I'm going to get help.” And upon this injunction she immediately ran off in the direction of the palace.
     Snow's head hung low, and he was breathing harshly, with obvious effort. Sapphire leant towards him. “Snow,” she faltered, “I'm- I'm going to-“
     “Come closer!“ Snow ordered tersely. “Give me… your arm… before I…”
     She obeyed him, edging in his direction. His fingers grabbed at her arm and he supported himself against her unsteadily. He passed his hand over his face and felt it cutting through cold sweat. At his side, Sapphire was trembling; sensing it, Snow glanced up at her. “Don't… be scared,” he said, speaking with an effort, and attempting to appear calm. “I'm a little better… now. I'm always sick. Just do… what Marina… told you.”
     Sapphire's great eyes gazed at him in a melancholy way, but she said nothing. She raised her hand to her cheek and closed her eyes, and after a moment a shining tear fell from her lashes to her finger. The drop remained suspended on her fingertip like a tiny, shining jewel, which she cupped in Snow's palm.
     He applied it to his core and immediately felt his breathing growing easier. After a few moments, during which he struggled to collect his strength, he finally felt well enough to straighten himself. He looked towards Sapphire, attempting a smile.
     “See?” he said. “I'm all right now, Sapphire.”
      “Good,” she answered, avoiding his gaze. Snow maintained his eyes upon her inquiringly. He was a selfish person by habit, not given much to care about the concerns of others; but he sensed her distress and wished to understand it.
     “What is it?” he asked. “I hope you're not unwell because of the tear, Sapphire.”
     She shook her head. “I'm all right. I'm glad that it helped.”
     The tone with which she uttered this statement was reserved, and curiously flat. Sensing this, Snow said, “It did. Why wouldn't it?”
     “I-“ Sapphire's pale face flushed and she looked disconcerted and unhappy. But then she lowered her head and said quietly, “Snow, my tears, they are not- not that- effective.“
     His brows drew together as he gazed at her searchingly. “They helped me very well,” he answered shortly. “Why would you say that?”
     “Because…” Sapphire looked down at her fingers, that she spread and moved slightly, with a nervous gesture. “It's- a secret, Snow, but I think that you would understand, because-“
     He said nothing, and she continued, “Because of your own core. My core, it's… flawed. From birth.”
     Snow straightened suddenly, but after a short silence his only comment was, “I see.”
     “It was a great disappointment,” faltered poor Sapphire, her face flushing in shame. “Black Pearl said so. My mother's core was perfect, but mine…”
     Snow passed his hand over his face, but he cut her off before she could continue. “Stop apologizing, Sapphire. I know exactly what you went through. And anyway,” he added with his habitual air of defiance, “I think it doesn't matter one bit. Your tear worked just fine for me.”
     “I think that you should still see Lady Florina,” said Sapphire; but her voice trailed into a soft murmur, as if she was afraid to be rebuked by Snow for this suggestion. But he was staring absently ahead again without hearing her, seeming to mull over a thought. Suddenly he said:
     “It's strange, Sapphire, but not only are all those illnesses prevalent in this city, we are both born with flawed cores around the same time, and there's almost no new healers. I wish I just could get out of this city. I don't have a lot of happy memories from it anyway,” he added bitterly.
     “I don't either,” said Sapphire in a whisper. “I wish to get out as well. Especially before they…”
     Snow, immediately detecting another forthcoming disclosure, looked towards her alertly. “What?" he asked. "What will they do?”
     Sapphire's nature was naturally reserved; but she seemed to conclude that no harm would come of telling Snow everything. “They'll pair me up with Elazul. The council had decided it, but I-” under Snow's searching gaze she flushed and stammered, “I don't wish to.”
     Snow, who immediately decided that he never liked Elazul anyway, said resolutely, “But they can't make you, Sapphire, if you don't wish to. Can they?”
     “I don't know,” she answered, very quietly.
     Snow's feeling so revolted from the concept of being forced to do something against one's own wishes, that he said in a burst of vehemence, “Well, they can't make you! Anyway, what did Elazul say?”
     “Elazul was very nice about it,” answered Sapphire, her rare smile appearing. “He said that he would not let them force me into this. But I'm still afraid.”
     “I don't think even Elazul could withstand the council,” Snow agreed; and as he knew nothing of Elazul's own reluctance as to the suggested pairing, his dislike of Elazul intensified at this disgusting display of noble-mindedness on his part.
     “Emeralda wishes to go to the university someday,” said Sapphire in a whisper. “And I know that you will come with her. And I… I wish to go with both of you. Please, please take me with you.”
     “Of course we will,” Snow answered promptly. “No question about it. I hope this makes you feel easier, Sapphire.”
     She nodded, not looking up. “I shall be so happy to escape,” she said. “Only I was afraid to go alone. But with you and Emeralda, I feel that I may be able to.”
     Snow, satisfied at the conclusion of this conversation, rose to his feet. “We shall meet later,” he said. “It's just too cold over here; tell Emeralda that I shall be waiting for her inside the palace. But as for you flawed core, Sapphire, I don't think that you should worry about it.”
     She made no answer to this, and Snow began to walk down the path; but he barely took a few steps when he suddenly paused, his face growing livid.
     “Oh, damn,” he said, and crumpled to the ground in a dead faint.

     When Emeralda arrived at the palace she heard the news from Marina. Marina mentioned the presence of Sapphire as well, “But when I came back to check on Snow she was sitting there dumbly, completely useless!” she said tartly, with a good deal of disgust. “I never understood that nervous manner of hers.”
     “Stop being such an insensitive brute, Marina,” Emeralda replied pointedly and with a little heat. “You know that she had watched her mother die because of core-problems. You should try to be more understanding.”
     Marina snorted, but made no reply, and Emeralda left the garden. She was not particularly worried, even though she knew that Snow fainted. Snow was occasionally attacked by one of his illnesses, and at least once or twice a week, when his health was particularly poor, he was obliged to stay at home; and she reasoned that he over-strained himself because of his stubbornness.
      On such occasions Emeralda usually visited Snow's house to exchange a few words and agree on the next meeting; and if Snow's illness was not serious, she sometimes stayed a little while for a chat. This always improved his temper and enabled him to bear his illness with a better spirit, and Emeralda was therefore welcomed in the house, in which she rapidly became a favorite.
      She therefore made her way to Snow's house and knocked on the door, waiting politely to be answered. A young low-class Jumi that Emeralda knew well answered the door. She was a servant of the house, a petite, pretty girl with dark brown hair, not much older than Emeralda herself, dressed in the lace cap, brown dress and white apron that indicated her menial status. Emeralda requested that she inform Snow of her arrival but the servant seemed frightened, and stammered: “Oh, Miss, I don't know if I could let you enter.”
     “I heard about Snow's fainting,” answered Emeralda. “I hope that he's better now.”
      The girl shook her head. “He's awfully ill, Miss,” she said in a low voice, glancing over her shoulder apprehensively as if she was afraid that the conversation by the door would anger her employers. “He's very feverish and the mistress says that it doesn't look like one of his usual illnesses.”
      Emeralda said nothing at this. She was slightly puzzled now and, though not admitting it, just a little worried. The girl leant forward disclosed with an agitated whisper: “They think it's the Core Waning, Miss.”
     Emeralda, who had listened to the girl's nervous tirade serenely enough until now, was suddenly alert. “Core Waning?”
     The girl nodded, her maple-hued eyes wide. “They sent for the Clarius,” she whispered confidentially, “but the request wad denied! The Knight of Clarius forbade the Lady Florina to leave her bed for at least the next two days, for she has been healing a lot of people these last few days and was feeling very poorly herself.”
      Emeralda's eyes flashed at this disclosure. “I see,” she said tersely, reflecting that this must be- undoubtedly IS- Alex's fault. Only Alex could be so beastly selfish as to prevent Florina from healing people in dire need, she thought angrily. To the girl she said, “Please let me see Snow now.”
     The girl, who had always been in some awe of Emeralda, finally complied. Snow's mother welcomed Emeralda, and agreed to let her see Snow. Emeralda entered the spacious white house, whose luxurious furnishing indicated that it belonged to affluent Jumi; but the house was very quiet and melancholy, and, had Emeralda possessed an easily impressionable nature, she would have found it rather depressing. She made her way straight towards Snow's room.
     He turned his head towards her and a weak smile lit his features for a moment. “I'm so glad that you came,” he said in a low voice. “I've made a mess of it this time, didn't I?”
     Emeralda was shocked to see that his face was ashen and his eyes were burning feverishly. He was lying inside the big bed, sunk beneath the heavy covers until his thin body was almost lost in them.
     “It's nothing,” she answered, trying to sound casual. “I'm sure you'll feel better tomorrow.”
     “You don't have to pretend, Emeralda,” Snow said in a flat voice. “I know it's the Core Waning.”
     She didn't know what to reply, and Snow averted his face. “Funny,” he commented quietly, all trace of bitterness strangely erased from his voice. “All this time I was expecting to die of something else.”
     “Stop!” Emeralda burst out suddenly, with more emotion that she intended to display. She had never seen anyone die, even in this city where the illnesses purged the population; she was too young, and belonged to the highest set of nobility, where most of the healing energy was carefully and liberally expended. The thought that someone she knew was going to die suddenly frightened her, and shook her out of her usual calm; and the fact that it was Snow, a young person, and a close friend, made her feel unhappy and insecure. “You're not going to die, Snow,” she said vehemently. "The Clarius will heal you.”
     “The Clarius can't come,” answered Snow.
     Emeralda rose to her feet. “We shall see about that,” she said. “I promise you, Snow, that Florina shall be here to heal you by tomorrow.” And she left the house and made her way to the palace, not doubting for a moment that she will be able to persuade Florina to come.

     Emeralda knew her way through the palace very well, and she was readily recognized and admitted to almost any room, unless an important conference was taking place. She made her way straight to Florina's room and knocked on the door softly. “It's Emeralda,” she said quietly.
     She waited impatiently, fingers smoothing down the forest-green sleeves of her sweater, and passing down to her short skirt, as if she was tidying herself up for the meeting. The door was finally opened by Alex; but instead of leaving it open and letting Emeralda pass he left the room and closed the door behind him.
     “What do you want, Emeralda?” he asked. “Florina is very ill, and must not be disturbed.”
     Emeralda's anger abated somewhat during her quick journey, but now it welled again. Alex's face was white and tired, and his eyes had a very dark color; but Emeralda was too preoccupied with what the maid had told her about Alex's decree, and she ignored these warning signs.

      “Is it true that you denied a request to heal Snow?” she asked him, her voice tight with repressed emotions.
     Alex eyed her coolly, propping his body against the wall. “Yes, I did,” he replied quietly.
     “But Snow might be dying!” Emeralda burst out suddenly, her lips trembling. “He's not as strong as other people, Alex. And it's Core Waning.”
     Alex perceived that she was deeply agitated, and his countenance relaxed from its passive mask, his eyes losing their inky hue. “Listen, Emeralda,” he said, shifting his position slightly as he tried to support his fatigued muscles, his voice containing a gentler tone now, a hint of sympathy. “No one dies from Core Waning after two days. Snow has a good chance to survive until after tomorrow.”
     “And how do YOU know?” Emeralda asked heatedly, her fists clenching. Alex's eyebrow flew up; he had never seen Emeralda truly angry before. But he explained himself patiently enough. “I know because I've been with Florina and studied the sickness for myself.”
     “Let me see Florina,” Emeralda demanded. “I know she'll feel differently about this.”
     “I'm sure that she will,” Alex replied with a very cool tone. “But her feelings are not going to be consulted at this moment.”
     Emeralda's cheeks flushed with anger at this apparent indifference on Alex's part. “You are cold-blooded and egotistic!” she lashed at him, her eyes glittering. “You care about no one but Florina! And,” she added, “since when do YOU have the authority to decide upon the actions of the Clarius? Even Black Pearl never prevented Florina from healing anyone. On the contrary!”
     Alex listened to her last speech silently, but his eyes turned dark with simmering anger. After Emeralda finished speaking he fixed them on her and said with a concise, biting voice: “Listen here, you brat. Florina right now has a greater chance of dying than Snow. She was excessively burdened with healing lately and she needs to recover her strength. You might not care about killing Florina at the expense of your friend, but I have a very different opinion. She is not going today, and that's final. Understand me?”
     His lashing reproof seemed to abate Emeralda's fury. Her body relaxed, and she hung her head, her cheeks flooding with shame. “I'm, I'm sorry!” she stammered, her fists pressing against her mouth with a remorseful gesture. “I didn't know that Florina was feeling that ill… I am just so worried!” To Alex's surprise she threw herself on him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “I don't want Snow to die!”
     “Now, now, brat, no need to get excited,” Alex said, his wrath receding at once. He patted Emeralda's head soothingly, with great good humor. “I think I can do something myself, if you let me.”
     Emeralda looked up at him, a glimmer of hope in her eyes, and Alex's quirky smile appeared. “Remember the medicine I usually give Florina? They might help Snow meanwhile.”
     Emeralda passed her hand over her face. “Thank you,” she gulped.
     “No need to be sad,” Alex said kindly. He put a distance between them and smiled into her eyes, his hands on her shoulders. “I've never seen you get so emotional over anything, brat. It's unscientific, you know. And if you act like this again-“ he winked at her slyly- “I'll spread vicious rumors about you and that walking skeleton that somehow passes for a boy.”
     Emeralda's cheeks acquired a red tinge again, but she had regained control of her temper and retorted without much ado: “If you do, I'll tell Elazul about you, Alex.”
     Alex quirked an eyebrow at her. “And what exactly do you mean by that?”
     “You know very well,” Emeralda replied ominously, looking straight into Alex's eyes. But Alex only laughed in response and rose to his feet, fixing his hair and smoothing down his dark jacket.
     “Unfortunately, brat, your tactic will come to naught this time,” he replied affably. “Elazul knows worse things of me than you can ever guess.”

     Florina, gathering her strength, went to heal Snow two days later. Alex's medicine managed to keep Snow afloat, for his condition was, indeed, far from good; and he survived the fever and was on a fair way to mending. But Florina herself became ill again immediately afterwards, for Snow's healing sapped much of the energy she recovered during her previous rest; and this time her illness proved enduring. She lay low for six days, and during that time Alex strictly forbade any calls to be made to her.
     On the seventh day Elazul visited Florina and found her sitting in her bed, looking pale but with visibly good spirits, and absurdly childlike in her white lace nightgown. “Florina complains that I kept her in bed for too long,” Alex informed Elazul.
     Elazul seated himself on the edge of Florina's bed, reflecting that she still didn't look well; but he liked the fact that her expression was content and that the usual glint of humor brightened her eyes. “Heaven help us if the royal court hears about this,” he remarked ironically. “They might think that you two were enjoying yourselves unduly.”
     Alex was sitting at the handsome mahogany desk attached to the green wall flanking Florina's bed, and appeared busy with reading some papers. Without turning around he said at once, “Florina, I would like to disclaim any credit for corrupting Elazul into THIS one.”
     But Florina enjoyed this comment, and invited Elazul to stay in the room for a while. “You see how he sits at the desk, reading?” she asked, indicating Alex with a fretful gesture. “That is what he's been doing for a week now. He made no effort at all to amuse me.”
     “And why should I, you spoiled child?” asked Alex good-humoredly.
     “You shouldn't ask why; as my knight, you should just obey me,” replied Florina placidly.
     At this Alex paused and turned around, showing Elazul a mournful countenance. “You see what I had to endure?” he asked.
     “I sympathize with your ordeal,” answered Elazul dryly. Alex fixed him with a steady stare, and finally Elazul, somewhat flushed, said, “Please turn back to your papers, Alex.”
     A derisive smile pulled Alex's mouth, but he returned to his reading.
    Elazul rose to his feet. “I can tell that you are in a belligerent mood,” he observed. “I think that I better be off.”
     “Of course, dear,” answered Alex without turning around.
     Elazul flushed at this form of address; his glance immediately darted towards Florina, and he could see that she was trying hard to stifle a laugh. Their eyes met; and for a moment an understanding flashed between them. A smile edged Elazul's mouth; but he said nothing except, “Well, then, I shall not disturb you any longer.”
     Alex did not seem to hear Elazul, and remained sitting with his back to them, oblivious to the fact that Elazul left the room and closed the door behind him. After a few moments of silence Florina leant forward in the bed.
     “Alex,” she said.
     “What?” he asked briskly.
     “Did you notice how you addressed Elazul?”
     “How did I?” asked Alex, barely paying attention.
     “You called him 'dear',” Florina informed him.
     Alex paused at this, swiveling in the chair and looking at Florina. “Did I?” he asked, appearing highly amused. “I wasn't thinking.”
     “Apparently not. I beg you not to do so again,” added Florina. “Unless, of course, you wish to expose yourself.”
     But Alex lost interest in the conversation, and turned to his documents again. “Well, I'll try. Not that it matters,” he added, shrugging a shoulder dismissively.
     “It matters to me,” said Florina, snuggling under the blue covers and glaring at him. “I thought that you only addressed ME as 'dear'.”
     “Florina,” said Alex threateningly, “I've been trying to concentrate for an hour now, and I would appreciate no further interruptions.”
     “You can be so manly sometimes,” sighed Florina, leaning against the pillow.
     “Rather frightening, isn't it?” Alex responded coolly.
     “I rather like my Alex,” mused Florina, staring dreamily into the cream-colored wall just opposite. “Do you think you could duplicate yourself and leave the real Alex to me?”
     “I can plainly see that you are in a frivolous mood today, Florina,” Alex remarked censoriously.
     Florina sighed again. She laid her cheek against the pillow's white cover and placed her hand under it, turning her head to the wall. “I just feel like falling in love with someone,” she confessed. “Do I have your permission to fall in love with Elazul?”
     “If you so wish,” Alex answered.
     He was, however, more disposed to conversation after he folded the documents for a brief break. Turning around, he rested his arms on the chair and looked at Florina with a critical expression that nevertheless contained amusement. “Come on,” he said, “what is it, my dear?”
     Florina turned her head towards him and her beautiful smile glimmered. “Well, I was just remembering Saristin.”
     Alex appeared interested. “I never heard of him. Is he special?” He winked at Florina. “Not, I trust, as special as I am?”
     She gave a tiny laugh. “No one is like you, Alex, for you are quite singular.”
     “This wasn't the reply I was expecting,” Alex answered severely. But Florina, ignoring him, continued her explanation, her eyes wandering to the wall again. “Saristin is the Jumi of Celestite. A dissenter, I suppose I could call him, though he is the only Jumi who left the city that never got branded in this way. He left the city many years ago, when I was about Emeralda's age. He studied the knighthood under Black Pearl, and I believe that he was her best student, for which reason she actually never censured his action. His parents were friends with my father, and this is how I met him many times; and he was always so very- “ her smile turned reminiscent- “kind to me. He was so tall and fine-looking, and I was just a plain little girl who adored him.”
     Alex eyed her speculatively, but his expression was serious for once. “Obviously you had feelings for this protégé,” he remarked.
     Florina gave a small laugh. “As I said, it was a girlish dream of sorts! It was a long time ago. From what I understand he became a dragoon. I suppose that he will never return to the city.”
     “I understand,” Alex answered. He mused for a moment, gazing at her, as if deliberating over his next words, but then he straightened and said briskly, “Well, soon we'll have time to look for him, if you so wish.”
     Florina turned her eyes towards him, and suddenly raised herself in the bed. “Alex, you- don't mean what I think you are saying?”
     “I most certainly do,” Alex replied concisely, passing his fingers through the brown strands of hair that fell around his brow. “In three days we are leaving this city, Florina. I don't know how your personally feel about it,” he added, a smile appearing, “but I'll be damned if I let you die.”
     She lowered her eyes now, biting her lips. “Alex, I-“
     His eyebrow lifted, and his fingers slowed at their work. “You will not come with me, Florina?”
     Her hand smoothed the silken blue covers of the bed rather nervously. “I am worried- about the- the sick Jumi-“
     Alex contemplated her for a moment. She was as thin as a skeleton, her hands almost transparent, her cheeks wan. Even her humorous gray eyes lost the blue tinge they usually possessed, and their color was dark and dull. Her straight brown hair, loosened from its ribbons, fell around her thin shoulders in lusterless threads.
     “They'll find someone to replace you, I don't care who,” he said bitingly, suddenly losing his temper. “Really, Florina, how long do you expect to survive in these conditions?”
     Florina said nothing for a long while, and Alex watched her lowered countenance. “I am warning you,” he added with sincere grimness, “that if you will not comply I shall take you by force.”
     She laughed and passed her slender hand over her eyes; but it was a trembling, unhappy laugh. “No, no, I- I will come with you, Alex.”
     And on the very next day, a rapidly thinning December atmosphere welcomed Black Pearl back into the Jumi city.

    Almost four months passed since Black Pearl ventured on her journey to the tower of Leires. The tower itself was two weeks' travel from the Jumi city, and the reason for her unusual delay was unknown. As soon as she returned she enclosed herself with Diana and Rubens for a secret conference. No one could ascertain whether her mission was a success, and tongues in the city wagged with guesses. But one thing was certain; Alex was to relinquish his position as the Knight of Clarius and give the title back to Black Pearl.
     Elazul thought it expedient to visit Alex that very day and warn him about the approaching replacement, and he caught up with him on the street for a brief conversation. “I know that you are worried about Florina, but don't let Black Pearl know,” he cautioned. “Remember, Alex, that Black Pearl will not take kindly to interference.”
     Alex listened to Elazul's stricture with a set face, and after Elazul ceased speaking he asked, with a derisive smile, “Since when did you become Black Pearl's mouthpiece, Elazul?”
     Elazul was never known for his patience, and he was beginning to lose his temper. “Stop evading the issue, Alex. I am thinking of your well-being.”
     “But not of Florina's,” Alex remarked sardonically.
     Elazul's eyes flashed with wrath. “You better apologize for that, Alex.”
     Alex remained standing against the wall with his arms folded, his dark eyes simmering as he stared ahead. “I apologize,” he finally said. Then he stretched with careless grace, keeping his face averted from Elazul. “But if you think that I will cower before Black Pearl, you're wrong, Elazul. Then again, I'm not the one who's trying to win her favors.” His eyes flickered at Elazul with a mocking look.
      Elazul gazed at him for a few moments, then said shortly: “Go to hell, Alex, and take your damnable arrogance with you.” He then turned around and left.

    Alex remained looking after him; then he suddenly began to laugh. He continued to laugh until he nearly doubled over, and had to crouch and lean against the wall in the middle of the street. Bypassers stared at him curiously, but he ignored them and remained crouched on his heels, leaning against the wall, a smile playing about his mouth.
     “Oh, do condemn me, Elazul,” he said, “for the little bitch that I am! Dammit, but this place is worse than the other one ever was. In the other one, I at least had some inner control, and didn't give a damn about anything. Here I am beginning to have no control at all.” His fingers clenched, digging into his palm painfully, and the smile turned crooked. “And how I do hate it. But I WILL regain that control, and soon.”

Comment: This is the information on Saristin; he will come in actual person later:

Saristin: (or Celestain, the Celestite Jumi). His age is 28 in human terms, and he has a sky stone (meteor?) as his core. Sandra never pursued him (she might not have dared to because he is too powerful). He is actually a Dragoon of the Wisdom Dragon of the wind.

And Marina looks like Amber's future successor, doesn't she?

Here's how I envision the heights of the characters:

Saristin- 6'4”
Rubens- 6'2”
Elazul- 6'
Black Pearl- 5'10”
Alex- 5'8”
Snow- 5'7”
Florina- 5'4”
Emeralda- 5'3”
Amber- 5'3”
Diana- 5'2”
Sapphire- 5'1”

Dedicated to Lurial

Rows of houses all bearing down on me

I can feel their blue hands touching me

All these things in all positions

All these things will one day swallow all

And fade out

This machine will not communicate

These thoughts and strain I am under

Be a world, child, form a circle, before we all

Go under

And fade out again

I can feel death can see its beady eye

Fade out again

   - Street Spirit: fade out (Radiohead)

Chapter 3: Sword of Light

     Florina was awake, yet she was also dreaming. Outside her window, the pale morning hours were infused with voices of people and a cheerless winter sunshine, as the city went on with its life, like it did every day; but she heard and saw nothing of it. She lay in her great bed, her thin body engulfed by the silk sheets, and the rippling blue that surrounded her acquired energy and life, sweeping under her body in a gentle, incessant motion, turning into a living, whispering sea in which she was slowly drowning. Her gray eyes were open, fixed on the white ceiling, and it turned into a vision of pale shadowy skies. She could not move a limb, her body inert, she felt frozen and powerless and helpless.
     Her mind wandered; she was back in her childhood days, when her mother was still alive, before she shed her first tears. One silent spring morning, when the heavy mist still hung in the atmosphere, her father took her down to a little patch of wilderness skirting the edge of the city. The meadows rolled to the horizon like a billowing sea of green, slowly vanishing into the obscuring haze. Florina, joyful to be out in the open air, wandered a little distance away, collecting the small white flowers that peeped at her from between the blades of short spring grass. The sun gently illuminated the world, and for a moment, the mist concealed even the sight of the towering city a short distance away; and for that moment Florina fancied the meadow to be endless, thinking that if she steps beyond the dewy white curtain there might be another land waiting to receive her. For that moment, she felt the blissful sensation of freedom, a distance calling her to follow it. That memory of the misty meadow and that intense feeling of serene joy sometimes recurred in her dreams, where the meadow turned into a different world, a bright, beautiful, infinite vista. Even now, she felt herself drifting towards it gently, towards the beautiful vision of sun and wind and light, drifting away from the cramped, dark, stifling folds of her bed, from the cold city of jewels, from the smells and sounds of death that had surrounded her for many years now.
     It can't be, she thought dazedly. It's not nightfall yet; it's morning. I can't be dreaming; but could it be, could it be my last dream?
     And then she heard something else; a voice calling her back towards the cool grayness, a warm hand resting across her cold brow. But it drew her towards the same paralyzing confines of her body, and she resisted it. The sensation of drifting away recurred; she longed to leave the binding limits of her cramped, frail, spent body, and glide towards that sunlit dream-vision.
     Then the voice became sharp, piercing, insistent; it became demanding, commanding, tyrannical. It exerted a strength of will that Florina was unable to defy, that she had to obey.
     For what have I ever done, whispered a voice inside her mind, but obey the will of others?
     She will have to give up the sunlit dream for a little while more.

     That wintry morning found Rubens walking down the back corridor of the Jumi palace towards one of the small, luxuriously decorated rooms dotted along the wall. This corridor was a generally secluded place, but its numerous tiny rooms were, by Diana's orders, arranged with beautiful and antique furniture. It was a good place to retreat to if you wished for privacy, and the corridor consequently acquired the dubious nickname, “Lovers' Lane”.
     Rubens' business in the corridor on that day was, however, of a less frivolous nature. Black Pearl had finally performed her long-expected return to the city on the previous day, and after her meeting with Diana and Rubens she ordered Rubens to meet her in one of the rooms adjacent to the back hall for a short conference on the following morning.
     He wondered what she wished to say, and guessed that she required an extended report regarding the condition of the Clarius. Pushing one of the doors open he entered a room decorated mostly in frosty cream and pearl-gray, curiously cool colors that glimmered in the wintry sunlight. Black Pearl was standing with her back to the door, watching the city below. She turned slowly as the councilor entered and signaled him to be seated. Her clothes of gold and silver merged with the room nicely, and the only jarring article of her costume was the scarlet scarf tied around her waist, that appeared like a stain of blood on the pale background. Rubens himself was clad in his habitually intense ruby colors, and as he seated himself on the white sofa he was aware that he merged uneasily with this cold, snowy room.
     He now examined Black Pearl as she stood with her back to the ivory curtains, her stately figure perfectly poised in her usual manner. On the surface she appeared unchanged since that day she left, almost four months ago; but Rubens discerned something in her dark eyes that made him uneasy, on his guard; an unsettled fever that appeared to burn without rest.
     He wondered what happened to her during those long months. The report she gave to Diana last night was sparse, and she appeared more interested in pursuing her inquiry concerning the city. Of her mission she said, shortly, that it was a success. Apparently she entered the tower using Florina's translations of the runic incantations without much difficulty. She did not give an explanation as to why her absence had been lengthy. Diana, tired after a long day, did not pursue a thorough inquiry; at any rate, Black Pearl, if she so chose, could not be forced to disclose the full details of her mission. Rubens suddenly wondered if the authority she wielded gave her a little too much power, and whether anyone would ever be able to stop her if she used it for ill. He knew that he himself could not, not when such powers were at her disposal, such dark witchcraft stemming from the peculiar qualities of her core.
     Trying to put these misgivings out of his mind- after all, Black Pearl had never given them a reason to mistrust her, and indeed always used her abilities for the good of the city- he waited silently for her to speak. She began without much ado, but remained standing against the window, framed by the white winter morning.
     “Thank you for coming, councilor. I wish to discuss a matter with you that appears to me highly questionable.”
     “What matter is that, my lady?” asked Rubens. He leant against the silvery pillows of the sofa, his eyes maintained on Black Pearl's face, attempting not to betray his growing unease. Black Pearl's aspect was forbidding, her black eyes burned darkly. And yet, she was still the most beautiful woman that Rubens had ever seen, and indeed, he had almost forgotten how beautiful she was. Standing tall, regal and proud, crowned by the glorious hair that rippled in dark golden waves to the back of her knees, she glowed in a daunting splendor that was almost unearthly. She had certainly altered, thought Rubens; an alteration subtle, but powerful; superficially she was the same, and yet the difference was marked. It was as if that elusive, potent change drew on an inner source that had always been present, yet never fully revealed before; as if an inner flame, hitherto dim, had flared up all at once, bringing the colors of its vessel into blazing life, into sharp relief by its radiance.
     Did something happen to her, Rubens wondered, to render this strange, incomprehensible change? And why would she not mention it, if something indeed happened?
     “The matter is this,” Black Pearl said, her voice- a voice almost equally beautiful as the woman herself- jerking Rubens out of his troubled reverie. “I was not aware that I allowed any new policies to be passed regarding the position of the Knight of Clarius.”
     Then this is the matter, thought Rubens, not particularly surprised. He stirred, shifted his body slightly, and thought of Alex and the constant inconveniences and disturbances he had caused in the last few months with his insistence to guard Florina's health and well-being. But he said nothing.
     Receiving no reply, Black Pearl said: “I was informed that during my absence the Clarius had been prevented from healing Jumi several times, by orders of her current knight. Tell me: is this a policy ordained by yourself or any other councilor?”
     Rubens was obliged to answer. “No, my lady.”
     “Why was it allowed to be enforced, then?” asked Black Pearl, her voice turning sharp.
     Rubens only met Alex several times, but he had taken a liking to the young Knight of Clarius, and was loath to betray him. He tried to phrase his answer carefully. “My lady, the Clarius Florina had been under a severe strain lately. The orders of the knight were not sanctioned by the council, but he was provided support because of these unusual conditions.”
     “What unusual conditions?” asked Black Pearl, her mouth thinning.
     “An unusual outbreak of Core Waning,” answered Rubens.
     “There has been many outbreaks of Core Waning before,” Black Pearl stated curtly.
     “Because of the limited time we had given our conference last night, Diana did not fully clarify how severe this particular outbreak had been,” Rubens answered. “The numbers of sick Jumi were almost twice of the outbreak of five years ago. It was the worst outbreak that I can recall in over five decades.”
     As Rubens had anticipated, this gave Black Pearl a pause. She stood still, her expression distant, mulling, perhaps, over the implication of this disclosure. After a short silence she turned, her profile to Rubens, her eyes wandering to the window again.
     “We can't do without Florina,” she remarked.
     “Florina has been on the point of death twice now, my lady,” answered Rubens.
     “This is unfortunate, for I still need her scholastic knowledge,” commented Black Pearl, the lingering shadow intensifying inside her eyes for a moment. “An alternate solution will have to be found. Sapphire, perhaps, although her tears lack power. But we shall discuss this matter fully later. I wish to return to the subject of the present Knight of Clarius.”
     Wary, apprehensive, Rubens asked: “What of him, my lady?”
     “I have made some inquiries pertaining to the Alexandrite Jumi,” Black Pearl replied. Something in her expression alerted Rubens with a sudden premonition of evil tidings; and he waited for her to continue, his heart sinking. He looked into the darkness of Black Pearl's eyes and a strange feeling overcame him. It's death, he understood suddenly, with a strange chill in his heart; it's death that I see in her eyes. Someone's death. And he hoped that it was not Alex's.
     Through his jumbled thoughts he could hear Black Pearl speaking, narrating her discovery about Alex. “This Alex,” she said, “worked with a double purpose in this city. And although I know that his enterprise would come to naught, I must lure him into confirming my suspicions before I decide on his fate. I have known of his origins,” she continued, although more to herself. “But I did not judge him for it. But it seems that evil roots yield a spoiled crop. It certainly appears so in the case of the Alexandrite Jumi.”
     “What,” asked Rubens quietly, “have you found about Alex, Black Pearl?”
     Instead of answering, Black Pearl's hand went to the sheath of her sword. She pulled it out and placed it across the mahogany table.
     The sword's silvery handle was worked with a delicate pattern, carved with deep, oblique runes that Rubens could not recognize. A large, white stone, surprisingly plain, was affixed at the center of the hilt. But the most noticeable aspect of the sword, the part that drew the eye to it with its astounding beauty, was the pale blade. It shone steadily and clearly like warm, luminous water; it burned like lucid fire.
     Black Pearl passed her fingers across the intricate workings of the handle, and the blade responded with its faint, secret glow. Rubens almost fancied it to be alive, shining with an innate will.
     “This,” said Black Pearl said, “is why Alex came to the city. This is what Alex sought.”

     The hour of noon found Alex sitting near Florina's bed. She dozed off under the influence of his medicines. Alex sprawled listlessly across the chair, his slender body relaxed, his task completed for the moment. Occasionally he opened one eye and stole a quick look at Florina's face. Her skin was still unhealthy and pale, but she was not the frightening gray shadow of that morning.
    Alex was still and silent, but this apparent serenity, that listless weariness was in truth a silence of wait, a stillness that gathered power to itself, collected extra reserves of energy for an anticipated, waited-for conflict.
     Florina finally stirred, opening her eyes, and Alex leant forwards at once. He appeared satisfied with what he saw, and asked her, “How are you feeling?”
     It was a long while before she answered. “I don't know.”
     “Which,” Alex observed in an ordinary voice, that betrayed nothing of the cold dismay he had experienced just a few hours ago when he entered Florina's room, “in your own language, means 'I feel ill enough to die.' I am glad that I have become so proficient in interpreting you, or otherwise I may have been deceiving myself into believing what you say.”
     This banter, however, brought no smile to Florina's lips. After a pause she said quietly, “Perhaps I am just a little depressed after seeing so many ill people in the last few months.”
     “Doubtlessly so,” Alex answered lightly. “Thank goodness all this will be over soon.”
     She made no answer, and Alex, knowing better than to pursue that particular subject, began to talk about something else. But then a knock sounded on the door and a voice requested the Lady Florina to prepare herself for a visit to the house of some new patients.
     Alex immediately rose to his feet and left the room, closing the door behind him. Florina heard voices speaking outside- the messenger's deferent, wary speech, Alex's clear, decisive voice answering him in unmistakable tones. It was yet another argument in which Alex was delivering his final decision; the Clarius was too ill to heal people today, they must wait at least till she regains her strength.
     But now, Florina thought, now that Black Pearl had returned, Alex has no power to decide, no power left.
     Yet as soon as she began to utter this thought upon Alex's entry, the Clarius knight cut her off abruptly. “I can handle Black Pearl, Florina.”
     Florina was silent. She had no strength to argue.
     And less than an hour later, Black Pearl arrived.

     She walked into the room with her firm stride, her face grim, her mouth narrowed, all golden and majestic and daunting; but Alex, rising from his place at the bedside and turning towards her at once, did not appear intimidated by her forbidding aspect. He was prepared to face Black Pearl; nay, he appeared almost eager to confront her. Florina knew this well, and as she watched his set face, the mouth smiling a little as he uttered empty words of welcome, in reality an expression of uncaring defiance, she thought, Alex, you must not, you cannot do this. You have come here as a stranger; you have not grown up understanding who Black Pearl is, what power she holds over this city. And yet she knew that no matter what she have said, or will say, Alex will pursue the course he had determined to follow from the beginning.
     Black Pearl paused in the middle of the room, and turned to face Florina. She ignored Alex's empty greeting for a moment, only scrutinizing Florina carefully. Florina welcomed her with as firm a voice as she could, and attempted to straighten herself before Black Pearl's critical gaze, feeling uncomfortable and unhappy. A coward, a coward, she thought to herself; you have always been a coward, always surrendering to the will of others without making even the slightest effort to resist.
     Black Pearl spoke at last. “You look ill, Florina.”
     “She has been ill for a long time, Lady Pearl,” Alex's voice said promptly, a little loud, a little jarring; a little harsh.
     Black Pearl finally looked towards him. “Which is why, I presume, she has refused the request to heal the new victims of the Core Waning.” This was stated quite calmly.
     Another person might have taken this statement as a gesture of peace; but Alex recognized at once the silent danger it portended. “Indeed, Lady,” he answered, the brittle smile ever so slightly more antagonistic.
     “And who,” Black Pearl asked, after a short silence, “decides whether the danger to the Clarius supersedes the danger to the people afflicted with illness?”
     Her dark eyes remained fixed on Alex. “Who, knight of Clarius, decides who lives and who dies tonight?”
     “Why,” Alex answered suavely, at once, “you do, Lady Pearl.”
     Black Pearl regarded Alex steadily. Florina, watching her, wondered whether she recognized the challenge, whether she would accept it. But when Black Pearl spoke again it was with dismissive coolness.
     “I know, Alexandrite Jumi, of the way you presumed to handle the Clarius's duties during my absence. Diana, thinking that no harm was done because no deaths occurred, did not stop you. But understand that, starting tomorrow, your services are no longer needed. And even now, at this moment, your determination of the Clarius's actions was a presumption. You never had the privilege of making such decisions to begin with.”
     “I, Lady,” answered Alex, his dark eyes glittering, “am a healer by practice. My decision was not randomly made, not a frivolous flaunting of my position as the Knight of Clarius. It drew upon many years of experience. I, who have seen many patients on the point of dying, can discern when a person's strength had been sapped beyond recall. I therefore did, indeed, presume to decide when Florina's health was in serious danger. Then, and only then, I refused the requests for her duties. You already know, Lady Pearl, that Florina's days are numbered. Had I not rejected the demands for her skills, you would have returned to find her dead.”
     “Even if I choose to believe you,” said Black Pearl, her voice like ice, “it would not bestow upon you the right to refuse the people's requests to be healed by the Clarius.”
     Alex raised an eyebrow. “Then I was merely a dummy, a puppet to stand in your stead for the duration of absence?” he asked, his voice openly mocking. “What was the worth of the title you bestowed upon me, Lady Black Pearl, if I cannot perform my duty of protecting the Clarius?”
     Florina flinched; but Black Pearl's only response was spoken in cool contempt. “Correctly stated. I bestowed you with title, Alexandrite Jumi; not with authority. But do not presume to think that you fooled me into believing you have been oblivious to this fact, or my opinion of your intelligence will very much lessen.”
     “Ah,” Alex responded, at his coolest and most careless. “But do all positions you bestow upon people in this city function this way?” His smile was scornful. “Are all people, Lady Black Pearl, allowed to exercise their authority only until the point at which their wills clash with your own?”
     Black Pearl paled at these words; the white pallor of anger. It was plain that she was, for once, taken unaware. Arguments over Florina's health she expected, but a direct criticism upon her handling of the city affairs was beyond what she imagined a mere knight would dare to utter. For a moment black fury flared in her eyes, and the look she gave Alex portended danger. But then it slowly receded; and when she spoke again- many minutes later, during which Alex waited, a triumphant little smile lingering around his mouth- it was with quiet finality.
     “Succinctly put, Alexandrite. You have a strong will, I must own that much. But you will find that I am stronger still. Florina-“ suddenly addressing the Clarius- “prepare yourself for the new patients.”
     Florina stirred, as if meaning to move; but Alex's control suddenly broke at this declaration.
     “No!” he said, his voice suddenly rising. “You cannot do this, Black Pearl!”
     Black Pearl's expression was impassive. “Give me a reason why I cannot,” she answered, very quietly.
     “Because-“ Alex now forced himself to speak calmly again, “because you do not know how I found Florina this morning. If Florina goes out today and spends more of her energy on tears, she shall die tonight. Tonight, Lady Pearl!”
     Black Pearl stood as still as a statue, looking at Alex, her face unreadable; and Florina, her thoughts becoming suddenly clear, understood everything. She means to break Alex's will through me, she thought, she means to see Alex humbled; she had accepted Alex's challenge!
     After a moment, during which Alex, face a little pale, was looking at Black Pearl with a strained expression, she said:
     “You, Alexandrite Jumi, who had clarified quite succinctly the extent of my authority, should know better than to attempt to stop me. I have spoken with you; you have given your opinion upon this matter; I chose to ignore it.” Her words bit quietly, devouring her opponent's strength, savoring their triumph. “And what I have chosen, you, Alexandrite, have no power to hinder.”
     Alex's face turned white with anger. “And yet,” he answered with eerie calmness, “I have thought you a woman of reason. Reason dictates that Florina's health is vital to the city. Reason dictates that she should not over-tax her powers, does it not, madam?”
     With a sinking heart, Florina thought, she is playing you, Alex! Why can you not see this? She is purposely tormenting you; teaching you a lesson; she knows that you believe that she means to do this, because other Clarius had died in this city. And she thought with great sadness, it is I, Alex's fear for me, that brought this downfall, hit the sensitive nerve, caused Alex to rash blindly into this shaky grounds which will, ultimately, sink beneath his feet. She attempted to catch Alex's eye, to communicate this to him; but his whole attention was concentrated on Black Pearl, locked in the bitter struggle of wills.
     Black Pearl's answer to Alex's argument was dismissive, uttered in icy tones. “It is not YOUR notion of what is reasonable that dictates this city, but mine. Learn to adjust yourself to this fact, Alexandrite Jumi; the sooner, the better.”
     “Three days,” said Alex, through clenched teeth. “She needs only three days, Lady Black Pearl. Give her three days!”
     Black Pearl made a curt, dismissive gesture with her hand, indicating both contempt and refusal.
     Suddenly, with several quick strides, Alex came towards Black Pearl. His body was poised aggressively, almost as if he was ready for an attack. A faint crease appeared between Black Pearl's brows, but she stood motionlessly, serenely maintaining her upright figure, her perfect bearing. Alex came to stand before Black Pearl, his dark eyes meeting hers; then he suddenly dropped to one knee.
     “Please, Lady,” he said, his voice all at once very quiet. “Give Florina a little more time. I apologize;; I regret my previous words. They were spoken in haste. I let my emotions overcome my better judgment. Fear, you must know, makes people unwise.”
     There was silence for a moment. Black Pearl regarded Alex's downturned head; she could not see his face, but Alex's words were spoken with dignity, asking for forgiveness as an equal from an equal. There was nothing sniveling or cowardly about his manner, nothing to indicate fear. It was, Florina knew, exactly the manner that Black Pearl approved of.
     And still, Black Pearl said nothing. Alex continued to speak with the same low, serious tones. “I mean to invest all my power unto helping this city, Lady Black Pearl. I mean to keep Florina alive- and what would be better for the city than to do so? Even you, Lady, must assent to the truth of that.”
     “I do assent it,” Black Pearl finally answered.
     Alex nodded, still keeping his face carefully downturned, and a smile now stole to his mouth. It was an unassuming smile that most people would have interpreted as an expression of relief, a gesture of careful amity. But Florina, watching Alex, recognized this smile; Alex's sly smile of triumph. She sighed inwardly, reflecting, Alex never changed. Taking on the challenge, losing, and still presuming to win. Or perhaps, she thought, there is something that even I do not know. With Alex, one never does know.
     “I would do anything in my power to help Florina- to help this city,” Alex said softly.
     As always, reflected Florina, telling half the truth in a statement to mask the complete lie.
     A pause ensued, during which Black Pearl watched Alex closely, her face expressionless. He waited, sunk on one knee, his head lowered in the appropriate gesture of deference, as if awaiting her judgment. Then Black Pearl stepped close to Alex and gripped his jaw between her fingers, forcing him to look upwards into her eyes.
     “Pretty Alex,” she said softly, a faint smile twisting her mouth. “Too pretty by half. Don't waste this charming charade on me, for I've seen through you some time ago. I must extend my congratulations, however, for I have failed to properly estimate your importance. All my thoughts are for the dying, you see, and I spare so little thought for the living.”
     Alex was silent, his bright eyes fixed on Black Pearl's dark ones. Not a muscle moved in his face. He knew that to betray agitation would be a clear admission of guilt; and also understood that it would be useless to protest innocence. Black Pearl continued to speak quietly.
     “Don't worry, however; I shall not expose your identity, for such an action will cast a shadow on the council's abilities to screen applications for knighthood and will put us to scorn. But as for the Lapis Lazuli-“ and here, a fleeting shadow entered her eyes- “I admit that I have failed to estimate him as well. He is a rebel and must be put down before he gets dangerous.”
     Black Pearl released her grip on Alex's jaw, and her voice turned businesslike, cold, commanding. She was, once more, the figure of authority; all hints of accepting Alex's challenge to her power on equal terms were gone. He was examined, and she had seen through him; he failed the test, and he was dismissed.
     “You, Alexandrite,” she said, “shall attend the conference room tomorrow exactly at noon for the transfer of the title. A failure to appear will result in stripping you of your knighthood for disobedience. Understand?”
     Alex finally spoke, his voice slightly muffled. “Yes, my Lady.”
     “Florina,” continued Black Pearl, turning around. “Your assignments shall be carried out starting tomorrow, as soon as my title is transferred. You shall have no extended license beyond it.”
     “Yes, my Lady,” answered Florina faintly.
     Black Pearl turned around and walked through the door without another look at Alex.
     As soon as she was gone Alex sprang to his feet and closed the door. He began to pace the room, an absent frown on his face, and Florina watched him intently. He was biting one finger, chewing on it in thought. Finally he halted his restless activity and turned towards Florina.
     “It must be done tonight,” he said concisely, businesslike. “Tomorrow noon shall be too late.”
     “That quickly?” asked Florina faintly. “Alex-“
     But Alex raised his hand, halting her speech. “Luckily, I have arranged for everything ahead of time. Although I will have less help than I anticipated because it's an emergency. It's fortunate that I have been the Knight of Clarius,” he added with a tight smile. “Otherwise I couldn't have passed the shield so easily. The guards have respect for my wishes. I shall tell them that I am going to collect some herbs for your medicines again. I have already taken that large box with me numerous times, and they recognize it by sight. They shall never suspect that you are inside it this time.” He gave a short, harsh laugh.
     “You shouldn't have done it, Alex,” murmured Florina. “You shouldn't have spoken to her this way. You should have complied to her wishes; it would at least have allayed her suspicions.”
     Alex's green eyes were bright and mirthless. “Ah, but my dear, I enjoyed every moment of the exchange! I never would have another opportunity to speak out my exact thoughts, show her that one person, at least, has no fear of expressing their understanding of the precise situation. She would not show it, but believe me, it rankled! One stray stone can sometimes starts the avalanche. If my words shook her out of her smug self-complacency even a little, then I won the exchange.”
     “She was playing you, Alex,” said Florina softly, “with her threat to force me to heal today. She would not have done so.”
     “I must admit,” said Alex, his smile turned self-depreciating, “that she did manage to fool me for a few moments. I never thought that, out of a pure wish to spite me, she would force you to go when you are so obviously ill. And haven't Clarius died under her care before?” His eyes were dark again now. “This woman thinks she can decide your life for you. I'll be damned if I let her!”

     Florina, recalling Black Pearl's words, spoke uncertainly. “Elazul- he must be warned, Alex.“
     Alex, his eyes simmering, paused for a moment; but then he said abruptly: “Elazul can take care of himself, my dear. Worry not.” He gave a dismissive shrug. “It's not as if she'll order his death. She might, however, order mine.” Again, he laughed mirthlessly. “I'm finished with this city anyway. But Elazul is so infatuated with that woman that-“
     But then he turned his face towards Florina, his expression light, possessing a hint of his usual acerbic good-humor. “If Elazul really wants us, he'll come after us.”
     Florina uttered a small laugh. “And which one of us shall have him?”
     “Don't be silly, Florina,” Alex answered briskly. “We'll share him, of course.”
     Florina laughed again with an uncertain tremor. “I'm frightened, Alex. And if something happens to you…”
     Alex flicked her cheek with a careless finger. “Foolish Florina! Nothing will happen to me. And aren't you excited to finally leave this city and see the world outside?”
     “The world outside,” Florina murmured. “I have seen a snatch of it just for a little while, a long time ago, when I was a small child.”
     Alex raised an eyebrow, regarding her speculatively. “Indeed? And what happened?”
     Florina's smile was sad. “Nothing. But I recall it well because just a few days later my mother died.”

     On that very same day, in the early afternoon hours, Elazul was summoned by Black Pearl.
     Although he knew she had returned, he had not seen her yet; and he was incensed, angry with himself to discover the nervous verve that over-took him at the thought that he will meeting her again. To discipline himself into rational thought he reflected, somewhat bitterly, that a private conference with Black Pearl could not bode good for him. But he already knew what it would be about.
     He was not surprised, therefore, at Black Pearl's first words.
     “I understand, Lapis Lazuli, that a guardian was offered to you; and that you refused her in no uncertain terms.”
     “Yes, my lady,” answered Elazul; and he lowered his head to conceal the color flooding his cheeks.
     He was sitting on a chair in a small room, the same one in which Black Pearl met Rubens earlier that day. Upon meeting her he went down to one knee, bowing his head with the usual show of reverence bestowed upon her by knights; but he immediately felt himself growing tongue-tied at her presence, losing his ease, feeling susceptible and defenseless as he did the first time he had seen her, many months ago. And although one part of his mind lashed at him with derision and contempt at his weakness, produced by a superficial physical need, the stronger, over-powering feeling was the prevalent sensation of helplessness, a wish to get close to the forbidden, to overpower the unyielding, and above all, the desire to possess that glowing, peerless beauty that belonged to this woman, whose soul was cold and tyrannical and unfeeling.
     How can I consciously know this, Elazul asked himself, and still want her? Yet if she told me that she felt the same I will yield without a moment's thought. And yet, he thought, I had sensed a glow from within, beyond the coldness, and perhaps I did not deceive myself, and perhaps it did exist. But how will I know whether I am right, if I never get close enough to her to find out?
     Black Pearl's voice, intervening upon these thoughts, was like a splash of icy water in Elazul's face, jerking him back to reality.
     “Would you explain to me,” she asked, “why you refused the offer for the guardian?”
     Elazul was silent. So much for idle, senseless dreaming. But he was silent because he did not know what to say in answer, except the obvious one, that he simply did not wish for a guardian. But, as he clearly understood, this answer would no longer be acceptable.
     “It seems like a fair offer,” Black Pearl stated with her clear, steady tones. “This girl's position is important; she might be the future Clarius. Give me one good reason why you would refuse Diana's proposition, Lapis Lazuli.”
     Elazul, his head hung low, made no answer. Was it your idea, then, he suddenly wondered, your idea rather than Diana's? Are you eager, then, to be rid of me, of my pitiful, bothersome infatuation? He felt hot anger flooding through him at this suspicion, and some of his embarrassment eased; but he was careful not to betray it, mindful of those dark, discerning eyes. Black Pearl examined his set expression and then said,
     “Let me make one thing very clear to you, Lapis Lazuli. Diana declared herself unwilling to tolerate your presence in this city if you continue in your self-serving, independent ways. If you refuse this offer again, there is a possibility that you shall no longer be permitted to remain here.”
     Elazul's head rose, his blue eyes fastened on Black Pearl with disbelief, and a bitterness that he could not quite disguise, and found he did not care to anymore. “What-“ he asked, speaking with difficulty, “what have I done to merit this treatment, Lady Pearl? Tell me, explain to me, why am I being punished this way? I have done nothing to deserve it.” His voice was now shaking with rage. “Nothing!”
      “Don't pretend innocence to me, Lapis Lazuli,” answered Black Pearl with a voice like ice, “for I abhor all appearances of deceit.” Elazul flinched at her words and looked down again, his mouth set grimly; but he refrained from answering. He suddenly understood that his past actions had been discovered, and his thoughts darted to Alex. He said nothing in reply, and Black Pearl continued coolly, “Given these circumstances, I would consider Diana's offer generous.”
     “I shall not do it,” answered Elazul, very quietly. “You cannot force me to do this, for I shall leave the city of my own will.”
     Black Pearl was silent for a moment, contemplating Elazul. Then she stepped closer to Elazul and said: “Look up, Lapis Lazuli; look at me. And listen well to what I have to say.”
     He obeyed her; but he felt weak again, like a censured youth. His cheeks flushed under her steady, dark gaze.
     “There is a balance of power in the government of this city, Elazul,” Black Pearl said, speaking softly now. “All rules and regulations are put to the council; and in matters of crucial importance, the ultimate power of decision lies with three people alone: Diana, Rubens, and myself. Rubens always tries to act with fairness. Diana sometimes acts with fairness, sometimes she acts according to strict justice. I, Elazul, always act according to justice.”
     The smile she gave him was crooked, and Elazul's color deepened in reaction. He had never seen Black Pearl smile before, and found it strangely disturbing.
     “You are at present under a mark of disgrace,” she continued, “and your actions amount to a rebellion. The punishment for a digression such as yours would normally be a temporary exile; and this would have been your fate had Rubens not urged Diana to give you another chance. She complied, but upon very certain conditions. Should you refuse her conditions, the decision regarding your ultimate fate lies solely in my hands.”
     She now turned to the window, releasing her hold on Elazul's eyes, and the smile vanished. But her words were sharp, stung like a whiplash.
     “Diana's condition, as you know, is that you comply to her offer and become the girl's knight. If you refuse it again, Lapis Lazuli, and yet wish to remain in the city without being forced to leave in disgrace, I shall henceforth regulate all your actions. You shall not be allowed to leave the city without due notice, and you shall do so at my discretion. You shall report to me upon any given action, and thus it shall remain until I decide otherwise.”
     Elazul's hands clenched into fists at her words. He could barely control the anger that shook him. “What you offer, my Lady Pearl, is a lengthy avenue of humiliation!”
     “Then you refuse it?” she asked very coldly, detecting the savageness of his tone.
     “Yes.” Elazul looked up at her, his eyes flashing wrathfully. “As I told you before, Lady Black Pearl: I shall simply leave the city. Enforce any duration of exile on me, if you so wish! I am willing to take the burden of the blame.” He spoke quickly, his chest heaving. “I don't mind. I don't care.”
     “Do not think of us as such fools,” answered Black Pearl, the same ominous smile twisting her mouth again. “For what is a temporary exile for you, who wandered for many years alone? No, Lapis Lazuli. If you leave this city out of your own volition, and refuse our terms, it shall be the last time you do so. Your exile will not be temporary, but permanent. We will not allow you to go back under any circumstances, any conditions. Your next dissent shall be your last, Lapis Lazuli!”
     Elazul could only stare at her, at a loss for an answer to such a declaration. In his mind he pictured the broad, beautiful avenues of the Jumi city, the spiraling towers set with a rainbow of richly glittering jewels, where he had grown and lived for most of his life; that he both hated and loved. He recalled the city's people- HIS people- and he thought of those that he came to know, Rubens, Sapphire, Emeralda, and of those he grew to care for deeply, Alex, Florina… and he looked at Black Pearl and thought, she is saying that I shall never be able to see my city, my people, and those I care for again. And he remained sitting with his head lowered, a stricken look in his eyes, as he envisioned years of lonely wandering among humans, that could amount to hundreds if he was not caught and killed; and to be never allowed to go back- ever again. For he had not the slightest doubt that Black Pearl's decree would be enforced by her successors; and even if it would not be so, the years he would spend in this forced exile would amount to an almost intolerable sum.
     Above him, Black Pearl spoke softly. “What is your answer, Lapis Lazuli?”
     But Elazul could only say, in a voice that he deliberately kept very quiet to conceal the anguish, to mask the pain: “I shall consider your offer, my Lady. But give me time. Give me… three days.”
     “Then three days you shall have,” answered Black Pearl.
     Elazul rose to his feet, bowed slightly, and left the room without a glance back.

     Returning to his flat that night, Alex was surprised to find Elazul sitting and waiting for him.
     Alex meant to stay only for a little while, refresh himself and change clothes, before he embarked on the final preparations for the escape; but now he perceived that he might stay a little longer than planned. Indeed, he realized that this might be the last time he will meet Elazul, and wondered at the strange chance that lured Elazul here.
     He could immediately discern that Elazul wished to discuss something with him; and he was not surprised to learn that it had to do with Black Pearl. No chance, then, Alex thought cynically, but Black Pearl's return, inflicting order onto the lives of those who choose to comply, chaos onto the lives of those who seek to rebel. And now I owe the chance of seeing Elazul one last time before I leave to that woman. Another irony that turns the tide against me. But she had not anticipated the ace I concealed in my hand, which will cause me to emerge triumphant. Yes, Black Pearl CAN be defeated, for she is only a Jumi, like myself, not invincible or immortal; and I, thought Alex bitterly, teeth set, smile morbid, eyes glittering, I SHALL be the one to defeat her. Just wait, Black Pearl; you thought you had played our little game at your terms, and ended it at your will; but you don't realize that we have just began it.
     Elazul, he asked: “What happened, Elazul?”
     For a moment Elazul was silent, struggling with his feelings. He wished to unburden himself to Alex, yet he was afraid of Alex's reaction, afraid of being hurt further by Alex's heartless levity. He was unsure which mood he caught Alex in, for Alex appeared curiously cheerful, his expression light and serene. This ordinarily would have made Elazul wary, because he knew that the occasion of Black Pearl's return could only mean trouble for Alex, and indeed, Black Pearl had stated as much. But his recent encounter with Black Pearl, the hurt and shock he experienced, over-rid every other consideration. Elazul did not believe anything would be done to Alex. Black Pearl clearly meant to avoid exposition of this matter, and would probably leave Alex alone, perhaps deliberately, until she finds a way to get rid of the Alexandrite without the truth being out, to avoid a scandal. But he, Elazul, had to take immediate measures. He had only three days to make a decision.
     He commenced to tell Alex about the beginning of the encounter, and how Black Pearl asked about the proposition of the guardian. But when he thought of the part pertaining to the exile he suddenly found that he couldn't go on, and trailed off after this very bare start. Alex was leaning against the wall, his arms folded, his eyes fixed intently upon Elazul's face; he appeared thoughtful, but he said immediately, in a perfectly calm voice: “Well, then, go on.”
     Elazul looked down; his hands, settled upon his knees, clenched slightly. After a short silence, he said shortly, “Black Pearl told me that I must either accept the guardianship of Sapphire or leave the city.”
     Alex's narrowed eyes examined Elazul's countenance closely. “And what did you say?”
     Elazul answered quietly, “At present, nothing.”
     “And yet you are free to leave at any time anyway,” observed Alex, looking upwards and fixing his eyes on the ceiling indifferently, as if in exasperation. “Why, Elazul, do you let them do this to you?”
     Elazul said nothing, but his color heightened. He considered telling Alex of the possibility of permanent banishment; but he knew that it would not change anything. What could Alex say, to change this? Apart from offering to accompany him, which he might, or might not. Somehow, Elazul did not trust himself to know what Alex would decide, which way he would choose. He was fairly certain that Alex would stay to take care of Florina, whose very life was at stake, and whose pains he eased with his treatment; and would definitely not choose to leave the city with him simply because he, Elazul, stubbornly, and perhaps stupidly, chose exile over being paired with a guardian. If I leave, Elazul suddenly realized, I will not see Alex until Florina dies.
     To Alex he replied stridently, “I don't wish to leave.”
     “Ah,” said Alex shortly. “I know.”
     Elazul was incensed at Alex's dry tone. He glanced up, his blue eyes flaring. “You don't know as much as you think you do, Alex.”
     “You don't tell me enough to allow me to form a just judgment,” Alex retorted coolly.
     Elazul did not attempt to deny this accusation. Instead he said, looking directly at Alex: “Alex, Black Pearl knows about you.”
     Alex stretched carelessly, darting a sudden smile at Elazul. “Tell me something I don't know. We had a delightful little conversation a few hours ago, in which the lady gave me a concise opinion of my character.”
     “And what did she say to you?” Elazul asked, examining Alex's face closely.
     Alex crossed his arms behind his neck. “Just what anyone would expect. I was complimented upon my cleverness, charm and good looks. An enjoyable exchange, truthfully.”
     Elazul perceived that he was not going to receive a direct reply, and gave up. He reasoned he would get the truth out of Florina later. “Well, then, you are luckier than I have been,” he said dryly. “I envy your success with the lady.”
     Alex grinned. “As you should.” But he bestowed a sideways glance on Elazul, speaking in a tone that was now carefully neutral. “What do you mean to answer her, Elazul? Would you take the guardianship, then?”
     For a few moments, Elazul was silent. Then, instead of answering, he suddenly began to speak, to pour out the thoughts he had been turning over in his mind for many months, many years. He had never spoken to anyone about them before; but he knew that Alex would understand.
     “This city is a trap, Alex,” he said. “It constricts and oppresses, not only myself but everyone who lives in it. Just look at the children; so many of them are unhealthy, so many of their families die, so many wish to get out and leave.”
     Alex remained still, waiting, listening.
     Elazul passed his hand over his face. “I have a bad feeling about all this,” he said wearily. “A strange vision… as if all this contained energy, having no place to go, turns lethal and lashes out, beats at us, like an enclosed creature. I can feel the mounting pressure of it, Alex, the breaking point approaching, all these conflicting nerves and desires bundled up tightly in the strings of Diana's web. But they will break loose one day, and tear through its workings; and then this house of cards will collapse and chaos will ensue.”
     A smile pulled at Alex's mouth. Prophetic, he marveled; for it is I who shall pull out the ace, the top healer, the Clarius, from the base of the city. Let them deal with the fall!
     He disclosed nothing of this to Elazul. Alex knew that an offer to come with Florina and himself would oblige Elazul to choose between them and the city; and would likewise oblige Alex to discover whom Elazul values more highly, Florina and Alex, or Black Pearl. Somehow Alex felt that he had no wish to put this question to the test; not quite certain that he knew the answer.
     He glanced at Elazul again, and saw the Lapis Lazuli, his eyes fixed on the floor, shaking his head slowly, as if in resignation.
     “It matters nothing,” he murmured. “Because I still can't let go, Alex. I love this place too much- even if it hurts me sometimes.”
     “Then,” Alex answered, looking at some indefinite point in the ceiling, his expression tranquil, “you shall stay. As your heart dictates you.”
     But Elazul said nothing to this; and they did not discuss the matter any further. Time was running out for Alex; that very night, the plan to smuggle Florina out of the city would be executed. So this is goodbye, Alex reflected, as they discussed irrelevant, trifling subjects that neither of them was interested in; ironic, that Elazul could have come with us, but would not!
     But Alex's emotional defenses had always been to deride and belittle what brought others pain; and the thought only provoked an implacable, cynical smile.

Comment: the song “Street Spirit- Fade out” refers mainly to Florina, but also to Elazul.

Chapter 4: Heart of Darkness

     The night after his conference with Black Pearl, Elazul patrolled the narrow streets of the city. It was a crisp, bitter night, and Elazul tasted it on his tongue, savored its pungent flavor. He felt tired, exhausted, emotionally worn; the harsh light of the jewels pursued his every steps like many-colored eyes, and their sleepless gaze was ominous, hostile. Elazul was all-too glad to see the livid dawn break the black horizon
     That night, Elazul sunk into a listless recollection of scenes of his past. His mind, lacking a sense of joy in the present, drifted aimlessly towards memories that, to him, were as faint as an amorphous dream, a story once told which the teller forgot.
     Happiness, for Elazul, had always been a fleeting thing, like the snatches of bright sunbursts gleaming fitfully amid windy, cloud-torn skies. He always held to those rare flashes of luminance, not fiercely, but with a vague sense of futility. Those rays of light warmed his soul, yet remained so elusive that he knew it was useless to attempt to arrest them. He was almost half-afraid that if he did so they would melt and vanish through his fingers, like that molten, golden sunlight.
     For no particular reason, the memory towards which he glided gently was of a summer day.
     It was a day that burned with blue fire, hot but clear and beautiful. At noontime Elazul, taking a short rest from the morning's lengthy walk, leant against a lone tree that fringed a bright, wide meadow. The meadow was clustered with thick blades of grass, grown to a remarkable height after a winter of plentiful rain.
     A voice spoke to him from within the meadow. The memory of the voice was, at first, vague and strange in Elazul's mind. It was almost like the voice of a meadow spirit; one of those fey, malicious creatures that lead people away from their path and lure them into the wilderness, until they forget who they are and wander endlessly under the bright sun, without mind, without memories.
     He gradually recalled that the speaker had been Alex.
     It had indeed been Alex, for it was the early days of their summer travels. Alex wore green during the day, as he habitually did in order to conceal himself more adequately, and he walked into the meadow and sunk into the tall grass, lying with his face to the sun, enjoying the comfortable heat. His slender form was completely disguised by the high, waving grass. Elazul refrained from following Alex, and remained standing by the tree, his eyes on the luminous blue skies.
     Elazul's memory became clearer, as if a haze lifted, and he gradually recalled bits and pieces of the conversation in that meadow.
     It began by Elazul saying, “Alex, did you like your father?”
     Alex was always reluctant to speak of his past, and Elazul did not know why he chose to revert to this particular subject. But Alex answered him promptly.
     “Not very much. How about you?”
     “Not at all,” answered Elazul.
     After a pause, Alex asked, his voice flowing gently in the warm air, “Elazul, what was your family like?”
     Elazul deliberated over his answer, silent for a while, his mind drifting dreamily inside the hot, beautiful day. Then he began to speak. He told Alex of his mother, whose silken hair framed her lovely, gentle face in dark waves, whose green-blue eyes were always clear and full of light. She had been of a renowned aristocratic family, her jewel a rare and precious one. His father was a half-Lucidia, a fine-looking, fervent young knight, one of Black Pearl's best students at the time. Although his stone was fairly common and his family was poor, his rare skills allowed him to become the knight of this high-value guardian.
     Elazul was born shortly before the war. A great and terrible sorcerer led an onslaught on the city, intending to gather all the Jumi cores, and the siege lasted for over a decade. Black Pearl's magic shell kept the women and children safe; but the sorcerer harbored his time, reasoning that, lacking the resources of the outside world, the Jumi would surrender; and meanwhile he devised plans to break the magic shell, which, at some point, he had almost succeeded. Only Black Pearl's runic magic managed to hold him off and mend the damage; and after this occurred the Jumi gathered all their knights and left the city to wage the war on the sorcerer and his minions.
     The Jumi nobility had to send most of their young knights to the war, and after it was over the youthful generation to which Elazul's mother belonged was almost decimated. Many of the dead knights were long-time acquaintances of her family, people she had known personally. Elazul's mother suffered a shock once this became known, and was thrown into a lengthy period of silent grief.
     “When my father came back from the war, I barely recalled him,” said Elazul. “He had grown morbid because of his terrible experiences, and became hard and stern. I looked very much like my mother; and the first thing that my father told her when he saw me again was that I'm as pretty as a girl, and that he hoped that I won't grow up to be one.”
     Alex's laugh rang between the grass blades. “I can imagine that little scene!”
     Elazul smiled mirthlessly. “He determined, in his own words, to 'make a soldier out of me'. So he took me out of school and oversaw my training personally. Whenever I showed a sign of weakness he would strike me across the face and tell me that softness makes a dead soldier. “Heard of all those noble-born boys that died in the war?” he would say to me. “Their comfortable life made them soft, their titles were empty, glittering trinkets adorning their uniform. And this is why they could not survive for long, why the sorcerer's army swept them down like so many blades of grass before a scythe. This is why I was one of the few to make it back alive.”
     “Don't tell me you took this treatment quietly, Elazul,” Alex observed. “I am sure that your father suffered a little surprise on that account.”
     “I didn't care very much when he beat me,” answered Elazul indifferently. “It was when he lost his temper with my mother that I got mad. She… she altered after the war, and fell into a depression because of all the dead knights. The only times when I openly rebelled against him was when my father was unkind to her. He simply refused to accept her altered personality.”
     “And what did your father do?” asked Alex, after a short silence.
     “He would slap me harder and tell me not to interfere, of course,” answered Elazul. “The sour old bastard.”
     Alex uttered another laugh, although not a very merry one. “Well, I didn't hate my father that much. He was never precisely unkind to my mother and myself. He just didn't pay much attention to us. He was always leaving us on his journeys and I think that he went through a lot of women. My mother was very unhappy sometimes because of him. He was hunted down by bandits who discovered that he was a Jumi. My mother was afraid that the same would happen to us, and so we came to live in the vicinity of the mountains."
     "And what about your mother, Alex?" Elazul asked, after a short pause. "Who was she? And what was she like?"
    "Well,” Alex said slowly, “she left the city with my father. She really had nothing to lose. She was from a very poor family, and her core was basically worthless. It didn't last long.”

    “You mean, it was flawed,” Elazul remarked. Alex said nothing, and Elazul understood that the conversation was at end. He therefore remained standing in the hot sunshine, the world a bright and golden vista before his vision.
     The memory drifted away gently, its warmth stealing away into the cold dawn, and Elazul thought wearily, it's strange that I would recall this; but perhaps it's because I think that I was never truly happy since my mother died. The years in the outside world was hard in some ways, eye-opening in others, but they did not contain joy for me. I don't think I ever felt exactly happy until I met Alex and Florina, and even that happiness had an uncertain quality to it, because of Alex. But I was still happy, because Alex and Florina were the first people who sincerely cared about me, and returned my caring.
     And then he realized, as the night's blackness seeped away before the morning, I shall support Alex, yes, even against Black Pearl's wrath.

     He was walking towards his flat, in a narrow side-street, when a heavy hand landed on his shoulder.
     "Elazul of the royal guard," a grave voice said, "you are to come with us at the order of the high council."
     Elazul turned at once. He found himself facing a squad of the royal guard; some of them stern and formal, others looking down as if seeking to avoid his eye.
     "What is this about?" he demanded.
     "The Lady Florina had been kidnapped by the knight Alex last night," was the reply. "The Lady Black Pearl ordered your arrest. You must tell us all that you know, or else you may face charges of conspiracy and treason."
     Too crestfallen to form a coherent reply, Elazul's only words were, "I refute the charges. I knew nothing about this."
     "This," answered the guard, "is for Black Pearl and the council to decide. Please don't resist," he added in a milder tone, for he knew and liked the Lapis Lazuli knight. "I believe in your innocence. Put your trust in the council to judge you justly."
     But Elazul was too preoccupied with the news to respond. So this is what you meant to do, Alex, he thought, and he cursed his own stupidity for not foreseeing such a rash, reckless, defiant action on Alex's part. But if you put your life on the line to defy the city and rescue Florina, then why, damn it, why did you not ask me to help you?
     And he realized morbidly, I am an accomplice by thought if not by action; and Black Pearl will see through this quickly enough. Whatever I have or have not done matters not. I shall be found guilty for sure.

     His arms bound behind his back, Elazul was dragged into the Throne of the Clarius. The whole Jumi council stood on the raised platform, and Black Pearl sat on the vacated Seat of the Clarius, her expression grim. Elazul looked up and beheld Rubens standing among the councilors, a little to the side. For a moment their eyes met. Rubens was somber, but something in his countenance assured Elazul that whatever happens, Rubens would do all in his power to ensure a fair trial, or otherwise aid him.
     Black Pearl commenced almost at once. "I shall come to the heart of the matter directly, as to not waste time. Bring the prisoner forward."
     Elazul was thrown down on his knees before the royal platform, head bowed before the dark gaze of Black Pearl. He felt the eyes of the whole Jumi council on him, and the momentary silence that ensued weighed on his nerves. Then Black Pearl's clear voice rang out.
     "Lapis Lazuli. You have been informed of what occurred, you know of the kidnapping of the Clarius Florina. Tell me: have you aided the Alexandrite in any way to execute this deed?"
     Elazul, struggling to his feet with some difficulty because of his bound hands, looked up into Black Pearl's face. "No, Lady," he answered, his voice equally dour, but calm.
     "Assuming that you are telling the truth," Black Pearl continued in her implacable accents, "can you tell us of anything that would aid us to trace his footsteps and retrieve the Clarius as quickly as possible?"
     Again, Elazul answered, "No, I cannot. I knew nothing of this matter until my arrest."
     He returned Black Pearl's searching gaze with a direct, tenacious look. After a short silence, Black Pearl asked: "And that is all that you have to say?"
     "Yes, Lady," answered Elazul, very steadily.
     Black Pearl's eyes narrowed. "I need not remind you, Lapis Lazuli, that I know of your past actions,” she stated. “All evidence is against you; therefore, if you have anything to confess- anything at all- it would be better if you do so now."
     "I have none, my Lady," answered Elazul.
     "Then you deny that you knew of the Alexandrite's intention, and offered no warning?"
     "I have already told you, madam, that I knew nothing of this matter," answered Elazul, his tones growing incensed. Think of me what you like, he reflected bitterly; I shall not say anything dishonest.
     "And," asked Black Pearl, very quietly, "IF you knew of this matter, WOULD you have warned us?"
     Elazul was silent. He knew that Black Pearl was testing him. Answer in the positive, and she would decry him for a liar, as he indeed would be; answer in the negative, and she would weigh it against him. Whatever he replied would be in his detriment, for she had already read the answer in his mind. He therefore hung his head and said nothing, his expression stubborn.
     "As I thought," Black Pearl said coldly. "Perhaps, as you say, you did not help the Alexandrite in this venture; but you see what your behavior has led to. You see how your past actions put Florina at the mercy of the Alexandrite."
     But Elazul could be silent no longer. "Alex cares about Florina," he said, quickly and vehemently, knowing that his words aggravated his sentence, but no longer caring. "Florina is in no danger in his hands. Alex wished to save her, to take her away from this city, where her life's blood was being drained bit by bit, day by day."
     "I do not care what his wishes were," Black Pearl answered in a tone of icy contempt. "Or under what misguided idea the Alexandrite worked. These actions have put this city in jeopardy, and for this he shall not be forgiven."
     "This," Elazul retorted, "is because you, Lady Black Pearl, have no grasp, no concept, of what it means to care in this way. This is why you cannot forgive actions that are the results of such feelings."
     There was a stir among the council, but they remained silent, and Elazul knew that he exposed himself by this retort. They merely regard me as a fool for these words, he reflected bitterly, because of my well-known infatuation with Black Pearl.
     The murmurs of the councilors died away. Black Pearl remained in her seat on the great throne, still for one moment. Her fingers drummed on the arm of the chair, a thin line marred her brow. Then she uncrossed her legs and rose to her feet, leaving the throne.
     She descended the stairs silently and came to stand less than two feet away from Elazul, her black eyes gazing straight into his. And now, for the first time since he met Black Pearl, Elazul was suddenly afraid. He raised his chin a little higher, met her gaze evenly to mask this feeling.
     A cold smile laced Black Pearl's mouth at this defiant motion, and she finally spoke. "Don't act like a fool," she said- Elazul winced at her lashing tone, and a hostile look stole into his blue eyes- "don't speak to me of noble causes when we both know that the Alexandrite's action guaranteed Florina's death, and quite possibly the untimely death of many Jumi besides."
     "For Florina, at least, this would make no difference," Elazul murmured.
     Black Pearl's face became harsh at this indictment, the smile vanished. Elazul was glad of it, for he did not like that smile on her. She took another step towards him, her face unreadable. Elazul, unsure of what she meant to do, instinctively retreated; but a rough shove at his back reminded him of the guards behind him and forced him to stand up straight. He clenched his teeth and squared his shoulders, determined not to display any anxiety.
     "Young knight," Black Pearl said with her low, melodious voice. "Perhaps you know the full story of the Alexandrite; perhaps not. How much you have been caught believing his web of concealment and lies, I know not. Let me, then, tell you the Alexandrite's story.
     "There was once a Jumi who had never been happy in our city, had criticized its way of life, until finally he chose to become dissenter, and took his young wife with him. And when he left he took several books from the great library with him. As it turns out, this was no ordinary theft, but was done for a very specific reason; for this Jumi was looking for clues about the location of the tower called Leires."
     Elazul made no reply. He recalled Alex speaking of the tower of Leires and knew, with a sinking of his heart, that he was finally going to discover Alex's true purpose.
     "Certain rumors regarding Alex have reached my ears," Black Pearl continued. "I thought it prudent to investigate them at the source. During my travels I stopped by the mountain grotto and put some questions to the nuns of the great shrine regarding the famous thief known as 'The Fox'. I discovered that ten years ago one of their nuns, a girl called Sandra, rescued him from certain death."
     Elazul started involuntarily at this and his eyes darted to Black Pearl's face. She smiled grimly at his reaction. "I can see that you know something about this Sandra, Lapis Lazuli knight."
     Elazul remained stubbornly silent and lowered his eyes.
     "As it happens Sandra, unknown to the shrine's nuns, kept contact with the Fox after her rescue of him; and she also healed a young knight some years ago, whose description was familiar to me." Elazul reddened guiltily, and Black Pearl, her dark smile re-appearing at this confirmation, continued lucidly:
     "The Fox followed upon Sandra's information and apparently sent spies to trace the young knight's footsteps as he returned to the Jumi city. It was about a year ago when Alex- child of the Jumi dissenter- decided to infiltrate the city, with a very definite purpose."
     Black Pearl lifted her hand, reaching towards Elazul. He raised his chin higher, his eyes avoiding hers; but he felt himself flinching with an instinctive reaction as her fingers touched his jaw. She did not look into his face and lowered her eyes, apparently preoccupied with gazing at the string that closed Elazul's shirt up to his neck. She continued steadily:
     "Alex wished to become a knight of the Clarius in order to gain access to the great library and find the information that will serve to complete his father's original goal."
     Black Pearl's fingers now moved deliberately, tracing a path from Elazul's jaw down to his throat. Elazul, his hands clenching, flushed with embarrassment and chagrin. She completed her speech softly:
     "Alex was looking for clues about finding the Sword of Fate."
     With two deft, consecutive movements Black Pearl tore the string of Elazul's shirt open. The blue jewel was exposed, shining faintly. Elazul, his face flooding hotly, made an involuntary movement with his arms, but they were tied behind his back, and his body swayed forward as a result. Black Pearl placed the palm of her hand against his chest, aiding him to regain his balance. He remained standing with his face down, his eyes fixed on a point on the floor, to avoid looking into her face. She leant forwards and said quietly:
     "Did you ever wonder, Elazul, why your friend immersed himself into Florina's research so ardently? Alex was fulfilling his father's original mission, looking for the Sword of Fate, which he believed to be located in the tower of Leires."
     Black Pearl placed her fingers upon the blue jewel embedded into Elazul's chest, and their tips caressed it lightly, tracing the shape of an ancient letter. Her cool voice sounded near his ear as her fingers continued to move across the jewel's surface with gentle, circular motions.
     "Don't speak to me, Elazul, of noble causes from this Alex, whose very purpose in coming here was a secret scheme, a perusal of individual goals.”
     A strange feeling stole over Elazul. His head felt light, a choking sensation gripped his throat, and he began to breath heavily, gasping for air. The blue core grew dimmer, its light fainter under Black Pearl's fingers. Her head was lowered, almost touching Elazul's shoulder, and she gazed at the blue jewel speculatively as her fingers continued their gentle movements. She said softly:
     "You, Elazul, knew of the Alexandrite Jumi's true identity. And yet in defiant disregard to all rules and regulations, and over all prohibitions and rules of this society..."
     His perspiration quick and low, blood drumming in his ears, Elazul swayed unsteadily on his feet. Black Pearl's voice bit on her words as she finished:
     "You aided this Alex to become the Knight of the Clarius."
     "Lady!" Rubens' voice suddenly rang behind Black Pearl. "This is enough. I beg you to stop!"
     The next moment Elazul sunk to his knees, his head lowered, his whole body shaking as he struggled for breath. Black Pearl, ignoring Rubens, immediately knelt down along with Elazul, until her eyes were level with his lowered face.
     "For your previous actions, I could have forgiven you, Elazul," she said softly. "But they led to Florina's kidnapping, and this had sealed your fate. I shall not rest until I ensure-"
    The world blurred in front of Elazul's eyes; Black Pearl's voice hissed in his ear:
     "- that this insolent rebellious spirit is disciplined out of you."
     Her fingers suddenly shot out and gripped Elazul's jaw, forcing him to lift his head until his eyes were level with her own. Her cold voice rent the silence:
     "Take pride, Lapis Lazuli, for aiding this Alex in his venture; take pride in betraying your city."
     Elazul, breathing heavily, sweat running down his face, stared into Black Pearl's opaque eyes. He recognized this sensation of weakness, for it was exactly the same feeling he had experienced on that night when he rescued her from falling off the edge of the balcony. As in a dream, he could now see her black core glowing, pulsing brightly with dark energy.
     "Spare me..."  he gasped, "your brand... of fidelity... to this city." His voice sunk into a hoarse whisper. "You... who sacrifice... Florina... for the city... you are no... better than... Alex!"
     A terrible light entered Black Pearl's eyes at these words, but she said nothing; her hand moved abruptly, releasing its grip on Elazul's jaw, and she rose to her feet with a quick motion. Elazul sunk forwards, unconscious.
     "Take him away to the northern tower," Black Pearl told the guards. "I will decide upon his fate when I return."

     Elazul was swimming in a dark pool, drowning in a vast, lightness cosmos; a feeling of numbness and emptiness chilled him, a feeling of being completely alone in the world, giving rise to a welling despair that made him wish that he could sink into an eternal sleep.
     He closed his eyes and felt himself beginning to drift away into nothingness, when a soft, indistinct sound drew him out of his slumber. Opening his eyes, he looked around and spied a small white light shining in the distance. He moved towards the light through the black emptiness, and perceived that it was a small figure of a girl, crouching and weeping.
     He was moved by her distress, and leant towards her. The small figure was wispy and ethereal, and completely white, like a ghost; but Elazul was not deterred by this strange fact. "Please stop crying," he said quietly, touching the girl's shoulder.
     The girl halted in her crying and turned her face towards him. Her features were indistinct, but Elazul could sense her woe. "I am lost," she said.
     "It's all right," he said gently. "Please tell me how I can help you."
     But the girl only repeated in her soft, sorrowful tones: "I am lost, I cannot find my way to the light in this darkness." Then she rose to her feet and wandered off, seeming to no longer see Elazul or remember that he was near. Elazul attempted to stop her; but her white, glowing form gradually receded into the blackness. Elazul followed it.
     He now found himself walking in a gray world, through dark, indistinct corridors of a great city, twining and twisting in a seemingly endless labyrinth. The corridors were empty, and there was no sign of either life or movement within them; everything was deathly quiet.
     Elazul followed the corridors, entering room after empty room, opening door after empty door. Gradually, he acquired the feeling that he had been walking in this dead, silent city for many years now, perhaps for an eternity. He began to ask himself whether it would ever end- whether it had ever even began, or whether he had inhibited this dim, empty grayness for the entire duration of his existence. And then he saw it again; the white light of the strange child, just a short distance ahead. He hurried towards it, trying to call her; but his voice was silent and lost, and he could not cry out.
     Now he began to see other things. And he suddenly realized that he saw them for a while without paying attention to them, as if his mind refused to register them- gray, wispy figures moving through the corridors, just barely visible. The figures appeared to be human, and they moved slowly. Some of them were more distinct, human cantours visible, and sometimes Elazul could almost fancy he could make out a face through the marred, ghostly features. Others were mere moving wisps, almost formless in the darkness. But there was one feature of them that was distinctly visible, a light that shone on their breasts clearly, the light of shimmering jewels.
     All these people, Elazul realized, were Jumi.
     I am in the Jumi city, he suddenly understood; but he did not know whether this was a dream, or a vision that he had always been able to access but never recall. What is this nightmare world? he thought dazedly. What could it mean?
     He continued to move through the corridors. One of them led to a great room; a figure was sitting at something that looked like a table, and it seemed a little stronger in outline than most of the others. Elazul paused for a moment; he thought that he could almost recognize its identity through the marred features, could put a name to the face, could recognize the pale shade of the hair and skin, the empty, dark eyes.
     He had no time to deliberate upon this thought, however, because he suddenly caught another white glimmer; the figure of the girl who alone shone among the gray phantoms. He hurried after her, and, opening a door, found himself in a large outdoor court that led to the endless maze of the garden labyrinth.
     A cold wind blew, stirring dark, diaphanous shapes of trees. The girl was on the border of his vision, and Elazul meant to follow her; but then he suddenly paused in astonishment.
     Sapphire was standing just a short distance away, her back to a leafy wall. Elazul could not mistake her, nor hesitate about her identity; it was Sapphire, her features distinct, shining palely in the darkness, almost as bright as the ghostly girl. She was standing still and motionless, looking downwards, silent like the rest of the city.
     Elazul, forgetting the girl, hurried towards her and spoke her name. Sapphire did not stir; she remained standing still and quiet, even when he paused before her and addressed her again.
    "She can neither see nor hear you, Lapis Lazuli," a voice said.
     The shock froze Elazul. He looked around, attempting to see who addressed him in this city of death; but he could see nothing. The voice, a melodious, beautiful sound, like the lucid sound of running waters, presently addressed him again.
     "I am at the center of the labyrinth. Please come to me, Lapis Lazuli."
     Elazul knew that he would be unable to disobey the summons even if he so wished; but he had no such will to resist them. He therefore hurried towards the voice, towards the center of the dark labyrinth.
     When he arrived, he paused in amazement; and then he slowly sunk to his knees, bowing his head before the majestic, shining beauty of the figure that stood in the middle of the round courtyard, great white wings like streaming light spread on either side of its body.
     Because he realized at once what he was facing. He knew at once that he beheld the Jumi Angel.
     "Rise to your feet, Lapis Lazuli," the angel said. "It is not usual for someone to be conscious enough of the gray dimension to be able to speak with me. It had only happened with one other person before."
     "Jumi Angel," Elazul whispered in an awed voice, rising and looking up at the glowing, ethereal figure. "Then you are in the Jumi city? Then you have been with us all the time?"
     "Yes," answered the angel. "I have been here for over a thousand years."
     "But why did you not help us?" Elazul asked breathlessly. "Our people are slowly dying. The legend said that once you taught us to weep healing tears. Why can you not come among us as you once did?"
     The glowing features of the angel regarded Elazul in momentary silence. Then the angel said:
     "This happened, Lapis Lazuli, because I have been sealed into this dimension by the Mana Goddess.
     "When I came among the Jumi thousands of years ago, Lapis Lazuli, and taught them to heal with their tears, the Jumi loved me more than anything on earth. And the Mana Goddess, growing jealous of this love, sealed me into the earth with her powers, and closed off the heavens from me. The other six angels that descended with me went back to the heavens after the war has ended; but I have been wandering in this earth for thousands of years, unable to return."
     Elazul bowed his head. "And is there a way to free you?" he asked. "You must help us, Jumi Angel. You must come back and heal our people, before we all die."
     The angel's voice sounded sad. "I know this. And there is a away to free me, Lapis Lazuli. But it matters not whether I shall tell you, for you shall not be able to recall it once you awaken."
     Elazul then asked: "And what is this city? Why did I recognize some people, while other people are ghostly wisps?"
     "This city," answered the angel, "is the death-city. The closer you are to death, the stronger your form appears in this dimension."
     The white figure of the sobbing girl suddenly emerged. It passed near Elazul, seeming completely oblivious to the presence of the angel.
     "Leave her be," said the angel, noticing that Elazul made a motion, as if to call her; "she can neither see nor hear me. She is a lost soul."
     "A lost soul?" Elazul repeated.  "What do you mean?"
     "She," answered the angel, "had given up her soul for a price, until she can no longer find her true self. She exists in her own darkness."
     Elazul did attempt any further remarks, not understanding the meaning of these words; but then he said, slowly:
     "Jumi Angel, if this is the city of the dead, then does this mean that I am on the point of death?"
    "Yes,” said the angel softly. “This is one of the reasons that you are able to be fully conscious of me; you are presently hanging on a tight thread, in the twilight between life and death."
     "Then..." Elazul spoke with difficulty, bowing his head, "I shall soon die and vanish."
     But the angel said:
     "You do not have to die, Lapis Lazuli. Let me merge some of my soul with yours, and I believe that I may be able to save you. And in return, you may bring a message to the Jumi.”

    “A message?” Elazul repeated.

    “Yes,” answered the angel. “The message of my return, and my release. You will forget me when you awake; but one day the memory will return to you.”
     Elazul did not have to say anything. His answer was clear. The figure of the angel approached Elazul, and extended its arms towards him.
     “Once I charged another with this mission,” said the majestic, silvery voice of the angel softly. “But the messenger failed me. You will not fail me, Lapis Lazuli.”
     The ethereal fingers touched Elazul's dim core, and it immediately began to shine in response; and Elazul felt a warm glow of healing spread inside him. The angel's form came closer and closer, until it almost seemed to merge with his own body; his hands began to glow with white light. A fading voice spoke inside his mind.
     "One day, you will dream the answer, Lapis Lazuli. And you will know what to do.”

     In a dark quarter in the Jumi city, Black Pearl was lying on her back in a small room, staring into the ceiling with blank eyes, seemingly bereft of the power to move. Her face was livid, and although sometimes she moved her hands a little, it seemed involuntary, because she appeared unconscious of her surrounding.
     Then, suddenly, her body jerked. Her eyes grew wide with horror, her lips white; her breathing became labored, constricted, choked, her hands flew to her core, as if seeking to protect it, contain its power.
     "No!" she whispered hoarsely. "No! Why, why are you doing this to me, why! Stop doing this to me, or I shall die!"

     Elazul opened his eyes and sat up with a jerk. He was perspiring heavily, and he moved his fingers across his cold brow, trembling with agitation. It took him some time to realize where he was.
     He slowly rose on the narrow, hard bed of the dungeon cell. His last memory was of his trial, and of passing out; but he dimly sensed that he had been dreaming a strange, horrifying, yet beautiful dream. For a moment he fancied he could hear a whisper, see a glowing light; but then it melted away like a dying star.
     His felt weak, and although he knew that he may spend a long time in this cell, he was apathetic, uncaring about his condition, and he lay listlessly in the darkness, his mind devoid of thoughts. Guards passed in and out, giving him food every few hours, which he barely tasted. He eventually sunk into a deep, dreamless sleep.
     He awoke by the sound of a spear knocking against the door. "Awaken, prisoner," the guard on the other side said sternly. "There is a visitor here to see you."
     Elazul rose groggily as the door opened and a tall figure came through.
     It was Rubens.
     "Leave us alone," Rubens told the guard. "I wish to speak to the prisoner for a few minutes."
     The guard bowed his head respectfully and withdrew. Elazul regarded Rubens silently; he did not know why the high councilor came, but he guessed that Rubens may try and convince him to do- what? Give up, perhaps, humble himself before the will of the city, do his best to escape the worst punishment.
     But Rubens only said: "Rise to your feet, Elazul, and face me."
     Elazul slowly obeyed. Rubens looked at him with eyes full of pity. "You look extremely ill," he said quietly.
     Elazul looked down, made no response. Suddenly Rubens took a step towards him and put something in his hand.
     "You must escape as soon as you can," he said, speaking in a low, measured tone. "These provide the only chance that may be given you. One shall put the guards to sleep, and the other opens any door in the city. Do not kill anyone during your escape, because if you do, I shall never forgive you. I am following my conscience for once, Lapis Lazuli; go, save the Alexandrite, even if Florina is returned."
     Elazul could not say anything for astonishment; but Rubens immediately proceeded to tell him of a secret way under the city, formed during the great war in case refugees must be stowed away, through which Elazul may escape without detection. After he did so, he stayed for a while more, his tone of conversation changed; and when the guard approached again, all he heard was the high councilor asking Elazul to repent before it's too late, and the Lapis Lazuli saying, faintly, that he may think of it.
     That very night Elazul, gathering his sparse belonging, including his green cloak, and retrieving a sword from the guards' weaponry, made good his escape from Etansel; and as he stole through the bitter December night, the very last day of the year, he did not look back at the glittering city.

Comments: The song "Nice Dream" is meant to refer to Elazul and his frustrated relationship with the Jumi society (his wish to belong to it is nothing but a “nice dream”). Also, it fits this chapter well, see the angel etc.

The singing sea
The talking trees
Are silent in a noisy way;
The stars are bright, but give no light
The world spins backwards every day.

    - The Singing Sea (Cowboy Bebop)

Chapter 5: Silent Sea

     White flakes of snow floated through the chill air lightly, swirling in a gentle, silent dance, and finally settling softly upon the dark hair of the young knight traversing through the morning mists. The young man brushed them aside irritably, running his fingers through his hair to rid it of the moist fingerprints of the vanished snowflakes, and pulling the hood of his cloak closely together to protect his face from the frozen day. The road spread before him, a thin gray trail vanishing into the hazy horizon. He traveled it for many days now- it has been almost two weeks since he escaped the shining city of jewels, and this time he knew that he would never return to it again. No, he thought with a burning resentment, he will most certainly not return to the city; for Black Pearl denounced him in front of the council and sentenced him for punishment, humiliated and shamed him in front of his people.
     The knowledge that the road for return had been shut off was a bitter tonic for Elazul. The city was no longer a safe, glowing light at his back, but an impenetrable fortress that shone indifferently upon him. Only now when he had lost this light he realized how important it had been to him to be able to return to the city, to the people that he had been on the constant run from, yet cared for deeply.
     He tried not to think of the future but of the present, motivated by one urgent wish; to find Alex and Florina and warn them of Black Pearl's pursuit, and help them if possible. Elazul knew that his duty was to return Florina to her people, but this duty appeared to him a nebulous fact, something that he was conscious of only as far-off truth, like a tale told him from childhood. The past was fading, a dark barrier descended upon it, and through the darkness he saw a tall woman, her black eyes forbidding him from approaching the place he had betrayed.
     In the mist of confusion one clear truth emerged, and Elazul held on to that truth with desperation, feeling it was now a guiding light in the darkness of his present predicament. For only one thing mattered to him right now: saving Alex. He knew that if Alex was caught his life was forfeit, for Black Pearl would kill him without hesitation or remorse. Black Pearl never killed another Jumi as punishment; but never had such a heavy crime occurred in the city. Yes, he would betray the city now in truth. The city was lost to him, but Alex was alive somewhere, attempting to save Florina from certain death; and he would be damned if he let Alex die for it. His people were lost to him, and only Alex and Florina remained.
     It was three o'clock in the afternoon, and dusk began to descend slowly. Elazul glimpsed a nearby village, and prepared himself to perform the habitual routine of inquiries that may disclose whether Alex and Florina passed nearby. His search so far had been nearly fruitless, and he was usually rewarded by either blank looks or suspicious stares. Every once in a while he uncovered what seemed like a clue and followed upon it in hope that it might prove to be the decisive stroke of luck. But it always failed him, and ended in disappointment.
     The skies deepened into a thick blue when an old man driving a cart down the road stopped and asked Elazul whether he wished to take a ride to town.
     “Hop in, son,” he said kindly. “Evening's near, and the storm is going heavy.”
     For once, Elazul complied. He was grateful for the momentary relief from the task of walking against the frozen air and incessant snowfall, and seated himself at the old farmer's side, gazing at the road absently.
     The brown mare trotted in a leisurely pace towards the comforting orange lights of the village lying at the outskirts of the town. They left the fields and embarked upon the path that cut through the first houses skirting the edges of the town. Presently the old man spied a cluster of people standing on the road and conversing among themselves. He reined the mare to a stop.
     “Hey there,” he said. “Any news?”
     “No news,” one of them replied, “but there's been some strange people around the village today, this lad and that woman looking for him.”
     Elazul's heart leapt. He had a sudden premonition that he finally found a clear direction to his goal. The fingers of his hand clenched as he listened to the conversation. The villager replied to the old man's inquiry about the strangers. “Yeah, one of 'em was a slender lad, very good-looking and wearing dark clothes. He seemed the untrustworthy sort, if you ask me; looked rather shifty and sly behind that charming smile of his. And sure enough, after he did a bit of looking round the village and vanished, that warrior woman appeared and inquired about him. She was a beauty, that one, with such wonderful waving hair, but her eyes could freeze the heart inside of you. I pointed her in the direction of the sea, for I think I saw the lad going towards the cliffs, although for what purpose I cannot say.”
     Elazul heard enough. He thanked the old farmer and dismounted the cart, setting towards the cliffs, his heart beating with anticipation and agitation, the thought racing inside his head, I only hope that I am not too late.
     Neither Elazul nor the other men noticed another figure that stood in the shadows, listening to the conversation. It was a very tall man enwrapped in a long cape the color of azure, whose pale hair fell in lengthy strands around his face and down his back in a long ponytail. When Elazul left, he, too, turned and vanished.

     The road that led to the towering seaside cliffs cut its way between twisted trees that shook their sparse leaves mournfully in the lashing January winds. White snowflakes flew through the dusky atmosphere, and the skies stretched black and lightness over a gray sea whose waves beat incessantly against the rocks below. Elazul stood in the shadows, his cloak flying around him with the motion of the frozen currents of air, surveying the morbid scenery. He wondered if he had been misled again.
     He searched the sparse forest that fringed the cliffs, occasionally calling out Alex's name; but to no avail. Chilled and fatigued, he finally reached the peak of the cliff and halted, weary of the fruitless search. After some moments he was ready to return to the dark road leading to the lights of the town; but then a voice hissed out his name.
     Elazul turned towards it at once. A movement between the trees caught his eye now, and his voice rasped through the cold air: “Alex!”
     A shadowy figure emerged from behind the trees and approached him slowly. Elazul walked towards it with quick, impatient strides, eager to ascertain whether this was indeed Alex. But when he approached close he could no longer mistake the slender figure with its characteristic poise. Alex was likewise enwrapped in a cloak, and the darkness made it difficult for Elazul to see him, but he could now discern the usual bright play of light inside Alex's eyes.
     Elazul did not even pause for a moment; as soon as he was close to Alex his hand shot forth and he caught his wrist with a hard grip.
     “Damn you!” he said hoarsely, breathing harshly in the frozen air. “What the HELL were you thinking, Alex?”
     Alex did not attempt to release his wrist, but stood looking up at Elazul with his habitual nonchalance. “Thank you for the warm welcome, Lapis Lazuli knight. Especially when I have not seen you for such a long time.”
     “Unfortunately there is no time to exchange greetings,” said Elazul, flushing in annoyance. He pulled on Alex's wrist, attempting to lead him down the road. “Black Pearl is here, Alex; and if she finds you, she will kill you. Hurry and tell me where Florina is, and I'll try to help you both escape.”
     But Alex resisted Elazul's pull and remained rooted in his place, one eyebrow rising slightly. “I must say that I am surprised, Elazul. Have you overcome your fear of defying the Lady Black Pearl?”
     Elazul remained silent for a moment. Everything seemed distant, hazy, and he felt very tired, over-wrought by the long journey that has not quite come to an end. He wondered all of a sudden if Alex took special pleasure in hurting him. “I am as good as banished from the city,” he said, his voice grating in his own ears. “Black Pearl thought that I helped you to kidnap Florina. I have no place anywhere, Alex, no place but with you and Florina.”
     “I see,” Alex said slowly. His voice indicated that he was slightly surprised, but there was something else in it; a tone of genuine gratefulness, as if he was truly affected by this disclosure. “I am sorry, Elazul.”
     He began to move after Elazul, finally responding to his urgent manner. After another moment he added quietly, “Elazul, you, you knew all this time, didn't you? And yet you helped me become a knight.”
     Elazul kept his face on the road. “Yes, I did know. But what does it matter now?”
    Alex said nothing, and both marched in silence through the chilled thickness of the falling snow. They continued this way for a few moments more, when suddenly Alex whipped around, his body turning rigid, and hissed, “Oh, DAMN!”
     Elazul, alerted, turned just in time to see Alex stumbling backwards, barely escaping the figure that materialized from the darkness and lashed at him with a sword that burned in the evening. Alex's hand shot to his shoulder, where the coldly flaming edge slit through the flesh. His agility saved his life once again, for the sharp point of the blade was intended to skewer his stomach.
     Black Pearl turned and prepared for another strike, but a flying swirl of green cloth obscured Alex from her vision for a moment, and she found her blade answered by the Lapis Lazuli's upturned sword. His eyes burned in his pale face as he returned Black Pearl's hostile gaze, and he rasped: “Run, Alex!”
     “The Lapis Lazuli,” said Black Pearl coldly, evincing no surprise at his sudden appearance, as if she expected it. “You realize that, if I so wish, I could now sentence you to death. Once for Florina, twice for this.” Her trained arm applied pressure on Elazul, and she spoke several words softly under her breath. Elazul knelt slowly, crushed by a surge of power that flowed at him, and he instinctively knew that this was no ordinary occurrence; Black Pearl was using the full weight of her lethal runic magic upon him. His arm began to shake with a familiar weakness; but he gathered his willpower and resisted it.
     “I don't care!” he said through clenched teeth. “I shall- I SHALL- stop you.”
     “Try, then,” replied Black Pearl with a contemptuous curl of her lip. With a swift, single gesture she knocked Elazul's sword out of his hand. She caught it nimbly and tossed it towards the gloomy thicket of the far-off trees. The sword was instantly lost in the darkness. Black Pearl's fingers, landing on Elazul's shoulder and gripping it forcefully, generated a halo that surrounded him. “I am warning you,” she said softly. “Stay OUT of my way, Lapis Lazuli. Do not force me to take extreme measures.”
     The world swam before Elazul's eyes. He remained kneeling with a lowered head, momentarily bereft of breath. Black Pearl turned away from him, but a figure lunged at her out of the darkness; Alex, his eyes flashing with a cold light, brought his sword down towards Black Pearl's throat. She avoided it just in time, and it left a lengthy, welling mark across the lower part of her neck. But Black Pearl did not waste time; she caught Alex's wrist and gripped it between her fingers, twisting his arm relentlessly. She plucked the sword out of his hand and tossed it away as if it weighted nothing. The blade flew through the air in a wide arc and disappeared over the edge of the cliff. Black Pearl forced Alex to kneel down and her fingers flew to his neck, ripping the cloak open; her hand found the jeweled core. “Your death was ordered, Alexandrite,” she hissed. “Tell me where Florina is, or I shall drain you of life until nothing remains but your empty husk.”
     Breathing heavily, Elazul struggled to his feet, and lunged himself at Black Pearl in a desperate attempt to distract her. She turned, evading him easily, and he had to retreat immediately as she drew her blade; but his tactic worked. Her grip on Alex momentarily slackened. With a single twist of his body, Alex freed himself. His fingers found the hidden dagger in his boot. He lunged himself at Black Pearl and she sprang back; but not quickly enough. With a quick twist of his nimble hand, Alex drove the sharply-honed edge just below her core.

    Black Pearl's eyes widened, and she uttered a choked sound. Then she keeled over and fell on her face soundlessly.
     Alex struggled to his feet slowly. He came towards Elazul and knelt at his side. “How humiliating,” he said, smiling. “To fall for the same arm-bending trick twice!”
     “I'm glad you're all right,” Elazul said, speaking more lucidly now as he regained his strength. He sat on the ground, his head low.
     “She got you pretty badly, didn't she?” Alex remarked. He placed his arm around Elazul's shoulder and supported his back, aiding him to rise to his feet.

    Elazul glanced at him. “Your shoulder needs taking care of,” he said. “And so do her wounds.” He indicated Black Pearl. “I think that she passed out from the pain.”
     “I have some bandages,” Alex said, his smile vanishing. He rummaged in his bag and threw a white roll to Elazul; it was followed by a bottle of clear liquid. “A purifying distilment,” he explained. “You bind her; I am certainly not going to help you.” He turned and sat on the ground cross-legged, and began to clean and bandage his own wound.
     "Alex, you know very well that you must help me," said Elazul sternly. "You're better at this than I am."
     Alex appeared busy with his work and paid no heed.

     Elazul watched Alex's turned back for a moment. "You have a vengeful nature, Alex," he commented with a weary voice. He turned and approached Black Pearl with the items in his arm and knelt at her side. She was lying still on her stomach, her face very white. Elazul carefully turned her and checked the wound. A dark circle staining her shirt, quickly spreading, indicated its location. He began to carefully remove the stained edge of the cloth when Alex suddenly came over and knelt at his side.
     “Let me do this,” he said.
     Elazul immediately obeyed. "Thank you," he said quietly.
     "Damn you and your morality," Alex answered shortly.

     A reluctant smile edged Elazul's mouth. He glanced at Alex's profile. “Florina knows too, doesn't she?”
     “Of course,” Alex answered briskly, keeping his eyes on his work as his fingers worked expertly at cleaning and bandaging the wound. “She's too smart to fool for long.”
     After a pause, Elazul spoke again. “Take Florina and go. I will take care of Black Pearl.”
     Alex made no reply for a moment. Then he said, “You would have tried to save her life at any cost, wouldn't you, Elazul?”
     Elazul, his color heightened in chagrin, answered, “You are mistaken. Besides, I mean to join you again.”
    Alex glanced at Elazul, and his fingers slowed at their task. “Truly?” he asked, coolly. “Well, Florina will be pleased.”

     Elazul kept his eyes lowered and refused to answer. Alex returned to his task without further comment. After a few more minutes of a silence, only broken by his curt instructions to Elazul, their task was completed. Alex rose to his feet, shaking himself and tying his cloak closely at his neck to protect himself against the deep chill. He glanced down at Elazul, who had remained sitting at Black Pearl's side. “I believe that we shall be parting ways again,” he remarked.
     “Wait, Alex,” said Elazul, rising to his feet. “Tell me only one thing.” His eyes wandered to the sword lying at Black Pearl's side, and ran over it speculatively. “Did you really look for that sword, the Sword of Fate?”
     Alex halted with his back to Elazul, for a moment not replying. Then he said, “Yes.”
     Elazul's eyes narrowed. “Why?” he asked.
     Alex remained standing still, and Elazul approached him until he was standing at his side. “Why, Alex?” he repeated. “What is the Sword of Fate?”
     And Alex, looking down, finally replied:
     “My father wished to enter the Tower of Leires and find the Sword of Fate, because he believed that it was the sword that belonged to the Jumi Angel.”

     Inside the small cave in a grove near the seashore, where Alex has hid her for a duration of rest before they continued on their travels, Florina rose to her feet. She was still feeling ill from the long, urgent journey, her face was pale, her breath was quick and shallow. But her core was glowing faintly, alerting her to something- a feeling that Alex was in great danger, that something was happening on the top of the cliff. She sighed, passing a shaking hand over her sweating brow, and gathering the edges of the hood of her cloak around her face to shield it from the biting chill. Then, slowly and with stumbling steps, she exited the cave and, guided by the signals from her core, she began to climb the snow-dusted road up towards the cliff.

     A voice speaking behind them in a strange, sharp language, a sudden flash of light startled Elazul, and he turned around.
     Black Pearl was standing unsteadily on her feet, one hand clutching at her bandaged chest, her body slightly stooped forward with the pain. Her black eyes appeared darkly menacing inside her deathly white face. In her other hand she clutched the ancient sword that, obeying to Black Pearl's runic incantation, shone with a blinding, furious glow that surrounded Black Pearl and lit up the whole area of the cliff. With two quick strides, Black Pearl reached Alex. He tried to resist her but her hand, leaving the wound, flew out with incredible speed and grabbed his cloak at the neck relentlessly; he gasped and flinched, his hands shooting to his throat as if her very touch stung him. Black Pearl hoisted him up into the air as if he weighed nothing; then she threw him away with a single sweep of her hand, and he was flung to the ground, his body rolling across the earth with the force of the motion. He finally came to rest with his face down against the earth, several feet away from the edge of the cliff.
     Elazul attempted to stop Black Pearl on the very first moment, but when his hands touched her he cried out and withdrew them, understanding Alex's reaction. The burning light that flowed from the sword surrounded her body like an electric shield, forming an impassable barrier.
     Ignoring Elazul, Black Pearl strode towards Alex. The sword's glow seemed to increase with each step she took. Alex slowly raised himself to a sitting position and sat on the ground with his head hung low, his breath quick and shallow. Leaning over him, Black Pearl's fingers gripped his jaw and forced him to look up.
     “For my injury, Alexandrite,” she said, her voice perfectly emotionless, “You will receive the death that you deserve.”
     “This is how you repay us- damn you!” cried Elazul furiously. He struggled to approach them, but every time he came towards the electric barrier he felt a shock on his flesh, and had to fall back, gasping in pain.
     Black Pearl ignored Elazul, and kept her gaze on Alex. Alex was shaking with the pain inflicted by the close proximity of Black Pearl's hand; but he managed to shake himself free of her grip and edge away from the electric barrier. He slowly staggered to his feet without answering. Elazul could see them both at the edge of the cliff; Alex wavering unsteadily on his feet, Black Pearl standing tall and straight just opposite, her long hair flowing around her slender figure with the errant motion of the rough winter winds.
     “Where is Florina?” Black Pearl asked.
     Alex made no answer. Black Pearl took a step towards him and brought her fist against his stomach. He crumpled forwards. A kick to his chest from her boot leveled him to the ground. He remained lying on his back motionlessly, a stunned look in his eyes, his chest laboring with the effort to breath. Black Pearl brought the tip of her sword and let it rest against the edge of his core.
     “I will carve this stone out of your flesh, little by little,” she said with a twisted smile. “Tell me where Florina is and I might spare you.”
     Suddenly a hand landed on Black Pearl's shoulder with an iron grip. It turned her around with a relentless power, and she found herself facing the Lapis Lazuli knight. His head was lowered, he was breathing tersely with the agony of the burning electric aura, but the eyes that looked up at her were dark with wrath. A moment later his fist landed just below Black Pearl's wound. She crumpled against him, prostrate with the shock.
     She immediately regained control of herself, however, and sprang backwards beyond his reach. Her hand was clutching at her stomach where she has sustained the agonizing blow, but her stately figure was straight and poised. “I have warned you, Lapis Lazuli,” she said with a terrible voice, readying her sword, “to stay OUT of my way!”
     “I won't,” hissed Elazul, “I won't let you kill her!”
     Black Pearl laughed mirthlessly. Her dark eyes flashing, she leapt towards Elazul with a catlike movement and brought her sword down against him. He avoided it just in time, but she caught his wrist between her powerful fingers. The electric aura surrounding Elazul, and a burning energy wave electrified his body. He slowly sunk to his knees, the look in his eyes blank. Then he crumpled forwards soundlessly.
     Turning around again, Black Pearl found herself facing Alex, who, gathering his strength, rose to his feet and attempted to knock her off balance by hurling his body against her; but she did not lose her nerve for a moment. Her hand shot at him and her strong fingers gripped his throat, forcing him to his knees again.
     “Tell me where Florina is,” she said with an awful calm. “You still have the opportunity to reprieve your crimes, Alexandrite. If you return Florina to us, your punishment will be reduced from death to permanent exile. I might even let the Lapis Lazuli to return to the city. It's your last chance; now speak!”
     Alex rocked on his knees unsteadily, his hands vainly attempting to tear Black Pearl's ruthless hold on his throat. She released him all at once and he fell to his hands and knees, coughing convulsively. His lips were stained with blood. He spat the blood out of his mouth, and glanced up at Black Pearl, his dark eyes simmering with contempt.
     “You think… I would… betray… Florina?” he rasped. “I should've… killed you… when I had… the chance.”
     Black Pearl's face contorted with fury. She gripped Alex's arm with one hand and forced him to stand up. Then, using her other hand, she drove the blade of the sword into his stomach.
     Elazul meanwhile recovered from his faint and raised his head; and he was nearly blinded by a sudden explosion of light. The sword's electric fire flared to a startling magnitude and surrounded both Alex and Black Pearl.
     Black Pearl's eyes dilated all at once, and her mouth opened in a silent cry. The light vanished almost at once, and Black Pearl nodded on her feet for a moment, a shocked look on her face; then she crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
     Elazul, rising to his feet with an agonized exertion that seemed to set every muscle in his body on edge, could see Alex standing at the edge of the cliff for a moment, his body teetering dangerously, a large stain of blood rapidly growing on the front of his shirt. Then Alex keeled backwards and vanished off the edge of the cliff. It all took a matter of seconds, but to Elazul time seemed to slow to a halt. A desperate shout escaped him:
     “ALEX!”
     Black Pearl was lying on the ground, her face downwards. A thin trail of blood ran across the light blanket of snow on the cliff. The bright sword was lying some distance away, shining faintly. Elazul, clutching at the side of his body, reached the side of the cliff with a stumbling gait and looked into the sea below. Darkness met his eyes, and he could only discern the vague shapes of the waves beating on the rocks savagely. He cried Alex's name again and again, and was only greeted by horrible silence.
     Elazul sunk to his hands and knees and stared at the ground, a dazed expression on his face. His body trembled with shock. “Damn, damn, damn…” he muttered. “Alexandra..."

     The sudden, strange light on the top of the cliff had alerted Florina. She had been climbing up the cliff for almost an hour, and she was white and exhausted, sweat running down her face and her breath rasping. She paused behind some trees down the road, attempting to recover her strength, and everything began to blur before her eyes. But then a sudden commotion alerted her, and her gaze came into focus again for a moment. The gaping space between the branches of the trees afforded her a clear view of Black Pearl and Alex at the top of the cliff. She watched their encounter the moment the sword was driven into Alex's body and flashed with a blinding aura; she could see Black Pearl sinking to the ground, she could see Alex keeling backwards and falling from the cliff. Florina's head swam; the world turned dark before her eyes as tears began to run down her face; then, her strength sapped by the sudden toll of the life-stealing tears, she sunk to the ground and fainted.
     When she came back to her senses she felt arms wrapped around her, providing her with warmth and security. Her eyes met nothing but blue, and for a moment she could not understand what she was looking at; then her gaze cleared and she realized that she was looking at a front of a man's shirt. She looked up and her gaze met the sky-blue eyes of a pale-haired man with a stern, lean face. A faint light shone around him, effused from a lamp set on the ground on his side.
     “Just rest,” he said gravely, and his deep voice awoke a faraway memory in Florina's mind. “You've been unconscious for almost an hour now.”
     Florina tried to speak, and found that she could not. The man's blue eyes gazed at her seriously, and as her vision cleared Florina suddenly realized why he looked so familiar.
     “Your core,” said the man quietly. His fingers parted Florina's shirt slightly, and he ran them across the violet-blue jewel. “It's so dim. Why?”
     “Saristin,” said Florina softly.
     His eyes widened in surprise, and after a long pause during which he examined her face he suddenly said, “Florina!”
     She smiled at him; but then her strength left her and she fainted again.

Comment: Reference of the song from Cowboy Bebop is obvious. However, the important part of the song was actually the music. The soundtrack to CB also features a melancholy little jazz piece that reiterates the music to “Singing Sea”, called “Cosmos”, and it kept playing through my head as I wrote this chapter.

Yes, there is a series of coincidences in this chapter that gather everyone together in one place, amazing misses, and a deux ex machina (i.e. Saristin finding Florina) at the end. Yes, I know that Elazul missing Florina in the darkness isn't that great either, and that Saristin came just too late and from a road just too different to meet him. It happens this way because had to adjust the events so that Elazul will leave with Black Pearl without looking for Florina, but that Florina would still see what happens.

In the Japanese version Alexandrite was a gender-changer, both man and woman, and in love with Florina (apparently “s/he” preferred his/her male version). However, the U.S. version decided to change Alexandrite into Alexandra, a woman posing as a man, which is what I picked up in this story. Consequently, Alexandra is not in love with Florina in LoJ, though she feels a deep connection to her. There are, however, for readers who noticed, plenty of asides and jokes referring to the “true” or original (gender changing) Alexandrite in the story, especially in conversations between Florina and Alex. This also factored into my changing the story into a love triangle between Elazul and the two rivaling women, Black Pearl and Alexandra.

Just a little skit I wrote while dawdling over Part III, chapter 5. Hopefully it won't alter your view of Sapphire forever.

Sapphire on the Oprah Winfrey Show

[Oprah is sitting on her couch, etc.]

OPRAH: Our next guest is currently playing in the series Legend of Mana: Legend of the Jumi, a show based on an original RPG, that has been running for almost a year now. Please welcome: Sapphire!

[Audience claps and cheers. Sapphire enters clad in jewels and furs. She looks like her usual 18-years old self in general appearance.]

SAPPHIRE: [seating herself] Thank you, Oprah.

OPRAH: Sapphire, I have been watching your participation in this show for several months, and I must say that your performance on this character is fascinating. It is quite different from the roles you've done before, isn't it?

SAPPHIRE: It is most certainly is, Oprah. My former roles included Luna from the first Lunar, Lucia in the second Lunar, and Rena in Star Ocean II. In all of them I've played, you know, the nice, ordinary, sweet, common girl, who somehow turns out to be extremely important. Sapphire's role is a little different.

OPRAH: I personally thought that it was very, very different.

SAPPHIRE: Most definitely! To be quite honest, when I was offered the script at first I wasn't quite sure whether I could play this psychologically complex, emotionally troubled girl. But since then I realized that it was a role of a lifetime.*

OPRAH: But weren't you a little disappointed that you weren't offered a more important roles, like that of, for example, Florina? I mean, with your acting history, it must have been a little rankling to see newcomers like Elazul getting main roles.

SAPPHIRE: I'll tell you something, Oprah. Actually, two things. First, as you know, Sapphire's role is quite important in her relation to Elazul.

OPRAH: Oh, I agree, I most definitely agree.

SAPPHIRE: Second of all, I chose this role because I felt that it was a new, unique challenge. And I really do feel that it helped me grow as an actress.

OPRAH: And let me tell you, she has done a brilliant job. I've had the privilege of having a preview for some of the next chapters in the series, and I can guarantee the audience that her performance is absolutely fantastic.

[Audience clap. Sapphire smiles brilliantly into the camera.]

SAPPHIRE: [recalls her modesty in time] Of course, the performance of my fellow-actors helped the show to be all that it became, Oprah.

OPRAH: I understand that Emeralda goes back a long way as well. In fact, as far back as the NES days.

SAPPHIRE: Emeralda is indeed a long time friend and comrade of mine. We didn't meet until the SNES days, since she was working for SNES and I was working for Sega Saturn. But once we met we became good friends.

OPRAH: Some people are not aware that Emeralda begun her career as Samus Aran, the bounty-hunter in Metroid!

SAPPHIRE: Indeed she did, Oprah. And she went on to such famous roles as Rydia in Final Fantasy IV and Terra of Final Fantasy VI. She is a great actress, and I am glad that I had the pleasure of working with her at last.

OPRAH: Speaking of roles, it is rumored the Snow's role was considerably expanded from the first version of the script because of his star-power.

SAPPHIRE: Well, Oprah, it was. Snow, you know, played Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII.

OPRAH: A BIG hit. I mean, he was the major star.

SAPPHIRE: He felt that some artistic adjustments were required to the script to make Snow's character more important.

OPRAH: From my understanding the alterations made the role very, very different indeed.

SAPPHIRE: Well, yes, Oprah. In the original script he played a very short part and died. However, this was altered at his demand. Second, he was paired with Emeralda, which is also not in the original. Third, he was given the Black Ruby story.

OPRAH: And not only that, the Black Ruby turned out to be much more powerful and important than anyone would have guessed! What do you think of that adjustment? Alex, for example, had been quoted as saying that it was a case of an over-blown ego.

SAPPHIRE: Oh, I have no problem with it, Oprah. Some other actors did make a comment about it, but I think that Snow is a great actor and deserve the proper deference that he was given. He is an extremely talented writer, too, and audience agree, as you know, that the parts with Snow that he has written are very good.

OPRAH: As indeed they are! [Audience claps and cheers]

OPRAH: Speaking of Alex, there has been rumors on the set that, if you don't mind, I must ask you about...

SAPPHIRE: [smiles, looking a little put-out] Oh, I think that I know what you're going to ask, I think that I know!

OPRAH: I think that you do! [Both laugh, Sapphire still looking slightly put out]

OPRAH: There has been rumors circulating that Alex is not a woman playing the part of a man in the first half of the show, but a man playing the part of a woman in its second half. This fact was suppressed for the sake of rating. Is that true?

SAPPHIRE: [smiling fixedly] No, Oprah, it is most definitely false. You see, it started because in the original RPG, Alex is half-man, half-woman. This was changed to make her a woman who cross-dresses as a man. But, of course, this engendered all these rumors that Alex is a man in the Celebrity papers to keep the audience curious.

OPRAH: Then the rumors of his love affair with Florina off-stage are false?

SAPPHIRE: It is. Florina is happily married, you know, to a major producer.

OPRAH: They make a LOVELY couple, and are said to be as happy as ever, six months into the marriage! [audience claps]

SAPPHIRE: Alex and Florina are dear friends, Oprah. But nothing more. And anyway, Alex is a woman, so, of course, it's out of the question!

OPRAH: Here's a slightly different question, Sapphire. There has been rumors about you as well...

SAPPHIRE: [laughs] Oh yes, yes, those...

OPRAH: Following Elazul's brilliant breakthrough into anime, in the role of Wolfwood in "Trigun", there's been rumors that you yourself are trying to break into anime roles as well.

SAPPHIRE: Well, Oprah, yes. I am currently looking into that possibility, and I'm weighing several offers even as we speak.

OPRAH: 90% of actors who try to switch from RPG into anime fail. Are you worried about this statistic?

SAPPHIRE: Not at all, Oprah. I think that challenging oneself is always good. One can always go back to Disney films, as some anime actors have done with great success.

OPRAH: And I must say that after I've seen your performance on LoJ, I'm convinced that you have the talent and capacity for anime roles.

SAPPHIRE: Thank you. [Audience cheers and claps.]

OPRAH: Well, I must say that this is good news, and I certainly am looking forward for the next installment of the show. And that is all for tonight. Thank you for coming!

SAPPHIRE: Thank you, Oprah!
 

COMMENT: RPGs = T.V., Anime = movies, Disney = theatre. I realize that comparing Disney to Classical theatre isn't the best analogy, but it's the only one I could think of for animation.

*A close re-quotation of Uma Thurman in the Rosie O'Donnel show, when talking about 'The Golden Bowl'.

It should be obvious by now that some of the Legend of the Jumi characters have serious psychological problems. But what are they? The <a href=http://www.4degreez.com/misc/personality_disorder_test.mv> Disorders Personality Test</a> provided me with the answers!

Snow is Paranoid:
Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by a distrust of others and a constant suspicion that people around you have sinister motives. People with this disorder tend to have excessive trust in their own knowledge and abilities and usually avoid close relationships with others. They search for hidden meanings in everything and read hostile intentions into the actions of others. They are quick to challenge the loyalties of friends and loved ones and often appear cold and distant to others. They usually shift blame to others and tend to carry long grudges.

Rachel is Schizoid, and so is Elazul to some extent:
People with schizoid personality disorder avoid relationships and do not show much emotion. They genuinely prefer to be alone and do not secretly wish for popularity. They tend to seek jobs that require little social contact. Their social skills are often weak and they do not show a need for attention or acceptance. They are perceived as humorless and distant and often are termed "loners."

Alexandra is Antisocial:
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a lack of conscience. People with this disorder are prone to criminal behavior, believing that their victims are weak and deserving of being taken advantage of. They tend to lie and steal. Often, they are careless with money and take action without thinking about consequences. They are often agressive and are much more concerned with their own needs than the needs of others.

We already know that Alex is a psycho. It's not surprising that she also has a mild case of Histrionic:
People with histrionic personality disorder are constant attention seekers. They need to be the center of attention all the time, often interrupting others in order to dominate the conversation. They use grandiose language to discribe everyday events and seek constant praise. They tend to exaggerate friendships and relationships. They are often manipulative.

Even worse, Alexandra is obviously also Narcissistic; but so is Amber:
Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by self-centeredness. Like histrionic disorder, people with this disorder seek attention and praise. They exaggerate their achievements, expecting others to recongize them as being superior. They tend to be choosy about picking friends, since they believe that not just anyone is worthy of being their friend. They tend to make good first impressions, yet have difficulty maintaining long-lasting relationships. They are generally uninterested in the feelings of others and may take advantage of them.

Sapphire is Avoidant:
Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by extreme social anxiety. People with this disorder often feel inadequate, avoid social situations, and seek out jobs with little contact with others. They are fearful of being rejected and worry about embarassing themselves in front of others. They exaggerate the potential difficulties of new situations to rationalize avoiding them. Often, they will create fantasy worlds to substitute for the real one. Unlike schizoid personality disorder, avoidant people yearn for social relations yet feel they are unable to obtain them. They are frequently depressed and have low self-confidence.

It should be obvious that Sapphire is not quite emotionally balanced. She is also Dependent:
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a need to be taken care of. People with this disorder tend to cling to people and fear losing them. They may become suicidal when a break-up is imminent. They tend to let others make important decisions for them and often jump from relationship to relationship. They often remain in abusive relationships. They are overly sensitive to disapproval. They often feel helpless and depressed.

Finally, Black Pearl is Obsessive-Compulsive:
Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder is similar to obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorder. People with this disorder are overly focused on orderliness and perfection. Their need to do everything "right" often interferes with their productivity. They tend to get caught up in the details and miss the bigger picture. They set unreasonably high standards for themselves and others, and tend to be very critical of others when they do not live up to these high standards. They avoid working in teams, believing others to be too careless or incompetent. They often have difficulty expressing emotion.

Wasn't that informative? We can all agree that the borderline of giving characters "personalities" and giving them "personality disorders" is often quite thin. At least, in MY stories.

Part III

Maintained by:

d Galloway (Insert Image Here)