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Ruin Explorers	By : yukisan Category: +M to R > Ruin Explorers (Hiky? Tanken Famu to ?r?) > Ruin Explorers (Hiky? Tanken Famu to ?r?) Views: 1023 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Ruin Explorers or the characters nor make any profit from this.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
Ruin Explorers

Chapter Seven: Abstruse Predicaments
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When she woke the next morning, the sun was just coming up, flooding light into her room. Ihrie grumbled as she got out of the bed to go wash her face. She knew it was going to be a long day and regretted drinking with Shigeo last night.
She turned and saw the gown she was to wear hanging across the room. She couldn't remember the last time she had even worn one so nice. 'Barmaid outfits don't count,' she reminded herself before moving to grab the garment. She would be relief after this day was over, and out of this damn dress, sitting at a bar with a drink in her hand.
Ihrie threw the fabric on the bed before moving to get the other shoes Shigeo had bought for her. 'Something else to be pissed about but at least they are flat,' she thought before pulling the dress on. It laced up the side and she pulled it as tight as she dared.
The sleeves only reached to her forearm, and the neckline wasn't cut too deeply. The only problem was the hem of the skirt. She moved to look in the mirror and saw that it only fell above the floor an inch or so. Grumbling, she slipped on the shoes and hung the necklace around her neck before checking her reflection again.
It was more than a surprise as Ihrie looked at herself in the mirror. It was like she was a different person. The sky blue of the fabric brought out her eyes and she now understood why Shigeo had picked it out.
A knock on the door made her jump and she took a deep breathe before walking to open it. She wasn't surprised to see the man standing on the other side, especially when he burst in a big grin. “Stop staring,” she told him before turning around.
“But you look really great. Can't I at least give you one compliment?” he asked, walking in and shutting the door.
“You just did,” she commented as she gathered her clothes, sticking them in her bag. She noticed that he had polished his armor. It amazed her at how good it made him look.
“You're uncomfortable,” he stated, watching for.
“It's that apparent?” she asked. She tossed the bag on the bed and grabbed her boots.
“Here,” Shigeo said, jerking them from her hands, “I'll take them, you might get something on your dress.”
“Don't start that,” she said. “This isn't something you are going to get to see a lot.”
He nodded as she picked the bag up and walked out the door. Shigeo followed Ihrie, watching her hips sway as her long ebony hair bounced back-and-forth and the fabric swished with her every step. It had been hard to believe that he had been traveling with her for almost three months. He was looking forward to seeing her around her friends. He had heard many stories from Fam. But Shigeo was also dreading her being around Lyle and his sword.
Ihrie could see Fam and Ava in their gowns. The yellow and white fit her friend. Ava's was red with green accents. Eros had even changed shirts, though it was still a dark green. The women chatted before Shigeo forced them to mount their horses. Then the men saddled up, packing their things as the women had to adjust to the new fabric. Ihrie was more annoyed that she was going to have to sit sideways for almost two hours.
They took an easy pace as the group left Austra. Shigeo kept his pace just behind her. Ihrie was beginning to wonder why he didn't want to speak to her. He had been friendly enough before they left. She sighed to herself and silently urged her horse to quicken the already slow pace.
Shigeo glanced at her before following her move. He heard the others behind them do the same before they crested a hill and saw the castle in the valley. He pulled the horse to a halt as Ihrie continued on. Fam passed him but Eros and Ava stopped beside the man.
“Wow,” Ava exclaimed in awe, “Fam said that everything was in ruins. How did it get repaired so quickly?” The woman turned to Eros.
“It's not complete,” he told her.
But Shigeo was impressed as well. The king had a good head on his shoulders if he was able to start bouncing back so quickly. Even the villages and farmland seemed to be ripening. The people hadn't looked hopeless or sick.? He heeled the animal under him into a light gallop, catching up to the woman in blue.
Ihrie heard him approach but kept her eyes on the castle. It was just like in her vision and dreams. 'Is it all true?' she wondered. The woman hoped to get something within those walls. She needed another lead. She remembered Deigan pushing her to speak to Lyle but know she was wondering if it was the sword he possessed that was the key.
A hand touched the necklace. It would explain why Shigeo gave her the jewelry. The sword had rejected her before but maybe now she had a chance to speak to it. She wanted to know what this new magic was and if it would lift her curse.
Fam's voice caught her ears and she thought about the years they had spent together. She had been happy to have her along and realized that she didn't want to spend her life alone. She had friends and was grateful for that. An excitement grew in her at the thought of being free from her curse but she quell it.
Shigeo came to ride beside her when they began their descent down the gentle slope to the community outside the castle's walls. They walked through an outer gate and Ihrie could see make-shift homes with booths set here and there. It was cleaner than she thought it should be and the people even looked happy. As they neared the inner gate, Shigeo took the led from her, stopping to speak to the guard. When she halted beside him, the soldier glanced at her and Fam before allowing them inside.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Lyle sat staring at the same empty space, listening to the fire crackle, while he was in deep thought. He needed to find a way around whatever was in the south. And to do that, he needed to find out what 'it' was.
“Father, please help me,” he whispered softly. The fire popped and embers flew into the air, falling down and fading before disappearing into the flames. He knew miracles didn't just happen, but sometimes it was nice to hope.
A knock on the door signaled Troue before he entered. “Your Highness, you have guests.”
Lyle's head popped up. “Guests? Who?” he asked.
“It appears to be related to the letters you sent out,” he replied, still in the dark about what was written inside.
“Excellent,” Lyle gleamed as he jumped out of his throne and ran past the secretary into the hall. He ignored the man's shouts of patience and dignity. Within two minutes, he was bursting through the front door.
He saw a group of horses and caught Ihrie's form. He took a few steps out and a man, with his arms up, came into view. Lyle stilled. His heart skipped a beat.
“Here,” he heard the man speak before he put his hands around her waist. Lyle could see her smile before the woman turned and saw him.
Ihrie immediately froze. Shigeo could feel the tension in her rise and glanced up to see a man with chestnut hair staring at him. He stepped back, recognizing the look on his face. His suspicions were not unfounded but it was still a bitter pill to swallow.
“Lyle!” Fam exclaimed as she ran to him.
He plastered on a smile and walked out to greet her. She threw herself at him, arms open, as he caught her. “Fam, it's good to see you,” he laughed at her excitement as he circled her in the air once.
“Get you squirrelly paws off of him!” Rasha's voice yelled as she came running from the stables behind Ihrie. The woman ran past them and all eyes followed her to watch the interesting scene they were sure would unfold before them.
“Who is she?” Ava asked as she walked up to Ihrie.
“Rasha,” came a male voice from behind them. Shigeo spun around to see a tall and well-built man standing only a few feet away.
“Miguel,” Ihrie spoke when she turned around. “How are things here?”
“You didn't receive Lyle's message?” he asked, surprised.
“No,” she shook her head, “what happened?”
“Trouble. So why did you come?” he asked.
“It's personal,” she snapped at him.
“Yeah,” he replied as he clearly let his eyes roam over her. “This should be interesting,” he muttered before walking around them.
The others watched their interaction with interest until Ihrie glared at them. “Shut up,” she told them as she followed Miguel.
Shigeo glanced at Ava and Eros before moving after Ihrie. He saw the tall man grab Rasha to try to calm her down before Fam taunted her. Ihrie yelled at her and the small woman hid behind Lyle. Normally, he would have laughed at the scene in front of him but he was focused on Ihrie.
Shigeo caught Miguel's eye and he could swear that he saw a tinkle when the man spoke. “Women, huh?”
“We should go inside,” Lyle suggested as his eyes connected with Ihrie's before he turned around and walked through the front door.
Fam, Rasha and Miguel followed him. Ihrie turned to Shigeo before waving the others over.
“Are you happy to be back?” he asked her, watching for her reaction.
“Fam's happier than I am,” she answered before moving through the threshold.
Shigeo had to take a deep breathe before he entered, Ava and Eros were behind him as they followed the precession of people to the dinning room. The group was clustered near a large table when he heard Lyle order food and wine before a maid scurried off.
“I don't think I've ever seen you in a dress, Ihrie,” Lyle spoke when she stopped within the group around him. They both had changed in the past few months but he hadn't expected something so drastic in Ihrie's case.
“She's never been in one,” Fam pipped up as she stood between Lyle and Rasha.
“Thanks, Fam,” she growled at her.
“I'm sorry I brought it up,” he commented, trying to hide his smile when the others finally walked up. “I don't believe we've met,” he spoke kindly to the trio.
“My name is Shigeo, My Lord,” he spoke, giving a slight bow for respect. Ihrie was surprised by Shigeo but kept it to herself.
“I am Eros and this is Ava,” the man spoke, both following Shigeo's action.
Lyle nodded before turning back to Ihrie. “Did you get my letter?” he asked.
“No,” she said and shook her head. She was curious to know what its contents were.
“So, what brought you here?” he asked, suddenly curious to know.
“Actually, I'd like to speak to you in private,” she told him. Everyone but Shigeo stared at her, while he watched Lyle.
Lyle nodded in understanding before several maids emerged from a door in the corner. “You must be hungry or thirsty, please sit and relax. I'll have someone get your rooms ready,” Lyle spoke as moved to the table, taking a seat.
The women put platters of meat, cheese and bread down as people began sitting in the chairs then poured them wine, leaving several jugs behind. Fam and Rasha sat on either side of Lyle, staking their claim to gain his attention. Ihrie sat by her friend and Shigeo was next to her with Eros and Ava on his right. Miguel sat next to Rasha, keeping his eye on the two men across from him.
The group ate in quiet conversation. Rasha and Fam were exchanging stories, trying to drag Ihrie into the excitement of being with them again. She gave short comments but could only think of Shigeo and Lyle being in the same room. It made her more nervous than she thought it would and she wanted to be anywhere else than here.
Within the hour, a man entered and spoke to Lyle. He caught Shigeo's eyes. He was skinny and had sharp features, and it was clear by his shaped dark chocolate hair and clothes that he was a high-ranking official in Lyle's court.
Lyle stood and drew Shigeo's attention before eyes focused on the man that had appeared. Their eyes met and dark brown eyes bore into his blue before words caught his ears.
“I will show you to your rooms,” he spoke. Everyone moved to stand up.
Shigeo glanced to Lyle then back to the man at his left side. It was clear that the official was not pleased with his king as the man walked toward the stairs. Rasha and Miguel gave their goodbyes as they exited through the door leading to the front entrance.
Fam bounced after Lyle as Ihrie followed. Shigeo glanced at Eros before trailing after the woman. Ava pulled on his shirt, getting his attention. He only shook his head and he pulled her with him. Both Shigeo and Eros knew that they were going to be watched, very carefully. It was clear to them when the man watched them go.
The group ascended the stairs and down a hallway that circled up on of the towers before Lyle spoke. “Rasha and Miguel's rooms are here,” he told them as he pointed to a door on the left, “and here,” he finished, pointing to the right. Fam noted Rasha's as they passed and Ihrie only smiled at her.
“Ava,” he spoke as she moved to open the door. The woman stared wide-eyed at the elegant furnishings. She turned to the others before thanking Lyle and shutting the door.
Eros laughed at her action. He could see the stars in her eyes.
“Eros, yours is across from Ava. I believe you would prefer it that way,” he said, understanding their connection was much like Rasha's and Miguel's.
The man nodded. “We are grateful for your hospitality, Your Grace,” he replied before retreating to his quarters.
Shigeo's brow rose at Eros' elegant words. There always seemed to be something that surprised him within the group he had come to know. He shook his head as they moved forward.
“Fam, this is yours,” he stopped at the next door. She opened it and turned to hug Lyle.
“I love it. Thank you, Lyle,” she said and smiled.
“I knew you would. I had one of the maids bring you some of the spirit stones that were found during the cleanup. Maybe you could help me find their family so they can be reburied,” he asked.
“Of course,” she agreed then shut the door behind her.
Ihrie knew it the minute Lyle spoke. For Fam, helping either was a no-brainer. She would said yes to anything Lyle asked. It irritated her but she knew Lyle's intentions were good. He only wanted to return the dead to their loved ones. They needed to be at peace.
Lyle turned to Shigeo and nodded. “Hopefully your room is up to standards to what you are accustomed to,” Lyle spoke genuinely.
“I'm sure it's fine, Your Highness,” he replied.
Ihrie looked at Shigeo, knowing that Lyle must see something that she hadn't, or know something she didn't. It bothered her but she had to remind herself that she could ask him anything she wished, she had simply chosen not to.
Shigeo felt Ihrie's stare and turned to glance at her. “Ihrie?” he spoke, laying a hand on her shoulder. “Are you feeling well?”
She smiled and nodded. “I guess I'm a little tired,” she lied, trying to cover her embarrassment and anger.
He nodded to Lyle before disappearing into his room.
Lyle turned to her and held out an arm. Ihrie looked at him but accepted as he led her around the corner and to her room. The two stopped outside as he opened the door. “I hope you feel better. Please get some rest,” he spoke as he let her go.
The woman glanced at him before moving through the threshold. She was surprised to see how richly the room was decorated. It looked more expensive than Ava's or Fam's. She turned to him. “I would prefer something, ah, less delicate,” she said carefully.
He laughed but leaned in toward her. “I think you look beautiful in that dress,” he whispered before leaving her to herself.
She watched him go before closing the door. Ihrie sighed before walking to her bed. She'd take a short nap then worry about everything when she woke.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ihrie heard a familiar calling her and she turned to find Deigan smiling at her and gesturing for her to come. She glanced back and saw the castle in the valley before the woman walked to the elder.
“Master Deigan,” Ihrie spoke when she neared him.
“Ah, I see you are wearing the necklace. That's good,” Deigan told her as he led her to the table. The grassy knoll and castle faded into his study around them. “Now, tell me why you have stopped your training.”
Ihrie stilled, caught off-guard. “I want to know why there's an initiation spell,” she told him. “I'm not going to learn anymore if you can't explain why I need to know such a spell.”
He nodded, understanding that she knew more than he had realized. “What I am about to tell you is something you must keep to yourself, child.” He shifted the papers on the table and dragged one out, handing it to her. “Lesesra is our goddess – the source of where my magic, and yours, come from. You must pledge allegiance to her if you are to learn any more, dear Ihrie.”
“But I don't even know this goddess, how am I suppose to be loyal when I have no clue about her?” she asked. “You can't expect me to agree without knowing anything.”
“I understand,” he replied. Deigan shuffled to a bookcase and pulled a small-bound red book out. He moved to stand before her, handing it to the woman. “This is about Lesesra. If you wish to know, then read it. I will answer any questions you may have,” he told her.
“Thank you,” she replied. Her fingers caressed the front cover. “But I still don't understand how Lyle is suppose to help me. What do I ask him?”
The sound of knocking jerked the woman up out of bed. Ihrie looked around, confused before the knocking gained her attention. She slipped off the bed, she heard a thump under her. She looked and saw the red book. Ihrie picked it up before opening the door to see Shigeo.
“Did I wake you?” he asked, noting the sleepy-eyed look on her face.
“No,” she replied, shaking her head.
“You're a bad liar, Ihrie,” he told her as he entered. “Lyle has insisted that you change,” he told her as he went to open her wardrobe.
Ihrie moved to stand behind him and gasped at all the garments that were hanging up. “I'm fine in this,” she said.
“Well, you may be, but it seems there's a banquet in our honor.”
“Banquet? What banquet?” she asked. “Is that why you're so shiny again?”
“I suppose so,” he laughed, grabbing a dark blue gown.
“Your undershirt looks better with the armor,” she spoke, noticing the golden yellow brought out the gold designs. They popped from the black background.

He turned and studied her a moment before handing her the fabric. “Thank you,” he whispered as he leaned in and kissed her lightly. “Hurry and change before they eat all the food,” he told her, pushing the woman off into the other room to change.
Within twenty minutes, the two were descending the stairs and into the large dinning hall. They could see everyone at the table before Ava waved at them. Heads turned to look at the duo.
Lyle's breathe caught and he had to take a sip of his wine to regain himself. She was absolutely stunning in anything she put on. He briefly wished that she would choose to stay. He stood when they neared the table, causing everyone else to stand. “You look well,” he spoke modestly.
“Thank you. It seemed I needed rest,” she told him as Shigeo helped her into her chair.
The looks between Lyle and Shigeo went unnoticed by the female but Eros and Miguel caught the tension.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
- 7
- 8
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Ruin Explorers