And so she did. Stayed in that tree until Nysia had come blustering through, for a moment getting distracted by blooming waterfalls of blue blossoms, until she was shouting at Calia to come down to get dressed for dinner. Ignoring Calia’s complaints of GO AWAY and wonderfully done mimic of Arc’s FUCK OFF, until she had no choice but to jump down and follow the girl back to the elven princess’s chambers.
Apparently having inspired the woman with ideas of green and gold, for the gown she’d pulled out was just that. A simple cut without too many frills, which Calia appreciated in that moment, but could somehow just tell from the look in the other girl’s eyes that she was making a deliberate choice to play things safe now. Knowing that in the future Nysia was going to get to spring something truly horrendous that Calia couldn’t fight her on.
…the regret was starting to bloom.
As one might have expected for the elven family, dinner was to be served as a private affair. Away from the prying eyes of curious masses and nosy lingering nobles just vying for a glance at what was happening at all. Shooed away by those of the servant variety that had noticed and knew not to encourage such snooping. Even if they might be sharing sentiments, no one seemingly wanted to incur a wrath quite yet.
There was already plenty of hot gossip swirling around. Needing not to be encouraged further with a new idea of what or why or where.
With the doors open, the hall itself was a sparkling affair. Gold in particular being a fitting accent to much of the room in its lavender affair. Paired with the sound of preening children pitter pattering their feet across the clean floors. Being careful not to raise voices too high for mother was watching and there was the presence of innocent babe. Naturally Lyndis appeared to be quite interested in the newest little prince, trying to be patient but still chattering at a mile a minute to that of eldest aunt. Intermittently speaking to grandmother presiding at the head of the table.
Leaving Ternlei to be mostly attentive to the perhaps only other odd one in the room compared to Calia. As the royal family genes presided heavily in their offspring, she was a lily amongst the roses.
Perhaps noticeably there was a lack of Aien, likely tasked to do something that had run a bit longer. Leaving the only male really present outside the youths to be Renus. Standing at the table with hands formed over chair. Tapping and patting in waiting with it all eventually coming to be slowed as the last two of their current dinner arrangement had appeared.
“Dinner will be served soon,” Ashera spoke with only a glance up and a smile to bid child and Calia welcome. “What a lovely dress your wearing, Princess Calia. Green really is quite a charming compliment to you.”
Calia should have known that this was going to be as grand as everything else in the elven palace. Right on par with Renus’ elaborate, richly decorated home. As beautiful as it was, it really did make her feel like some country princess, despite the fact that she knew she cut a stunning figure in her own right. Finding even the ceilings were decorated with fine art and architectural flair.
“Nysia is being kind to me tonight, now that we have an agreement going,” responded the princess, tilting her head to the elven monster beside her.
Nysia, naturally beamed a big broad smile, keeping captive of Calia’s arm to escort her into the room. “I’m going to dress her for the wee one’s celebration in something most stunning! She thinks it’s going to be terrible, but she’s going to feel oh so foolish come the day. …Liriel where is your husband?”
Notably, the man that helped create the very celebrating new babe was no where in sight, leaving her dear brother and sweet little nephews as the only male figures in attendance.
“Rhiann has gone to the Tower to handle our recent events,” explained the Crowned Princess with ease. Too busy bobbing little one and making sure Lyndis was getting a good view to look up herself. “He’ll return in time for our party, won’t he, little love.”
“Good, as much as I like things being shaken up, I’d hate to him miss it,” lamented Nysia. “OH! Did you see the tree finally bloomed! Except they’re all blue blossoms – I’ve never seen it once bloom blue!”
Calia suddenly found a great deal of interest in continuing her glancing examination of the grand dining room. Looking just about anywhere else until she caught her own eyes in a mirror and then promptly turned her back to it.
“Let us hope that Nysia’s flare and fashion are mindful that not everyone enjoys being the prettiest little flower at any celebration.” Mother’s tone floated sweetly as if to try and stave off her child from potentially making an enemy of the other princess. Simply by overdressing and overstuffing one’s dress to look more like a whipped dessert than person. As if the eldest parent in the room knew just what sort of extragvance the dear child could produce. Surely enough to make Calia stand out but the girl already had her own talents for doing that. In less of a fashion arrangement and just choices and personality.
Smoothing fingers over the top of Lyndis crown –as the girl had just given a bare acknowledgement to the two new entries, far more enamoured with the newest cousin and trying to likely determine how she could swoop him under her wing.
Ternlei for the lesser effect had turned to face his own mother, the very same woman laying clear meadow spring eyes upon the guest that had caused quite a commotion. Tucking his face into her arm just to peek and show he was not so sure yet that Calia was one to trust! After all she had played dead and scared him. Leaving mother to openly show how much she was giving the foreign round ear the whole consideration. Making no qualms about it being blatantly open. Not quite distaste but not quite believing the faith that had been put into her either.
For a gentlemanly behaviour, Renus moved forward. To pull out chair in plural for that of sibling and company, so he might be the first to be shocked about the statement of the tree having bloomed into petals of blue! “Well it must be due to the Fae Tree’s relief of all things being handled or will be,” Ashera offered even if she had a look to her eye that was pronouncing itself upon Calia. “We should enjoy its blooms while they are present and remember them. Being sure to praise the very tree for her generous gift.”
The commander seemed to be far more thoughtful about it however, just successfully staving off any questions by the means that Kenia had spoken softly. Bidding Lyndis to come and sit as she ought too rather than lurking like a watchful hawk over the babe. Much to her dismay but seemingly knew which parent was the softer touch. The one absent!
“Please come and sit now. We’ve had the chef’s prepare a variety of things this evening for you to try, Calia.” Queen leaned back after a moment, straightening the arrangement of dishes already set before them. Empty, waiting for their first course as lips pulled a bit to smile, “And dare I ask the loaded question that others are being too polite to query?”
“I don’t think we need to know.” Renus offered making a pointed look to the children present, “No sense in startling the children or bothering Liriel, driira.”
That got Lyndis attention, head whipping around. “I’m not scared! You’re talking about Princess Calia’s familiar!?” That got the pink haired one to hush her with a bare icy look. “Well I’m not scared.” Puffing lip out in a vain attempt to win parental figure over.
“You went out this afternoon,” Renus stepped in noticeably trying to detract from the topic. “What do you think of the town in the daylight, Calia? I am sure Rhelic would have enjoyed taking you around had she stayed longer.” Bright eyes smiled at the head of the table, as if Ashera was simply amused by her child’s attempt to switch gears. “Granted I think we’ve all heard about the wealth of gifts and things that have arrived at Nysia’s door simply by some passing commentary in the court this afternoon, supplied by yourself.” Easing out a laugh, “I think that’s the fastest I’ve ever heard of anyone delivering gifts to the palace!”
Whether or not Nysia intended to listen to her mother would remain to be seen, and the broad smile she gave her really didn’t help clear up the matters at all. Bustling over when her brother was kind enough to pull out her chair and taking a seat. Continuing on with conversation as if having a special guest like this was something that happened every day.
“I hope they remain through the ball, it’s kind of fitting having a such a pretty blue when we have a new little prince.” Much like Lyndis, Nysia was leaning now too trying to peer at the quiet bundle, plotting herself how she was going to kidnap him from mother’s arms.
Calia gave Renus a soft appreciative smile, but kept her own mouth shut for now, if only because there was a new mother bear in attendance that was currently giving her the examining stare. Finding she was brave enough to meet the woman’s gaze, but apparently awkward enough that her own smile probably looked more bearish itself than it should. Only softening to an attempt of hiding amusement that little Ternlei was still shy of her undead self.
Soon finding she wasn’t even able to pipe in on the whereabouts of her bound demon with how quick Renus was to jump in brush off all topic of him. And even still opening her mouth to at least explain before then Lyndis had to declare she wasn’t afraid of Calia’s familiar, which really shouldn’t have set Calia into a wide bit of stupid grinning, especially when the girl’s mother didn’t seemed amused with any of this one bit.
Family chaos was the same everywhere it seemed.
Oh, she was allowed to speak now, was she!
“I spoke to a few vendors about travel gear and then I had a nice lunch at this little outdoor cafe. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to wander and just exist.” she revealed easily. Convenient too, leaving out the parts about Starling. Now there was a topic to ban from the table!
“She’s already helped me narrow down my nine suitors to eight, just by the flurry of gifts alone. Aren’t you proud of me, Liriel! I’ll be going on dates the next three days, perhaps I’ll even have cut off three more,” chimed in Nysia.
Princess Liriel was hard pressed to believe such a thing, but this declaration of dates did have her looking up with curious interest. “You’re going to actually talk to them in person? On your own?”
Nysia straightened up in her seat, smirking wide. “We’re going to talk and do activities. …I don’t know what yet.” On that wonderment she shot Calia a questioning look, clearly expecting the visiting princess to give some ideas.
“…horseback riding? Picnic? Fencing. Rock climbing. Chasing chickens.”
“Yes! One and all of those things!”
A murmur of agreement came easily to Nysia’s statement of hoping the blue flowers stayed well into the celebration of the new little prince. Eyes of one in particular settled and rested so knowingly that it was impressive that the queen didn’t just outright ask if Calia might be able to influence the duration of the petals stay. Just minding herself instead as not to rat out or call undue attention to what was assumed rather than actually known. Especially since her comment had gone to quizzing where the demon himself had been, expecting him to have tagged along.
As far as she could see, there was no halcyon jeweled bug upon Calia anywhere. Suggesting that either she stated he would be smart not to show his face or that the elf turned demon made that choice himself. Of course he couldn’t hide forever, not in her palace. Having a private measure to locate and speak with the boy even if he was hardly the same person she once had looked over with matronly affection. Such still existed otherwise she wouldn’t have rested till his head was rolling across her court floor.
Somewhere blaming and suggesting that her act of kindness was to Atticus. Knowing the late father would have wanted to do something for his last child. There had always been that guilt present in the man when he was the only biological parent.
Eyes flickered to offer a gentle smirk to Kenia. The woman looking about as impressed as ever. Just managing to keep her tongue locked away in her head rather than spitting out anything cruel and sassy towards the guest. Having already had a discussion with Aien and herself about the choice to have Calia be the master of the traitor’s leash. It wasn’t as though she wished to have an indepth conversation with Liriel about it, unclear how her eldest daughter felt about the circumstances seeing as there was history between the demon and herself. Ones she didn’t wish to dredge up especially as she was a new mother with husband attending to tasks away from the palace.
With her attention moving quietly around the table, Renus had leapt into action. Swaying away the topic from being something they probably all wanted to ask and she had. To querying that of Calia to what she had done. “You are more than welcomed to spend as much time as you need out in the village, Calia.” Speaking up to insist such things were well within her rights as a visitor. “Especially if it aids to let you feel a sense of peace.”
A low hum came from herself and Kenia just began to sort her children into their respective spots. The sound of trolley’s and clattering cutlery already foretelling the approach of servants to bring the first spot of dinner out. Leaving them to be an rapt audience to the fact that summer child Nysia had scratched one of the suitors off her list. And now was going to actually put the effort into talking to the men that had been volunteering themselves as newest potential husband material.
“Maybe someone should go with you, just to make sure you do in fact know how to converse with people and not just boss them around.” Red head brother offered his sibling advice free of charge, grinning cheekily before touching his nose. “Not it.” An old game that revived itself at the table. Noticing Ternlei tapping his own nose simply out of curiosity.
“Chasing chickens isn’t very becoming, Nysia.” The tanned skin elf finally spoke. Settling a disapproving look at Calia, “You are still a member of this royal family, not a daft teenager that pretends she doesn’t know any better.” Daughter raised her brows seeming interested in this, ears perked and ready to take anything as advice.
“I don’t even think you know how to fence. Or ride horses.” Renus tagged on looking perfectly incredulous at the notion, “You may want to stick with a picnic for the first date. Nothing too adventurous that you and said suitor may have to be rescued from.”
Oh, this was going to be one of those sorts of family dinners. With Calia in the hot seat of one very eagle-eyed mother ready to chomp her down to size. Leaving her to meet the woman’s distasteful glaring with a curious sort of examining herself. Calia would defend herself easily, but she’d not want to make a fool of the woman in front of her own babies. You just didn’t do that.
Instead of snapping back at the strawberry rose of a woman, Calia turned her attention directly to Nysia instead.
“Trying new things together is a good way to get to know someone. Even unbecoming, silly seeming things. The point is sharing the experience, and seeing how the other handles little success and failures. And if it gets wildly adventurous, you’ll forget to be perfectly poised and may actually have some fun.” Simple reasoning, nothing extravagant. Though Calia did immediately tap her finger to her nose and mouth a not it at Renus.
Like hell was she going to be the chaperone on a princess’s dates! She had her own problems to attend to!
Liriel was refusing to participate in the childish game, but was invested in this conversation seeing as her one present wish was to get Nysia to settle herself in some form or another. “Rhiann and I would go take a walkabout around the lake or one of the paddle boats on the water. We’d talk there for hours.”
“What did you do with Aien, Kenia?” asked Nysia, placing elbow on table, with chin on her knuckles. Perfectly aware of the tension and not giving two whits about it. “Some things more interesting than Liriel, I bet.”
Worlds tended to collide when not everyone was on the same one. In the moment, Calia and Kenia may be those very two beings. With queen being observant and laying attention to where it was needed. Though absolutely favouring sending sneaky little looks to that of her grandchildren whilst the arrival of servants came. Rolling carts to aid them in doling out a fragrant soup as the starting choice of the evening. It didn’t take a hunter to see how they were also looking around the table and seeing the guest with curiosity.
It made her personally curious to know how far and how twisted the rumours had gotten thus far. Sure it wouldn’t be terribly long before her court was beset by people believing the most foul of ideas. Not even aware that it was so far from the truth that it could be fable instead.
Lips pulled some as Calia detailed her thoughts in a way that was both honest, noble and factual. There was little wrong with having fun and the freedom to be somewhat silly. Royalty or not. It was moments like this that she could tell some of the elves forgot their ancestral fae lines. Kenia had never really been the playful sort regardless of her bright appearance. Showing displeasure when she had been politely told to hush while Calia joined in with Renus on the means of not it.
Spurring a easy grin onto the commander’s face. And a pointed look at Liriel that she was the last one standing and would have to chaperone that of Nysia and dates.
With a polite thank you to the staff being diligent in making sure they all had their start of a meal, Renus unfolded the napkin, looking curious next when Nysia asked Kenia exactly what she did with Aien. Getting a bit of a side look that broadened almost into simmering annoyance. Turning it to Ternlei and Lyndis to sit and start eating. Politely. Stressing the word as though one of them had been influenced to eat like a hungry hog at the trough.
“Aien and I would go out.” She stated shortly but words were hanging on tongue. Thinking she was. Staring momentarily down into the bright reddish orange soup with its floating buttons of noodles. “For the first while, to a small café. Where they served this brilliant tea and coffee. It was so we could talk as you know I hail from the deep south of Edelguard and my people rarely travel this far to the capitol.” Picking spoon up to hold aloft a moment, she took a moment to really press the continuation of her words. “It’s important to talk to another. Especially on the first few outings. If you just roll into something wild and unfamiliar there’s far too many ways to get hurt or stuck with that person. Especially if you dislike them. It sounds absolutely dreadful and you’d never have caught me flitting about doing anything so wild as just stumbling around. Like meeting someone randomly in the woods and just deciding then and there!”
“Is that so?” Ashera smiled. Though the way Kenia seemed to straighten and blushed deeply. A suggestion that her displeasure may have treaded into the queen’s own happenings.
Renus turned some to muffle a slight smirk, “Very good starter,” he offered, listening to mother exhale an airy chuckle.
This was an new sort of dining experience, with everything so formal and perfectly laid out. Counting her lucky stars that her mother had been so annoying fussy about teaching her children these upperclass manners – to bring some sort of order to her father’s court, instead of the mess of masculine chaos it had been before. Still, it had been so much more casual than this.
Not that she minded too much. It was almost kind of fun making a spectacle of a meal.
“See, she agrees with me,” Calia mentioned to Nysia, gesturing softly with her twin towards that of the now blushing woman. Finding herself a little more comfortable knowing that the woman wasn’t going to disagree with everything she said out of spite. “The time spent together is a valuable.”
“Agrees about that maybe, but not about you being a huge s-“
“Nysia do mind your manners in front of the children,” warned Liriel with that soft world weary sigh. “I love this idea of you taking your courtiers seriously, however. I’d be happy to help arrange these outings, though she is plenty old enough to not need a chaperone.” That pointed statement was for Renus, but it was unclear if that was because she actually believed Nysia was fine on her own, or if she was just saying so because she’d lost the not-it game.
Calia was perfectly content to sit there, eating that soup and passively darting gaze here and there to follow the conversation. Soaking in these moments of familial conversation to savor as a blanket of comfort while she could. It’d be impossible to know what she was going to be dealing with once she’d left the elven kingdom, but she was pretty certain it wouldn’t be warm and ridiculous family dinners and awkward conversations.
If daggers could be manifested from one’s eyes, Kenia would have done so with the slide of commentary that almost proclaimed a word that mother mayhem could have launched over the table at sister in law for! Thankfully –truly the means of it- Liriel spoke up. “I mean unless you are going to chaperone,” Renus smiled in such a way that may have spoken up about his own impish nature that liked to peer its head out when siblings were present. Leaning somewhat forward with lips turned up into quite the showing, “I don’t think it’d be so terrible to let Nysia decide what she wants to do. I mean, she’s a big girl.” His darting green eyes were full of tomfoolery now. “If she wants to go horseback riding in the middle of town only to fall off in the midst of it and have her suitor either try to save her or break into laughter, should absolutely be her choice!”
There was a giggle that was hushed from mother, Lyndis only still smirking a bit. And decidedly, “Can we watch?”
“Lyndis.”
“Everyone needs to make mistakes.” Ashera chimed in softly, reaching over to lightly pat eldest daughter’s hand. “I think it’s a good idea that Nysia be able to discover herself and the man that she may select. Free of our family meddling. You brought Calia and Nysia together, sprout. Trust that you have selected wisely and Calia’s guidance is just. She is far more worldly than Nysia is in these things.” A few more pat-pat’s and the mother retracted. Only that her bright rings rose up to rest on Renus, “For after Nysia finally selects a gentleman to be her husband, she can provide guidance to Renus for his own.”
He barely managed not to choke. Struggling and lightly coughing into napkin. “R-right… suure driira. Sure.” Adding on a glance at sister in hopes it read loudly not on your life!
Calia could agree that Nysia needed a little humbling in some form or another, so why not through tried activities while on these little dates. Trying to hide the shared grinnings with Renus by reaching out to claim drink and take a long drink. Utterly flailing when conversation was turned towards the prince himself and his own future!
With the elven princess jumping on that like a dog to a bone.
“Oh, indeed. Indeed. We can’t have little brother living a life of lonely bacherlorhood. I know every eligible soul in all of Edelguard by now. Though it’s going to be difficult finding someone that’s equally as dull and boring and hoity-toity-“
“Have you even worked on your present task, Nysia, of mentoring our guest?” Liriel cut her off – not for her brother’s sake, but everyone else’s.
Nysia scoffed, gesturing both her hands at the mountain princess as if it were not plain to see, she had in fact been working on her. Causing Calia to straighten up in her seat and give her a questioning glance. “Does she not look refined and behave like a cultured young woman instead of a feral beast?”
Elder sister gave her naught but a blank stare, shifting immediately to Calia herself to rephrase the question. “What has Nysia taught you so far?”
“…that statues are a terrible gift.” answered Calia after a thoughtful pause. Lending Nysia to crack up into musical laughter at the confusion of such a statement. “Truth be told, she’s inspired me to look a little deeper at things I might otherwise just accept at face value.”
“And you wonder why I prefer to be working,” Renus sighed at Nysia with her statement of how he was apparently so boring and dull and such. Of course she could think as she wanted too and Liriel was swift as a whip to cut down any further description of apparently what a uninteresting person he was! Well she could think that all she wanted. Giving him further agreement to never let her aid him in any selection! Not that he would want too.
It was liable to have the pair of them verbally feuding with another had Liriel not been wise enough to put a comment into the middle. Asking whether or not Nysia was even doing her current task. Resulting in said motion that pulled focus quite literally from the entire table. Waiting for Calia’s enlightened reply which at first was simply confusing.
“And what have you thus far discovered not to accept at face value,” Ashera asked seemingly trying to determine if Nysia was actually managing to complete the task or if Calia was merely covering for her.
Only for attention to lift somewhat to smile and motion for the last sibling to have finally migrated his way into the room. Seemingly noticing how the table was currently in a status of waiting, merely helping himself over to adorned wife’s temple and side into his respective spot. Saying something too low to that of the Queen, even if she smirked rather broadly about it.
Nysia had nothing but shameless smirking grins and preening pride towards both her little elder and elder sister. Confident that she’d been doing quite well with her impromptu assignment of being hostess to the mountain wildling, after all the girl hadn’t gone running through the halls half naked or attacking anyone. Even when Nysia was sure she likely had some good reasons to. Not even the demon bound to her had gotten up to any trouble.
Ashera’s question had Calia pausing mid spoon in the air, having to take a beat to think of something more specific that wasn’t going to reveal the chaos currently sitting in Nysia’s sitting room. Having a brief moment to collect those thoughts when Aein finally arrived late to this dinner, showing such easy affections to wife that spoke volumes of a close relationship.
“Hmn… taking Nysia for example,” she started carefully, “who seems nothing more than one with a head full of butterflies and a lack of enough things to do. She’s actually very studious in keeping up with events and news around the kingdom by means of what you’d think is just gossip. Some of her recent letters confirmed the sightings of my refugees, along with problems in one of your port towns. The only reason she is struggling to pick a suitor is because she’s been so wrapped up trying to find someone good for the family, that she’s neglected to find what is good for herself.”
This sure wasn’t the answer the elven princess was expecting, seemingly rendering Princess Nysia into a red-faced speechless state. Before it was she stammering a hiss to Calia.
“Betrayed. Cruelty.”
Liriel was the one now to bloom into a wide smile and a soft chuckle of laughter, meeting eyes with the queen on some unspoken statement.
“I’m tired of talking about me, I want to know where the golden boy is!” Nysia blurted out suddenly, trying to deflect conversation at anything else instead of this stupid revelation that she actually loved her family!
With the question asked and Aien having made his way to dinner rather than potentially being sucked somewhere else to tend to whatever duties he managed; attention was well placed upon Calia. Only the sounds of tinking glasses or spoons and soft commentary towards the two present children that weren’t swaddled in mother’s arms; could be heard.
Leave it to Renus to start grinning like a child when Calia was effortlessly pulling out facts about Nysia both being quite the airhead but incredibly smart that she was getting details given to her in forms of letters and hopes. It boded well. With mother showing her approval as she set spoon to face two o’clock on the bowl to indicate it was pleasant and finished with. Folding her hands up to cradle chin over the bridge of fingers, eyeing each of the people once more.
A fondness spreading to crinkle at eyes when Nysia was plenty horrified that her intentions thus far were more for the family than herself. “I think you did well Liriel.” Complimenting daughter’s insight, “And Calia as well. It would do well for Nysia to pick for herself rather than the family. Such commitment is appreciated but I would prefer my children to be happy than stuck in politics. If that were the case, your vara and I would have selected candidates a lot sooner and no bend to be given.”
Naturally it was then that she motioned for Liriel to give over the baby, so she too could eat with both arms rather than one.
Unsurprised that Nysia was trying to deflect the conversation. “Who?” Aien asked obviously not sure he was following along with what was happening at all. Pushing stray hairs away from wife’s face while she tutted after Lyndis once more. The girl getting noticeably squirmy. Liable to be excused from this matter of meals because she wasn’t quite ready to stay stationary.
“I thought you enjoyed being the centre of attention, Nysia.” Renus offered, “Surely you could regale us further.”
It was Kenia that seemed to not bite onto the means of continuing teasing the younger princess. “I believe she is referencing the miserable… familiar.” Having selected Lyndis word for the being, Aien hummed thoughtfully. “I don’t think we need to talk about it, anyways. It’s not dinner conversation.”
Calia was a quick study, keen to pay attention to subtle little table manners for things that didn’t quite line up with her own practice and culture. Offering Nysia’s huffing words an innocent sort of smile… only to soon find herself wanting to repeat them when the princess brought Arc back into the conversation again.
“If we don’t talk about him, we’re all going to loose our minds trying to side step around it. Haven’t we had enough of not talking about it?” Nysia inserted her opinion, actually being earnest and genuine in her pressing. This was sort of a big deal for the entire family, and clearly no one had really worked their way through it beyond herself.
“I for one, am curious as well,” admitted Liriel on passing her child over to grandmother, giving the woman that slight narrowing of her eyes. Both questioning and disapproving. For there truly was a lot of family history concerning the former up-and-coming Mage Advisor. None of them would’ve expected the man to be allowed to live, even if he were still as elven as the rest of them. But as a demon? Pure insanity to let him walk free, with nothing more than a binding thread to some round-ear woman!
“Where is he now?” continued Liriel. “How is he doing as… a familiar.”
It seemed they were all going to adopt this means of describing his ties to her, if not for the children themselves, it did give an easier sort of title to it. What else could Calia call him? Not her pet! Not her slave! The idea practically made her cringe. …as did this line of questioning.
“He is nearby. We’ve yet to get into an argument, so there is something to be said for that.”
There was a sort of strained awkwardness that really did pull when there was probably more of a hope on some sides of the family to ignore or skirt around the glaring problem that had now been tethered to that of the human girl. Even as newest grandchild had found their way into arms, Ashera leaned back. Holding her eldest daughter’s look a long moment. It had turned somewhat stony upon its corners as if trying to silently express that she should know that a ruler does things for the greater good, not out of malice. Even if she had been enraged, the choice at the end was following the benefits for something more. And the influence of the Fae Tree was to be taken into consideration.
Offering her child a slowly dawning sympathetic look as between all those present for her offspring, it was no secret that the former mage advisor had been particularly interested in Liriel. There was in fact history there that came from being young and curious and innocent. Paired with losing the eldest of their sibling and now being mantled with the crown princess of the court, she could understand the disapproval. But also knew Liriel was smart enough to think beyond it.
Kenia looked perfectly uncomfortable with the line of questioning. Even shooting Nysia an unhappy look that only seemed to flow. “We’ll be excused for now.” Aien glanced at his wife and could be shown mentally sighing. As she rose without an granting of permission to shoo at her children. “Thank you for evening, Driira. We will finish our meal in our quarters.”
“Aw driiraaaaa,” Of course the eldest in the little collection wanted to stay and listen but it wasn’t about to be given. With father relenting and showing he would stay present, the rose haired one wrangled her two to promptly leave the discussion. Getting verbally fussed at by the girl while the boy appeared to just be happy to get up and move!
Only when the door was closed did it show that Aien had something to add. “He is nearby. I did do a double take as I wasn’t expecting to see him up and around, the horns threw me off. But he was talking with a maid in the hallway when I was on my way to dinner.” He glanced to Liriel, “He’s behaving, Liriel. I think Calia has a good bind on him that we can relax somewhat and trust Driira’s judgment on this.”
It must be difficult marrying into such a large family, a royal family on top of it with a long history and so much responsibility. Calia sure didn’t envy Renia for that, nor did she blame the woman for seeking to escape a conversation she likely held no involvement in nor an interest to see what comes of it. Likely hoping she could avoid Calia and Archimedes altogether and simply focus on her own children.
“He continues to be a shameless flirt, then,” mused Liriel. At first seeming to be irritated, but it soon softened to something a little harder to read. A relief that he was still something familiar? An acceptance of what he was now? It didn’t last for too long, before the woman was back to her usual serene elegance, setting her full attention to Calia. Now that there were no longer the older children to worry of, they could speak a lot more frankly.
“And of you? After making such a decision without time to think or prepare? To understand the full scope of consequences to follow? You are bound to a demon for the second time, I understand. What are you to do with him now,” questioned the crowned princess.
Calia wasn’t quite sure how to answer this question, leaning to the side when Nysia seemed to inch into her space, all too eager herself to get the details. Despite the fact she herself had gotten to listen to Calia and Arc chatter at her about all the nonsense she was up to.
“…to be honest, this new contract has made the world feel a little more stable.” Calia did admit with a small grimace. Knowing how insane that sounded, to have a demon and his magic not be anything other than chaos. “The fae tree urged me to accept the binding with the suggestion of using his magic, in what I suspect was her way of returning favors. When things have settled here as best they can be, I am going to continue on my journey with him as my own advisor. It’s… bound to be an experience.”
A hot mess, really, but one day at a time was working so far.
“I’d take shameless flirt over what could be,” Aien offered not too worried about sounding perfectly grave about it. Idly passing fingers over brow, “I don’t suspect him being a demon has done much for his impishness.” There was a bit of a low hum to that though a ghost of a smirk that seemed to rest on Aien’s face. Likely associating with a memory, “The only difference now is it isn’t Atticus or Eleanor trying to curb it all, but Calia. I don’t know if a stern disappointed conversation would be the same as then.”
It was Ashera that made a soft chuckle at the reference, looking nostalgic a moment while eyes seemed to be tracing over Liriel. Then to Calia when the question of what she was to do with the demon and in turn herself.
Where they began to seem rather interested and Renus was the one to verbally step in. “Advisor? It’s no offense, Calia but what can he advise? And are you sure you want to put yourself in that sort of predictament?” There was movement again signaling the servants were about to come and collect dishware for the next round but it didn’t cease the line of wonderment. “Demonic magic and your magic are so far apart, I would think that I’m surprised even now that the Fae Tree would have suggested this at all.”
“We are talking about the tree… it can talk?”
Mother hummed, “When one has fae blood, they should be able to hear it.” Rocking the little bundle softly, “And it would seem Calia has some of it running through her veins. More than we do. She’s at least fae in some capacity rather than merely touched.”
“Fae! And you’re just sitting there la-de-dahing like that’s not an unusual thing!” exclaimed Nysia, staring bewildered at the mountain princess, now leaning and examining as if she was going to see other signs like wings or sparkles.
“…it wasn’t exactly discovered with a lot of fanfare and dramatics.” Calia shrugged her shoulders and wondered briefly if maybe she should’ve had a lot more shock and awe about it herself. It was certainly a family secret within her own bloodline, and she didn’t know if it came from her father’s side or mother’s side… or even what sort of fae at all! It’d just been a soft and simple Oh, it made sense. A whole bunch of sense that in retrospect explained so many things. There just wasn’t any reason to make a big deal about it.
“I am here now because of his advice,” she did try to explain. “Do not get me wrong, he was an absolute asshole about it and didn’t think I was listening to him when he shot his mouth off on the things I should’ve been doing. But it did get me here, where I might’ve otherwise gone off chasing my heart instead and more than likely dying somewhere stupid on the way.”
The Crowned Princess found such a thing peculiar enough to be leaning back in her seat pondering it with a thoughtful expression. With Nysia deciding she was in charge of the conversation again to interject.
“Forget about him, you are fae, so then? You have magic!” she blurted out.
“I did. But it is currently in the hands of a sorcerer via my very heart,” explained Calia slowly.
“What kind of magic? Are you powerful? He was an ex wasn’t he I can tell by the-“
“Nysia!” Liriel finally interjected, with a tone Calia had not heard from her before. “Let the woman breathe. None of this even remotely concerns you.”
It was almost comical the way Nysia clamped her mouth shut, now shooting daggers at Liriel through some sort of silent, eyes only argument between the two sisters.
“I’m don’t mind talking about it. So if it sates your curiosity, I was once magnificent and now I am limited to… well, however strong Arc is. Now that I hold the contract instead of him, I’m not bound by the rules of demon magic? I can use it my way. ….I’m honestly surprised he agreed to this new binding, considering he cut me loose the first time. I am frightening.”
She ought to have said that with a little more concern in her voice, but maybe Calia did like just a teeny tiny bit that she could scare the hell out of a demon.
The next round of a meal came bustling in. Bowls being switched for plates. Forks and knives being sorted with the elegant practiced dance that had been well instructed from years of work, rather than just a whim. Leaving the group of them to be shortly stunned by the reigning queen’s statement of how the princess of the foreign land had that of fae blood running through her veins. Of course Renus might have been the only one not nearly as shocked, but managed to look the part of naturally curious.
Stealing a look at Aien, who seemed thoughtful. Taking in the information but there was something else there. It was likely because they were getting bits of funneled details about a old friend, a hand selected family member that didn’t remember them and hearing that he was different than what they recalled. Even himself, to sit there and hear how swiftly Nysia could change gears was almost concerning. But she was a prattling thing that flitted topic to topic like a moth to a flame.
In this case, now declaring her interest in that of her temporary ward had magic. A part of it could seem insensitive because she was rapid firing questions at Calia like she was a eager archer up to bow. Firing them one after another without a time to let Calia think. Long enough to make a reply. Spurring Liriel to blurt in to cease. Getting herself a stare down that probably wasn’t nearly as effective as one could think it might be.
But there it was. The commentary that made him uncomfortable before. How Calia expressed herself as some terrifying being so effortlessly. Of course it was still very baffling that her original contract had been cut short by the said demon.
He shared a look with Aien, the elder brother chewing on his lip even as the meal was sitting before them all. “Well he didn’t have much of a choice. Demons are selfish creatures. Probably valued his own life more than anything.” Renus offered as trying to downplay the whole frightening part.
“May I be excused?” The bearded brother spoke up then. Pushing away from the table as mother offered a light tip of her head. Making him turn then bow cordially to that of the sisters and Calia. Parting the room with a pep in his step that seemed strange but unspoken. Leaving them down to only six, including the babe.
With mother dearest smiling in such a way that it was polite.
Calia was fairly certain aside from the fae portions that everyone in the room was now plenty up to date on the whole of herself and her situation. Nysia was naturally excited about these sorts of details, surely plotting some new madness to inflict on Calia now. Liriel remained silently thoughtful, seeming to be trying to work out something in her own mind. It was the other brother that had caught her attention, especially when Renus was so quick to add reason to Arc’s quick escape from her.
Now Aien was making a quick escape along with his wife, and that crestfallen feeling sank down deep, giving that little jolt twisting in her stomach.
“I did it again,” she said, casting that apologetic, pleading look straight at Renus. “I’m not trying to sound threatening or make threats, it just is what it is! Terrifying and beautiful and dangerous, I really can’t describe it any other way–“
She paused immediately with a sucked in breath when Nysia reached out to lightly grasp her arm. The elven princess still hadn’t wiped that bewildered look off her face, only now there was a hint of curious concern.
“Are you actually upset? Don’t worry about Aien, he gets thoughts in his head all the time and wanders off.” she then gestured towards the queen. “Mama is frightening too, you know. She tears through the castle like a banshee, with Liriel scurrying at her heels.”
A napkin went flying across the table to smack Nysia against the head, and that was about all anyone saw. For the Crowned Princess was still sitting there as calm as ever, though perhaps with a slight twitch at the corner of her eye and a missing napkin to boot.
Renus gave a sympathetic chuckle with a gentle look to the woman. “Nysia asked, you just gave her the honest truth. I suppose I’m personally just not sure what to make of it when it comes out. For that I’ll have to ask your forgiveness, Calia.” Humility wasn’t Calia’s strong suit and he knew it. If anything, she just really met Liriel’s description all the same. A powder keg that was liable to explode and somehow Nysia was to temper that.
Granted, he assumed his sister would just make it worse but that was not something he said outloud. Merely offering his best look to express all would be fine. Unable to express why Aien had gotten up in such a hurry. He had a particular expression to him that unless mother and Liriel were rising to their own feet to chase after, it mustn’t have been too worrisome.
“It takes all sorts, sprout.” Ashera offered, looking as though she hadn’t seen the assaulting napkin being flung or who it had been caused by. “I am hardly frightening and Liriel doesn’t scurry.” Lips curled further in their corners, “Eat your dinner.” Setting focus back to the matter. Shifting that of babe in arm to lay vertically across chest as she rose to feet. Sweeping away from the mother parent that the babe belonged to in a means to rock and bounce slowly, eyes watching over everything in a quiet lingering.
With a few cuts of the meat on the plate, Renus spoke. “Well if everything is finally sorted in the castle, I suppose I can make the effort of returning to the temple. I am sure the General will be back soon with the messenger hawk having been sent out after him. With Liriel and Nysia present, and Aien of course, things should be settled?”
With the Queen’s beckoning for all to continue their meal, Calia didn’t hesitate. As shoving a fork full of meat in her mouth was a good way to stop her from suggesting she could show exactly what she was capable of. As he clearly thought it was all an exaggeration on her part. Where sure, some of it was indeed because she’d wanted to protect herself from others and their expectations… but her pride in her talents didn’t grow from nothing. It was not an over-fed ego, she truly could do so many beautiful spectacular things.
Now she was finally free to do them! Mostly. Perhaps a bit lacking in opportunity, as it wasn’t exactly polite to go around flicking magic this way and that way like a child with a basket of flower petals. Calia really was itching for the chance to use magic the way it was meant to be.
After a beat, she realized Renus meant he would be returning back to his work, which reminded her that she still had a limited amount of time to help investigate Arc’s history.
“Actually… would you be able to take myself and Arc to the-” she hesitated there, making a little circle motion with her fingers. “Gate, tear… point of demons? With her majesty’s permission, of course.”
There was the tension again, with Liriel glancing up from her own plate where she’d been happily being able to eat without a babe in her arms. And Nysia who was having a grand time with this dinner after all the twists and turns.
“For myself I’d like to be able to recognize what to look for in my own kingdom.” she explained. “And for Arc, it may help job more of that locked memory. It’d do us well to look at his old research too, if any of it still exists. I’d like to do what I can to make up for the trouble all of this has been.”
In mid hang, he turned to look at Calia. Unable to exactly hide the amassing uncertainty that had found itself on his face when she was shortly asking not only to join him but to go to the point of where the scar was that plagued their land. With a hard swallow and a moment to just lend his gaze around the table.
Seemingly only Liriel looked the similar part of concerned while Nysia was… well Nysia. And mother was the same. Herself. Hard to read beyond the smile and the easy bouncing she was busying herself doing. Listening aptly but it seemed that he was being temporarily dangled out there like a worm on a hook. Needing time to sort through the myriad of thoughts that wanted to range from the outburst of hell no to a calmer I need time to think about it.
Taking to eating a few minutes with the stewing of asking hanging on his head. Hoping someone else would say something instead.
“You want to go to Poinsettia Manor, then. With… the demon.” Renus knew he wasn’t exactly hiding his discomfort very well. “I don’t think it’s a terrible idea for you to see what a hell gate looks like, but to bring Archimedes? I don’t know. I think that’s up to Driira and Liriel to decide. As the ruling parties, of course.” Was he being clever about hiding his lack of wanting to make that choice well. Not at all. He knew it and was absolutely deflecting. “I don’t really see the reason why it would matter if he has his memories or not. I know why,” He had been present when the queen spoke of what use it could be, but he had reservations. “But, you have the binding on him. You have access to his magic and his abilities while controlling everything. I mean, shouldn’t this be the moment further where you can just be your magnificent self and not worry about opening a can of worms that doesn’t need to be.” Barely pausing a moment to explain, “I just don’t see the purpose of giving him memories back if it’s not going to do much of anything. You already have everything you could need from him. It seems like a waste of effort to do anything more.”
The queen gave a thoughtful hum but she was clearly not about to intervene yet. “As for the research, his old office is still in the palace. Locked down last I heard.” That got a look to mother and she nodded. Still offering nothing, much to his own frustration.
“I’d say all of the worm cans have already been open,” suggested Liriel, now fully invested in this conversation again. “If they’re not, then I am starting to think maybe they should be. Unscrupulous things have been happening without our knowledge right under our feet for how long? We believed Archimedes to be dead and we abolished the demons that’d been set loose. Then left things as they were – full of assumptions. About him and about everything… only to have all this to come to pass now.”
Nysia was right on board with this one, her usual bounce and pestering nowhere to be seen as she nodded seriously along with her elder sister’s statement.
“He’s said too, in his new recollections, that he didn’t kill Carlisle! We all just assumed he did, didn’t we?” implored Nysia. “Don’t you think that’s strange! I don’t even remember who first said it was so, but with everything that happened it was easy to belief he’d done it. Here we are with an opportunity to find out what actually happened, right from the traitor’s own mouth! I want to know what happened to my brother.”
The crowned princess had no been expecting this sort of insight from little sister, giving an appreciative tilt of her head before gesturing to Calia with a hand as she spoke directly to Renus.
“Our beautiful ancestral tree helped this one spare his life and we’ve been given a chance for true closure. That is not something we should ignore. “
Calia shifted slightly in her seat, twisting her mouth to the side, considering carefully what she wanted to say.
“I was going to say something that sounded threatening again, but Liriel is far better spoken than I.” she admitted. “I can go on my own, but he’ll see and understand things that I won’t. If something goes sideways, you can trust that I’ll manage it.”
He listened. At least that was one thing he did rather well and didn’t interrupt even if it felt as though his two sisters were offering him up to be the fodder when in the end, there were still those muted moments he wasn’t even sure they cared. Just to tease and pull at him as was common. Never mind that he was uncomfortable with the task. And gave Calia a bit of a warning look when she expressed she would just go on her own.
Of course she would. He wasn’t even sure why he spoke when people just seemed to make the choices for him or did whatever they pleased regardless of thoughts or feelings.
Chewing literally and figuratively at that moment, Renus conceded. “Alright. If it’s an unanimous statement, then I guess that’s that.” He’d lost his appetite then. Pushing around bits of vegetables on the plate. Eventually folding cutlery over his plate with a plastered smile on his face. “I suppose I ought to go and get prepared and alert the temple elders of what is about to happen. To ensure nothing is out of place.” Napkin was placed over top to slide from seat. “Thank you for the insight, all of you.” Renus tipped his head to that of mother, noticing a bare flicker of sympathy. “Well, I’ll get it arranged. Just let me know what day and time works best for you, Calia.”
Nodding to Liriel and Nysia, he bid his own pardons to leave that of the dining hall. He had things to think about and it was better to work while managing them.
At this rate Calia was going to chase everyone out of the dining room one by one. Having the feeling that Renus misunderstood her again, thought she was being aggressive or threatening in some way that she hadn’t meant to. Hadn’t she done right to ask in the first place, instead of just doing as she pleased? Especially considering out of everyone here, Renus was the one she respected and trusted most to be that escort.
“You are in your feelings again,” pointed out Nysia, heartlessly in fact.
“He is disappointed with me again,” she stated simply, glaring at the other girl almost daring at her to poke about this one!
“Renus is frustrated with me and Liriel, that is not your burden to take on, now is it?” countered Nysia, beaming her unrelenting smile, sliding her plate aside as she was more than ready for dessert. No amount of drama or heavy conversation was going to keep her from it.
Calia went silent with that, not entirely sure she believed it, but at least understanding that perhaps it was difficult being the youngest in a family full of such strongly minded women. His brother could’ve been there for support, only to have abandoned dinner early himself. Leaving only Renus left to bend to the will of two sisters, a mother, and Calia the Terror.
“Because of his work, he must deal with the consequences of demons often,” explained Liriel, seeming to be done enough with her own dinner and missing that of her newborn child. Beckoning hands for mother to bring her bundle back. “I imagine that puts him in a difficult position when it comes to… you new familiar.”
It was natural she felt for her children. Aware that there was a potential of a forming rift between her youngest and her two daughters. They each had a place in their life and truthfully, Liriel had unfortunately been shoehorned into her role. Likely while she often tried and spoke with her daughter as an equal because she needed to know the burden she would eventually bare was no easy load. Then she also knew Nysia got off scot-free by comparison.
Aien worked often with the councilmen and was commonly busy doing the sort of work that kept the populace happy and content. Leaving Renus as the last one that had actively sought to fight upon the beasts that threatened their people.
At the motion to have her child back, she hardly refused. Handing back the precious cargo with a light brush of fingers upon cheek. Expression affection easily while shifting to settle herself into place once more. To eat a bit herself and seen how Nysia had pushed away her plate waiting for something sweet. “You mustn’t forget, Renus and Aien were both tutored under Jakson for their swordplay.” Ashera expressed, “While Aien did not follow the way of the sword as Renus had, losing their mentor and friend was not an easy thing.” She looked to her children then, “Unlike Aien, you are correct. Renus has his foot constantly in the door with demons and he also has two very strongly opinioned women that tend to rest on his shoulders rather than always hearing him.” That look went to them each.
A sort of hawkish press that was silently telling them she knew they meant well but equally had a hard time showing affection that didn’t seem perhaps conditional or empty due to opinions. “We all know what he does, you both would not be comfortable doing. Just like he is not comfortable with leading as you do Liriel. Or having the mental freedom as you do Nysia.” Her eyes fell to Calia, “He’s developed a friendship with Calia recently in a way that I suspect only people who know what battle and fighting demons would ever understand. It’s not easy being the youngest and having much expected on one’s shoulders.” The phrase as particularly aimed even at Calia. Knowing she too had quite the weight on those shoulders.
“I agree however Calia, that you should see the hell gate. To learn about it and see how it works. It likely will help you as well. It’s a wise decision to education yourself on what you aren’t familiar with. No one is perfect at everything and if they say they are, they are liars.” She gave a warm airy laugh before sighing, “I think I will also retire early. Check on Renus and Aien. The two of them both leaving isn’t unusual but a good idea for a mother to do. I’ll come check on you both later as well,” she offered them easily. “Calia, please do not burden yourself with things you cannot control. Everyone has emotions and sometimes they are illogical. Even our own. The point is to let people feel them, even if they might not be comfortable. You’re amongst allies but that doesn’t mean you have to go along with everything said either. Know your boundaries and do not hesitate to state them. Even the wind cannot make a mountain bend, no matter how hard it blows.”
The two daughters had very differing expressions when it came to their mother giving them gentle, and not so gentle guidance in reference to their youngest sibling.
The Crowned Princess, taking it with due suggestion, always seeming to think over things with respectful consideration regardless of what her own thoughts might by. Unclear in that expression of where she’d landed, for unlike her younger siblings she was so well practiced in schooling those outer features. A real mark of a future queen, truly, and something Calia herself seemed to lack up until that moment she was so stone cold mad, that every emotion just left her so she could act as needed.
Nysia on the other hand only gave a sheepish shrug of her shoulders – not about to be disrespectful enough in this instance to say something flippant or dismissive of her mother’s advice. At first not appearing to much care either way, though Calia could see that shift in her when Ashera turned her attentions to Calia. The way Nysia seemed to be mulling over something in the back of her mind even while she sat back in her chair.
As for Calia, she put this new knowledge about Renus away with everything else she knew about the man. Queen Ashera was not wrong at all, that there was something that happened to you when you were faced with fighting demons. That terror and uncertainty having to be shoved aside so you could somehow find the will inside yourself to fight not only to survive for your own sake to survive, but then even extend that outwards to try and protect others. Calia had grown up with a knight’s training, and had incidents in her quiet humble little life where she’d had to defend herself and even kill someone. But that wasn’t anywhere near the same as fighting her way through the falling capitol and everything that had happened since.
Knowing he lost a mentor too helped with added context. It seemed sometimes Renus struggled as much as she did.
“Thank you, Queen Ashera. I hope your night is restful.”
Liriel too rose from her seat with little one in arms. “My wee sweet needs his own dinner and to be put to bed as well. When you do return from the hell gate, Princess Calia, I would like to see Archimedes. It is time for me to close my own chapter in that story, I believe.”
The mountain princess nodded quickly her affirmation. Soon it was just her and Nysia at the dinner table.
“Don’t you even think about excusing yourself too,” demanded Nysia. “I’m not sitting here eating cake by myself, that’s so SAD.”
It had been a very curious thing to have not only been mindlessly meandering through the palace with the little twangs and pangs that forced him to evade particular areas, but to have come face to face with the second prince. As if the man had been searching for him rather than them just having come across each other’s paths naturally! Feeling how the prince seemed to pause like they were about to have some valiant battle at ten paces before the broad man approached smoothly. Earning a raised brow and a sort of lingering narrowing of eyes that the prince pointedly ignored. Where mouth had gone to ask what was going on, Aien had spoken first.
Telling him to follow and that he wanted to speak to him.
There was a hesitation in that declaration but he had meant what he said to Calia. He was on his best behaviour with no desire to find out what other demonic dangerous weapons they had on hand to make him a test subject for!
Aien had directed them to the sparring room. Seemingly to be a place that was apparently going to be very familiar by the end of whenever Calia decided it was the end. Finding that Aien was offering him a sword, albeit wooden. They stood there for a bit till he took it and got a rather earnest grin. And a telling that he had apparently been half decent with the very thing when he was younger. Making a quoting comment that he really had apparently changed. Not just as a demon but physically as well. Giving a teasing jest that apparently he had been a flirt to make up for being not particularly the tallest of the elves.
Of course he had been greatly uncertain to what this was all about but took the offered training weapon. Feeling its weight in palm, the balance to emulate a real sword before Aien motioned that they were to spar against another. A scoff bloomed from throat. Querying if the princeling was making a smart move. Still healing as he might be, he still had superior strength. Something that made the prince merely shrug and told him it was practice. They weren’t meant to actually hurt each other.
It was unclear really how much time they had spent out here but long enough that they were sat now on the sides to the side. Sky overhead a twilight shade of orange and purple, and the sound of Aien’s breathing starting to level off. “Calia said that she had a contract with you before. At dinner. One that you broke off.”
“Aye. And?” Leaning back on palms, he arched a brow again at the brown haired man. “What of it?”
“Why did you break it off?” His green eyes shimmered in the dying light, a shade that was bright even as the dark encroached. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“Have yah ever tried to rope a wild horse before? They get all sorts of desperate and crazed if they are bein’ held against their will. Eventually their thought and care about themselves shifts to nothin’. Not a damn thin’ will stop them. More liable to kill themselves and others and whatever else just for that taste of freedom. She was more of a liability than a worthy while contract.” Arc shrugged nonchalantly.
“That doesn’t explain it.”
“What? Sure it does.”
His head shook, “It doesn’t. From what I know, the contract you made with her shouldn’t have mattered. If she died or not. You, as a demon, should have been pleased that it ended in such a way. With no concern. Care or thought and yet… you reference it as if she were no more than a wild thing. You could have let her kill others. Used your power to do so. And just basked in the glory of it all and yet you didn’t. Even how you describe it Arch, is aware of the callousness and cruelty. So I ask you again… why did you break it off?”
There was a pregnant pause between them. No more than breathing in the air and a sort of contemplation that had him looking over his shoulder in search of any other ears. “Look, don’t think I’m gettin’ all sappy cuz I ain’t. Just, it wasn’t worth it.” Sitting forward to bend hands between his knees, he gave a noncommittal shrug. “Maybe it’s somethin’ to do with these memories that are apparently around here, but… hmm… she was a danger to herself. And I know, I’ve seen how people get when they can’t escape or free themselves. It’s somethin’ else. Somethin’ demented and with her havin’ already gone through quite the hell, it didn’t seem best to make it worse. I was gettin’ no benefit from it.” Practically feeling the silent awe in the guy’s face, Arc huffed. “She was liable to stab me anyways and I’d just gotten free from the hells. Like hell I wanna go back and have to wait for a new portal or some dumb bastard to summon me again. Ain’t worth that.”
“You have sympathy.”
Arc looked at him sideways, “If yah wanna call it that, sure.”
“Arch,” he wasn’t sure if he was sold on that short name or not. At least it wasn’t Archimedes or it. “I think your father would be pretty impressed that even if you’ve forgotten everything, you are still possessing something he would say often.” Ears moved to suggest he was listening. “Magic can make you feel indestructible. It’s a part of you. A immense, intense and awe powerful tool that comes from within you and your father was absolutely someone that knew you couldn’t just live with your magic. If it was the only thing you thought about, it would consume you. It becomes your pride. It’s funny how I can still hear him. Waggling a finger and telling all of us, pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” Adjusting his voice to try and mimic his own accent. Just with more refinement.
Shortly rubbing at his throat, “He said it better. But you still possess kindness.”
“Yer got a terrible accent.” Chuckling at the attempt, it quickly spurred Aien to join in. At least for a moment, “So, is that what this is then? Yah bein’ all nice and kindly. Even to a demon.”
“I don’t think you are as demonic as you or others think. Hearing you do something like breaking a contract that had all the benefit to you made me realize something. Something large. That what all happened, we don’t know the truth. And we can only know it if we give it a chance to speak. The fae tree brought you and Calia together for a reason and I do believe it’s by working together. Of course I can’t say I’m thrilled to see what you’ve become. But I don’t know the real why’s of it all. Just assumptions. Thoughts and commentary of others and tonight I realized that I was holding someone’s else’s anger towards you. When, maybe you made a wrong choice. But you were never the sort that did something without a reason. Even now, you still had a reason and it wasn’t for your benefit.” The man’s brows lifted, “Unless it came to a pretty girl, then it was all about you. For someone who wasn’t even able to stand eye to eye to Liriel, you did have a way with making the girls blush. Used to drive me mad, especially when you were trying to get the girls I was interested in.”
“Yah snooze, yah loose.”
“And with that sluggish accent, how the hell you did it baffles me.”
Again that got him to laugh easily. The two of them sharing something that did feel familiar. Even as it died down and they were in silence for a breath. Working lip to chew on, Arc dared. “And what if I did all this for my own benefit? Then what?”
“Eden had the plague, Arch. We all knew that. You were nothing but a dedicated Uncle and I can bet Lyra had begged you for help. I dare to believe that you didn’t do it for a selfish reason. If you did, I don’t think you’d be here now.”
His head hurt again but for once, it felt not so agonizing, “Do me a favour.” Daring a look around again, “Since yer the only one thus far that seems not to be willin’ to toss me into the nearest frozen lake…”
“Yeah?”
“Tell me about the past. Maybe… it might help.”
“Even the embarrassing parts?”
A soft genuine smirk pulled, “I doubt yah even have any but sure. Those too.”
Aien replicated the grin easily. “Why don’t we meet up then nightly here. Spar a bit. Talk and see what I can do to make a demon uncomfortable. If you start cringing from memories, then we know we are on the right track!”
Calia had to hand it to Nysia, the woman did know how to pull someone out of their head and get them so wrapped up into her nonsense that you didn’t have time to think or worry about anything else. Without a room full of people with a long history and just enough tension to be felt in the air, the dessert course was light and lively. Nysia engaging Calia into a brainstorming session of dating activities she could try with her first lucky set of suitors. Surprisingly having no issue at all with attempting things she’d never done before, apparently finding value in the idea that it gave her a new chance of opportunities to get to know all kinds of people.
Adding to Nysia’s arsenal on ways to gossip with others wasn’t really what Calia had intended, yet it did get the elven princess aimed in a new direction, so it couldn’t be all that bad?
After a well earned dessert and even a drink or two, Calia was set free to do as she wished. The faerie tree was almost her immediate stop. Almost wistfully yearning for it, as sitting there amongst the branches had been the most at peace Calia had felt in such a long time. It wouldn’t hurt for her to spend as much time as she could there, only it was growing late by now and she figured it’d do the Queen’s court a fright to find someone up there hanging around and dozing.
Sleep was sounding better and better, though. Heading on to her own room without any further detours, curious enough to vaguely wonder where Arc had wandered off too, yet too tired to declare it a question that needed to be answered. She kicked off her shoes and climbed into the big bed, green gown and all. Flopping dead there with a weary sigh.
And she was going to have to wake up in the morning and do it all over again tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow would go better, so at the end of the day she could crawl into someone else’s bed and erase a few memories of her own!