Blood dripped down her arm as she hung over the cliff. “You have to let me go.” She pleaded, “Just let me go.”

Zane just tightened his grip, “We got this far, I’m not giving up now.”

Ayra struggled to gain purchase on the rock wall, “You’re injured Zane, you can’t keep holding on.”

“You don’t get to give up, not now. You’ve sacrificed to much. There’s too much at stake.” Zane dragged her up another inch.

Ayra found another foothold and tried to push herself up but slip an slid down again. Zane gasped in pain as he held on. Tears stung Ayra’s eyes. How much longer could they both survive this.

The night grew darker around them as Zane fought against the spell trying to claim them. As Ayra became more exhausted she stopped trying to find footholds and climb out. When he saw the that Arya was giving up, Zane been chattering about random things, trying to encourage both of them.

“How can you talk about food at a time like this,” Ayra snapped, so exhausted she barely knew what she was saying, “I suppose this whole effort is a joke to you. I should have known, you are the tyrant’s son after all.”

Zane didn’t respond, he only redoubled his efforts to pull her up.

“Nothing to say?” Ayra spat, “Isn’t that convenient.”

“If your so angry, why don’t you tell me to my face. Or are you scared?” Zane taunted.

The wind howled around them, as Zane fought against his own pain and exhaustion.

“I’m trying,” Arya growled, not realizing that she was steadily making her way up the cliff. Fueled by her anger Ayra finally made her way to solid ground.

Zane collapsed beside her, panting heavily. He looked at Ayra with a mix of exhaustion and relief, and managed a weak smile.

When Ayra recovered, she glared at Zane, “You tricked me.”

Zane laughed tiredly, “It worked.”

Ayra forced herself to her feet and held out a hand to Zane. As soon as they were both standing, they felt the pain of the curse.

Zane closed his eyes, “It won’t let us both leave.”

“I should stay, you’ve sacrificed more than enough.” Ayra murmured.

Zane gently pushed her away from the cliff’s edge, “You have to go, you have to be the one to return. The people would never believe their oppressor’s son.”

Ayra swallowed a sob, “Please Zane, don’t ask me to leave you.”

Zane smiled sadly, “I’m at peace with this, you can go.”

He pressed a hand to the ground, near the eerily glowing talisman, “I, Zane, of the Lions tribe offer myself instead of Ayra.”

The talisman flared, and Zane collapsed to the ground in pain. His wounds had ripped open and were bleeding badly.

Ayra fell to her knees next to him, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry for everything.”

Zane turned his head to her, “Why are you sorry, I chose this.”

Ayra smoothed his hair away from his eyes, “I'm sorry for the things I said. You are nothing like your father. I'm honored that I got to know you.”

Zane's eyes slipped shut, “I'm glad I didn't drag you back to my father when he ordered me to. I would have missed so much. Thank you, for showing me that there was more than the constant discipline and and fighting.” Zane sighed, “I only wish I could have seen more.”

Ayra shivered, unsure if it was the cold or the scene before her. Zane deserved so much better than to be treated coldly his whole life and then to die just as he had a glimpse of happiness.

Zane's eyes opened, they were filled with tears, “It hurts.”

Ayra took his hand, “What can I do.”

“T-tell them, when you return, what happened. Please, I want at least one of my people to be remembered for something other than violence.”

“Oh Zane, of course I will.”

Zane winced, struggling to draw in a breath, his eyes earnest and pained “Promise?”

Ayra nodded firmly, “I promise.”

Zane smiled, “Good.” His hand went limp in Ayra’s and his eyes slipped shut.

Ayra gently placed his hand on his chest and stood, “Goodbye Zane.” She wished she was able to do more but the ground was hard and rocky and she had nothing to dig with.

As she turned away, Ayra made a silent vow to honor Zane's last request.

Ayra made the rest of the journey in shock, wondering what had happened. She arrived back at the base near nightfall and was lauded as a hero. The people gathered around asking many questions. As many times as she tried to bring up Zane, the people shut her down. They told her that there was no way the son of a tyrant could have helped her.

Using the information that Zane had given her and with pain in her heart, Ayra helped lead her people to safety. Once they were finally established Ayra was asked to address her people. She vowed to try once again, to show Zane as a hero and not just a villain and the tyrant’s son.

She mounted the platform and faced the crowd. Opening her mouth she prepared to speak.

“Don't you dare say anything about that boy,” a low voice behind her threatened.

Ayra’s heart shattered yet again, even if she tried no one would listen.

Amidst the roaring applause, a silent tear fell, reflecting the story she could never tell.

I approached the crash site with caution, wondering what our enemies were doing so far into our lands. Would this be the start of a war? The state the airship was in made it highly unlikely that there were any survivors. I had my orders if there were however, if they were dying leave them to die and if I was able, bring in someone for questioning. Taking a deep breath I stepped in the wreck. Shining my light around the dim space i instantly saw that at least half of the crew had died. Bodies were strewn about and blood covered the floor. Steeling myself, I moved further in. When I stepped into the control room of the ship I began to hear harsh breathing. Someone was alive.

“Where are you?” I called.

A sharp breath, “Here. Please come, help.”

I shone the light in the direction the voice came from a saw a young man, perhaps a few years older than me lying on the floor badly wounded. Remembering my orders, I turned to walk away.

“Please, please don’t leave.” He begged.

“Give me one good reason that I should stay.”

He shifted, trying to turn to me but was stopped by a harsh coughing fit, blood spattering his lips.

“I-I know I shouldn’t ask anything from you.” A tear raced down his cheek, “I don’t want to die alone.”

My defences crumbled and I knelt next to him.

“It’s okay,” I attempted to be soothing, “I won’t leave.”

His eyes slipped shut, “Thank you.”

I sat in silence for a time until he moved again, face twisting in pain.

“Hurt’s. It hurts.”

I battled with myself, I knew I could not only end this but also save him. I hated these thoughts because he was the enemy, but right now he was scared and In pain and looked far too young to be caught in the endless fighting between the nations.

Finally decided, I placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m going to heal you, I’m going to take away the pain.” I said quietly.

He flinched, “Y-you can’t. You might be exiled from your people.” He struggled to draw in a breath, “I’m not just one of the crew, I’m their prince.”

I recoiled, standing up and turning away how could I help the enemy prince. My people would despise me. But how could I leave, he was willing to giving up his only chance to not die alone and in pain.

I looked back at the prince, he lay curled on his side a hand pressed to his chest. He was shaking in pain tears falling silently. He made no noise, no motion to call me back, even in suffering.

I knelt back down, placing a hand on his shoulder again.

“It’s okay,” I murmured, “I understand the risk.”

I began pouring magic into him.

“Thank you, thank you.” He whispered.

I knew my magic was painful when I healed and I hated that to ease his pain I had to cause more.

He bit his lip, drawing blood, attempting to stifle any sounds of pain. Even with my assistance I could see him growing weaker, I was going to slow. I poured more magic into healing him, wincing as he jerked in pain.

“It’s okay, it’s going to get better, it’s okay.”

He stifled a sob, “Please. I-I can’t.”

“I’m sorry it hurts so much. But you can, you are strong enough to pull through this.”

He nodded, fresh determination in his eyes.

The gruelling process continued, exhausting both of us. I desperately hoped that I was strong enough to finish what I had started.

The prince's suffering seemed unbearable, but I refused to give up on him.

He continued to try and stay silent, even while shaking from the pain.

Finally I snapped, “You don’t have to remain so perfectly silent, you are in pain, I know. No one would blame you if you were screaming now.”

He seemed to take that as permission to break, sobs breaking free.

“It hurts,” He whimpered, “Just hurts. I’m sorry.”

After what seemed like forever, I had done what I could. If all went well the magic still swirling around him would finish healing him.

“Forgive my manners.” He laughed softly, “I don’t know your name. I am Ashe, prince of the lower kingdom.”

I relaxed slightly, “Lorelei, knight and protector of the kingdom of the sea.”

“How long before the rest of your company wonder where you are?” He tried to sit up and then flopped back down with a pained groan.

“Easy, easy.” I soothed, “You’re still healing.”

Ashe had a hand pressed to his newly mended ribs, face twisted in pain as he forced himself into a sitting position “You should go.” He ground out, “Before it becomes dangerous for you. Thanks to your healing I will be fine now.”

I reached out and gently squeezed his shoulder, “I’m not leaving. I started this thing and I plan to see it through. I’m going to make sure you live.”

“It’s not safe, you could be branded a traitor.”

“You nearly died, please stop trying to think of everyone else.”

He started to tremble, “M-my whole crew, they’re all dead aren’t they.”

I nodded, “I’m so sorry.”

He ducked his head, shoulders shaking as he cried.

I sat silently next to him a hand on his shoulder, sharing in his grief.

“What happens now?” He look at me with wide, tear filed eyes.

“We find you something to eat and a place to stay.”

“And then?”

“We live.”

“I don’t want to go home.” Ashe whispered.

“Then you don’t, that’s not your home anymore. You’ll have a new one.”

There is a child on the swing. A little girl, her hair matted and hiding her face, she wore a torn and dirty white dress and her feet were bare. I shivered as I watched, none of our neighbors have young children and she looked as if she had been abandoned. I stepped outside and walked over to her. The air was cold and there was still few on the grass. The healer street was empty and silent, everyone still in there homes and asleep.

“Are you lost?” I asked the girl softly as I approached.

She didn’t respond. As I got closer I heard her humming something that sounded like an old lullaby.

"Hello, are you okay? " I continued gently, trying to get a better look at her face as she continued to hum the haunting melody.

She slowly lifted her head and I flinched back as I looked into her blank, empty eyes.

“Can you help me?” She tilted her head, “Please help me.”

My hands were shaking, “H-how can I help you?”

“Please help me, it hurts.”

I started to back away. She stood up and moved toward me. Her movements were slow and uneven, and as she grew closer I noticed blood staining her white dress.

“Please…Please…Please, help me.”

Tears dripped from her eyes, and to my horror they were not normal tears but tears of blood. I stumbled back, horrified, as the little girl reached out to me with bloody tears streaming down her face.

“Everyone left me, but not you.” she laughed manically, “You can stay forever.”

Eu Tu Brute, your friend you have slain

Who have you now betrayed

Set in the stars your destiny is laid

You sleep in the bed that you have made

Come to regret the games you played

Thus falls Ceaser

The emperor is dead

The laurel leaves

fall from his head

Stab you in the back when you turn away

Your death and blood and price you pay

Beware the jealous flame they say

You’ve reigned too long you’ve had your day

Thus falls ceaser

tyranny is dead

Loyalty has left us

Marble bathed in red

I came and conquered my kingdom vast

Now the die has been cast

Day by day could this be your last

Your glory’s gone your time is past

Thus falls Ceaser

By hands of friends

The high and mighty

Meets his end

A/N This is a song I wrote for the play Julius Caesar. It was a challenge given to all of the English students and this is what I ended up with.

"No sister, please don't do this. I need you." Kristopher begged.

He and his sister Misty were at the top of Mount. Deboron, and he was desperately trying to keep Misty from grabbing the Sword of Eternal Darkness. After their father's death, Misty had broken down. Consumed by vengeance, she began destroying whole villages in her rage. At last, she had heard of the Sword of Eternal Darkness and decided that she needed it in order to avenge their father's death.

"Why shouldn't I? Everyone knows I'm a monster anyways." She growled.

"No Mist, you're not a monster. Please come home with me, I need you. I know you're hurting, Let me help you." Kristopher begged.

He could see the frozen tears running down her face, a product of her raging unpredictable magic. Her emotions were running wild and it made her magic completely unpredictable.

"The girl you once knew is dead, all I am now is a monster that wears her face. Stop thinking you can swoop in, be the hero and make everything perfect." Misty winced in pain as the sword began to take control of her. "I am the monster, I am going to be the master of this blade, and I will take my revenge," She snarled.

Misty fought harder against the fierce wind and grabbed the blade of the sword. As soon as she touched the dark metal of the handle, lighting crackled around her slim figure. For a minute her eyes gleamed with maniacal light as she grinned fiercely. And then, suddenly, she threw back her head and screamed, the combined magic of the sword and her own too much to handle. She collapsed onto her knees still screaming. Kristopher tried to come to help her but she blasted him back.

"No... You can not fix me. Just give up. Do you even really want me back? Or do you want to show off your tamed monster? " She sobbed.

Kristopher reached out to touch his sister again, hoping to remind her of how they used to be.

"Bare gå. Du kan ikke hjelpe meg nå." Misty had resorted to speaking their native language due to her great upset.

Despite the biting cold and storm of magic, Kristopher fought his way to his sister and held her close. It was that moment Misty broke, sobbing she collapsed into her brother's embrace.

"Kris... M cold, please help me. I'm sorry." she begged.

"Hush, kjære søster, I'm here for you. I will never let you go." He soothed. "I need you to release your hold on your magic."

She tensed, "Can't, Hurts too much." Misty whimpered again. "Don't let go please."

Misty was crying so hard that shook, the Sword's attempts at possessing her and her powers rapidly draining her of strength. Misty took a deep breath as she struggled to contain herself.

Kristopher realized that he did not have much time before Misty's strength completely failed.

"Mist Kjær, relax. I'm going to help you. Ok?" He soothed her gently.

Misty was almost too far gone to hear her brother, so close to losing consciousness that she could only murmur, "Please, just hold me. Don't let me go.

"Hysj nå, jeg har deg, it's ok, I will never leave you." Kristopher hugged her tighter as he gently used his magic to free the hold she had on her powers

He had not been expecting the immense backlash when the sword released its hold dark hold on her. He was thrown backward and knocked unconscious. His last thought was 'At least Misty is safe now. But I promised I wouldn't leave her'.

Sometime later Kristopher's eyes fluttered open and he was met by the sight of his sister's tear-streaked face above him.

"Misty?" His voice was raspy and his throat was sore.

"Kris, you're ok. I was so afraid I had killed you. How could you still love me? Jeg er lei for det, broren min." She sobbed.

Kristopher gently pulled his sister into his arms wincing as he relised he had bruised his ribs. "Shh elskling, du er trygg nå, jeg kommer alltid til å elske deg"

Misty smiled sadly, after all they had been through, they were going to be ok.

"jeg elsker deg også bror." She whispered.

Traslation

kjære søster/ darling sister

elskling/ darling

du er trygg nå/ you are safe now

Hysj nå, jeg har deg/ Hush now, I've got you

jeg kommer alltid til å elske deg/ I will always love you

jeg elsker deg også bror/i love you too brother

Jeg er lei for det, broren min/ I'm sorry, so sorry my brother

Bare gå. Du kan ikke hjelpe meg nå./Just leave. you can't help me now.

Kjær/ Beloved

If I die here tonight

know I've made it right

I'm not afraid to go alone into this night

You hear my mind screaming out,

rid me of this monster inside of my veins

A mark left upon me,

and I'll never be the same

Can you free me now,

from this pain

And if I die here tonight

then know for whom I died

Like stars in the sky, you said you would leave me never,

but have we come to the end of our forever

Drowning me,

losing you,

I could see your face,

I will pull through

The cold and darkness now welcome me

let your face be the last one I see

I will be strong for you

And though this world won't remember my name

I did it for you

And when I'm alone

afraid in the silence

I'll die your hero

And I'll remember, I die your hero

From whense has this child come

Who babbles words not understood

From the wild

From the wood

The wonderling

What is this monster

What is this thing

The changeling child

with broken wing

No not a monster never

My child now forever

My changeling child

From the woods

from the wild

Her heart cold as ice

her silvery hair a frosty gale

her eyes are chips of shattered ice

to each door death, she brings

her heart black as twilight

her intentions to bring us pain

she blankets us in frozen death

some ner to rise again

If thou wish to flee my lady's clutches

keep close all you hold dear

trust the warmth of your hearth

your family, friends, and love

once a frosty gale now

lo the spring has come