Criala

The situation had already been almost over by the time Rosalia found herself in the square, using her sister as a leaning post. A frown tugged at her lips, upon spotting the face of a friend she'd not seen in decades. A man who had been the first to greet her when she found herself in the Father Grove of Elvenesse so long ago. 

 

Eir'thall.

 

As his body fell lifeless to the ground, her frown deepened.

 

I hope you can find peace. A peace you didn't seem to have in life.

 

The look on her face was worn, a pain in her eyes. Exhaustion creeped over her, from the death of a man she called her friend, along with somehing else that already plagued her.

 

I'm so... Tired of death.

What met Neia when she finished the trek up over the mountain caused her to waver. To falter. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide. The charred armor of her Mal'onn. The ashes of him that remained within. Then her fury was directed at the enemy before them, her urge for vengence coursing through her as if it were her life's blood.

 

Even as the enemy crumbled and broke, defeated, the 'aheral slashed and stabbed at whatever part of it she could. She only stopped when she realized it had fallen on the small Arvellon Chieftess. Her body went on autopilot as she and the others gathered, trying their best to help her. As the others took over, she was numb. A blank stare at the spot where Avius' charred armor remained. 

 

It didn't register as the others trekked down the hill, Eretria in tow. Slowly, she made her way over to the charred armor. With a shaky hand, she scooped the items up, and made her way back to the Vale with the others. 

 

However, when they arrived, she stared at the bridge for a good long moment, blank stare still present. She turned her back to the bridge, making her way off into the forest. Each step felt heavy as she made her journey to where a mali'fenn man was, somewhere nestled in the depths of Almaris. Only then, did she break. She dropped to her knees, tears dribbling down and dropping onto the charred breastplate. 

 

Originally, Rosalia intended to go as well to battle the Azdrazi, having wanted to do what she could to help. But, in the end, she decided against it. Lack of martial skill and the concern of being a distraction in battle.

 

So, she waited. For hours, she waited. At the camp that Avius had been staying at. The place she'd last seen him. But he didn't return.

 

It wasn't unusual to go without seeing him for a bit of time. But... Something... Something didn't feel right.

 

It can't be.

 

The thought was brushed off. She didn't want to think about that.

 

Maybe he's at home. Yeah, he's just at home.

 

And so, home was her next destination, her heart heavy the whole way. The name on the side of the house read Avius Csarathaire. 

 

She pushed the front door open to go inside. But she was met with nothing. It was empty. Not a sign of the man anywhere. The bed... Empty.

 

Her heart dropped. A shaky breath escaped her, the worst settling in. And soon enough, her worst fears would be confirmed. 

 

He wasn't going to return. He'd fallen in the battle with the Azdrazi. The man she'd come to love so much and call her own... He wasn't coming back.

 

The water works started before she'd even gotten back home. Barely in the door, she collapsed to the floor. Her back was pressed to the door, heaving sobs escaping from her as she struggled to breathe.

 

"I know that it hurts, but you can find comfort in the fact that you know you will see her again."

 

Little did Avius know... That his words, originally meant to bring comfort for the loss of another, would now have to be the comfort for the grieving lover he'd left behind to cling to.

"I've been prayin' te the Aspects, te my Marhaelun Awaiti the last couple months for Tanila's welcome te the forest. But I've spent time teachin' some youngin's in front of Bolomarmaa's totem by the water, what it means te 'ave the stength of a mother. And there, we all prayed for you." - Miven Caerme'onn

 

A child is supposed to out live their parents.

 

The thought kept resonating within Leilani's heart and soul, threatening to break the Aureon Chieftess into little, irrepairable pieces. It took everything she had to keep herself together.

 

Even as the group dismounted from their horses to continue on foot, part of her wanted nothing more than to take her daughters and run. Find somewhere to tuck them away, safe with her. Preserve what little time Tanila had left to spend with them.

 

But this was a sacrifice that Tanila was choosing to make, for the greater good. For the Aspects, and for nature. To cleanse the horrific taint brought upon the land. As much as she wanted to take them and run, she couldn't. She had to be strong for Tanila, and for Nenar.

 

The weight on Leilani's heart was tight and suffocating, threatening to squeeze it until it was crushed. Her arm moving to wrap around Tanila as she and Nenar aided the young 'ame to the tree that would be the young Aureon's final resting place.

 

For the last time, she clutched Tanila to her chest, wishing to not ever have to let go, and whispering how much she loved her. 

 

I was with you when you first came into this world.

 

"It's a healthy baby girl!" 

 

The news from her husband brought relief to the exhausted mother, who lay slumped back against a pile of pillows. 

 

"A baby girl..." She murmured, a tired smile spreading across her face as she looked at Lyemar. 

 

A bundle was soon placed in her arms, and she cradled it to her chest. Two wide, emerald green eyes stared back up at her as she was held by her mother for the first time.

 

"She's beautiful... What will we name her?" Lyemar asked, reaching a hand out to brush along the newborn's cheek. 

 

"I think... Tanila." Leilani whispered, not breaking eye contact with those emerald eyes.

 

"Tanila." Lyemar repeated, smiling as he tested the name out. "It's perfect for her." 

 

"I love you so, so much, Tanila."  Leilani continued to whisper to their newborn daughter.

 

The duo parted, so Tanila could say her goodbyes to the others there. Not once did Leilani pull her gaze away from her youngest daughter, even as she latched onto her older sister. Even as she moved to lay across the assembled stones.

 

I will be with you until the end.

 

Even as the tri-blade dagger pierced Tanila's heart and her own heart screamed at her, she watched. She didn't move until a familiar voice she'd not heard in decades said to run.

 

A split second of hesitation, of longing to remain with her daughter, even in death.

 

I shouldn't be leaving my baby alone. 

 

But that's not what Tanila would have wanted. And so she ran, as quick as her legs would carry her. Not for herself, but for Tanila. For the children she had left alive, and for her husband. She didn't stop, until everyone was safe. She kept herself together until she knew Nenar had made it as well.

 

Then, looking on as the cleansing took place, she collapsed to her knees, stream after stream of tears flowing down the mother's face. Had Aedrie not been there to catch her, she may have just fully collapsed to the ground in a heap. With Aedrie's help, they made it back to the Vale. 

 

After relaying the news to her second youngest daughter, she made for the Wilds to inform her husband of their daughters fate. But, after this the grieving mother would often be found at the base of the willow tree left where Tanila had been, tucked against the roots.

 

"I know that it hurts, but you can find comfort in the fact that you know you will see her again." - Avius Csarathaire

 

It did bring Rosalia some comfort, but it still hurt. It hurt so, so much. She wasn't able to hold herself together in her final goodbye to Tanila. Tears flowing down her cheeks as she held onto her baby sister as if Tanila were her lifeline. Praying and hoping that the moment to part would never come, that time would freeze so she wouldn't have to let go.

 

But reality crept up, and soon she couldn't put off letting go any longer. Words of how much she loved her baby sister, and how of if she had a daughter, she was naming it to honor Tanila. How she wanted to be able to be half the druid Tanila was once she was attuned.

 

As much as she wanted to be there for the final moments, she knew she wasn't the one who needed to be there. Their mother was. Her tears only increased as she watched the backs of her mother, youngest and eldest sisters leave. 

 

"You're a big sister."  Leilani held the bundle out to Rosalia, where an infact was tucked, wide green eyes, and dark brown tufts of hair peeking out.

 

Rosalia's eyes widened in awe, golden amber meeting the emerald hues buried within the blankets. She didn't break eye contact with the infant. "What's her name?"

 

"Tanila." Leilani supplied with a smile. "Do you want to hold her?" 

 

"Ti!" Rosalia frantically nodded her head, reaching her arms out so she could take the bundle from her mother. She held the infant securely, looking down into the big green eyes once again. "Hi, Tanila. I'll be a good big sister to you. Like Nen has been to me. She'll love you too. She's the best big sister. She won't ever let you be alone or leave you. I know, because she's always been there for me." 

 

The wait was agonizing, hoping beyond all reason that somehow both of her sisters would return. That somehow Tanila wouldn't need to die, and that they would still have time left with her. Even just one more hug was all she wanted.

 

But her mother returned, alone. And the tears started fresh when she was informed that it went as planned. She latched onto her mother, sobbing into her shouldder as reality crashed into her. The two shed more tears together, before her mother reluctantly left to deliver the news to Lyemar. 

 

The tears wouldn't stop coming. She was gone. Avius' words went through her head again. 

 

"I miss you already." She murmured to herself, amber gaze staring at the spot she'd last seen her baby sister. "I want to be as brave and strong as you ar-were." She would do her duties with the devotion Tanila did her last one with.

No words, no sound came from the Aureon Chieftess as her feet took her back through the gates of Nevaehlen. Tears were drying on her cheeks, though another occasionally fell, redampening them. When she originally left, she was with two of her daughters. Now... She returned with only one. 

 

Hollow. Everything felt so hollow. Her heart ached, an unfillable void left.

 

 People were interacting around her, showing relief for returned loved ones, speaking to one another. But none of this seemed to register for her as her trek continued. She disappeared deeper in to tell her second youngest daughter that it was done. Tanila was gone.

 

The words brought forth another round of tears, from both of them, before Leilani left the Vale a short time later. To return to the Wilds and inform her husband of their daughter's fate.

 

The tears hadn't stopped coming, not since Rosalia said her final good bye to her baby sister. She barely was able to let Tanila go, wanting to prolong the last moment she'd see her. She could only watch as her sisters and her mother left to what would be Tanila's final moments.

 

 Despite knowing there would be no other outcome, despite trying to prepare herself for this moment, she hoped that the three of them would come back together with news that somehow Tanila wasn't going to have to die. That there would be just one more moment longer with her baby sister.

 

But her mother returned alone, and the news of Tanila's sacrifice was given. It went just as it was supposed. The tears increased tenfold. 

»»———— Nevaehlen Forest ————««

 

“I think… That about does it…”

 

The words were mumbled, only for a yelp to echo out among the trees. Rosalia shook her head, a red mark across it from where the trap snapped onto it, instead of sitting the way it was supposed to.

 

“Ouch.” She huffed, golden gaze narrowing at the offending trap.

 

After a few seconds of glaring at it, she started anew, trying to get the trap to cooperate. But the second time wasn’t the charm, because it snapped back onto her hand again, in the exact same spot as before.

 

“Stupid thing.” She grumbled, a faint huff coming out.

 

Yet again, she tried to get the trap set up right, going even slower than the previous attempt. Going slower appeared to do the trick, because she was able to do it that time.

 

“Finally.” She rubbed her hand, wincing a little from the pressure on the reddening spot. “Now to wait…”

 

What was going to be caught in the trap, she didn’t know. Squirrel, rabbit, whatever was small enough to get caught in it.

 

With one last look at the trap, she made herself scarce. Now, it was a waiting game. At first, she was checking rather frequently, only to find nothing in the trap. After nothing being in it the first few times, she realized that maybe she was checking too often, perhaps scaring off whatever may get caught in it. So, after that, she spaced out her checking more.

 

That seemed to do the trick, because after that, she found a rabbit caught in the trap. With a deep breath, she took the rabbit from the trap. Now she had a lure to try to hunt something bigger.

 

»»———— Deeper in the Forest ————««

 

“This should be far enough in.” Rosalia squatted down so she could set up the lure. Thankfully, this came easier than trying to catch the rabbit.

 

With it in place, she hurried away from it, though kept herself hidden close enough to be able to see if anything approached. There was a spear on her back, along with a quiver of arrows and a bow. Clad in light leather, as her regular armor may have made too much noise. Once she was satisfied with where she was, she pulled the bow from her back so it was at the ready.

 

However long she waited, she wasn’t sure. But the sound of bushes rustling reached her ears. A glance to her left showed a mountain lion sniffing at the air, before making its way to the lure.

 

As carefully as she could, she reached back for an arrow from the quiver and lifted her bow. With the shaft of the arrow between her fingers, she slowly lined it up down the edge of the string. She took aim at the mountain lion, hoping to penetrate it right below the shoulder blades, so it’d hit the heart through there. That was her plan at least.

 

The arrow went soaring through the air, straight towards the mountain lion. But her aim ended up off, and the arrow ended up embedded into the dirt beside it.

 

The large feline growled, head snapping up from the rabbit to look around for where the arrow came from.

 

Rosalia stilled, not even lowering her arms for fear of catching its attention. That seemed to work, because the mountain lion let out another growl before picking up the rabbit and running off with it.

 

Rosalia maintained her position for a good few minutes, even as her arms grew tired from being up in the air so long. Better to make sure it wasn’t going to come back. But she finally relaxed, staring at the spot where the rabbit had been.

 

“It took my rabbit.”

 

Her cheeks puffed out, bottom lip jutting out into a pout.

 

“...Now I have to get another one.”

 

Some time later, after getting another rabbit, Rosalia set up another lure. In a different spot, though it was still deep within the forest. She had herself hidden away again, bow out and an arrow already in her hand for a quicker reaction.

 

Loud thunking soon came, signaling something larger than a mountain lion coming. And, within a couple minutes, a bear came in through the trees.

 

Her eyes widened at the sight of the bear, her hold on the arrow almost slackening enough to drop it. This bear was large. And she wasn’t naive enough to figure that she could take on a bear by herself, when she’d never really hunted before. So, she did nothing as the bear scooped up that rabbit, and after eating it, went on its way.

 

Everything was silent, until she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding in.

 

“...That was one big bear.”

 

A shudder went up and down her spine at the thought of trying to hunt that.

 

“Wait. Now I need another rabbit!” She groaned, running a hand down her face.

 

Instead of setting out again that day, since it was starting to get dark out, she went home to try again the next day. When the next morning came, she donned her light leather, spear, quiver and bow. First, she went to capture another rabbit.

 

By now, she was getting used to that part, so it was easy enough to do. Once she had another rabbit, she ventured deeper into the forest again, though not anywhere near where she saw the large bear.

 

The lure was placed, and she tucked herself away in a hiding place. Bow out, and arrow in hand, she patiently and quietly waited for something to show up. Hopefully not another bear. She didn't want to have to capture yet another rabbit.

 

Just when she thought nothing was going to show up, a mountain lion slinked over from the bushes. A vague curiosity of if it was the same one as before crossed her mind, but she quickly focused herself again.

 

She raised the arrow, lining it up with the bow’s string. Taking a moment to make sure her aim was good this time, she soon let the arrow loose.

 

It flew through the air, hitting the mountain lion in the lower back.

 

It roared in pain, and Rosalia tried to be quick to pull another arrow from her quiver. But the mountain lion tore across the forest towards her hiding place, meaning that she had little to no time to act.

 

She managed to get another arrow nocked, but not the time to perfect her aim since her time was limited. She released the string, the arrow shooting off from the bow towards the mountain lion. It was going too fast to jump out of the way, and the arrow embedded itself into its shoulder. Another roar of pain erupted from it as it was slowed down by the hit.

 

As the arrow hit its mark, Rosalia jumped into action. She pulled the spear from her back and pointed the sharp end at the mountain lion. Another growling roar from the animal, its stride right for her still. As she jabbed towards it with the spear, it ducked down and dodged her spear.

 

This knocked her off balance, her free arm immediately going up to protect her face, the other that held the spear holding it up so hopefully it bit onto the shaft of it.

 

Sharp teeth sunk into the spear. Claws slashed at her side, and down her legs, slicing through the light fabric and blood flowing from the wounds..

 

A hiss of pain came from her, but her hand moved from her face and shot towards the sword sheathed at her hip. Continuing to use her staff to keep it from biting her face or chest, she pulled the sword from its sheath.

 

The mountain lion dug deeper into the spear, the wooden shaft splintering and nearly shattering it from the force of its grip. It continued to slash and claw at her upper leg and side, but she kept a tight hold on her spear, doing her best to keep it from detaching from it.

 

With a shaky hand, as she was starting to feel light headed, she shifted the sword, pointing towards the mountain lion’s stomach. In one swift motion, she plunged it upward, piercing through the soft tissue. Blood spurted out, the mountain lion’s movements slowing the deeper she pushed it, until it went limp all together.

 

Once it was limp, she pushed it off of herself, her world beginning to spin. It slowed as the pain eased some, her hands pressing to the wounds down her left side, though the blood still flowed from her upper thigh.

 

“I don’t like hunting.”

Mama always said it’s the choices made in life which show how we are as a person. Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, throwing one into situations they’d never even dreamed of. Outcomes one could never fathom.

 

“When those times come, what would you do, amore?”

 

“What do you mean, mama?”

 

“Take the easy way out?”

 

“Err…”

 

“Would you run?”

 

┗.༻❁༺.┛

┏.༻❁༺.┓

 

Who are these people? I've never seen their armor before.

 

What do they want with my family? What could they possibly want?

 

What do we do?

 

What can we do right now?

 

They all have weapons.

 

Gracia...

 

Ludovica...

 

Cosimo...

 

┗.༻❁༺.┛

┏.༻❁༺.┓

 

“Take a stand?”

 

“I..”

 

“With your head held high?”

 

┗.༻❁༺.┛

┏.༻❁༺.┓

 

Shouts echoed through the Falcone family home.

 

A gauntleted hand pointed a finger at Natalia. Slowly, she released her daughter.

 

Given a rough shove forward, the illatian woman made her way towards the armored figure. Once in range, her arm was grabbed, and she was yanked forward.

 

Her eyes locked with her husband's, something mouthed as she was dragged along.

 

'I love you, take care of our family.'

 

┗.༻❁༺.┛

┏.༻❁༺.┓

 

Mama always said it's the choices that make who we are, show who we are. When she first told me, I didn’t understand it. I was just a young child after all.

 

Now I do understand.

 

My life has taken turns which I never dreamed of. Perhaps this was the biggest one of all.

 

“Do you accept death?”

 

“And if I don't?”

 

“True love is selfless. It is prepared to sacrifice.”

- Sadhu Vaswani

 

 

Natalia read a new book given to her, an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.

 

[Reserved]

The best pixel art ever, definitely worth getting! 

Across the table within the dining room of the Tathvir Hall lay multiple things, most of it in a container to keep it from making a mess of the table. Blood, phlegm, biles and ectoplasm were all in containers. The herbs were laid out on a piece of paper.

 

At the table was a mali’fenn woman. Long white hair pulled back partially to keep it out of the way. Her back was to the wall. After all, she never sat with her back to an open space. Turquoise trailed over each container and herb, a small eyeglass held within her hand.

 

There was a slight noise, almost like the floor creaking. Only a slight falter to what she was doing. Normally, she would have paused fully, head snapping up to see who or what was near. But she was within the family home. It was a place of safety.

 

“What’re you doing, Haelun?”

 

The voice, however, caused Estellise to pull her attention from the herb she'd been looking at. A tall mali stood to her left, hair white, light brown skin and turquoise eyes that matched her own.

 

“Identifying the signs for these.” Estellise motioned to the items set out across the table.

 

“Signs?” Sulion asked, tilting his head ever so slightly as he glanced at each container and each herb upon the table.

 

“Ti.” Estellise nodded her head, turning it to look back at the task at hand.

 

“It’s alchemy.” Another voice reached Estellise’s ears.

 

“Hello, Rhae.” She said, giving a brief glance up, before her focus returned to the items.

 

“Hi, Haelun.” A pale woman with white hair and electric blue eyes was now making her way around the table, skirting around Sulion. “Hi, Sul.”

 

“Hey, sis.” He offered in return, dipping his head to her.

 

Rhaella’s attention was on the containers on the table, a hand reaching out to try to grab one.

 

“Don’t even think about it, Rhaella.” Estellise spoke, without even looking at Rhaella.

 

“I’m not doing anything!” Rhaella continued to reach for one of the containers, the one full of ectoplasm, fingers wiggling at it.

 

“You can’t eat them.” One of Estellise’s hands shot out to swat at Rhaella’s hand, not pulling her attention from what she was doing.

 

“Have you tried?” A cheeky grin spread across her face, though she pulled her hand back. For now at least.

 

“No.” Estellise replied easily, a hint of amusement flashing across her face.

 

“You’re weird, sis.” Sulion shook his head at Rhaella, moving to occupy the seat to Estellise’s right, resting his arms on the table in front of him.

 

“Normal is boring.” Rhaella slipped into the seat to Estellise’s left, her eyes still on the container of ectoplasm.

 

A set of footsteps could be heard, though no voice accompanied them. Just the sound of them, and soon the sound of someone sitting at the head of the table.

 

A pale woman with semi-short white hair, blue eyes and clad in black. A curious gaze drifted over those at the table, then the items spread out across it.

 

Before Estellise could offer an answer, another walked into the room, and her gaze shifted to the doorway. This time, a mali’fenn man with white hair and turquoise eyes. An ‘aheral woman with pale blond hair and blue eyes was being dragged along with him by the hand.

 

“Well, what’s going on here!” Arevthor asked, a bright grin spreading on his face as he made his way to a seat across the table from Estellise, Rhaella and Sulion. He patted the seat beside him for Neia to sit.

 

“Alchemy ingredients. I’m identifying the signs for them.” Estellise, yet again, dropped her attention to the items in front of her. The small eye glass was held up, her head dipping down to look over the previously set down herb.

 

“What sign is this one?” Sulion asked, nodding his head to the herb.

 

“Let’s see…” Estellise trailed off, taking a few minutes to look over it more thoroughly. “Earth.”

 

“Earth.” Sulion echoed, nodding his head. “Will all the herbs be earth?”

 

Estellise set the herb to the side, proceeding to take the time to look over each of the herbs with the eye glass. After she was done with each one, it was set to the side. “Yes, all earth.”

 

“What about that?” Rhaelle pointed a finger at the container of ectoplasm which she hadn’t taken her eyes off of. “What is it?”

 

“Ectoplasm.” Estellise answered, taking the container and setting it in front of her. Using the eyeglass, she looked over the ectoplasm. “Aether.”

 

“What about that one?” Arevthor squinted at the container of phlegm. “What is that?”

 

“Phlegm.” Estellise wrinkled her nose a bit, swapping out the container of ectoplasm for the one of phlegm. Again, she took the eyeglass to look it over. A few minutes of silence before Arevthor got his answer. “Water.”

 

“Interesting.” Arevthor hummed, before falling silent.

 

“That one?” Valerica nodded her head towards the container of blood, voice soft as she spoke.

 

“Ah, the blood.” Estellise moved the container of phlegm so she could place the container of blood in front of her. Eyeglass in hand, she looked over the blood.

 

The sound of a container being picked up reached her ears, and Sulion going ‘sis’ from her right.

 

“Also water.” She pulled her attention away from the blood container to look to her left. What she found was Rhaella, opening the lid of the container and her finger already dipped into the ectoplasm. ”Rhaella!”

 

Upon being caught, Rhaella quickly shoved her finger in her mouth, as Estellise reached out to take the container away from her.

 

“I swear…” Estellise mumbled, setting the container far out of Rhaella’s reach, in front of Sulion.

 

A knock on the door had Valerica pulling herself up from her seat. “I’ll get it.” With that, she headed for the front door.

 

“Your fault if you get sick.” Estellise commented to Rhaella, putting the lid back on the container.

 

“Worth it!” Rhaella chimed, after she licked her finger clean of ectoplasm.

 

With a sigh and a shake of her head,, Estellise took the container of biles now, setting it in front of her. As she lifted the spy glass to look it over, the sound of two sets of footprints reached her ears, one heavier sounding than the other.

 

“And this one is fire.” She said, now setting the spy glass down. When she looked up, Valerica was accompanied by a tall, bearded man.

 

Right as she was about to open her mouth to greet him, the sound of a chair screeching across the floor and the sound of Rhaella retching on the floor.

 

“She ate th’ ectoplasm, didn’ she?” Hareven asked, looking right at Rhaella as she threw up all over the floor.

 

“You guessed it.” Estellise nodded her head, letting out a sigh.

 

 

Cracks began to form, threatening to spread and cause Natalia Marie Falcone to break completely. Carmine, Dante, Gracia… They were what kept the crumpling woman together and going.

 

Empty.

 

Trying to keep busy and keep her mind off of it didn’t work. Everything was a reminder. And for once, her own mother’s advice fell short.

 

‘Keep busy, amore. It’ll help.’

 

But it wasn’t. It didn’t. No matter how she busied herself, it wasn’t enough.

 

┗.༻❁༺.┛

I

┏.༻❁༺.┓

 

A stack for four letters sat on the table, addressed to Cosimo. The first two came rather close together, the third a couple years later, and the final the next year. All were left unopened, untouched aside from being placed there.

 

The handwriting wasn’t hard to recognize. Ludovica.

 

The widow wasn’t able to bring herself to open any of them. The written letters that made up his name reached into the still fresh wound and tore it open again, leaving it just as raw as that first moment.

 

“I’m s-sorry, Ludo.” She whispered, a crack of her voice happening in the middle of the words. One last glance at the stack of unopened letters, then she left the room, her hand pressed to her face in an attempt to keep herself composed.

 

┗.༻❁༺.┛

II

┏.༻❁༺.┓

 

A book rested on the bedside table. The binding was worn, showing it was well read. One of Natalia’s most prized possessions. A gift from Cosimo, and so she rarely put it down when he gave it to her. Now, it was a source of comfort, held close and tight to her chest, as if a lifeline.

 

Sequestered away in the vineyard, within what had been her and her husband’s bedroom, she was often curled up with that book. The feel of the pages beneath her fingers helped calm her sometimes, as did going through any clothing he had left there.

 

Nothing of his was cleaned out, left exactly as he’d left it. She couldn’t bring herself to do it. If she did, it was almost like saying it was the truth. That he really was gone. And that was something she couldn’t handle right now.

 

┗.༻❁༺.┛

III

┏.༻❁༺.┓

 

A slow, shaky breath was sucked in, attention on the envelope on the table. A response from her mother no doubt, to the letter Natalia sent her mother. It took her a couple of minutes to actually open it. This was a reality that she was still trying to deny, trying to ignore the truth she felt in the pit of her stomach.

 

‘I am sorry to hear such.

It is never easy to lose the one we love.

Focus on your children now.

Keep busy, amore. It’ll help.

Help keep your mind off of it.’

 

It seemed so easy for her mother to say, when she wasn’t the one who had her other half ripped away from her. Sure, her own father was gone, but her mother didn’t appear that affected by it.

 

┗.༻❁༺.┛

IV

┏.༻❁༺.┓

 

Natalia Marie Falcone née Cristelli. The only daughter of Emilio Aldo Rossi and Gianna Sofia Rossi née Cristelli. The story of how they met was one she heard often when she was a child. Yet, so different from how she met Cosimo. While her and Cosimo’s meeting was when they were barely adults, her mother and father grew up together from when they were children.

 

From the way her mother told it, the two felt a spark from the start, and so it blossomed into a romance when they were teenagers. Barely adults when they were wed, but they loved each other, so it was a celebration of love and bringing the pair together.

 

Maybe a year later, Gianna was with child, but despite care taken, her labor came a month and a half early. A son born to the couple, which they named Matteo. Unfortunately, the infant only lived to be a couple of days old before passing on.

 

It was a devastating loss to the both of them, Gianna falling into a depression, barely able to get out of bed. Emilio coped with alcohol, the bottom of a bottle the only thing he saw. A struggle for them to keep themselves together, individually and as a pair, but Gianna recalled what her mother told her.

 

“l'amore richiede lavoro, figlia mia.”

 

As time went on, Gianna and Emilio appeared to be doing better. She was smiling, though if one paid close attention, it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Emilio stopped drinking, now drowning himself in whatever work he found.

 

Things continued on like this until some time later, Gianna brought news to her husband. She was pregnant again. Exciting news, but of course, a shadow loomed over the pair. Afterall, they both feared what happened with their son happening with this pregnancy as well.

 

Much to the relief of both parents, a healthy baby girl was born to them. Natalia Marie Cristelli. As she grew, her eyes changed to hazel with flecks of green in them. Her hair grew long, and brunette.

 

Neither parent had that eye color, and Emilio could only ignore the nagging feeling in the back of his head for so long. It sparked an argument, and it grew heated. That was when it came out. Emilio wasn’t Natalia’s biological father. A man by the name of Giosue Romano. Some man that Gianna ran into during a walk. A mistake that was made while she was trying to work through Matteo’s loss, while Emilio was off drinking.

 

A young Natalia, maybe six years old, made an appearance there. And there was a change in Emilio. Disdain, anger, disgust. All of these flashed across his face when he looked at her. His fists clenched, and he glared at her.

 

“Papà, cosa c'è che non va?”

 

“Non sono tuo padre!”

 

Emilio didn’t leave his wife, but the soft father he once was was gone. Distance and hatred replaced that father. It was the same for Gianna. Her once kind and loving husband was gone. He couldn’t even look her in the eye. Natalia was left confused, and the only answer Gianna offered was that grown ups sometimes change.

 

Life carried on this way, and Emilio returned to drinking. Often, he came home drunk. Natalia learned the hard way to avoid him when he was like that. Slapped across the face one time when her mother was at the market. She made no mention of it to Gianna though, and neither did Emilio.

 

Even amidst all of that, Gianna remained a dutiful wife and mother. Dinner was always prepared, even if Emilio didn’t show up. Most of it would get eaten at least.

 

The only thing Natalia could remember from that night, aside from Emilio grabbing her, was a loud clang. A pan hitting Emilio in the back of the head, causing his hold on her to loosen. And the shout of her mother after such.

 

“Non toccare mia figlia!”

 

┗.༻❁༺.┛

V

┏.༻❁༺.┓

 

Another look was sent to the stack of letters on the table, which were still unopened. A pang in her chest, a hand lifting to grasp at her other one. A ring glinted in the light from her left ring finger.

 

After a moment, she turned away from the stack, making her away into a different room. She came back with some paper, seating herself at the table. A writing utensil was grabbed, put to paper. Her hand shook a little, but she did her best to keep it steady.

 

Once done with writing, a name was scrawled across the front of an envelope.

 

Ludovica.

 

The letter was soon sent off, and perhaps, it would reach Ludovica. If it did or not, Natalia wouldn’t know.

 

 

TOFFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 🥰

Outside of the Tundrak bloodline hall a package was left. If opened, one would find a set of six statuettes. There was no note on the package or inside of it. They were carved out of birch wood. Upon closer inspection, one would find that each statuette had been carved to the likeness of certain elves. Aesilnoth, Idril, Visenya, Annatar, Elanor and Rhaella. 

 

The base of each one was five by five inches, with a height of roughly ten inches. The one of Aesilnoth was carved with its left arm out, so it could wrap around the shoulders of the one of Idril. The right arm was carved outward as well, so the hand could rest on the left shoulder of the Rhaella one. In front of Aesilnoth and Idril were Visenya and Annatar. Idril's hands were carved to have one hand on Annatar's shoulder, and the other on Visenya's shoulder. Elanor was in front of Rhaella, a hand reached out to be clasped within one of Rhaella's, the other touching Visenya's. Rhaella's free hand was also reached out to be resting on Visenya's other shoulder.

 

The only sign of a maker's seal was a small rose carved upon the bottom of it.

 

 

 

"A letter?"

 

A mix of confusion and curiosity laced the Lilac druid's words at the appearance of the letter. Closing the door to the burrow, she turned to venture deeper into the home. She opened it, teal scanning over each written word.  A frown of concern spread across her face. The letter was reread multiple times, the pain and guilt within the written words felt deeper each time.

 

"Hareven..." 

 

She reached out for her staff, which had been resting against the wall nearby. With staff in hand, she called out into the burrow, as she planned for a journey to the Owl's Perch Tavern. 

 

"Cal, I'm going out for a bit."

 

Leilani's mother senses screamed on the inside, sensing something was not right with two of her daughters.

Rosalia was blissfully unaware of the situation her sisters were in, telling her son of his aunts. 

Clear sky, birds chirping and hardly a breeze in the air. A figure stood just outside of the clinic, within the Garden of Healers. Her frame was petite, long brown hair hanging to her waist. Two words caught her attention.

 

Illynora Sylvaeri.

 

“I tried my best to make you proud, sister.” A murmur beneath the woman’s breath. After a moment, she tore her emerald gaze away from the words, shifting to the next set of words.

 

These ones ripped into her soul, burning a hole into her, which was soon filled with guilt.

 

Eraami Aureon Reeyse.

 

“But all I did was let you down.” The guilt was evident in her face and words. Almost instantly, she tore her gaze away from those, continuing down the line until she stopped at a specific name.

 

Medli Amaeden.

 

“I let you down most of all, Medli. And for that, I am sorry.”

 

Forgiveness isn't something she expected from Medli. After all, she vanished without a trace, opting to leave the burdens of running the Aegrothond Clinic and lessons on her own behind her.

 

She pulled herself away, taking a step back before turning to completely leave the garden. Enough time spent getting lost in the past and the guilt of it. Now it was time for her search.

 

Thoroughly, the city of Elvenesse was searched, a glance sent at every house with a name on it. None were the one she was looking for yet. No, it took time for her to find Medli’s home. When she did, she stopped at the door, but she didn’t knock. Instead, she stuck an envelope against the door. Once sure that it wasn’t going to fall to the ground, she departed.

 

Should the envelope be opened and the letter inside unfolded, it would read...

 

 

━━━━༺❀༻━━━━

 

‘Medli,

 

There’s many things I could say here, but I’ll start with I’m sorry.

It’s not something I’m proud of, vanishing on you all like that.

I ended up overwhelmed, with all the duties of the Clinic falling on me.

No matter the reason, it wasn’t right of me to disappear like that.

I hope you can forgive me one day, though I don’t expect you to.

I’m so proud of what you accomplished though.

I know Illynora would be too.

If you ever need anything, I am a bird away.

 

Yours,

Eraami

 

━━━━༺❀༻━━━━

 

 

Quiet. Still. If one were to walk in, at first glance, they would think the hall empty. But, venturing further inside, one would find a lone figure. A ‘fenn woman. White hair hung down just past her shoulders, frame clad in black.

 

Before Valerica was a wooden plaque, one in the shape of an otter. Icy blue eyes lingered on a marble set within the plaque, hand lifted up to fiddle with a ring hanging from her necklace. She knew what was on the back, right behind that marble. The letters R T.

 

Rothilion Tathvir.

 

Her face twitched, an expression of pain and sorrow almost seeping through the blank facade she so carefully had in place. Emotions were something she seldom showed, especially lately. But, for him, for Rothilion, they began to slip through the cracks, as much as she tried to keep it at bay.

 

The ring dropped back against her chest, fingers reaching out towards the marble. Just barely a brush of her finger tips against the smooth surface.

 

“I love you, Snowflake.”

 

Too long it’d been since she’d heard those words, but they were still clear in her mind, as if he’d just said them yesterday.

 

“I love you too.” So low, that it was barely audible even to herself. Once again, the room fell into silence, and she was alone with her thoughts.

 

An arm looping through her right snapped her out of her thoughts, her head turning to find another ‘fenn woman. Long white hair, turquoise eyes and clad in dark teal and gold.

 

Estellise let herself lean against Valerica’s arm, offering silent comfort. After all, sometimes all you need is someone to be there, even if there’s nothing to say.

 

Before Valerica had the chance to do more than give a slight smile, she felt someone take her left arm. A look to her left showed yet another ‘fenn woman. Long white hair, electric blue eyes and one ear.

 

Rhaella tightened her hold on Valerica as well, causing the woman to be effectively squished between her and Estellise.

 

Another set of footsteps came up behind the three. A ‘fenn man. Short white hair, turquoise eyes, features that bore a striking resemblance to the three ‘fenn women. Arevthor scooted around them, so he could pull the three into his arms, as best he could.

 

Silence soon settled around the four, but it was the words not said that were the loudest.

 

No matter what, you have us.

 

 

We just can't keep it this a secret anymore. It was bound to come out eventually.

 

Our Prince, Vytrek, is a snow elf in appearance.

 

 

But, in reality... 

 

 

We just can't hide it anymore that he's really a carrot.

I am 28!

It wasn’t unusual for Cosimo Anthony Falcone to be absent sometimes. A year or so here and there was common. Sometimes even a handful. After all, he was a busy man with duties to attend to. Natalia Marie Falcone understood that about her husband, ever the devoted wife and mother in said absences. No matter what, she was always there, waiting for his eventual return.

 

And he always would return, even if it had been a few years since he last appeared, because family was important to him.

 

┗ ༻❁༺ ┛

I

┏ ༻❁༺ ┓

 

“One day, you will a’meet someone, and you will a’know, amore.” An older Illatian woman spoke, running a brush through her daughter’s long, brunette locks.

 

“What do you mean, mama?” The young Illatian girl, seated in front of her mother, asked. She tried to turn her head to look over her shoulder, but her mother turned her face forward once again.

 

“You will a’know what I mean in time.” Her mother answered, taking the brush to the young Illatian girl’s hair once more.

 

“Okay, mama.” Confused the young girl was, but she didn’t press the matter.

 

┗ ༻❁༺ ┛

II

┏ ༻❁༺ ┓

 

Silence, save for the breathing of the Illatian woman. She stood in front of the bedroom window, hands in front of her. Her left partially tilted upward, while the fingers of her right turned the ring on her left ring finger.

 

Surely, he was just away on business, as he often was.

 

But this… This time felt different. Something gnawed at her, a heaviness settled in her stomach, despite how she tried to brush it off.

 

┗ ༻❁༺ ┛

III

┏ ༻❁༺ ┓

 

Osanora was a temperature the young Illatian woman wasn’t used to, evident by the coat she was bundled in. Warm… It was just so warm. Warm enough that her coat was undone and left open to get some air.

 

A pause to look around, until her hazel gaze fell upon the tavern. Not a moment was wasted, and she was soon walking inside.

 

It was empty, aside from a young man with long hair and a mustache seated at the bar. Not even a bartender was present.

 

"...Issa empty?" It came out as a question, her form easing down to take a seat at the bar as well.

 

“Eh?” With a raised brow, the young man turned to her, bemused. However, once he faced her, his tone shifted. “Oh.” A slight stammer over the word. “No, signora. There's a guy. He's- coming back soon.” He faced the counter once again, after a clearing of his throat. Elbows on the counter, his hands clasped together. “So, he says.”

 

For a brief few seconds, she was silent, as their gazes met. But she snapped out of it when he looked at the counter. "Ah, so there issa someone here. I wasn't sure since it wassa so empty." She nodded her head, clearing her throat. "Wonder if he will be.."

 

"Si. Probable. Iss been a while though." A margarita was in front of him, 3/4ths full and condensated from the chilled beverage beginning to acclimate to the heat. He nudged the glass over to her, perhaps in case the bartender did not return. "Si quieres."

 

"If issa been a while, then perhaps he will not be back..." A hand lifted to brush the brown locks from her face, an effort to cool her face down. A glance to the drink, before she shrugged a little and grasped the cup to lift it to her lips. "Gracias."

 

Once done with her sip, she pushed the cup back towards him. It continued on like that, the two pushing the drink back and forth to share it. Idle conversation in between drinks, questions such as where they were from and introductions.

 

He lifted his hand, offering it out to her to shake while introducing himself. “I’mma Victor.” Though she’d come to find out later that it was an alias.

 

“I’mma Natalia.” She reached out to take his hand, her fingers wrapping around it to shake. Time almost stopped for her, during that shake, however brief it was.

 

┗ ༻❁༺ ┛

IV

┏ ༻❁༺ ┓

 

Tears welled up in her eyes, her bottom lip quivering. It was a struggle to keep herself composed, but she knew if any tears fell, they wouldn’t stop.

 

So fondly and clearly, she recalled when she first met Cosimo. They’d been two young, inexperienced barely adults that happened to find each other, in an empty little Cantina, as if God himself fated it to be.

 

Her mother had been right. When you meet someone, your other-half, you know. You feel it.

 

┗ ༻❁༺ ┛

V

┏ ༻❁༺ ┓

 

Nerves threatened to eat the young Illatian woman alive. Nervous, but excited, for this was the last day as Natalia Marie Cristelli. No, after today, she would finally be Natalia Marie Falcone. It was a day she’d been looking forward to since Cosimo first proposed.

 

Every so often, she peeked around the corner. Cosimo was there, greeting each person as they entered.

 

Natasha, Anton, Ludovica as well as many faces and names not known to Natalia yet, but would be soon.

 

Viktor, Augustina, Victoria.

 

Only once Cosimo disappeared deeper into the Cathedral, with everyone, did Natalia slip from the room she was tucked away in. A guard told her where to wait, and so she did, right outside of the sanctuary, in the foyer.

 

“Miss Natalia, you can come out now!”

 

That was her cue, from the guard. Her eyes met Cosimo’s as she made her way down the aisle toward him and Cardinal Gawain. A bright smile spread across her features, a light pink darkening her cheeks. She stopped across from Cosimo, the smile only growing as she looked at him. Her heart swelled, pounding within her chest.

 

The vows were given, the I dos said, and now it was time for the rings to be exchanged.

 

“Cosimo, take a ring. You as well, Natalia.”

 

Natalia reached out, taking one of the rings from the pillow. A brief glance up as she did so.

 

Once she had her ring, Cosimo took the remaining one. He slipped it onto her ring finger, and she slid the one she took onto his.

 

“Now if you would kneel…” Cardinal Gawain motioned for the pair to do so.

 

Cosimo was the first of the two to kneel, resting his hand on his knee.

 

As instructed, Natalia grasped the end of her dress, so she could adjust it to be able to kneel.

 

Cardinal Gawain took a small vial, opening it to dip his fingers into it. He crossed the Lorraine onto Cosimo’s forehead, allowing the holy water to drip down onto his clothes. Immediately afterward, he did the same for Natalia. “As with these holy waters of Gamesh sealing their vows of God, you both may now rise! Now rise as Cosimo and Natalia Falcone!”

 

Cosimo rose then, out of his knelt position. He twisted the ring around his finger, then sent a wry smile Natalia’s way.

 

Natalia eased herself up, soon letting her dress skirt flow down to her ankles once again. A smile was sent Cosimo’s way.

 

┗ ༻❁༺ ┛

VI

┏ ༻❁༺ ┓

 

“God brought you salvation once, mi amore.” The words were whispered, a crack to the woman’s voice as they came out. A pleading tone laced her words. “He can’t a’take you from us.”

 

Always, he came back. Always.

 

“Carmine, Dante, Gracia... Our children a’need their father too.”

 

No matter how many times, he was away. This time was no different, right?

 

“You can’t a’take him from me…” Her voice softened, down to a whisper.

 

This time isn’t like the others. Something isn’t right.

 

She could feel it with every fiber of her being, straight down to her core. Tears began to dribble down her cheeks, a shaky breath exhaled out. Her shoulders shook, and she hunched into herself. Crumbling to the ground, she pressed her face into her hands.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Wyrvun’s Landing’

 

“So, this is the tavern.” It was a soft murmur from an ‘aheral woman, head tilted up to look at the writing on the sign. Her frame clad in a long sleeve dark red shirt, dark trousers and a pair of boots. Just barely peeking out of the very tip of the shirt’s neckline was the head of a phoenix, done in crimson. A sword was sheathed at her left hip

 

»»————-　✼　————-««

 

Her shoulders shook, teeth chattering a little from the cold, something she wasn’t quite used to yet. But it wasn’t unwelcomed. There was something about the snow and cold of the city, something within it, that brought a feeling of being at home almost.

 

It was the ‘aheral woman’s first visit to the Fennic city. After all, it was just down the road from Irrinor, so why not right? Her exploration brought her in front of a building, blue gaze scanning the sign above the doorway.

 

‘The Silver Snowflake’

 

Walking through that doorway changed her life forever. That tavern was where she met a certain ‘fenn.

 

────── ⋅❅⋅ ──────

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He was behind the bar, serving drinks to patrons seated at the bar and at tables throughout the tavern. As she entered, he gave a nod of his head and flashed a grin her way, before going back behind the bar.

 

She dipped her head to return the greeting, before making her way to where the fireplace was. Flames licked at the edges of the stone, but didn’t spread out from it. She settled down onto the couch in front of it, enjoying the warmth radiating from it.

 

“Not used to the cold?” The voice came from her left, slightly behind her.

 

It caused her to jolt, head snapping to look up and behind her. Standing behind the couch was the ‘fenn who’d been serving drinks.

 

“Didn’t mean to startle you!” He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

 

“Ah, it’s okay.” A sheepish smile tugged at her lips. “Not really, haven’t spent a lot of time in the tundra.”

 

“Well, welcome to it, I guess!” The grin remained, looking right at home on his face.

 

“Ahernan, I guess!” She couldn’t help her smile widening. His grin was contagious.

 

“I’m Arevthor.” He reached his hand out to her for her to shake.

 

“I’m Neia.” She lifted her hand, taking his hand to shake it.

 

»»————-　✼　————-««

 

The Tathvir Hall was attached to the Tavern and above the Clinic, as she came to find out. Arevthor led her there one day, through the Clinic and up the lift there.

 

“Sure this is okay?” She asked, glancing at Arevthor.

 

“Of course.” He pulled a key from his pocket, using it to unlock the door. Once it was unlocked, he let her in first.

 

She stepped in, soon finding herself in the main living room of the hall. A couch and a couple of seats, along with a rug laid out in front of a fireplace.

 

“Cozy.” She commented, attention falling on the fireplace.

 

“It is!” He nodded, his signature grin on his face. He made his way further into the room, and instead of sitting on the couch, he plopped himself down on the rug. He patted the spot across from him. “Come on!”

 

She followed suit, easing herself down in front of him.

 

“You’re welcome here anytime.” He said, pulling another key from his pocket to hold it out to her.

 

The action stunned her to silence, her mouth hanging open just a touch, and her eyes wide. It took a moment, but she reached out to take the key from him. Her features softened, a smile tugging at her lips. “Thank you.”

 

“Of course.” The smile was returned with one of his own.

 

────── ⋅❅⋅ ──────

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»»————-　✼　————-««

 

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“It’s not often I don’t find you in the city.”

 

The voice cut through the silence. He didn’t even have to look to know who it was. It was one he knew so well by now.

 

“Empty day in the tavern. Need to get away every so often, get some quiet time to think!”

 

“That is a good point. Quiet can be good sometimes.”

 

There was rustling of grass beside him. A glance to his right told him she’d sat not too far from him.

 

“It can.” He nodded his head, before turning his attention back to the horizon. The two of them sat there in a comfortable silence.

 

»»————-　✼　————-««

 

Often, the two sat in front of the fireplace in the Tathvir Hall. A calm and comforting atmosphere.

 

“I have something for you.” She spoke up, during one of these times, amidst a comfortable silence.

 

A curious glance was sent her way. “What’s that?”

 

“You’ll see!” A hand shot into her satchel, rummaging around before pulling out a package. It was almost a square shape, but not quite. She held it out to him.

 

With a quirked brow, he took it from her and began to open it. Within was a blanket. Little books, quills and instruments were stitched on it, with the background of it being a shade of light grey.

 

“I made it for you.” A shy smile came to her lips, her hand lifting to rub the back of her neck.

 

“You did?” He tore his gaze from the blanket, so he could look at her.

 

“Yeah.” A slight nod of her head.

 

“Thank you.” He murmured. Unlike his usual wide grin, a soft smile spread across his face. He unfolded the blanket to wrap it around his shoulders. Then he held open the right side of it, motioning her over.

 

“Are you-” Before she could finish, he cut her off.

 

“Yeah, yeah, get over here.” He chuckled.

 

“Okay, okay.” She scooted over, so she was sitting right next to him. The blanket dropped around her shoulders, a yawn escaping her. She settled down against him, head dropping against his shoulder. It wasn’t long before she dozed off.

 

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»»————-　✼　————-««

 

He was on his way down the road to Fenn when he saw something off. An armored man, walking down the road at a brisk pace. But it wasn’t the armor that caught his attention. It was who was over the individual’s shoulder.

 

Slung over the man’s shoulder, unconscious, was her. He’d recognize the pale blonde hair anywhere.

 

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He snapped into action, pacing after them as fast as he was able. Unfortunately, he lost them when the man tossed her into a boat and rowed away. But he wouldn’t give up. He didn’t give up. With a boat of his own, he set off after them, with only one thought on his mind.

 

»»————-　✼　————-««

 

When she awoke, the armored man was there, but her mind was foggy, and her hands were tied behind her back. Searing pain engulfed her face, centered from her nose. It was broken, there was no way it wasn’t with the way he slammed her face down into that chest plate. Blood was smeared across her cheek and chin.

 

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The man before her soon revealed his name to be Thrandil. Honestly, she’d rather he kill her if that was what he was going to do. And that appeared to be his plan, when he wrapped his hand around her throat. But he didn’t squeeze, his hand drifting up to her jaw. Her head was turned this way and that.

 

“You are quite beautiful.” He commented, looking over her features. “A perfect ‘thill.”

 

“I’ve ‘fenn blood too. My grandmother was a mali’fenn.” A quick lie on the spot, in hopes of repulsing him. Much to her dismay, it had the opposite effect.

 

“Exotic.” was all he said to it as he turned her head, so her left cheek was exposed to him.

 

Her plan backfired. Any hope of getting away from this man left her.

 

He brushed her hair behind her left ear, letting a finger trace it, before giving a slight pinch. His next words to her were whispered. “Consider yourself lucky. I am a mali’ of passion. Your beauty has saved you, thill.”

 

With that, he released her entirely. He moved to the side, pushing at the top of her back to move her forwards. Because of this, she was hunched somewhat where she sat.

 

The sound of something being unsheathed reached her ears. Despite his ‘resurrance’ of her being ‘saved’, her blood ran cold. But the blade sliced through the ropes around her wrists, her arms free and hanging limp at her sides, tingling all over.

 

He picked up his pack and his helm, which he pulled back onto his head. The dagger was left in the dirt near her, and his parting words were something to haunt her for years.

 

“You’ll be seeing me again soon.”

 

He was gone after that, and she was left there, to dread any day she might run into him again.

 

»»————-　✼　————-««

 

It took what felt like forever to find her, but he finally did. She was slumped against a tree trunk, her pale face already bruising from the abuse it suffered.

 

“Neia!” He called out, jogging over to her. Once there, he knelt partially down beside her.

 

“...Arev?” Her eyes slowly opened to peek up at him. Relief spread across her features when she saw it was, infact, Arevthor. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she latched onto him, the tears flowing into the fabric of his sleeve.

 

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“It’s okay, I’m here.” He murmured to her, wrapping an arm around her, so he could scoop her up to carry her back home.

 

»»————-　✼　————-««

 

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“I passed the trials for Csarathaire.” She said, looking rather proud of herself. A sword was now sheathed at her hip.

 

“Ah, that’s great!” There was that grin again. The contagious one.

 

“Thanks!” A small grin of her own snuck onto her features. “I’m excited. I worked so hard.”

 

“I bet you are, and I know you did.”

 

He saw it coming, so he could have dodged out of the way, but he didn't. He was caught in her arms, pulled into a hug, and his arms wound around her to return it.

 

»»————-　✼　————-««

 

Time went by since she last saw him. On his way out of the city to take care of something was last she saw him.

 

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Time went by. Many things happened in his absence. But it didn’t stop her from waiting and hoping that he would return one day.

 

»»————-　✼　————-««

 

Seeing him again was by chance, in Aegrothond, some odd years later. She’d been going down the path around the back of the tavern when she saw him. Her eyes widened, her stride slowing to a pause. It was almost as if she’d seen a ghost.

 

He stopped when he went to walk by, only then noticing her. “Neia?”

 

“Arev…” It was all that came out, her breathing somewhat shaky. “I thought… I thought you were… Were dead.”

 

“Can’t kill me.” He cracked a grin, that same grin she’d known for so long. He opened his arms to her, and before he knew it, she’d dove into them. Her arms wound around him, clutching onto him for dear life. He held onto her the same, holding her to him.

 

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“Hey, I won’t die on you, not ever. Okay?” He muttered to her.

 

“You better not.” Her voice cracked here and there, her hold not lessening at all.

 

A smile came to the ‘aheral’s face, an almost fond look upon it. She stepped forward to make her way into the tavern. One thing she knew was that no matter how far or how long, the two of them would always meet again, no matter what.

 

 

The land was covered in a blanket of snow. Only the sound of footsteps against the icy path could be heard. Another few moments, slight crunches beneath the woman’s feet. Before long, the opening to the Fennic settlement came into view. Violet settled on it, slowly sucking in a breath. Too long it’d been, since she’d been among her own Fennic people and since she’d seen her sister.

 

“Ali, come here.” 

 

The young ‘fenn’s head turned to look at her mother. It was only a brief look, because her attention was soon back on the feathers laid out in front of her. She began to gather them, so she could pile them into the empty basket beside her. “Ti, Haelun?”

 

“Over here, come on now.” The older ‘fenn let out a slight sigh, a hand resting on her hip as she waited.

 

“Almost… Done!” Alisaela nodded her head, satisfied now that all of her feathers were in place. She hoisted herself up, now making her way over to her mother. 

 

The sound of a door opening and closing was heard. A couple of minutes later, her father emerged from another room. A nod was shared between her parents, her father reaching out to ruffle her white hair.

 

“Ali, we have something to tell you.”  Her mother spoke up again.

 

Alisaela tilted her head to the side, a look of curiosity coming to her face as she stared up at her mother. 

 

“You’re going to be a big sister.” 

 

“Sarya…” Alisaela murmured beneath her breath. Her bottom lip was caught between her teeth, gnawed on as her nerves threatened to consume her.

 

Anxiously, the teen paced back and forth outside of the clinic room. A feather was held in her hands, one of a pale blue. Back and forth it was twirled in her hands. Every couple of minutes, violet glanced at the door to the room, waiting a few seconds for someone to come out, only to be disappointed and divert her gaze elsewhere. 

 

Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, the door opened. Her father soon appeared, a tired but happy smile on his face.

 

Alisaela immediately scuttled over to him, the twirling of the feather increasing in speed. She said nothing, apparently wanting for him to speak first.

 

“You have a baby sister. Would you like to see her?” He asked, motioning to the door.

 

“Ti!” A couple of excited nods of her head, and soon she was led inside.

 

Her mother was resting on the bed, propped against two or three pillows. A small bundle was in the woman’s arms, wrapped up in a blue blanket.

 

With quiet steps, Alisaela scooted over to her mother’s side, to peer down at it.

 

“Her name is Sarya. Do you want to hold her?” Her mother asked.

 

A hesitant glance to her mother, before she nodded her head. Slowly, she reached out her arms so she could take the bundle into her arms. 

 

“Arm like this, and like this.” Her mother instructed as she transferred the bundle into Alisaela’s arms. 

 

Normally, she’d make a reply of how she knew what she was doing, but she was too engrossed in the newborn in her arms. A wide smile tugged at the corners of her lips, violet settling on the tiny face. The newborn’s eyes opened, blue meeting violet.

 

“Sarya, I’m your big sister.” She whispered to the tiny baby, supporting her with one hand and using the other to lay the blue feather on her little chest.

 

A hand rested on her shoulder, belonging to that of an ‘aheral man. Light blue offered reassurance, along with a squeeze of her shoulder. A bright smile spread across his face. “She’ll be happy to see you!” 

 

“I hope so, Maeh.” She offered a smile in return, before settling her attention on the settlement once more. With a deep breath, she stepped forward to head in.
 

 

Great job, Toni! Ready for snelf life again!

Gooo Goon!! so proud

1 hour ago, JJosey said:

Sarya Elathana squinted as she read the missive, a trace of gleam embellishing her icy blue hues.
"We think that faith and freedom must be our guiding lights because they reveal the truth. Ahernan, Vytrek, this time it's your turn to carry that light, - guide us back home." The elfess whispers underneath her breath, a pleased smile plastered across her lips.

The missive found its way into Alisaela's hands, violet taking in each word. A look of surprise came to her face, along with some excitement. Perhaps she could finally see her sister, Sarya, again.

 

"Maehran! You'll get to meet my sister!" 

 

There was a delighted smile on her face, as she looked to the blond haired man, holding out the missive out to him.

 

 

Estellise Tathvir tilted her head, reading over the missive as Valerica handed it to her. A slight head tilt, turquoise scanning it over. Slowly, she nodded her head in approval. A mixture of emotions washed over her. Uncertainty, relief, before it settled on hope. This would be a good fresh start for all the 'fenn people. Her son would be able to experience his 'fenn side in person now.

 

"So, this is what Arevthor does instead of visiting his family."

 

The tone of her voice was teasing, full of jest. That tone soon died down, replaced with a hopeful thoughtfulness.

 

"I'm interested to see what Vytrek does. I've faith in him."