Ch. 26: Illesior's Song

I left the gardens and made my way back to the palace gates, intending to find Illesior once I got inside. But when I approached the entrance, there were two White Manes I had never seen before. They were identical twin females, both rose furred and emerald-eyed, and were hardly older than myself: Adults, sure, but only by several moons.

I glanced around, wondering where Strubin was. He was nowhere to be seen, and I assumed that he was on break somewhere.

I sighed and walked up to the aetyrim, then cleared my throat. "Ahem."

They stopped chattering to each other and fixed me with an unusual stare. One of them scoffed. "Can I help you?"

"I need through," I explained. "I'm here to see the Prince Illesior."

Immediately she burst out laughing, nudging her sister. "The Prince? What's a kid like you trying to go see the Prince? Get lost, you white rat."

"Yeah, get lost," The other parroted.

I rolled my eyes. "I don't think you understand who I am."

"No, we know," She asserted, smirking. "Just some dumb kid who thinks she can get inside the palace with a stupid lie that anyone can see through." Suddenly she picked up her spear and jabbed at me threateningly. "What did I say? Get lost! Unless those huge ears of yours are useless, after all?"

Before I could spit out a stinging retort, suddenly someone behind me spoke. "You simpletons! Let Aven through."

I turned and to my surprise saw Zerhea standing there, glaring at the two aetyrim guards. One of them paused. "Zerhea! Long time, no see. You know this kid?"

"This 'kid' you're being so unruly to is none other than the Bookkeeper and the confidant of the Prince himself," Zerhea replied coolly. "And he favors her quite highly. If he had known how you were treating her, I wouldn't be surprised if he put you in the dungeons."

Their jaws dropped, and one of them pointed at me. "HER?! But she's just a kid! How is she important?"

"When the Prince came to retrieve me from Xy'Kiln, she was with him. She actually conducted the assessments." The golden aetyr stepped forward menacingly. "Let her through, or I'll report you to the head guard."

The two of them gave me a shocked glance but reluctantly stepped aside, letting us walk through. Once we were out of earshot, I exhaled deeply. "Thanks, Zerhea."

She just nodded simply. "Anytime, Albino."

"Those two aetyrim looked like they recognized you," I said after a moment. "Do you know them?"

She nodded. "Reika and Karei. Yes, I know them, but it's been a few years since we last met. I used to live in Portsbruk with them before I moved to Xy'Kiln."

We walked together in silence for a little while longer before I spoke again. "You know, Zerhea… I never thanked you."

She turned, her gaze unreadable. "For what?"

"For standing up for me. In the trial, yesterday."

Her green eyes flashed. "No need to thank me, Aven. I was merely doing my duty."

Something crossed my mind. "Zerhea, there's something I need to ask you."

"What is it?"

"The day before the battle with Maelstrom, I saw you and Arius sitting together on your Hycross. What did he say to you?"

Her eyes darkened. "...He wanted to know more about my abilities. He seemed headstrong, resilient… yet almost like he was seeking attention. He didn't strike me particularly as someone memorable, but that was before what we know now." Her gaze seemed distant as her voice lowered. "If anything, he reminded me of Reika and Karei: Attention-seeking, nosy little runts. Annoying, certainly, but ultimately harmless. I never knew how wrong my assessment of him was." Then she turned to me. "...I understand that you two are siblings. How long has this rivalry been going on for?"

I stared at the floor. "...For roughly six years."

Zerhea hummed thoughtfully. "I see. Anything particular you understand about that time frame? Assuming it's not too personal?"

"Oh, I know why he's upset," I asserted, pushing back my mane. "Our father, Abarin Elsgard, left to go to the East Horizon, and Arius thought that I was the reason why he left. He's hated me ever since." My face hardened, and I quickened my pace. "But I'm trying to change that, once and for all. He's the only family I have left."

Zerhea eyed me with interest. "Forgiving a betrayal from within your family is not easy, you understand?" She said, keeping pace with long, purposeful strides.

I turned to her and, without thinking, scoffed. "Oh, yeah, you think?"

"I know." She replied coolly. "From my own experience, in fact."

I stopped suddenly, giving her an awkward glance. "...What… what do you mean?"

Zerhea stood closer to me, her slender form towering over me with an air of regality- menacing, mysterious, and yet oddly warm and beautiful. Her breath wafted over me as she leaned to meet my height, a sweet scent that reminded me of the first spring bloom. "When I was thirteen years of age, I lived with my younger brothers and my parents, in the city of Portsbruk. One day, however, my parents broke out in strife, and before I knew it my mother and I left to live in Xy'Kiln. I never saw my brothers again."

I took a sharp intake of breath. "Oh, Zerhea, that's awful," I murmured.

"I'm not finished. A year later, my mother was chosen in the Assessment Ceremony to go to The Capital, and I was left alone in the city. I tried to follow her, but was sent back against my will. Then I tried to leave for Portsbruk, since that was where I had seen my father and brothers last. I nearly died in my travels across the plains." She lifted her hand to her ear somberly, stroking a clawed notch. "Yet I survived, and when I made it to the city, I expected to receive a warm welcome. But none came."

I stared at her. "...What happened? Did your father…?"

"Die? No. Something far worse." Her face hardened. "He had taken a new wife in my absence, and was the proud father of three more children. Yet he despised my brothers. I learned that he sent them away to the West not long after I had left, and hadn't seen them since." To my surprise, her voice, which was normally so monotone and calm, trembled briefly with emotion. "He was enraged at my return to Portsbruk, and forced me to leave the city. He didn't want his new wife to find out about me or my brothers, or she would've left him. So I returned to Xy'Kiln, and ever since then I've kept to myself." She looked at the ground. "The only ones I've ever confided in were my various familiars I've summoned over the years: A Zenatile pup, a Tauxer, and now a Hycross. They are the only ones who won't turn me away." Then her eyes met mine, and I was amazed at the depth in her emerald gaze: An endless pool of green, shimmering like the ocean at midday.

"But now I know someone else who has gone through the betrayal of a loved one, someone closer to you than anyone else could ever be. You, Aven, are not so different than I. And for that I am grateful."

I met her gaze steadily, and before I knew what I was doing I reached out my hand to take hers. She stiffened, then relaxed after a moment. "Zerhea… Thank you… for telling me this. It must've hurt you to remember it."

She blinked slowly. "...It's been so long since I've spoken personally to another aetyr," She whispered. "Speaking to a familiar can soothe my wounds, but only an aetyr can begin the healing. No, I should thank you, Aven."

I nodded. "Anytime, Zerhea. I'm honored that you chose me."

We were both quiet for some time before I nudged her. "Did you need to see someone?"

She nodded. "I was sent to find K'Heali. I was told he was present in the palace, though only the gods know how true that is presently." To my surprise a small crack of a smile appeared on her face. "But that can wait. I should help you find the prince."

Suddenly we entered the main hall, and Vrotaz was there, muttering to himself. I caught his eye and he rushed over to me. "Aven!" He said breathlessly. "Thank goodness. Illesior was wondering where you were."

Zerhea beside me shifted restlessly, her face guarded. Vrotaz noticed her and paused. "Mordalian, is there something you need?"

She nodded briskly, the emotion from our previous encounter gone to be replaced by her usual cold demeanor. "I was sent to find the Sorcerer K'Heali, sir."

"He's in the West Wing," Vrotaz replied impatiently. "Go, now."

Zerhea nodded and turned, leaving without another word. Now I was alone with the stern advisor.

"Aven, where were you? You can't leave the palace perimeters like that. You're the Bookkeeper. You need to be present for whenever the Prince needs you."

I sighed. "I apologize, Vrotaz. I'll do better in the future."

"Don't apologize to me," He interrupted, exasperated. "The Prince is the one you need to speak to."

"Where is he, anyway? I need him."

Vrotaz's eyes flashed. "Come to think of it, it won't do him good to know that you said you 'need' him, either," He murmured, half to himself. "He went to the north of the city. He's out hunting. He'll be more pleased if you go out to find him now rather than waiting for his return."

I nodded, inwardly groaning. "I can do that. Thanks, Vrotaz."

I turned, and, bracing myself for the future encounter, left to go seek the Prince.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the northern edge of the city was a thick swath of woods, fresh and green with the scent of growth. When I had traversed far into them and took a moment to pause, I glanced at the sky. It was likely three in the afternoon.

Are you sure you know what you're doing?

The sudden voice startled me. "Dukalis!"

I pulled out the Spell Book from my satchel and opened it, revealing his glowing blue form. His white eyes gleamed as he stared at me with apprehension. "Aven, I overheard your conversation with Maceren. Are you certain that knowledge is worth the trouble you're about to go through?"

I opened my mouth to speak, then paused. "...I'm not entirely sure." I looked up at him. "What do you think? Did I do the right thing?"

He sighed. "It's too soon to say, I'm afraid," He murmured. "Listen, Aven. I may be your mentor, and I can help you with your decisions, but I can't choose for you. You're a creature of your own resolve, not just my vessel. You have to make a choice for yourself."

"Why are you saying this?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "You're stuck with me. You might as well tell me what to do. You're good at that."

Dukalis snorted. "Now is not the time for sarcastic remarks, Aven. But if you're so certain you need my help, then I'm here to offer it."

I paused, his response sparking curiosity. "Oh, yeah? What's the deal, then?"

"You're going off to find Illesior. He's likely going to still be upset with you for leaving him last night, high and dry. He's going to try and trick you into something you'll likely not want to do. It's time you gave him a taste of his own medicine."

"Yeah, I know- wait. Give him a taste of his own medicine? What do you mean by that?"

Dukalis narrowed his eyes. "Manipulation, flattery, anything you can do to appease him. No, I'm not saying to just blindly comply with his demands, but if you want to think like a snake, you'll have to lower yourself and crawl on your stomach to truly understand its mind." He waved a glowing azure hand. "You missed your mark yesterday night, and now is the time to make up for it. I know what you're going to ask him, and as of now it's unlikely he'll even let you so much as a footstep away from him, much less let you leave The Capital gates. It's going to be a slow burn, Aven. But be patient. Perhaps you'll be able to turn a spark into a wildfire."

I stared at him, shocked. "...That… is an interesting idea. Are you sure that's the way to go about it?"

"If you want any chance of helping Maceren, then it's the only way. That reminds me…" And here he tapped a finger to his chin thoughtfully. "Illesior seems so keen on getting you alone with him. The fact that you're heading out into the woods to meet him, away from the city, is likely going to play a huge part in your favor. You just might have the upper hand, after all."

I blushed profusely. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Thanks for the advice, Dukalis. I owe you one."

He nodded simply, and I shut his book, making his form vanish instantly. I put it back into my satchel and straightened myself, scanning the surrounding woods.

Immediately my fur rose. Not far away from me, a dark, slender figure stood, elegant yet black and cruel. It was the Prince Illesior, but he hadn't seen me yet. I stepped behind a tree and watched as he dismounted a Tauxer, a tall, slender creature resembling a deer but with a strange, narrow head and a long thin tail.

At that moment I realized that we were beside a clear stream, bubbling softly as it wove through the trees. Illesior was walking on stepping stones, heading towards a singular stone that rose above the water.

He took his place on the smooth gray surface and reached into his cloak, withdrawing a small harp. He plucked a few strings thoughtfully, testing the sound, before beginning in earnest.

The melody was haunting, eerie, yet warm and beautiful. I couldn't help but move in ever so closer to hear it better, and that was when he began to sing.

"In the misty glen where shadows curl

Your pale face shines like a pearl

You're a whisper on a winged breeze

Dear

A haunting light I cannot ne'er near…"

His voice was soft, clear and strangely enchanting.

"Soft echoes sing your name at night

Through forest deep under starlit light

Far and wide my heart does roam

But can't grasp where you call your home…"

I stepped out from behind the tree, my white fur gleaming bright under the afternoon sun, filtering through the canopy above. Illesior caught my eye, and he fixed me with an unreadable gaze, yet he never ceased singing. Softly, I strode towards him, climbing the stepping stones until I was in front of him. His fingers danced along the harp as his sapphire eyes became intertwined with mine.

"Oh, elusive love! Pale and bright

In dreams you dance through the night

Like leaves that fall with nowhere to cling

A fading summer fling

You are my winter, my eternal spring…"

The music faded, and soon the sound of the harp and Illesior's haunting voice became replaced with the ambience of the forest.

The handsome Prince set his harp aside, gazing at me thoughtfully. "...Aven, my dear. May I help you?" He grinned, his face etched with a pearly smile. "Have you perhaps gotten lost in my emerald forest? I would be glad to show you the way out."

For a moment, I couldn't speak. My mouth was dry and my face blazed unapologetically. Was this his newest trick? To try and woo me with an enchanting song, amidst a picturesque wilderness?

I remembered what Dukalis had said: If I wanted to think like a snake, I had to get down to his level.

I regained my composure after a moment's pause and dipped my head. "Illesior, I came to speak. If you have the time for…" I gagged inwardly at what I was about to say. "...Your dearest albino, then perhaps you can spare it?"

His expression flickered briefly with a spark of surprise. For a moment I thought he saw straight through me, but then he grinned in earnest. "...My dear Albino. I never thought I'd see the day you'd return at last my own trinkets of pride." He stood from the stone, slick and wet from the spray of crystal water, and stared down at me, his gaze a dazzling blue.

"It is too wet for a proper rendezvous. Why don't we head back to the shoreline?"

Before I could reply, he grabbed my hand and led me back to the shore, feet pattering softly on the slick stepping stones. Once we were back on soft grass, he turned to me.

"Tell me, Albino, what brings you out here to me. Was it fate? Was it… something deeper, perhaps?" He flicked out a slender finger and tickled my chin playfully, and it took all I had to not back away. "The heart is the driving force of the Aetyrian soul, you know. It is all-knowing, all-powerful. It is the source of both brotherhood and everlasting love. And so I hope it has brought you here… to me, your Prince, nestled among the verdant trees and within clear waters, singing out his heart's song for Aetyria's purest."

Something rose in the back of my mind. Dukalis had known for ages that the Prince was deeply drawn to me, but I had pushed the thought away, thinking it a strange fantasy. Now it couldn't be closer to the truth. With a jolt I realized that my relationship with Strubin was in jeopardy. I couldn't accept the Prince's advances, even if he hadn't tortured my brother the way he did. I couldn't betray Strubin. I just… couldn't.

The Prince's voice shook me from my thoughts. "Aven, dearest dove, why do you look downcast? Is this all too overwhelming for you?"

"Illesior, I appreciate your… compliments, but I need to talk to you." I forced my fur to lay flat as I faced him. "I need to ask you a favor."

Illesior didn't answer at first, and slowly, he strode up to me. Impulsively I backed up until I felt my fur brush up against a tree trunk.

My heart caught in my throat, thumping rapidly. "Illesior…?"

The Prince's face hardened, and for a moment I thought that something had clicked in his mind. Was he not satisfied with my compliance? Was he angry with me? Did he remember the previous night, when I left him behind?

But then to my surprise, suddenly he lunged forward, pressing his face against my rapidly beating heart. A low sob escaped his lips.

"I'm sorry," He muttered. "I'm so, so sorry. Oh, Aven, hold me, hold me."

"What are you doing?!" I yelped.

He withdrew his head to look up at me, his blue eyes brimming with emotion and crystal clear tears. "Last night, Aven, I was so cruel. I was… unfair. I was a tyrant." He whimpered, his ears flicking back as he pressed his face into my chest. "You must be so scared. No wonder you have avoided me. I, the Crown Prince, torturing the kin of the purest heart in Aetyria! It is unheard of!" His tears soaked my cloak as he continued to sob, his claws clutching the bark of the tree behind me. "Aven, I free you as my confidant. If I cannot protect you, who am I? Nay, I shall not become a tyrant like my father. I will NOT hurt my people." His breathing slowed as he whispered. "I will not hurt you."

For the first time in a while, against my better judgement, I felt a flicker of sympathy for the broken Prince. Hesitantly, I reached out a pale hand and placed it on his head, just like all the times he would do to me. Instantly his sobbing ceased.

"...Illesior, I… I forgive you," I whispered.

He looked up at me with wide, adoring eyes. "I love you," I added. It wasn't a romantic phrase, like he had hoped, but rather a reconciliation of a brotherhood I wished we had instead.

I don't think he caught my true meaning.