Daily Adventure: 1

 7/31/2010  11:50 PM


"So. You came back." Sera was turned away from the door, staring at the blank stone wall. But she heard someone in the doorway. She knew who it was. There was only one person it could be, after all.

"Sera. Where's everyone else?" She closed her eyes tightly. Even after all these years, that voice brought back so many memories. Good memories, happy memories. Before the fight, and before everything had ended. She bit her lip. After everything that happened, she still loved hearing his voice, and knowing that he was safe.

"They left Brandon. They left a long time ago." She finally turned, facing the man. He still had short gold hair, chocolate brown eyes, and a strong jaw. It was older than she remembered, less child-ish. Like he had gone through troubles. He had more scars on his arms than she remembered. Of course, it had been almost three years since he had departed the castle, and his position.

"Left? Why would they leave? What happened here? The castle's almost destroyed..." Brandon trailed off, spotting Sera's look. She was angry of course. Angry that he would leave the Gaer, that they weren't good enough for him to stay.

"What happened Sera?" She glared at him. Her nails formed into silver claws, and she rose from her chair.

"Alex died. Ray killed herself. You left. Lily betrayed us. Take your pick of what happened. The point is, I was the only one who stayed." Brandon's face fell.

"Alex and Ray are gone? Lily......but how is that possible? What happened?" Sera felt her feelings soften, seeing Brandon so shocked. His normally tan face was almost white now. She couldn't help it. It wasn't his fault, that all this had happened. She walked over, shrinking back her claws, touching his shoulder slightly.

"Alex went off to find you, after you left. He was killed soon after he left the gates. lily had let the daemons know about his departure. They were waiting for him. Ray was devastated, but I held her back, I wouldn't let her leave. Lily flew off with the daemons. A few mights later, I found Ray. She left a note for you." Sera knelt by him. HSe retrieved a folded letter from the pocket of her dress, and handed the yellowed parchment to Brandon.

"i never read it, but I've carried it around, in case you ever did come back. You don't have to read it..." She stopped mid-sentence. Brandon took the letter, his hand shaking slightly. He unfolded it slowly and began to read aloud.

"Brother. I don't know how to blame you for what you caused. Alex was your best friend. You must have known he would try to follow. But I can't blame you. I know Alex wouldn't want that.

But I'm angry. I am giving my life up to the goddess Eri tonight, but I know that my soul will not find peace. So i have one last request for you. One last favor for your little sister.

Kill Lily." Sera gasped quietly, covering her mouth. This wasn't the Ray they remembered, always happy. Brandon took her hand and continued reading.

"It is Lily who caused this. She broke the vow of the Gaer, so it is only right that she be punished. Perhaps, with the death of Lily, my soul will return to the valley. Eri has promised me new life, with Alex. And you.

Sera, do not blame yourself for my sacrifice. It is my own choice. You are like my sister, and never forget that I love you too. I hope you will accompany Brandon on his quest.

Never forget this. No matter the result, whether Lily kills you, or you kill her, we will be together. One day. Ray." Brandon sighed. He folded up the letter carefully, making sure to follow the creases exactly. Finally, he tucked it back into his pocket and turned to Sera.

"Well this complicates things." He said. He gave her a tiny smile, trying to cheer her up. But it was hollow, and she could see that.

"How so?" She asked. She got up and walked back to her chair. Suddenly, she felt weak and tired. Ryker, her favorite silver tiger, came up and nuzzled her legs. Sera smiled at it, rubbing his soft fur, remembering when she first got the little tiger cub. Brandon walked over, sitting down next to her.

"Well. Lily's waiting outside. I've been traveling with her for two weeks now."