A new threat and a new Alliance

Marika suddenly upend her guard, because she saw a familiar Wolf approaching her. The old Wolf looked at Marika's reaction and then looked back and saw his son walking up to them. The old Wolf started to speak again.

"I came here today to apologize for his behavior to you last time."

Marika looked at the old Wolf and shook her head. 'The one who should apologize is him.'

'They will never learn if somebody else does it all the time for them.'

"You are right and very wise for your age." The old Wolf said to Marika.

Then the younger wolf started his apologies 'I'm really sorry for what I did to you, if there is anything I can do to make it up to you, please let me know and I will take any punishment you see fit."

'Alright, apologies accepted. As for punishment I'll get back at that after I'm talking to him.'

'So where are you heading to?'

"We don't know yet but we are going to travel down the river until we find a good place."

'That means you guys are heading south right?'

The old Wolf nodded.

'Well since the Night clan lives in the east and the moon clan in the north it should be fine.'

Than Marika thought of something 'When are you leaving?'

"We will be leaving in three days."

'Good then, I know of a place where you can stay and start a new life. So on the day you guys are ready to leave come here and pick me up, and I show you the way.'

Both wolfs agreed and were ready to leave again.

'What are your names?'

"We don't carry anything like that."

'Well I can't call you old Wolf and younger Wolf now can I?'

How about this the old one shall carry the name Consilium, and the younger one Catlaster.

The wolf's bowed there head and then left the front of the mansion. As the had left

Richard came over to Marika and looked at her, he could tell what she had planned.

"So you're going to bring them to the forest of Faber Village?"

'Yes, they will be our first line of defense and communication if those bastard's will appear again.'

Richard smiled at Marika and said "You really know how to use creatures to your advantage even without tying them down."

'Well call it a talent for now.' Marika smiled.

[ Next day ]

Marika woke up very early in the morning, she went to Richard room and wanted to tell him she was leaving. But as she came in she saw he was still sleeping. She wrote a note and kissed him goodbye.

Down stairs in the kitchen she pack up the food she prepared the day before, and left for the cave.

As Richard woke up he fount Marika's note explaining what she was going to do and the process. She also written in the note she would be back today or tomorrow. And promised she would call for help if needed. But she also asked of him to let her know if there would be any change after the meeting with Canus and his brother.

Richard smiled.

[ Mystic Cave]

Marika and Agito had arrived at the cave and were greeted by Solis and Caelum.

Solis then said "What your about to do is reckless you know that!"

'I'm only hear to asses on my body and then after that I need you to take down the seal for a little bit so I won't have problem after the seal leaves me completely.'

[ At the Mansion ]

Richard welcomed both Canus and Cinis.

"So what was so urgent you called for us?" Cinis asked.

Richard show the footage from the day before. And both man looked concerned.

"So the walls have ears and eyes now?!" Canus said.

Richard looked at both of them, but before he could speak the doors of his study flew open.

'I'm back, everything went well and I got it done faster than I expected.' And she hugged Richard.

Canus wasn't that surprised by Marika's behavior. But his brother on the other hand had a surprise look on his face.

Canus then spook "I think you gave my brother a heart attack just now."

Marika looked at Canus and then at an unfamiliar man. She walked over to Cinis and stretched out her hand.

'Let me introduce myself, I'm Marika and I'll be the one who is going to save you're a*s and country.'

Cinis snapped back and thought that this girl in front of him was his ideal type.

"My name is Cinis Ater, please marry me."

Marika looked back at Richard and Canus and Canus started to laugh.

'You really are alike.' Marika sighed.

'Well I'm sorry but I can't marry you, because I already promised Richard that I will marry him.'

'He was the first to propose to me, and I fell in love with him at first sight anyway.'

Marika then turned to Richard and asked 'So what did you guy's decide? Do you still think it's too dangerous?'

"Well I'm not talking you out of it because you still would do what you prepped to do anyway." Richard said.

Marika then look at the brothers. 'If you're not convinced, let's go to the training grounds.'

As they reached the training ground's Dante was there practicing. 'Your still too stiff brother, relax your body more! I told you treat it as dance. Lighten your steps and arm movements.

Cinis then asked Richard "Is she teaching him her sword skills?"

Richard nodded "Her sword skills are self-thought and unique, it currently is the only one in the three world. But a few weeks ago she started to pass them one.

'Much better, but I think you need another demonstration on the moves.'

She picked up a wooden long sword and threw it to Richard, and she picked up her two wooden sword.

"Well seems it's my turn to help and teach the young student."

'You know the rules right?'

"Take it serious and no holding back."

Marika nodded.

As there sparring session started they were amaze, by her every move. They looked as light as a feather and it was like she wasn't fighting but dancing.

Marika then after 15 minutes took down Richard and beat him again.

'That was a careless decision on your part.'

"My bad." And smiled at Marika.

Canus walked over to Marika and asked her "Can we spare now?"

'Sure, but I hope you would last more than a minute this time.'

Canus then said "If I can last 10 minutes you'll become my sister!"

'No way!, I already have two brothers I don't want a third!'

"Then how about a friend in arms?"

'That is something I can live with.' She said with a smile.

'I have only one rule you need to fallow during this match.'

"And what is that?"

'Take this match seriously and don't hold back.'

"I wasn't planning on holding back."

Marika smiled and took her stance. As Marika and Canus started there sparring match Dante kept watching intently.

Richard returned to Cinis. But when he had his back still turned to Marika, an object came flying his way. Richard was able to stop what appeared a wooden dagger.

"Ahh crap I was found out." Richard sighted."

Richard then yelled "Are you planning to kill your future husband?"

While she was sparring she yelled back 'That's what you get for breaking my rule.'

Cinis looked at Richard "Are you alright?"

"Well that's her way of teaching me a lesson for breaking the rules."

"That reminds me, Canus told me you guys had a sparring match that lasted for over 4 hours."

"That's true, we actually fought with all we had until exhaustion."

Cinis then kept silent and watch his brothers sparring match with Marika. He was a bit envious of his younger brother. He had a good bond with Richard and wanted to make friends with Marika. He thought it would be nice if he also could be a friend to Marika. She was smart and strong women.

Even though she never met him before she was willing to lend her strength to help him.

He then asked Richard "Even though she never met me before? Why is she willing to help a stranger?"

But before Richard could answer his question, Marika was already standing in front of Cinis and offered him a the wooden sword.

'Do I need a reason to help someone? Do you think I need to meet or know a person first before helping him or her?'

"But…"

'No but's, you come and spar with me.'

Cinis then look at his brother who was lying on the ground defeated.

"Did he make the ten minutes?" He asked Marika.

"He fought for 15 minutes" Richard said.

"Then you his friend in arms?" Cinis said with a defeated voice.

Then Marika said something that would lifted up Cinis spirit.

'If you can hold out for 15 minutes we are friends, but if you can surpass that time I'll be your ally.'

"What?? But if you marry Richard…" Canus said.

'That doesn't make me your ally, just because Richard is your ally doesn't mean I am your ally.'

'So how about it?'

Richard then said "You have nothing to lose."

Marika then pushed the sword in Cinis hands.

'Just let me say this, If there is something you want in life you better be ready to fight for it, because nothing gets handed to you.'

Cinis smiled. He took of his coat and went over to the field.

Then Marika stated her rule again 'Take this match serious and don't hold back.'

Cinis nodded.

Marika took her stance. And they started there match.

"Are you alright with her becoming my brothers ally?"

"Why not? You know as well as I do you need allies when you're sitting on the throne. She is no exception as a future queen."

"Your right."

As she was still sparring she whispered 'Agito we have an intruder.'

'Dante could you go to Agito and feed him his meal? Because I'll be here for a while.'

Dante knew what she meant, it meant there was an intruder and by this saying this it wouldn't alarm the intruder or the people that are here.

"Yes sister, see you at dinner."

As the match went on Canus saw his brother smiling and enjoying his match to the fullest. He look more alive than the last couple of months.

"Your brother is holding up pretty well, but her next strike will end it." Richard said.

"How long have they been sparring?"

"Almost 30 minutes."

Marika then dealt her final strike and the match was over. Cinis was panting and didn't know how many minutes have past. Marika then reached out her hand and said 'As of today I'll be your friend and ally.'

'Let's make it official at your ruined engagement party.'

Marika and Cinis where laughing.

"I can now see why Richard loves you so much."

'Well keep that secret to our self's shell we?'

Cinis smiled at her and nodded.

When Cinis and Marika joined Richard and Canus. She made a suggestion.

'Why don't you guys stay for dinner? I'll have William send you back later.'

Just after she said that Dante and Agito came walking up to them. Agito who had changed in to a large cat was dragging a person. After they reached Marika and the others Agito dropped the person and put one paw on his back to prevent him to run away.

'Richard I think the last messenger didn't deliver the message last time. Maybe I should send a corpse this time.'

Marika's killing intend reached her roof and everybody felt a chill down there spine. Cinis and Canus thought that Richard was coldblooded and merciless. But Marika was just ruthless.

"Calm down, let's see what he has to say first." Richard said to Marika as to calm her down.

'Your right, after all the dead tell no tales.'

Marika walked over to the man, who was pinned down by Agito.

'It seems the last guy failed to pass my message to your f*cking King.'

'So who send you?' And why are you hear?'

"It was the 3rd princess of the Red Dragon Clan."

'Ohh so that b*tch really as no trust in her future husband.'

'So what is you purpose for being here?'

"Because His Highness's Cinis and Canus were summoned by His Majesty the Moon king. They Lady felt anxious and send me here."

'Haha… so she knows that her last attempt on stopping me from coming to the engagement failed and I found out it was her. She is pissing her pants now because Richard summoned them to come here and explain them self's for her stupid action.'

The man nodded in fear.

'So is your f*cking King even aware that she is at the edge of starting a war?'

The man shook his head.

Marika got so annoyed by what she heard her eyes started to change color. Richard told her to calm down. And she started to clear her head. She then said 'I need two pieces of paper and a pen and something to write on.'

Richard called for Noir to bring the thinks Marika asked for. As Noir came over and saw what was going on he felt that Marika wasn't calm at all but pretended to be calm. He told Richard what he noticed about Marika. And Richard took over the things that Noir was holding and walked over.

"Marika, it seems you're not calm."

She looked at Richard and said 'I'm perfectly calm.'

"Don't lie to me! Noir said you're not calm but pretend to be calm, and I trust his judgment."

Then Richard pulled her in his embrace and said "Just listen to the beat of my heart and calm down. I'm here and you don't need to fight this alone."

As Marika listened the calm heartbeat of Richard she really started to calm down.

'Oké, I'm good now.'

Richard looked at Noir and he nodded as telling that she had calmed down.

"Good girl."

Richard gave her the things she asked for and she wrote two letters. One was for the Sun King and the other to the 3rd princess. But even in her letter to the Sun King she used a very rude languets.

But the letter to the princess she was formal and no trace of hostility.

She then said to the man 'Make sure you go to the f* cking King fist to deliver this letter and then to the princess, got that?'

The man nodded and Marika ordered Agito to release the man.

'Now let's have dinner.'

Marika walked a head of the man with Noir and Agito and Canus.

Cinis asked Richard "What made her to hate the Sun King and it's Kingdom to this extend?"

Richard answered "Before she came here, she lived in the human word. And she was constantly targeted by them. They tried to kill her many times, saying she shouldn't exist."

"Is that because of she is a descendant of the Green and Azure Dragon Clan?"

"Probably, although its sealed for now, she also has a healing ability and the ability to form bonds with people."

"But she is also the strongest among us in battle skills, When her awakening is complete and her healing abilities are unsealed together with her combat skill she could easily be a one man army."

Cinis looked at Richard and said "Well after seeing her today and hearing her word, I think she is the most important person to us night dwellers. She is an existent's who needs to exist on keeping the balance and the peace."

Richard smiled and agreed with Cinis "But she still need some guiding's on keeping her cool and be more diplomatic."

"Well let me help her on that part as well, I'm now her ally so that is the least I can do."

"Well you always were better in diplomacy then your younger brother, but what we first need to do is tame the little wild cat." Richard said with a laugh.

Cinis also started to laugh "But in my opinion she should not change, because every emotion, every action and every word she speaks, makes her a great leader someday."

[ At the castle of The Sun Kingdom ]

The Sun King received Marika letter. And started to read the content.

To the IDIOT who didn't head my words last time.

It seems the last messenger failed to convey my words last time or you seem to ignore them.

So I was forced to even write this letter this time.

The mere thought I have while write to you discusses me.

So let this letter be the one and only time I need to this.

As of my word of I told the last messenger I will write them down now and in the hope your good for nothing brain can finally comprehend your situation.

It appeared your sl*tty 3rd princes of the Red clan hurt and almost killed innocent people as to stop me from coming to the engagement party. Just so you know that that b*tch almost made a declaration of war.

Although it wasn't an assassination attempt on me I treat it as an indirect assassination attempt on me.

Here is my final WARNING! Keep that b*tch in check if not then prepare for an war.

I hope you stupidity got a little enlighten.

With regards

Marika

After reading the letter he totally lost it.

"F*CK!!!"

"So how did you end up at her place?"

"The Lady asked me to fallow His Highness's Cinis and Canus because they were summoned by His Majesty The Moon King."

"Where is she staying?"

"The girl is currently staying at a mansion of the Moon King."

"Tell the third princess she just need to wait until the engagement party is over. If she makes another move on the girl before that, the chance that the engagement get canceled is very big and we can't afford that."

"Yes my Lord."

[ 3 days later ]

Marika was gathering her stuff she was going to sell in the Faber Villages. As she opened the door she was greeted by a pack of Dire Wolfs.

'Good to see you again Consilium and Catlaster.' She said with a smile.

'Are you guys ready to go your new area?'

Richard was standing in the door way and kissed Marika goodbye "I'll see you in the evening, I hope everything will go well."

Marika smiled and said 'Don't worry, nothing will happen to me, these guys will keep me safe. More importantly you should give the Sun King a call about all those trespassers, because it looks to me you're not bother by it.'

"your right, I should give him a warning. Have a save trip."

Marika nodded and climbed on Catlasters back. Let's take off guys. All the Wolfs bowed to Richard in respect and the ran off.

As they were on their way Marika explained where they were going to stay. But first they need to meet the people of the Village as to not to attack them when they were in the forest. Anybody that was not a villager they could attack if they were a treat to them or the villagers.

As the people and the wolfs mingle and got to know each other the atmosphere started to relaxed.

Aunty Lia came to Marika and said 'Thank you, now we don't have to worry about getting attack again.'

'Well these guys were going to find a new home and I thought this would be a win, win for both.'

'Ohh Catlaster as for your punishment, if there is a treat you are to come and find me right away.'

Catlaster nuzzled Marika as saying I promise. As everything was arranged the pack left for the forest.

Consilium thanked Marika for giving them a new home and a new purpose.

Marika and the whole town waved the wolfs goodbye.

Everybody left to their respective home or shop. The old man of the book store walked over to Marika "It's good to see you child."

'Grandpa how is your health?'

"Much better thanks to you child. But let's not linger here and walk with me to book shop."

As they were inside the shop Marika did a check up and asked 'Grandpa do you have trouble sleeping lately and some back pains?'

"Yes child as a matter of fact I want to talk to you about that."

Marika check the mattress of the old man and it was all worn out. She gave the old man some herbal tea and promised that somebody will come and bring a new one with an new pillow.

'It will be a hard mattress and a medium hard pillow, you should be sleeping like a baby in a few day's'

She said with a smile.

"Thank you child, how can I repay you?"

'By staying healthy.' Marika said.

She bid the old man goodbye and went over to Aunty Lia's shop. She sold her medicine and herbs.

'Aunty Lia where can I find a store for mattresses and pillows?'

'It's at the beginning of the street where the black smith shop is.'

'Is it for the old man at the book shop?'

Marika nodded.

'Well of you go then, you have a lot of pick up to do so I won't hold you up any longer' Aunty Lia smiled at her.

Marika gave aunty Lia a hug and left the shop.

Marika arrived at the shop for bedding, when she walked in she was greeted by a young women.

'How can I help?'

Marika asked the women if it was possible to deliver a hard mattress and medium hard pillow today at the book shop?

The young women show Marika a couple of hard mattresses and the pillows. Marika picked out what she needed and a few thing extra.

She then asked the women 'It doesn't seem you get a lot of customers.'

'People don't seem to need a new mattress often the only thing's the come for are mostly blankets and pillows.'

Marika sighted 'Well most back and neck pains are caused by old mattresses and pillows. And I recommend people should get a new mattress and pillow every 5 years. And old people are better of sleeping on hard mattresses because of their health.'

Marika was in a deep thought, Aunty Lia told her painkillers were flying over the counter lately and she notice some people looked sleep deprived.

Then a young man came in to the store and told the young women that every think was load up on the cart.

Then Marika asked the man if he could stop by Aunty Lai's shop and ask her to come to the village doctor.

The man nodded and left.

'What are you planning to do?'

'Nothing much, but you need to come with me.'

As the two women arrived at the doctors, aunty Lia was already waiting for them.

'What's going on?' she asked.

'I'm going to restore everybody health.'

The 3 women went inside and, the met with the doctor who looked completely exhausted.

'Wow doc, are you even alive?'Marika asked.

"What can I do for you."

'I think I should be the one asking you that question.'

The doctor couldn't fallow Marika due to sheer exhaustion .

Marika told the women of the bedding store to check on the doctors mattress and tell her, her findings.

The young women then told Marika that not only his mattress was bad, but the whole bed needed to be replaced.

Marika looked at the doctor and then asked 'Do you have a lot of patients that come in here with sleeping problems, back pain and neck pain?

The doctor nodded "I tell them to take a good rest and prescribe them a painkiller."

'Aunty Lia together with the pain medicine I made and sold you, how many day's till you run out?' Marika asked.

Aunty Lia was calculating 'One week. But since this is going one for a few weeks now most people have spent already over a 3 hundred silver only on pain killers. But to be honest if the need arises for any unforeseen disaster I won't have a decent stock.'

Then Marika asked the young women 'how much is it going to cost to replace the doctors bed?'

'About 700 silver. Depending of the materials.'

'And what about the average price of a new mattress?'

'A new mattress cost around 150 silver.'

'So all the people who had already spend so much money on medicine could have easily saved on cost by buying new bedding. And there won't be a medicine shortest.' The young women said.

Marika then said 'To be very blunt doc, I'm the one who currently supplying this village with medicine, but in a few day's I'm leaving this area. And when your supply line is gone, how are you going to subscribe any med's if the supplier is gone?'

The doctor was baffled, but aunty Lia said that Marika was telling the trued.

'If you want to help people with their back, neck and insomnia issues why not contact her and let her check the bed's in the patients houses. And consulting with her so you can make a better judgment on prescribing medicine?'

'As for you doc, I'll invest in your new bed. After all the best cure is a good night sleep.'

The doctor than agreed with Marika and would work together with the young women from the bedding shop. Marika then left 250.000 silver with the young women as to use it for people who could not afford a new mattress and she gave an addition 1000 silver for the new bed of the doctor.

Marika then said 'I have a few more errands to run, so I'll be leaving now.'

The doctor than said "Thank you, do you know you just cured the whole village?"

'I know' Marika said with a smile.

But just when she opened the door, a man came running in with his daughter.

"Doctor please help my little girl" as he was begging.

Marika looked at the girl 'Aunty Lia go to your store and take the medicine that I brought. The one called antibiotic and make 14 table spoon of powder pouches.

The man looked at Marika "Are you a doctor to?"

Marika shook her head. 'But she has all the symptoms of an infection.'

Then the doctor check the little girl and said. "She is right she has an infection."

The doctor asked Marika, That medicine you mentioned wat does it do?'

'It kills any bacteria, that causes an infection.'

'Ohh and don't you think about just loosely prescribe it, because aunty Lia only has enough for around 6 people.'

The man then asked Marika on how to use the medicine.

'Very easy, before she takes the medicine make sure she has eaten and give her 2 pouches of medicine a day for the next 7 days. I promise she will look much better in 3 days.'

The man was grateful and thanked Marika. "When you visit the village again please come by our place."

Marika nodded, and petted the little girls head 'Get well soon.'

Marika then left. And she went to the black smith shop fist.

'Uncle Smithy!! Are you in?'

"Ahh if it isn't the little Missy."

'Is my order ready?'

The man then brought the sword over and drew it from its scabbard. When Marika looked at the blade there was on onside a dragon and on the other side the where the words Et Custos Animae.

At the end of the hilt there was a crystal embedded. She placed a healing spell in the stone that would heal any to all injuries deep or light.

"Now the swords name is complete."

Marika looked at the sword and smiled. 'Please protect you new owner when the time comes.'

She thanked the man. And also gave him a gift. It was a pendant also embedded with a magic spell.

The man gave the girl a hug and said. "come by even if you're bored."

Marika smiled 'Thanks uncle!'

And she set off to the clothing shop. As she arrived she was greeted by the shop assistant.

'A your finally here.' she pulled Marika excitedly to the dressing room.

Marika looked at the dress and she was stunned by how beautiful it was. After she was done changing the designer was also standing there to see the result.

He was absolutely blown away. The color and the design on the dress were made for her and her alone. Nobody else could pull out the sheer beauty of the dress.

He then brought over the box that held the oddment and jewelries. They all head the design of pink water lilies.

Marika was completely speechless. She never imaged the girl in the mirror was her.

Marika turned around with a tear and a smile. 'Thank you for bringing out the women that I am.'

The designer shook his head. "You're the one who gave me the inspiration to design again."

'If I get married in the future I want you to be the one who is going to design my wedding dress.'

"That would be a great honor" the man said with a smile.

When Marika was changing the designer left for his office and started to draw more designs.

He got a lot of new ideas after he saw Marika in her dress.

Marika then gave the shop assistant two boxes, one for her and one for the designer.

The shop assistant open hers and there was a crystal Platy codon broche in it.

'I can't accept this.'

'Do you know the meaning of this flower? Marika asked her.

The shop assistant shook her head

'It symbolize friendship.'

'And the meaning of his gift is; changes is coming.'

'Would you give this to him?'

'Yes of course.'

After Marika left the shop the shop assistant went to the designers office. She gave him the box Marika left behind for him.

The man saw a beautiful black and white crystal feather broche.

The assistant then said 'She told me the meaning of your gift.'

The man looked at the assistant.

'The meaning of your gift is; change is coming.'

The man smiled and felt that she was someone who could pull out the best out of anybody.

Marika arrived at Saxeus shop, and went inside.

'Saxeus! I'm her to pick up the orb!'

Saxeus came out to meet Marika and was holding the box with the orb in it.

Marika then asked 'Do you have an Blue Agate?'

"Yes I do, but why do you need it?"

'Well… Are you familiar with the tradition of the Black Dragon Clan, when you form an alliance?'

"Yes I am, there would be cup of water and both parties will put a drop of their blood in it and drink from it symbolizing the birth of their brother or sisterhood. And then both exchange a gift that represents the other person."

'That's why I'm looking for a Blue Agate, it represents; to build a deep trust and bond. It also carries the symbol of wisdom.'

'Don't you think it's a perfect gift to exchange?'

"Is it for a men or a women?"

'A man.'

Saxeus returned with star shaped broach with the stone in the middle. "Would this do?"

'Perfect.'

Than the two man came from the back and one of them was holding a small box.

"Sister would you please accept his?"

"It's a thank you gift."

Marika smiled 'Sure, you guys have really stepped up. And I'm happy you changed so much.'

Marika opened the box and saw a necklace that had a crystal as blue as the sea and in the middle there were 5 little white crystals.

'Wat is this necklace called?'

The men said in sync "The stars of the sea."

Marika smiled.

She then said 'Do you know the meaning of my name?'

The man shook their head.

'The meaning of my name Marika is; Star of the Sea.'

She walked over to the two man and gave them hug.

'Thank you so much, I will cherish this gift.'

Saxeus then said "Aren't you going to explain who each star represents?"

"A yes we almost forgot."

"One star represents you, on star me, the other my brother the 4th star represents mister Saxeus and the 5th the man who was with us on the day we went hunting."

"So whenever you feel lost please look at the necklace and let us guide you back home."

'You guys, really are the best of friends anybody can ask for.' She said while looking at the 3 men.