Chapter 9: The Flaxen Cuckoo
"Cosmic, heavenly whiteness, of veiled distance,
from early childhood, you attracted my eyes,
you infected my blood, which restlessly spurts
drawing me to eternal quests and wonder.
Whenever soft breezes flailed green cornfields,
whenever a bird's wing sliced the blue heaven,
a caravan of clouds, grainy and forlorn,
or a sail on the sea's horizon –"
- E. Bagryana
Pink and warm, the very first rays of the sun shined over the Coronian Palace the "Aureate Edifice". Guards and staff made their ways through the endless, opulent corridors and halls. Everyone was in a hurry to settle everything needed for the Queen's morning. Everyone was in a hurry to meet the needs and desires of the little prince who, did not like to wake up early, and today required it, which meant that it would take quite some effort. Young Dua was to have his regular fencing practice, despite his young age. His grandmother, Queen Magana, believed that it was what was best for his future.
This morning she had woken up long before her maids and servants came in her chambers to serve her breakfast.
Magana sat on the crimson cushion chair in front of the majestic vanity, combing her long hazel-colored locks down. The exquisite dress she was already wearing, though an everyday one, exuded true sophistication, femininity, and that, of royal descent. Gold and jewels worthy of a Queen adorned her neck, but her tired eyes seemed to ebb softly. And one couldn't blame her inner surrender- after all that life had put her through...
Even the early sacrificial wisdom of the precious Golden Spring had failed to prevent the misery and sorrow for her and her family...
"Thousands of excuses, your Grace. I am sorry to interrupt your morning rituals, but the royal court of Meridian has sent a very... tense and disturbing message about a situation that they claim requires our immediate intervention."
Upon hearing these words from her loyal courtier, Magana abruptly turned around to look at him. This man she had known her entire life, he had been like a second father to her. When he looked this tense, matters had to be serious.
"A message from Meridian you say, Visser? Do tell."
The face of the elderly sophisticated man became hesitant for a moment but the moment he began to speak, that faded:
"My Queen, the Mage of Meridian and the guardians of Kandrakar write that our maid, Arzu, the poor soul who has been serving in the royal court for many years now, is not the one who she claims to be. They name her a nefarious enchantress of some sort, a woman who is in union with their tyrannical ex-monarch...Queen Elyon's brother, that is, Phobos of Meridian. I was certainly not inclined to accept these accusations without evidence, more serious than an appearance retrieval potion, which they claim to have used on a hair from Arzu's head, but for good or for worse, no one here can actually find Arzu today. It is as if she has evaporated..."
Magana felt her heart grow heavy like a stone and rise into her throat. She knew. Such odd things tended to happen Coronia ever since...ever since the tragedy. Or rather the second tragedy. But Arzu? She had always been a loyal subject; hence this story deeply saddened the Queen. For something told her that, the real Arzu, was no longer amid the living.
"Oh, saints. That is terrible, Visser. Let me send my sincere apologies to Queen Elyon and her people."- Magana said. "And you continue the search for Arzu. Send soldiers to look for her around the kingdom. This mustn't happen again; you know of what huge importance it is for us to keep positive relations with Metamoor as an all."
"Yes, my Queen."- Visser bowed down and was to leave the royal chambers. He couldn't bear to utter his personal opinion on the union with Meridian in front of Magana. A realm that had even more domestic political problems than them. That was a site they didn't get the chance to lay eyes on every day.
"And Visser?"- the woman stopped the old man at the door.
"Yes, your Majesty?"
"You know better than anyone that this piece of news, that has arrived from Meridian, must remain confidential."- she said carefully. "I don't want to trouble or scare the people again."
"Yes, your Majesty."- the man repeated and this time he successfully exited, leaving the Queen alone in her chambers.
Once left by herself, Magana stopped hiding her pain. She relaxed her face on the surface of the vanity and quietly began to sob. She hadn't asked for this. She had never imagined that this would be happening to her. She had always loved her folk, her kingdom, and her vocation of being a queen, but now- as she exceeded her days on the throne, and the threat loomed lower and lower above all that she loved, her love was what was thwarting her.
The sudden sinister cuckoo song that reached her ears from outside, made her forget about her sadness and self-pity, filling her with fear. Magana stood up abruptly and looked at the open doors of her balcony in dismay. There it was, on the guardrail, her biggest nightmare. The flaxen cuckoo.
"No..."- Magana shook her head as she made her way to the hanging balcony with shaking legs.
The bird seemed to be waiting for her. Firmly landed on the shining railing, it didn't even blink when the woman stood within inches of it. Hazel orbs met indigo ones and then, under the soft rays of the morning sun, the metamorphosis occurred.
Magana watched in horror as the cuckoo's body turned into that of a slender young woman. She took a step back and her dolor was back too:
"A long while it has been, hasn't it?"
Magana could only shake her head and fight the stinging tears back:
"H-how...how did you turn back, you w-were..."
"Don't worry, mommy."- the woman sang softly, as she flipped her honey-colored hair to the left side. "Your curse is yet to be lifted. I'm still prevented... from being in my place, but soon, I will be where I belong. And I will have what I deserve. In spite of you doing your utmost against me."
"I did what was necessary, you were a danger to yourself and those around you!"- Magana cried. "You had taken a very dark and wrong path, daughter. And now you do it again! You're responsible for the problems at Meridian, aren't you, Leonida?! Why are you doing this..."
"Why am I doing this?!"- Leondia repeated as she got dangerously close to the Queen. "You and daddy took everything from me, mommy!"- she stated venomously. "You ruined my life dozens of times, and every time I was able to build something new from the pitiful remains of my happiness, you were there to push it down again!"
Magana shook her head and swallowed painfully:
"You're crazy, Leonida, you've always been crazy."- she declared. "At least leave your brother be happy, after all that you've already done..."
"Don't even speak to me about my brother's happiness after you sacrificed mine, over and over again!"
The honey-haired woman raged and raised her hand. But the moment she attempted to touch her mother, her entire arm turned into a wing. Leonida took a step back and glared at the older woman as she kept trying to regain the human appearance of her limb. The power of the curse was still in effect. But soon... She would soon see to it, just as she had already achieved so much:
"The spell... it still works."- Magana observed in shock. "But then how have you managed to come to Meridian with us, without us recognizing you-"
"You've never understood the terms of magic, mother."- Leonida snapped bitterly. "The least you could've done was seek the details of your deed before you had me cursed."
"I'm sorry, Leonida. "- Magana retorted as coldly as her oppression and inner mother affection allowed her to. "But I haven't exactly thought that one day I'd be required to curse my own daughter!"
"Required, right."- Leonida sneered and looked at her mother in revenge. "You said I was crazy? Yet look at yourself- you're a coward and a cheat, and you will pay for everything you've done. You tore me away from my child, now I will tear you away from everything you love, mother!"
"You can't hurt us."- Magana declared, a tad more surely, now that she had witnessed the protecting curse in action. "Each time you come near us, you'll turn into a cuckoo, Leonida. This is the fate you have, worthy of your evil!"
Leonida let out a little giggle which made Magana tremble in dismay.
"My dear mommy, to your misfortune, there are so many other ways to hurt you... You'll soon find out what I'm talking about. Brace yourself, Magana. Soon you will feel my pangs and then we will once again talk about the many incarnations of pain and suffering."
Then the honey-haired woman was the flaxen cuckoo again. Magana watched her fly and disappear in the skies with trembling hands resting on the guardrail. A single polysemantic tear rolled down her cheek- her love was to be her defeat yet again.
Kandrakar, the Middle of Infinity…
"The Cosmos of Abeyance? You're moving her there? Does that mean that Galgheita is getting better?"
Elyon's voice was hopeful. Himerish thought on her words and smiled down at her in his magnetic manner:
"Not quite, your Majesty. I've already told you; you're to be Galgheita's true remedy. Only you will be able to wake her up when the right time comes. Her moving to the Cosmos of Abeyance is merely because the Algid Tower has already done all it can for her."- he said warmly. "The healing realm will now take her in its favorable environment. The Council would like to preserve her for as long as it takes for your Majesty to heal her completely."
Elyon looked down despondently as she heard that. She had been hoping for another reply, yet she had expected this.
"What if I'm not capable enough to heal her."- she murmured disheartened. "What if Galgheita stays like that forever, b-because of me..."
"Well, then that would be just unfortunate for you"- a familiar voice interjected. "I suggest you don't include anything about your nanny's coma in the wedding vows. It will ruin the ambiance if you know what I mean."
The Hall of Congregation was filled with the familiar tumultuous whispers, upon the appearance of the newcomer, and Elyon only frowned. She didn't expect anything from Nerissa, but at least she could stop herself from gloating about Galgheita's fate... But what did she want from a woman who could in no way be described as a traditional philanthropist?
"Time will tell, Elyon, but I have great faith in you. You will manage to do the right thing. And welcome to you, Mage."- Himerish smiled at Nerissa who stared back at him. "I sensed that you shall grace Kandrakar with your presence today."
Nerissa stirred in her long pearly white mantle, following every curve of her body to perfection.
"There's no inappropriate hour in the fortress of timelessness, is there?"- she sneered. "In any case, I'm here to take her royal incompetence back to Meridian. Prince Andan has expressed desire to spend time alone with his fiancée."- in spite of the hostile tone and overwhelming reluctance felt in Nerissa's voice, Elyon failed to conceal her enthusiasm after what she had heard:
"What? Andan is in Meridian?"
Nerissa pursed her lips and moved her eyes from the Oracle to the young monarch:
"Whether he has already made it there or not, I suggest that you hurry up. You're not attractive enough to make your one and only groom candidate wait."
Elyon gritted her teeth but said nothing. She looked over at Himerish for his consent to leave:
"A thing before I let you go, your Majesty."- he said as if having read her mind. "How is Prince Andan to travel through the veil? As far as I'm concerned, the Heart of Kandrakar is amid the few amulets that can close and open portals in the veil without a helping tool like a mystic map, as it is, and as the guardians are currently away..."
"Yes, where are they? I couldn't find them anywhere."- Nerissa interrupted the seer coldly. The part she hated most about being Mage had to be reporting to this man. "Now that the Council has unblocked my amulets from traveling to Kandrakar, I've found new ways to adapt to the veil's conditions."- she continued." Folding inside portals for example. This way I could send Caleb and Blunk to Coronia to fulfill the Prince's request."
The Oracle looked at her in thought for a few seconds before smiling again:
"You've always been ahead of your time, Nerissa. You may take Queen Elyon to Meridian now."
The ex-guardian nodded coldly and swung the skirts of her robe, prompting Elyon to follow her.
As the two of them vanished in a violet portal leading to Meridian, a new portal opened, also violet- out of which stepped the guardians. The passage behind them closed, yet the purple which was a permanent part of Kandrakar's ambiance during every raised veil, remained present.
"Greetings, guardians."- Himerish greeted the five young women with an affable smile. "Did you succeed in your mission to Nimbus?"
"Nah, it was a setup."- Irma announced bluntly and crossed her arms on her chest as Taranee glared at her.
"But you've found answers to many of your concerns?"- the seer suggested amicably.
"I'm not sure whether we've succeeded, Oracle, but Nerissa sure did."- Will took the word. "Hands down, she didn't lie when she said that the caretakers have given the Heart to her willingly. Mr. and Mrs. Cuddlefleece*... the nice family that helped us in our original mission on Nimbus years ago, have been holding the heart all along..."
"A family that lost their only offspring, as they expressed themselves, to the storms on Nimbus."- Cornelia interjected. "They told us that they've been meaning to free themselves of the great burden that the Heart of Nimbus is. Protecting it and guarding it from the salamanders wasn't what they wanted to do for a living, but they did want to protect the innocent. Which was why they stuck with us in thick and thin back when we had trouble because of the salamanders. It makes perfect sense."
"It kind of explains why they called us little "lambs" all the time."- Hay Lin added sadly. "They've been suffering the loss of their babies all their lives, plus having to bear that great responsibility... It's time for them to have a little happiness. With the departure of the Heart of Nimbus, storms have worn off, and the salamanders have scattered throughout the Universe. Nimbus is again this peaceful, beautiful place it used to be centuries ago. Before it was cursed."
"Yeah, salamanders may present a small problem spread throughout the entire Universe, but they are not that numerous and won't lead to catastrophic consequences."- Taranee pushed her glasses back. " Just as they've lived before Nimbus was conquered by the storms and attracted by the lightnings, so will it be now. This is the least of our problems ..."
"Mr. Cuddlefleece agreed to give Nerissa the heart, not only because he didn't have a choice, but because he didn't want another parent to have to lose their childlike he and his wife lost their offspring. And those are his words. Apparently Nerissa told him about the entire Phobos threatening Caleb thing."- Will sighed and looked at the Oracle for the final part of their report. "And yes, it is clear that as a wielder of Quintessence, the power of this Heart works in perfect harmony with Nerissa's energy and magic. There really is no better guardian for it than her. But such great power has certain strict requirements, Oracle. This is where we request your opinion. Nerissa is currently handling this power and will continue to handle it, subjecting it to her will for good. But if something happens, if Nerissa loses even a little part of that balance which she currently has, the power can corrupt her again. Just because she has bounced back once does not mean that it cannot happen again. Mr. Cuddlefleece said that..."
"She never fully bounced back, if you ask me."- Irma interrupted her. "She's still drawn to power like flies are drawn to sh..."
"Nobody was asking you, Irma."- Cornelia cut her off sharply, glaring at her. "We're asking the Oracle for advice. Regardless, the decision has already been made. After discussing it with Caleb, he and I decided that Nerissa should keep the Heart of Nimbus, at least as long as Phob..."
"Yeah, bravo Corny! Too bad you and Caleb are not authorized to decide on the entire Universe's fate."- Irma didn't remain obliged. "We don't need more problems as it is, and Nerissa and power always equals..."
"Calm down, guardians."- Himerish silenced their dispute before Will and Taranee.
All five of them exchanged glances as they watched him turn around with his hands behind the back:
"Listening to you, I conclude that you have already extracted all the important aspects of the urgent situation. I have nothing to add, for I will not oppose the decision made. As for my advice, which is mandatory"- and he smiled at Cornelia, who felt her cheeks flush with color. "Nerissa did promise me that she will obtain new power after she willingly let go of the Heart of Aridia. I can appreciate her honesty and the necessity of her abilities for the war with Phobos and his mysterious allies. Nerissa controls power as few others can. She is an adept opponent and an even more valuable partner because she is incredibly talented with magic and mystical issues. What you all have to do, however, to ensure that this great power of hers will not corrupt her as it has in the past, is to take care of the harmony and the world she has built up for herself to date. Make sure that they remain as they are. She must feel the support and love, which are the only means more powerful than the darkness which she brings within herself.
Guardians, if we accept that Nerissa is one of our most powerful allies, we must admit that she is on our side mainly and only thanks to the love which she carries for a few souls that stand with the good. From now on, it will be your job to ensure that this love, and the tranquility and security which it creates for her, remain unchanged."
The guardians were silent but determined. There was no room for hesitation. After a long minute, Irma's voice finally broke the heavy silence:
"Oh, great. Now we're Nerissa's personal maids."
"No, Irma. Not maids, but sovereigns."- Himerish smiled at the feisty Latina. "Just like every empire needs its sovereigns to function without errors, every ex-guardian needs a set of young active guardians to be adequate enough to continue to protect the Universe, even when not under Kandrakar anymore. You can understand, right?"
"We understand, Oracle."- Cornelia and Will said in unison, as the rest of their friends nodded firmly. "We won't fail our task."
Meanwhile...
"You've failed your task again, haven't you, my squeeze."- Phobos reposed lazily on a long lounge in the Hidden Mansion. He was shirtless and barefoot, enjoying the warm Coronian weather. Near him lay a bowl of peeled peaches, which he lazily brought to his mouth whenever he felt like it.
Leonida almost glared at him. He couldn't fail anything, after all, he wasn't doing anything to begin with. She just made her way past him, without uttering a word. Phobos obviously didn't like that, because he grabbed a hold of her hand a tad too roughly and pulled her closer to himself:
"Did you not hear me ask you something? That look on your pretty little face ensouls me no courage. Did you manage to sow the seeds of fear and strife in the queen's mind or not."
"I managed."- the honey-haired woman snapped and pulled away.
"And you're absolutely convinced that this will not result in Magana going to my sister and the other wretches to reveal your true identity?"
"Yes, that I am. I know my mother and her ways of thinking. She'd never risk Andan's chances of tying the knot with Elyon, because otherwise, Coronia will fall in ruins without a proper Queen."
Phobos laughed evilly and rubbed his chin:
"My little sister is hardly any proper Queen, but I get the idea. Oh, I can't wait to crush their wedding-"
"Fine, now leave me to rest for a little while. I don't feel well."
Leonida tried to flee to her room, but the prince didn't let her go that easily. He sat and positioned her on his lap, turning to her with unimaginable for him, sudden tenderness:
"Why is that, my squeeze? Did that little encounter with your mother give your pretty blonde head second thoughts?"
"No, of course."- Leonida snapped again and bit her tongue. She suddenly rationalized the big trouble and drawback this sharper demeanor of hers could bring, but she couldn't go against herself right now. She really needed to collect new strengths. "The damn curse exhaust me. The necklace you made me only temporarily suppresses its impact, and today I didn't even take it with me... I wanted the old wretch to see me as a cuckoo. In the form she cursed me to take, each time I come near my flesh and blood, six years ago now".
Phobos studied the beautiful face in front of him and let his hand slide against her cheeks:
"When I take over the Crown of Light, I'll easily lift that curse, my squeeze, I've already promised you. I just need you to listen to me in order for our plans to have success."
Leonida nodded and smiled softly:
"We'll have what we deserve, Phobos. Reign, happiness and love. I believe in that."
Phobos smiled wryly and reached for her lips. As she pulled away, however, his eyes shone almost incredulously:
"I told you that I need some rest."- she whispered. "I'll take a nap."
"I understand that the shape-changing curse tires you, my dear, yet you know that in order for us to..."
"I know. And trust me. It will happen."- Leonida cupped his face before standing up from his lap. "Very soon."
With that, the blonde enchantress left his side and headed for her bedroom. Phobos stared with an odd expression on his face, lost in his thoughts, long after the woman had left, up until a familiar voice broke him off of his inner debate:
"You've never had anyone refuse you, my Liege. Had this been some other woman from the former harem back on Meridian, you'd have punished her for pushing you away like that."- Phobos watched Lord Cedric walking down the staircase, approaching him with hands in the pockets of his casual Coronian garments.
"Don't taunt me, Cedric."- the Prince folded his arms. "You know full well why the situation is different now."
"I'm not taunting you, my Prince."- Cedric declared. "I'm just expressing my observations and thoughts."
"Nobody has asked you to do so."- Phobos sulked. "Don't make me scourge you again."
Cedric looked at him with a very odd spark in his eyes before he gathered the courage to sit beside him. Phobos looked over at the man next to him with raised eyebrows.
"To be honest, Sire. I'm concerned."- the shapeshifter said in a low voice. "I'm not convinced that this girl is truly devoted to you as she claims."- he whispered right in Phobos's ear.
"What are you talking about, Cedric?"- he spat and glowered at him. "She's crazy about me. Like every other woman I've touched with a tender hand."
The Lord didn't reply at once. He just met his master's eyes and licked his lips somewhat thoughtfully:
"You must be right, Sire. But remember those women from the harem who tried to make a fool out of you by..."
"Silence!"- Phobos ordered roughly and stood up, glaring at a distressed-looking Cedric. "Don't you ever dare bring that up again, Cedric."- he stuck his finger in the other man's face: "I forbid you."
Meridian...
"Ahh, young love."- these words coming out of Frost the Hunter's mouth almost sounded like a burlesque.
Raythor couldn't help roll his eyes at that statement. It was time for the brute's walks which the other man took him to, every now and then. It was a part of a long and complicated program that aimed to redeem Frost and make him a valuable and trustworthy addition to Raythor's knights. It was hard and almost desperate, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Now that the situation was dire, the Royal Captain could actually use some more rough force to help keep Meridian safe from Phobos's attacks.
"Don't be distracted, Frost. Count your steps."- Raythor chided him and pulled his chains in an attempt to make the large hunter walk away from the royal gardens.
They both knew that was where Queen Elyon's meeting with the Prince of Coronia was currently taking place. Raythor certainly didn't want to disturb them, but apparently the prisoner had other plans.
"Come on, Raythor. Can't we just see them? I'm curious."- he insisted and stretched his neck to get a better view. It didn't do him much help- from their distance and due to the hedges, the two young monarchs remained out of sight. "Besides, how much more will you keep these loathsome chains tied around my limbs?"- he growled. "What 'em I gonna do, run for freedom? Had I wanted to do that, I wasn't gonna be losing time with this idiotic endeavor you've devoted yourself to."
"Don't make my hackles rise and keep going!"- the Captain demanded with a stern expression on his face. "Don't try my patience or you're going straight back to your cell."
"Aeh, fine you ol' tike."- Frost growled and reluctantly kept walking forward. "I'm still curious though. What is this union going to be like? The Princess's... I mean the Queen's marriage? And who's the woman who freed Lord Cedric-"
All of these are worthy questions, Raythor thought. Yet they still have no answers, which is what is disturbing...But regardless, these awaited answers are still none of your concern, you savage.
"And I'm not the only curious one, as it seems."- by the time Frost whistled, she had already turned around to face them with annoyance due to being caught. Caught spying on the Whelp, which was even more degrading.
"Would you look at that, Mage."- Frost's voice boomed. "I once considered you nothing but an old fossil, yet nowadays you're more of a never-dying ember."
Nerissa hid her long legs with the long white mantle that she had, for a moment, almost stripped down, much rather annoyed than embarrassed, and turned to the captain angrily:
"What is this foolish ogre doing out of his cell, Raythor?"
"I'm starting to ask myself the same."- Raythor muttered under his breath and roughly pulled Frost's restrains.
"Hey! Why can't I be here?"- Frost protested. "If I'm to become a loyal warrior of the Queen, I deserve to get fresh air every now and then."
"But what were you doing, anyway?"- Raythor stopped his eyes on the sorceress. "I thought that you've transported her Majesty here almost an hour ago. You were spying on her and the prince, weren't you!?"- and while this revelation outraged Raythor, it seemed to visibly entertain the other man.
"Blimey, I wonder why would that be?"
Nerissa folded her arms on her chest and snorted with contempt:
"It's but a waste of time, anyway. I was aiming to overhear a particular thing that we all depend on, yet that boy seems even more oblivious than her Majesty."
"What do you mean?"- Raythor asked with narrowed eyelids.
Nerissa moved her disapproving eyes to the hunter's apish expression and the captain immediately knew what she wanted to do.
"My men that are responsible for him are currently in the guards' dining room."- he said. "I told them that I could handle Frost's walk on my own and hence they're in for a quick meal."
"Perfect."- Nerissa gave a lukewarm smile before swinging her hand.
Before Frost could realize what she was doing, and protest, he had been teletrasnported back with his superintendents.
"Very well, now that he's gone, tell me. What did you wish to hear? And for God's sake, give her Majesty and her choice some privacy!"- the ex-guardian rolled her eyes and allowed the captain to lock her arm under his and lead her in the opposite direction. "How would you feel if someone was to watch you and your husband during your intimate moments?"
Cheered by his words, the woman tossed her long hair back and chuckled softly:
"That's an interesting thought you have there, Raythor. Have you been picturing it from quite some time now?"- seeming him abashed enough, she left the ridicule aside and went straight to business: "The Coronians have not yet riposted with any news regarding that posing maid they brought here, I take it?"
"They did."- Raythor objected. "Despite the fact that we sent them that urgent message this morning, Queen Magana's advisers wrote us back. But their answer was expected and won't please you, Nerissa. "- Nerissa raised her brows in anticipation, even though she could already tell by the look on Rayhtor's face. "Of course, she fled. The "maid". No one can find her on Coronia. The enchantress is no neophyte, as we all saw, she wouldn't let herself be captured that easily."
"Of course."- Nerissa hissed.
The November sun was slowly, but surely setting beyond the horizons of the plains under the palace and the mountains in the distance. The Mage turned to the pensive man on her left:
"There's just this one thing which keeps me restless, Raythor, and that is the fact that Coronian people are supposed to be all-wise and cogent by default due to that Golden water they all quaff as infants-"
"I believe it's more like a drop. At least that's what the amah explained to the queen."- the man rubbed his chin winning himself a green-eyed glare. "Do go on."
"The enchantress is obviously not only a Coronian, but also a person close to the royal family, wouldn't you agree? Otherwise, how would she be able to fool all these 'wise' people with but a simple glamour spell."
"Well, you were able to."- Raythor pointed out. "For 17 years, everyone was convinced that you are the ancient Mage..."
"Yes, but the enchantress is not me."- Nerissa snapped. "Over and above that, the situation is slightly different with these people in question. While most of my enemies were nowhere near wise, the Coronians are supposed to be able to almost see through glamours. Especially their Queen... It's just ridiculous for her to be considered outwitted by such a plain trick. You do not know the properties of the Golden Spring... How do you think Coronia has managed to preserve all its treasures and riches throughout the centuries? Its golden water makes those who drink from it wiser and much more insightful than most of Kandrakar's sages put together. A mere glamour cannot..."
"Wait a darn minute, Nerissa."- the former knight of vengeance stopped the ex-guardian. "I'm not a magic wielder or expert, but even I know that these spells- these glamour spells, can be strong...come on, weren't you able to fool the Oracle himself with just that kind of magic-"
"Oh, Raythor, you aren't even trying!"- she hissed in his face. "I was able, yes, I! But I'm myself, with many years of incredible efforts and experiences behind me, and she's just a stupid blonde-"
"Good God, some ego you have. After all these years you keep thinking that no one can match you."- by now Raythor was also annoyed. "But you know nothing about the enchantress, Nerissa...She's in cahoots with that tyrant Phobos. She outsmarts the wise Coronians. She has been outsmarting all of us since day one. You included. What if she is a match for you? What if she is worse?"
With eyes sparkling with anger and anxiety, the woman approached him so much, that for a moment he thought that she would do something else. But she just spoke on inches from his own lips. Her warm breath with a soft scent of mint and strawberry spread all over his face:
"If she is. If she truly is such an unprecedented genius, then you might as well consider Meridian doomed. Then I'll overstep the word which I gave to my son, because I will be forced to keep up with new priorities! I'll have to save him and leave all the people behind. Yes, it will afflict all of us deeply, but as I already said. Priorities. A dark and tragic scenario, isn't it? If that is the fate which you'd rather have, keep rooting for the enchantress."
"Rooting for the enchantress? By the Light of Meridian, how can you even consider that to be what I was doing-"- the captain exclaimed, but the damage had already been done. Nerissa had stormed away in a huff and he had to run after her to catch her before she teletransported.
"Where's your equanimity again?! You're the ultimate mastermind and prime-mover, why let your frame of mind be contorted by rampant emotions and doubts?"- and as he held her by the wrists, he shook her in a sobering manner. "For God's sake woman, you have done unimaginable things. You have achieved so much in spite of everything! How are you going to allow this anonymous enchantress to snatch Meridian from under your wing?! Now that's a risible thought! Nerissa, may your body be young, not your mind and common sense..."
"Do not presume to test my emotional and intellectual capacity!"- Nerissa bawled and broke free of his grip. "Besides, I never said that she will beat me. I was merely answering your risible question with the worst possibility you were looking for!"- she ran her fingers through some of her long locks and then stuck out as to give herself more pomposity. "I will see this manner through before you manage to say 'royal wedding' out loud, captain. We can't have some things postponed, now can we. Because once that boring event passes, it will be time for my son's wedding. And I have big plans for that. "
Watching her regain her confidence and perky attitude, Raythor couldn't help but smile. Emotions provoked by more than just her stunning beauty would forever bind him to the ex-guardian. They had history, and even if she'd never acknowledge it, he cared for her in a sort of friendly, often tempted, yet at times even brotherly way. He shook his head. How twisted and demeaned they could all sound after all that had happened throughout the years... Or maybe she did acknowledge it and that was why she teased him all the time, Raythor could never know with that woman.
"That's more like it."
"Oh, please. I felt what you did there, twisting on your own words to give them another meaning, mate."- Nerissa gifted him a smug smile. "After all, I'm the ultimate mastermind, aren't I."
How she liked the sound of that sobriquet. Even more than all the carnal compliments, she so often received from his eyes traveling over her curves, just like so many other male gazes did. Yes, Nerissa was vain, often too much, and her feminine ego longed for such admirations. But the praises for her brain and capabilities were even more valuable.
"That's true."- Raythor grinned. "But then again, I would've never lowballed you, if I hadn't known it could eventually give you even more confidence."
Heatherfield, Taranee&Nigel's apartment, 6:30 PM
Nigel Ashcroft walked into his apartment and set his suitcases on the floor. He took a minute to check his phone and inform everyone that he had successfully gotten off his plane and made it to his apartment, via Messenger.
Well 'everyone' for him, mainly consisted of his closest family members and a few friends. He didn't want to intrude himself on anyone, but he knew they'd want to know that he's back in Heatherfield. Especially his brother Danny and his mother, who he'd most likely see within a few days at the earliest.
It was after he put his phone back in the pocket of his ripped jeans that the auburn-haired young man noticed the fine smell of Italian food in the air. His favorite. With a slightly confused look, Nigel made his way to the living/dining room area:
"Taranee?"- he exclaimed as if almost surprised to see his girlfriend in the apartment.
"Hi, Nigel. I'm so happy to see you back."- Taranee smiled and approached her boyfriend, shooting her arms around his neck. "How was your flight? Your week? I've missed you."
"It was all fine, Taranee, but gee. What has gotten into you."- Nigel kissed her back and studied her.
The Fire guardian was dressed in a short red cotton dress and thigh-high socks, with garters visible below the line of the skirt. And even though they had been a couple for ten years now, there was still a trace of red flush on her cheeks as he did that:
"If I look too extra, I would like to shift the blame to Cornelia, she said..."
"No, it was not a condemnatory look, but a dazed one."- Nigel laughed. "You look amazing, Taranee. And I'm happy to see this sweet side of you again."
The young guardian smiled as he wrapped his arm around her waist.
"I was hiding behind my own jim-jams lately, wasn't I? I'm sorry, Nigel."- she admitted. " For being a terrible girlfriend. For treating you poorly ever since I willingly revealed my biggest secret** to you. I never should've judged your totally understandable curiosity and concern. I don't know how you even managed to endure me and not dump me for good...I almost made my biggest fear come true with my own actions. I almost lost you..."
A set of warm eyes looked into hers and the man gently lifted her chin up.
"Hey, that will never happen, OK? I love you too much to ever lose you, especially over such a trivial thing, Taranee. You've been saving the Universe for over a decade. The least I can do is support you in good and bad!"
Taranee felt her own eyes glisten with happy tears. She was so lucky to have all these wonderful people around her. People who cared about her as much as she cared for them, that she promised herself to never again forget. Never again forget that judging in the heat of the moment, not even letting the others defend themselves, is wrong. Never again let fear and its dark servants rule her whole being and cloud her rational thinking. Always listen to what people have to say and never make hasty assumptions and conclusions. All of these were little life lessons that she had known, yet forgotten for a short while, up until now.
Supper would obviously wait; her boyfriend was already too busy kissing her thirstily while sliding his palms all over her body. Even their intimate relations had suffered in the last months because of her damned worries, so this was now promising to be an unforgettable experience.
Taranee could feel the man's smile through the kiss, as he lifted her up and had her wrap her legs around his waist.
"Nigel?!"-she gasped. "The kitchen table?! But our room is right the..."
"Trust me, Taranee, we'll be very careful."-Nigel grinned from ear to ear as he skillfully caught a wine glass before it could hit the floor. "It's going to be so sweet, it'll turn to your favorite spot."
Trivia:
Mr. Cuddlefleece*- a ram-like creature, native inhabitant of Nimbus & 'magical helper' who helps the girls retrieve the Heart of Kandrakar in the book "The Heart of the Salamander"
** around chapter 30 of the prequel "Heart of a Mother" Taranee reveals her guardian identity in front of Nigel and grows resentful of his curiosity.
