Disclaimer: I do not own SSO. Please refer to Prologue for a more detailed disclaimer.
Author's Note: I seem to be on a roll with this whole writing thing, and I'm hoping the content is just as good as it used to be, if not better :) I have uploaded pretty soon after the Prologue so that there's a bit more of the story to read. Chapter two will take a bit longer though, so please be patient, and hopefully I can have that up within the next week or two. In advance, I would like to thank my readers/reviewers. Enjoy!
Chapter One:
After Cleao Everalsting woke up in her own bed that day, she had crept into Orphen's room to check up on him. She could hear everyone else downstairs and tried to keep her footsteps stealthy, not wanting to bring attention to herself just yet. Especially since she didn't think she had the energy to deal with their happiness at her recovery and also all the questions she knew they would throw her way – not that she knew herself what exactly was happening.
When she reached the door, her nerves decided to kick in and the butterflies in her stomach started doing somersaults. What did she have to be nervous about? She was just checking to make sure that her partner was in one piece. But she knew that the current status of her relationship with Orphen was sort of in the air at that stage, and they had a lot to talk about – not something she was really looking forward to. As fiery as she could be, the thought of talking to Orphen about their feelings for each other made her stomach churn – mostly because being with him was something she had desired for so long, and to finally have it in her reach, it just seemed too good to be true.
Deep breaths, Cleao thought as she sucked in some air and exhaled as deeply and quietly as she could. It only calmed her nerves a fraction, but that was enough to get her to open the door. She didn't know if it was the events of the past few days or the stress she was putting herself through by overthinking things, but she was getting tired fast. She pushed the door open slowly and tiptoed inside. Making sure not to let the door creak as she closed it behind her, she made her way soundlessly into the room. Her lips formed a soft smile. Just as she had thought, Oprhen was still sound asleep. She lowered herself down into the armchair by the bed, glad to be off her feet and have something support her tired body. It didn't take long for her to lose herself in her thoughts, but she looked at Orphen just in time to see him stir in his sleep.
"Orphen?" she whispered his name as she went to stand by the bed, and bent in close to try and rouse him from his sleep. She gazed at him expectantly and was about to call his name again, but he gradually opened his auburn eyes. She watched as his eyes adjusted to the light of the room. Orphen then noticed Cleao's face a few inches from his own.
"Aah!" he exclaimed, making Cleao squeal in fright as she jumped back. Orphen cursed under his breath as he sat himself up in bed.
"What's wrong, Orphen? Are you ok?" Cleao asked in worry.
"Not if I wake up to your face," he muttered.
"Excuse me?!" Cleao asked indignantly.
The sight of Cleao brought a faint smile to the sorcerer's lips. Seeing her standing there eased his heart. I'm glad you're ok, he thought in relief.
Cleao's anger slowly subsided as she gazed at Orphen's face - the look in his eyes were puzzling and was that a smile that touched his rugged features?
"You better start apologizing," she told him sternly.
"What the hell for?! I didn't do anything wrong," Orphen defended with a smirk.
"Oh, is that right?"
"That's right."
Cleao's blood began to boil, "You selfish, ungrateful, self-centred, good for nothing sorcerer! To think that I was actually glad to see you alive! I want you out of my house right now! Get out!"
"I'm wounded. I can't move," Orphen informed the fiery blonde, amused at how easily she was getting worked up.
"I don't care if you're injured or dead! Get out!"
"No," he replied flatly, reclining himself back against the pillows.
Cleao grumbled in frustration as she glared at Orphen with murderous eyes. Orphen stared right back. Where's Leki when you need him?
She was ready to slap the smirk right off his face, but it finally sunk in that she was interacting with Orphen how they normally do, and the relief she felt was overwhelming. She quickly sat herself down again, contentment filled her and she instantly forgot that she was angry at him.
"Are you ok, Cleao?" It was Orphen's turn to be worried.
"Yeah, I think my energy levels aren't really back to normal yet," she gave him a small smile. "Lucky for you," she added with a poke of her tongue.
Orphen couldn't help but grin at her, "I'm really glad you're back Cleao."
Her azure eyes widened slightly at this, but she tried to hide it with a quick smile back, "Thanks, it's good to be back."
A silence fell over the pair, but it was hard to decipher if it was an uncomfortable silence or not. It seemed to be walking the line at this point.
Cleao settled back into the armchair and turned her gaze towards the window. It was a beautiful day out – a bright sun smiling down on them and practically clear blue skies with a few wisps of clouds that looked like strung out fairy floss.
Orphen watched her for a moment and settled his gaze on the roof of the four poster bed he was in. He wasn't sure what to do or say next. Was it too soon to talk about them? Would it be too late if her didn't say anything to her now? He desperately wanted to clear things between them. Cleao had been hurt so badly and he wanted to make things right. If he hadn't been sleeping for however long he was out for, he would have asked someone for advice about this. Hartia? Nah, I don't think I could trust his relationship advice.. Orphen thought to himself, Definitely not Majic OR Azalie.. Maybe Mariabella.. Yeah…
"Orphen?" Cleao said a second time and he finally snapped out of his daze to look at her, "You're spacing out."
"Yeah, just thinking about things.."
Cleao nodded her understanding, especially since she was doing exactly the same thing. There were so many things she wanted to say to him, to make clear, but it didn't seem that now was the time… She inhaled deeply and prepared to be mature about the situation she was facing.
"We have a lot to talk about," she began slowly and felt her cheeks flush crimson thinking of how silly she probably sounded to him, "And I know I can be quick to say things I don't necessarily mean.. and I have a quick temper too…"
Orphen was a little surprised at this, but at the same time he was glad that one of them had started the conversation that needed to be had.
"So I think it would be best if we spent some time thinking about what we want.. Because even if we don't want the same thing, I don't want to lose what we already have.." she trailed off in an uncertain voice.
Orphen knew that his feelings hadn't changed for her, he still wanted to be with her and he wanted to be there for her. But he didn't want to push her away again if she wasn't ready to talk yet. "Ok," he agreed simply, "We can have a talk later."
Cleao smiled, happy to not have been rejected outright. "Ok, well then we'll talk later. Maybe tonight?" she ventured cautiously. Was that too soon? She knew that she probably wouldn't think of anything else until they had that inevitable talk.
"Tonight," Orphen concurred with a quick nod of his tousled head.
And just to make sure that no awkward silence would befall them, their stomachs growled in unison. Cleao blushed red once more and Orphen rubbed his hungry spot.
"Guess we better head down there, have something to eat and face the music," he sighed heavily, wishing they didn't have Jeremy to worry about anymore.
Cleao groaned as she got up from the chair with a swish of the sapphire coloured summer dress she had hastily put on that morning, "I'm definitely not looking forward to answering questions about what happened." She made her way back to the door, "I'll see you down there."
"See you there," Orphen replied as he got out of bed and ruffled his hair with a hand. Cleao let herself out quietly, leaving Orphen to get ready for the day ahead.
"Oh, I think Cleao just left the room," Mariabella observed when they heard the door close upstairs. "They were awfully quiet for some time there," she added as she sipped her tea and placed the cup and saucer back onto the table.
The living room was filled with many anxious people, all wanting to see both Cleao and Orphen. It had been three days since the incident with Jeremy, and nothing had happened since. They did not hear a peep out of the renegade sorcerer that had turned their lives upside down. And after a quick trip to the Tower of Fang, Hartia and Azalie reported that Lai hadn't seen anything either.
"Do you think they had THE talk?" Majic asked in genuine curiosity, hoping all had gone well for his friends. Leki had curled up on the floor beside him and had fallen asleep as they waited for the two to come down.
"I don't know, " Hartia replied thoughtfully, "It's hard to imagine Krylancelo having a deep and meaningful conversation with a woman he has feelings for."
Majic nodded his blonde head in agreement, "Maybe Master said something to screw it up again."
"Yes, he is quite talented at that, isn't he?" Hartia smirked, causing Majic to laugh and Mariabella to let out a little giggle.
"Krylancelo has had many serious talks with me before, so he is quite capable in that department," Azalie defended her brother like the dutiful sister she was.
Hartia waved a hand dismissively at the sorceress and shook his red head in disagreement, "You're his sister, Azalie. That doesn't count."
Azalie hmphed at Hartia and turned to Tistiny Everlasting to to continue her conversation with the experienced mother about how best to toilet train a toddler.
"I wonder if I should go check on her…" Mariabella thought aloud as concern passed over her face.
"It should be ok," Hartia replied, "They've been asleep for some time, no doubt they'll both be needing some food to replenish their energy."
At that moment, they heard a door open and close and heavy footsteps headed their way. It wasn't long til they saw Orphen at the entrance of the living room.
"Hey guys," he greeted them indifferently and leaned against the door frame in his usual manner.
Tistiny excused herself from her conversation with Azalie and stood up to make her way to the kitchen to prepare some food.
Orphen stepped aside for her, but she stopped beside him and placed a motherly hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you for bringing her back to us," she said gratefully and left the group to get some food ready for them.
Orphen turned to his friends who all seemed eager to greet him and talk. "So what's been happening while I've been dead to the world?" he asked as he made his way to the sofa beside Hartia. Suddenly, their faces turned serious.
The Gifted One turned to The red-headed sorcerer beside him, "Too soon?"
Hartia nodded, "Much too soon." But he cracked a smile anyway.
"How are you feeling, Krylancelo?" Azalie's voice filled with concern. When Orphen looked at his sister, he could see the toll the recent events had taken on her. The wrinkles around her eyes were more pronounced and the bags under them were much darker than he remembered them to be. He heard the strain in her voice when she spoke to him, and he knew she wanted to look him over thoroughly like she used to when they were children.
"I'm alright," he answered truthfully, "A little tired physically and magically, but a few more days of rest should fix me up." He paused briefly, "Hungry too."
"Will Cleao be down shortly?" Mariabella inquired in a soft voice.
Orphen glanced up at the ceiling, as if Cleao were standing just above them, "She should be. She said she'd see us down here, so she shouldn't be too much longer."
"Cleao always takes forever to get ready anyway," Majic added, speaking from experience.
They all turned to the living room entrance when they heard footsteps coming their way.
Cleao's golden head popped in as she had a quick peek inside. The rest of her followed and when she was inside she beamed at everyone. It really did warm her heart to see everyone there. Azalie, not so much, but that was an existence she just had to tolerate.
"Welcome home," Mariabella went to greet her sister with a big hug, something Cleao welcomed wholeheartedly.
"It's good to be home, sis," she hugged back. "Where's mother?"
"She's gone to prepare food," Mariabella answered as she pulled away, "You and Orphen must be famished."
"Definitely!" Cleao agreed as she made her way to her little cub. "Thanks for looking after him," she said to Majic as she knelt beside them. Cleao ran her hand gently through Leki's fur and the pup slowly opened his eyes. When he realized that it was Cleao in front of him, he was quick on his feet. Cleao was ecstatic to be back, and it was obvious that the Wolven cub felt the same – everyone watched as Leki jumped into Cleao's lap to give her puppy kisses.
Mariabella smiled at her sister briefly then looked to everyone else, "Shall we head to the dining room then? I'm sure Mother will be bringing out food for us as well."
"Good idea," Hartia agreed and stood to lead the way out.
"And once everyone has eaten," Azalie began as she also made her way out, "we can discuss a few important matters."
Cleao rolled her eyes as she waited for everyone to file out of the room. "We can never get a break, can we Leki?" she spoke to her companion, picking him up in her arms as she followed the others. Leki barked happily in her arms and nuzzled his snout into her neck. "That tickles!" she giggled and tried to stop Leki from doing it again, though he took it as an invitation to play and continued to give Cleao attention.
"Hurry up slow-poke!" Orphen called out to her from further up the hallway, "If you don't hurry, Majic and Hartia will eat all the food!"
Cleao quickened her step, "Coming!"
Tistiny had prepared a simple meal of bread, a selection of cheeses and fresh fruit. It was certainly a modest meal, but filling and just as delicious as any feast would have been. Or maybe Cleao was just hungry. She had heard once that hunger did make food taste better.
As soon as they had had their meals, the happy atmosphere quickly turned dark and serious. But at least now they were fed and had a bit more energy, both Orphen and Cleao would be able to concentrate better.
"What do you recall of the night?" Azalie turned her violet head to look at Cleao as she questioned her. The interrogation had begun.
Cleao played with a lock of her golden hair as she thought this through. "Well…" she started, "I was at the Ruins of Kohan. I had just finished speaking to Her and had made my decision. I was –"
"Who is 'Her'? The Angel of Life and Death?" Azalie interrupted Cleao.
Cleao frowned noticeably. It was hard enough having to recall the events of that night, not because she couldn't remember, but because she could. She was lucky not to have nightmares of Orphen's death, so it worried her when she had to think about it too much. "I don't know," the blonde admitted, "She's never introduced herself to me properly. I met her once in a dream and ever since that night, she speaks to me sometimes." And as an afterthought she added, "It's comforting but a little bit creepy too."
Creepy, a melodic voice laughed in her head, I've never been called that before. It's quite refreshing.
Cleao practically jumped out of her seat, and Orphen followed suit.
"Are you ok?" he asked, worry coming easier than he liked.
Cleao sighed in exasperation and sat herself down again. "Don't do that!" she scolded Her and received another gentle laugh in return.
I'm glad to see you're back in high spirits, Cleao.
Cleao turned to the others to explain, "She's here. So maybe we can all get some answers."
"'Here' where?" Hartia asked as he looked around the room, but saw nothing. Not even an apparition.
"In my head," Cleao replied and made a face at how silly that actually sounded.
"How strange," Mariabella said in wonder as she stared at her sister. Not having seen The Angel of Life and Death herself, it was a bit harder to imagine without thinking that the voice was a side effect from what Jeremy had done to Cleao.
"Is it a spell?" Majic inquired like a serious student of magic.
Perhaps it would be easier if I joined you, Cleao?
"Go right ahead," Cleao consented, "It will probably be easier right?"
"This is feeling a little ridiculous, listening to one side of the conversation," Azalie muttered in slight annoyance, especially since they weren't really getting anywhere answer-wise.
Cleao suddenly felt warm and tingly inside and she felt Her enter her body. It was like being taken over, without losing control of her mind or body. But Cleao was more than happy to take a backseat in this conversation.
"It is an ability, not a spell, Majic Lin," She spoke through Cleao.
"Do you have a name?" Orphen asked the newcomer, feeling a little strange directing his question at Cleao.
"I'm sorry, I seem to have left my manners behind in the Heavens. My name is Cela Lightwood."
"A Heavenly Being," Azalie said with a bit more respect.
"How are you and Cleao connected? How did you reach her? Why did you reach her? And what's your involvement with Eran and Jeremy?" Orphen asked all his questions at once.
Cela ignored Orphen completely. "You look just like Ryn," she said fondly and gave him a small smile.
Orphen was taken aback at this. He still couldn't grasp the idea that he was descended from a Heavenly Being and that Jeremy was too, making them related in some twisted way.
"Even though I am a Heavenly Being, being between worlds, here in Cleao's body is quite taxing, so I will answer as much as I can before I will have to revert back to speaking only to Cleao," Cela explained as she got back on topic. "While you are descended from Ryn and Jeraine from Eran, Cleao is of my essence. Because of this connection and my powers, it was easy for me to communicate with her."
"Why not sooner? Why is it only now that we are hearing of this prophecy of Eran's return?" Azalie asked.
"Because everything happens for a reason. And it was not needed for me to speak to Cleao any sooner. When Ryn and I sealed Eran away to stop him from coming here to Earth to wreak havoc, he warned us that he would not be imprisoned forever and that he would find a way to free himself. He told us that we would regret betraying him that night."
"How do we stop Eran from returning?" Hartia asked the all important question.
"His return cannot be stopped. His freedom is drawing closer and even I cannot stop it, or I would have done so already."
"What do you mean it can't be stopped?!" Orphen asked incredulously.
"Exactly that, Krylancelo. The seal is being broken from within, which can only mean that Eran has found a source of power. I believe that source to be Jeraine, though I have not quite figured out how he is doing it. The only way Eran can be stopped is once he is free. He will not be as powerful as he once was, he will need to recuperate his powers."
"If we can't stop his return, how do we stop him?" Orphen demanded of the Heavenly Being.
"Through The Angel of Life and Death," Cela answered simply.
"You will stop him?" Majic asked, slightly confused.
"We should have stopped him that night, not just with a mere binding spell," Cela admitted with a hint of regret in her voice, "We were too bound by our ties with Eran, so now the burden has fallen upon you. I apologise for that."
"If you can stop him, we'll be fine right?" Majic looked to the others for their agreement, and Cleao for her confirmation.
Cleao blinked her azure eyes as if to clear them. Just as easily as Cela had come, she had left just as quick.
We can continue this another time.
"Sorry guys," Cleao said with a small shrug, "She's gone for now, but she says she'll be back another time."
Azalie exhaled in exasperation, "At least it wasn't a complete waste."
"We can work with the information we have so far," Hartia said encouragingly.
"If she speaks to you again, try to get more information from her," Azalie said to Cleao as she stood from the table, readying herself to head back to her guest room.
"Please," Cleao added for the sorceress with a snap.
Azalie glared at Cleao briefly before turning away and heading out.
"I swear," Orphen sighed, resigned to the fact that his sister and Cleao were never going to get along even under the best of circumstances, "the drama never ends with you two, does it?"
Cleao gave him a cheeky smile, "Some things are better left unchanged."
Orphen shook his head at her then turned to Majic, "C'mon. I have a feeling you've been slacking off in your studies. Let's get you back up to speed."
Majic grinned at the invitation and was quick to follow Orphen out, but managed to call out a "See you later!" to everyone before leaving.
"Well I guess I better go see if Azalie is planning on returning to the Tower," Hartia said to no one in particular. But then he turned to the girls, "Do you need a hand with tidying up?"
Mariabella shook her head, "We'll be ok."
"I'm sure Volkan and Dortin are lurking around somewhere," Cleao added and turned to her older sister, "We do still employ them right?"
Mariabella nodded and Hartia took that as his cue to leave. "I'll go see if Mother needs a hand with anything. Are you ok to be on your own Cleao?" Mariabella asked while she stacked the dirty plates.
"I've got Leki with me, so I shouldn't get into too much trouble. Plus, I think I'm just going to relax in my room for a while. Lots to think about."
Mariabella gave her younger sister a sidelong glance, "Well if you need to talk to me, just come and find me ok?"
"Sure thing," Cleao nodded, then watched her sister leave with a stack of dirty plates in hand.
Since Orphen was out with Majik, it would probably be a while before they came back, leaving Cleao with plenty of time to mull things over about herself and Orphen.
But if Cela's advice a few days ago was anything to go by, Cleao knew she had already made her decision. All she had to do now was wait for Orphen to make his.
Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed that chapter, reviews are welcome :)
