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crazkoala

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       A sad smile played along Fate’s lips as he watched the scene unfurl around him, shielded by the shade of an old oak. The griffon pranced about the cliff’s clearing like an excited child, kicking its back paws behind it joyously as it leapt forward. The golden day light enhanced its already beautiful features. It brought out the rich browns of its feathers and polished the bronze lion fur. What entranced and amused him so, though, was not the griffon.

       Perched atop its winged back was Ivory, luxurious lips open in carefree laughter. Her shocking violet eyes gleamed joyously, arms wrapped around the griffon’s neck in order to keep from falling. Lengthy dark hair lashed back in the wind as the griffon burst into a sprint. It slowed, bounding high into the air, its chick-like chirp showing its obvious joy in so much attention. With its beak, it turned around and snatched a strand of Ivory’s hair from the air.

       Ivory’s laugh chimed around him in a song, and Fate hung desperately to every note, knowing he would never be able to hear anything like it again… Her gaze fell on Fate, such happiness showing clear in those stained-glass eyes. It pained Fate to know that he would be the one to demolish it. With a clever whisper, Fate attempted to redeem himself for the moment.

       A cheerful screech resounded from the griffon as it heeded Fate’s words. Ivory’s eyes widened in hastened shock when the griffon made a steadfast dash toward the edge of the cliff. Her thrilled scream caressed Fate’s ears and he saw her arms tighten around the Griffon’s neck. Without a second glance, it vaulted from the lip of earth and into the heavens. Its open wings caught the air, and beating them in short powerful bursts, it rose to the clouds; Ivory amidst. Her laughter never died.

       With a shrill whistle, Fate called them back. Obediently, the griffon turned, wings slicing through the air and feet prepared for landing. Alighting on the ground in the thud of running feet, it slowed to a halt in front of Fate, rustling his shaggy hair in a backwind. Ivory rolled from its folded wings onto the ground, giggling hysterically. After she had gathered herself, she crawled the short distance to join Fate in the shade, a bright smile enlightening her face.

       She settled beside him, legs drawn to her chest, resting her head on his chest. Fate felt her relax and her breathing fall into even normality. The silk of her obsidian hair cascaded along the bare skin of his torso. He let his head fall onto hers, and pressing a kiss there, he let himself fade into temporary bliss.

       “I have something for you,” he said after a moment. She sat up, taking his hand in her own and brushing her lips against his palm. Every hair on his body stood on end and he relished the sensation.

       “And what would that be?” she grinned, biting her lower lip with the edge of her teeth. Fate brought forth the makeshift necklace. Her eyes glistened, expression sincere. A heartfelt smile touched her lips, accompanied by a faint blush. He let it fall onto her lap, were it sat on the fabric of her dress for a hesitant moment. “I can’t take this,” she murmured, lifting it tenderly in her hand and extending it back to him.

       “No, I want you to have it,” he insisted, taking the necklace from her and tying it behind her neck. It rested beautifully in the hollow of her neck. “It’s something to remember me by.”

       Ivory’s face fell and both confusion and the shadow of sadness dimmed the light in her eyes. To Fate, it was like a slap in the face, but it was unavoidable despite the pain. “Remember you?”

       Fate nodded, resisting the urge to tear is eyes from hers.

       “I don’t understand… I can remember you fine if you’re right beside me…” her eyes fell to the ground, and looking hurt, they flashed up to him again, tears welling within them. “You are staying with me aren’t you?” Fate remained silent, pain clawing along his body. “Aren’t you?”

       “Ivory, please understand. If they find you, they will torture you until you beg for death and even then they will keep you alive to force my loyalty to them… and I will not be responsible for your pain. I have to go back, and obey them willingly… or they will make your life hell.” Fate’s voice cracked on the very last word, and he said no more.

       Ivory stood and her feet glided toward the verge of earth and sea. Her dress wavered slightly in the rising wind. Her back was to him when she spoke, her voice so hysterically outraged it frightened him. “Fate, you have a gift. A beautiful talent that lives on only through you! And you are letting them control you to abuse that gift for tainted actions like some… some lovesick coward!” she lashed around to face him, fists clenched and eyes burning with rage.

       Stunned, Fate shook himself out of his silence. “Ivory—”

       “NO! the only thing binding you to them is my life! The only thing holding you back is my own hands…” Her gaze never wavered as she took a step away from Fate and toward the edge of the cliff.

       Fate’s heart started in his chest and began to beat frantically. He jumped hurriedly to his feet and took a couple of rushed steps toward her, but with each of his she stepped further away. The distance to the edge was shortening immensely with every movement. “Ivory, what are you doing?”

       Ivory forced away her sobs, tears streaming down her face. She looked more afraid then Fate had ever seen her. “You are capable of great things Fate. Things unimaginable to you because you don’t have confidence in your own potential… I am letting go of you… so fly free. Because I will not be remembered as the one who destroyed the beauty of the last enchanter… Goodbye Adonis… I love you.” Her eyes drifted to a close, shielding both herself from the world and the world from herself.