"Do you know this poison?" Evan asked, handing a small sack to a Physician.
The Physician received the sack, he opened it and carefully examined the content. Inside the sack are poison powder, extracted from the food that was served to Mayari.
"I'm sorry your highnesses, and majesties," he apologized as he bowed, "but I believe I don't know this poison" he stated handing back the sack to Evan.
"Are you sure?" Helen asked.
The Physician shook his head before he answered; "I am certain. Your highness" he assured, "This poison is none of the herbs and drugs I have studied and seen in my life"
"Thank you, Physician Earl. You may go" Carlos dismissed.
"Thank you, your majesty" the Physician bowed then left.
"Looks like this poison is new" Fernando stated.
"This is a problem we better find the source and the cure of this poison before someone became a victim again" Xera utter.
"I agree," Fernando agreed, "I'll gather the great scholars and physicians to examine this poison till they find a cure"
"And let us also inform the other countries so they'll be aware of the danger" Evan added.
"I'll also lend a hand incase you need it, Evan" Carlos insisted.
"Thank you, Carlos"
"If this poison is new and have no current cure. How did Mayari survived her death?" Xera asked.
There was a brief moment of silence before Helen decided to speak; "She controlled and removed the infected blood from her body"
Xera's and Carlos's expression turned into a state of shock, "She controlled her own blood?" Xera asked, assuring the information she had heard.
"Is that even possible?" Carlos asked, "I mean, I have never heard someone controlled blood before, even the high magic users of water"
"We saw it in our own eyes, Carlos" Fernando assured, "She truly performed the magic of blood manipulation"
"I also haven't heard someone could do that until now" Evan spoke, "Looks like she's the first to learn this kind of water magic"
"No, she's not the one" Helen suddenly corrected. Everyone stared at Helen in confusion.
"What do you mean, Aunt Helen?" Evan asked.
"The magic of blood manipulation is called blood bending. It was discovered by a powerful water magic user a hundred years ago" Helen stated which made everyone surprise and more confused. Why didn't they know this? Why was this not written in history? "Renna Wartson always thought that the magic of water can do more than it usually does. She studied hard and concluded experiments just to unlock this hidden magic, and she did, she was the very first blood bender. As a doctor she used this special ability to help her patients specially in surgery and blood transferring. She also taught it to her students so they could carry on this ability and used it for the greater good. This magic is very advance and required a user who is powerful in water magic. For those who learned the blood bending used it to help but the others used it to gain desires and power. Which cause the war of the light and the darkness."
"Why wasn't this recorded in history?" Fernando questioned.
"After the war, the goodwill won but grieved for the loss of countless lives. The blood bending is too powerful to be learned again, it will not just control blood but it will also control people so the blood benders carried their ability till their death, teaching and telling nothing to anyone, even the first blood bender Renna. They we're afraid that another fear will engulf the land if the knowledge of blood bending will be preserved so as the people who have witness the dreadful war. With the command of the late rulers, all scripts, documents, and written knowledge about blood bending were destroyed and burned into ashes, and no one have or will ever mention this again. Years pass by the world continued to be peaceful not knowing the war that occurred and the existence of the blood bending was completely forgotten."
"This is a lot to take in" Carlos commented.
"Did Mayari know about the blood bending?" Fernando asked.
"Mayari just started her magic lesson, she can't even control the mass of spiritual energy and that cause her to always faint after performing magic. I know Mayari and I'm very sure that she has no connection to the Wartson Family, and she also didn't study magic before I made her an apprentice"
"I see...this is oddly strange" Fernando commented holding his chin, he was totally confounded, "Looks like this girl have talent"
"I shared this secret to you all, I hope that you wouldn't share this to anyone without my permission, even if it is your closest relatives. This is only between us," Helen demanded, "so can I count on you all?" Everyone nodded in agreement to Helen, vowing to keep this knowledge a secret.
"Why do you know this, Aunt Helen?" Evan asked.
"Well, I got great reliable sources, and that's a secret of mine that shouldn't be told" Helen replied with a smug expression, patting Evan's head.
"By the way, Ms. Helen" Helen then look over to Xera, "About Mayari? She's pretty... expressionless, has she been always like that?" Xera asked.
"I also agree, I always notice her great unaffected nature towards everything, Helen" Fernando commented, "Why so?"
Everyone is once again in curiosity about the new subject and look over to Helen, waiting for an answer. Helen turn her head and look through the big window near the couch that she is sitting and gave a heavy sigh before she turned back.
"We understand if you don't wanna talk about it Ms. Helen. So it's alright" Xera declined her question, sensing Helen's uneasiness.
"I can't tell you the details why Mayari lost her emotions, but that girl has been through a lot of maltreatment and pain" Helen told them with sadness embed in her tone, "So please do understand her stoic personality"
"We understand" Carlos comprehend, so as the others.
"I have saved Mayari from death before she became my apprentice. She's as dead from before. I hope someday she'll gain her emotions back and express it loudly like she always did when she was a child"
"I'm sure she will, Ms. Helen" Xera assured, "She's in your hands now and I'm sure she will have a bright happy future with you as her teacher"
"She'll surely move on from her past someday" Evan said.
"In fact, Sweetheart you could help her" Carlos said to her wife, "Mayari, you and the other ladies should have a lady fun time, consider it also as a day off from being the sweet hard-working queen" Carlos suggested holding Xera's hand firmly.
"That's a great idea, Honey" Xera agreed.
"You don't need to trouble yourself, Xera" Helen declined.
"Don't worry about it, Ms. Helen" Xera insisted, "I also need a day off anyway" she admitted smiling.
"Thank you, Xera"
"No problem, Ms. Helen. Come on, let's tell others" Xera then stood up and exited the room with Helen.
"Then I'll be in my way then," Fernando announced as he stood up, "My children and wife asked me souvenirs when I get home, so I better go shopping" he then exited the room.
"I'm sorry for my intrusion, your highness, your majesty," A servant came in after Fernando just left, "but his majesty had an appointment with the dukes today" he informed.
"Looks like I'll also be on my way, Evan" Carlos stated, standing up.
Evan nodded as a respond and Carlos then exited the room leaving Evan alone in the icy white room.
Evan leaned to the back of the pallid couch and turned his head to the big glass widow. Through the widow viewed the frosty garden of the palace, where Mayari and Dr. Milan were, admiring the garden's scenery and chatting to each other. We'll it's more like Dr. Milan talking to Mayari, while Mayari just listened without any words being spilled.
Mayari look beautiful in white, the furry ivory dress suited her with fashion, and the spectacle snowy garden background made it more like she's a winter goddess. Her dark ebony hair were still untied and the icy flower is still fix in her hair as she stayed silent listening to Dr. Milan with her well-known expressionless feature.
Evan continued to sit still in the empty lounge, gazing through the window, watching her as Helen and Xera approach. A smile became to form in Evan's lips as Mayari turned to look at the window, revealing a clear look of herself on the snowy land.
Evan isn't sure if Mayari's looking at him or not but in this momentary moment he just want to gaze at her. Watching the beautiful garden of frost and snow, and the wandering goddess.
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-In the Frosty Garden-
"The flower looked good on you, Mayari" Dr. Milan complimented.
Mayari then look over to her, "What flower?" she asked.
"Oh, you didn't notice the flower in your head?"
Mayari then reached her hand to find the beautiful flower that was pinned against her hair. When she had touched the flower she was about to take it off from her head.
"No, no, no!" Dr. Milan exclaimed waving both of her hands to gesture Mayari to stop, "don't do that, it's better to let it stay there, just as I say it looks good on you" Dr. Milan panicked.
Mayari then pulled back her hand and let the flower be. Dr. Milan then sighed in relief, Mayari really look more pretty with the flower.
"Looks like you two are enjoying yourselves" Helen commented, approaching Mayari and Dr. Milan with Xera.
They then turned towards, "We sure are" Dr. Milan replied with a smile, while Mayari stayed silent.
"You know what girls we have big news for us all" Xera said.
"Fire away, your Majesty" Dr. Milan said.
"We will have are own 'Lady Fun Time'. Now, where would you wanna go?"
"Interesting ..." Dr. Milan, holding her chin, mumbled in a smile, thinking of the places she want to explore in the country of Myrim
While Dr. Milan, Xera, and Helen are planning on places they wanna go. Mayari suddenly felt someone's watching her, she turned around but there's no one. She looked at the window above, where her instinct is pointing. She then relaxed after seeing that it was only Evan gazing at the window, he smiled at her but Mayari just returned it with a blank stare.
"Is there something wrong, Mayari?" Helen asked in concern.
Mayari turned towards them and lightly shook her head, "Nothing".
"Well then, where would you wanna go, Mayari?"
"Nowhere" she coldly replied.
"Don't be like that Mayari, come on let's go shopping" Helen then grabbed Mayari and excitedly pulled her to go, Mayari just lazily followed.
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The town of Myrim is huge, just like Enchantia but with snow, lots of snow, in the building's roofs, in the sidewalk and in the displayed trees.
The girls rode on their Royal carriage to a store full of fashionable items, the staffs and the manager, even wealthy costumers, greeted the queen.
They all chose their likes and tried it on. Well, except for Mayari though, this shopping thing doesn.t really amuse her. They tried to pursue her but she just gave silence for a respond.
The first who tried her dress is Helen, she came out of the dressing room wearing a big fashionable green hat with brown thick furs ringing in the edges, and a single antler on top, the hat looks perfect in her long, dark brown air. Her dress has long skirt and sleeves. The dress's abdomen part is tight showing her curves, it is also green with thick brown furs in the edges. She wore a pair of high hilled black boots and gloves that looks very suitable for her dress and hat.
"Wow, your absolutely stunning Helen" Dr. Milan commented.
"Really?" Helen pose.
"Absolutely"
"Your looked stunning right now, Ms. Helen" Xera complimented, "And younger too" she added.
"How young?" Helen asked.
"20 below" Xera answered with a smile.
"That's quite impossible, dear. I'm 8 years older than that" she stated giggling, "What do you think, Mayari?" she asked.
Mayari is sitting on the side of the couch, that the staffs provided for their costumers, she was currently looking at her side with her hand supporting her head and elbow the back of the couch, she looked bored and uninterested. She rolled her eyes to the side and fixed it to Helen.
In just seconds she rolled her eyes back and replied; "You looked like a one horned deer, Ms. Helen. I advice you change" coldly. Well, that's harsh.
Xera and Dr. Milan burst into laughter for what just Mayari commented to Helen. Even the female staff who assisted Hlen giggled. Well, Mayari? She stayed the same, looking through space.
"Looks like we need to work on your words of compliment, Dear" Helen sighed, "And Dr. Milan, Queen Xera, who's side are you on?"
"Sorry Ms. Helen, -it's just too funny" Xera giggled.
"Talk about Comedy Gold" Dr. Milan utter, wiping her tears.
"Guess I'll just change" Helen gave a light shrug with that she walk back to the dressing room.
---
Next is Dr. Milan, she stepped out of the dressing room wearing a long sleeve and knee length thick dress with fancy flowery designs, and white furs surrounding the edges. She also wore a pair of white gloves, and stocking with blue heels. Above her dark grayish hair is a little blue hat with a white feather, simple yet beautiful.
"Gorgeous" Helen complimented, and Xera nodded in agreement.
"Do I look like 18?" she asked posing.
"Wrinkles are everywhere in your face, Dr. Milan, so your still 38" Helen replied.
"Fine with me, being gorgeous is enough" she shrug.
"I'm pretty sure your husband will fall in love again if you wore that dress" Xera spoke.
"He better be or I'll surely kick him out" Dr. Milan joked.
"What about we asked Mayari for compliments" Helen sarcastically suggested and was about to asked.
"No, no, no, no way" but Dr. Milan quickly ran off to the dressing room not wanting any bad comments to be heard.
---
Third is Queen Xera, she walked gracefully towards her friends showing her dress of choice. She have a big yellow ribbon tied in her hair and her, also yellow, dress is strapless with loosen long sleeves and a long wide skirt, suitable for a queen. It was decorated by pure white pearls that shines in every move she took.
"Breath taking, your majesty" Dr. Milan complimented as Xera gave a sweet smile.
"How I miss younger years" Helen said, sighing, and recalling memories of her younger years, her skin was soft and glowing, her beauty was young without any trace of wrinkles, her hair was short, and she travelled from village to village, country to country, nation to nation, discovering new forms of magic and hidden secrets.
---
After changing back, Xera asked "Who's next?" as she approached.
Helen look at Mayari, "Your next dear".
"Not interested" she simply replied, still staring through space.
"Oh come on, Mayari. We girls must sometimes have fun" Xera stated walking nearer.
Mayari just shook her head in disagreement.
"You can't decline now, sweetie" Dr. Milan stood up, "As your doctor I prescribe you medicines of fun and happiness" she pulled Mayari up, ", now go change" she demanded letting the staff take over, "I want you to dress her the most latest and beautiful dress you've got that will look perfect on her" she told the staff that will assist Mayari.
"Of course, ma'am" the staff bowed and lead Mayari to the dressing room.
After a minute of waiting Mayari finally came out. She was tucked in by a beautiful velvety crimson dress. Her bun tied hair have a red rose pinned. The dress have black thick furs placed at the back of the collar, making Mayari's neck visible only in front. The sleeves where long cuffed with furs, and her hands were clothed with black gloves. Her skirt were also long with furs in the edge. Visible on her neck is a black choker with a beautiful stone ruby fastened. She also wore a black leather hilled boots.
"Now that's what you call exquisite" Dr. Milan commented.
"It fits you perfectly, Mayari" Xera also commented.
"Truly is, dear" Helen smiled.
There was a silence as the others admired the sight of Mayari and her dress.
"You all done now?" She broke the silence, "Cause I'm going to get change" she was about to go, but the others stop her.
"No, no, no! Your not gonna change, you look pretty on that dress so might as well wear it till the day end" Dr. Milan said.
"She's right, dear. You look lovely" Helen added another compliment.
"And also we're not done yet, the fun just started" Xera replied, "And we're not ending it so soon. Now let's buy this beautiful stuffs and continue are way!".
---
They go through different places with fun and exciting events; they went ice skating, sightseeing, riding flying dragons, skiing, they even started a snowball fight but none of this activities amaze Mayari even a little. They tried so hard to make her smile or participate but she always refused and ended up being forcely dragged, though she never struggled and just lazily let herself being pulled.
At the end of their snowball fight Xera won. They all laugh at the fun they all have.
"I got to say, your majesty you're a tough foe in snowball fight" Dr. Milan complimented, covered with snow.
"What can I say, the ice and snow are my domains" Xera proudly spoke, lifting some of the snowballs with her magic.
Helen chuckled, standing up to her feet and wiping the snows from her dress, "Do you have fun, Mayari?" she turned over to where Mayari is... but she wasn't there anaymore, "Where's Mayari?" she asked.
"I don't know" Xera replied.
"I didn't see her either" Dr. Milan replied.
"Don't tell me she wandered off on her own"
"Let's check the areas maybe she's just roaming around"
"Let's also asked if somebody sees here, this is a big town she might get lost"
They asked the coachman first and then the palace guards that they have brought along 'if they saw her' but they didn't, with that they got worried what if Mayari got lost or something might or had happened to her.
Then they suddenly recalled that Mayari was poisoned before, she have an assassin hunting her, they might have followed her and used this opportunity. All their worries turned into fear, with that the queen ordered all palace guards and knights must spread to town and find her, immediately.
They where overwhelmed with the fun they had that forgot about her and thought that she was playing along with them, which she did not. 'Last minute ago, she was just playing with us. Now, she's missing... How could I be so careless? Mayari, where are you?' Helen thought as she joined to find Mayari.
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Meanwhile...
Mayari is in town, wandering around. Minutes ago, she was just leaning on a shady tree as Helen, Xera, and Dr, Milan are having fun playing snowball fight. When suddenly a snowball hit her.
"Come on, Mayari play with us" It was Xera.
"I know that we aren't children anymore and is too old to play snowball but have fun once for a while, dear" Helen said.
Mayari just responded a blank stare.
"Come on, sweetie. Just smile and play with us, have fun" Dr. Milan said.
Mayari shook her head as a 'no' and look at the other way.
"Then we'll keep throwing snowballs at you until you play" with that Xera, Helen and Dr. Milan started throwing snowball at Mayari using their magics.
The snowball hit like a machine gun to Mayari, it's fast and quick. In just a minute Mayari was already covered in thick white snow. It's cold and freezing underneath the snow, and Helen, Dr. Milan and Xera are still keep on throwing.
Mayari sighed; "Fine, I'll play your game" the heavy snow was muffling her words but can still be heard. She budged out of the snow, quickly form a fist of snowball and throw it to Helen.
Helen dodge Mayari's attack, "It'll take more than that to hit me, dear" with that the snowball fight had officially began.
Mayari isn't having fun, and just played with them to keep them from pestering her. Minutes past and Mayari got very bored and decided to leave while they are having fun.
No one notice her leaving, even the palace guards that are guarding the area. I guess you could say that she is truly guileful... or the guards who are guarding them is truly blind.
Mayari was just wandering around till something caught her eyes. An old lonely mask shop is just across the street. She didn't know why, but her guts are telling her to go. It feels like someone is calling her in the shop. Can't stand the drawing feeling, she turned and head to the shop.
Mayari push the door open and a bell rang that caught the attention of a sweet old lady in the counter.
"Welcome" the old lady spoke as Mayari closed the door behind her, "Feel free to look around and choose what you like" she said sweetly.
The shop was small, empty and lonely. They are the only two who's there, and the noise from outside are hardly audible. Inside was peaceful and silent.
Mayari eyed on each mask that was displayed. The mask are all made from wood and have different characteristic. There are a lot of old mask that was displayed but one caught her eyes by surprise.
She gently touch the mask to confirm that she isn't delusional, and she truly isn't. The mask was smoothly polished that it gave a faint glow as the sunlight from the window stroke it's surface. It resembles a wolf, and is painted in black, it is very similar to the mask that she always wore in her world even the material that is use are the same.
'The Black Wolf Mask... is this the one calling me?' she thought.
'Every life is different' a voice ringed in her head, 'Different stories, different plots and different conflicts. Some are bad, some are good, some are miserable. Their story gave great impact to their emotions and persona, some are serious, some are sad, and some are gleeful... I don't know your story but I have never sense someone as emotionless as you, your unpredictable, and that persona of yours gave me great excitement that I have never felt in all my years. For now on I shall lend you my strength and accompany your journey... I have accepted you as my mistress' the voice was deep and anonymous, and Mayari is pretty sure she isn't hearing things.
"Are you alright, Miss" the old lady cut her from her thought.
Mayari turned to look at the old lady, "You've been staring at the mask for a while now" she informed.
"I'm fine" Mayari replied.
"Do you like the mask, miss?" she asked and smiled.
"Did you made this?" Mayari ignored her question.
"No, I just happened to found that mask, beneath the snow, long ago" the old lady politely replied, "to be honest, I don't know what that mask resembles, I haven't seen anything that looks similar to it, so I guess that doesn't exist here, in Myrim" she sighed
'Guess wolves don't exist in this world' Mayari thought, looking back down at the mask.
The bell ringed again as Mayari came out of the store, holding a paper bag, she bought the mask. She was walking back to where she left, her head were facing the floor and her eyes are staring through space. She don't really wanna buy the mask but the voice bothered her, why do the mask accepted her as it's mistress? And what does that mean?
"Found you" A familiar voice was heard that alarmed and broke Mayari's thought.
She instantly looked ahead to confirm the owner, but she was greeted by his hand, the hand was a few inch away from her face. It glowed, and she fainted.