Jirelle's works
Why?
Why?!
Why?!
Why did he let that woman talk him into it?!
Gaelban clenched his fists as he paced through the dark corridors leading to his tower. Damn her! He'd never been fond of parties, for as long as he could remember. The loud music, people muttering to one another; sharing the latest gossip, and the less-than-subtle trysts. He shook his head as the unwanted image of one of the ambassador's handmaidens and the servant she was heavily occupied with popped up in his mind, a sight he absolutely could have done without.
And, if such things weren't enough, then there were the lingering looks and near-silent whispers behind his back, from both nobles and servants alike. A pang of loneliness shot through him which he quickly dismissed. It was not unusual that people got nervous around him, he was after all the Master of Secrets. As spymaster people either avoided him, desperately trying to keep their secrets safe, or they tried to bride him, hoping for information that could give them an advantage over their enemies. Of course he never bothered with either of them, he thought both were pathetic. The dark-haired elf scoffed as he stepped through a heavy oak door and proceeded up the staircase. Like he had nothing better to do than to meddle in their trivial affairs!
He sighed. The party wouldn't have been so bad if Telahmis hadn't abandoned him at the first opportunity. Once she got sight of one of her friends she'd simply vanished. If he hadn't been so angry at her he might even had been impressed at the feat, not many people managed to do so after all.
He came to a stop and rubbed his fingers on his temples, trying to get relieve some of the tension and to get rid of the major headache he was developing. Of course it was unfair of him to blame her for his foul mood, he had been cranky even before the party had started. He let out a deep breath and continued up the stairs before stepping through another door.
He looked around the room he just entered. Normally the sight of the round walls and bookcases that held books on a variety of subjects would easy his mind, but even today the soft cawing that came from a room nearby did not make him feel better. The nagging feeling that he had nearly all evening remained.
On one side of the room two elves were working on a table that was covered with papers and books, softly murmuring to each other while the one on the right was scribling down notes. The elf on the left shook his head and the other proceeded to scratch what he had written down. Another elf was sitting cross-legged on a stack of crates, fully focused on the book in her hand, while munching on a piece of bread. Two ravens on the floor were fighting over the crumbs that she spilled though she was to occupied to notice.
"Has there been any news?" he asked the messenger who just arrived from the hall on the left.
The messenger looked up from his report. "I'm afraid not my lord, last we heard the reinforcements where still on their way to the Temple of Sacred Ashes. Due to the small number of intact Eluvians in the area it might take them a while before they reach their destination."
He nodded affirmatively. In New Elvhenan it was relatively easy to travel from one place to another thanks to the Eluvians that were in abundance. Unfortunately in Thedas many of the Eluvians were not longer in working order, finding one that was still working was not an easy task. And when they found one there was still the matter of the Crossroads. The midrealm had always relied heavily on it's connection to the fade and the creation of the Veil had cut that connection, leaving the realm highly unstable. Thanks to their queen's efforts a portion of the realm had been stabilized, but that applied only a small part. The rest was slowly crumbling and would eventually collapse in on itself. The decision to send reinforcements through the decaying dimension was not an easy one. Yet, when he had not heard from his agents attending Conclave for days he had no choice, the outcome would not only affect Thedas but their kingdom as well. Steering blind was simply not an option.
He turned around and headed for the door from whence he came. "I'll be retiring for the evening, if any news arrives I want to be notified immediately."
The messenger saluted. "Yes, my lord."
Gaelban descended the stairs and turned right before taking a left. Eventually he arrived at the doors that lead to his quarters. He had claimed these chambers a long time ago and stood by his decision to this day. It was located a lot farther than the chambers of the other council members but he liked the serenity of this place. He placed his hand om the wood and mumbled a few words, disabling the magical lock he had installed. As he entered his chambers he reactivated the lock before he lowered his hood and unclasped the straps of his coat.
A beam of moonlight, shining through a glass window that was decorated with birds in flight, caught his eye. As he walked towards the light he removed the coat and hung it over a chair. Through the glass he saw the flickering lights of the city below him. No matter the hour, Atish'an was always awake.
Because it laid at the center of the massive network of Eluvians, people from all over New Elvhenan came to see their glorious capital. Not only the best craftsmen could be found here, the city also housed some great points of interest. Such as the Academy, a place of learning for all. The House of Justice, where any offences would be judged. The Grand Theater, where the greatest forms of art were on display. The College of Magic, located on a small floating island to the east, where magic and magic-related phenominons could be studied safely. And, at the heart of it all, the Royal Palace. The seat of their queens power.
He unbuttoned his shirt and also placed in on the chair. His boots and footwraps followed, until only his pants remained. He then slipped into the soft, silk embrace of his bed.
He laid awake for several minutes, going over the events of the evening, before sleep finally took him. His dreams however, simply continued where his thoughts had left off.
—
He walked through the hallway, masterworks of the most renowned artists decorated the marble walls, his footsteps muffled by the thick red velvet carpet. He halted his steps, his eyes searching for a very familiar woman with silver-white hair. It didn't take him long to find her. She was speaking with a few minor nobles when their eyes met; a silent plea for help. The corners of his lips curled into a small grin as he nonchalantly walked towards her, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Rajaan" He bowed slightly as he approached the group. "I am sorry to interrupt but there is something I need to discuss with you."
The nobles didn't hide their displeasure, he disrupted their precious time with their beloved queen after all. He paid no attention to them however.
She looked up to him and gave him a polite smile. "Of course spymaster."
She then turned her attention her company. "Forgive me falon'nen but I'm afraid my attention is required elsewhere" and she gave them a small bow. The nobles quickly bowed deeply while uttering their respects.
"Of course eolasos."
And "It was a pleasure speaking to you bell'ane."
Gaelban offered her his arm, which she gracefully accepted, and guided her away from the crowd. The pair manouvered through the groups of people and retreated to a secluded balcony. As they proceeded through the glass doors they were enveloped in the warm late-summer air. Now that they were not longer surrounded by the crowd he finally got a good look at her. The rays of sun reflected on her dress, making it look like she wore molten gold. Her silver-white hair was braided into a complicated updo, adorned with dozens of small white and yellow gems. On closer inspection it turned out the gems where shaped like small stars and suns. She was breathtaking.
His awe-struck gaze had not escaped her as a mischievous grin formed on her lips.
"I take it you approve?"
He was glad that his hood largely hid his face as his cheeks turned red. Flustered he cleared his throat. "Any man or woman who wouldn't must be blind."
She chuckled and shoved him in a playful manner. "Flatterer." The two of them faced the balcony, silently overlooking the sunset. She grabbed his arm and laid her head to rest on his shoulder, her eyes closed. A blissful sigh escaped her lips.
"Thank you for saving me a moment ago" she mumbled softly. "I would have been stuck with them all evening if you hadn't come."
Gaelban smiled, warmth spreading throughout his entire body. He placed his hand on hers , their fingers intertwining. "Then it's a good thing I came along when I did."
"Hmmm" she murmured affirmatively.
They stood there for a while, simply enjoying each other's company. He looked to the sky, the red and orange making place for purple and blue as the sun set.
'The ambassador sure went through great lengths to arrange this evening, she even convinced your favorite band to play" he mentioned as he studied her features. She did not respond. "And yet… you're not enjoying a moment of it."
Her expression turned sad and she opened her eyes. "No, I'm not" she whispered softly. She released his arm and straightened her posture, her hands resting on the marble railing. He noticed the tension in her shoulders.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
She looked down, not really focusing on anything. When she said "I'm not sure" it was hardly audible.
He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Zirael, what's wrong?" His voice heavy with worry.
Her eyes met his, panic flashed among her features.
"I don't know." She clasped her arms around him. "I just have this terrible feeling that something is very wrong."
He returned her embrace as a shot of panic went through him. These premonition's were not uncommon, and always they turned out to be right. The last time she had one….. No. Best not to think about that.
He held her close, stroking her hair and whispering calming words in her ear until she calmed down.
"Hush Zirael, everything is going to be alright."
She looked at him, tears forming in her eyes. "You don't know that."
His hands enveloped her face. "No, you're right, I don't know that." She looked hopelessly to the ground. "But" he continued as she met his eyes once again. "What I do know is that you are capable of withstanding any crisis." He motioned to the city below them. "Look how far you've gotten us. Without you all of us would still be at the mercy of human slavers."
"Many still are" she mumbled.
"Yes but you are working hard to have them freed as well. Try to see how far you've gotten fenor. Look at what you have achieved instead of what you have not." He brushed an escaped lock of hair behind her ear. "You are without a doubt one of the strongest and most compasionate people I know. That's how I know that, whatever the cause of your unrest, this is something you can overcome."
His words seemed to have the desired effect as her breathing returned to normal. She took a deep breath. "You're right, we have faced horrible things in the past and survived. Whatever this is, we can handle it."
She gave him a loving smile. 'Thank you Gaelban, you are always there for me when I need you."
He embraced he once more, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Always."
—
He shot up and he rubbed the remnants of the Dreaming from his eyes. So that's were the nagging feeling came from. It appeared that Zirael's uneasy feeling was contagious.
He needed to clear his head. He stepped out of bed and headed towards his washbasin. His hands delved into the bowl and splashed the water onto his face. He gasped at the cooling sensation. He splashed some more water onto his face and also some on the back on his neck. Gaelban faced the mirror in front of him, studying his own features. His fingers ghosted over the places where once Dirtamen's vallaslin had been. His gaze then followed the line of his neck before resting on the markings on his arms and shoulders. He had gone through great lengths to acquire the inks used for his tattoos, the kind that couldn't be removed. Not even with magic. The artist had been hesitant to use the ink, Elvhen rarely committed to anything permanent after all, but Gaelban had insisted. He never wanted to go back to being used as an object, a creature without an identity. He'd rather die.
A tiny shuffle he noticed from the corner of his eye disrupted his grim thoughts, he was not alone. His face twisted into a scowl.
"Enjoying the view?" he growled, well aware of who the intruder was.
A woman emerged from the shadows. She was relatively short for an elf and had short black hair. She was dressed in black leather armor. The intruder slowly walked towards him, her feet not making a sound.
As she stepped into the moonlight he saw the grin on her face. "How could I not?" Shamelessly eyeing his well-defined frame.
Gaelban's ears turned red but he quickly regained his posture. "Is that all you have to say?" he snarled.
"Oh, I see. You're still angry that I left you alone at the party!" she exclaimed, still very amused.
"Is that really so surprising?" He crossed his arms and shot her an angry look.
The expression on her face turned from amusement to discomfort. She looked to the ground and nervously played with her fingers. "I suppose it isn't knowing you're not a big fan of parties. Ir abelas Gaelban, I shouldn't have abandoned you."
His features softened somewhat at the apology. "Apology accepted. Now, did you only come here only to apologize or did something else bring you to me?"
Her eyes shot to his. "Well, as a matter of fact." She reached for her pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "One of the messengers was on his way to bring you this. Seeing I intended on stopping by anyway I offered him to take it to you." She scratched nonchalantly behind her ear. "Apparently it had something to do with those peace talks between the mages and templars in Thedas?"
Gaelban's eyes went wide and he snatched the piece of paper from her hands.
"Well you're welcome!" Telahmis pouted, visible hurt. "What's the big deal anyway? It's not like it's happening on our doorstep, or that it has any affect on us."
"Quiet" he commanded. "I need to concentrate."
"Pffft" the woman snorted.
As his mind processed the message his face turned pale.
Apparently this did not go unnoticed. "Hey Gaelban, are you feeling alright?"
He sat down on a nearby chair, allowing the news to sink in.
"It's bad right?" she asked. "Yes" he muttered.
He took a moment to collect himself before he stood up from his chair. He quickly dressed before turning to face her.
"I need to inform the queen of this at once. I need you to call for an emergency council meeting, we need to decide our course of action immediately."
She saluted, understanding the seriousness of the situation, and rushed out of the door.
Gaelban pulled up his hood and went in the same direction. What a mess.
Elven:
Gaelban = purity/perfection of darkness
Telahmis = the blade that is quiet
Falon'nen = friends
Ealosas = Your grace, your greatness, your honor
Rajaan = Your majesty
Bell'ane = Your holiness, your majesty, your perfection lit. like eternity
Fenor = Precious. Similar to the english endearment: Dear, or beloved.
Ir abelas = I'm sorry
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