Missing

"Has he not returned? It has been a month." Talia muttered, resting her head within the ample bosom of Innis.

Wrapping her arms around her from behind, Innis shook her head, "Not yet, my lady." She whispered, kissing the nape of her neck.

A little embarrassed, Talia squirmed, turning towards her lover, "I told you when we are alone, just call me Talia." She whispered.

"But of course... My lady." Innis jeered.

Rolling her eyes at the playful side of her lover Talia grew silent. "I am worried, with Zireael missing. Aurelia has been restless. So much so she cannot even train properly."

"Not true. She has improved on all fronts. It is just not as swift as before. Zireael is a master in the art of the sword." Said Innis bitterly, "If not for the Lake of Reflection, Aurelia would not have progressed as quickly as she did. Truly makes you think, doesn't it."

"Yeah."

Continuing to speak amongst themselves, Talia slowly fell into a deep slumber alongside her lover. Soon the crackle of dawn gradually began to spread, bringing light to the darkness. Piercing the lake of reflection, a glimmer of a rainbow color hue began to rise.

Peeping her tiny head out of the Tent of Blackwater, Aurelia's golden eyes glittered as she looked around; noticing no one but the knights present, she crept out without a sound. The staff of Elderich within her palms she pressed on towards the lake.

"Thinking of leaving me behind again?" Ella complained, startling the golden child.

Jumping in fright, Aurelia glared at Ella, "Stop doing that! And Aurelia just woke up early!" She shouted!

"You're doing it again."

"Doing what?" Asked Aurelia.

"Talking in the third person again." Answered Ella with a vibrant smile poking fun.

Puffing her cheeks, Ella suddenly laughed, pulling her arm closer towards the lake, "Do you think you will be able to defeat yourself?"

"Yes, I have too," said Aurelia overflowing with determination.

"Grandfather said that the purpose of this Lake is not to defeat yourself, but rather learn from your mistakes."

Pondering her words, Aurelia shook her head, "No! I will defeat myself; if I can defeat it, then doesn't that mean my weaknesses will also vanish?"

"Maybe," Ella reluctantly said, finding it a little hard to understand the eccentric nature of the little girl she became friends with.

"You girls sure are early!" Sir Flan yelled, waving at the two little girls, "No one is even awake, yet here you are!"

Arching their head with pride, both Aurelia and Ella nodded, "Of course!" they shouted, peering towards the two knights covered in plated armor.

"By the way, Aurelia, do you know when Duke Blackwater will return? Our commander is growing rather restless. Protecting you is a heavyweight to bare especially one so young." said Sir Ennon.

"I do not. It has been a month, yet Duke Blackwater has not sent word." Ella complained, "Dumb-Dumb!"

"Hey! that Auriela's word, no stealing!"

Chuckling at the two girls arguing, Flan and Ennon shot each other a knowing look. Nodding in response, the two knights suddenly darted towards the two girls. Shocked, Aurelia's eyes opened wide; however, before she or Ella could do anything, a swift strike shot into their abdomen. Grunting, Aurilia, alongside Ella, blacked out.

Lifting their still tiny bodies, Sir Flan looked around, "Let's go before anyone sees us. The commander is waiting."

"What of Earl Kest Granddaughter?"

"We cannot afford for her to say anything. Bring her along; we will return her once Aurelia is in custody." Said Sir Flan, withdrawing from sight.

Nodding, they left unaware of a pair of eyes upon them from above. Creasing his brow, Governor Cor pouted, "Hm, should I help? Naw, it could be a good adventure for them. Zireael, that bastard may even gift me something! Have fun, girls!" He said, waving returning to his tent.

...

...

...

Staring down at the silver-headed girl still gripping her staff, commander Gil frowned, "Why does she still have her staff?" He inquired, turning his sword-like gaze towards Sir Flan and Sir Ennon

"In a hurry to leave, Commander." Sir Ennon stated, "We did just kidnap the guess of a Duke."

Clitting his tongue Commander Gil scuffed, "Whatever put them in the carriage and let's be off. Flan, you will be leading them. I cannot leave my post. But Aurelia Morningstar is of the highest importance."

Saluting his Commander, Flan tossed Aurelia towards another member, "Put her in Arcane shackles. We cannot allow her to use magic. Same with the other one. I want to be ready in five!"

"AYE, SIR!" Everyone shouted

Moving in a hustle, none noticed the faint shadow of darkness that passed through Glin; the young knight Flan tossed Aurelia too once he touched upon the Eldrich Staff. Placing Aurelia and Ella within silver chains that held various runes upon them, they were thrown into a caged carriage like slaves.

Taking no time at all, the carriage set off with none the wiser. Pressing on at full speed, Flan sped towards the Fort Grava, a week's journey from the lake of reflection.

Slowly opening her eyes to the stars glimmering around her head, realization overtook her consciousness as Aurelia tried to shoot up. Only to be grounded by the chains covering her body. Feeling the tearing of the flesh, tears began to rise as she looked around, frightened.

"Sir Flan? What... what are you doing?" Aurelia fearfully demanded, looking around at the twelve knights. "Ella, wake up!"

"Be silent!" Sir Enone roared, slapping his sword against the cage, startling Ella awake. Shaking alongside Aurelia, the two girls simply whimpered. Unable to even take one another into their arms.

"Master will find us!" Aurelia whispered.

"Innis doesn't even know who took you!" said Flan upon his steed, "And Zireael is missing."

"What do you suppose they will do with them?" Glin hollowly asked.

"Don't know, but when is it ever good when we knights are asked to bring in someone?"

"Good as dead then," Siad Glin without much care, sending chills into the hearts of the children. Unable to hold it in, Ella began to cry. However, aside from Aurelia's comfort, none came to her aid. They simply watched and jeered the girls into a deeper despair.

Uncaring the passing of the moons quickly flew by as the large fort began to appear within the distance. Arching his lips, Flan turned towards Enone, "Send word we will arrive in two more nights." he commanded.