Chapter Twelve: Erena Morningstar
Lexi rests in her room, as she just returned from seeing other red workers who are awaiting their lords and ladies to arrive. Sending letters to the priesthood to get an update on Kenneth's condition. She misses him greatly... After being together non-stop for five years it is hard not to think of him. But he is better off being back home, missing half a leg is too much for him to keep up. All he asked was to stay with Iolene and she did... She chuckles to herself as she walks to the window. It has been months since he left, however, it felt longer. Sitting on the sill and leaning on the wall. It is a beautiful city she cannot deny, but it all felt fake to her. Thinking of her home in Vulkania. It is not conventionally beautiful... But it is real. The homes are made from rocks and clay as the three volcanoes tower overhead. The smells of spices and meat cooking on spits. The variety of tropical fruits is in abundance. Now feeling hungry she stretches to a nearby bowl and grabs a bunch of grapes. Happy that Constant's servants refresh it every day.
Sending letters to her mother and sisters. Plamya her elder has met a man who she is crazy in love with. But she did not say with whom... Which gave Lexi suspicions that he was of noble nature. She could not help but worry... She is a commoner who works a commoner's job, loving a highborn is forbidden fruit. Lexi could not help but hope she doesn't bite. Plamya works as a handmaiden for Princess Regina. She is with her every day and night. The number of people Plamya meets and sees is countless.
Lexi remembers the only time she met the princess was at Lexi's father's funeral. She is kind enough, at the time only just realizing how close Princess Regina and Plamya are. She paid her respects, kept discreet, and said goodbye.
Her younger sister Jamil wanted to become a teacher. But in her last letter, she stopped, deciding to take up cooking and baking. Mother telling her youngest daughter to have a skill and stick with it... Mother says that she is proud of Lexi. Glad to say that Lexi did not see any of the war... Little realizing Lexi was right in the middle of Unmei. Lexi sighs as she looks out the window.
It was quiet for a while until a knock is heard at the door.
"Who is it?" Lexi shouts.
"It's me." A girl's kind voice is heard.
"Come in Iolene!" Lexi says happily standing up and playing with her dress. Today she chose to wear a flowing navy-blue frock with thick straps. It used to be puffy sleeves, but she hated asking Eleya to remove them. Along with the stifling thick fabric, the layer of petticoat remained. Eleya dyed the petticoat to match the rest of the outfit. The looks she received were not of the approval of the public. But Lexi did not care… To her, everyone looked like clowns and dolls. Bows, streamers, wigs, large dresses, and Puffy sleeves and pants. The amount of make-up is insane, even seeing a bright pink draghound.
Lexi then pats down her dark red hair. The hair is slowly growing back after being cut because of the explosion in Lan-Se. She admitted missing her long hair. But she knew it will grow back one day.
Knocking on the door is heard as Lexi gave permission for them to enter. It is Iolene, Not surprising as the young girl always visits her. "You look beautiful today!" Iolene happily compliments her.
Lexi smiles, Iolene always complimented her. For her skills or her looks, it is always something. It cheered Lexi up. "You look great!" Lexi replies. Iolene always takes pride in her appearance; she looks almost great every day.
Iolene approaches Lexi with hands behind her back, with a cheeky grin. "What are you thinking about?" Lexi says sassily.
"I am going to write a letter to Erena Morningstar, and you are going to deliver it!" Iolene said enthusiastically.
Lexi had to take in what Iolene just said. Who is Erena Morningstar? And why does it have to be her to deliver a message? "I am not a messenger Iolene." Lexi says sharply.
"I know… But… I need to see Erena." Iolene removed her cheeky tone.
"Who is this, Erena?" Lexi straight out asks.
Iolene sits on Lexi's bed and begins to explain. Stein told her that the Morningstar family is one of the highest prominent families in Loan. Iolene is distantly related in their bloodline with Morningstar family members. They were established at the same time as the Ovideus family. Seven thousand years of close connection and close allies. Artemis Morningstar worked on the close council with Emperor Aelius. Where her husband Aeries worked as head of the household. Erena was a young girl when the betrayal happened. Stein had not seen the family since the council meeting before the night of horror.
"You want to meet this woman?" Lexi asks. "Erena has been raised in Dragon-City. Her life is probably hell. If her parents weren't invited, they are probably dead… Do you honestly think she can help you?"
"She can be an informant… It is a massive task. But if I need to claim my ancestor's home. I would need eyes and ears there."
"Does Stein know you are asking me to do this?"
"What do you think? No… He believes this is too dangerous and too early to try such a thing. I say otherwise…" Iolene says confidently. She hoped in her heart someone from her home would help her. It is a massive risk. The more allies the better.
Iolene hands Lexi a letter, sealed with the gold star seal of her family. Lexi stares at it, then glances at Iolene. A massive risk. But what is life without risk? Iolene is learning to make decisions on her own. Lexi smiles as she agrees.
On her own Lexi travels into the city alone. Iymp is curious as to where she is going. Quickly giving him a kiss on the cheek saying that she is up to no good. A code word means that she is after a fun time. Iymp laughs and lets her go. He has no business with Lexi's activities.
The sun is high in the sky and the streets are crowded. Many people and dragons from around the world have begun to show up for the gala. But at a glance, it felt like the world stopped. A parade of slaves has begun. Humans and dragons walk in five straight lines. All are chained together by the neck and are heading to the auction. Lexi's heart broke seeing such a thing. They have traveled long and far… Their bodies are thin and filthy. Their will has been taken away from them, they don't even say a word.
"MOVE!" A whip-crack is heard as the slaves moved faster.
Lexi sees the slave masters with whips wearing Black and purple silk robes. Their faces are hidden as they looked frightening almost like executioners. Riding dragon slaves as they are wearing thick distinctive collars.
The crowd begins to follow the slaves into the auction house. Lexi moves in the opposite direction. She has a mission already… Erena Morningstar. She needs to find out where she is. Lexi pats the satchel where the letter is hidden.
To start she tries the Nourriture Heureuse a popular café in the merchant district. She knows nothing about Erena and neither does Iolene. Listening to gossip and talk. Most of it is boring and has nothing to do with anything. She asks a slave about Erena, but the slave said nothing. Dead end.
Lexi is trying other cafés such as Sweet Dessert, Éclair Love, Eastern Exotic Foods, and Roasting coffee. Much to her disappointment, their coffee is weak compared to her home. But her plan is not working… She must try something else.
Exploring the Merchant district produced nothing. So, she tried looking in the inns. All are packed and over full. She enters the reception room with workers screaming that they are full. Lexi sighs as she asks them for Erena politely without punching them. Feeling overwhelmed she almost regretted saying yes to Iolene. But it is too dangerous to take her out or knowing Iolene, she will try looking for herself.
Aaron is with Beau and Mali. Apparently, something happened the night before, she will ask them later… Lei is meeting his people who have begun to arrive at the Blue Embassy. So, she is on her own and is better that way.
Looking in ten massive high-class inns out of the possible hundreds she finally finds a clue. The innkeeper of the Delightful Sleep, Margot tells Lexi that Erena is staying at the Giants' Bed. Lexi pays Margot fifteen gold for the information and tells her to keep it discreet.
"The Giant's Bed…" Lexi says to herself exhausted. As she looked at the gorgeous building. It is massive and almost looks like a normal mansion.
She now needed to find Erena's room. In a dangerous move, she sneaks through the back door. Her heart pounding, she almost felt sick. She has never done such a thing before. She cannot afford people discovering her to then find Iolene. She is a red priestess, there are not many in this nation. She can be easily noticed.
Lexi looks at the slaves working for the inn. Dressed in simple clothes they look well-kept enough. Their clothes are clean and one of the kitchen girls' hair is done in a neat bun. Aaron did tell her that masters differ in how they keep their slaves. Some can be benevolent; many are cruel and take pleasure in harming them. But in the end, they are all the same, they are property. Nothing more nothing less.
Lexi approaches the girl with the bun. She is young and petite, and cannot be any older than Iolene. The young girl is humming cheerily as she asks what someone ordered. She seemed happy or at least content. Carrying a tray of cheese and bread she leaves the busy kitchen.
"Excuse me, young lady," Lexi asks. Disturbing the girl.
The girl turns around and sees Lexi. Her eyes widen as she bows, keeping the tray balanced. "Yes, m'lady how may I serve?" she says nervously.
Lexi leans forward and asks her about Erena.
"Why do you ask m'lady?"
"I work for Queen Avery, just making sure the guests from the Black Empire are enjoying their stay. Lady Erena asked to see me to confirm if she would like black or gold trim on her table." Lexi smiles. The young slave nods and accepts the lie.
"Erena stays on the fourth floor, room seven."
"Thank you," Lexi says gratefully as she gives her a pouch of money. Placing it onto the tray, the girl with one hand grabs the purse and tries to give it back to Lexi. "I cannot take this if you wish to give money. Please give it to my master. If you work for the Queen, you will know to never give money to slaves or speak to them normally." The girl says, giving Lexi a weary look. "I am sorry m'lady I must return to my duty. But whatever you are up to, please let me be."
Lexi wanted to race after her. Lexi realises that she is not as good of a liar as she seemed. A slave girl saw right through her. Nothing I can do now... But I now know where she is staying. Going up the stairs the number of guests made it hard to navigate the halls. But it is a fancy establishment with ornate wood carvings and tapestries. Lexi wondered what to do next, how to get the letter into Erena's hands.
Reaching room seven, it is luckily one of the more secluded rooms that has its own wing. Lexi is trying to listen to see if anyone is inside. Nothing is heard, and foolishly Lexi tries to open the door. Locked... Lexi had no idea what to do next. Lexi takes out Iolene's letter. It is a beautiful thin parchment matched with Iolene's calligraphy writing. Coated on the fold is a gold wax seal with a five-pointed curved star in the middle. Lexi sighs and shrugs, making sure no one is to witness her when she kneels and slides the letter under the door. Lexi prayed to the Phoenix for Erena to read that letter.
Night at the old tree in the old Commoner district. Iolene and Lexi waited. Saying to Stein they went to the night market. Iolene wearing her navy cloak she almost camouflaged in the darkness. Lexi standing next to her wearing a similar cloak.
"It's getting late…" Lexi says disappointed. She had a long day searching for Erena. She is tired and just wanted to sleep. Feeling like all her effort was in vain.
"She must come" Iolene whispers. Holding Lexi's hand. Iolene fears that Erena has revealed her. Maybe she didn't believe in Iolene's existence. Iolene did not know; all she was relying on was hope.
"Letter?" A voice is heard from the other side of the tree. A cloaked figure walks towards Iolene. Lexi instinctively steps in front of Iolene.
The woman reveals her face for a moment. A large and deep scar covered her face from her forehead, the right side of her face to her chin. Iolene tried her hardest not to gasp. What did they do to her? Erena's face is round as she is chubby with soft cheeks.
Iolene curtsies to Erena. "Hello... Thank you for coming here." Iolene approaches her. As they both reached hands to shake, Erena in one big jerk movement pulls Iolene close to her. Lexi races forward as Erena investigates Iolenes eyes. Lexi half unsheathed her dagger. She could not bring her Large battleaxe as it would bring too much attention. Daggers and a small axe are hidden underneath her cloak. In any matter, she is prepared.
Erena is silent. Iolenes eyes glowed a radiant gold. Iolene stares back into Erena's' eyes are a normal green colour. To Iolenes' disappointment hoping that she will have gold eyes. After all the Morningstar family is gold draconium influenced. Why are they normal? Has gold truly left this world? It can't be... Aaron, Beau, and I are still here.
Erena steps backwards as she then pushes Iolene away. Looking everywhere else but the girl. Iolene heavily breathes, she had no idea as to what Erena was thinking. Is this a mistake? Iolene thinks repeatedly. But what is done is done… She was not expecting a happy cheer and a hug. For that is a fool's notion. But something, hopefully good.
"So, you are real…" Erena whispers. "You should not be here!" Saying urgently. But it was not in a worrying fashion, it was anger. Erena then begins to walk away.
"I need to speak to you! If you did not care or did not believe you would never have come!" Iolene speaking desperately, Erena stops and looks back at Iolene. The point is made.
Erena's mind reeled when she first read that letter.
"The Morningstar family has always been close to the Ovideus family. Seven thousand years of friendship. Ovideus and Morningstar blood pulses through our veins, as many of our ancestors have married into each other's families." Iolene declares to Erena, she remains stoic.
"We are not friends; I don't know you," Erena replied coldly. "A friendship of a dead era, I owe you nothing."
"If you speak to me so, why did you come?" Iolene asks again. Feeling disappointed, biting her lip trying not to cry.
She did not answer, only stared. Erena did not even know the answer herself.
"Hope?" Iolene asks her gently, breaking the silence.
"What hope is there? Right now, I see a girl sealed for death and mine just for being here. Run and hide and live low. You will never get Loan back." Erena says and with no more words, she walks away. Leaving Iolene and Lexi confused as to what had just happened. But Iolene paid attention to what she just said. Loan... She said Loa, not Dragon City.
"Well, that was a complete waste of my day..." Lexi is annoyed as she threw a rock.
"I do not think so..." Iolene says facing an angry Lexi. "Thank you for going through all that effort, for finding her. We shall know at the Gala as to what will happen."
Iolene grabs Lexi's arm, they travel back to Mercer Mansion.