Chapter 17: The Star of Cassidy
"...You have to be stronger than the secret, otherwise the burden of it will crush my granddaughter. It will crush your relationship with her too, and I'd hate to see real love be wasted."
Tr: Do you guys remember the Star of Cassidy? In the comics, the Star of Cassidy was a copy of the Heart of Kandrakar, previously part of Cassidy and later absorbed into the Heart itself. It was created from the last spark the Heart left behind after Cassidy died. It was passed on to Will as a replacement and its powers seem to be light-colored rather than fuchsia based. Halinor had written a diary that Eric's grandpa was trying to decode, up until a vision of Cassidy herself opened Will's eyes for the truth. (it was how the girls managed to restore their powers after Nerissa tricked Will into giving her the Heart in the second comic arc)
Well, here things are not going to be the same and it will have a slightly different purpose.
This chapter is retrospective to a large extent, but it's still directly linked to the previous 2/3 chaps and the events that took place in them, so you may want to revise them. :) Enjoy!
"We came as soon as we got your message."- Will crossed the threshold of the Chacon house, followed by Taranee, Irma and Hay Lin.
"Hey, it took us a while to persuade Hay Lin to come along, but we're here, so spill it. What's the...tea."- the water guardian finished absently, her attention drawn by the odd configuration of people sitting around the kitchen table.
The snow above the city had increased in rapidity and they had to wrap themselves up with layers of clothing, hats and gloves, in order to make it to the old neighborhood where Cassidy's family house was located, albeit driven by Will.
They had all been a tad weirded out by the location they had been called to, and the fact that Halinor hadn't resorted to telepathy when contacting them, yet, as she had put it, what they were to talk about was meant for a cheek-by-jowl type of conversation.
"Gramps Lyndon?"- Hay Lin exclaimed, visibly flabbergasted to see her boyfriend's grandfather in the company of Halinor and her own grandmother. "But what are you...what are you doing here?!"
The three seniors exchanged glances before facing the newcomers again. Their expressions were impervious. Taranee, Will and Irma did the same. Hay Lin was the only one, too astounded to move her eyes from the scene in front of herself.
"Sit, girls."- the former fire guardian said eventually. "I'm glad that you made it. I see Cornelia isn't with you? No worries, you'll all explain to her later."
"Cornelia wished she could come, but she's really juggling with a lot of things lately. Her baby and all the college work which she's trying to catch up with. She's trying to get most of her things done before Christmas, but you know how it is."- Will explained as she took a seat around the table.
"It's all good."- Yan Lin interjected. She appeared to have finally regained her usual sedate state of soul and mind. That made her granddaughter feel a tad better. Even if she wasn't ready to admit it. "We completely understand her, girls. Tea, you mentioned, Irma? Have yourself a cup!"
Irma and Taranee couldn't help exchanging glances as the woman poured the hot drink in the cups in front of them.
"Umm Mrs. Lin?"- the fire guardian trailed uncertainly, flipping her ponytail of micro braids to the back. "No offense to anyone, but what's the real essence of this meeting? And what is Mr. Lyndon doing here?"
Zacharias looked almost uncomfortable, getting ready to say something, but Halinor's voice outstripped his:
"Patience, Taranee. You'll know everything. After all, that is why we called you here. But first, we must wait for one last person to join our meeting."
"One more person?"- Irma blurted out. "Who?"
The old kitchen was dimly lit, but Will could still make out the tension written on the two former guardians' faces. Even if they communicated by telepathy while facing them, they had to look over to the man on the table. Why did he look so uneasy?
The ring on the doorbell broke the girls off their thoughts. Halinor stood up to open, just as she had opened it for them. Hay Lin focused her attention at the threshold, eager to see who the last person that was about to join them was. The air around had given her a clue already...
"Eric..."- she whispered.
Her three friends stared at the new-arrival, equally astounded.
The blue-eyed man blenched barely noticeably, once he noticed her and slid his eyes over the other people in the kitchen. He stood on the threshold with a harsh look taking over his handsome features.
"Eric. Would you please take a seat and let me close the door?"- Halinor said kindly. "It's getting cold."
Eric looked down at the blonde lady. It didn't matter how she knew his name. He had never seen her, but after what he had come to know in the last days, nothing could surprise him anymore. After all, he didn't even know whose house he had arrived at. For some reason, he had decided to respect Yan Lin's request and had come. He hadn't expected for so many other people to present too, but nevertheless...Since Eric was blocking the door, he moved and reluctantly sat by his grandfather's side
His presence was the thing that actually dumbfounded him a little. What did he have to do with all this and the world of magic?!
At the other end of the table, Hay Lin had an idea of what this entire meeting was all about, and she wasn't happy with it one bit. Yes, her heart had skipped a beat, of course, she was happy to see him after three days, but his coldness was too much. She couldn't take it. She wasn't going to allow her grandmother and Halinor to rush things either.
I can't believe you're doing this; she aimed her thoughts at Yan Lin. This isn't the right way to fix the problem, grandma. I'm sorry, but you should quit doing such things without my consent!
The former guardian never picked up on that telepathic channel. Whether she was doing it deliberately or not, she just kept looking somewhere in front of herself with what seemed like a calm, small smile. Hay Lin felt her cheeks burn. She hated feeling resentment towards her grandmother, but she couldn't help herself when the old woman was tampering with her relationship. She was about to say something unforgivable, but Halinor was quicker once again, her melodious voice preventing the young Asian from lashing out:
"Eric, you were introduced to the world of supernatural, mystic forces, a few days ago, but it wasn't meant to happen in that way."- she declared. Eric just sulked but said nothing. "You have every right to be angry with all of us for keeping the truth from you, but- "
"I'm angry with her for keeping it from me."- the young man interrupted her, piercing Hay Lin with his eyes. "I don't expect anything from any of you guys. But she's supposed to be my soulmate. I can understand she couldn't tell me right away, but it has been ten fucking years! That's what I'm angry about, I already said that the other day- "
"Then perhaps you should first aim all that anger at me, young man. Because I never told you either. And I've known for over 40 fucking years."
Eric felt his jaw hang. He just blinked, staring at his grandfather. He didn't know what had confounded him more. That statement that had just come out of the old man's mouth or the fact that he had just used the f-word.
"Huh?!"- Irma's owlish expletive was drowned by Taranee elbowing her in the ribs.
"What are you talking about, gramps?!"- Eric demanded.
Both he and Hay Lin had their entire attention and bewilderment focused on the old astronomer, who just stirred in his seat, glum, yet firm.
"Yes, Eric. I had to bump into Halinor in the supermarket for this truth to finally see daylight, as they say."- he narrated. "Remember when you were just a boy, you used to be fascinated by those sci-fi stories about aliens and otherworldly commination through the stars and planets? You've always been drawn to the sky, yet back then, you were interested in that very supernatural load of bologna type of stories, as every child is. You used to ask me all the time; grandpa, grandpa, have you ever come across alien writings in the stars. Have you ever communicated with aliens? You would've been in seventh heaven if I had told you the truth, yet I didn't, Eric, because I knew just how absurd it sounds and not only... Gosh, I'm sure Charles and Louise would've sent me to a senior home had they heard me speak of my encounter seriously, and I could never force the truth to sound like a joke, you know that..."
"Grandpa..."- Eric interrupted him incredulously. "What are you saying!?"
"I already said it, young man! But of course, you want the details...You deserve the details. Listen to me patiently then. I'll tell you the full story. About 45 years ago..."
*Flashback*
A few months before his 30th birthday, Zacharias Lyndon didn't feel a day over 50. Maybe it was the sleepless nights he spent gazing through the telescope or maybe it was the two toddlers crying on his head on the daily.
After having two sons, the young astronomer had seen himself compelled to settle down in Heatherfield - a relatively small city, 300 miles away from Open Hill where he had spent 5 years of his life.
After leaving Scotland and Great Britain, upon finishing High School and one of the most prestigious universities, he had moved to the states for more diverse career opportunities. Now he had chosen Heatherfield due to many reasons - one of which was the permanent job as a professor he had found. The other two were the observatory he had managed to find and buy on a decent prize and his family.
Zacharias didn't have time to lose though. Suppressing his weariness and all the different pains in his body, he locked the car and headed for the observatory. Night was the only time when he could work anyway. Not only because of the night sky but also because the little cry machines slept.
The professor's working and living space were both suited in the big building, which still needed a lot of work, but was surely promising to one day become breathtaking.
The first few nights weren't at all that interesting. As a young astronomer and specialist, Zacharias has different routine things to attend to. He was far from the thought that he'd be making great discoveries any time soon. Boy had he been wrong...
Only days after he had moved into his new living space, his own personal observatory, he stumbled across something that changed his perceptions of possible and impossible, forever. A discovery which he'd never be able to share with the world...
Up until decades later, when that particular case would be needed to open his grandson's eyes and heal his hurt over a held back truth...What a thing life was...
At first, Zacharias was unable to believe it himself. It was a cold, snowy night in Heahterfield, like any other, as it seemed. This city embraced winters in an entirely new way.
When it happened for the first time, he refused to believe it. Not only he, science refused to believe it. A celestial body that appeared and disappeared not only on his screens but in front of his very eyes! It couldn't have been a malfunction or a broken lens, Zacharias knew it because it was there every next night.
The odd, perplexing star that changed it coordinates and circled the sky like nothing he had ever seen or read about before. Zacharias had started taking precise notes each time and every next night his excitement and the circling feeling in his gut got stronger. But just when he was about to announce his discovery to a third party for the first time, it happened. And yes. A third party never did know anything about the mysterious star, because someone already knew. It was her voice that stopped the scientist. The voice coming from the star.
"You who looked up to the sky and opened your soul to the beauty of the last sparkle ... I don't know who you are and I don't see your face, but I can sense your feelings, thoughts and intentions. Don't make the mistake of using what only you see for fame, success, or money. If you do, the star will remain invisible to you forever. Just like it is to everyone else in Heatherfield."
Zacharias was astounded and shocked. Not so much because of the fact that he suddenly had the feeling he wasn't in his observatory anymore, but because of the actual things that this voice was saying. It knew...Aliens had just made contact with him, as the astronomer realized. A realization he had never even thought he'd consider. As insane as it sounded, it had happened. He was hearing this pristine, white female voice coming from afar... Somewhere so far, where the mysterious star rose in the sky every other night. But the most bedazzling thing in the entire situation was that this entity knew of Heatherfield. Therefore, its presence here had been well-planned. But why, Zacharias couldn't help but wonder. What was its agenda? Her intentions, for that matter...
"I...I don't understand. How are we communicating?"- the scientist asked, mostly because his brain was too wonderstruck to think of anything else. He had realized that he could speak to the entity by just the power of his thought. He simply had to think of the words and they came echoing, out of his head, right into the mysterious woman from the stars' mind...It was simply incredible. Terrifying, but incredible.
"Telepathy."- the man answered his own question. Telepathy was how they were communicating. "Astonishing...I want to apologize for my approach, but this is, believe it or not, my very first contact with an alien. Do not be offended and please remain open-minded. I suppose this is happening to me, because I have always made fun of my colleagues at the UFO department ..."- Zacharias shook his head, having realized that he was blabbing, even if telepathically. "I have so many questions. Why Earth? Why Heatherfield? How do you speak English- "
"Alien contact, yes... I understand your questions, but I'm afraid I cannot answer the majority of them, at this point."- the entity mused in his head. That melodious female voice...Maybe the young astronomer would've recognized it if it hadn't been for the mystic hallo echo that accompanied it through the dimensions, which he was unaware of...
"I too don't know why you were able to see the last spark."- the female voice confessed. "I was reaching for a friend of mine, but she hasn't responded yet."
"You have a friend on Earth?!"- Zacharias interrupted her in distress. Could this be an invasion...
"...It can only mean that you are somehow connected to the last spark and congruently to the future or past of Kan..."- somewhere far away from the observatory, in the center of Infinity, Halinor bit her lips. She had almost said "Kandrakar" out loud. What a dire mistake she had almost committed!
She was totally oblivious of who she was talking to. She was actually shocked that anyone had picked on her signals...When she had decided to broadcast the essence of the last spark that had been left after Cassidy's demise, the ex-guardian had hoped to reach her friend Yan Lin, through the Heart of Kandrakar, which she now guarded. The last spark had respectively come from it and therefore, this would've been a way for them to connect through time and space, which as for now, Halinor wasn't allowed to do in any other way, being a novice in the fortress. Besides, the former fire guardian felt like by creating the image of the star of Cassidy, a part of her deceased friend lived on... A single tear rolled down her fair cheek, but she quickly grabbed a hold of herself.
This man who lived in Heatherfield had been able to connect with her while on Kandrakar. Why was that, Halinor asked herself anxiously as she sat on the floor of her chamber in the fortress of Infinity, maintaining the intra-special telepathic line. She had to be very careful, but she also had to know more...
"I don't know whether you're aware, but I'm an astronomer. A scientist, I specialize in studying the outer space."- Zacharias's voice sounded back from Earth. "Maybe that is why I was able to determine this celestial body that your strong telepathy comes from. Is it an actual star, or...a ship, maybe?"
His initial shock, denial and fear had melted away. He didn't know what it was, but there was something calming and reassuring in the way that alien life connected to him. It felt almost as if he was in the company of a sensual lady...
"Oh, no, I assure you it has nothing to do with that. This isn't about science. This is magic. There's another reason for the contact established between us, but I will only be able to determine it after long meditations and consultations- "
"Magic?!"
At this point, Zacharias was almost certain that someone had put drugs in his dinner. Magic? What nonsense was that?! He could accept the existence of alien life in outer space, but magic? Witchcraft? Those things only had a place in the fairytales, for Christ's Sake...
"I sense that you're no believer."- Halinor noted. "Tell me then, how are we communicating through telepathy, yet I still know nothing about your location, identity and the other way around. How am I able to sense your emotions and thoughts? Can science do that?"
That had him unprepared. Zacharias stirred in his place sheepishly.
"How am I to be sure that you're not aware my location, identity and so on. Perhaps your kind has technology on an entirely different level, which is able to achieve what seems impossible to us, humans...Mind control, telepathy..."
"May time be the one to convince a skeptic otherwise."- Halinor interrupted him softly. "Soon, I will have more clarity on why you of all people, my dear mister, connected with the last sparkle. Science is a magnificent thing indeed, but magic overthrows it each and every time. Remember that."
"Then continue to communicate with me every night. I will have my clarity too."- Zacharias didn't give up. "We shall determine the matters which interest the both of us, by being peaceful and discrete. Discrete on my part, at least. I can't afford to lose the biggest discovery of my entire career, merely because of my personal gain and pleasure, as a scientist. If the price to pay is for this to remain forever known by me only, then so be it."
In Kandrakar, Halinor smiled softly. She didn't voice it, but she also had to be discrete. None of her colleagues, the sages, and even the Oracle would approve of this endeavor of hers. Talking to this guy in Heatherfield was also exciting... It felt like she was 16 again, sneaking out on her parents and friends, for a quick date with someone special...What was she thinking?! How embarrassing. Thank God she was the one with the psychic power in this telepathic conversation, otherwise, the man would've heard her thoughts...
"Do we strike a deal, Miss..."- Zacharias stopped taking notes for a second. He feared that having looked away from the star, the connection had been lost, hence he hurried to look through his telescope again. "Do we hear each other? Hello? You're a "miss", right?"
"Yes, I'm female."- Halinor stated from her chambers." And I beg of you, don't think of me as an alien. I'm actually much more human than you imagine, and that's about all that I'll say."
Zacharias lifted an eyebrow. How was that possible? It must be a way of the alien to win his trust. But then again, she sounded so very sincere and kind...
"Sir, I can still sense your thoughts."- Halinor reminded him. "I already told you. This "celestial body" isn't about science and aliens, it's about something much different. It's about magic-."
"But where are my manners."- the scientist interrupted her in his turn. "Since we are to be doing this from now on, we stand in front of the need of proper addressing. What should I call you, miss? My name is doctor- "
"No, no names!"- the blonde panicked. "I can't explain it to you, doctor scientist, but if I get even a hint about your identity, the connection between you and the last spark might just break down... It's against the rules."- she confessed reluctantly. It was against the rules she had sworn to when becoming a sage on Kandrakar, to be doing this too, but she had found a little door out... What she didn't want for sure was for the effects of breaking a magical oath to be triggered. Something which this man's identity could do. "If you want for these talks of ours to keep happening, you must keep a low profile, even in front of yourself..."
'I don't understand. Is it a magic manner?"- Zacharias tried to be serious as he aimed that thought, but failed. Magic...What a ridiculous idea... "How very romantic. And what is 'the last spark'? Miss, you can at least give me a suggestion what to call you. It doesn't have to be your name, but if we are to be interlocutors-"
"No particular information between us should be unveiled."- Halinor struggled to explain herself properly. "But I will tell you this, as I created this star and the only rules that matter to it is mine. It's an idea of how you can refer to me, other than "miss". You, doctor, are communicating with the Star of Cassidy."
*End of Flashback*
"What I had discovered back then, was a star in the sky, which appeared and disappeared on a random basis. Its coordinates were bizarre, none of the machines could detect it. It was unimaginable, but I liked it more and more with every passing night."- Zacharias admitted. "Not only did my work feel crowned with success, but I had also found someone special in the face of the woman from the Star of Cassidy. Magic was something which she made me believe in."
"We talked for years. Me on Kandrakar and your grandfather here, in Heatherfield."- Halinor said emotionally, once the man had ended his story. "We never knew anything in particular about each other, let alone that we've met before. Zacharias and I know each other from college, back at Open Hill... But today, when I felt his inner vital energy, I instantly recognized the man's energy. That same man that I talked to through the Star of Cassidy all these years ago..."
"Am I the only one who has still doesn't get what the freak is this Star of Cassidy!?"- Irma interrupted the mature blonde, winning herself reproachful looks from Will and Taranee. "You created a star with a spell, to honor her memory, you wanted to talk to Yan Lin, cool. But the last spark...is that like, the spark which was left from Nerissa's spell after she- "
"No, Irma, it's the last spark which the Heart of Kandrakar transmitted from the water aurameere. The last water energy spark before you took the position of the water guardian, of course."- Halinor smiled mildly. "But thank you for bringing it up. We have to explain that to Eric..."
"I will explain it to him."- and as he said that, Zacharias took a big old journal out of his axil. He placed it on the table, in front of his astounded grandson.
A tear rolled down Halinor's face as she read the title. The Star of Cassidy...
"This journal holds all that I should've told you when you started dating young Hay Lin here, Eric."- the old man said and amicably took the young Asian's hand. "When the white arras wraps around Heatherfield, the truth must come out. The truth about magic is what your younger copy must know. Can you believe it...I heard just the same the other day when the blizzard happened. That's what you predicted, Halinor, yet neither of us knew."
The ex-guardian held back her tears as she nodded. She was so emotional seeing the man overcome with emotion himself.
"No, we didn't. Fate can't be controlled or followed completely."- she sobbed. "I'm so sorry that I couldn't help you more- "
"It's not your fault, it's mine."- the old man shook his head and grabbed Eric's hands in his. "I've been a fool. Eric, do you understand me, dear? I was supposed to tell you about the world of magic. It was what the Universe wanted. Had I shared with you, the circumstances wouldn't have been so dire for both you and your girl today. But I thought that it's about your uncle."
Irma was just about to protest, for no one but Halinor and Zacharias knew what they were talking about, but her friends' tense listening, made her give up.
"Grandpa, I don't under-"
"I knew about magic, son. Everything about Kandrakar and the guardians is in that book, had I given it to you earlier this wouldn't have happened...But damn me, I had no idea that your girl is one of the new guardians."
The girls' mouths hung open at that. Once again they were facing another bizarre proof of the unknown ways their destinies functioned. So many things about their lives were pre-outlined, by forces neither of them could understand completely. Just like them meeting and becoming friends, just like Heatherfiled happened to be where the five elements crossed paths...
"I spent years of my life collecting all this information from Halinor's words as to avoid her breaking a rule. We used unthinkable tactics to achieve it, but all that time I thought your uncle was the one meant to know. My younger copy..."- Zacharias sobbed loudly. "When his plane crashed and we lost him, I didn't want to have anything to do with the world of magic ever again. I carelessly abandoned it all, not even considering that you, my magnificent grandson, are a striking image of my younger self too. I'm terribly sorry."
"It wasn't your fault."- Halinor said quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I don't...I don't know what to say."- Eric nearly stammered. "I'm not mad with you gramps, but this is all too much. I'm overwhelmed. Such things- "
"Such things often happen. Up until today, Halinor hadn't construed the situation, but when she discerned the truth and that Zacharias is the grandfather of my granddaughter's boyfriend, she convened this urgent meeting. A meeting of truth."- Yan Lin interfered. "Yes, kid...The truth can be a tetchy value...You didn't get to know the truth about Hay Lin's powers, yet she had the good mind to tell you. And not only she. But she was scared, Eric, and when she finally gathered the courage, things took an ugly turn and we all know what happened next. I understand you. The way it all happened for you and your grandfather, was a whole nine yards of unpleasantness, but you still have to overcome this. You have to be stronger than the secret, otherwise, the burden of it will crush my granddaughter. It will crush your relationship with her too, and I'd hate to see real love be wasted."
Eric was speechless for a whole minute and so were everyone else. The girls didn't even dare to exchange glances. Even without her special powers to sense emotions in the air, they could sense Hay Lin's tension and could almost hear the crazy, anxious beats of her heart.
"I'll try."- Eric said in the end. Seeing his smile and dimples, instead of the unusual for his face, sternness, was a true remedy. "I'll be strong for both me and Hay Lin. Especially because I can't bear to lose any more people. Not to a magic universe, not to anything."
"Eric."- the air guardian began, hope in her voice. "Are you saying what I hope that you are..."
"I guess I am."- and he smiled again. "It's true that I felt insulted when I came to know that you've been keeping this from me for years, but hearing that my grandfather unwillingly did the same, made me think just how hard it must have been on you. How hard the burden actually is. I don't want to be selfish, Hay Lin. Right now I want to talk to you in private, we have so many things to discuss...If you'll excuse us, of course- "
"Suure, you have our blessings."- Irma fired before the others could talk.
Will shook her head at her friend's undying, always-present humor as everyone else just nodded their heads, happy to see the two young people make amends...
"Give me just a minute."- Hay Lin smiled at her boyfriend, wiping a tear of happiness before it could roll down her cheek.
"I'll be outside."- the young astronomer retorted, placing a hand on his grandfather's shoulder. "Thanks for sharing this for the sake of mine and Hay Lin's future, grandpa. Thanks to all of you. I'll be seeing you around."
Zacharias and Eric held each other in a long, tight embrace.
Yan Lin was elated and couldn't have prayed for a better outcome. She met her friend's glance and smiled gratefully. Halinor could only place her hand on top of hers and return the token of gratitude.
But the one whose eyes showed true gratitude, remorse and deep love, was Hay Lin, and when the former air guardian turned around to meet these eyes, her granddaughter leaped forward and enveloped her in the tightest hug.
"Forgive me, grandma."- the girl cried quietly. "Forgive me for doubting you, forgive me for holding a grudge against you when all you've ever done has been to help me and ease my life. Just like always, this time you managed to fix everything too; I'm just a moron, that's what I am- "
"Hay Lin!"- her grandmother exclaimed, hugging her back. "Quit blabbing and go to your man! I'm not mad at you and you weren't wrong to blame me; I acted foolishly and I have no excuse for it, I'm neither young, nor green, but you are, my granddaughter. We're OK."- she assured her. "Now go!"
"But I treated you so coldly over the last days, I wasn't right to do that."- Hay Lin sobbed. "If you hadn't erased Louise's mind, God knows what could've happened-"
"Ahh, only time shall tell more about that. I told you, it's all water under the bridge now. The burden of the guardian secret can do much worse than this, we're holding up like champions! Believe me, when I tell you, we're all good. Together, we're stronger than the burden."- the old woman said with a glowing warm smile." None of us is as strong and smart as all of us. Together."
"I love you, grandma."
"I love you too, my silly cookie. Now go. Your true love is waiting for you in the cold and if you don't step on it, the best of him will turn into an icicle."
The dreary atmosphere seemed to have finally cleared. Halinor offered to serve some of her Ossobuco for everyone. Irma decided to take a selfie with Yan Lin and Zacharias, which she then captioned as "Hanging with the OGs". Taranee, however, turned to Will with concern written on her face:
"You know, everything's well when it ends well, but one thing that didn't get an answer tonight bothers me."
"Phobos?"- the redhead guessed. "Or the fact that he used the Cruel Empress against us while going on with his jackass plans."
"A little bit of both. But primarily, how did Phobos get his hands on Bug Queen, when she was imprisoned by the Oracle?"
"What are you saying Taranee?"- Will muttered, not even wanting to consider the eerie possibility that came with the feelings that these questions had provoked in her.
"Mark my word, Will."- Taranee whispered as her glasses reflected the light. "Something's stinking fishy in Kandrakar."
Meridian
"Is this really necessary?"- Elyon complained as she tripped in the skirts of her long dress.
"By all means. I just can't believe that you've taken no further dancing lessons after I left the castle, 10 years ago."
Elyon turned to the older woman and gave her a dirty look.
Nerissa stopped at the door, running fingers through her big curls. Once she got the hint, she just made a face and waved her hand:
"Oh, don't give me that look! I meant after you escaped Weira's jewel. You don't have to overreact, you were there only a few months, anyway. You had plenty of years afterward to learn a dance or two."
As they entered the ballroom, Elyon let out a sigh:
"Well, I have the basics of a few traditional Meridian dances. I just can't tango. Or waltz. Or slow dance at all."- the young Queen sighed again. "I used to be so passionate about dancing...Once."
"Well."- Nerissa gave her a snarky smile, nodding at the distance before them. "Lucky for you, Raythor over there has been taught to dance properly before he got to join the royal court under Zanden's patronage. As every self-respecting gentleman, of course. He'll teach you a few steps just before your wedding."
The ballroom was well-lit by the rays of the afternoon sun, decorated with red and gold colors in the drapes and on the walls. The marble floor beneath their feet was just recently polished. The room wasn't as big as Weira's Ballroom, but it was going to do the work.
Raythor was already waiting for them in the middle. He had replaced his usual set of clothes with a traditional Meridian suit.
Elyon smiled at the man politely as he stuck out in his dark green swallow-tailed coat.
"Good day, ladies. I'm ready when you are."
"Oh, you couldn't have possibly thought that you'll be dancing with me, right?"- Nerissa smirked at the sight of his stretched-out hand pointing at her. "I know how to dance, Raythor. It's her Majesty who doesn't. Therefore, you will be dancing with her."
"But how is her Majesty to learn if one doesn't show her?"- the captain protested. "I cannot show her all the steps myself, besides I already called Vlade to be her partner."- and he nodded at the young man that was sitting next to the music player (one of the Earth conveniences that her Majesty had actually been able to make work on Meridian.)
"He's an excellent dancer and if you can dance as good as you brag, then what is the big whoop?"
Nerissa appeared to be amused by his antics.
"Oh, I don't know."- she tossed a strand of hair back playfully. " If you wanted to ask me for a dance, you should've asked my husband's permission. Just saying."
"And I'm just saying that if you didn't want to dance, you wouldn't come here all decked up."- Raythor noted, crossing his arms on his chest. "But it's alright. You flatter yourself too much."
Nerissa rolled her eyes and glanced over at Elyon who appeared to be in a world of her own.
"We can trade partners, Mage. What say? I'll dance with her Majesty and you can take Vlade."
"I think I'd rather not do that."- the ex-guardian took a step forward and extended her hand in anticipation. "Come on, Raythor. We don't have the entire day dedicated to dancing with the royals."
"So you'd rather dance with me after all."- the man raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."
"Don't make me change my mind."
Fifteen minutes and a dozen stepped on toes later, Elyon was dancing almost graciously against the dramatic musical background. She had always been a fast learner when it came to dancing, it was just her mind that wasn't there. She was tense. She could feel the tension in her bones and even in her pores while dancing with Vlade, the pale, dark-haired soldier boy Raythor had called.
She then met Nerissa's eyes from the other end of the room. She in her turn, gave her the sign. It was time to get to business.
"The wedding is to be postponed."- Elyon announced an hour later, glancing at the staff in front of herself. "I...I just wanted to let you guys know. So that you don't have to rush, stressing yourselves over the upcoming date. It has been changed. That would be all."
"But...what would the new date be, your Majesty?"- one of the women from the kitchen gave voice to everyone's spirits of inquiry.
Elyon blinked her gray-blue eyes at her before trailing:
"Oh, that's...yet to be specified, Lala. Don't worry, nothing bad has happened between me and the Coronian prince. I've already made arrangements with him and his kingdom, but the new date will have to wait another month or so."
The servants and staff just looked at each other. Their queen had always been very open and sincere to them, which was part of the reason why they could sense her worries through the not very good facade she was putting up.
"You would like to take care of Phobos before the big day, wouldn't you, your Majesty."- one of the older women spoke. "I stand behind you in that. Your brother has the rare ability to bastardize anything!"
"Could be her."- Raythor murmured from the upper terrace, on which he and the ex-guardian were observing the scene between the Queen and her staff.
"Zyla?"- Nerissa exclaimed skeptically, eyes pinned on the bottom floor. "Please. I've seen sloths more cunning than her."
"Well then, it could be Lala. Or any of the other maids and cooks, as far as I'm concerned. It could be almost anyone in the castle, how are we to determine it?"
"Patience, Raythor."- the former Heart keeper appealed. "Many here have a reason to betray the Queen, but few are those who would dare choose Phobos as an ally. Choose Phobos over her, that is. Yes, the love Meridian has for Elyon might not be as termless as before she came to reign, but the majority of people still adore her. While there's not a single soul that hasn't suffered under Phobos. This is why trying to get the spy by guessing and testing the flexibility of our minds is of no use. I have a much better idea of how to uncover that poor soul's identity. A soul so poor, they had to resort to the madman prince of misery in order to look for...a piece of happiness. But all in it's good time. Just you wait and watch."
Raythor observed the smirk crawling on her full lips. Her gorgeous features gleaming with triumph.
"Well, you're smug."- he noted. "That's a welcome new-old mood."
"Ahh, yes. It is good to be back."- Nerissa leaned against the terrace rail. "All my life, I've been told I exude confidence and trust me, no one has ever said it in vain. No one has ever regretted making that observation, either. I just needed to remember; I seldom disappoint people's high expectations of my wit."
Here you have it, chapter 17. Nerissa and Elyon's plan to bring down Phobos is about to take place, but what is to happen next? The noble hunt is not over. Stay tuned. ;)
