Attire - Although Eterna tends to change her attire often, a couple articles of clothing remain consistent. She has a pair of black leather gloves with a brown furry rim at the top. A large blue topaz is embedded on on each glove. She also has brown leather boots. Because Eterna's white pelt has her stand out against a forest background, she often sports a dark green cloak.

Eterna is all about flaunting her skills. She is incredibly confident in her profession and his constantly pursuing methods to make things more difficult than they are, hence her new habit of sending out calling cards to announce her plans. Many of the things she says should not be taken too seriously, nine times out of ten, it's probably just all talk. Though she is at 17 years of age, Eterna has yet to grow up.

It's no big deal. I've been cast aside before. That's why you shouldn't get too attached. It gets stolen right before your eyes.

So what's wrong with stealing? Others steal from me. I'm only settling the score.

That's why I was indifferent that day. That fool Rasza cried her eyes out. I probably would have done the same had I not anticipated the day would come. Somehow, I thought she was different. I thought I would be wrong and I hoped it. I was wrong to ever second-guess myself like that. If there's anything I ever learned, it's that attachment is useless. It's always taken from you if you're unlucky enough to have it.

That's why I don't regret stealing.

You get attached and it hurts you even more when you lose it.



***
Well, it shouldn't take a genius like you to figure it out. I said haughtily. The poor bloke stuck with the unfortunate task of dealing with my attitude happened to be that Maraquan Draik before me. The harsh winds whipped against her snow white mane, though that was hardly noticeable; her dull cerulean pelt was the culprit responsible for her visibility against the snow. I just didn't want to be the last one to leave. That's all.

Despite the truth in my words, I couldn't help but wish she'd retort with one of those other intellectual put-downs she was notorious for. It would at least have preserved some form of those old times. We never got along well - in fact, I never could stand her. Our attitudes on life contrasted so much that it crossed our paths often and led into disagreement. But there was just something among all this that made it sad somehow. Maybe it's because this would be the last time we'd all ever see each other. It's funny how I expected perpetual sparks to fly between us for all eternity that the day when it'd all end never occurred to me. Here it was, right now before my very eyes, and I don't even know how I should act.

[]

Rasconza. I'm leaving you. I said after she failed to say anything more. I never gave her the chance to, anyway. I fled before I would even let her answer..




***
Lately, for some reason... I've been having the exact same dream. ... Who is that draik? ... What's her name again?

... I feel as if I've forgotten something terribly important. Could this memory have been... stolen from me...?

Memories Set in Stone

It's so pretty... marvelled Eterna, standing on tiptoe and overlooking whre the faded pink jewel was mounted, encased in glass and guarded by watchful eyes.

Hard to believe its powers could be so deadly, huh?

Eterna turned to face her companion, a Krawk about the same age as she was, maybe even a little older. Either way, Eterna would have been able to argue that her friend's wisdom exceeded those of any others around her age, older even. Sure enough, the girl's bright eyes sparkled with that mysterious sense of knowledge.

I could steal it, Eterna said, a toothy grin forming along her face. Piece of cake.

The girl looked horrified. Oh, don't, Eterna!

I won't. I was just playing Eterna answered, rolling her eyes over towards the right so that her gaze was set on the gem once again. It really was beautiful. She was incredibly dispapointed. Suddenly, Eterna's ears perked up. She strolled over towards the pedestal and began to climb it.

What are you doing, Eterna?

I want to get a closer look, Eterna grunted, and with some additional effort, she was able to hoist herself upwards and catch a glimpse of the pink jewel up close.

Eterna? asked her companion, who was looking up from down below where she stood. When she received no answer, she called out to her friend again. Eterna! ...

It's beautiful... Eterna murmured, after being stunned to silence only moments before. Rain! It's so pretty! I can see my own reflection in it! She really did. She peered into the large precious stone, and about twenty reflections stared back.

Eterna, please come down. You'll fall. pleaded the other.

Oh, I will, I will, you worry wart! Eterna turned to face her friend, but a horrified expression was the only response. She cast a quick glance behind her and let out a small shriek. Surprised, Eterna abandoned her place and retreaded to her spot beside Rain.

What are you troublesome twerps up to?! croaked the oversized maroon Krawk who now stood before them. It was apparent that all his muscled had been channelled into the uppoer portion of his body, since it was nearly twice as wide as the rest of him. Clad in heavy silver armor and armed with a particularly threatening weapon, the guard was intimidating to both. Eterna, the braver of the two, spoke first. She took in a deep breath before she proceeded to answer.

We were just looking,

Just looking! spat the larger Krawk. As if I should trust the words of the daughter of a petty thief!

Eterna stiffened and made way to roll up her nonexistent sleeves, as if she had the mind to pick a bone with him. You take that back! Eterna sprung forward, but Rain was faster. Eterna was jerked backwards opposite of the direction she made her attempted attack.

You dirty kids best be getting yourselves to hightail it out of here. The likes of you have no business in this place. Why, if it were up to me, I'd have skinned the both of you alive!

The widened eyes of the girls' surprise seemed to ahve pleased him. He smirked, quite proud of his miniscule accomplishment, but it quickly faded away when his eyes finally rested on yet another Krawk beside him. The stranger was slightly shorter than he was, but there was no doubt that he had a much slimmer and less muscular figure than he did. A faded velvet cloak adorned his body. Various folden articles and accessories littered his being, a sure sign of royalty. However, it was his neon blue mane spurred immediate recognition.

S-sir! Y-your highness! The guard sputtered. Eterna and Rain exchanged amused glances. The menacing guard had been reduced to nothing short of a coward with higher authority present. How... When did you arrive? You weren't expected until the day after tomorrow!

I assumed an early presence would have contributed to a happy occasion. replied the other. He had about him an amiable sort of look that complemented a good nature. He was young, and unfortunately, his youthful complexion led doubts against his capabilities. After a few moments, his attention was directed to the two girls. Hello...

Uhm.. hi... Now it was Eterna's turn to be at a loss for words. A quick glance over at Rain curtsying led her to follow the same example. As she did, Eterna could not help but be captivated by his lavender eyes. He returned their curtsies with an elegant bow of his own.

At any rate, you know what I have come, correct, Tybal? The male turned to face his bulkier companion. Or must I explain the matters once again? I would prefer not to, Tybal, as I am quite confident in your memory.

Aye, yes... Tybal shifted his eyes uneasily. You leave no time to waste, Ferrus... The guard disengaged the lock on the glass case and retrieved the pink gem. He handed it over to the prince. Eterna kept her eyes on the jewel as he did. The prince, seeing this, smiled. He held the gem before her.

Beautiful, is it not?

Eterna nodded shyly.

Would you like to hold it?

Eterna's eyes widened. She shot a quick glance at Prince Ferrus to check the seriousness of his question, but the jewel in front of her cleared away all doubts. She eargerly accepted his generous offer and took the gem into her own hands. Tybal shifted uneasily, less than thrilled in letting Eterna handle the precious treasure.

Your highness, I don't think...

Go ahead, take a closer look at it, Prince Ferrus said. Eterna obeyed and marvelled at the gem in her hands. Just as it had done before, twenty replications of her face grinned back at her. She continued to stare until she finally reluctantly handed the nearly colorless stone to Prince Ferrus.

Th.. Thank you Eterna chortled, embarassed of the rough voice she forced to break the silence. She felt it to have been rude otherwise.

It is my pleasure, miss..

She averted her curious eyes to match Prince Ferrus', then quickly glanced away. Let's go, Rain

Without another word, she scurried off. Rain shot one last glimpse at the prince before she followed suit.

***

Have you met Prince Ferrus, Eterna? asked her father. He was a middle-aged Krawk, and though it was apparent that he was, in fact, quite limber and physically fit, his years as a young, spunky lad had lready been lost some years back. A brown Krawk with tan fur and sienna mane, it was difficult to point out that Eterna and her father were even related, aside from the twinkle in their eyes whenever objects of interest were brought to mind. A deep ebony hooded cloak draped from his neck down to his feet, though he had chosen to go without concealing his face.

Eterna blushed a soft rouge color, but it was incredibly visible due to her dynamic contrast in pelt color compared to her father. Y-yes, sir..

He laughed, a deep bellowing chuckle. He was aware of his daughter's slight embarrassment. I will be doing you good, Eterna, you may be fortunate enough to be charmed by his presence once again.

Another low guffaw ensued once Eterna's face reddened as a response to his comment. Eterna's father had been called up by Prince Ferrus as a special honor. There was an important matter that needed to be discussed. Eterna's father saw no harm in taking his only daughter along; he wished her the priviledge of being able to see the castle. Eterna continued to tag behind her father in silence, now that her father had ceased all comments.

Here we are, he said, almost too suddenly. The young white Krawk had collided into her father, though the effect of that was not largely felt. Eterna was only about as high as to reach the end of his torso, compared to her father. She glanced up, peering from behind her father. The view of a beautifully adorned marbled castle satisfied her eyes. Four towers which already exceeded the height of the main entrance guarded each corner of the marvelous construction and crafty glass-stained windows personally contributed to the overall majestic atmosphere. Eterna found herself unable to bring her eyes away from the magnificent view.

Let's go in, Eterna. We are already some minutes late. It would be unruly as to keep Prince Ferrus waiting any longer.

***

Eterna darted her eyes from room to room. Glass chandeliers hung from the ceilings and exorbitant paintings hung from ever wall. Her attention could not remain in one spot for too long. Hence, she found herself bumping into her father once again when he abruptly stopped.

Eterna, from here on, I must go on alone.

Eterna gave her father a questioning look, but she understood. Her puzzled expression quickly ceased when she caught sight of a familiar hand waving to her from the corner of her eye. Beaming, she turned to face her friend.

Rain!

Rain ran over to greet her and curtsied to Eterna's father when she found eye contact. Only after did she even dare to speak to her friend.

Hey, Eterna. What are you doing here?

Prince Ferrus has some business with us, Eterna answered. She stood on tip-toe to demonstrate the high importance in the errand. She might have forgotten that it was only her father who had been called, and not her. It wouldn't have mattered anyway, as her father saw his chance to take his leave, now that there was a companion to keep his daughter company. Eterna paid little to no attention of her father's sudden leave of absence. Why are you here, Rain?

Oh.. actually.. Rain paused, as if to think.

You wanted to see him, didn't you? Eterna asked, grinning. You wanted to see the prince.

No! That's not it! Rain said, flustered. The overjoyed face of her friend proved it difficult for her to come up with a reason. At last, she sighed, choosing to side with the reason Eterna had made for herself rather than to justify an explanation. Eterna, however, was thoughtless to this matter.

Well, while we're here, let's look around, shall we? Eterna did not allow her friend even one minute to answer. She grabbed ahold of the blue Krawk's hand and dragged her into the nearby room.

Eterna, don't! This is the Prince's... The girl left her warning unfinished, as she watched Eterna leaf through the room. Eterna quickly surveyed the area until her interest landed on the cape before her. She approached it.

Eterna! Please! Have some consideration! Rain wailed. Eterna rummaged through the pockets.

Oh! Rain! Eterna exclaimed after she displayed ignorance towards the other's concern. Look what I found! She held up a familiar pink gem.

Is that..? Again, Rain was rendered speechless due to Eterna's appalling behavior.

The very same thing, Eterna said, approaching Rain with the gen in her paw. The same exact gem on the display we saw yesterday!

It's beautiful .. Rain marvelled.

Eterna grinned. I want to keep it.

Immediately, a light green color filled Rain's face. Eterna, you can't!

Eterna looked confused. Of course I can. It's easy. I could do it right now.

Rain shook her head. It's not your's. It belongs to Prince Ferrus.

Eterna furrowed her brows, angry. I know that, but I want this.

Eterna, you have to put it back, Rain winced, growing pale. It doesn't belong to you. You could be in huge trouble!

Eterna was about to protest, but Rain's horrified expression convinced her otherwise. Extremely upset, she reluctantly shoved the gem back into the cape pocket.

... Thank you, Eterna. Rain said, relieved to find her friend valued her plea. Though she made no notion to respond, Eterna's silence was taken with utmost gratitude. Come on, let's get back to the main hall.

Eterna nodded and followed her out of the room. An attendant greeted the two.

Miss Rain, if you would follow me, please?

Rain cast a perplexed look at Eterna, but her companion only gave her a slight shrug. Rain looked at the attendant in the eye and nodded.

I'll see you later, Eterna.

Eterna frowned, displeased with the fact that she would be alone now. All right, then.

Rain responded with a cheerful smile, that which helped to brighten up her spirits. Eterna, too, grinned back and did not stop even after Rain had turned away from her to be led into another room. She was all by herself now. Eterna craned her neck back towards the room she and Rain had previously left and sighed. She really would have liked to steal that gem. She turned away and began to run off into the main hall.

***

With Rain gone, Eterna figured it was about time she should reunite with her father. She skipped down the quiet corridor, briefly surveying the area as she did. She halted to a stop when she found two large, closed doors. This was probably where he would be, Eterna guessed. The doors, in addition to being the most enormous pair than all the others she had seen in the hall, were also the most gorgeous.

Daddy? Eterna's girlish voice resounded off the walls as she nervously peered into the room. The furnishings were attractive enough to captivate Eterna's attention, though her eyes were quickly diverted towards the slumped figure that lay before her. Though the body was enshrouded by a loose article of clothing, the muddy brown cloak was instantly recognizable.

... Daddy! Eterna shrieked and rushed to her father's side. She attempted to aid him as he struggled to stand. He breathed heavily, his pattern uneven and unsettled.

Eterna... hide... He huffed. He barely managed to get even those words across. Go hide, now!

It took every effort of remaining energy to raise his voice and to increase the intensity of his order, since Eterna found his first order less than serious. Her bemused stare remained fixed, legs unmoved. She bolted when his voice rose to a shout, only because the seriousness of his tone frightened her. Had Eterna had her wits about her, she might have refused to obey his command. She fell backwards, but immediately stumbled to get back onto her feet so that she could find a hiding spot. She ducked behind a draped curtain and retreated to the utmost right corner. As soon as she did, the door burst open in a loud clamor. Prince Ferrus rushed into the room, his cape billowing behind him. In his right paw was a strange three-pronged contraption that continued to revolve around the center. A faint clow emitted from the odd gadget. Because Eterna was in hiding, she could not make out much of that strange gizmo the Prince possessed, and thus could not dare to venture for a better look without risking detection. She remained where she was. She stood there, concealed by the draped curtains. Eterna breathed heavily, but she had enough self control to regulate it so that she could not be heard. She stared blankly at the fabric before her. She thought for a bit, now that she had some free time. As her breathing finally returned to normal, Eterna decided that she would go out to see the prince.

Prince Ferrus beat her to it. Just as Eterna was about to budge, the curtains were thrust towards her. She did not make any noise, particularly because the surprise caught her off guard-- her voice remained trapped within her throat. Again, Eterna's breathing became irregular, but she stopped herself before she gave away her presence.

Prince Ferrus clutched the drapery, his eyes intentively alert. He turned his head towards the right, then to the left. All the while, his wild eyes continued to scan the room. At last, he released his grip on the curtain. The conditions were enough to satisfy him - there seemed to be no enemy here. He deserted the room.

Eterna fell out from behind the curtain and immediately gasped for breath. She had forgotten to breathe due to nervousness, and as luck would have it, her lungs had given way only now. All efforts to conceal herself would have been in vain otherwise. She took another quick look around, avoiding the horrific sight of her father slumped forward in the middle of the room. Unable to come up with an excuse to stay, Eterna crept across the room and stole away at the door.

***