Onboard The Beauty, in Athelia’s former “room”
78 Spring 218
Talith
Almost to the rhythm of the waves, Talith’s eyelids slowly reeled up and down before the unconscious world, induced by sleep, faded into the world of the conscious. The ceiling above, lined with wooden beams for support, chimed the sound of an occasional footstep as some were already awake on deck above. Sliding his arm beneath him, bent at the elbow to elevate his torso, he pivoted his body to scan the rest of the room, his hair draped over the side of his face and the rest falling where gravity saw fit.
To say it was small was an understatement. Roughly three feet from the edge of the bed, stood the door to the room, the bed taking up the vast majority of the space. His eyes continued to drift across the wall, near the head of the bead, passing over the makeshift nightstand, which seemed wedged between the wall and bed itself. But, most important to him, was the woman lying next to him, resting on her side so that the two would be facing one another.
It was then that he almost wondered if this was a dream. The overwhelming spell, one of happiness and warmth, had taken over Talith completely as his eyes lingered on the source of this welcomed enchantment. A slight stir in her sleep, Astarael’s fingertips found their way onto Talith’s hand, resting ever so peacefully. His hand cuffed around them, his thumb tracing up to her own hand and back down. With his other hand, his fingers met the edge of the sheets as they then began to caress from her hip, past her ribs, and finally to her shoulder with the flickering light of the nearby lantern hooked on the wall, highlighting every feature. It was almost contradictory - the soft touch of her skin in contrast with the multiple scars, new and old, that had marked various points of her past. The most notable of them, however, was the one that met with his fingertips as they reached her shoulder. His fingers continued to trace the outside of the scar until they found their way to the center of her chest.
Whatever had created this wound seemed to have had the intent to kill. Were it to run deep enough, Talith couldn’t fathom how a mortal could have survived. Taking in the discolored pigmentation of the now healed wound, he couldn’t help but wish to take every single one of her scars away from her. He couldn’t help but wish she’d never had to receive them in the first place. Though, he thought to himself, were it not for the scars that shaped her, he and Astarael might not have ever met. But even still, he wished.
His eyes soon, as if on their own, found their way to hers, still resting. He couldn’t help but wonder how someone as strong as she is, looked so at peace as though she currently hadn’t a care in the world. Her chest slowly expanding with each subtle breath, bringing about the slight rise and fall of the silver necklace around her neck, Talith drew a hooked finger up her cheek before brushing her hair away from her face.
“There she is..” He thought to himself.
He couldn’t help it. The overwhelming sensation of warmth and joy, the fluttering sensation in his chest, a smile found its way to the corners of his mouth as his eyes followed suit. Though his lips were subtle, his eyes revealed everything. And it was at this moment that he was able to once more gaze into the eyes of the woman he had fallen in love with. Astarael slowly stirred awake.
“Good morning.” Talith whispered, a smile still radiant in his eyes.
Astarael
She wakes to a gentle touch, stirring her from a deep slumber.
It was the most peaceful sleep she’s had in quite a while. Perhaps it was due to the exhaustion of the battle the evening before, and the long vigil she held over the unconscious form of Talith, waiting impatiently for him to wake up, watching for any danger.
Or perhaps that it’s because she’s the happiest been in a very, very long time. Maybe ever.
Astarael keeps her eyes closed for a moment. Almost afraid that she’s still sleeping, that she dreamt it all, and when she wakes up, Talith will still be dead.
But the warmth of his body, and the touch of his hand, convinces her otherwise. She opens her eyes, and sees him looking at her. He whispers, “Good morning.”
She gives him a playful smile. “Mmmm. Morning already? Are you sure? No way to know until we go out there and check.”
Astarael wraps her arms around Talith and pulls him in closer.
“But don’t even think about leaving yet.”
Talith
“Hmm.”
Talith’s lips meet with Astarael’s before he then kisses her on the cheek, followed by another gentle kiss on her forehead.
“I wouldn’t dare.”
Astarael
Astarael smiles, then lets out a deep sigh.
“I supposed I should catch you up on everything that’s been going on. I know you’ve gotten bits and pieces already, but it seems like most of us are going to be going on an off-boat journey for a while, and you should know why.
It’s going to be a bit of a long story. Are you up for it? Breakfast might have to wait a while…and it’s also probably more potatoes.”
She makes an expression that might indicate that Astarael is rather tired of potatoes, boiled, baked or mashed. Something different is too much to hope for.
Talith
Talith watches as the mood seems to shift.
“Ah, that’s actually what I had last night…”
He crawls over Astarael and out of bed before slipping on his leather trousers, and proceeds to sit on the edge of the bed.
Noticing her expression, he responds, “I suppose maybe I should be getting used to it then.”
A beat passes as he hoists and lays a bent knee onto the bed, locking his foot into the pit of his other knee.
“I think I can put breakfast off for now. And, to be honest, I wouldn’t mind a clear cut story to catch me up to date. I can only imagine everything that’s happened since-”
He hesitates.
“Well, since that day. Anyways, I’m all ears, Astarael.”
Astarael
Astarael pulls herself up in the bed to lean against the wall, taking the sheet with her.
“Well, we should probably start before that. You know that Vanja, Roux, Bax and I went with Samsel into Rog Hodun, intending to find a way through to the frost forge and to locate any other surviving Harvey’s Digsmen. It’s like Ethan said last night- we encountered a frost dragon. It was a difficult battle, and if it had not been for Roux sacrificing himself, I doubt we would have defeated it and lived. After Roux struck it dead, Vanja rushed over, but Roux was already gone. She did some kind of magic I don’t think she had tried before. We were suddenly transported. We were all in a boat, on the shore of a strange grey landscape. A tree was ahead of us, no leaves, but ravens filled it’s branches, and two women were beneath. One, robed in dark grey and hair a dark shade of red I’ve never seen before, silently held her hand out as though asking for a payment. The other figure stayed by the tree. She had brighter red hair, the color of strawberries, and wore a tusked mask. I truly believe we were in the presence of gods. Vanja tried to offer them a diamond in exchange for Roux to be returned, but it was clear this was not an acceptable trade. Bax stepped forward, and without using words, made some kind of agreement with the hooded woman. Vanja tried her best to get Bax to tell us what he promised, to change his mind, but it was clear that he was set on it. He was convinced that with our magic, we could undo what would be done.
We were returned to Rog Hodun. Roux woke up, still injured, near death, but alive again. And Bax seemed to remember nothing. Not who he was, where he was, what he was doing, nor how to do much of anything besides speak. Vanja was distraught. We needed to turn back, so Samsel parted ways, and I got everyone moving back towards where we came in.”
Talith
Talith’s eyebrows melt into a frown as he, momentarily, seems to be lost in the past.
“Bax…” He thinks aloud.
The lantern light flickering along the walls flicker once, twice, three times before Talith continues.
“And so this ‘hooded woman’, who is she? Which of the two women did Bax make the agreement with?”
Astarael
“It was the one robed in grey. She never spoke, so I can’t say I know much. I just have my assumptions of her. But I can tell you, we were dealing with something far more powerful than we are.
As we approached the first set of ruins, where you were all supposed to make camp, we heard noises that sounded like trouble. I went ahead and found Ethan being restrained by two Swans, and another with Lumotu on the ground, about to strike. I was able to save Lumotu, and together Ethan and I dispatched the Swans. He told me of trouble back at the camp, and together we ran back, leaving the others behind to recover.
We got there just in time to see the wagons in the distance, leaving behind the ruins of our camp. I wanted to pursue immediately, but Ethan stopped me. He told me to go back for the others, that he would be able to track where they were taking you, and would find us as we followed.
There were so many soldiers in the area. We were kept on the run, barely had time to breathe, to think. Bax had no memories, Roux and Lumotu were injured. Vanja was a mess. I had to keep us moving, keep them safe. We were trying so hard to get to you all. To save you.”
Talith
His eyes began to sink to the wooden floor beneath him. He had an idea of the lengths that Astarael and the rest of his friends had gone through to save him, but already, just hearing this tale brought about a feeling somewhere between guilt and gratitude. How he wanted to say something - thank you, anything of the sort, but he felt at a loss for words as Astarael continued.
Astarael
“Ethan found us again. He said there was a camp down the road, and a wagon. We tried to get close using a ruse, to get more information, but it was a trap. The wagon exploded - a ploy used by Captain Kelwin before, apparently. Sav appeared from nowhere and rescued Lumotu, knocked unconscious. A portal opened, and out poured more soldiers, along with Kelwin himself, the Grand Inquisitor, and The Wolf- Roland Fairchild. We had no choice but to flee, and were scattered into the woods.
Eventually I found myself cornered in a ravine. The Wolf was before me, and other soldiers blocked any hope of escape. I was alone, or at least so I thought.” Astarael looks pained, for a moment.
“You need to know that I had met him, before that moment. In fact, I knew him rather well. Roland was the one who taught me how to fight, back in Galoring. And when he had me cornered, he spoke to me. Told me that it was not too late. That I could still go home. Like somehow, I would be forgiven for all I have done, and it would be ok. But he should have known better. That place was never really my home. I will go back, but on my own terms. Not the Baroness’s.”
Talith
And now he had questions that seemed to force their way from his lips before he could even think about it.
“Wait- hang on..” He lifts his head and turns his torso to face her.
“Galoring? As in where we’re currently heading to? And, Astarael, you said you knew Roland, Ethan’s brother, beforehand?”
His eyes seemed to burn for answers as they latched on to Astarael.
“What do you mean? How did you know him? Was he your mentor? How- why…?”
Astarael
“Yes. We are headed to Galoring. It’s where we assume Kelwin is taking Danica. I know little about him, so I can’t speak on his motives, beyond presuming he’s going to present her as a gift. If he doesn’t intend to double cross the baroness and take her power for himself.
And yes, I had met Roland. I guess mentor is one word you could use. He was my fighting teacher. Beyond that, well,…” She trails off. “I think to properly explain, I need to start at the beginning of that story. Let me finish this one, and then I promise I will tell you everything else. I wasn’t ready before, but I am now.”
Talith
The words linger before he nods, halting any further inquiries regarding the topic for the time being. Though, it didn’t stop them from ringing somewhere in the back of his mind.
Astarael
“Anyways, I told Roland that I would rather die fighting, than return. And I knew that it was likely that I would, then and there. You see, I never once defeated him in training.
But I tried. We fought. I blocked him, but…” she points to the scar running along her shoulder and chest, “…I was only able to keep him from killing me instantly. I was not strong enough to stop his blade entirely.
Fortunately for me, I had learned a few new things. I remembered seeing you, and Bax, do this amazing thing with your magic that let you travel instantly to another place. So, when I heard Roux’s voice call out at the top of the ravine, I was able to transport myself to where he was. Only when I do it, there’s a big crack of thunder.” Astarael grins at this. “Not subtle, but it let me get away. And survive, with Roux’s help.” She becomes serious again. “Vanja, Sav, and the Boy who was Bax found us then too. We fought the best we could, but Roland jumped up the wall of the ravine, and pursued me. Again he tried to persuade me to give up. When I refused, he nearly killed Vanja.
I don’t know how, but just when things looked to be for the worst, Roux…Roux convinced Roland to help us. The Grand Inquisitor showed up. I tried to strike her with lightning, but I haven’t mastered it yet. I missed each time.
She killed Roland. But somehow, Roland knew that Ethan was there, invisible. His death gave Ethan the opening he needed to kill the Grand Inquisitor. Kelwin appeared above us, saw what happened, and vanished.
We set off in search of the rest of you. It soon became clear that something had changed in Bax. He showed a new personality - several in fact. The best we could tell is that it seemed when he killed someone…they became part of him. We got to know a few of the inhabitants, and were able to get a lead on where you were taken. We also found Warbler too. He’s the halfling you saw. As rare as magic is, we seem to keep finding more people with gifts of their own. Warbler seems to have a strong connection to nature. Our captain, Athelia, has some surprises of her own.”
Talith
Placing a knuckle beneath his chin, he once again seems to ponder for a moment.
“No, you make a valid point though… It’s bizarre, to say the least, that despite the rarity of these gifts, we somehow continue to cross paths with more..”
Talith gazes upward to the ceiling above as if he were looking past and to the sky beyond, before looking to the back of his hand at the constellation of The Champion. He then lets out a sigh.
“I have my own theories about that. The Octurne that appeared in the sky… It’s just a hunch, but I can’t help but wonder if our destinies are controlled by the stars themselves. I like to think we’re in control of our own destinies, but lately…”
He shrugs.
Astarael
“I know what you mean. Just the fact that we bumped into each other at all in Northgate, I mean, what are the odds of that? And then I ran into Roux? Fate is so strange sometimes.”
Talith
“Yeah…” Talith then snaps back to the original conversation at hand.
“Well, anyways, what happened next?”
Astarael
“Warbler decided to come along with us. Most of the group wanted to head back to Northgate, but I had a hunch that the fort nearby would be the place we would find you. I’m glad I pushed for it, as it was clear I was right. The evidence of the Suffering extended beyond the fort as we approached. The weather was strangely warm for winter, and it had been raining since the ravine. The sun was black in the sky above.
“Warbler stayed with the horses, and the rest of us went inside to find you. You know what happened when we did.
“Talith, when you died in my arms, and your body was pulled away from me….I just…I…I would have died there. Either I would have followed you down, or let myself be buried in the rubble of that collapsing building.”
Talith
“Astarael…” The word overlapped hers as she continued to finish her thought.
Astarael
Astarael wipes a tear from her eye, and leans forward to put her hand on Talith’s.
“Roux saved me again… He took me out of there. I owe him my life many times over. When we made it outside, I felt the effects of the Suffering on me still; I had drank that vial of blood during the battle because I knew it would give me more power, and hoped that it would let me help you. It did, but only for that brief moment — when I first got to kiss you. I thought it was the last time, too.
“The cost was that my wounds were re-opening. I was near death, and unable to fight back, until I saw the face of Sav. And I realized that even though you were gone, the others still needed me. And so, Sav saved my life that day too.” She blushes.
“We moved back towards Northgate, but I felt like it was too dangerous for me to return. I was shaken by what had happened to you, the things that Roland had said, and what I had found in the Grand Inquisitor’s coat.” Astarael indicates the vial of tincture on the nightstand, identical to the one she had given Talith to drink. “It didn’t last long for you, but it takes away my abilities for at least a candle. She came prepared.
I figured I could move faster on my own. Ethan gave me the horse he had taken from our battle at the ravine. I set out on the southern road to track Kelwin and Danica. I never caught up, but was able to determine that he made it to Portsmouth with her, and they boarded a ship bound south down the river.
“The others used Vanja’s ability to travel along the river to get back to Northgate faster. Only, they were separated. Roux and Bax ended up in one place, the others near a scouting party of Swans. They were never able to locate Lumotu. I truly hope that he’s alive and well. He really is amazing and I’m sure he can survive through anything. I won’t be surprised if he finds us again someday.”
Talith
“I know he will.” Talith interjects.
“And so I’m curious, what exactly happened at Northgate? And where does the issue with Vanja fit in?”
Astarael
“You will have to ask the rest of them for the full story of what happened in Northgate. But what I was told is that Ethan entered himself into a card game, disguised as a noble. He lost the game, but it was a ploy with a Lady Lace to let her win - and to convince the former captain of this ship to bet the ship itself in the game. She won, and gifted the ship to Ethan, in accordance with an agreement with the first mate to turn the ship over to the crew once we are delivered to Galoring.
“Unfortunately, nothing ever goes smoothly. Ethan was poisoned, the new magistrate of the city was murdered - not our fault, apparently! - but witches were blamed. They shut the city down. And in the process of trying to get out, Vanja was captured. Warbler tried to help her, but could not.
“Sav had already left. Apparently she was angry with Ethan over the tactics he used for the card game. She headed to search for me, but didn’t find me until I reached Portsmouth. Roux, Warbler, and the first mate Avarian made it out with Ethan. Ethan snuck back in to try to help Vanja, but it was too late. She had already told them everything, and a trap was set. Apparently Ethan did escape, but stuck around long enough to hear that Vanja was executed. Somehow, he never bothered to check that it was really her. I do wonder why.”
Talith
All Talith can seem to do is let out a sigh. It was subtle, but there nonetheless, and Astarael seemed to have a response or rather, to continue her thought. He couldn’t say for certain which it was in the moment.
Astarael
“I would have told him - they don’t kill witches. They bring them to Galoring. It was the same with me, when I was captured. A fake execution was held, of someone who looked like me.
“Eventually, they all made it to Portsmouth, and Ethan was able to find Sav and I. We boarded this ship, but just as we were about to set sail, an Inquisitor boarded, along with an officer, and several more Swans.
“We managed to keep a low profile for a short time. Together with the crew, we hatched a plan to disable and dispatch our unwelcome guests. But something happened with Bax - one of the people who was inhabiting him had apparently been playing a game with the Inquisitor. And when he shook his hand, the Inquisitor died. Bax changed yet again, and since that day, he calls himself by the Inquisitor’s name - Sylas. He does swear that he is in fact NOT the inquisitor, just as he’s not Bax. He seems to be someone entirely new, but has locked inside himself the memories of all those who he has killed since Bax made that deal for Roux’s life.
I know it’s hard to believe, but I’ve spoken to him, and believe him in that much at least. He is not the Inquisitor. Nor does he have access to all of his memories. I don’t seem to be of any importance to him, which is truly a relief.”
Talith
He’d notice that he’d started to find it difficult to believe that any words weaved by Astarael’s lips could be those of deceit. He wasn’t sure when this happened, but it did and he had no qualms with it. It was trust.
“I believe you.” He assures her.
He proceeds to place his hands behind him and over Astarael’s legs, to support himself as he leaned back a bit.
“Besides, I’m the last person who should be immediately drawing assumptions as to whether he’s an ally or a friend, as to whether what he says he is is true or not..”
Astarael
“I appreciate you saying so, Talith. And I suppose that’s true too.
“But it is odd to be around him. He looks like Bax. Though, he’s changed his hair. His personality is completely different. He’s been very helpful to us, but his main reason for sticking around is a curiosity of us. And a healthy dose of self preservation. Be sure you use his new name though. Sylas. He’s particular about that.
“We found Vanja not long after the death of the Inquisitor Sylas, and the accompanying Swans. Ethan was wary of the chest she was in, after the explosive wagon. It did feel like a trap. So it was lucky for her that we didn’t just ditch it in the river. We were relieved to see her alive. Until she told us what had happened while she was captured. It sounds like you know the details of that already.
“It’s taken time for me to get over that betrayal. I’m not sure everyone will. But I know I need to forgive her. I haven’t been very kind, and we’ve been fighting more than ever. I hope that someday, we can make amends. I’m weary of the conflict.
“We had a prisoner, from the Swans that were aboard our ship. I tried to lead an interrogation, and made some progress. But Vanja, and Roux, saw it as an opportunity to take out revenge on the man for what had happened to Vanja. Maybe we would have gotten useful information, maybe not. There’s no way to verify anything now. Things got tense, and I yelled at Vanja. Sav ended up shooting the prisoner with a crossbow bolt.
“Honestly, things have been such a mess. I’m glad you’re here, you get along so well with everyone. I wish I could say that the threat of the Suffering and any Swans we might encounter as we travel south were all we were dealing with, but I’m afraid there’s more.”
Talith
Talith smiles at first. He wanted to assure her that they and their friends would get through it all, assure her that nothing ever goes smoothly and that conflicts seem to be inevitable, especially in a group of companions traveling together for so long. Though he knew the word ‘conflict’ seemed to be a bit of an understatement considering the events that had taken place, he felt he had to say something to reassure her.
It was her last phrase that seemed to shift the tone even more, however. Talith’s current expression of reassurance quickly faded into one of confusion as he focused in on her words, his eyebrow slightly arched.
Astarael
“There was one night, while we were still in the Torbjaers, that I saw some things come from the Octurne and fly across the sky. One to the east, one to the south, and one north.
“We have reason to believe that whatever these were fell to the ground, and carried with it something…dangerous. We first noticed that the fish, and local birds, began to disappear. We made it to the first port town, and found it destroyed, all the inhabitants killed or fled from a large beast that appeared to come from the water.
“A strange fish person appeared on the ship, which Athelia seemed to be able to talk to. It asked for her help in protecting a cache of its eggs. We all went onto the deck of the ship, and there we were attacked by the first of the serpent creatures that call this river home. Inside of its head, Sylas found a worm-like creature. We believe that they may be related to the thing that fell from the Octurne, and there are more of them. They have corrupted the river, the snake creatures, and yesterday, we fought Swan soldiers contaminated with them. It would seem they are puppets, almost immune to bodily injuries, until killed completely. The one I killed in the bunk area had a hole in his head, which would have been a grievous wound to most.
“We found Safeharbor to be destroyed similarly to that small port town. Many ships were wrecked, but this time some townsfolk were left alive. We were unable to help, and continued down river. That night, Athelia and Roux were playing a song together on deck, and a large serpent appeared to them. It spoke to Athelia, and told her of the corruption of her children. She asked for help, and if we do so, we will be granted safe passage.
“We’re currently stopped by yet another ruined place. This time, it is a fort for the Painted Swans. It was destroyed as well. I stayed on the ship to be by you, but the others went ashore to investigate. It was as they returned for the night that we were attacked by the corrupted soldiers and two of the snakes. Thankfully everyone survived.
“We have reason to believe that the source of these worms and the corruption lies in the mountains nearby. The easiest way to get there will be through a pass, accessible from the fort. Anyone going will leave today.
“I don’t like having yet another delay in getting to Galoring. But I don’t see that we have any other choice. The river is the fastest way, and it’s too dangerous. I’m not sure there’s anyone else who can deal with the danger to the area as well.
“We need to deal with this as quickly as we can, so that we can get to Galoring. The longer it takes, the worse it will be for Danica. And the greater danger to everyone.
“I don’t just mean us, here on this ship. I mean everyone in the realm.”
Talith
He takes it all in - this new threat. At some point during Astarael’s explanation of the most recent event up until now, Talith had shifted forward again, both feet now on the floor as he sat there with his elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped in the middle. It was all just another layer to process on top of everything else.
He couldn’t help but ponder on the Octurne for a brief moment, but it felt there was no point at the moment. For now, he would just chalk it up as another mystery that they would have to deal with. It had begun to feel that with each new disaster that struck, brought less and less shock. He was getting unsettlingly used to it.
“I won’t deny that it’s unsettling nor will I deny that I wish more than anything that this would resolve itself and that we could go after Danica. But, you’re right, it does seem that we don’t have much of a choice. This isn’t something that we can let run its course and if we did, not only would more innocent lives be lost, but I’m sure that those deaths would give people more reason to blame those with magic, those that they fear and can’t comprehend - it’s only natural… That’s why we’ll put a stop to…whatever this is exactly, and as witches, save innocent lives even if they aren’t aware of what we did.”
The words linger in the room for what felt like ages before Talith realized that Astarael seemingly had no response. He turned his head, shifting his vision from the wall in front of him to Astarael. That’s when he noticed that she wasn’t looking at him. It’s also when he could feel it in the air and in her tense posture. It felt as though she had more that she wanted to say, but try as she might, she struggled to force her words from her lips.
“Astarael, what is it…? I’m here - you can tell me anything.”
His eyes linger on Astarael, waiting, hoping for a response.
Astarael
Astarael gives Talith a faint smile, and sighs. “I know I told you a bit about what happened to me. But I wasn’t ready then to tell the whole story. I was afraid if you, if everyone knew the full truth, that you wouldn’t trust me. That you would judge me for what I had done. That you might think I’m a monster.
“To understand why I did what I did, I should tell you more about where I came from. The Morathi people are a superstitious lot. There’s lore of horrible beasts and magic in the realm. Rumors that the nobles bear power.”
She touches her silver necklace. “It’s why things like this are so popular. My father made this, and my mother embroidered silver circles on cloth. It’s supposedly a way to protect yourself from bad things.
“Well, where I come from, there was another rumor. That I was something to be feared. Growing up, my parents kept me close. I wasn’t allowed out alone, I was told it was dangerous to play with the other kids, and that I needed to be careful. It wasn’t until I got the chance to meet some other kids that I learned they were afraid of me.
“The people whispered about me, when I did go out. Avoided me. Said I was cursed. Said the storms were my fault. All the damage they did, the lives they cost. I never believed it, or understood why, how it could be connected to me. My parents clearly knew. I didn’t realize it then, but when they said it was too dangerous, they meant that I was too dangerous.
“So I grew up pretty isolated. I had my parents, who were mostly too busy for me. I spent a lot of time with my aunt. She took care of me, taught me how to take care of myself, and about the outside world.”
Astarael’s face darkens, and she draws her knees up to her chest, hugging them.
“The day I was told she died, I ran away from home. There was a terrible storm out. I ran out of the town, to a place that was special to me, by the cliffs, but I was cornered by an angry mob. I lashed out at them in fear, and when I did, I was struck by lightning - and so were the people around me. So many died, Talith. People whom I knew. None of them liked me, but that didn’t matter. They were just people.
“I fled, and never looked back. I took some supplies from my aunt’s home, and left Moraeth. I travelled all the way to Isendel. Where I thought maybe I could start a new life.
“But I had new powers, and couldn’t help but use them. I made a mistake, and was captured by the Painted Swans. They executed someone else who looked like me, and took me on a long, miserable journey to Galoring.
“I don’t know how long I spent in the dark cell of that prison. How many days, weeks, maybe months passed, being endlessly tortured. Each day I was asked to confess. But I had nothing to tell them. So, I endured. Until, one day, I couldn’t anymore. I was broken. I told that Inquisitor exactly what he wanted to hear. I confessed to being a witch.
“And I was taken away to meet the Baroness.
“The true danger of the Baroness Tyr Isendel is not that she has command over an army. It’s not her position in life, nor her magic, which she seems to have acquired through a feather from Danica’s mother, at least.
“No. It’s in her ability to read a person, and tell them exactly what they need to hear. And that’s what she did for me. She told me that I was special. That I was capable of being so much more than I was. And she offered me a choice. To belong to her, or return to the dark dungeon, to spend my days suffering.
“And as afraid as I was, I didn’t know what her true aim was, then. I didn’t know what she was really up to. So, I chose to become more.
“She used some magic in that moment, and was inside of my head. I saw her in every memory. She knew everything I had ever thought, or felt, or experienced. Everything about me. And she used that.
“From that day forward, I was treated well. I was given fine food, and clothes. A nice place to sleep. Roland became my teacher of combat. Others taught me how to behave in court, about tactics, how to lead, and other things. Tyr Isendel eventually explained to me that what I had been put through on arrival was meant to be sure I was worthy of what she gave me. To make me stronger. I was still wary of the Baroness then. But she offered me a gift I could not refuse.
“I was presented with the Inquisitor who tortured me. Valliscier. He was beaten and bound. I was told to do with him as I please. And I did. She betrayed him to earn my trust. I took my revenge gleefully. He died a slow, painful death. And with that, more of my power emerged. It pleased her.
“I became a companion to her. She made me feel loved. Like I belonged there. That with time, I could become like a peer to her. And for that love, I would have done anything to please her. I did things I’m not proud of, Talith. I was young. So foolish.
“I know now that she sought to make me an Inquisitor. But she made a mistake. I slowly learned more about her. What she was really up to. Ruling the people with fear. Gathering power for herself. Her lies slowly became more transparent. And one day, she asked too much of me. I refused to do her bidding. And for that I was severely punished.
“I was returned to the dark, dank cell. But this time, it was more than torture. If I would not comply, they would find the source of my power, and try to control it. They did experiments. Horrible, horrible things. I resigned myself to die in that place. Until Eirlys took pity on me. He took great risk, helping me escape. They had his husband. I don’t know why he did what he did. But, he got me out. Gave me supplies, and instructions to cross the border into Jorung, where I might be safe.
“I don’t think he could have known I would run into all of you. Fate really is a strange thing.
“So, now you know it all. I hope you don’t think less of me. I would understand if you did, though.”
Talith
He listens carefully to everything she has to say - every word, every syllable, every bit of articulation that leaves her mouth. Talith could hear the pain in those words as she relived her past as well as understand why it had been so difficult for her to express. She had been through so much, manipulated into doing things she wasn’t proud of. And to make it worse, she had been carrying the heavy burden of her past with her for so long, unable to tell anyone out of fear of what they might think of her.
Despite what Astarael had told Talith, he knew, without a doubt, she was not a monster.
Despite what Astarael had told Talith, he knew, without a doubt, that she cared for others.
Despite what Astarael had told Talith, he knew, without a doubt, that he did not think less of her.
And despite what Astarael had told Talith, he knew, without a doubt, that he would love her, always.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Talith moved towards Astarael and wrapped his arms around her in a loving embrace, his chin resting just over her shoulder. He wanted her to know that she didn’t have to carry this burden alone, nor be afraid of expressing it and that he would always be there to listen, without any judgement. The two lingered in the moment for a time before he gently pulled away, allowing them to be face to face, only inches apart.
“Astarael…” Gently, he elevated his hands to either side of her cheeks and caressed his thumbs along the sides of her face.
“You’ve been through so much, and it’s been unfair. Tyr Isendel manipulated you and used you while you were vulnerable. It’s not your fault. It never was and don’t you think otherwise for even a second. If anyone’s to blame, it’s her. Astarael, even though you’re so incredibly powerful and you’ve done things in the past you regret, I also know that you’re kind, caring, and would go through great lengths to protect those you care about.. We don’t get to choose the path that fate deals us, but we do get to choose what shapes who we are. And the Astarael that I know - how could I ever think less of her?”
Talith pulls away for a moment and reaches in his pocket before leaning back towards Astarael.
“I made this for you. I wanted to give you this a long time ago, but didn’t have the chance.”
Talith takes Astarael’s hand and places in it a replica of the symbol of protection that he wears around his neck. He then takes her other hand and guides it on top of the necklace, gently clasping it between her palms.
“It’s a replica of the necklace I have.” He chuckles a bit. “It’s also meant to be a symbol of protection. It might not aid you in your abilities like mine does for me…but I wanted to make you something.”
He smiles as he looks at her, his eyes deeply engaging her own before gently touching his forehead to hers.
“Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for becoming the woman you are today. And thank you, Astarael, for trusting me with your secrets.”
Astarael
Astarael lets out a small gasp of surprise, as Talith wraps his arms around her. Tears stream down her face. Tears of relief, and of joy.
She clasps the pendant in her hands, and looks at him, stunned.
“Oh, Talith. I can’t even begin to tell you what it means to me to hear that. And this, I…” She looks at the necklace. “I’ll wear it always.”
She leans forward and kisses him, and after a moment, she pulls away and says with a smile, “We can be really late for breakfast, right?”
Talith
Talith brushes her hair back towards her ear before letting his fingers sail to the side of her neck.
With a smile still on his face, he says, “Yes, potatoes can wait.”
And the two were late for breakfast.
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