Present time...

Meg had been so busy reminiscing that she never noticed Mortem come up behind her.

"Megaera, I think you should get to bed. It's getting late."

Meg starts and turns to face her guardian.

"Yes, I do believe you may be right."

She excuses herself and makes her way to her quarters. She had decided on sharing a room with Notus, to save room and to keep the both of them together, should something happen. She enters to find Notus already in bed, fast asleep. His shirt is off, showing his scar in full. It's faded slightly, but it still glistens with the memory of the attack. Meg can't help but feel sorry for Notus, for the trauma he went through. Maybe, had he not been attacked, he wouldn't be on this path. Then, she notices his face is not peaceful. A look of fear and pain is upon his face, and he is slightly restless. He must be having a nightmare. She touches his temple with her fingertip and her hand glows slightly. She whispers a small spell, one to ward off nightmares, and his face relaxes. Peaceful, he no longer moves, and Meg can't help but think he looks like he did that day they met, innocent, sweet, childish. But behind it there is a darkness that even she cannot detect. She changes and hops into bed, blowing out the candle. She lays there, a lot on her mind, and she finally drifts off into slumber.

****

It was a battlefield. The sounds of battle cries, steel on steel, and the sounds of people casting spells echoes everywhere. Megaera stands above it all, watching the scene from above. She recognizes this place, although she had not seen it this way in a long time. This was Domus, a place of peace and tranquility, a place of growth and advancement. It was once a large, and plentiful island, with many, many cities across the island that grew and prospered. It had been a beautiful place, until the revolution. The King of Regalia had been unfair to Domus, as it had been a land to rival his own, so he tried many ways to control them. Heavy Taxing, threats, blackmail. He tried a great many things, but the people of Domus never fell. Then, the revolution began, and things changed. She had read about this battle in books. This was the Battle of Ragen, the battle that ended the Revolution and swept the land of Domus off the Map. But something was different about this dream. Megaera sees movement out of the corner of her eyes and looks to see three figures moving through the trees swiftly. One looks to be a woman, based on her figure, and she seems to be carrying something. The other two are just as cloaked and shrouded, but Meg can see the face of one very little, but just enough to recognize the face.

"Vindex?"

The man she had always known for years was different from what she remembered. He did not have the dark, black skin typical of a Living Dead. Instead, his skin was pale, flesh in appearance. His eyes shine a bright, crystal blue instead of the jade green she was used to. His hair peeks from underneath his hood, and it is a more, rich chocolate brown and longer than she was used to. She hovers over the scene, wishing she could get closer. The moment she thinks that, she appears next to the three. As they run, she hovers next to them, moving with them.

"We need to hurry. If they catch us, then we will surely be killed, if not executed." Vindex states worriedly.

"Where are we to run, Vindex? We cannot abandon our home."

Meg recognizes the deeper voice of the taller figure. She cannot place how though.

"Garrett, we must abandon our home. The only reason we are going back is to fetch Mortem."

Garrett? That was her father's name. She takes a peek under the hood of the taller man and see's dark, onyx eyes and dark, mahogany hair. She recognizes his face, her father. Although he is younger, with less worry lines across his face. Which means the other figure...

"Vindex, surely we would be safe? We no longer Ally to the Revolution, we no longer have any part. Surely Maximillian would not let us get hurt."

"Illira, I beg of you to understand."

Her mother! She takes a peek under her hood and finds her mother, her face younger, her crystal blue eyes shining, and her long, silvery blonde hair falling back through the hood.

"It does not matter. My contact in the Castle says that the King has made his decision. He wants all of the revolution, anyone who was ever involved killed. The only ones who will survive are the King's Men, and the people who ally to the King. There's nothing that can be done."

His voice is full of worry and pain, and something deeper, hidden behind his eyes that shine in fear. Meg notices this, but so does her mother.

"Brother, what is it you are not telling us. I know when you are hiding something from me."

Her tone is pointed, concern and conviction in her voice. Vindex crumples against it and concedes, sighing softly.

"Maximillian cannot save us, cannot help us now. Not after what has happened in the Castle. It is best not to think of it."

"Vindex, what happened?"

Meg is startled and shocked as she watches something she never thought she would ever see. Vindex starts to cry, tears streaming down his face.

"Maximillian has been executed."

Her parents stop, shaken.

"What?"

"He was executed this morning, at Dawn. I watched it happen. The Three Hells."

Her mother gasps and grips her bundle tighter as her husband squeezes her arm around her.

"No...They tortured him? Why did this happen?" her mother cries softly.

Vindex is only crying, unable to speak through his quiet tears.

"He was your best friend." Garrett whispers.

Vindex nods and after a moment, calms enough to stand, having fallen to the ground.

"I can only assume, after what we last spoke of. There were plans, dark and horrible plans that would change everything in the land. I can only assume that he tried to stop them, and failed."

"And these plans, they were being drawn up for...." Garrett says with gentle rage.

"Yes, they were His doing, and Maximillian took the fall for it."

"But what of his wife and child?" Illira asks softly.

"They were unaware, and the child was only just born. They will be spared, and keep their lives in the Castle."

This seems to comfort her parents, although she has no idea what they may be talking about. They keep running, and the bundle in her mother's arms peeks out. She knows who this baby is, it is her. She wants to know more of this, but she can feel herself drifting. As she begins to fade into a light that surrounds the world around her, she hears her mother say something she can't quite catch.

"Poor Not..."

****

Meg wakes, light shining into her and Notus shared room. Notus is still asleep, but her mind is racing from her dream. She had never had this dream before, never seen this kind of vision. Usually, it was of a possible future, not the past. Her mind runs and runs, her thoughts still on the faces of her parents and of Vindex. Vindex had a best friend, had known someone in the castle. And her parents knew his friend. She said his name, Maximillian. The name was unfamiliar, but her mind begins to make a few connections. If Vindex had a friend, executed by way of the Three Hells, then Mortem would have been told of it by her parents, and by Vindex. Which is why he was so disgusted by the mention of it. The question is, what were the Plans Maximillian had found out. Why was he executed. What were her parents involved with? Why was the King so wrapped up in executing everyone? The vision confuses her, but she begins to make a few connections that giver her, if not much, a few small clues to her past and to the future ahead. She's so wrapped up in her thoughts she doesn't notice that Notus has woken up.

"Nightmare?" Notus softly whispers.

Meg is startled, but she shakes it off and offers Notus a smile.

"Not, just a strange dream. Something I am both pleased and confused by. But nothing to worry about. Instead, we have some work today. We begin Aeromancer training today!"

They quickly dress, using a sheet as a partition, and make their way up to the deck. When they arrive, a fun sight awaits them. Upon the deck stands Marcos, bare chested, wearing his same trousers from the day before and a red bandana around his head. He grins when they spot him and he laughs, jovial and deep.

"Well, are you two ready to begin Aeromancer training?"

Notus and Meg both nod, Notus eagar and Meg just bored.

"Well, the first step is to take of your shirt."

"What?" Meg asks, her eyebrow raised

"It's an essential part of the training, trust me."

"Umm, I don't think so, perv." Meg growls.

A look of shock crosses Marcos face and he blushes, shaking his head.

"No, I don't have any intention such as that. You just need to be more wind dynamic. I have something that will cover you."

Notus nods in understanding but Meg is still a little suspicious.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, those shirts you wear right now are not good for training. Once you master the winds, then it won't matter. But for now, you have to wear something that will let you feel the wind more."

He walks over to a chest and opens it. He rummages around for a moment before pulling out two really interesting clothing items. One is a light leather vest, with ties in the front that cross over and over each other. The other is a sheer, silk, lavender colored shirt with no barely attached sleeves and is cropped short. MArcos hands the articles to Notus and Meg and nods.

"Those should fit just perfectly. Go on ahead and put them on. Also, come back with no shoes."

Notus shrugs and dodges behind a pole and changes rather quickly. When he steps back out, he is barefoot and meg is shocked. The leather vest clings to him, hugging his form. His arms, exposed fully, look more toned in the vest and the vest is loosely tied, the strings hanging from their ties slightly. The vest is open to reveal his chest slightly, but covers his scar well. Meg can't help but think that Notus looks rather attractive in this outfit.

"It fits perfectly." Meg states without thinking.

"Yeah." Notus grins, "It really does. And it looks good too. Well, I guess I'm ready. Shouldn't you change as well Meg?"

Meg groans but does so, dodging behind a pole as well. She pulls off her shirt and places on the outfit given to her by Marcos. Once it's on, she actually likes it. It's soft, gentle, and clean. It also has a strange scent of heather. Her midriff is exposed, and her upper arms are also slightly exposed as the sleeves are attached by only a few tiny fabric straps at the shoulder. The sleeves, are long, but cut off at the elbow and turn into flowing strands of fabric hanging at her wrist. She can't help but feel pretty in this.

"Hey Meg, are you ready?"

She groans and steps out, throwing off her shoes as she goes. When she steps out, Marcos says nothing, but just blushes, and turns away for a moment. Notus grins and slaps her arm when she gets close.

"You look great. That shirt suits you."

Meg actually smiles at Notus' compliment. She knew he meant it. They turn and face Marcos who has resumed facing them and has put his arms behind his back.

"Are we ready to begin?" he asks slyly.

Notus and Meg nod and Marcos grins. He steps forward with one foot, spreading his feet apart by a good distance. He extends his arms and begins to carefully wave them about, drawing them close to his body, extending one, then bringing the other close before sweeping it outward and raising it. He does this little dance around the deck, his arms flowing about him with very little resistance or any semblance of jerky movement. His steps are soft and light, never touching the ground for too long before moving. As he dances about, he speaks.

"To become an Aeromancer, you must first learn the ways of the wind, learn to move with it, to become one with it. The wind flows, moves about never stopping in one place for long before moving on. It is gentle, or it is rough, it his soft or it is loud. To know the wind, you must be like the wind. Do as I do."

Meg is a little lost and hesitant, but Notus shrugs and begins to follow in the dance. He must have been watching rather closely, as he begins to mimic each movement without much issue. Meg joins in, and the three begin to dance together. Meg can't help but think that Marcos was correct, wearing what she and Notus wear makes this much easier. Her movements are more fluid, more graceful. Marcos stops and lets Meg and Notus continue to dance around for a while longer. Finally, he speaks.

"Very well you two, that is enough for now."

When Notus and Meg stop, he grins and claps.

"You have gotten the hang of the dance, but I have two questions for you both. Notus, I will begin with you. When you danced, what was in your mind?"

Notus looks stumped, surprising Meg, and after a moment, he speaks, a little solemn.

"Nothing was in my mind. I was lost in the movement, letting the movement consume me. I didn't have the time to think of anything else. When something popped into my mind, it floated away within a second." He states, surprise on his face.

"Good, did you feel the same way Meg?"

"Actually, yeah. I didn't really have anything on my mind. I was enveloped in the dance itself."

"Perfect. That is exactly what I wanted to hear from you both. Now for my second question. Meg, what did you feel as you danced?" Marcos asks slyly.

Meg thinks for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts on the dance.

"Well, I felt peaceful, light and airy. I felt the way my body moved with little hesitation. It was as if I was the wind itself. I could feel the air around me on my skin as I dance, albeit there wasn't much. I could feel the cloth resisting the movement, but it flowed with me. I felt, like the wind was who I needed to be." Meg states softly, her words true in her heart.

"And you Notus, what did you feel?"

"I believe that Meg has just stated everything I could have hoped to convey."

"Perfect. Then you are ready to move on to the next step. But first, go have some lunch."

Marcos heads off to his cabin, leaving Notus and Megaera to go to the Mess hall. When they walk in, Mortem is waiting, lunch sitting on a table for them. They sit and grab some food. There's several selections, dishes native to several different lands but made in several taverns across the world. As they eat, Mortem stands there watching, smiling.

"So, how was the training so far?"

"Well Mortem, it was a little unusual, but also kind of fun." Meg states thoughtfully.

"I saw you two dancing on the deck. It was sight to see, for sure. Notus, I believe you began to dance right away. You seem to be a natural."

"Well, tha dancing was a little odd for me as well, but I have had to go to several balls in the Castle. I had to teach the young princes and princesses how to dance. Dancing is a skill I have learned through the years. This was no different."

"Well, regardless of that fact, you both did very well. You both seem to catch on rather quickly. I look forward to seeing you both being able to use wind. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go check on something. Pardon me."

Mortme leaves, a sly gleam in his eye, and once he leaves, Meg and Notus continue to eat in silence. Meg's mind is still racing from her dream. Although her mind was clear when dancing. Her dream was strange, but something about it strikes her curiosity. The name, Maximillian sounds familiar somehow, but she can't place it. This remains on her mind as she eats. Soon, her and Notus finish their lunch and they both head back to the deck where Marcos waits.

"Good, you both have returned. Now, this next part of your training will take a few days to perfect. It is not an easy thing to do, but we shall start off easy. Dance."

Notus and Meg begin to dance once more, and as they dance, a gentle breeze starts, and it flows with them, moving as they move. Meg sees Marcos moving his finger around gently, which answers the question of where the wind was coming from. They keep dancing, letting themselves fade into the dance as the breeze moves with them. They dance for a while, the breeze remaining gentle, but then, as the sun begins to go down, the breeze strengthens slightly, throwing off their rhythm slightly. It doesn't last long though, as within a few moments, they gain their rhythm once more and dance with the stronger breeze. They keep dancing with this breeze before it cuts off and they dance still.

"That's enough for today."

They cease dancing and stare at Marcos in annoyance.

"You did well with that today. This part of your training is meant to improve your fluidity with the wind. Each time you dance, the wind will grow stronger. You lost rhythm for a moment, but got back into it within a second. That is very good, but it will only get harder. Each time, I will increase the strength of the wind. The challenge will be to keep rhythm, to make sure that you will not be blown over, to ensure you remain with the wind. Eventually, you will be able to dance with winds much, much stronger than what you experienced today. You will also need to be able to dance against the wind. Once you can dance with and against winds to rival the strongest storms, then we will move on to your next step of training. Now, go eat dinner, and get some rest. I'm sure you are tired."

When he says that, Meg and Notus can immediately feel the tiredness in their bones and in their muscles.

"Oh, before you go, Meg I would like to have a word with you."

Meg registers shock before wary calm crosses her face and she turns to Notus who looks at her, concerned.

"It's okay Notus, go on ahead. I'll meet you there."

Notus nods and walks off, leaving Marcos and Meg alone on the deck.

"What did you need to speak with me about?"

"That boy, he's gone through such trauma hasn't he, being the Consort Child."

"How did you know about that?"

Marcos notices the look of danger on her face and waves his hand dismissively.

"Don't worry, I never listened in on your conversations, I promise. I knew he was the Consort Child because he told me. We talked when you were down below. Before you happened to walk up to see him in the air."

Meg relaxes a little, but concern still shines in her eyes.

"What did he tell you?"

Marcos sighs and look her in the eyes, his full of sadness.

"He did not tell me anything you should concern yourself with. He only stated that he was the Consort Child, that he was engaged to the eldest Prince, and that he was not very popular in town."

"Yes, that is very true."

"But the wind carries many things, speaks to those who listen. You see, my mother was an oracle. She was an Aeromancer, much like me, but she was a special Mancer, gifted with Sight. Some wind users are gifted with the Sight, and they are called Prophets of Aeolus. The wind will occasionally carry whispers of things, give you dreams that tell you things that need to be known."

"I see, and you have this gift?" Meg asks, curious.

"I do, and the wind has told me a few things about that boy. I am concerned for him, as there is a part of him that is broken, and for good reason. But the wind did not reveal to me why. Would you mind sharing why?"

Meg is cautious, but seeing the gentle concern in Marcos' eyes makes her cave and speak of Notus past, leaving out anything that could inflict upon their plans. When she finishes, Marcos sighs and looks off into the horizon.

"I thought that may be the case. He is such a bright boy, such a gentle soul. But that would scar even the most bright lights. But the wind carried a name that shakes me to the core, one I have not heard in several years."

"And what name would that be?"

"Maximillian."

Marcos glares at her as she jumps, startled.

"How do you know that name?"

"That name is the name of a powerful Mancer, one who once traveled through my homeland, and his name was very powerful. Even speaking his name gave the speaker a sense of pride. Until that name became cursed."

"Why was the name cursed?"

"Years ago, when I was but a lad of five, that name equated to traitor. The name was never to be spoken, never to be known in any light that showed respect of reverement. Anyone who spoke that name would be executed or worse, exiled to Shinara, the land of Red Souls."

"Why was it equated to traitor?" Meg asks, feeling a sense of urgency rising in herself.

"I cannot say. I was too young to remember why. I only knew that something was wrong with why. There was something suspicious, something my mother knew. She told me, "The name Maximillian will always be traitorous, but one day, the light of truth will shine upon the cause, and the name will regain its former glory." and then, my mother left."

"Why did she leave?"

"She went mad. A Prophet of Aeolus is given this gift of sight, but it also carries a curse. The gifted shall fall victim to the Madness, and their mind shall be shattered."

"Then you..."

"Yes, I will eventually lose my mind and I will be forever broken. When that time comes, I shall follow in my mother's steps and exile myself to the Land of Red Souls, eventually dying."

Meg is silent, being shaken at all of this information. But then, Marcos smiles gently and laughs.

"I've been aware of this since I was little. I know it will happen, and nothing can stop it. I have made peace with it. But the thing you need to know now is the Prophecy I was given in a dream last night."

"And what would that be?" Meg asks, sadness for this man in her voice.

"I received a dream of you and him, and he shall be swallowed by the darkness and fall from Grace. The prophecy tells that there is knowledge, forbidden knowledge that must be obtained, and you will have part in that. But that knowledge must not breach his ears, for if it does, he shall surely fall."

His voice is full of regret, full of sadness, and Meg can't help but feel sorry for this man. But this prophecy sounds strange to her and she feels as if it is pointless.

"Promise me Megaera, that if this time comes, you help him from the darkness. He has such light, such potential. I would hate to see him fall into that darkness, one that he may never escape from. I ask this not as your teacher, not as your captain, nor as a prophet. I ask this as a friend, as a fellow Mancer. I ask this from my heart."

Marcos turns to face Meg and she can see he really cares, that Notus holds something in his eyes, something Meg recognizes instantly.

"He reminds you of someone, doesn't he?" she asks gently.

"Yes, he does. So, will you try to protect him, as his friend and ally?"

Meg nods, solemn and uncertain. It is enough for Marcos as he smiles and turns to walk away.

"You should get going. I'm sure Notus will be waiting for you in the Mess Hall."

He leaves and Meg is left standing there, information swirling in her brain. All of this is strange to her, but somehow, she feels this connects to her dream last night. She shakes it away and leave to find Notus in the Mess Hall. When she walks in, Notus is talking with Mortem who watches him closely, intrigued by something. She walks over to be greeted.

"Hey Meg, I was just talking to Mortem about the properties of my Cryomancery."

"I was intrigued by it. Heat doesn't seem to affect his casting much." Mortem states calmly.

"Well, It is rather intriguing I suppose. Now, I believe we should eat and then get to bed. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow, much more training." Meg says without much emphasis.

They both shrug and Meg sits down to dig into the food. As they eat, Mortem simply watches over them. Finally, Meg finishes eating and steps away to head to bed, leaving Notus and Mortem alone in the Mess Hall once more. Notus sighs and focuses on Mortem.

"Now that she's gone, we can continue on our conversation. Tell me Mortem, why do you stare at me, as if you remember something from long ago. I can see it in your eyes."

His tone is cold and pointed, and Mortem sighs, calm in his voice.

"You remind me of someone I once knew, that is all."

"Yet you are watchful of me and Meg, watching our interactions carefully. Do you still not trust me?"

"Young Notus, you misunderstand me. Whether or not I trust you is not the principle at hand. You have already proven yourself an ally to Meg, and that is enough for me. Why I watch you both so closely is that your friendship reminds me of one from long ago, one I have not thought of in many years."

"And you will not tell me?" Notus growls coldly.

"No, I will not. It is a memory I would have rather forgotten. It is a memory that even Vindex has forgotten. I would rather let you remain ignorant of that memory."

Notus stares at Mortem angrily.

"Why Mortem? Why do you refuse to tell me?"

"It is not my place." Mortem states without emotion, "I cannot tell you Notus, It simply is something I cannot do. Vindex does not know of what I speak, and it is a good measure that he doesn't. I remember only because I was told by the mother of Megaera, and was sworn to secrecy."

"I do not care Mortem. If it has to do with me, it is my right to know."

Notus glares at Mortem and his hands glow with frost. The table freezes over as he glares and Mortem sighs, fixing Notus with a level stare.

"Notus Roland, I will not have you freezing the boat. You have ways to go before you are yet mature, in many ways. You will not gain the information I have, as it is forbidden. If you truly want to take over the kingdom, this memory will not help you. It will not help you, it will not hinder you, it will do nothing but embrace you in the cold darkness of reality that you so often run away from, lest you let anyone else know that truth. So, if you would not mind, be silent and end this line of questioning."

Mortems anger is deeply hidden in his calm voice. Notus can feel it, but he can also feel something even deeper, concern and pain. He can tell that Mortem truly cannot speak of his memory, and that it is deeply woven into his being. Notus can also feel that Mortem actually does care for him, so he lets out a sigh and clams himself, letting the ice melt with his anger. Finally, the tears come.

"Mortem, I am sorry. I am just so lost right now. I am uncertain if this path is the right one, or if it is leading me down a trail ending in my demise. I don't want to hurt Meg, I don't want her to feel as if she cannot rely on me. There's so much I don't know and so much I am uncertain of."

"Young Notus, I am very much aware of this. It is okay for you to feel this way. I cannot give you the answers you seek. I cannot tell you what is right or wrong, nor which decisions you should make. That is up to you to figure out. But I can tell you this, and it is certainly the truth. The Mistress truly cares for you, and she will remain by your side. If there is one thing I can say, it is that you are not alone, and that Meg will be there for you when you need her to be. Is that clear?"

Notus nods, his head swimming with questions and confusion, but it slowly fades as he stands and heads to his room to sleep. Meg is already asleep, leaving Notus alone with his thoughts. He looks to his finger, illuminated in the soft moonlight, to stare at the ring upon it. There was so much in his mind, so much he wasn't sure of. He would never tell Meg his doubts, never tell her how he was truly feeling about this voyage. He had mixed feelings, but his path was chosen for him long before he was even old enough to understand it. The ring is a painful reminder of this. But it also holds a chance for his future to become better. His mind rests on all of these thoughts as he slowly fades into his dreams.