Evolve: Chapter 5 Part 1

Chapter 5

Nexyl

Nexyl was busy in the hidden study late at night. His duties were postponed another day considering his mother was worried about him staying up for quite a few days straight. She wanted to make sure he had enough sleep and was well rested.

He was aware he worked better when he was rested and during the day, but given the hour of the night and his obsession to learning as much as Venril had known already, he was determined and had a lot of energy for studying it seemed. However, all that studying didn’t necessarily keep him in his normal beautician state. His long platinum blond hair was messy and his garments were unevenly buttoned. He didn’t care. He was too wrapped up into learning about Dragons and magic. 

He had found a different magic book, one that was able to manipulative minds and ideals to the wielder's bidding. He was also intrigued it worked on anything, object and living creature. He tested it on a lonely ant who followed his finger in the direction it went and obeyed his every command. He then told the ant to kill itself and it obeyed obediently, traveling up the table’s legs and up the wax shaft of the candle before traveling into the flame. He was surprised the spell worked so well but he did realize that the ant was a small creature, anything larger may be more reluctant. He then decided to test the theory on something bigger. 

He saw a Werecat cub traveling in the hallway trying to catch itself a mouse. It seemed that Venril wasn’t the only one who could find this hidden chamber. The Werecats must have known of its existence the more they hunted for mice. A sick habit, to eat another creature for the sake of food. He was an herbivore and never once ate meat. He believed the land was enough to provide for oneself, not the sake of another living being. He understood that it was a necessity in most creatures, but he did not understand why you needed meat to survive. Plants provided enough nutrition and protein to survive so why did some creatures need meat to survive? What was so special about it? Certainly he was not going to try it but he was willing to wager on a creature’s life for the sake of proving who was the strongest. 

He walked out to the hallway and cleared his throat, the echo of his voice spooking the little cub as it hid behind a corner, allowing the mice to live and be set free from its grasp. 

“Werecat. This is a restricted area. Only the royal family shall be allowed entrance into its halls.” He ordered sounding stern with the cub. 

The Werecat, young and possibly resembling a five-year-old child, looked at Nexyl with scared, cautious eyes. He did, however, understand that he was not allowed to speak to the Prince so kindly, especially not this prince. Nexyl was not as kind to his family as Venril was, he could tell that by scent. He feared Nexyl just as he feared getting in trouble for being down there playing with his dinner.

“Well young cub, what do you have to say?” Nexyl asked, trying to be polite even though disgust ran through his veins at the very sight of the cub.

“I-I’m sorry...” He stuttered softly. “It won’t happen again.” He said sadly.

“Very well.” Nexyl said before he decided to try the spell out on the cub. He raised out his hand to the cub who shook in fear, smelling something off from the Elf’s hand. Nexyl chanted the text for the manipulation spell and the cub’s eyes grew hazy and cold. Nexyl’s hand lowered when the cat was under his spell and he smiled. 

“Come here.” Nexyl ordered, the cub obeying obediently. 

The young cub stood in front of Nexyl, straight and tall for its master. His tail wagging behind him.

Nexyl grew annoyed with the tail and decided to test his commands. He pulled out a dagger from his pocket and smiled. “Now, I order you to cut off half of your tail. You all look the same to me and it is difficult to tell you apart.” He said as he handed the dagger to the cub.

The cub took it, shaking reluctantly, fearing for its tail to be cut off. He sat down and grabbed his tail, holding it straight on the floor as his eyes started to cry. “But master...it is my tail...” He said hoping to change his master’s mind. “It is connected to my spine is it not? I don’t think I can.” The cub said, his voice shaking as much as his body was in fear. The dagger in his hand was shaking so much, Nexyl thought that the cub was going to resist and fight back or not have the courage to do it. 

“Reluctant are we? Guess the spell is impervious to freewill even while under control.” Nexyl sighed. “I will be nice and relieve you of the pain. It will be like docking a tail on dogs.” He then used some magic to relieve the pain in the animals tail in the area where the line should be drawn. “Cut there. There will be no pain and I will close the wound up myself.” He said still ordering the cub to do it. 

The cub gulped in fear and kept his tail still as he hastily cut his own tail off in half where the dock line was. Tears fell down his face at the lost of his tail. There was blood but no pain as Nexyl had described. The cat was crying in fear and sadness for the lost of his tail but he was told that with milk it grows back in Werecats. That thought of having his tail again gave him some hope of having it again and Nexyl could see it in his eyes. The cub was hugged his tail to tell it everything was going to be alright and that it will have its friend back. 

“Good. Now do not drink milk unless I tell you so. I know how it works for you creatures. You are now my slave, this marks proof of that, got it?” Nexyl said, hate and anger in his eyes, more from the fact that he actually felt a little bit of guilt in him after seeing the pain in the cub’s face. “Do not disobey me again cub.” He said to the cub who nodded, his tears slowly fading but the blood did not. 

Nexyl closed the wound up with his magic and the blood stopped but the stain remained on the floor. “Do you have a name cub?” He asked, not willing to call the Werecat “cub” anymore and for some reason feeling oddly attached to the little creature despite his hatred for all things that was not of Elven make.

“We aren’t given names.” He said honestly.

“Then how do you tell each other apart?” Nexyl said quite unamused and annoyed at such simple-minded creatures who felt no sense in creating an identity for themselves even with something as simple as a name. 

“By scent. Our mother does not name us, she knows us individually by scent.” 

“Fine then. I shall give you a name. From now on you refer to me as Master or Master Nexyl. You will be named Múldir meaning “Slave”. Do not forget it.” He said, flipping his long hair from the side of his face back behind him before walking back into the chamber to continue his studies. 

The cub’s eyes returned to normal. He had a master, finally. Once named Werecats were forever pets to their masters, leaving the manipulation spell pointless. He was loyal by name alone, and despite his feelings for this horrible man, he still was grateful to Nexyl for even bothering to give him a name rather than forcing him under a spell forever. That meant that Nexyl was willing to own him without the need of a spell. Múldir was free from the spell but now a pet to Nexyl. He didn’t like being this Elf’s pet but he was finally owned which is what any Werecat cub has dreamed of since their parents told them that being loved is as great as giving love. However, this also meant he had to abide by this man’s wishes, probably unable to return home, to his parents or his siblings. He was locked away as a slave, with a name that meant slave. A horrid irony. He wasn’t sure about what he thought of that. He should be grateful regardless of the name and its meaning or his relationship with the owner who named him, but he wasn’t, at least not entirely. He knew if the time needed him to go against his master, he would. He was too strong-willed to be tied down to someone even if the moralities of his owner was twisted. 

He picked up the remaining tip of his tail and went to Nexyl. He was still afraid of Nexyl, worried that he wouldn’t understand his request let alone wish to be disturb but he had to keep his tail. It was a part of him and and he wanted to remember this day and what Nexyl did to him, so he would know who did this to him. He didn’t want to forget cutting off his tail or who made him do it by force. He wanted that memory and he knew that time would not give that to him. Not like this. 

“Umm Master.” He asked softly.

“What is it?” Nexyl said not looking up from his book and surprisingly not sounding quite upset from being disturbed. 

“Could you put a spell on this part of my tail to keep it from deteriorating over time? I would like to keep it as a reminder of my obedience to you as your slave.” He asked worried of Nexyl’s response.

Nexyl looked up and at the tail and then smiled. “Good idea. It shall remind you of where you belong and to never question me, that this is the hold I have on you, much like a collar it would seem.” He said before he looked at a spell to preserve life and limbs. He put the spell on the tail, it not alive but forever in tact as it was in that moment. 

Múldir smiled and wrapped the tail around his waste, it long enough for him to wear it as a belt with enough room to grow into. Nexyl was proud his little pet was so wise to know where he stood in comparison and that his spell would forever remain in check, not realizing that by giving the cub a name broke it as immediately as it was made. 

“Now, go upstairs and fetch me some light food and some water. Be quick and be sneaky about it. I have not made it known to my subjects that you are my pet as of now. There should be some tomato basil soup on a pot, go bring me a bowl. Take that portal there. It leads to the closet of my room. You may not be able to enter into it from the other side so you will have to find your way back outside or however else you got in. Understood?” He ordered.

“Yes sir!” Múldir responded as he went through the portal and went to the kitchen. Using his claws and the ceiling as his means of sneaking around, the shadows close at hand to aid him in his quest. He halted when he saw a guard or a servant passing by or standing by a door of great importance. He wondered about the guards. Elves were naturally gifted in strength and skill, why would they need guards for protection when they could obviously protect themselves. He made it to the kitchen, the staff not at hand so late in the night. He found the pot and jumped down from the ceiling, grabbing a bowl of soup from off the counter and a glass and pitcher of water, the jug was heavy for him but he was able to manage, being stronger than the average child. He placed the pitcher of water on his head and balanced it as he walked sneakily back to the portal in Nexyl’s room. He was almost caught by a guard who noticed the child but simply thought he was a statue as Múldir stood still. He finally left the guards side when the guard looked the other away. Múldir could tell the guard was nervous about a small child staring at him for so long so he obviously turned and looked away only to notice the statue was gone when he checked again, confusing him and wondering if working so late at night was playing tricks on his eyes. 

He finally made it back to Nexyl’s room, eyeing the portal for something, looking at it before he sniffed it, wondering if he could smell Nexyl through it. The tail he had around his waist started to glow, the magic in the portal obviously having an affect on it as it was still under Nexyl’s spell, allowing him to pass through again despite Nexyl’s predictions.

He smiled at his master when he returned through the portal, Nexyl was confused about how the child did such a thing but when he noticed the tail around the cub’s waist glowing he understood that any spell he created was still a part of him which allowed those under his spells to pass through. Interesting, he thought but thankful it was a quicker way to return to him than for the cub to have to find his way around on his own searching for another way in. 

“Thank you Múldir.” He said noticing that the cub smiled even more when his name was called by his master. Nexyl stared at the cub and realized that Venril was right, Werecats were cute but it wasn’t because they were furry or because of their features. He really did not like the cats personally, but for some reason this little cub was different. He couldn’t understand what it was, but this cub was certainly undeniably happy for a slave. Who would be happy about being forced under a spell for the sake of abiding by someone’s wishes? Was it the spell’s fault this child was so pleased to be with him or was it because for the first time in his life, he had someone he could talk to openly about his thoughts without needing to sound proper or polite. He could order this cub around and make it do whatever he wished, and he didn’t have to force his own self to be something he was not. He was honest with the cub, and the cub was obviously being honest with him. His smile was clear of that.

“If you are tired Múldir, you may rest. But wake up when I call in case I need anything.” He said still ordering the cat around but not as harshly as before.

“Yes master.” He said with a smile before he laid down on the floor stretched out and started to sleep. Again he seemed cute to Nexyl but this time more amusingly than pure cuteness. He was a strange cat indeed, a lightly tan colored cat with striking black spots resembling that of a Serval, yet he knew that this cat was more of a domestic cat than a wild one. His ears were striped with thick horizontal, black markings. He looked to be a Savannah. Nexyl knew that the Savannah type of Werecats were friendly and loyal like dogs, affectionate, and grew up to be large creatures with long legs, especially the males. If trained right and exercised daily, this little cub would turn into a bodyguard for Nexyl which was perfect for him. He could not only have the cub do his biding for him but also fight his battles as well as his main protector.  Not to mention he could finally have a guard he could openly discuss his problems and secrets to. How long did Werecats grow? The cub was about five-years-old in form but possibly twenty in years. Which meant that they aged every four years. By the time the cat was twenty-five in form, it would take the cat a hundred years to grow. A century was enough time, especially since Nexyl was not open to starting a war with Reydothe at that moment in time. He needed time and what a better way to do so when his main protector was at his peak in strength.  

Nexyl went back to his studies as he occasionally grazed on his dinner Múldir brought for him. It was cold but with tomato soup, it was fine. He was just happy to have something. Hopefully soon he could go to bed. he questioned where the cub would sleep. He didn’t want the cat in his bed nor on his furniture. He had to make preparations so he wouldn’t seem cold-hearted with the creature around his servants or brother. Venril. He thought of Venril for a bit as he ate, wondering what he would think of when witnessing the sight of the tail. Would he lie to his brother and say the cub had an accident and he did all he could to make sure the cat wasn’t in any pain and with a sense of guilt adopted the poor thing. It was possible but how would it sound. Would Venril see through his lies or was he still too naive to think poorly of his brother, who had many secrets he kept, especially from his own twin. It was obvious he wasn’t able to trust his brother and his brother’s moralities and their judgment against him. He didn’t need that kind of pressure, not even from his brother. He feared that he might one day have to rid his brother from this world if it meant standing against him and his ideals he had against the creatures uprising against him and his kingdom. He would not allow that to happen, not as long as he was alive and still Prince of Reydothe.

Evolve: Chapter 3 Part 3

Venril

Venril promised his brother before he left to see Srel that he'd show him how to make portal in his room as well as learn a few basic magick techniques that he learned in his first days of learning the craft. Nexyl was a natural at magick, able to grasp it right away and harness incredible power. His light was even brighter today from his good long night of sleep and Venril could tell his brother was much more energetic and calm than he was the day before. 

Venril showed Nexyl how to levitate objects and cause the elements in his hand to form with only a few basic materials from the ground. He also showed Nexyl how become invisible which was a hard technique to learn. Venril hasn't fully perfected it. 

"So let me get this straight, the body is the easy part to make invisible but the clothes are harder to make invisible at the same time?" Nexyl questioned.

"That's right. Remember that time that vase fell and broke without anyone near it?" He asked looking a little embarrassed.

"That was you!?" Nexyl said before he understood why Venril was so embarrassed. "Oh. Not very becoming but as long as no one saw you." He said almost smiling.

"Yeah, I know. I couldn't figure out how to do the clothes as well as the body at the same time. It takes a lot of concentration and many hours to perfect the technique. I finally got most of it down but overall, I am not fully able to perfect it." He said before sighing.

Nexyl understood his brother's concern but maybe there was something Venril wasn't seeing. He smiled and realized the pun he just made. 

"I can't understand what it means to make the clothes a part of your body. Am I suppose to fuse them together first before going invisible?" Venril asked curiously.

"Hmm. I think what it means is to see yourself as you are and as what you are suppose to be. Like for example. We are princes, we are born to look and act like high class, professional leaders who need to dress well. Think of your clothes are part of who you are. That they are an extension of yourself.

"Hmm. So is it like when a person is nervous, that old tactic of picturing everyone naked to help calm yourself down? That it makes you feel like you belong just as you are because everyone is in the same boat as you are?"

"I guess so. A weird way to see it but okay we'll go with that. Think of your clothes as a part of yourself, what makes you you. Your identity and structure. Without them you are an internal part of yourself that no one else will see, so they can't see you. The true you is invisible to them because of the clothes you wear." 

Venril nodded then he stood up and thought of his clothes as an extension of himself. His clothes reminded me of something he masked, something he forced people to see rather than what was underneath. He didn't think of clothes as just something he wore, but what he was forced to show to hide who he really was. And with that realization and the want of turning invisible, he was able to go completely invisible with ease. He smiled when he couldn't see his own body and he noticed Nexyl clapping and smiling.

"Good job." He said before a flower ended up in his hair without his knowledge of anyone putting it there. "Haha, very funny." He said before Venril hugged him from behind.

"Thank you brother! I'm glad you are here to do this with me." He said happily.

Nexyl smiled and patted Venril's arm that was around his neck. "No problem little one. Now what else did you want to learn or could show me?"

"There is a teleportation spell I want to show you." He said before he did it and he teleported to the other side of the room. He then looked dizzy, making Nexyl get up and worry about him and catch him before he fell to his knees.

"What's wrong!?" Nexyl shouted looking worried and confused.

"Oh, that one just takes a lot of energy. Especially with how much you have practiced with and how far you teleport." He said exhausted and pointing to a chair to sit down in.

Nexyl helped Venril into the chair and knelt by him. "Let's take a break." 

"No it's alright." Venril said with a smile. "I'm good to try again." He started to get up but was still too weak to do so.

Nexyl looked angry and he pushed his brother back down in the seat. "No. Stop that!" 

"Stop what?" Venril asked.

"Acting like you don't matter and that your problems and pain are less than that of someone else. Think of yourself for once rather than the sake of others for a change. It pisses me off that you don't consider yourself sometimes." Nexyl said looking annoyed but then sighed and looked worried. "You are my brother and I love you. If anything happened to you because you tried to save someone for their sake rather than your own, I would be devastated. So stop pushing yourself to do stuff that is out of your control to do." He said as he placed his hand on Venril's arm and looked at him sincerely.

Venril was shocked to see his brother so worried but then he smiled placed his hand on Nexyl's and then leaned in to kiss his brother on the cheek. "Don't worry brother. I'm alright. If you want me to worry more about myself sometimes I will. But honestly, I am alright. I just put too much thought in where I was going and used too much energy to teleport in such a short distance with all that energy. I over exerted myself, that's all." He said calmly and smiled, waiting for Nexyl to smile back so he could finish.

"You're right. I'm sorry I shouted at you." Nexyl said sadly.

"It's okay. Besides, I know you can handle the spell. Just remember to picture where you are going and put only that amount of energy in getting there or you can always put little energy into shorter distance teleports and get there quicker but in parts." He said with a smile before he stood up and stretched, feeling his energy return.

Nexyl smiled. "I'll be sure to remember that." He said with a smile.

Evolve: Chapter 2 Part 3 (End) - Chapter 3 Part 1

Venril

Venril awoke in the middle of night, stirring abruptly and deep in thought. He never did that before. What was eating away at him so important that it woke him up in the middle of night. He was dreaming rather well and it seemed like he had someone on his mind. The name, what was the name in his dream? Srel. Yes, his dear friend in the west among the Dwarves. This Dwarf, quite wise and strong and easy to tease, for Srel's temper was as easy to stir as the ripples in the water from a single touch. Why was Srel on his mind? He knew that magick could affect ones psychic connections to someone close, but was Srel that close to him that he had to tell him about something. Something important it seemed. Did it deal with his brother? Yes, that was it. His brother had become rather annoying it seemed to him, the kind of annoying that bugs you until you tell someone to let it off your chest. He needed to confide in his friend, to understand what should be done about his brother and why he was even questioning his brother in the first place. 

He needed the companionship of his friend, Srel. They had many sleepovers together, some he dare not say in public company, for it was too intimate to really speak aloud but it was common between the two of them. They were close enough to have such a relationship and still stay friends. It was nothing but companionship between friends that appeared to be close to a consort's passion. It was weird to talk bout and a little too private to discuss among someone other than the two who took part in. He enjoyed it all the same because he cared for Srel. He thought about the Dwarf almost every day and wondered when was the next day he would see him and how long he had to be with him. Hopefully he will get the chance to be with him for a good long while.

He sighed, knowing that staying awake thinking about Srel wouldn't bring Srel to him. He did, however, want to create a portal in Srel's closet in his little humble home and connect it to his so he could visit Srel quickly as much as they both liked. That gave him some peace and helped him go to sleep a little easier knowing that he was able to harness such power in order to see his friend more. Hopefully, he remembered to bring the book of spells with him when he went on his little trip to Srel. 

Chapter 3

Srel

Srel woke up, naturally hungry and grumpy. The dwarf was always grumpy, yet not entirely hostile. His temper, usually quick and agile, would rise whenever he felt threatened, tense, pressured or teased usually by a clique of friends who knew they could get a rise out of him and they thought it was humorous. Never did he show violence or hostility towards the people close to him. He dealt with the issue with his own family where his uncle would come over, drunk on ale and usually not very wise when visiting. He'd hit on his mother, who was his uncle's own sister, and his father would control the situation by putting an end to his uncle's behavior quickly and roughly. They would then consider straightening him out the same day but it still did not force his uncle to change his ways. The attitude and character his uncle displayed, always rose in him. He hated to see his mother hurt and distraught. He almost wanted to join his father and punch his uncle's lights out, even at the young age of five. Since then, he has always despised drunks, whether happy or angry, he hated people going nuts on drinking and then lose control with their inhibitions. He drank, but responsibility. The other Dwarves saw him as weak and unwilling to take risk but then they realized who they were dealing with. The Dwarf who could snap them into two if they ever dare mess with him. He trained to defend himself and the ones he cared for, so punching a guy upside the head was no problem. For him, that is. 

Srel was a proud and hardworking dwarf, one that knew a lot about fighting and how to provide an extra hand to his village west of the Elf Kingdom, which he visited often, knowing one of the princes there. Venril visited him often and they had a friendship like no other, one that was close and trusted. Srel respected Venril and they have been friends since childhood. Since they were young, they played together in the Elven Garden of the Kingdom and traveled over the wall into the fields on the southern side, picking flowers and swimming in the nearby lake. 

As they grew up, they started to practice hand-to-hand combat with one another in defensive training. Srel instinctively wanted to in case he dealt with someone like his Uncle. He believed that immoral acts were a sign of weakness in people and could easily be handled if dealt with properly like to put people in their place who need to be knocked down a few pegs from their ego. He even thought that there would be more people like his Uncle and that they should learn for the future how to protect themselves and the people close to them. Venril agreed, also thinking the same way, it was hard enough being a prince and having servants doing everything for you. It would be nice to fight your own battles rather than force someone else to fight for you.

Srel was one of the Dwarves whose height exceeded that of any normal Dwarf. Being taller than the rest, yet not nearly as tall as Venril was, was sometimes a challenge. He was sometimes not even considered a Dwarf at times, and he could feel his anger boiling until he was reminded that his father was also tall and that it probably was the cause of his own giantism for a dwarf . Venril had a good foot on him which was a short distance apart considering a Dwarf and an Elf standing next to each other. A Dwarf was usually half the same or smaller than that of an Elf but for some reason Srel was much taller than the rest of his people. He was sometimes called a Giant in comparison to his friends, which he never mind. He liked to feel taller and stronger than the rest. It showed he was the alpha in the group as well as the one to turn to if someone ever dared to belittle his people. 

Srel got out of bed and started to make breakfast. He knew how to cook thanks to his sister and his mother. He was a mama's boy at heart but never dare admit it to his friends. He started to fix a good deal of food, just for himself. For a Dwarf's size, it was hard to believe they could eat so much. Srel remembered Venril mentioning that all that meat and bread would go straight to Srel's sides and he'd be a good sphere and easy to to roll around. Srel grumbled at the thought of being pushed around like a ball. He didn't want to get fat, so sometimes he usually fixed half of what his stomach had ordered and called it a meal fit for two, two for cat kittens that is. He smiled, knowing quite well he made a joke, but soon turned the smile upside down in order to hide it.

He sat down at the table with his mutton and mushroom soup. The mutton was of course from a sheep, a good source of proteins which he knew he needed to get through the day. He remember giving some to Venril once, Elves being vegetarian and how sick Venril was afterwards. It was a good payback for calling him a midget the day before, but he did feel bad afterwards knowing how much he hurt Venril in the end. 

Venril was his best friend. They were lovers too. They had many intimate nights together and at the same time able to stay friends or hide it from the rest of their friends. He knew Venril's brother, Nexyl, suspected that Venril had a consort and perhaps it being a Dwarf in the West, but Nexyl couldn't say who it was in particular. Nexyl. That Elf was as quick-tempered as he was but was always able to hide it so beautifully for the sake of his image. He despised that Elf. He thought Nexyl belittled Venril half the time and didn't respect thin as a prince, let alone his own brother. He saw a hollow darkness in Nexyl, one that was fueled by pride and politics. He knew Nexyl to be the logical, practical type but that was no reason to shun away your brother with work or to act as if you are better than everyone else. What an asshole. How dare he treat Venril like that when all Venril has been is kind, generous, thoughtful, and caring. Venril was a good soul and Srel knew that he'd do anything for him, let alone protect him from whoever treated Venril unfairly. 

Evolve: Chapter 2 Part 2

Venril

Venril could see it in his brothers eyes, Nexyl was pondering something. He knew his brother to hide things from him sometimes. Most of the time, he didn't question it, because he knew that if he got too close to the truth, he'd just be setting himself up for something far worse than he anticipated. He wondered though what his brother was up to. He could tell his brother interested in learning magick, but not necessarily for the craft's sake. He still couldn't question it or his brother because they were family and he didn't think ill-will towards anyone or about anyone. It wasn't his style. He was not about to assume the worse out of his brother, even if his gut was clenching tightly in the thought of it.

He led his brother down the long hallway, their ancestors paying no expense at making the corridors seem long and confusing as if it was just some tunnel that would lead to the outside on the other side of the mountain outside their kingdom walls. For some reason the Elves built walls around their kingdom in a world of peace, as if they knew that one day in the future war would break out and they would be forced to defend themselves with any possible structure knowing that the world would someday come to such chaos. Chaos. Why was the world coming to that? What was so wrong in the world that was stirring up turmoil as bad as rumoring of a world-wide war against nations. Why? Why has it come to that? It was a terrible thought. He loved all the creatures of Reydothe and he didn't want to use the very craft of archery and swordplay against any one of them, not to spar or to fight and kill. This shouldn't be happening. Was their laws truly that messed up and hypocritical? That wouldn't make all Elves hypocritical would it? Because he wasn't. He knew he wasn't. He was willing to give any other creature power and status and create equality for all creatures, and if creating a council was the way to do it, then so be it, he was all for it. 

They finally reached the end of the tunnel into a large cavern room filled with bookshelves, tables, papers, and the occasional dust and cobwebs. It seems time has expended its hold on this room without the duties of a maid service. Venril wasn't too worried about a little dirty furniture standing in his way of obtaining some information. However, his brother seemed quite distasteful with the idea of how dirty the place was. 

"Someone never ordered maid service in the last few centuries huh?" Nexyl spoke up as he brushed his index finger along a chair and then brushed the dust and dirt off of it on his pants. 

Venril almost looked annoyed at his brother's comment, sensing no respect for their ancestors and too enamored with high quality life. It was a spoiled child displeased with his certain state of affairs in a new location, and Venril only thought of how much of a brat his brother was being.  He sighed and took a deep breath and moved it pass him so he could move on with his tour. 

"This is the Ancient Library. It has books on the history, our ancestors story, magick, the creation of the Dragons, and much more." He said enthusiastically. He looked over his shoulder at his brother who seemed to be preoccupied in a book about politics. Typical. He always did care for politics even when it always distressed him. He never understood why his brother worked so hard to achieve such knowledge. It seemed pointless to know everything and to study so hard for it. 

A person needed a balanced nutritious diet, even with that of knowledge and wisdom. If you gorge yourself on just carbs, you were bound to gain weight and if all you eat is sweets, you gain cavities. There was such a thing as too much of a good thing. Venril knew he was the one with the sweet tooth, always hungry for something fun, new, and exciting. He did little studying but when he did, he put his heart into it. Never once did he half-ass his studies. He even already half of the books that were in this room before he showed his brother and he knew of the knowledge already. He just didn't stress himself out on how much he did at one time or how it affected his day. He always flowed with the wind, easy-going and calm, never once stirring unless the clouds commanded the air to do so. His brother, however, always swam against the current without complaining, never resting from the tide. He never went through with the flow, always against it and always swam underneath to know its secrets and why they were against him. Why couldn't his brother just be an element of them all. He could be passionate like fire, calm like the wind, fluent like the water, and sturdy like the earth. He knew that you had to obtain one elemental trait to be who you are, but all to be full. He understood the elements and followed them when they asked him too. Never once did he fight the elements nor argued with them. 

Why was his brother so keen on learning about politics, namely the book he just looked at: battle strategies? Also what was with this obsession with the Dragons, why was he after the secrets of a beast that evolves from the personal struggle of any being on Reydothe. The book told him of the first Dragon. It was originally a lost soul who wanted to save his family, feeling helpless as what he was: a Fairy who was too small and too weak to protect others. He wanted to save his friends and family from the giant rogue beast that was going to kill and eat his small village hidden in the garden. He stood his ground and when he was almost squished, a light glowed, brighter than an Elf light for such a small creature. He grew twenty-times his size and in Dragon form and attacked the beast attacking his home. However, the battle was so tremendous for the small village, it was shattered in the garden and his family was bought underneath the rubble. Able to change his size and form he was able to realize that in the end he wound up destroying them not understanding what he was or who he was becoming. He realized that once he was a Dragon, there was no turning back and no easy way out of his situation. So he decided to train himself and any other person who became like him in order to save lives, however, Dragons have fury and despite their true heart, their actions spawn just as many mistakes as they do successes. The first Dragon was a blue type, the color representing sadness and grief but also desperation and change for blue represents water and with it comes the change water endures. He wanted to meet the Dragon, the once small Fairy, and learn more but he also understood that people fear Dragons based on the mistakes that they happen to create and probably would much rather stay away from anyone who wants to get too close, namely someone who wants to get close for the sake of knowledge and power. 

Venril could care less if he became a Dragon. They were cool creatures but not necessarily a life he wanted to lead on his own. It seemed like a hard life, having to deal with the public always viewing you as an outsider, a beast, a monster. It seemed like a hollow victory. Especially, for your own kind who would much rather look at the destruction you cause then the heart you tried to show to the world, the once pure heart whose main purpose was to protect those dear and then wound up causing their deaths. To do so much with little respect. He tried, that was the point right? Yes, that was the point. Despite the effort, always look towards saving people even if you can't. Even to try and save a person is still the same as at least doing something, even if it is out of your hands. If you can't save a person, don't beat yourself up, just give them a respectful passing onto the next world and tell them before they are buried, that they will be reborn with a life full and grand.  

He never helped others or saved lives for the respect from others or the satisfaction of doing something right, just that it was the right thing to do regardless of how it is viewed. He knew that if he became a Dragon, he would want to do it the right way and never turn back, no regrets. Becoming one may be based on an internal self-related resolution of completing oneself for the benefit of becoming stronger in their own way, but that doesn't mean it is how it is done. Throughout history, each Dragon was born because the person found the resolution they were seeking, whether it be to improve in knowledge, strength, or power or to become stronger so you can save others. It isn't the only way, saving lives and and knowing that despite what you do, it is meant to be whether you die saving the person or become better, you tried and that is all that mattered. No life is spent in vain. He wouldn't want to get into that kind of lifestyle for the sake of himself. He would much rather do it for the sake of others and only that. To become a Dragon for the right reasons, there is no honor in becoming such a beautiful, powerful creature if all you are doing is to benefit yourself. If he became one, he wouldn't care about being one, just how he became one and if it meant doing it for someone else's sake and protecting lives, that was all he needed to be content with the life of a Dragon. And he'd be the first to evolve for the sake of someone else's life above his own or the wellbeing of his own. That was his nature.

The very resolution growing within him, to evolve for the sake of someone else made his light glow brighter. He did not evolve right then and there based on that fact, but deep within in him, he felt stronger just thinking he could help in some way to anyone who needed him. That was all he needed, to wish to everyone a healthy, full life and if anything happens, he'd do his best to be there for them and make sure they have a chance at a life more than what fate has decided for them. He'd do anything he could to save lives, even at the cost of his own.

Nexyl

He looked over his brother just as Venril's light flickered brighter than any Elf light has before. He wondered what was on his brother's mind, always deep in thought over fantasy and a full head in the clouds. Typical. He never knew when his brother studied or if he even read one word of information of Reydothe's Scroll let alone the books in their professional library on history, politics, linguistics, and science. The only science given was the art of discovering the unknown outside their own planet as well as the elements. That was science for them, elements and the ground beneath them. Not chemicals or technological developments. Those were subjects looking into. Technology seemed fascinating to Nexyl, however, it wasn't necessary to obtain. He thought that science in general was fascinating but not for the sake of others and benefiting life and helping people, but for creating machines to help defend his own kingdom. Where was the knowledge in helping others you don't know? What good comes from that? Sure, even he knew it was the right thing to do but why would you go to such risks for your own sake? Why would you be a martyr for someone who you barely know or don't even know at all? That logic didn't make sense to him.

Light. He looked down at his own hand and his light was growing dim, one more minute and he may pass out. How long has it been since he ate? Fifteen hours it seemed. How long since he had gotten any sleep? Thirty-four. Yes, it has been over a day since he has had a good nights rest. He should go and rest before he causes any troubles for his brother or for his image as a prince. A prince's duty is not to sleep standing up and to fall on his face and get his robe dirty. He should go to bed respectfully with poise and dignity. Yes, he should go to bed. 

"I think we should come back later when we have eaten, freshen up, and rested." Nexyl told his brother with a soft smile. His brother looked up from his deep thoughts and smiled happily.

"Yes brother. You need rest. Early to bed, early to rise, makes an Elf healthy, wealthy, and wise. And you are beyond wisdom, dear brother. I shall help you to your room and tell the staff you needed your beauty sleep and that I will take over any tasks in your place till dinnertime. How does that sound?" He asked his brother.

"Thank you Ven, but that won't be necessary. The court can wait a day to catch up on what's needed to be done. The court needs its rest too. Let's go then." He said with a smile.

Venril smiled back and they headed out the second entrance to the chambers, that connected to Venril's closet. Nexyl seemed perplexed by the weird teleporting portal. 

"What is this?" He questioned astounded.

"It's a portal I made with magick, so I can come down there whenever I needed to know more. I can show you how to make one in your closet so you can do the same." Venil said with a smile.

Nexyl looked confused but smiled back generously. "Thank you. I'd be honored if you show me little brother." He said before hugging his brother from behind. "You know, I give you so little credit but it seems you do consider things wisely when it comes to it. You are a great Prince, and an even better Elf. I'm proud to call you brother." He said honestly.

Venril looked confused but smiled happily to hear his brother say those words to him. "Same to you dear brother. You have all my respect and love a brother can give." 

Nexyl almost felt ashamed to have doubted his brother earlier but it seems his brother was just a different person than he was. If it was him who took on the tasks of foreign affairs and civil liberties, would he too have become as naive and heartfelt as Venril is now. The amount of love and compassion his brother shared was almost insufferable, but thankfully, not unbearable. 

Evolve: Chapter 1 Part 3/End - Chapter 2 Part 1

        "But, he died not too long ago, how do we contact the dead for questions." Nexyl spoke up.

"With his collection of works, handwritten with ink tainted in magick. Old magick, we have long forgotten." Venril spoke almost excited and jumping for joy to show his brother what he has learned. He raised his hand produced a small flame in his hand, it was warm and golden red. He loved his brother's expression when he saw the flame in his brother's hand. 

"How on ever did you learn to do that?" Nexyl questioned, a sense of envy in his voice, growing stronger by the minute. 

"The books tell of spells to recite in order to conjure such magick. I must show you, dear brother. Everything down there is filled with wonder of history and stories we need to tell our own kin today." He told, smiling graciously. 

Nexyl wanted to learn such magick and learn of the history of their ancestors. Maybe finally he will get some answers he has been desperately needing and possibly an opportunity to help him win the upcoming war. 

Chapter 2

Nexyl 

Nexyl followed his brother to the large statue in the garden on the east side of their great-great grandfather. Their great-great grandfather, Muilon, was a powerful man, who saw the first dragon over 1000-years-ago. Muilon, was one of the first kings of their kingdom, said to be smart, agile, and beautiful beyond belief. He was a king, and had many wives and consorts that he chose personally rather than by arrangement. Muilon was said to have done great deals to their kingdom, and kept the peace with Reydothe. Nexyl heard tales of Muilon through his grandfather, Daxon, who talked of Muilon knowing quite a deal of magick. Nexyl never knew of magick in his time because his grandfather had outlawed it, finding it unfair to the creatures of Reydothe who didn't grasp the element the Elves were so accustomed to. Daxon knew some but refused to use it. He seemed hurt as if he had something tragic happen because magick was in his grasp. Nexyl thought magick was a fairytale, just an element his grandfather added to his stories to seem interesting. Nexyl remembered his brother fondly wishing he knew magick and pretended for half a century to harness it. Nexyl was far too practical to believe in such nonsense but after all these years, his brother finally could harness it, and he was determined to do the same. 

Nexyl saw his brother look around, as if the secret should be kept a secret. Nexyl, however, watched his brother intently as to the exact rock on the statue to press. It was weird watching his brother reach for their great-great grandfather's crotch, wondering if his brother was just fooling around, but surely enough the button was there in the area, almost dead center. Nexyl then thought of how clever it was to place the switch on an area no one of high-class within the kingdom would even dare show themselves performing such vulgarity in a public place. He remembered when they were children, he yelled at his brother not to touch that area, saying it was a bad place to touch and that it would shame their great-great grandfather. Who knew that that part of his great-great grandfather was the key to the greatest secret of their people. The very thought made him shudder as well as internally chuckle. 

Venril stepped back and off the statue while the statue slid backwards revealing a small square entry way with a ladder that extended downward. Nexyl watched his brother take flight down the ladder, his brother looking up at him to follow. Once Nexyl was given enough room to follow down, Venril pressed another button inside and the statue above them and it closed slowly above them. Nexyl was almost scared to be in the dark, the darkness never his favorite thing to be in. However, their Elf Light glowed in the darkness giving them some light to see. Nexyl noticed his brother's light was brighter but he knew that was because he was still exhausted from two night's of work figuring out how to deal with the outside forces that dared to go against them. He cringed wishing he could become stronger, more powerful than anyone dare to dream. One day, that dream might come true and he hoped it was in his reach. 

It seemed like forever before they reached the bottom of the stairs. How far down was this hidden temple? Was it really necessary to make it this far down where bats lived? Venril jumped down off of the ladder, his brother calmly waiting till the ladder ended to step off. Venril looked at his brother and smiled, Nexyl curious as to what he was so happy about.

"I'm glad I could show you this dear brother. I have been actually trying to find a moment where I could, yet you were so busy I didn't want to disturb you." Venril said, showing deep admiration for his brother making Nexyl feel a little guilty he ever doubted his brother for not being mature enough, but it seems he was deeply aware of his surroundings and respect of others when the time came for it. However, he was also deeply jealous his brother found this place first before he did simply because he was too busy to find it himself.

"It's alright Ven, now show me this hidden chamber." Nexyl said getting down to the point.

"It is actually more of a library. It talks of the secrets of the Dragons and why magick was banned. Muilon even talks once of an ideal to create a council, where a leader from each creature on Reydothe would hold meetings to discuss the well being of the planet. Can you imagine dear brother? All creatures discussing together over Reydothe and what would be best for it. I'd love to see it."

Nexyl hid his disgust for the other creatures, yet the idea did seem to interest him. It would solve this whole issue about being hypocritical to their own laws. That Elves should not be in power when their law clearly states that all creatures are equal or not above another. To have everyone on equal terms and mutually respecting one another on the same team, was a win-win for everyone. However, he deeply would much rather keep the Elves in full control and teach all the other beasts in Reydothe who was the true leader, the Elves, and namely himself. 

"Yes, it does sound promisingly." He half-lied, treating his brother as the ignorant, younger brother he was. "We should consider it if it will help stop this war." 

"You think it will?" Venril questioned with great enthusiasm.

"Probably so, but first, direct me to this library of ancient knowledge and magick, I feel the scholar in me waking." He said with a smirk.