The Forgotten Zodiac

"Oh...okay." Cyprus nodded. "I can give you your old form back...I can do that. It won't be hard, b-but...I need more magic to do it. Sorry..." He looked down, ashamed of himself. They walked to the castle and weren't stopped by the guards at the gate. Aside from that...there weren't really any other guards to deal with.

Inside, however, there was a fight going on. Thankfully only verbal. Forin had found Diana to be missing, and he had immediately woken everyone up. He was being a bit of a bully; Spy was whining and complaining and begging to be allowed to fall asleep. Ophile was barking at Forin on his behalf, but the Tartaran was having none of it. "You get your rear in gear and track Diana down NOW, you useless Chimera!" Forin was yelling as they approached the guest rooms.

"FOUND HER." Spy yelled right back, pointing at the approaching group. He then turned and stalked grumpily back to his pillow to sleep again. Forin took one look at them and immediately looked furious.

"What are you doing with her?! Diana, come here," He snapped, relieved when Naybrin let her run to him.

"He stole me!" Diana wailed, pointing at Cyprus. "While I was asleep, he took me away!" She sobbed. "H-he had a knife, too..." It wasn't exactly her fault she was tattling. Naybrin hadn't exactly bothered to explain what was going on.

So of course, when Forin drew Vorpal, Cyprus had a small panic attack and hid behind Naybrin, a chorus of 'memememe' slipping past his trembling lips.

Naybrin sighed heavily, then slowly and calmly walked forward, pushing Forin's arm down and saying "Young Tartaran, please allow me to explain everything that's happened here. Maybe over a cup of tea, perhaps? That sounds absolutely delightful, to me. A real cup of something, instead of several gallons."

Luen, who was currently comforting Diana, stared in shock at the tall man. "Who...who are you?" he said, blinking. He knew that voice, but...

Naybrin merely smiled, saying "If you come and hear us out, you'll discover who we are, now won't you? Come long, lad." He put a hand on Cyprus' shoulder and they headed off, walking very slowly.

((Werr will sense their connection and know instantly who it is. xD))

Forin was greatly confused. First of all, there was a strange but familiar man facing them. Inviting them to drink tea. Secondly, the man the first was pushing along...the way that his eyes shifted color like that was also familiar. Forin felt as though he should know, but he shook it off and decided to follow. At any rate, the man with the odd eyes was nowhere near young enough to be called 'lad', though he seemed to act like it.

Diana held hands with both Forin and Luen, knowing that she was safe between them. Even though they were going somewhere to drink tea with strangers.

The kitchens were mostly unoccupied, but a single made was already boiling water for Izan's own late evening tea time. The maid was quick to usher them towards a small table in the kitchen, and she poured them steaming cups of a fine raspberry-flavored mint blend. It was quite delicious, a very calming blend that soothed Diana's nerves. And Cyprus', judging from the way he stopped trembling. Forin, however, was not so easily swayed. "Okay, here we are. Tea time. Explain," He said, not taking a single sip.

((:3 They should visit that room next. And then Cynyr's. Cyprus really will weep over Seria. xD))

"A moment, please, Forin," he said, ignoring their sudden blinks. They still didn't recognize him, so for him to know Forin's name had startled them. "I must figure out this cup. I would not like to spill it." He carefully put his hands around the cup and picked it up, ignoring the handle. He slowly put it to his mouth and took a drink, gasping and jerking slightly when he found out how hot it was. "Amazing!" he proclaimed at once. "I've burnt my tongue! This has never happened to me before." He was a bit more careful about taking another drink, but once he was satisfied, he began his story.

Within the first minute, Luen guessed his voice right off, especially when he recognized Naybrin's older way of speaking.

Naybrin merely smiled and said "You're very intuitive, little kirin," then went on with his tale. Thirty minutes later, he was calmly sipping his tea and watching their faces for their expressions.

"Okay then," Forin frowned. "But I still don't understand why you--" The Tartaran threw his hand forward, pointing at Cyprus. His finger stopped an inch away from the Demigod's nose, but the reaction was alarming (and somewhat hilarious). He pushed himself away from the table so violently that he toppled to the floor, the chair depositing him on the floor.

"Mememememe," The Demigod whimpered the only words that Forin understood from his mouth. Cyprus sheepishly climbed back to his feet, tilting his chair upright again and sitting down slowly, pushing Forin's hand away from him.

"Tch...I don't understand two things. Firstly, why the heck won't he say anything other that...that? That's not natural, far from it. Secondly, why did he think it was a good idea to take Diana away from me, turn you into a human, and then try to kill you both? How on earth would that be beneficial to ANYONE?"

"Meeee..." Cyprus looked down again, still ashamed of himself over his hastiness. "I don't like him very much...he yells a lot, Naybrin..."

"I'll ask you to cease yelling at him," Naybrin said, sipping at his tea. "He acted on impulse and is ashamed of his actions. And you cannot understand him because mortals aren't meant to communicate with gods. Even if it is a demigod." He downed the rest of his tea in a few big gulps, licking his lips in a dragonish move. "And I rather like being human," he said with a grin and a wink. "Despite desperately needing my old form back." He sighed, then said "Do not be angry, Forin. Yemara is a serious threat. I remember back in the day...but I won't trouble you with that story. It is very long and arduous." He stood, saying "Allow me to become use to walking again before sleeping. I'm very, very awake right now." He purred loudly, then had Cyprus help him stand and said "Careful now, I'm dreadfully old."

"So am I," Cyprus said with a small smile. Forin sighed and scooped up Diana, who was drooping and drifting off to sleep.

"Well, we're going back to bed. You do what you need to, Naybrin. Just...keep him away from us." He snapped, walking past them and back to the guest rooms. Cyprus watched him go, then let out a heavy sigh.

"He does not like me, either." The Demigod shuffled his foot, shaking his head. "Still..." He looked down, then let out a loud yelp as Ophile materialized in front of them.

"Please don't be startled, your great," The wolf shook himself off. "And you can save the story, Naybrin, I was listening. Forgot I was invisible, though. And you," He sniffed Cyprus' hand, but moved away before the Demigod could pet him. He didn't think it would do anything but hurt him to try and absorb the memories of Cyprus. "You're welcome in my book. Sorry about Forin, though...you kind of got off the wrong foot with him. At any rate," He stood and turned away, hurrying off. "I'll tell whoever's awake what's going on."

"Oh, um, uh...thank you!" Cyprus called after Ophile. But of course, as the wolf couldn't understand him, there was no response. "Well...at least some people don't mind me...right?"

Naybrin bobbed his head rapidly up and down in a dragon nod, then said "Let us continue, shall we?" They continued on their way until they made it to Werr, Welk and Lexi's room, where Naybrin pushed the door open. "Hello?" he called, noting that they were still sleeping. "Hmm. Perhaps another ti-" His voice was cut off as Welk woke instantly and leapt out of the room, snarling savagely as he slammed into Naybrin and bowled the two over. They landed out in the hallway, with Naybrin staring up at the large lion, who said "Who are you?!"

((Also, will Seria be able to understand Cyprus? .3. Dunno how else he'll comfort her over her lost child...))

Werr was next to wake up, woken by Cyprus' screeched 'mememe's. "W-Welk, don't!" He yelped, dragging his lion friend away from the now-human king. "Leave him alone, don't hurt him! That's Naybrin!" He moved between the half-cat and the first king.

Cyprus saw something at once. "Naybrin! You formed a heart bond! Oh, that's so exciting...it's strong, too," He looked from Werr to Naybrin, smiling widely now. That smile faded quick as Werr looked at him, then spoke.

"Uh...I don't know that guy." Werr blinked, moving aside to let Welk past. "You can eat him."

"No, don't eat me!" Cyprus ducked behind Naybrin.

((Sure. We'll say she's one of the select few that can.))

Welk fidgeted and frowned up at Werr, rubbing up against him several times and frowning at Naybrin, as if the dragon was some sort of invasion of their own bond.

Naybrin allowed Cyprus and Werr to help him up, saying "Cyprus, I have no intentions of letting you be eaten." He smiled at Werr, saying "So you could not be decieved, eh? Smart lad. Though the raroktorak probably didn't help with that." He stared down at himself for a moment, then grinned and Werr felt excitement flood through him. "Werr! Look at this!" he said giddily. "I have hands now!" He proceeded to put his hands on either side of Werr's face, smiling widely. "I can touch you! Oh, isn't this amazing? Of course, I'm weak and vunerable in this form; I have no fire or claws or teeth and I can't fly you all anywhere. But Cyprus will right this wrong later, he says. Oh, I forgot to introduce you to him. Werr and Welk, this is Cyprus, the demigod of life. Do be nice, yes?" He was touching Werr's arms, shoulders and hair obsessively, still fascinated with everything.

((Don't see how else he could help her. xD))

Werr laughed a bit and pushed Naybrin off, then looked down at Cyprus. "Demigod of life? So you're like...the opposite of Death, then?"

Cyprus wiggled his hand to indicate 'sort of'. Of course, Death wasn't a demigod; it was technically a universal, ethereal being. Cyprus being neither of those. Cyprus wasn't Life itself, either. Rather, the spawn of Life and the Goddess. He was still subject to the old laws, he was still physically able to die. As for his powers, he was more of a...nurturer, than anything else.

"Can you...not talk?" Werr blinked.

"I'm pretty sure you won't be able to understand it," Cyprus tilted his head to the side.

"That's...a no, then," The king smiled a bit, straightening up. All he had heard was a small squeaking, like a mouse or something. "Well, no matter. If you're a friend of Naybrin's, you're a friend of ours." Cyprus beamed at that, grateful that facial expressions didn't change with every language.

Naybrin bobbed his head, saying "Exellent!" The tall man threw his arms to the side and immediately swayed, nearly falling over. Cyprus and Werr had to grab his slender arms in order to prevent him from falling down. "Oh dear," Naybrin said, rubbing his stubbled chin thoughtfully once he was settled. "I must get used to this form, and quickly. But for now, I need to rest. I am very tired." He moved past into Werr's room and over to his usual pillow, which, even though he set down on it, obviously wouldn't work out anymore. With all of his clothes still on (he thought they were some sort of second skin), he curled up on his pillow and closed his eyes, exhaling softly as he fell asleep instantly.

Welk shook his head slightly, then noticed that Lexi had just remained on her bed the entire time. "Lexi?" he called, seeing that she was staring out the window at the moonlit night. "Are you okay?"

She didn't answer him, still staring out the window and blinking slowly.

Werr shut the door (leaving Cyprus to stare at it on the other side), turning to face Lexi. "Hey...you okay?" He said softly, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Come on, let's go back to sleep. It's late." He gave her a quick pat, then returned to his bed, though he watched Lexi for a few minutes more before lying down himself.

"B-but...Naybrin..." Cyprus stammered, his tiny voice lost to the door. Ten hours. The First King underestimated how much magic it had drained him to get them all from one place to the next. Turning Naybrin human had taken a full day away, in itself. Cyprus, afraid of not waking up, decided that he wouldn't be sleeping. He stood and wandered away, finding another door. Doors...Cyprus understood the concept, but he had never opened one himself before. He slowly did so, finding himself looking in on Cynyr and Seria's room.

((Naybrin's only going to sleep for an hour, like he said. :3 ))

Lexi blinked suddenly, giving a small gasp when Werr touched her, then nodded and slid back into her bed, falling asleep quietly.

This time, Cyprus found himself pinned to the ground, but by a huge black panther instead of a lion.

Cynyr snarled at him, having been awake from the moment he had heard voices down the hallway. "Who are you and what are you doing in our room?" he spat, his ears shoved back against his head. "Better start talking," he hissed, holding a thick paw down on Cyprus' neck and starting to extend his claws. "Or else I'm gonna-"

"Cynyr!"

Seria darted forward and put her arms around his neck, pulling him off of the man. "Stop it!" she said, glaring at him.

"What?" he snapped. "I was trying to protect you, just in case."

"Well don't," she said, moving forward to help Cyprus up.

Cynyr snorted and growled, then said "Fine. Whatever." He turned and stalked out of the room, saying "Maybe I'll just sleep with my brothers."

"Fine," she answered, turning and walking back over to the bed, where she sat down and sighed.

Both were on the verge of tears.

((Cyprus forgot. xD))

Cyprus looked from Cynyr to Seria, then back at the half-cat who was stalking away. He sighed heavily, then looked at Seria again.

Then he promptly burst into tears. He hugged Seria tightly, weeping quietly. "I'm so sorry..." He whimpered, hugging her for all he was worth. He knew that she wouldn't be able to understand him, but he continued anyways. "A lost child is a terrible, terrible thing...I'm so, so sorry for your loss..." He pulled away and suddenly pressed his face to Seria's stomach. "You can still bear children, that's such a relief..." He then turned bright red and pulled away, giving a short burst of 'mememe's. "Sorry, I, uh..." He hung his head, wringing his hands nervously.

Seria blinked several times, and she turned red too when Cyprus put his face to her stomach, but she calmed down quickly, even though she looked even closer to crying than before.

"P-please, don't cry," she said softly, moving her hands up in a sort of surrendering motion. "Don't cry. I...I've gotten over the loss, you see. I know it was my fault, and I've tried to make up for it as much as I can. I...don't care if I can have more children or not, though. I'm never going to try again..." She sighed, then said "How did...you know?"

"Eh? You...can understand me?" Cyprus brightened up immediately. "I know because I'm Cyprus. The Demigod of Life. I'm sorry for being so abrupt, I kind of...follow my instincts a little too closely sometimes. The death of an infant still in the womb is...tragic. One can't simply 'get over' a loss like that." He looked up at her, smiling. A sad, small smile. "That's how I know that you're lying. I understand not wanting to try again...but it isn't your fault, you know. You didn't kill it...did you?" His expression quickly turned to fear as he realized that she was a healer. Easily, she could be a killer. Healers knew spells to end life quicker than to save it.

"No!" Seria shouted at once, horrified. "Why would you ever say that?! I wanted this baby with everything I had in me! But there was an attack and I got hit by an enemy, and that blow killed my unborn baby before I could ever see it! I wanted this baby desperately, but I couldn't have it!" Tears streamed down her cheeks as she said "I never want to have another baby because I don't want to lose it, and I don't even want to be married to Cynyr anymore because he deserves better. He deserves a family...and I can't give him one..." She put her hands over her face and started crying, sobbing into her hands.

"If you wanted it with everything you had...if you truly wanted it..." Cyprus said, and paused. For a long moment, Seria thought he might say, 'then you would have protected it better', or 'then it shouldn't have died'. But no. "Then it wasn't your fault. It wasn't. There was no way it was your fault, especially after hearing that story." He grabbed her by the arms, pulling her hands away from her face. "I've always marveled at mortal mothers. How they tend to their young so diligently. How the miracle of a life birthed into the world is so dependant on people like you..." He hugged her again. "You can give him a family. You can give him a child, you're still physically capable of bearing one. I understand why you're upset...I know how it feels, in a way...but that doesn't mean you can just give up. I don't even know your name," He let out a small little laugh. "But I don't even care! I only want people to be happy, and you...you aren't happy."

Seria stared up at him for a long moment, then absolutely broke and leaned against him, sobbing into his arms. She cried for a long time, then pulled away and sat down on the edge of the bed, wiping her eyes. She didn't say anything for a long moment, then finally whispered "...Thank you..." She sniffled quietly, staring down at her hands, then said "You can sleep in here. I...I need..." She looked towards the door, where Cynyr had gone.