Chapter 17 The Dragon Keeper

Hiei stood calmly at the portal, Shana pacing behind him.

"Hiei-sama, are you sure this is a good idea?" Shana asked nervously. He didn't have an answer for her. The idea was good but if things would go smoothly like he hoped, well that was a different story. That was also why he was not alone. Hiei had placed many guards in the surrounding area in addition to the pathway back to the fortress, he was not about to take any chances.

The portal before him was a small hole, so small it was difficult to see with the naked eye. Now it was growing slowly, until it became large enough for a man to walk though. Hiei felt Shana grip his pants tightly and he held his breath, Koku ready. The portal was empty and now that it was wide enough, Hiei saw a grassy area similar to the one he had seen when Fealóce had been burning Mîra. Suddenly a man appeared in front of it with a small cart behind him.

They stared at each other for a moment before the man stepped forward, out of the portal and into the Makai. Hiei stared evenly at the elf as he walked fully through the portal, pulling the small cart behind him. The portal shrunk almost instantly but the elfs gaze did not leave Hiei. The elf was as tall as Mîra wearing dark leather boots and light brown trousers and a matching brown long sleeved shirt. He wore a green tabard trimmed in gold with the golden tree emblem in the middle. His white hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and his narrow lavender eyes were sizing Hiei. With a start, it dawned on Hiei that he had seen this man before. He was the man that Hiei had seen in the vision when Mîra had been burning.

"Otorno," the man said holding out a hand. His voice was firm but soft.

"Otorno," Hiei responded in kind, shaking the elfs hand. The elf raised an eyebrow at him as they shook hands. He expected a strong tense shake but instead the elf's hand was soft and firm. Hiei felt a small resonance between them and he felt Koku vibrating to life. Suddenly, Koku shot up in the air as a red dragon did. Started, Hiei jumped back and let go of the elf's hand. The dragons circled each other as they sung at each other. Hiei wasn't exactly sure what was going on but he felt that Koku was greeting the larger dragon. When the dragons seemed appeased, they returned to the ground next to their respective masters. Hiei felt the air around them shift again as the elf spoke, using the magic to translate.

"We meet again," the elf said. "I am Rodynar, the Angulóce Tae of Alyatavar."

So he was right, Mîra's brother was the Dragon Keeper. Still, the man did not seem threatening or menacing at all, not nearly as much as the looming dragon behind him. His introduction wasn't haughty or proud, it was more like he had introduced himself was though he wasn't anyone important. In the very few conversations they had about family, Mîra did mention that her brother was of a gentler disposition.

"My name is Hiei. I am the King of this realm." Hiei pulled Shana out from behind him. "This is my assistant, Shana."

Rodynar nodded at Hiei and looked down at the cowering shadow demon. "Hello small one. I am pleased to make your acquaintance." He gave her a small smile and Hiei was relieved to see that the elf was actually trying to be nice. That alleviated a lot of his worries.

Shana made some sort of incoherent noise and the elf turned behind him to his dragon. He placed a hand on the dragons leg and it disappeared in a poof of red smoke. That seemed to make Shana feel a little better, as she was able to stand next to Hiei rather than behind him.

The elf looked around for a moment and then frowned before turning his confused gaze back to Hiei. "Where is my sister?" He asked politely.

"She is at home, I intended this to be a surprise for her," Hiei said.

The elf smiled gently, a twinkle in his eye, as he said, "My sister is a tricky one to surprise but I think this time we will succeed."

Hiei didn't comment but looked behind the elf at the cart that held two large trunks. "What are in those trunks?"

Rodynar turned to the cart next to him. "These are my sisters belongings," he said softly. An awkward silence settled between them for a moment. Her possessions, the ones she was forced to leave behind… Hiei mentally shook himself. He did not regret taking Mîra as his wife to end the war, and considering how far their relationship had progressed there was no reason to feel guilty or question the decision.

"I will need to search them before we leave," Hiei said carefully and the elf nodded and stepped aside. Hiei motioned for two nearby guards and the elf opened the trunks for them. They worked quickly, rifling through clothes, books and jewelry. One of the guards then pulled out a smaller, locked box.

"That holds my sister's most prized and personal possessions. Please, I ask for her privacy that they be left untouched," the elf said quickly, looking concerned. Hiei didn't like leaving anything unturned, he was taking a great risk after all. He also didn't want to invade Mîra's privacy.

"You will open and hold the box. My assistant will search through it and will not reveal any of the contents. She has a good friendship with Mîra and she trusts her," Hiei said.

The elf looked as though he disagreed with the command but he didn't have any choice. Shana stepped forward nervously as he knelt down and held the box open to her. She began to look through things when she froze, a shocked look coming over her face. Then, she looked sad.

"Shana," Hiei said and the small shadow demon shook her head.

"It is nothing, Hiei-sama. This box is fine," she said, shaking her head. Whatever was in the box must have been something serious personally, she was telling him it wasn't his business. Hiei was fine with that. Everyone has skeletons in their closet. After the box had been returned to its place and the trunks locked, Hiei and Shana guided the elf through the shadows to the fortress.

Rodynar seemed unimpressed by the walls of the fortress but he didn't say anything. After introducing him to Maria and Claudia, they headed for the gardens where Mîra was. The sight of his wife warmed Hiei, watching her bent over and talking to herself furiously. He had found that gardening was not her forte but under Kurama's guidance she had been improving considerably which meant the plants weren't dying. Still, she worked on it passionately and had produced a colorful but small garden. As they neared her, Hiei could see that she was planting new seeds. She was wearing one of the servants dresses and was covered in soil, her hands stained with dirt. Hiei could even see flecks of dirt in her hair, despite her tresses being pulled up into two buns atop her head.

Mîra could not see them, they had walked up behind her but she stopped talking as they stood behind her. Hiei knew that she could sense him and she must be sensing her brother as well. She stood slowly, dirt rolling off her lap, and set the gardening tools down. Her hands were clenched as she spoke.

"Hiei, this had better not be some sick joke," She said tightly. "I mean it, I-" Her voice chocked and Hiei heard her start sniffling. Kami, she was crying. Was she angry or happy?

Rodynar glided past Hiei and put his hands lightly on his sisters shoulders and turned her around. "Onóre, you must be happy to have allowed me to sneak up on you."

Mîra's visage went from shocked to disbelief as she threw her arms around Rodynar's neck and sobbed, "Rodyn, Rodyn, Ancestors thank you, thank you!" Hiei was pleased to see his wife so happy and pleased that he had produced this happiness. The words that Rodynar had said to her bothered him however. If someone were to sneak up on Hiei, it would be because his guard was down, not because he was happy. If being happy causes her guard to be down, then that would imply that before she was not happy. Now Hiei was confused and he wanted to get to know her past more.

"Do not thank me, Vana, thank your husband. He sent a letter requesting that I come. Honestly, I was glad for it, I was worried after the incident with Fealóce and… your new dragon," Rodyn said gesturing to Hiei.

Shocked, Mîra looked past her brother at Hiei. Feeling nervous under her gaze he looked away, he wasn't one for the spotlight. She walked over to him and bent down as she turned his face towards hers, cupping the frame of his face in her hands. Her eyes gazed warmly at him as she said,

"Thank you, Hiei. This really means a lot to me." She kissed him gently and Hiei closed his eyes, enjoying the soft, heartfelt kiss. She drew away after a moment and took his hands in hers, beaming.

"Hn, it was nothing," Hiei said and she rolled her eyes.

"Rodyn, I apologize for my husbands lack of proper usage of expression," she said grinning and Hiei frowned at her.

"Woman, I have been speaking like this long before you came along."

"Yes, but I'm the one that has to put up with it everyday," She said laughing. Rodyn just looked baffled by the exchange and she walked over to him and began chatting in elvish animatedly. Hiei picked up that she was going to show him around but Hiei suspected she wanted a bath first. He should probably ask for snacks or food, that's what Mîra usually did when they have guests, right?

"Shana," Hiei called and she shadow demon popped up out of the shadows instantly.

"Yes, Hiei-sama?"

"I want food and drink prepared. We will take it in the… library." Hiei was sure that Mîra wouldn't object, even though it was a work in progress. The library was her pride and joy in the fortress and he was sure she would want to show it off.

"Oh, that's a great idea, Herven! I will walk you two there and then take a quick shower and change out of these work clothes," Mîra said. She hooked her arm in her brothers and they began walking. Mîra was talking charismatically as her brother smiled and nodded, seemingly content at seeing his sister in good spirits. Hiei walked a distance behind them, wanting to give them room. As soon as she was done freshening up he was going to leave them alone anyways but for now he would have to entertain. Kurama had given him some tips on what to do when 'meeting the family' and he seemed to make a decent first impression which was the first step, right?

When they reached the library Mîra showed her brother inside while Hiei sat down on one of the couches in the center. The library was one of the larger rooms in the fortress, spanning two floors with an array of chairs and tables spread throughout the area. There was also a fireplace where a few couches were placed. Hiei hadn't known the place existed, it was in a wing that he had never gone down before because there was no need to. He wasn't sure who collected all the books, not even Mukuro knew, but Hiei was grateful that the library had remained untouched by raids and thieves that had attempted to sneak in and out of the fortress in the years before Hiei inhabited the place. Mîra loved learning and the library had taken up a majority of her time during the days when she wasn't assisting Hiei.

"Okay then, I will be back shortly. Don't kill each other while I am gone," She joked as she and Rodyn made their way over to where Hiei was sitting. Hiei stared at her blankly and Rodyn looked at her with an uncomfortable expression on his face.

"That wasn't funny was it? It seemed funny at the time since Hiei almost-"

"Go shower, Mîra," Hiei said, cutting her off before she dug a deeper hole between the two men.

She sighed and shook her head as she exited the library and Hiei stared at Rodyn as he looked around the library. He sat down on the couch opposite of Hiei and stared down at the demon. Hiei didn't sense a distaste, though he was sure it was there, but Rodyn seemed to be re-evaluating him. Neither said anything until Maria and Claudia brought in some snacks.

"My sister seems to think fondly of you, despite your… unique situation," the elf said slowly.

"I vowed to take care of her," Hiei responded.

"Yes, that is what father said," the elf looked away, visibly upset. Hiei frowned as it dawned on him that he had never heard of or seen Rodyn until after the war which implied that he was never in the battle to begin with. Strange, Rodyn seemed like an ace in the hole for the elves.

"You were not there," Hiei said evenly and Rodyn stiffened. He looked down at his goblet as he spoke.

"No. I was not allowed to join. With both my father and Vana gone, I was left to help mother run the kingdom. They were hoping the takeover would be swift and that they would not need me. I also believe Vana did not want me to go, she always saw me as innocent in nature as I despised fighting. But as the fight drug on, I pleaded with my father to be allowed to aid him. Just when I had received the summons, my father returned home."

That was interesting, a prince warrior elf who didn't like fighting. He had avoided being king of the great warrior people by being a vessel for the ferocious dragon of their people, making him an even more important pawn but one they also could not be reckless with.

"It seems we underestimated you," the elf said, looking up and eyeing him. He then sighed wearily and then smiled.

"Still, despite all the hardship my family has gone through since the war, I am happy to see my sisters smile again. It had been too long. In her letters, she talked about her life here and how she was acclimating here. She even sent those instant portraits of her at the sea! I am slightly envious," the elf said chuckling.

"She really enjoyed it," Hiei said, not really sure how to respond. There was a silence before Rodyn spoke again.

"If you do not mind me asking, why do you call my sister 'Mîra?'"

Hiei frowned. "Why do you call her 'Vana?'"

"Mîrvana means 'beautiful jewel.' 'Vana' is the part of the word that implies beauty and fairness. I have called her this since she was born, though at first because I was too young to fully pronounce her name," Rodyn smiled fondly.

Beautiful jewel, Hiei felt she was appropriately named. "I call her Mîra because I do." The elf nodded in approval. Hiei did not say anything but let the elf talk.

"I was heartbroken when she did not return home. To me, she was more than a princess or heiress, she was my baby sister and I failed her. I was supposed to become the head of her guard, in charge of her security first and foremost after she became Queen. If only I could have joined the fight, maybe she wouldn't be prisoner, exiled from her home. She made a noble sacrifice but Vana was always the noble one, with a high sense of honor and duty. I was much simpler, I couldn't ever see the bigger picture the way she did.

"Vana wanted to be Queen more than anything. Our people had not ruled under a woman in a very long time and because of it she was always under scrutiny, in addition to being a pawn. Her marriage would ensure a strong bloodline would continue and elevate that family's status, even more so since she had been declared the heiress. She always felt she was a pawn, being Queen was supposed to be her liberation." The elf grew quiet, and then looked up startled at Hiei.

"I apologize for my ramblings, they are probably making you feel uncomfortable."

They were but Hiei the elf's words rang true. She had been forced to marry Hiei and Mîra had gone from a general to a helpless pawn in one swift move. Surely she didn't feel the same way now. More importantly, why was Rodyn telling Hiei this? When he was speaking it was as though Rodyn was getting his thoughts off his chest. Maybe he had no one to talk to, maybe he couldn't. Maybe court life wasn't as glamorous and perfect like Mîra had made it seem.

"I am a King, she is my Queen," Hiei said firmly. The elf looked at him surprised but he then smiled softly.

"I suppose that is true. She seems much freer here, more like she used to be before the date of her ascension was announced."

What? Hiei frowned at the elf but he didn't get a chance to ask what that meant because Mîra reappeared.

"I'm back! I hope things weren't too quiet while I was gone, neither of you like to talk much," She giggled as she sat down next to Hiei. He was happy that she sat next to him, it was as though she was confirming his words earlier. She was smiling brightly and Hiei thought she looked lovely in her blue dress with gold trim. Her hair was in a braid since it was wet and she had adorned her ears with gold jewelry and in the lowest piercing, she wore dangling oval sapphires and a matching pendant Hiei had bought for her.

Rodyn, however did not seem entirely pleased by her appearance. "You do not wear flowers in your hair anymore?"

"I wish I could but the gardens were dead when I got here. I'm working on it though, with help from one of Hiei's friends who has an amazing green thumb," she said smiling. Hiei shot her a glance that she ignored, if she saw it. He didn't know she liked flowers in her hair.

Rodyn seemed to absorb her appearance and then smiled at her slyly. "I see you finally pierced your entire ear. Mother would be throwing a fit if she saw."

Mîra grinned proudly. "I know! Just so you know, most of these earrings are human made! Incredible isn't it? I go shopping there once every-" she suddenly stopped and finally turned to Hiei who was glaring at her furiously.

"Haha, Herven, you know that ahem, well….," she said nervously.

"What is wrong?" Rodyn asked, concerned.

"You told me that it was tradition and used it as an excuse to drag me around that stupid human place for hours," Hiei snapped. She laughed nervously again. This frustrating woman was picking up on some of Boton's unfortunate habits…

"Tradition? What is tradition?" Rodyn asked.

"I told him when we were first married that, married elvish women wear their ears fully pierced and that their husbands pick out earrings for them. So whenever I go to the human marketplace I force him to buy me earrings," Mîra explained.

Rodyn burst out laughing, to Hiei's surprise and evidently Mîra's as well.

"I just wanted something from him! From you!" She protested, turning towards Hiei. He glared at her and she said, "Well you got my necklace and I got nothing. I wanted something… plus since I wasn't home so I could pierce my ears like I wanted!

"You hated me then," Hiei said, still glaring at her.

"Well, yes but… I don't know! I just wanted to receive something from you!"

"You hated me but you wanted a gift from me?" Hiei was just plain confused now.

"Yes," Mîra said, looking confused and evidently not understanding the logic either.

"Do not worry about it, Otorno, my sister is a little crazy," Rodyn said smiling.

"Crazy? I'm not crazy! I just know what I want! I Anyway, I'll make up all the shopping trips, I promise!" She said to Hiei.

"I want sweet snow before and after you drag me shopping," He said.

She pouted cutely at him. "That's absurd! You'll hurt your teeth eating so much ice cream in a day!"

"Hn."

"Not a word," she said, rolling her eyes at him.

Rodyn laughed again before he spoke. "So, Vana, tell me more about the human world," Rodyn asked eagerly. Mîra began to talk and Hiei stood, nodding to Rodyn and Mîra as he left the siblings alone.

Hiei walked towards his office and he was feeling quite proud of himself. He had been feeling lately that she was homesick, and he thought that inviting her brother to visit might help. Rodynar seemed nice enough and reminded him a little bit of Yukina. Surprisingly, he didn't seem to hold Hiei in contempt and if he did, he hid it well. Perhaps it was due to the relationship he and Mîra currently had and that he had kept his promise to the king. As Hiei entered his office, he felt relieved, everything seemed fine and that the visit was a good idea. His thoughts suddenly flashed back to the look on Shana's face as she was looking through the box. What had she seen? Hiei dismissed the thought and shoved it to the back of his mind. It wasn't his business and it was for Mîra to tell, not Shana. As he picked up a report, he ignored the feeling that he might find out sooner rather than later. No, no, things were fine and the elf seemed passive, he himself said he didn't like violence. So what could go wrong?

Translation Notes:

Otorno: Brother

Onóre: Sister