Good day to you.

You wish to know our story?

I warn you, there are many moments that may shock or disturb you.

But we won’t leave anything important out.

My name is Kalsam Vinselc Retritro…

When you see something in Blue, that’s my view.

And I am Izzak Merselis Retritro.

And when you see something in Red, it is mine.

Why shall we be doing our own views? There are times we are apart. And also times we use our Twin-speech… But you will see.

This is our story.

It begins, back in the town of Flenghymn, with a beautiful woman who worked as a maid in the service of the Queen…

~*~Before Birth; Introduction of Kal and ‘Zak’s Mother~*~

Eldriana looked out the window at the grounds below. Marching in their familiar lockstep was the main Legionnaire’s of the Kings Guard. Their blue tabards stood out brightly against the grey and brown pathways. Leading them, with his black hat trimmed in silver was none other than the Captain Lugerne.

A soft footstep behind her caught her attention and she turned. Seeing the Queen, she immediately sunk to the ground in an act of humility.

“My lady, your Majesty.”

“Eldriana, by word of the King, His Most Royal Highness, so commands thee to marry the Lieutenant Corporal Carmien. May you both live a long a prosperous life together.”

“But, my lady!” Eldriana looked up into the eyes of her Queen and saw she had gone too far. Throwing her head to the ground, she cried out. “Forgive me!”

“We must all abide by the King’s wishes. The wedding is set for three days hence.” Turning, with her skirt flaring out about her, the Queen took her leave.

Eldriana stayed in her prostrate form and softly cried tears of fear.

“Why me?”

~*~Before Birth; The Day of the Wedding~*~

Hugging her pillow close, Eldriana could only think of one thing over and over again as she laid in her bed awaiting the maids who would come to get her ready for the state wedding. Why me? I am comely, not handsome, and far from beautiful. Why me!

She jumped as a soft knock sounded upon her door. Swallowing down her tears, she called out for them to enter. Breathing a short sigh of relief when she saw her friend enter.

“Eldri! You look a mess! How could you allow yourself to become such a state?”

“I am afraid, Marlene. I am nothing and he is everything. Why choose me over so many others more beautiful than I?”

Sighing, Marlene held the bridge of her nose.

“No, Marlene, I know I am. I may be handsome, but I am far from beautiful. That is why the Queen always had me stand by her side for the balls. She knew I would only sit to the side. I have always hidden in the shadows.”

“Eldriana Maresque Lithor’a…” Marlene used her full name, something she only did when it was serious. “The Queen had you with her to allow all to see you, and none to have you. Its no wonder the Lieutenant Corporal would notice you!” Grabbing her shoulders, Marlene forced Eldriana to look into her eyes. “You, Eldri, are the most beautiful woman I know. Let not what your parents say bring you down. You last saw them five season’s turns ago!”

“You speak of treason in the eyes of the Goddess and about parents saying I should not listen to their word. Would you have me throw myself to hell?”

“Nay. I spoke wrongly, do forgive me. I merely call to mind they’ve not seen you for a while, and would thus care for my friend and sister of all but blood or name to tell her naught but the truth.”

“There is nothing to forgive, Marlene. I am merely agitated by the state of affairs and sought to take thy temper out upon thee. I am the one to be forgiven.”

“And forgiven you shall be.”

Eldriana looked up into her eyes and forced a smile.

“But come softly, tell me of this man. I know so little of him, and you are well known to be sneaking upon the night across the grounds.”

“Eldri!” Marlene blushed lightly; knowing her friend merely teased her as a way to ease her own nervousness.

“Carmien… What is there to say about him? He is wise, handsome and tactful. Rumours from the battlefield say he is a demon against the enemy. And more… It is rumoured he has never bed!”

Eldriana blinked in shock. “A man of his ranking has naught to sleep with anyone?”

“Aye. T’is strange tidings indeed.”

“Oh woe!”

“Woe? For what do you cry woe? Would this not be good?”

“I cry for woe because this means I cannot find from another his true temperament. What if he should beat?”

“I say you worry of demons who exist but in your head. A man may rise to greatness upon the field, but be only a slave within the bedchamber. Give not in to your fears.” She paused and listened. “Hark’n, your maids come to gather you hence. Let you be up and about.”

Eldriana took the offered hand and stood as the door to her chamber rattled with the knocking of the maids. “Enter!” Before the door swung wide open and Marlene shooed from the room, she sought her friend’s eyes and whispered. “I pray thee speak truth. And let us hope fair Carmien a man of honour.”

Carmien D’nost Retritro looked around the huge antechamber of the castle set aside to be the host for his wedding this day.

T’is nearly time…

“Carm, thou look unwell. Did thou wish a moment to sit?” The young man standing at his side spoke in a voice layered with concern.

Snapping his head around, Carmien looked at him and shook his head slightly, smiling.

“Nay. T’is jitters. They shall pass. Thank thee, Brathahen.”

The first few notes floated through the air as the wedding began, and both men turned their attention as the grand doors boomed open. Those attending, with the exceptions of their Majesty’s, stood and bowed or curtsied in respect to the woman who walked down the aisle in a soft, jerking march.

“Lords above and below,” Carmien whispered out the side of his mouth. “She is a beauty.” As he continued to watch her, he noted a slight quiver to her hands.

She’s scared? Breathing a slight sigh, added. I am glad I am not the only one full of fear this day.

As Eldriana reached the dais, she took Carmien’s offered hand and stood before the priest as he began to intone the rights.

Carmien marvelled at the softness of the skin on the hand he held. And forced his mind not to wander further than the wedding. After a short while, he began to curse the fact that as a Lieutenant Corporal, he must be subject to such a lengthy affair for what should be a simple bonding.

I shall be glad when this is over, and I might learn more of the lady who has captured me so.

Eldriana watched Carmien out of the side of her eye.

He looks so calm. Would it be best to think that not even a stately possession as this could phase such a soul? Could my fears be right, that he is no normal man?

She heard the priest clear his throat slightly and realized they awaited her answer.

“Oh… I so swear and abide, this man beside me is mine.”

The priest looked to Carmien. “And do you swear and abide that this woman be yours?”

“I so swear and abide, this woman beside me is mine.”

“Then let all within this room give witness. These two are now as one, upon the soil and firmness that is our Goddess: Gaia. And let none dispute.”

“We so witness.” The assembled crowd spoke together in perfect unison.

Looking to the couple, the priest smiled.

“I pronounce thee one soul, one heart, one mind. Congratulations.”

Carmien lightly pulled Eldriana around to face him and lifted the veil from her face. Lowering his lips to hers, they sealed the bond with a kiss.

Eldriana was stiff at first, but soon yielded to him, and thought that all too soon they had parted. The rest of the evening passed, and she felt a person apart from it all. It was not until she noticed the flowers around her that she began to focus on her surroundings. She looked around in a bit of confusion before realizing she stood in the garden, with only Carmien standing with her.

“Elena?”

His voice was filled with concern, but her first thought was on why he was speaking another girl’s name until it registered that it was her name he was trying to say.

“Eldriana, milord.” Then seeing him begin to scowl, she fell to her knees before him and cried out. “Forgive me, milord! I meant no disrespect. If thou so wishes… to… Are though laughing at thee?”

She turned an angry and embarrassed face up to look at him and saw him holding his sides and biting his lower lip to keep from laughing.

“I…” Eldriana began, but was cut off by him kneeling before her and placing a finger upon her lips.

“Nay. I laugh at myself. Here I hoped to calm thou and my first attempt to speak with thee, I call my bride, nay, my lady by the wrong name. Can’st thou forgive thee?”

Looking at him in wonder, she swallowed hard.

“Milord is gracious.”

“Tell thee, Eldriana…” He waited to see her nod at the proper name. “Why dost thou seem so scared of me?”

“I…” Seeing he truly wished to know, she bit her lower lip a moment and quivered as she spoke. “If milord wishes, I –“

“NO!” Carmien grabbed her wrists and pulled her to her feet.

Eldriana shut her eyes and waited for the feeling of his hands beating her flesh. After a moment, her eyes flung wide as she felt, not the knuckles of his hand, but the soft palm gently cupping her cheek.

“Eldriana, if thou wish to tell me, then do so. If not, I shall not hold it against thee.”

“But. Milord is a demon and tyrant upon the battlefield. Your word is law and – “ She gasped and clapped hands to her mouth, terribly afraid he would now become upset. As she saw his features soften, she began to lower her hands.

“Upon the battlefield… Aye. I am cruel and more. But, t’is necessary to ascertain the survival of those within my command.” He took her hands and brought them to his lips, placing a kiss on each before looking deeply into her eyes. “Above all that, I have been taught that to my lady, whomever she would end up to being, I am but her servant or slave.”

“Milord – “

“Please, Carmien, or Carm. I care not for that title from you.”

Eldriana smiled, for the first time feeling completely safe near him.

“As milord wishes.” She then kissed him to cut him off, and as they parted, added. “Carm. And call me Eldri.”

He smiled and took her chin, tilting her head up to kiss her.

~*~Before Birth; The Conception of the Twins~*~

“Carmien! Hark, come to me. Our son, he kicks!”

Looking up from his place before the fire, he walked over and sat beside Eldriana on the bed. Placing his hand over her swollen stomach, he felt a pulse as if something hit the wall of flesh from inside.

“He shall be born soon, will he not?”

Placing her hand over his, Eldriana smiled. Pure joy showed through her expression as the child kicked again. Some days, it felt as if the child within her was a demon for kicking so much so fast. But this day, he seemed to merely protest his confinement.

“It shall be a grand day, his birth. You have given me a glorious gift.”

“And you have given me a grand gift as well, my love. Though, I do hope this child comes very soon. I miss thee terribly at night.”

“I am but beside you. You are never alone.”

Grabbing his chin as he grinned, she shook his head slightly.

“You act no older than a child yourself. You know of what I mean.”

“Aye… and I too miss thee.” He then gathered her to him, mindful of her stomach and felt her relax within the warmth of his arms. Kissing the top of her head, he thanked the Goddess for giving him this treasure. As he did each day he and she lived together.

As they sat there, he could feel her breathing begin to even out and knew she was falling asleep. To keep from moving around too much, he turned his attention elsewhere. As he scanned his eyes across the room, he was reminded of their first night together. In the Queen’s Garden, just shortly after their marriage and the brief misunderstanding, they had fallen to lust and made love beneath the stars.

A light blush crawled to his face as he recalled waking up to find a page boy trying his hardest not to laugh as he was sent to find and bring them to court to meet with the King. And further, the awkwardness of his Majesty’s jesting to the fact of the Queen taking her morning stroll to find two very distinct and oddly shaped flowers had joined the multitude of blooms within the garden.

That was now about eight full moons past, and from what he’d overheard when the mid-wife came to call, it was nearing the day that his lady would begin to give birth to his son.

Yes. He recalled the joy he’d felt when the mid-wife announced in certainty his wife held a son as heir to his name and blood. And he hoped his son would grow to surpass what Carmien himself had managed to reach. Running a hand over her belly, lightly enough to keep from waking her, he could feel the child had quieted as well. He was about to remove his hand when he thought he’d felt something odd. Waiting a moment, he shook his head and removed his hand.

Must be my imagination. No child would have two heartbeats overlapping. I’m merely excited about seeing him sometime soon. That’s all.

~*~Age Zero: Birth Day~*~

“My lord cannot enter the room!”

“She is my wife! I will not sit this away from her side!”

A scream tore through the air and Carmien pushed past Marlene without making sure he was gentle. He knelt at Eldriana’s side and took her hand in his own.

“My dearest lady, I brought this upon you and I shall stay with you throughout this.”

Eldriana tried to smile at him but was cut short as she tilted her head back to scream once more. Just as Carmien was beginning to despair for the survival of his lady love, he heard the sound of a wail and looked to the doctor who stood between Eldriana’s open legs, gently lifting a small form that wiggled and hailed to the world it’s arrival. Carmien turned back to smile at his wife when she screamed again.

“Wha…”

The doctor’s eyes widened and he quickly handed the child to Marlene who also looked with shock at the place between her friend’s legs.

“Milady, push! There is another!”

“Another…?” Carmien pushed back the hair on Eldriana’s face as she began pushing for the life of a second child.

Another few minutes passed before the second wail cut through the air, an almost identical match to the first. The doctor took the second baby over to the sink where Marlene was finishing the cleaning of the first. When both were cleaned and wrapped from the chill, he took them over to Carmien, whom promptly indicated that his wife was the one to hold their children first.

“Male and male. Two sons, and from the look of it, twins.” The doctor smiled as he gave the two wrapped babes to Eldriana.

“Twins… Carmien…” Tears glistened in her eyes as she realized how fortunate they were to have, not one, but two sons and furthermore, the rarity of twins.

Putting his arm around her, he looked at his sons as they opened their eyes in a near perfect unison to look up at them both.

“Name them, love.”

Carmien nodded and looked at each. The one on the right, the one born first, showed the first stages of dark hair upon his head. His eyes were a deep blue and seemed to radiate with a light shown from behind.

“He shall be Kalsam. In honour to the Warrior of Sky and Light.”

He then looked to the other one and blinked in surprise until he noted the light shine on his head showing very pale hair beginning to show. His eyes were a dark brown, bordering on red and seemed to be alive with fire.

“And this one shall be Izzak. Lord of the Fires and Dark.”

Eldriana nodded at the choices of names.

“They should suit them perfectly my love.”

“Aye, and you, my fairest lady, shall choose their mid-names. As is your right.”

“Milord is kind, and well do I know it.” She turned to allow him to kiss her before holding her sons close to her. She saw their eyes close and looked up at the doctor and her friend who stood with slightly puzzled expressions. “What ails thee?”

Marlene looked to the doctor who shrugged before answering. “Most babes cry for food at this time, but yours seem content to sleep.”

“Then, all the better for myself as I am very tired.”

“Sleep, my love. I will take care of urgent matters.”

Eldriana nodded and lay back upon the cushions, soon closing her eyes and falling asleep.

~*~Age Six: A Frolic in the Woods~*~

“Zak! Wait for me!”

Long white hair flung about Izzak’s shoulders as he turned to look at the streak of dark hair flapping along behind Kalsam as his brother ran up the hill to catch up with him.

“Come on, Kal. I can’t wait for you forever.”

Catching up, Kalsam glared at his twin.

“It would help if you weren’t already outside and halfway up the hill before calling me to follow. Now what have you called me for to show me?”

“It’s just a bit farther, and we must be quiet.”

“Fine, as long as I don’t have to sprint another mile or two.”

“Nope, come on!” Izzak grinned and grabbed his brother’s arm, dragging him along as he walked hastily to the spot in the forest he had noticed something. Carefully moving close, they came to a place where they could look out to see…

“Isn’t that Marlene and Brathahen?” Kalsam asked in a low tone to his brother.

Izzak quickly put a finger up before his lips and looked straight into Kalsam’s eyes. We can’t speak, otherwise they may hear.

Sorry. But why are they here? Kalsam responded in the half-telepathic speech that all twins seemed to share.

I would say it’s because they’re coupling.

I could tell that! I mean why are they here, in the forest instead of their rooms?

Maybe they didn’t wish to be found out.

Kalsam watched the two as they moved together in a rhythmatic pattern. Their breathing was forced and laboured, sometimes punctuated with the sound of a muffled moan.

I wonder if mother and father know of these two and their lovemaking?

I doubt that it’s any of their business, just as it’s none of ours.

Izzak tilted his head and pouted at Kalsam, forcing the dark haired boy to bite his lower lip to keep from laughing.

Just then, a scream of pleasure cut through the air, scaring both boys who cried out before stopping themselves.

Marlene spun her head around to look in the direction of the bushes the twins were hiding in and scowled.

“Kalsam! Izzak! Is that you!?”

Uh oh…

Kalsam looked at Izzak and they both scrambled backwards until they felt they wouldn’t be seen when they leapt to their feet to run all the way back home. Along the way, Kalsam began laughing and had to slow down before he fell. Izzak slowed when he saw his brother fall behind and went back to find out what was wrong. Seeing his brother laughing, he snapped out and grabbed his shoulders.

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Zak… You have to… admit… that was… hilarious…” He took a deep breath and then tried his best to imitate Marlene’s distressed voice. “Kalsam! Izzak! Is that you!?”

Izzak’s face split into a grin as his brother broke down in laughter once more. A moment later, he joined in the laughter as he remembered the scene perfectly. When they calmed down, he patted his brothers back.

“Well, I think we should get home, before they head there to talk to our parents about this. Unless they feel our punishment isn’t worth having mother and father know of their match.”

“True. Then, shall we be off?” Kalsam offered his arm, which Izzak took before they both strolled off down the rest of the hill to the small country house located before the road leading to town.

~*~Age Six/Seven: The Match~*~

The sound of metal striking metal rang out across the marshalling yard. Carmien and Brathahen faced off against each other, keeping skills sharp. On a low wall watching them were Kalsam and Izzak, sometimes joking and poking each other, hoping to force each other to begin laughing first. After another few swing and parries, the two men lowered their swords and nodded to each other before walking over to the boys.

“Well, you two seem in high spirits today. What hap’?” Carmien smiled at his boys, so alike yet so different. It’s almost like they were not truly our boys were one to look at them, then Eldri and I.

“Just t’is the day, father. Kal doesn’t like it though.”

“It’s too sunny, Zak. I like the clouds.” Kalsam grinned up at his father, knowing the tall man before him felt the same way about the weather.

Carmien chuckled and shook his head. “You’re definitely most like your mother, Izzak. But you, my boy…” He grabbed Kalsam’s arm and pulled him up from his seat to hug him. “Are definitely more like me.”

All four males laughed before a female voice cut through the air.

“Come straight HOME you say you’d do. And nearly the sun’s past do I find thee all here.”

All four males winced before turning to see Eldriana and Marlene standing at the gateway to the yard with fists on their hips.

“Sorry mother!” Kalsam and Izzak cried out in unison, hoping she had not brought her spoon with her.

“My love…”

“No excuses, Carmien! You were to see the king then come straight home! Your mother comes to visit and she’s ticked you’re not there!”

“Lords above! I forgot mum came to call.” Grabbing his scabbard, he buckled his sword to his side and ran to his wife. “Forgive thee. Brathahen asked if I wished to spar, thinking fatherhood had softened me… But I must get to home now. I’ll see thee when you arrive.” He kissed her cheek and ran off to the stables.

Shaking her head after him, Eldriana sighed and turned to Brathahen. At her side, Marlene began giggling at the fake limp Brathahen took on for show.

“Has he become complacent?”

Rubbing his arm, the stout man grinned at the two ladies.

“Nay, had two flowers such as yourselves not arrived, I’d have been a lifeless form…”

“In defeat?” Marlene said non-commitently.

“Lady! Dost thou mock me?” He placed a hand over his heart and widened his eyes in shock.

Moving forward, Marlene grabbed his ears and pulled lightly. He followed and allowed her to bring his face to a level with hers.

“I only mock those who deserve it. If thou wish to act the man, I think I may give homage to wounds properly gotten.” She then kissed his lips briefly before releasing his ears.

“In that case, the battle was fierce and while none won, was that none lost either.” He slipped his arms around her and pulled her close.

Walking up to the whole scene, Kalsam and Izzak rolled their eyes at their adoptive aunt and uncle’s antics. Eldriana noticed their looks of disgust and laughed.

“Come hither, my sons. One day you shall be as them when you’ve found yours to love.”

Kalsam shifted from one foot to the other; not at all happy with the thought, while Izzak scrunched his face up and grimaced.

“Ugh! Not for me, mother. I’ll remain like Captain Marsian. Single man for life.” Izzak said proudly.

“I doubt that, but we shall see what the future has to hold.” Eldriana offered her hands to her sons, whom both took them and walked off, leaving Marlene and Brathahen to their own designs.

~*~Age Eight: The Pain of Death~*~

“Izzak! Come! Father says t’is time!”

Izzak jumped up from the spot under the tree he’d been sitting under to run up to his brother, lightly jogging back to the house.

“Mother…”

“She began the con… contra… Those weird things she said she went through with us.”

“Don’t ask me to say the word. I’ve more problems than thee!”

The boys began giggling as they neared the house. Slowing down to a walk, as they were nearly breathless from their exhausting run, they studied the area around the house.

It will be odd to have another female in the house. Izzak spoke in thought to Kalsam.

Nodding, Kalsam replied. Aye. When mum told us t’was a female babe within her womb, I did not think much on it. Now that I do…

It’s odd to think of, no?

Kalsam merely nodded again as they reached the front door. Opening it, they were met with a sight they’d never thought they’d see.

“Father!” Both boys cried out and ran to their father, sitting on the stool in the centre of their family room.

Tears ran down Carmien’s face though his body did not shudder until he felt the touch of his boys’ hands upon his shoulders.

“Father, what hap’?”

“Your… mother. Gave birth… to a beautiful…” Here he choked on his words before he could calm to speak again. “Beautiful little girl. But… at the price of her… Life.” The final word was caught in a half-sobs and chokes as Carmien leaned down to hug his knees. Great sobs ran course throughout his body.

Above the sobbing form of their father, Kalsam and Izzak looked at each other with wide eyes. The only thought either heard from them was the fact that their most beloved and beautiful mother was now gone from this Life and given to the Goddess.

The sounds of metal tapping metal woke the twins after a weary night of grief, tears and little sleep. Sitting up, Kalsam looked to Izzak to see his brother seem as confused as he. A moment later, the sound of someone urging a horse into a full gallop and the footfalls of the horse drove both boys to full wakefulness.

Running to their window, they looked out only to see the fleeing form of their father on horseback heading to the castle.

Turning to each other, the boys wondered what was amiss.

A knock sounded upon the door. Kalsam jumped up and ran to open it, thinking it was their father returning. Only when the door opened to show Brathahen did he realize how stupid a thought that was.

Nodding his head, Brathahen nodded to the dark haired boy before him. “Kalsam…” Looking past him at Izzak, he again nodded. “Izzak. I bring grave news. Your father has again joined the King’s Army and bid me to tell you this…” Brathahen closed his eyes, not wishing to see the pain and sorrow he knew would appear on their faces at the news he came to tell them.

“Marlene and I are now your guardian’s. We’re to train yourselves and your sister to become productive members of the castle so when you each reach your age of allowance to take service there.”

“And of our father? What of him, Uncle.”

Brathahen snapped his eyes open to the cruel tone of Kalsam’s voice. Seeing the deep blue eyes looking at him, he could tell Kalsam had already figured out what had happened, but wished to hear it.

“He goes to war… In hopes of death and joining his lady love.”

“NO!” Izzak screamed and turned away from the door, running to his room and slamming the door behind him. The sounds of his crying could be heard a moment later.

Kalsam turned to look at his new ‘father’ with eyes that showed they’d seen too little pain in such a short time.

“Do we live here or at the castle, father?”

“Only call thee that name if it pleaseth thou. Otherwise I remain your uncle. And we shall live at the castle, for there we may properly teach.”

“I’ve no father if you choose not to be called such. The one who gave us seed has left us with naught but a word of what we were already to do. Nothing to our wishes of health or life. Only that he seeks to regain that which gave us to him. He is not thy father.” With that, Kalsam turned and stalked back into the house to tell his brother and begin to pack. “Get our sister ready, for we’ve much of our own to bring and may not have the ability to carry her and hers.”

As the door to the boys’ room opened and shut once more, Brathahen spun around to look down the road to the castle, seeking to see beyond where his ‘friend’ had left to rejoin the King’s Army upon the field. Luck be with you, brother of my heart, for your sons and I will not.

~*~Age Sixteen: Rebirth of the Soul~*~

“Kal! Zak!” A female voice called out.

Kalsam remained motionless with his arm outstretched. On the tip of his finger was a butterfly with colours and markings rarely seen in this area of the kingdom.

Izzak stood carefully and moved back some from his brother before turning to look down the hill at the young girl running up it to meet with them. Her rich brown curly hair billowed out behind her as she held the skirts of her dress high to leave her legs free to move. Seeing her look up at him, the girl gave a broad grin and opened her arms wide a stride or two before Izzak.

Izzak opened his arms and wrapped them around the girl, spinning her once before putting her down.

“Aldriana… Thy beauty grows.”

“And dearest brother, thy tongue grows more silver with each passing day.”

Izzak grinning and motioned to where Kalsam remained perfectly still, ensuring the butterfly did not leave his hand. His only indication he was pleased to see his sister was an upturning of his mouth.

Crying out in glee, Aldriana moved gently over and sat near her brother to look upon the butterfly. “T’is beautiful colours upon its wings. I’ve never seen its like!”

Izzak also moved up to sit carefully in the spot he was before and smiled. “Aye. Only stone-Kal could have the patience or determination to remain in such a position so long to capture such a creature. Then again, little else is expected from this golem of stone.”

Finding he could not keep his mirth as his brother and sister began to laugh, Kalsam ended up dropping his arm to cover his face. The butterfly took off, but none of the children seemed to mind as laughter filled the hilltop.

When they settled, Izzak was about to speak to Kalsam about how happy he was to see a smile on his brother when the calm and cold expression that had become his most oft used face fell back into place.

Kalsam could feel his brother’s pain and growled. Spinning up onto his feet, he stalked off to the cliff edge. Sitting on the edge with his feet dangling over, Kalsam starred down at the waves. A moment later, he felt his brother’s presence behind him and sighed.

“Care you to walk away like Carmien did? Would you leave us to die!?”

At the angry tone in Izzak’s voice, Kalsam lost his temper and turned to look at his brother with a glare to his eyes. Their sister walking up to them stopped in her tracks as she saw the faces each had, as if they wished death upon each other.

“I am not our father! I am not going to leave those who care about me and are my flesh and blood! I will not become like that… that… man!”

Izzak’s features softened slightly then seemed to curl up on them as he fought to stifle his laugh.

Kalsam’s face also softened as he began chuckling uneasily, realizing his anger had foiled his attempt to insult the man who was once their father. As quickly as the chuckling turned to laughter, it turned to tears, long buried and hidden away throughout the past six years of life.

Izzak stepped forward to place a hand on his brother’s shoulder, only to find himself holding his brother in a fierce hug a moment later.

Aldriana could only watch as she let her breath out, unconscious of the fact that she’d held it. She had not known who their parents were, and thus could not even begin to understand the pain her brothers lived through almost daily. But one thought raced through her mind and that was that it seemed she had finally gained the brother she wished from Kalsam.

~*~Age Seventeen: The Birth of Lords~*~

“Hiyeeee!” Metal clashed and then a flash of light shone off the blade that flew into the air.

Backing up a step as Kalsam’s blade was held to his neck, Brathahen grinned. To the side, Izzak scuttled to the left as Brathahen’s blade bit into the soil where he had stood.

“You are fabulous with the blade, Kal. I know naught of another who may match you in this castle now other than the Sword’s Master.”

Kalsam lowered his blade and grinned.

“Though, your brother most definitely has anyone beat with the bow.”

Kalsam glanced over at his now blushing brother. A week ago, Izzak and Kalsam had been given bows and to the shock and later, outrage of the instructor, Izzak had surprisingly loosed and hit with every arrow. It was only after Izzak’s quiver was empty, having hit each target or so close it did not make much difference, that the instructor finally admitted he had natural skill.

On the other hand, Kalsam seemed to be a disappointment with bow until Brathahen handed him a crossbow, to the instructor’s dismay. With this, Kalsam had come close to his brother in skill, but Izzak still showed stronger skill with the strings while Kalsam’s skill with the blade was becoming more and more deadly.

Taking the two towels that Izzak held for the duellers, Kalsam and Brathahen wiped the sweat from their face and necks. Just as all three packed up their things to head indoors, a page from the court ran out and bowed before them.

“Milord’s. The King requires your presence post haste.”

“Then, methinks we should not keep his Majesty waiting. Lead the way, young sire.” Brathahen motioned to the page that began walking to the grand hall. Along the way, Kalsam looked shocked at his foster father.

“Should we not clean and bathe first?”

“Not this day. Should the King have called us to formal gathering, then yes. But as he asks our presence presently, we’ve no time and he shall understand.”

Kalsam merely glanced at Izzak who returned his look and added a roll of his eyes.

“I’d wish thee each good e’vn but t’is bad tidings I do bear to thee.”

Kalsam, Izzak and Brathahen looked up from their spots kneeling before the King as he continued.

“Word came from the north, by herald and state, his lordship Carmien D’nost Retritro rejoins the Goddess and his fairest lady before their new turn of Life.”

Izzak lowered his head once more while Kalsam sighed.

“Your Majesty… If I may?” Kalsam began. Seeing the King’s hand move in allowance, continued. “My brother and I, while aggrieved to hear such word knew this would come to pass, as the day he’d left us, our foster father Brathahen sent word he left to die. T’is no shock to hear he is gone, but it still saddens the heart as we’d hoped he may yet survive.”

“Aye, do I well see this pain upon your faces, yet there is a shred of light to mark thy words as truthfully spoken. Know now thy father’s legacy, Two Thousand Marks and the fiefdom of Flenghymn South to be yours with all properties there on. To be held this day until your days of marking by thyself, though no payment from your lands shall be taken with the exception of thy taxations.”

Both brothers bowed before the King. “Your Majesty is most kind.”

“There is more.” Waving his hand, a page walked over with a finely carved bow and empty quiver in one hand, and in the other was a majestically hilted sword in its scabbard. “Thy page holds the weapons of your father’s that were carried to here from the battlefield with thyne herald. As Carmien left no word as to who gained which, I leave this to you.”

Kalsam stepped forward and took the offered sword while Izzak took up the bow. Pulling the sword from the scabbard, Kalsam saw the blade was a full four feet in length. The hilt, carved from what looked to be Amber and Garnet, wrapped around his hand as if it were an inferno he’d put his hand into. At the very base of the hilt was a blue gem. Closing one eye to focus better on the gem, he let out a cry of surprise and dropped the sword.

At the same time, Izzak had looked at the bow; kind of disappointed he had to refill the quiver. The bow seemed to be carved of the red and green-ish stone that his father had taught them was called ‘Bloodstone’. The string was truly fine and Izzak worried he’d break it the first time he used it. Shrugging and pulling back the string, a pulse ran along it and an arrow appeared within his hand, ready to be shot. Letting out a cry identical to his brothers, Izzak pulled his hand away from the string to the side, causing the arrow to pull away in his hand as the string snapped back before both arrow and bow disappeared.

“Kal?” Brathahen asked worried. “Zak?”

“I saw me!”

”It disappeared!”

“Thy father’s weapons are unique, young sires.” The King said gently, catching their attention to him. “He had them crafted by your mother’s parents whilst they lived. They were among Our Magi.”

“We thank, his Majesty for their return.”

“My final gift to thee both is admittance to Our guard, should you wish it. You will also have the tutelage of a Lord, as you would both be Our honour to guard Our throne room with Our personal guard.”

The brothers looked to each other in shock before bowing deeply.

“We live to serve the Crown.”

~*~Age Eighteen: The Magi Awaken~*~

Kalsam looked down at the training grounds and stifled a chuckle as he watched Izzak lose his sword to the combat master yet again. It had been two years since the day they had begun training in Lordship, and less than six moons since they’d begun training to be part of the King’s Guard. Elsewhere in the castle, their sister was going through her own training in being a Lady-in-Waiting for the Queen like her mother before her.

Feeling the presense of someone beside him, Kalsam looked up at the old man who was his teacher in Mathematics as the old man smiled at the proceedings below.

“Izzak has yet to reign his temper while fighting, has he?”

“I fear my brother never shall.” Kalsam said with a merry tone to his voice.

“Too bad thy brother’s love of the Math has not passed to thee…” The old man said in a voice that could be taken as a joke if not for the tone.

Wincing, Kalsam turned from the window and faced his desk.

“Forgive me, Master.”

“Aye, nothing to forgive. T’is be the first day you two are parted in training, and unlike other teachers, I do understand the follies of youth seeing my own children and grandchildren as oft’ as I do.”

A shiver then seemed to pass over the old man. As Kalsam began to open his mouth to ask his welfare, he felt something cold brush through him, pausing for a few moments before continuing.

“What was that?”

The old man looked upwards slightly, towards the direction Kalsam knew was the Towers of Testing in which the Magi resided.

“Seems the Magi scour the castle for more talent. A Magi must have passed on.”

Kalsam’s heart leapt into his throat as footsteps pounded in the hallway and stopped before the door to the classroom. The door opened to show a young boy in a robe that was so covered in symbols and runes it seemed to dance with colours.

“Milord and Master Mathematician, I apologize for disturbing you. But I have been sent for him.” The boy’s arm snapped out to point at Kalsam. “Your brother and yourself are being summoned to the High Lord Magi’s Room. I suggest you get there post-haste.”

Kalsam looked up at the old man as he sighed.

“It seems they have found two.”

“This is most unique, young sire’s. Never before have twins been born to a family lacking magik that has the talent within them that sends fearful chills through my bones.” The High Lord Magi stood up from behind his desk. Long black robes, left wide open, swept the floor as he walked around the desk to the two brothers. His pants were cut and notched all over, leaving it to seem as if his pants were more shreds than any trouser. His belt was wide and sat low on his hips. Around his neck and shoulders was a leather collar-protectorate, and hanging from his neck was a faintly green-glowing medallion.

“We have lost a very important person in our ranks. We know not what killed him, save to say it was not natural means. While my other Magi search out the source, I have decided to take upon a new apprentice to fill this spot. But, as I have said, there is two of you. This poses a problem. I do not have the means or time to train two, but you both must be trained. To this end, I have asked my elder Master to return, and he shall train you both. Go with Meria there, she will show you where to get your uniforms. Welcome to the Magi.”

Kalsam and Izzak turned to follow the girl and left the room, still in complete shock that they’d been taken so quickly away from the lives they thought they were to become, to become something their mother and father only spoke of as a hopeless wish. It wasn’t until they were at their destination that they came to, to realize their guide had been speaking to them.

Meria scowled at the two, placing a hand on her hip.

“Really. Does it take that much to get either of you to notice the noses on your face?”

“Forgive us, Mistress-“

Waving her hand in dismissal, she winced and shook her head.

“Call me, Meria. None in the Magi go by any other than the names they wish other’s to call them.”

“Ah. Meria, then. I am Kalsam and this is my brother, Izzak. You may call me Kal if you wish.” Kalsam took the moment he did a small bow to her to study her. While he could see she would be interesting to any other looking at her, he did not feel anything himself. As he stood again and glanced to his brother, he could see that Izzak had also noticed what she looked like, and unlike him, did take an interest.

As his brother stepped forward to bow before her, Kalsam reflected on that and wondered why he didn’t feel any attraction to Meria. She’s pretty enough, but there seems to be something lacking.

Izzak stood up from his bow and smiled deeply.

“You may call me ‘Zak, Meria.”

“T’is a pleasure to meet you both. In here you will find the woman who creates our uniforms. She will fit and attire you both. I will wait out here, and when you are finished, I shall take you to meet your new Master.”

She then ushered them in the door before another word could be said. As the door closed, Kalsam and Izzak looked around the room. Seeing no one, they were about to turn to open the door and ask Meria when a voice coming from behind a curtain scared them.

“Ah. Am I finally to be making another outfit? Would be nice to have a bit o’ warning every now and…” The curtain parted to admit a woman whose long silver hair seemed to be about the most she wore. “-then. Well, well. Two of ya? And bright young lads you seem to be. Nice and yummy looking. Be a treat to clothe ya both in those wee garments of mine. Yes it will. ”

Kalsam heard Izzak gasp slightly and wondered if it was the sight of her, or the way she seemed to be so forward with her speech that affected his brother so. For himself, he was at a complete loss of what to say or do.

“Well, come in! I’m not here for ya both to gawk at. You, the dark haired one. I’ll be doing you first, step this way, atta’ boy.” She grabbed Kalsam’s wrist as he moved forward and pushed him behind the curtain. Looking at Izzak, she motioned to a chair. “Have a seat. Be just a couple of moments.” Slipping behind the curtain with him, she positioned Kalsam in a spread eagle position and began taking measurements.

“Aye, you seem to be in luck. I’ve got an outfit of yer’ size already.” She walked over to one side and pulled open a small closet, inside was shelves, with assorted boxes on them. Doing a quick scan, she grabbed one and pulled it out.

“There ya go. Put that on and I’ll tweak it around if it needs it.” She passed the box to Kalsam.

Opening the box, Kalsam saw the folded up pants and rolled up belt he was to wear. Shrugging, he put the box down and pulled off his shirt. Just before pulling off his trousers, he looked up to see the woman standing there watching him.

“Uhh…”

“What? Embarrassed to get undressed before me? Pah!” She turned and exited the alcove, calling behind her. “Tell me when yer’ done.”

Shaking his head, Kalsam slipped out of the rest of his clothing and pulled on the pants from his Magi uniform, only to be shocked by the fact that they didn’t even go up halfway on his hips.

“Umm… They seem to be too small.” He called out and was about to pull them back off when the woman walked back in. “Ack!” He quickly crouched down and shielded himself from her view.

“Come on. Stand up. Can’t help ya if yer’ hiding it.” She pulled him to his feet, unmindful of his crimson red face and shook her head. “Nah. They’re the right size.”

“Right size? Woman! Are you crazy?” Kalsam’s embarrassment was overridden by the shock that she thought this was the right size.

“Of course! Wake up, kiddo! Or did you not notice the wide belt made to hide them bits o’ yers.”

“Belt… Wait, what? Why are they so low?”

“Magi need to feel the elements with their whole bodies. Would’ve thought my husband would tell ya that at least!”

“Your husband?”

“You’d be calling him Master if it were not fer yer’ brother out there.”

“You’re the High Magi’s WIFE?” Kalsam voice reached a pitch he thought he had grown out of a year or more ago as the news sunk in.

“Well now, aren’t we the smart one? Yes, yes. You think I’d be doing all the sewin’ and fixin’ fer free otherwise?”

“Wife…”

“Lords… Yes. I be his wife. Now put on your belt and collar and skedaddle. I’ve still gotta do yer’ brother.”

Still in a semi-state of shock, Kalsam put on the belt and collar with little thought, picked up his former clothing and walked out.

Izzak looked up at his brother and tried not to laugh as he’d heard most of the conversation. Standing up, he saw his brother look at him and realized he was still a bit in shock. Sheesh, you’d think he’d pay more attention to the various people in the castle. Even I knew who she was.

“I’ll go wait out in the hall with Meria.”

“Sure. I’ll see ya in a bit.” Izzak nodded and did a small salute.

As Kalsam left the room and shut the door, Izzak turned and walked behind the curtain.

“Triana, isn’t it?”

“Nice ta know one of ya is a bright one.”

“Heh. I think Kalsam’s just too busy stargazing too often to pay note to the… more beautiful stars around him.”

The woman raised a brow at him and chuckled.

“Ah. A flatterer. Spread your legs and arms and I’ll see if I can give ya a good set of clothes to wear with that smile.”

Izzak did as she said and stood still while she began taking measurements. Glancing down as she began to measure his legs, he noticed he could see straight down the tiny shirt she wore and felt his body begin to respond. Turning his face to look up at the ceiling, he cursed himself. Damn it. Not now.

He hissed slightly as he felt her hands slid up his legs. She’s just measuring. No need to get worked up about it. It’s perfectly normal… He then looked back down quickly and his eyes widened. Oh lords…

“Well now. Seems someone is a bit eager. How about I clear that up for you?” She stood and moved closer to him.

Before he could say anything, Izzak found himself wrapped in her arms with his mouth covered by hers. Shit!

‘Zak? Is everything alright?

Yes! Stubbed my toe. That’s all, Kal.

Alright. If something is wrong, tell me, ‘k?

Will do…

Izzak tried to focus, and push himself away, but found himself too involved now. When she pulled away to catch her breath, Izzak took the moment to speak.

“We shouldn’t…”

“Why not? I’m bored, and yer’ young. So shut up and enjoy it.”

Hating himself, but also congratulating himself for it, he pushed her back.

“No. Just… finish the measurements, give me my outfit and I’m gone.”

Triana raised an eyebrow at him and sighed.

“Must really hate me if ya turn me down like that even if yer body is telling me differently.”

Izzak turned his face away from her and closed his eyes. Feeling a soft hand placed on his cheek, he opened one eye to look at her.

“Or maybe, yer scared of what yer feeling. Tell ya what. I’ll do as you say, and if ya change yer mind, you can find me here.”

Izzak walked out and smiled at Meria and his brother.

Patting his brother on the shoulder, Kalsam chuckled.

“Meria was just telling me how much she also hated the uniform on her first day. Though, I still say getting used to so much showing is a bit of an adjustment, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Hmm. Yeah. I would.”

“You alright ‘Zak?” Meria asked as they began walking to their next destination.

“Yes. Sorry. Just was thinking…” He looked up to see their faces and decided to change the entire thought he had. “-how much this belt is gonna chafe…”

All three of them burst into laughter and continued upon their way.

Izzak took a quick look behind him and saw the door close, knowing that Triana had watched him leave. Oy… What am I going to do?

~*~Age Nineteen: Fluttering Hearts~*~

Izzak leapt up and grabbed his backside as he jumped and cried out in pain.

“I keep telling ya not to backtalk to me. I’m still a devil with the switch!”

Kalsam sucked in his lower lip and took a deep breath before trying once more to get the ball before him to float and then to change it into ice. It was one of the more difficult exercises their Master had given them in the past year of training with him. Glancing off to the side, he saw the Prince sitting there watching him and swallowed. Why is it I feel so uncomfortable when His Highness is near?

Hearing a grumble and feeling a whoosh of air hit him, he knew Izzak had sat back down beside him to try the exercise again.

“Kalsam!”

Snapping his eyes forward, he saw the ball was floating, but instead of being turned to ice, it was a roaring ball of flames.

“I swear! You must be a fire mage! Always lighting up everything…”

Concentrating, Kalsam wasn’t going to let his Master’s words get to him this time. This time, he would make it change to ice.

“…Like you were gonna burn the castle down and – hey! I think the lad’s got it!”

Kalsam smiled broadly as the entire ball and the flames surrounding it turned into ice.

“Alright! Change it back and we’ll see if your brother can match ya.”

Nodding, and feeling the glare that emanated from his brother, though he knew Izzak didn’t really mean it, he began reverting the ball back to normal. Taking the moment to glance out the side of his eye, he saw the Prince was still watching him, but now had a huge smile on his face. Not knowing why, Kalsam gave a quick smile to him before returning his attention to his brother.

“Ok, ‘Zak. Show me how much better you are than I.”

Shooting a quick glare at Kalsam, Izzak focused on the ball and easily levitated it. Breathing deeply, Izzak blew on the ball and it shifted to ice.

“Hmm. So that mouth of yours is good for more than bad mouthing me when I make a suggestion.”

“Now see here, old man!” Izzak leapt to his feet and began screaming at the Master again.

Kalsam shook his head and glanced back over to where the Prince was sitting. The Prince’s eyes caught his own and he smiled.

The Prince winked, then looked to the right. His eyes opening wide, he turned back to look at Kalsam, made a short wave and leapt off the wall, running for the stables. A moment later, a maid came walking up to the area they’d set aside for the Magi training and saw the quarrel going on between Izzak and the Master. Then seeing Kalsam was free walked over to him.

“Have you seen His Highness? His mother commands his presence and I fear I could not find him anywhere.”

“Check yonder stables, but heed my words when I say to walk the gate and path, for the Prince knows you come for him.”

“Thanks, Magi.”

Kalsam watched her leave and sighed. Turning back to the fight, he wondered if he should step in or not.

~*~Age Twenty-One: The Truth of Love~*~

‘Zak? You busy?

Hmm? Just a bit. Is it important?

Nah. You continue whatever you’re doing.

Kalsam sighed and sat back. His hands were shaking slightly as he waited next to the fountain in the main courtyard for Meria to arrive. It was a week ago that his brother and he had finished their training. As a celebration, Meria had offered to take them into the next town for drinks. When Izzak had declined, claiming he already had made plans for the night, Meria instantly had seemed a bit happier, but still made the effort to seem a bit disappointed.

I wasn’t fooled though. And now I’m really nervous. I know Meria like me, but I don’t know about myse –

“Kal!”

He looked up and felt his breath catch in his throat as he saw Meria walking towards him in her normal Magi uniform, but on top of this, she wore a light green translucent robe. Bundled in her arm was what looked to be a matching robe in blue.

“Here. While the castle grounds are spelled against the weather, the areas’ outside are not.”

Kalsam accepted the robe and pulled it on. Just before he could turn back to her, Meria hugged his arm and smiled up at him. It was only now that Kalsam realised how much he’d grown.

“I’m glad you could make it. Would be kinda bad to celebrate for a couple of people who were otherwise preoccupied.” She giggled and winked at him.

To get his mind off how close they currently were, he decided to ask her a question.

“So umm… how are we going to get to the next town? I thought it was kinda far from here…”

“It is. But I’m going to teach you how to teleport with this trip. You can try to bring us back when we’re finished, and if you get lost, I’ll be along to fix it.”

She then raised her left arm to the direction of Space and made a miniature circle, like they were taught to do when calling upon the specific element. She brought it before her and smiled at him.

“Focus on the destination, and say Tpatus.”

Kalsam felt a slight whirling sensation before the area around them fuzzed, then restored to show they were in the countryside before a bustling town.

“Oh wow.”

Meria released his arm as Kalsam stepped forward to look around. When he turned to look back at her, his face was lit up in a huge smile.

“I’ve never left the area around the castle. This is amazing!”

“I’m glad I could bring this joy to you. Now, how about we find an inn to grab a drink or two, hmm?”

Izzak sat on the bed and sighed. The sweat on his body was beginning to chill and the blankets over him and the woman lying beside him felt like a heavy lead weight. He felt a pair of soft hands glide over his sides and around to his front.

“Stop that. Or we’ll be at it again.”

“I remember it was a year or more ago, when you’d first come to see me. You completely rejected me then, and now you’re more worried about taking me again. How you’ve grown since then.”

Izzak turned around to face Triana and took her chin in his hand. Bringing his lips down to hers, he kissed her fiercely and with as much passion as the first he’d given her when he had first come to this room tonight. Her body melted against his and he forced her onto her back. Moving atop of her, he once again made love to her, knowing that he was breaking every honourable code his father had taught him about the sanctity of marriage.

When he finished, he got up from the bed and moved over to look out the window, leaving Triana to lie on the bed panting from the exhaustion that his enthusiasm left her with.

“So much… for stopping… hmm?” She managed between breaths.

Hanging his head so his long white hair spilled over his shoulders and across his chest, Izzak sighed deeply.

“You are like an Ambrosia. And you’ve dug your claws deeply into me, milady. But after this night, I must never again see you, for it would be a disaster should someone happen across us.”

A soft sigh came from Triana and he heard her feet on the floor as she walked over to him. He raised an arm and she slid around in front of him to lay her head on his chest.

“Then… let me enjoy this night, with you, milord. For you have made me feel more alive than I ever shall be again.”

Closing his eyes, Izzak cursed himself the fool and knew now just how much of a mistake he’d ma