Tales of Lerathian: The Puppet (Chapter One) (UPDATED)

After a little bit of thinking, I've decided to go ahead and post the first full chapter of the Tales of Lerathian: The Puppet. Will I do the same with the upcoming chapters? Not sure yet. I'm just playing it by ear. I'm releasing this chapter in the same condition that I released the prologue. This means that I have not edited it at all. I have not re-read it at all. It is coming to you in the rawest state it will ever be in. That being said, I hope you enjoy as you take the full plunge into the story of Jân, Elle, and Nika.

EDIT: This chapter has now been replaced with all the changes I made to either fix mistakes, misspellings, or sections that needed improvement.

Elle couldn’t believe how fast the storm had come on. One minute she was picking the spring vegetables in the bright sunlight, and in the next moment the black of storm clouds swirled above her head. It had been a mad rush to prepare everything for the unexpected storm. She covered the delicate plants with a large, leather tarp, Nika put the goats into their shed, and Alar and Jân desperately finished fixing up as many of the holes in the roof as possible. The past fifteen years had not been kind to their little cabin, but the cold winter that had only just released its chill had done the worst damage.

The storm brought its devastation before the repairs to the roof were completed. Alar and Jân had no choice but to retreat inside as the large raindrops falling sideways due to the powerful wind stung their skin. According to her father, the storm had to be a remnant of the large sea storms that occasionally formed over the ocean not more than a hundred miles east of their location. Alar had said such a storm was strange for the season though. It was even more unusual that it would form so strongly as to be still so terrible in might even after traveling such a long distance over land.

Elle wasn’t as concerned about how the storm had formed, but how she could stay out of it. That she was in charge of emptying the buckets collecting the water that dripped through the roof did not help her out any. If only the recent icy rain hadn’t damaged almost all of their plumbing. Their poor house really was in shambles. Elle braced herself as the door was blasted out of her hand when she opened it. The wind carried the water she tossed a couple feet before it splashed onto the flooding ground. As she struggled to close the door, Elle knew it would only be a matter of time before the water started seeping through the floor as well.

Elle wiped herself dry with a nearby towel until she saw that it was a useless endeavor. At least three of the buckets she felt like she only just emptied were due to be emptied once again. She sighed in frustration. When the three were dumped and replaced, Elle made no effort this time to dry off. There had stopped being a point. Elle took a momentary relieve of duty to see how her family’s efforts in attempting to fix the roof from the inside were going.

Alar, Jân, and Nika were all gathered in the kitchen. Jân stood precariously perched on their old ladder while Nika sat on Alar’s shoulders to reach the low roof. They pressed a thin board of wood to the roof. Elle stood and watched in an amazed trance as a white glow emanated from her siblings’ hands to envelop the board and absorb it into the roof. Jân and Nika’s expressions were set on full concentration with sweat on their brows until their work was done. They breathed heavily. One of the dozens of holes left to be fixed was completed. Alar, Jân, and Nika didn’t look happy.

“One hole fixed is one less to worry about.” Elle encouraged.

The other three noticed her presence for the first time.

“The water collection is going well I take it?” Alar asked as he lowered Nika from his shoulders.

“As well as it possibly can be going. I have a brief moment of respite before one of those buckets fills up again so I figured I’d come see how the three of you were faring.”

“Not as well as we would like. It doesn’t help that we barely have any idea what we’re doing, and that we don’t have any spare resources to try again if we fail.” Jân explained.

“I wish I could be of more help.” Elle said sadly.

Unlike Nika who was near identical to their mother in every way, Elle was on the other end of the spectrum since she took perfectly after Alar. She was happy that she managed to inherit anything from Mareiel at all, and that was her dark golden wavy locks. Being so much more like her Talmor side meant that Elle’s magic was weak and near uncontrollable.

“It is alright,” Alar reassured her, “Your job is just as important. We would be swimming in water by now if we lacked your help.”

“We probably will be swimming in water though before too long. The ground is horribly swollen from the rain. It won’t be more than a half hour before it starts seeping through.” Elle revealed.

“That is the case, is it? Ah. I knew we should have built the house on a higher foundation, but I let your mother convince me out of it for the sake of saved time.”

“Should we really be trying so hard though?” Nika asked, “Don’t we need to leave here as soon as possible?”

Alar, Jân, and Elle fell silent. Elle knew the same thoughts that constantly wearied her mind were passing through theirs as well. They had relied too much on Mareiel’s shield despite knowing she had died and that it could fall at any moment. That fall had indeed taken place two weeks ago. There was now nothing shielding them from the eyes of the Elvas. It was why Jân and Nika using their magic didn’t make a difference. They were just as exposed manifesting it as they were hiding it.

“We’ll leave as soon as we get enough supplies, but we should still have a little time before we’re noticed. In that time we don’t want you or your sister catching ill from all this cold and rain.” Alar pointed out.

“But Elle and I have never gotten sick before.” Nika said, raising an eyebrow at her father.

“Alright, I don’t want to get sick from all this cold and rain.” he corrected with a smile.

“Then let’s keep working, shall we?” Jân joined in with enthusiasm, “Elle, you might not want to leave your buckets for too long.”

“Right.” she nodded, having already forgotten about them.

She left her father and siblings to continue to work. A smile crept on her face while walking around checking the buckets when she heard one of the few Elvas curses Jân knew escape his lips. It sounded like the ladder gave him some trouble. Elle hummed to herself as she switched an empty bucket for a full one to make the journey to the dreading opening of the front door.

Elle won against the wind as she kept a better grip on the door this time around, but accidentally splashed more water than she would have liked on herself when the wind took its revenge. It roared and whipped so loudly around it clear blew the bucket out of her hand and into the storm. Elle groaned as the bucket bounced and rolled far away from the house. Now she had nothing to switch the full buckets out with.

About to go inside to grab her coat, Elle’s blood ran cold. She hesitated before peering harder into the darkness between the trees. A strange movement not caused by the storm had caught her attention. As the world became illuminated by a brilliant flash of lightning, Elle’s horrors were confirmed. Five Elvas soldiers were not more than fifty yards away. The one in the front stared right at her.

She slammed the door shut and locked it.

“Papa!” Elle called loudly in fear as she bolted into the kitchen.

“What is it, sweetheart?” Alar asked in confusion.

Elle almost knocked him and Nika, once more on his shoulders, over as she clung to him in fright. Jân helped Nika down before she fell completely.

“What is it?” Alar asked again more seriously.

“We don’t have time,” Elle answered shaking her head, “We don’t have time at all. They’re here. I just saw them coming this way― five soldiers.”

The color drained out of her father’s face. Nika held onto Jân in terror, who only shook his head.

“No, they can’t be coming. I would have sensed their pre….” he trailed off.

Elle quickly understood that he was now sensing what he hadn’t noticed before. Those amber eyes of his darted about as they always did when he was desperately trying to figure out what to do.

“You three should start running. They’re not here to hurt or kill me. I know enough to hold them back so you can have a head start.” he suggested.

“Absolutely not,” Alar instantly shot his idea down, “If there is five of them there’s no way you could distract all of them. They would catch us before we got past the farm. It would be safer if we ran together.”

“I can distract all of them. If you just―”

Jân’s argument was covered up by Nika’s small scream as a loud knock pounded on the door. Alar wrapped his arm around her and Elle. It had been a long time since she felt like a young child, but Elle cuddled against him as closely as she could. The four of them froze in panic. None knew what to do. They all flinched when another louder knock came.

“You two lock yourself in your room.” Alar finally whispered as he quickly walked them to their door across the way.

“Hide in there with them.” Jân instructed.

“I will do no such thing.”

“They’re here to kill you too.”

Elle and Nika could say nothing as Alar gently pushed them into the bedroom. Elle locked the door, and the sisters were forced to listen to the rest to the argument with their ears pressed up against the wood.

“I will not hide like a coward while I let you stand alone to protect us.”

“What good are you to protect anyone if you’re blasted dead the moment they moment they break down the door?”

Another knock interrupted them. It was almost covered by the cracking thunder that reverberated in Elle’s chest.

“Um, the weather is particularly awful out here. Might we be let in?” an unfamiliar and surprisingly friendly-sounding voice called from outside the front door.

“Is he serious? I know the Elvas do not think all that highly of the Talmor, but how much of a fool does he take me to be?” Alar shook his head.

“I think I recognize―” Jân started.

“Oh, and we are not here to, uh, to kill anyone. If that helps to influence your decision to let us inside…in any way…”

“Yes, that’s Hydantion.” Jân finished almost bemusedly.

“Are you saying we should them him in then?” Alar asked incredulously.

“Well…”

“No! Don’t let him in! Elle, Jân won’t really let them in will he?” Nika whispered frantically.

“Of course not.”

The words barely left her lips when the unmistakable sound of the front door opening reached their ears.

“Jân!” Alar cried out angrily.

Elle grabbed her little sister and pulled her away from the door. She quickly sat on her bed as her legs started to give out from fright. Nika crawled onto her lap. They clung onto each other with their quiet, terrified breaths being the only sound that filled the room. Elle listened as carefully as she could. She expected the fighting to break out any second.

“He let them in. He really let them in.” Nika whispered even quieter.

Elle rocked her gently as was always done to her when she was young and terrified. When normal, conversational voices too far away to hear passed between the Elvas and Jân, Elle wasn’t sure what to expect. The rain beating against the window, the thunder crashing above, and the lightning splitting the sky went unnoticed as Elle and Nika were frozen in place as the discussion on their fate took place on the other side of the wall.

It was when Alar’s voice joined in that the tension broke away ever so slightly. Nika braved sliding out of her arms and tip-toeing across the floor planks to the door. She slowly pressed her ear against it once more. Elle was unwilling to do the same, but she relented when her sister motioned for her to join the eavesdropping. It was still hard to hear even after moving closer. Nika seemed to have no problems though.

“What are they saying? My hearing isn’t as good as yours.” she requested softly.

“I don’t really understand most of it,” Nika answered, “Something about a council and someone’s great-grandfather. They’re saying a death order has been lifted. That has to be about us, right?”

“Unless there’s another family of mixed-bloods living here that I am unaware of then I think it’s safe to say they are referring to us.”

“Alright, alright. No need for the tone.”

“I did not have a tone.”

“You had a tone.”

“If you think you’ll have our forgiveness you are sorely mistaken.” Jân’s angry voice came loud and clear.

Elle and Nika pressed even harder against the door. The voice that belonged to the one called Hydantion answered gently back.

“We know that forgiveness, if you ever see fit to bestow it on us, will take many long years of us proving ourselves to you to earn. It is not forgiveness that we have come here to plead for. What we merely want is to offer the chance for acceptance for all that we should have offered your step-father and sisters from the beginning.”

“Our mother was killed, and from what you’ve told me from uncle Remorlent’s sword. It is terrible that your pride took her away from me, but it is worse that you took her from Elle and Nika. Elle can scarce remember anything of her, and Nika will never even get to know her voice or touch. It is too cruel.” Jân growled.

Elle waited with held breath for Hydantion’s reply. Frustration welled within her when the conversation once again became too quiet for her to hear.

“What are they saying?” she asked Nika desperately.

“I can’t hear either. I’m going to crack the door open a little.”

“Absolutely not! Do not pull a Jân and open this door!”

“It’ll be fine. They won’t notice if it’s opened just a bit.”

“Nika!”

She fought with her sister for control of the door. After Nika tricked her by clicking the lock open with her magic, Elle pulled her back more forcefully and more painfully than she meant to pull. A deft elbow to her stomach was her reward. Elle didn’t give in and ignored the pain as Nika advanced to the door. A couple more second of silent scuffling occurred before the unintended came to pass. Neither knew how, but soon both girls fell into the door. It slammed into the wall with a loud ‘thwack’ as it swung open. Elle gritted her teeth as she stumbled over Nika’s legs and landed on top of her sister.

“Now look what you’ve done!” Nika’s cry, muffled from her position, came.

“You’re the one who opened the door!”

“If you weren’t so stupidly clumsy we wouldn’t be having this situation!”

“Well, maybe if you weren’t such a tiny brat you wouldn’t have fallen over so easy!”

“Girls!”

“If you weren’t so fat I wouldn’t have!”

“I am not fat!”

“Then why are you as heavy as a pig?! You’re crushing me!”

“Good! If you’re crushed then I can have my room all back to myself!”

“GIRLS!” Alar shouted, giving them quite a jolt.

It was a mad scramble as they untangled themselves and hastily stood up. Their faces blushed bright red as the five pairs of amber Elvas eyes fixated directly on them. However, the ire radiating from Alar was more concerning. The fact that their father who never got angry could look so furious was incredibly disconcerting.

“Go back in your room. Now. Without shouting each other’s heads off.” he demanded sternly.

“Wait a moment if you please, mister Alar,” Hydantion spoke up, “We did mention that what we wanted to discuss was something we wanted to discuss with all of you. There is no need to hide your daughters away. I promise you again we are not here to hurt anyone.”

The silver-haired Elvas kept an honest face as Alar glared at him.

“How can I possibly believe you?” he asked bitterly.

“I will try to say this in the least threatening way that I can, and that is if we truly were here to cause any of you harm we would have done so already. You pose no threat to us. Why would we waste time talking and pleading for your consideration if we did not have peaceful intentions at heart?” Hydantion expressed.

“His words are true father.” Jân agreed.

“Why have you shifted so easily to their side?!”

“I know Hydantion. If there is anyone back at Marmaírein who could throw away his pride and humble himself as he has done now then I can think of no one else who would it as readily as he.”

Alar scoffed.

“What did you want to discuss?” Nika asked Hydantion curiously.

“Well, that―”

Water still dripping through the roof cut his sentence short as it splattered onto his head. He held his hand under the steady flow of falling rain. Elle shifted uncomfortably in embarrassment as he and the other Elvas studied the greatly dilapidated cabin.

“Perhaps we should first discuss the unfortunate condition of what should be your cozy house. I can see you were taking action to fix the mess this queer storm is causing. Would you like our assistance in covering up these holes? Then we could converse the real matters without having the worry about swimming while we talk.”

“Is it alright if we allow them to help us fix our house?” Jân requested to Alar.

“Fine. Do what you please.” Alar said, holding his hands up.

Nika, having found her courage from seemingly nothing, moved about Hydantion and his soldiers in fascination as they began making repairs with the wood Jân brought them. Elle chose to stand with Alar instead. She felt much younger than the fifteen-years she looked as she attached herself to his arm. They stood out of the way as the repairs were made. Each trained Elvas could do the work it took both Jân and Nika to do in a third of the time. Elle was amazed that they didn’t have to hold the wood to the roof to merge the wood together.

The soft white glow of the Elvas’ magic turned the belly of the roof into a sparkling, swirling cloud that felt like something out of a dream. Elle felt a chill run down her spine that wasn’t triggered by the cold still seeping in through the last few open holes. She was feeling real magic being used for the first time.

“Could mama do anything like this?” was what she asked Alar quietly.

“I suppose she could. She never performed much magic besides casting her shield. It always felt to me that she wanted to leave that part of her behind. Mareiel did love casting little lights for you to chase about though. You threw the biggest tantrums when she had to stop once we learned using magic made us visible through the shield. There was one time you became so frustrated you were able to create a light of your own. We discovered then that you had indeed inherited some of your mother’s powers.” he said reminiscently.

“I can barely do anything now with my magic even being this old. I’m surprised I managed to do that at so young an age.” Elle remarked in astonishment.

“Well, you did faint right after conjuring the light,” Alar chuckled, “It gave all of our hearts a good fright. It appeared to be that you associated magic with bad things after that, which is why you never attempted trying anything again for a long time.”

“I would be the one to faint after using magic.” Elle said, glancing towards the ground.

“It is not the only worthwhile skill to be pursued in this world. I hope you are aware of your many other talents.”

“I know. It’s to Nika who you need to give this little ‘magic isn’t everything’ spiel.” Elle pointed out.

Right on cue, Nika came bounding over to them as the roof had been fully repaired in a matter of minutes.

“Papa, did you see what they did? Isn’t it amazing? The roof looks brand new!”

“I did see.” Alar humored her patiently as she tugged vigorously on his sleeve arm.

Hydantion walked around the room inspecting the work and looking quite pleased. Jân stood nearby asking him questions. Elle couldn’t help but to stare at him with sadness and a hint of reluctance. Barely ten minutes had passed since Hydantion and his soldiers intruded into her family’s little world. As Elle watched her brother talked enthusiastically with the man he had been so ready to fight off for her safety she realized that the Jân she knew had changed. He was so comfortable with the other men around him that she remembered he was an Elvas just like they were. His true home was always supposed to be with them.

Elle glanced away to Jân’s confusion when he caught her staring and smiled at her. Thankfully, Alar noticed the small exchange and Elle’s discomfort. He stepped forward to address the Elvas.

“I would not have thought earlier this morning that I would ever say these words, but I thank you for your help. I still might not want to welcome your presence here, but I am willing to listen to what you have to say so long as you continue to prove no threat to me or my daughters.”

“I promise once more that you will find no threat in us. We thank you for your hospitality and sincerity.” Hydantion replied gallantly with a slight bow.

Elle looked up to find Alar didn’t rather approve of such a grandiose manner of speaking. She wondered if he wondered if Hydantion was playing the part of the perfect, courteous guest in order to delude them to his real intentions. It was certainly what Elle thought. She hadn’t heard fully yet why the Elvas arrived peacefully despite so many years of hate fueled hunting for the spilling of her blood.

“If I might offer another act of our assistance though, we did see when coming in that the gathering water outside poses a problem to your flooring.” Hydantion noted.

“Yes?”

“An idea passed through my mind that I should have my four here work to relieve you of such a problem.”

“And what will you be doing while we suffer the storm?” one of the soldiers grumbled.

“I will be chatting to this lovely family here. What I wish to discuss will be better considered if a bit more privacy is granted to them. This is no light matter which we have to deliberate.”

“It is fine if they stay. This is not weather anyone should be out in.” Alar said.

“No, I insist. It will be easier to stop the problem before it’s a problem rather than solving the problem once it grows.” Hydantion countered politely.

“I like what he’s saying better.” another one of the soldiers said as he pointed to Alar.

“You agreed to be under my command, and I say go.” Hydantion buckled down.

He motioned towards the door. His soldiers left with a plethora of muttering that Elle was sure were more Elvas curses. A twinge of sympathy stirred for them in her heart.

“You really don’t have to send them out there.” Alar disputed.

“You need not worry. They are young recruits still, and need not be coddled. They will face harsher conditions and situations when the time comes for them to stand on the borders.” Hydantion spoke.

“It’s not that I was worried…” Alar mumbled.

“Enough of that though,” Hydantion continued positively, “Why don’t we all sit down and get to the matter at hand?”

“That is a good idea.” Jân agreed.

Elle reluctantly nodded. The five of them moved to the dining table where Elle made sure to take the seat that was Mareiel’s. The last thing she wanted was for Hydantion to sit where her mother should be. She was unsure whether or not the true nature of her action was caught by him. He did pause as he watched her move. Hydantion went on to sit where she normally seated herself.

Silence filled the air as Hydantion thought of what to say first. Elle seized the opportunity to finally take a good look at him. Though the aura he radiated gave off the impression of an older mentor, the Elvas captain barely looked a couple years older than her brother. His long silver hair pulled back in a series of intricate braids didn’t age him, but only accented his youthful facial structure. As with any Elvas, his longer pointed ears arched gracefully against the side of his head while his pale skin that was nearly white seemed translucent against the red glow of the fireplace nearby. Even in his travel-worn condition Hydantion was more of a sight to behold than she ever would be. Her own green eyes that were Alar’s as well quickly looked away when Hydantion’s gaze fell on her and didn’t move.

“You have two incredibly interesting daughters, my friend. One is such a perfect blend of you and dear Mareiel while the other is a beautiful copy of her mother.” he said flatteringly.

“Thank you.” Alar replied stiffly.

“Oh Delmar, what have I already done to upset you?”

“I am not upset. Not yet. I thank you for your compliment towards my daughters, but I would rather not spend time on small conversation. I want you to tell me the true reason why you are here.”

“Yes, why don’t you want to kills us?” Nika piped up bluntly to Hydantion’s amusement.

“I can see that you all desperately want answers. That is understandable. I won’t take up too much of this gorgeous day of yours.” Hydantion started.

He opened his mouth to continue, and as soon as he did his countenance turned downwards and serious. Elle found herself quickly paying more attention.

“Unfortunately, the answer to your question, dear…what might your name be again?”

“Nika.”

“Nika, yes, very pretty. Unfortunately Nika, the answer to your question happens to be born out of tragic consequences. I am not sure how extensive your knowledge about the history of Lerathian is, but from the birth of the world until a few thousand years ago there was a bright time where everyone lived in peace. However, the races began to split apart. The Dowarks and Vilders turned to darkness while we Elvas along with the Talmor and Mahon allied together to fight off their attacks of bloodlust.”

Hydantion paused to make sure she was still following. Nika hung onto his every word, which made the corners of his lips curl into a smile.

“I will not pretend that everything has been perfect between the Elvas, Talmor, and Mahon for these thousands of years though. I will also not pretend that a fair share of the conflicts encountered wasn’t caused by the faults of our race― no matter how much some of us like to insist that we have none. Perhaps our biggest fault is that we praise the gift of life, but were so readily willing to snatch it away because it did not fit in within our limited and unjust ideal of purity.”

Hydantion glanced at Elle and Nika.

“It is my greatest regret that we ended the lives of one of the most noble-blooded immortals for no justifiable reason, though I personally played no part in sweet lady Mareiel’s ill-fated passing. I actually stood against lord Cynion, your great-grandfather dear Nika and yours as well Elle, when he issued the death order. Such a stance nearly cost me my own life. It was a terrible consequence when lord Cynion finally remembered his love and reversed his order, but word did not reach Remorlent and his soldiers in time.”

“I do not doubt Cynion’s love for my wife, but Mareiel gave me the impression he never changed his orders once they were made. Ever. He staked his whole reputation on the certainty of his decisions.” Alar questioned.

“You are nearly correct. Lord Cynion is practically unmovable. This change of heart is the lone one he had, and there is more to his shift than mere regret. As I mentioned, the Dowarks and Vilders have turned to darkness and are a constant threat. Jân, you know this very well. Their horrible attack on Marmaírein took your birth father away from you.”

Jân nodded.

“Needless to say, there has been much blood shed at the hands of the bloodsuckers and beasts. To spill more innocent blood seems pointless. Just as important as that is that our people so strongly desire peace after many years of fighting and despair. Lord Cynion and the council decided to lift the death order so that the bond between the Elvas, Talmor, and Mahon might be renewed and strengthened once again.”

“So you want to use us as a peace offering so you can get more help from the Talmor and Mahon to fight off the Dowarks and Vilders.” Elle surmised, folding her arms.

Hydantion appeared visibly hurt as if Elle had stood up and slapped him. She guiltily lessened the hard stare she held.

“No, no that’s not it at all. We merely want to set things right. Taking away your mother, depriving you of so many of life’s freedoms, and forcing you and your family to live in constant fear for far too long is a nightmare our people will now always have to burden on our shoulders. I know it is scarce any consolation, but our people, your people, want to offer you the chance to be accepted and stop living in terror of death.”

“Hydantion, I am most likely the first one to believe your words and yet I find it unlikely that every Elvas wants with all their hearts to welcome Elle and Nika as one of them. You said our race has it faults. Such things do not vanish so quickly.” Jân interposed.

“And you are right,” Hydantion sighed, “There are still many who believe lord Cynion made a grave mistake by reversing the death order. There might be some bold enough to take action themselves. However, the good majority want nothing more than harmony and extinction of hate.”

“In essence, you are basically telling us we are free to leave here and live where we want without worrying if a sword will be stabbed through our hearts while we sleep?” Alar questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, well, technically…yes. There remains the offer I have yet to propose.”

“So propose it.”

“I can see patience is truly a quality you hold close to your heart.” Hydantion attempted a joke.

He coughed nervously when Alar’s eyes narrowed.

“My apologies. Timing of humorous comments has never been my strongest talent. I will continue on, although now I speak directly to your daughters as what I offer them is truly their decision alone to make.”

Elle assume the pause he took was for dramatic effect. Nika waited with baited breath for him to keep speaking while Elle did her best to look unenthused despite her great curiosity.

“What lord Cynion had decided, and the message we have come to carry is that Marmaírein has opened its arms to you. If the two of you want, you will be welcomed into the Elvas capital to live as the ladies of noble heritage that you are. You could live at the grand Central building, you could be dressed in the richest silks, bathe in Lerathian’s finest waters, and never have to toil again to harvest your own food or fix your roof unless it is your greatest desire to do so. You could have the opportunity to make the acquaintance of many others your age. The most proficient teachers would be at your disposal to train you in whatever strikes your fancy.”

“We could learn magic? As in, proper magic?” Nika asked excitedly.

“Of course. How to control and use your powers would be one of your very first lessons.” Hydantion encouraged with a smile.

“Listen to that Elle! We can learn to do all the amazing things mama and Jân have told us about.

“Un.”

Elle gave the noncommittal grunt, doubting any amount of training could make her magic useful.

“And the ones who might be bold enough to take action? What about them?” Jân asked.

“Naturally, your sisters will be well looked after and protected by myself and all trusted soldiers of Marmaírein. In time those who would harm them will come to see the errors of their thinking and change their ways.”

“I think it will be alright,” Nika continued with passion, “It sounds marvelous. Papa, can we go? Haven’t we always wanted the chance to live someplace comfortable where we wouldn’t have to work so hard? We can just be a family there.”

“There is…” Hydantion started quietly and reluctantly.

“What?” Alar asked suspiciously.

“There is…one condition to Elle and Nika coming to live in Marmaírein.”

“Which is what?” Jân queried.

“The offer that I have given your sisters naturally extends to you as well, Jân. The people have eagerly awaited your return for some time now. The lessons and knowledge you missed out on learning will be taught to you. You will be granted viewing to council sessions now that you have reached adulthood. However, never before has a Talmor been granted permission to live in the city. An exception is not being made even in this case.”

“Papa can’t come with us?” Nika said in surprised disappointment.

“How come he is allowed to come?” Elle spoke up.

“It is the one condition the naysayers demanded when the offer was proposed. Elsewise, the council would not have gotten enough support from the people to allow it to go through.”

“I’m sorry. We’re not going to leave papa behind.” Elle professed.

“It’s disappointing, but it can’t be helped.” Nika mumbled her agreement.

Hydantion, looking downtrodden, turned towards Alar. He was resting his chin against his linked fingers as he stared at the table in deep thought.

“Your offer is something we will consider.” he said after a moment.

“What?!” Elle and Nika exclaimed in perfect unison.

“It is something I would like more time to dwell on.” Alar admitted.

“That is alright. As I said, this is no light matter to be made without serious consideration.” Hydantion agreed.

He said that, but Elle’s mind was already made up. The words Elle remembered her mother saying the most was Mareiel telling her that she, Alar, Jân, Nika, and herself were a family. It didn’t matter what happened or who came along. Fate had brought them together, and together was where they would stay. Elle didn’t like the idea of living in Marmaírein anyway. The fact that Hydantion all but promised she and Nika would be attacked wasn’t a comforting thought. She had always wanted to live at the Talmor capital of Bluefell that Alar had promised he would take her to someday.

“Alright, everything is out here in the open now. If I may, I do have one question of my own to ask.” Hydantion requested.

“What is it?” Nika said interestedly.

“I would like to ask it to your father. Friend Alar, not much is known about you. You are how old exactly?”

“I am fifty-years-old.”

“Fifty. Forgive me again as I do not know much about Talmor growth and development, but you certainly do not appear fifty to me. Your appearance is too youthful. You look more like you’re―”

“Thirty-five.”

“That’s very specific.”

“That is how old I was when I stopped aging.” Alar revealed.

“You have stopped aging?” Hydantion asked in amazement, “How can that be? I know Mahon grow slower and live longer due to their magic. Perhaps you have a shared heritage with them?”

“I share not a drop of blood with them. I am Talmor through and through.”

“But, how…”

Hydantion was dumbfounded.

“Whatever reason you can come up with is as good as any I can infer. All I know is that my body has not changed one bit ever since the year Mareiel was killed. It is as curious to me as is the fact that Mareiel’s shield lasted so long despite her death.”

“It stayed up of its own accord?! We assumed Jân had inherited his mother’s talent for shield magic, and was keeping it up through his powers.”

“Mother tried to teach me. Fighting magic is the only thing I’m good at doing.” Jân answered.

“This information is truly peculiar. There will be much discussion about this upon my return to Marmaírein.”

“How long are you going to stay?” Nika asked.

“Until I have an answer as to whether we will be escorting you with us or if you choose to stay. I don’t mean to rush the decision, but it would be ideal if the answer could be given sometime tomorrow.”

“You will have it by then.” Alar told him.

“Glad to hear it,” Hydantion let out a relieved exhale, “Well, save for the storm this day has gone better than I anticipated. I will let those four know to come in when they are done. I expect that they are almost finished. If they are not then I will question their training and eligibility to serve in the Elvas force. We will make camp outside once the storm has passed so as to not intrude on your further.”

“I fear this storm is not going to pass quickly. It would be surprising if it ended before the day is out. I would feel much better if you and your soldiers made sleeping arraignments in the sitting room here. It is small, but a better comfort than the ground outside.” Alar offered.

“Thank you for your generosity, but we will―”

“If I am also to entrust my children to your safety then I would also prefer to spend this evening getting to know you better so that I can be assured they will be well looked after.”

“I see your point,” Hydantion conceded, “I will take you up gratefully on this generosity of yours then. I’m sure the others will as well.”

He stood up, and Alar followed suit. Elle watched the men under lowered lashes. There was a silent, subtle battle of wills warring between them. It had been a long time since she had stopped believing she would ever see what was beyond the forest. Now Elle had no idea where tomorrow would take her or what would become of her family. Jân seemed too comfortable with everything for her liking, and Elle felt like Nika would be too easily swayed if given a moment alone with Hydantion.

“Why don’t you go and check on your men as you said? Lunch is almost upon us. Jân and I will prepare the table, and Elle and Nika will start the meal so that we may all dine together.” Alar proposed, interrupting her thoughts.

“A fine idea. It will be the first time in weeks we will have a rich, home-cooked meal. Our cooking leaves much to be desired especially considering our group contains four young men who have never before departed from the warmth of their mothers’ hearths. I thought my cooking was bad until I left Tondel in charge of dinner one evening. I fully believed we were going to fail our mission that night given our incapacitated state.” Hydantion explained amusedly.

“You should have tasted what we ate before Elle was old enough to cook.” Jân joked along.

“What exactly is wrong with my cooking?” Alar joined in.

“I suppose nothing. Merely compared to hers the difference in skill is too great.”

“If my cooking is nothing compared to hers then what are you saying about your own?”

Hydantion laughed loudly at the jest.

“Isn’t that what I was saying though?” Jân pointed out with a smile, “That we suffered before she was tall enough to reach the oven?”

“Well, I am now quite looking forward to sampling this delicious cooking.” Hydantion turned and said kindly to her.

“Nika and I should get working on it then.” Elle said as she forced a smile on her face.

Nika nodded, and Elle followed her sister over to the corner where the kitchen was. They conversed briefly what they should make for so many unplanned guests. It was hard to think straight as Alar, who had returned to his normal self, and Jân continued to joke and jest at the other’s expense. Their humorous arguments were occasionally punctuated by Hydantion’s laughter after he retrieved his soldiers from outside.

The oven fire grew warmer as Elle and Nika cooked. Alar came over to help them every now and again, but otherwise he joined in the comfortable and easy conversation that took place between him and the other men. Nika was pleased by the friendly atmosphere. Elle was disheartened. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to be accepted by the Elvas. This would be the first night in memory where she could fall asleep without wondering if she would be killed while she slept, but it was for that reason that she strongly sided with wanting to have nothing to do with those who made so many of her nights filled with terror and fear. How was Nika proving so willing at the thought of living with the man who had ordered their uncle to kill his own sister?

Too distracted by her thoughts, Elle forgot to shift the pan of meat from the high temperature. The sauce started splattering everywhere. Nika gave her a disapproving look as Elle quickly removed the pan from the source of the problem. A good half hour passed before she and Nika felt there was enough made for everyone to eat their fill. Elle realized it was a good thing her family was free to now go and come as they pleased. Preparing this lunch ran the scarce food supplies they had collected in this early spring season to almost nothing.

“Everything is ready.” Elle called to Alar and Jân.

The two rushed over to help get everything on serving plates and to the table. Elle had to stop and stare in shock when she saw the table had doubled in size. The Elvas had used the spare wood meant for repairing the roof to expand it so everyone could fit. The wicker chairs scattered throughout the house were used as spare seats. Elle was rather infuriated when the Elvas she later learned was called Calor took Mareiel’s chair before she could claim it again. She had no choice but to pretend it didn’t bother her, and sat in her own seat instead.

The serving plates were passed around as the young Elvas soldiers eagerly helped themselves. They praised Elle and Nika on the cooking to the extent a blush appeared on Elle’s cheeks again. She sat straight and ate as delicately as she could though she eventually realized her attempt at appearing dignified was completely lost on the rowdy youths. It was beyond her why she wanted to impress them at all. Then she caught Nika staring at her with a smirk-like, know-it-all grin on her face. Her sister thought she found Tondel, Calor, Uralad, and Tithran attractive.

Elle gave Nika a disapproving glare back. What Nika assumed was hardly the case. The five Elvas were simply the first people she had met besides her family. Even Nika had dared to go out to the closest town in disguise with Alar once or twice. Elle never took the risk. Besides, she knew though she was steadily getting closer to courting age it didn’t mean she was there yet. There was no point in finding anyone attractive. Elle resumed eating. She ignored the other subtle smirks Nika sent her way.

Her plate emptied long after the others, but it did not matter. Conversation continued on strongly. Jân talked the most as he wanted to be caught up on all the events that had occurred since he left his home city. Elle listened as Hydantion and the soldiers talked of good crop years, bad crop years, town attacks by Dowarks, joyous births of their relatives’ babies, and celebration of the yearly festivals. Elle realized there was so much about the world she had still to learn. The conversation turned to magic after some time.

“So it is true then that you two can perform magic even though you are not full Elvas?” Uralad asked, helping himself to one of the last rolls.

“That is…” Elle started quietly, “True, I suppose. Nika is much better than I am.”

“Go ahead and show us something.” Tithran prompted Nika eagerly.

“What should I do?” Nika asked.

She looked at Alar and Jân for help. Elle could tell she was embarrassed by the sudden attention.

“Do what you can do with the candle lights.” Jân suggested.

Nika looked up to the flickering candles suspended on fixtures above their heads. With a smile, she stood up and slowly raised her arms towards the ceiling. The flames of the candles sparked and crackled as they separated from their wicks. A red glow radiated from Nika’s hands, and the eyes of the Elvas widened when the room darkened and the flames danced in the air. Graceful circling of her wrists caused the flames to bounce and swirl faster and faster around the room in a large oval. Elle had seen her sister’s talent before, but she too lost her breath as the others had. Nika had never performed so extravagantly.

The speeding flames left bright orange streaks in the air that shone and sparkled into a soft vortex of fire as Nika tightened the oval closer around them. Elle watched as Hydantion suddenly raised his own hand up. The dregs of water left in the glasses danced and circled harmoniously with Nika’s flames creating a breath-taking sight Elle could only imagine as being part of a dream. Steam created by the fire and water colliding only added to the otherworldly experience.

The flames started to falter though. Nika was growing tired. With a swift and determined flick of her wrists the flames flew up into the air and settled peacefully back on the candle wicks. Elle clapped along with the others as Hydantion replaced the water and Nika sat down with a beaming smile.

“That was truly marvelous,” Hydantion raved patting her on the back, “To be able to perform so complexly with no training means you have a gift. I shouldn’t be surprised. You look just like your mother did when she was your age. It’s no wonder you’ve inherited her magical talents as well.”

“Thank you.” Nika said with her own blush on her face now.

“How about you now?” Tondel said to Elle.

“Oh, no. My magic is terrible, I mean it. Anything small I could try doing would especially only look sad compared to my sister’s display.”

            “It is alright if it is only something small. To be able to do anything at all is miraculous.” Hydantion encouraged.

“I don’t think―”

“Please try. I’m sure you can do much better than you’re giving yourself credit. A large part of wielding magic is the confidence that you can. If you have faith that it will work, then it will work.” he pressed.

“I’ve seen you do some pretty impressive things in the past couple weeks. Go ahead and give it a try.” Jân added.

“I, I can try turning out the flames.” Elle said quietly, “But then we’ll be left in the dark.”

“It will be easy enough to light them again. As your brother said, go on and do what you can.” Hydantion reassured.

Elle looked desperately at Alar for help, but he only gave her a nod to encourage her to try as well. She sighed inwardly. Elle took a deep breath, sat up even straighter, and closed her eyes. Her hands slowly lifted up of their own accord she gathered the weak energy she had. Pressing everything out of her mind that didn’t involve the flames on the candles dimming, Elle concentrated with all her might to not mess up.  It was when a surge of power shot through her arms that she flashed her palms up.

Elle’s intention to smoothly extinguish the candles instantly failed. Everyone in the room shouted out when the candles and the dying fire in the fireplace erupted into bright bursts. Elle could barely see for the overpowering light. All the flames roared dangerously for that brief second before crackling out of existence just as quickly. The house was cast into complete darkness. There was silence save for the rain and wind outside rattling the windows.

Hydantion and the other four burst out into loud laughter after their fright settled. Elle quickly buried her face in her arms against the table. She fought to hold back the warm tears forming in the corners of hers eyes. Her face burned as hot as her flames with dread and embarrassment. They laughter quieted when the lights were relit and Elle’s horrified condition was revealed.

“Oh, Elle.” Nika said, soothingly rubbing her hand over her back.

“I told you I was terrible.” she whispered back.

“That was not terrible.” Calor comforted, “It was quite a fun show.”

“Indeed. I stated it before, did I not? That you can manage what you did is something many of the council members in Marmaírein thought impossible. They believe you and Nika would inherit nothing of the Elvas’ blessing. You can manipulate the world’s energy. That is no small thing. With proper instruction you can even be a great wielder.” Hydantion added.

Elle reluctantly sat back up. Her tears were firmly packed away though she still felt like crying. All she could do was nod. Alar thankfully took the attention away from her.

“I do believe that we have the remnants of the cake we made a couple days ago. Given by how fast we went through this lunch here I think it’s safe to say dessert would be no burden on anyone’s stomach. Nika, why don’t you come help me serve it?” Alar requested.

“Sure.”

The two stood up, and as the Elvas talked merrily about the anticipation of the cake Elle was forgotten from their minds. She quietly stacked her plate on top of the other dirty ones to give her restless hands something to do. Jân stared at her as she did. Elle quickly pulled her green eyes away from his amber ones again when they met, and mentally kicked herself when she did. She didn’t know why she kept avoiding his gaze. The hurt look on his face mostly vanished when she looked back over to give him an apologetic smile. He nodded, and gave her a sympathetic smile back.

Nika brought the cake to the table. Jân forgot Elle as well as the dessert was place right in front of him. Elle didn’t mind. She needed a moment to herself to recover. It was her silent wish that the cake disappeared as fast as lunch did so that she might make a stealthy departure to her room and bed.

Elle sunk gratefully into the warm water of her bath. The soft bubbles of the sweet soap the tub had been filled with tickled her chin and shoulders. Steam rising from the tub swirled into the air making the whole bathing room quite humid. Elle had finally gotten away. There had been no chance for escape from lunch until dinner. Then the storm passed with night’s arrival, and Elle could slip away to a place where none of the Elvas soldiers dared to intrude.

Not that Elle was alone. Nika sat on the floor next to her. She always took her bath first, and stayed in the room to talk with Elle while she took hers. A large towel wrapped firmly around her, Nika had made a cushion of other towels underneath her as she pressed up against the tub and played with the bubbles.

“You’re going to make them go away faster if you do that.” Elle warned.

“That’s alright. They’re just bubbles.”

“They’re my bubbles.”

“I can play with them too.”

“You already had your bath. If you want to disturb mine then I’d rather you leave.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll leave them alone.” Nika said dejectedly, pulling her hand out of the water.

She folded her arms on the rim of the tub, and stared with boredom at the wood wall. Elle did her best to ignore her sister as she began washing. However, Nika tilting her head side to side as she tapped her fingers against the porcelain was too much of a distraction.

“Go ahead and play if you want.” Elle relented with a roll of her eyes.

Nika smiled widely and eagerly began shaping the bubbles to suit her whim again. Elle watched her for a bit before giggling.

“What?”

“You really are a child, you know?”

“Of course I am. I’m only fifteen.”

“If you were a full Talmor, you being fifteen would make you look how I look.”

“But I’m not a full Talmor.”

“I wish I was.”

“Really?” Nika asked, looking up at her with surprised eyes.

“Don’t you just want to be one or the other? Talmor or Elvas? Things would be so much simpler if we were.”

“I like being both. We get a bit of all the best stuff.”

“And a bit of the worst.”

“I guess so.”

“You’ve also had to spend your whole life hiding. You never got to know mama. So many people still want you dead merely for existing. You can say we’re a bit of both, but at the same time we’re also neither. Misfits are all that we can ever hope to be.” Elle mumbled softly.

She lowered herself further into the water. With Nika falling silent while she took to staring deeply at the bubbles, Elle could hear the reverberations in the wall of the Elvas talking out in the sitting room. Alar had retreated to his own room, but Elle knew Jân remained with his newfound friends. She could catch his voice if she listened close enough. He sounded like he always had. He sounded wholly different. The discord frustrated her.

“You don’t want to go to Marmaírein, do you Elle?” Nika assumed correctly after thinking over her words.

“I don’t. I am glad that we don’t have to worry so much anymore, but I will never want to live at that place.”

Nika nodded, but said nothing further.

“What about you?” Elle asked.

Her sister kept her mouth firmly closed and her eyes firmly fixed on the bubbles she poked.

“Nika, where do you want to go?” Elle asked again.

“I…well, would you be mad at me if I wanted to go?”

“No.” she replied honestly.

“I do want to go. I always have. It sounds like a beautiful place, and I’ve always wanted to learn more about magic. If the mean Elvas could meet us then I’m sure we could change their minds. It’s like Hydantion said. We could help the Elvas, Talmor, and Mahon getting along great again by only having to be ourselves.”

“Hm, I like that you’re still very much a child. You can see things so optimistically. It’s getting harder for me to be the same way.”

“It’s a good thing we’re sisters then. I can be happy and optimistic, and that’ll cancel out you being so gloomy. Sounds perfect, huh?”

“I am not gloomy.”

“You were today.”

“Can you blame me? I mean, first I thought we were going to die. Then I had you bruise my stomach with your elbow. Then you showed me up with that whole explosion of magical talent you had going on before you demanded you get the last piece of cake. Now you’re popping all my bubbles. Are you seeing the pattern here?” Elle teased.

She took a big huff and blew the tower of bubbles Nika had been building onto her sister’s face. Nika’s effort at putting on an annoyed face was futile as the bubbles popped and tickled her. Elle tenderly reached out her hand to wipe away the suds near her eyes. She was a little stunned when Nika gently grabbed her hand with both of hers and stared up with her with eyes almost full of awe.

“Can you sing mama’s lullaby?”

“Right now? Don’t you want to wait until bedtime like when I normally sing to you?”

“I want to hear it now. You can sing it at bedtime too.”

“Well, aren’t you being greedy today?” Elle laughed.

“You keep telling me how much of a child I am. I can be greedy if I want.”

“I suppose you can. You’re lucky you have me around. I had to listen to papa sing the lullaby.”

Nika laughed loudly.

“At least he tried.”

“Tried is the rightly the key word there.”

“I won’t tell him you said anything. Now go on and sing.”

Elle rolled her eyes lovingly. She shifted until her forehead lightly tapped against Nika’s as her little sister always liked. The sound of her soft humming of the familiar and almost sad melody reverberated beautifully against the arched ceiling to drift Elle and Nika off into a world of their own.

Sleep tight

Farewell

Sleep sweetly my one

The night

Takes you from my arms once again

The stars

That shine

Will guide you to dreams

Where pain no more can be

Will you think of me

So lost in that world

Dancing across the clouds

And I pray please don’t forget

I am right here

Watching you rest so sound

But go run

Go explore

Find your wings―

The lullaby barely yet reaching its climax was broken off unceremoniously by a loud thud, laughing, and cheering of those in the sitting room. Nika jumped up and opened the door to stick her head out.

“Good job, Jân! You ruined it!” she called angrily.

“Wha―? Ruined what? It wasn’t my fault!” Jân called back.

Nika had already slammed the door shut and retook her place by Elle’s side.

“I’ll sing it to you again at bedtime.” Elle promised.

“Good.” Nika pouted.

Elle held back another giggle, and placed a kiss on top of her sister’s wet hair while Nika swirled the fading bubbles with her finger.

Elle groaned as the sunlight struck her eyes unceasingly. No matter which way she turned there was no more shade to be found from its perpetually bright rays peeking through the budding branches of the trees. Elle didn’t want to wake up yet. She made no effort to convince herself that what occurred yesterday had been nothing more than a dream. It had been a hard lesson she learned long ago that ignoring reality only made conflicts worse. However, there was a fear in her heart that she was on the losing side of the current conflict no matter what she ended up doing. Nika had directly stated her desire to go to Marmaírein. Jân had become good buddies with Tondel, Calor, Uralad, and Tithran. Alar was seriously considering letting them leave. She was the lone one against the idea.

Hearing the sounds of the others stirring outside and seeing Nika’s empty bed, Elle forced herself to rise. Her grumbling stomach didn’t make her wish to stay in bed any easier either. It was later than she normally woke. Elle wondered why she had been left alone for so long. She dressed quickly, and spent more time on her hair than she usually did. It was when she just finished that the soft knock on the door came. The door opened before she could even stand up.

“Oh, you are awake then,” Alar said, “I wasn’t sure if you were or not.”

“Did you need me for something?” Elle asked curiously.

The fact that he closed the door behind him and sat down on Nika’s bed gave off the strong impression he did want something from her. Alar sighed. He motioned for her to sit on her own bed across from him. Her hands were taken in his as she did. Elle waited patiently for him to find his voice. His paler than normal complexion and dark bags under his eyes showed that the night had not been good to him. As he struggled, she dreaded hearing what he was going to say. It was worse when he could not find the strength to say it, and Elle had to instead.

“You’re going to tell me to go to Marmaírein, aren’t you?” she assumed softly.

Alar let out an exhale of frustration and reluctance.

“I do not want you to go. Not at all. But yes, I am telling you to go. Forcing you, in fact.” he admitted.

“Why, papa? If you do not want me to go then why would you force it upon me? Why would you willingly separate us? I do not want to learn magic. I do not care about those stiff-necked Elvas who have lived centuries of a cushy life in that corrupted capital. All they care about is what benefits them. There has to be more to all of this than mere regret.” Elle implored.

She held her father’s hand tighter, and made those green eyes that she inherited from him meet hers. Elle quieted when she saw signs of tears forming. The only other time she had seen him cry was when Jân and her revealed Mareiel’s death. Alar was otherwise her support that stood strong no matter how much life tried to beat him down. Elle eagerly let herself be led to his lap where he embraced as he so often did when she was a child. He petted her hair and kissed the top of her head like she had done so similarly to Nika the previous night.

“I’m letting you go because I know it will be good for you. It might be a bit dangerous as Hydantion said, but I know Jân and he will look after you. I know you as well. You have the power to change those people. I want you to show them that race does not define a person. You define yourself.”

“We’ve never been apart before though. I won’t know how to do anything without you there to guide me. I’ll get scared, and you won’t be able to comfort me. What if I mess everything up? I don’t want you to leave me, papa.”

Elle failed to hold her sudden tears back. Alar wiped them away with his thumbs before holding her face closely to his.

“I know, sweetheart. I know. However, what you’ve just said is unfortunately a large part of what growing up consists of. I don’t have any clue as to why I’m not getting older, but I will have to die someday. We will be separated then. You need to explore, grow, make all sorts of mistakes, find the best of happiness, and live your life as bravely as you can until that point. In the meantime, I will always wait here for you. This farewell is not a goodbye.”

“I will come back if I don’t like it.”

“You do that, but give it time. At least a couple months. That’s what I told Nika. If you cannot stand Marmaírein after that time then I will come and get you personally. Then we can go to Bluefell like we always talk about doing. We can even visit Hafen if you want.”

“Really? You promise?”

“I promise. You have to promise to be strong though― for yourself and for Nika. I have a feeling that girl is too eager about this whole thing for her own good. She doesn’t understand how much hatred she’ll face. She will need your protection and love before too long.”

“I promise.”

“And don’t fall on her again. She really is so small.”

“I promise not to, at least not on purpose.”

Alar chuckled.

“Don’t forget to sing Nika your mother’s lullaby.”

“She never lets me forget.”

“Make sure Jân doesn’t tease you too much.”

“That I can’t promise.”

“Then you have my permission to give him a good slap every now and again.”

“I can do that. What else?”

“Remember how beautiful you are.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Don’t ever let anyone make you feel as if you’re not worth anything.”

“I’ll try.”

“Don’t forget that I love you.”

“Never.”

“Make sure to wear shoes. I know you like going barefoot, but I don’t think the Elvas will appreciate you tracking mud and dirt into their nice city.”

“Got it.” Elle giggled.

The last of her tears ran down her cheek. Alar wiped it away, and left a long kiss on her forehead. His reluctance of letting her go was so strong Elle could physically feel it. Alar held her tighter as she shook while desperately trying to control herself. It broke Elle’s heart when he pushed her away from him and stood up.

“You might have guessed, but I already talked this over with Hydantion, Jân, and Nika,” Alar said, “Hydantion wants to get you all off as soon as possible. I’ll back your things while you get something to eat. Nika made some breakfast. You’ll head off as soon as you are done.”

“So soon?”

“It will only be harder if we draw this out.”

“Right.” Elle agreed unwillingly.

She moved to give her father another embrace, but he smoothly stepped aside to open the bedroom door for her. Elle tried not to allow the sudden sense of abandonment overwhelm her as she walked out into the sitting room while Alar remained inside to start packing. No one else was around. Elle peaked out the window by the front door. To her surprise she saw six horses being tended to in the yard. Each had its own brilliant coat shade. Nika bounced around from horse to horse as Jân followed appearing to be telling her about each one. It was a mystery where the animals had come from.

Tithran caught her watching and waved. Elle instantly pulled away from the window. She almost let out one of the curses she had learned last night. Tondel, Calor, Uralad, and Tithran had been nothing but nice to her. She did nothing but rudely avoid them. Elle wasn’t sure if it was because she was still afraid in some manner, if she somehow did find them attractive, or if she was actually shy at heart. It was so hard to tell after only being surrounded by her father and siblings her whole life. Elle slowly peeked out the window again, but Tithran had moved on to talk to Uralad.

Elle went to the kitchen to fill her stomach which grumbled with more vigor than before. She chewed on the bread and eggs as slow as possible. The moment she finished eating was the moment she had to leave. Elle studied the cabin while she ate. She loved this little house of hers. It was regretful that she had stopped paying it so much attention. All of her memories had been made here. Elle knew nothing else. It was hard to believe the dream of leaving she once wanted more than anything was now what she wanted the least. The world beyond was not worth the separation of her family.

The tinkling of her fork hitting an empty plate brought Elle to her senses. The food had been all eaten before she knew it. Elle’s time had run out. She didn’t even have the chance to search for a spare apple or slice of bread to delay the inevitable. Alar walked out with the traveling bags she had never used packed neatly.

“Shouldn’t there be more in there?” Elle asked when she saw how little had been placed inside.

“You’ll have access to all the richest silks, dresses, and accessories. I doubt the plain dresses and wooden brushes I’ve made will have much use to you anymore.” Alar pointed out.

“I rather prefer whatever you make to whatever fancy items the Elvas use their magic to conjure up.”

“So you say,” he teased, “I’m sure with enough time you’ll become just as spoiled as Mareiel was when she was still a lass.”

“I don’t believe you. Mama was the sweetest person on all of Lerathian.”

“She told me herself that she was as bratty as you can possibly imagine. That means she was even worse than Nika.”

“Hey!” Nika’s exclaimed indignantly having just walked through the front door.

Elle laughed loudly at the inopportune timing.

“I’m sorry, dear.” Alar apologized.

“I suppose I can forgive you, but just for this one time.”

“Thank you for your kindness, sweet daughter.” Alar jested as he gave her a dramatic bow.

“Very lovely,” Nika replied sarcastically before turning serious, “But, um, Hydantion wants to know how much more time you’ll need Elle.”

“I’ve finished eating, and papa has gotten my things for me.”

“So you’re ready then?”

Elle hesitated. Alar, solemn once more, gave her shoulder a firm squeeze.

“I guess I am.” she agreed.

It had never been harder to stand up. Nothing about this felt right to Elle. How could she just leave? Why was everyone supporting such a fast separation? Alar had given up so much of himself to protect her, and now she was just supposed to take off? Elle felt lightheaded as she followed her sister and father to where the horses were. The words everyone said were distant and undecipherable. She watched with glazed eyes as her pack was handed to Hydantion to be strapped to one of the saddles. She swayed on her feet. However, no one noticed until Hydantion made the call to say partings before the group moved out. It was only then that he pointed out her condition to Alar.

“Elle, are you alright?”

Her father’s voice came floating to her disembodied. Never before feeling so weak in her life, Elle wrapped her arms around him tighter than she ever had. More unstoppable tears rolled from her eyes onto his shirt. Her own words came as a whisper.

“I don’t want to go, papa. Don’t make me go.” she pleased.

The world was silent. Elle didn’t want to hear anything else. Nothing mattered to her save the words which would next escape her father’s lips. Would he really be so cruel as to send her away? He had sworn to protect her no matter what happened. How could he force her to someplace where he knew she would be hurt?

“I’m sorry.”

Those quiet words he mumbled broke her world. Elle fought even harder not to fall apart. She refused to let go when Alar tried to break away. What he tried to say was barely more than an echo reverberating in his chest. It was a miracle to Elle that she didn’t start screaming and beating at Jân when he finally and gently pulled her away. Her tears fell to the ground

“I know, sweetheart. I know,” Alar repeated, “It hurts. I promised you though, didn’t I? We’ll only be apart for a little while. This is not goodbye. Everything will be alright. Just give it a chance.”

Elle nodded. Alar wouldn’t let her hold onto him again, but he left another kiss on her forehead and some on her cheeks as he promised one last time that she would be fine. Elle stood shaking while Nika then said her farewells. Her eyes swam with tears as well. The two sisters held hands while Alar and Jân shared a long, tight embrace that was rare for them.

“I love you. I’m proud of you. Be strong.”

Alar’s final words he spoke to repeated over and over again in her mind. Elle wasn’t aware of her body as she was led to sit behind Hydantion on his horse. All she could manage was making sure that the line between her father’s green eyes and hers wasn’t severed. The jolt came though. Hydantion led the mounted group forward. Elle tried desperately to shift for one last parting look at her father, but all she could see was Jân and Nika’s downcast faces as they followed behind on the spare silver horse.

And on they rode. Until Alar and the cabin vanished into the trees. Until the forest cleared and the wide horizon opened up to greet them. Until the streaks of tears on Elle’s face became nothing more than memories.

And on they rode.