Time for another update! This chapter is a bit longer than usual but explains a few things. Also want to point out that entropist has started to post his fics on and you can read them by looking in my favorite authors section in my profile. I also should say that on my website you will be able to see a few pictures entropist drew of my characters, just so you can see them better.
Alright, onto the story.
Chapter 17: Origins
--––-
Yannick was slowly stirring the mixture he had put together as soon as he had come home to his parent's place. A good thing of both his parents' jobs was that they needed both to do potions often, his mother most particularly. He had tried to see her right after his talk with Mr. Shaklebot but he had arrived to St Mungo's only to find out she was on a serious case. He had then decided to head home and use his parent's brewing room. It had then not been hard for him to put together what he needed to analyze the liquid he had found in the dead suspect's mug, using the well stocked storage his mother kept with hawk-like precision.
Hot chocolate, the standard drink given at the ministry. Much more invigorating than coffee and it made people much less nervous. But something told him that a substance had been added into the liquid. How else could this otherwise healthy man have suffered a sudden heart attack? His files, as far as they could see never reported any such medical conditions. Moreover, mediwizards were much more able to detect them than ordinary Muggle doctors.
So it all came down to finding the substance in the chocolate.
He let his potion simmer down when it was ready. It had the exact red hue needed, just like his mother had taught him to brew it. Being a trained mediwizard as she was, Izabelle Silverleaf had taught him the potions that would be the best for him to remedy illnesses, or detect poisons. This particular potion was supposed to achieve this exact purpose. As soon as it was ready, he uncorked the vial and let a few drops of the chocolate fall into the potion.
The reaction he got was some bubbling, along with a faint dark smoke coming out of the potion. Something was there, attacking the potion. A poison most likely. He recorked the vial and put a heat charm on it to keep it warm. He then bent down to read the pages of the open book he had next to his cauldron. However, after a full fifteen minutes of searching through it, he did not find anything that resembled the reaction of the potion.
Strange, he thought as he went to look for another book on the shelf. He found the one he was looking for and opened it, only to close it again after some minutes of thorough searching. This one did not contain such reactions either. But the potion reacted. This showed that there was something making it do so, and it had to be a poison of some kind. Could it be one not known to wizards? Unlikely, but perhaps.
"You look very thoughtful, Nick," his mother's voice said from the entrance, "What's troubling you?"
Yannick smiled slightly as he turned to face his mother who was coming towards him.
"I have a reaction from the detection potion that is not listed in either of these two books," he said, showing the book in his hand and pointing to the book next to the cauldron.
His mother frowned at that. "Why do you need a detection potion in the first place? Is something awry in the investigation?" she asked.
Yannick quickly told her what had happened in the afternoon, the lengthy wait to interrogate the suspect, the suspicious heart attack right before they could see him, the broken mug with still warm chocolate in it and thus his suspicion of a poison in it.
"Is that why you passed by St Mungo's to see me today?" she asked, "They told me you came but I was busy with a serious patient."
"Yes," Yannick confirmed, "That's why they said and I decided to not disturb you."
"And so you came here instead to find out," she said after he had finished, "good thinking, Nick."
She went towards the cauldron and stirred the potion some, looking at the mixture.
"The texture is fine and the colour is good too, although slightly much on the orange, but that should be fine in any case," she said, "What was the reaction?"
"The potion bubbling and then a faint black smoke coming out," Yannick replied.
"Any smell?"
"Burned rubber."
"So there is definity a poison in the chocolate you found," she said, "and you say that none of the books had that reaction listed?"
He nodded.
"Strange, these books are constantly updated with the latest finds," she replied at that, "And I have not heard of any new poison being discovered recently."
"Could it be an unknown poison?" he asked.
"This is highly unlikely," his mother replied, "But it perhaps could be an exotic one. Let me try something."
She took the vial where the chocolate was and closed her eyes. Yannick did not need to ask to know that she was using her healing gift. He had seen her a few times already, using it to detect anything wrong in the body of a person. There was no reason for it not to work on a liquid.
After a few minutes she frowned slightly and the liquid glowed a bit in a faint green light.
"Gurtha," she whispered, opening her eyes to look at her son.
"Death?" Yannick asked, knowing well the human translation of the Elven word she had whispered.
"This liquid has most definitely a poison in it, and an Elven one at that," she replied gravely, "Unfortunately I cannot identify it exactly. All I can see is that it causes death slowly and swiftly at the same time," she added looking troubled.
I don't like the sound of it," Yannick said, "Elven poison clearly points to one person."
"But it might not be him either," Izabelle said.
"What do you mean?"
"Andrelith has a high aversion to humans, Muggles or Wizards," Izabelle said, "I find it doubtful to think that he would go into the ministry just to get rid of a suspect."
"You think he is using other persons to do his dirty job?" Yannick asked.
"I think this is highly likely," she replied, "But I also think you should see Gran on this. She will have a way to determine exactly what was put in this liquid and also will be more able to help you on the steps to take."
"I guess I'll have to visit the manor earlier than I thought I would have to," Yannick said, "Thanks a lot for your help though, mum. It brings a bit more light in the case."
"You are welcome Nick," Izabelle replied, "Will you be taking Alexandra with you to the manor?"
"She'll have my head if I go without her," Yannick joked, "I just hope it will not interfere with her quidditch practices. What's funny?" he asked, as his mother chuckled lightly.
"You," she replied, "You should listen to yourself somethimes. I think being with Alexandra brings out your caring side more openly. And I am sure she likes that."
"She told me so," Yannick said, "Kind of hard to believe that she wanted to tear my head off just a few weeks ago."
"I think you both messed up on that one, Nick," Izabelle said, "But that's in the past and I am very glad to see that you two are back together. I was kind of despairing to ever see my son in a relashionship again," she added, winking at him and laughing.
Yannick joined her, her last comment proving to him that she approved of his relashionship as well.
"Well, I better be off," he said, "I've got to apparate to Alex's flat so we can go to the manor. Thanks again for the help mum," he added, kissing his mother on the cheek and hugging her.
"No problems, Nick" she replied, hugging him back and returing the kiss, "Now shoo before your lady gets impatient."
Yannick smiled at that and disaparated soon afterwards.
--
Alex was adjusting the fire under what she was cooking when she heard the door of her flat opening and Yannick calling her name.
"I'm in the kitchen," she called out,
He joined her soon after but she pushed him back when he tried to embrace her from behind.
"You're late," she said, trying to sound accusative.
"You did not get my owl?" he asked, taken aback by her reaction.
"Of course I did," she said, "But I do have to make you feel guilty so you don't start to feel that being late is normal," she added, smiling slightly.
Yannick smiled at that and took her into an embrace she did not fight. "I'm sorry about that, love," he said, nuzzling her neck, "I really did not expect the complications that came up today."
Alex did not reply and kissed him on the mouth, drowning in the pleasant feeling it gave her.
"You're forgiven, Nick," she said when parted lips, "If something keeps you from being on time to meet me, I can easily assume it is important."
"Need help with the cooking?" he asked.
"No, but you can be a heart and go set the table," she replied, "The food should be ready in five minutes."
"Right away," he replied, kissing her lightly and going out to the living room.
While she finished the cooking, she could help but feeling that Yannick was more procupied with what had happened today than he was letting show. She dismissed the feeling. If he wanted to tell her, he would, she knew that. She took out her wand and levitated the food trays towards the living room. As she entered she noted that he had set candles on the table and that a rose was waiting on her plate.
"If you are trying to seduce me Nick, I'd like to point out that you already have," she said smiling warmly and setting the food on the table.
"I know," he said as he pulled out her chair so she could sit, "Can't blame me for the gesture, no?"
"Absolutely not," she answered, kissing him on the cheek before sitting.
He did the service before sitting down at his place.
"So," he asked, "What's the plans for tomorrow?"
"Well, Bobby is actually going easy on us since our last match. Our next one is in a two weeks from now and he wants to keep us fresh. So no training until Wednesday afternoon."
"So you are free tomorrow?"
"Absolutely," she answered, "Any plans?"
"Well, unfortunately maybe not as romantic as you hoped it could be," he answered, "I have to go to Silverleaf Manor. I have something where I need Gran's expertise on."
"Related to what happened today?" she asked.
He nodded, "Yes. We found the suspect Forrester had arrested, dead before we could cross examine him," he replied grimly.
"Oh my god!" Alex exclaimed, feeling cold at the thought, "do you have any clue how it happened?"
"He was in the interrogation room, with two Auror standing guard outside," Yannick said, "Mr. Shacklebot, Sean and I were outside and I am positive no one entered there."
"So, did he commit suicide?"
"No," Yannick responded, "We heard a crashing noise and rushed in. He had thrown his cup on the wall and had apparently suffered a heart attack."
"But you don't buy it," Alex said, clearly seeing it on his face.
"Not a bit. I took a sample of the liquid in the cup and ran tests on it with mum," Yannick said, "She is positive that there is a poisoning agent in it. She does not know which on but it is Elven."
"Which is why you want to go to Silverleaf manor," Alex concluded.
"Yes," Yannick confirmed, "If mum cannot make out what it is, I am sure Gran will be able to."
"So when do you want to go there?" Alex asked, "Tonight? Or tomorrow morning?"
"I think the sooner the better," Yannick said, "We can apparate there, or use the floo system in Diagon alley if you prefer."
"I can apparate," Alex said, "But I think we should leave after dinner. This way we cause as less disturbance when we arrive in the evening. You think Gran will greet us?"
"You could arrive in the middle of the night and she would be there to greet you," Yannick replied, chuckling, "I am sometimes wondering if she ever sleeps."
"Elves are different than humans," Alex said, "I think sleeping little is one of your traits too. How you manage to wake up at early in the morning when you go late in bed, I'm still wondering."
"Well, I am decendant of an Elven line, am I not?" Yannick said, "Two actually."
"Two?" Alex asked, puzzled. Gran was the only Elf she knew that had married a human.
"I learned that one from Gran as well but my mother's grandfather was an Elf, a healer," Yannick said, "He died during the war against Gridenwald but my mother possesses the healing gift as well."
"That's how she knows that there is a possible poison in the liquid?" Alex asked.
"Yes, she felt death in it," Yannick said.
This suddenly made perfect sense to Alex. She had not known Yannick's mother a lot but had been amazed to see that she knew if someone was hurt. She also was a very good healer in St Mungo's. She had almost been treated by her a few times during her career as a Quidditch player but had somehow managed to escape that. She winced internally when she realized that her grudge against Yannick had caused her to act that way. Her thoughts were stopped short by a black form that jumped next to her on the table.
"Syal!" she exclaimed at her cat, "I thought I had told you not to jump on the table when there's food there."
Syal meowed, looking at her with her green eyes.
"I already gave you food barely an hour ago," Alex replied, "Acting like you are doing will not get you more, girl. Now off the table," she added, indicating the floor.
The cat meowed again and did not move.
"Syal, off the table," Alex repeated, "Now," she added with a bit more force.
The cat promptly went down on the floor and scurried out of the room.
"Good thing she does listen to you," Yannick said, looking a bit amused.
"She can be a bit of a pest sometimes," Alex said, "Especially if there are other persons eating with me."
"Maybe she's jealous," Yannick proposed.
Alex snorted at that. "I can think of a few reasons she would be," she said, "Not getting as much affection as before, for one. Then maybe not being able to sleep on my bed when I'm there."
"Both good reasons," Yannick said chuckling.
"But not reasons enough to make me decide to not be with you, love," Alex said, taking his hand.
"Thanks, I feel reassured now," Yannick answered, smiling and squeezing her hand affectionately.
Soon after that they were done with their dinner and Alex went to prepare some clothes while Yannick was taking care of the dishes. A little while after they were in the entrance of Alex's flat.
"Ready?" Yannick asked, taking her hand.
"Always," she responded, disapparating with him a moment after.
They reapparated in the apparating room on Silverleaf Manor. The fire was blazing like it always was in the Britannian winter. Yannick lead her by the hand and they were about to reach the door when it was opened by Gran, who smiled at their startled looks.
"About time!" she said, "I was starting to wonder if you two would ever show up."
Yannick chuckled, shaking his head. "Is there any way to surprise you Gran," he asked.
"I doubt it," she replied, "but I had help this time. Izabelle warned me that you two would be coming over. She told me it would be important," she added, becoming a bit more serious.
"It is," Yannick said, and he quickly recapped for her the events of the day.
"You did well to come here as soon as you could," Gran said when he had finished, "You want me to take a look at the liquid, right?"
"Yes," Yannick said, taking and oval vial from his pocket, "mum was able to detect a poison but she was not able to say which one it is. She knows it is an Elven one though," he added, handing it to Gran.
"The fact that it is an Elven inside a liquid one already reduces the possibilities," Gran said, "I will take a look at it and will let you know what I find as soon as I can, but I think right now the best is to go the living room."
"I thought we could do this tonight," Yannick said, sounding puzzled, "It is not that late."
"It is not," Gran replied, "But unless you want Laure to be very angry at you, I strongly suggest you go there to see her."
"Laure is here?" Alex asked.
"Yes she is, dear," Gran replied with a smile, "She came over to present her boyfriend to the family."
"Really?" Yannick said, "Who is it?"
"I am not spoiling Laure's surprise by telling you, Nick," Gran said, "go there to see for yourself. I'll come to join you as soon as I have safely stored this vial," she added, before to go up the stair that lead to her study.
"I did not know that Laure was seeing someone," Alex said to Yannick as soon as she was out of sight.
"Must be very recent or she has been extremely secretive about it," Yannick said, "Because her twin brothers are worse than schoolgirls when it comes to rumors, and they did not report anything."
"Well let's go and see," Alex said, taking the lead towards the manor's living room.
As soon as they entered the large room they were greeted by loud voices and laugh of most of the family that was assembled in the room. Alex knew most of them, although she had not seen some since five years. She spotted Laure at the center of the room, at the arm of a very handsome young man that looked familiar to Alex. He was half a head taller than Yannick's cousin but shared her hair color and had features you would expect of one that had gone through some training.
"I can't believe it!" she heard Yannick exclaim next to her, "Valerian!"
The young man turned and smiled brightly when he saw Yannick.
"Nick!" he said as he moved over to come and meet him, "Man it has been ages! How have you been my friend?" he added, taking his hand and pulling him in a friendly hug.
"Very well thanks," Yannick said, returning the hug, "I can't believe you are here. Last time we met was right after I graduated from Hogwarts," he added.
"A long time, indeed," Valerian agreed.
"So you are with Laure now?" Yannick asked.
"Yes he is," Laure said as she reached them and put her arm around Valerian's waist.
"How long has this been going on?" Yannick asked, "The twins did not tell me you were seeing someone."
"That is because they did not know about it until tonight," Laure said, "Valerian and I have been very secretive of our relationship and I personally did not want my annoying brothers to ruin my efforts," she added.
"I heard that!!" they heard both Mathieu and Sebastien say from two different areas of the room.
"Well I'm happy for you two," Yannick said.
"Thanks, Nick," Laure said, "But you should remember your manners and present Valerian to your own girlfriend. She looks a little lost," she added with a wink to Alex.
"Oh, right! Sorry about that," Yannick said, "Alex, I want you to meet Valerian Le Riou, a very good friend of mine. Valerian, this is,"
"Alexandra Dewitt," Valerian completed with a broad smile, "I've to admit, Nick. You have good tastes."
"You know her?!" Laure exclaimed, looking as surprised as Yannick and Alex.
"Yes I do," Valerian replied, "She's the top beater of the Wimbourne Wasp and she has the ability to send very dangerous bludgers your way if you have the quaffle in your hands," he added, extending his hand to her.
That last sentence made something click in Alex's mind and she recognized the young man.
"Now I know why you looked familiar!" she exclaimed, shaking his hand, "You are chaser in the Quiberon Quafflepunchers team! We played against you a year ago."
"And we are still looking for a rematch," Valerian said with a smile, "Your team beat us by a short margin. It was a very good game."
"I'll be sure to pass such compliment to our captain," Alex replied, smiling as well, "Your team gave us quite a hard time too."
"Glad to hear you say it," Valerian said, "and it is of course a pleasure to meet you in person finally."
"Pleasure is all mine," Alex replied.
"Your French is very good, by the way," Valerian said, "I can't detect any English accent in it, I'm impressed. What?!" he asked when he saw both Laure and Yannick starting to laugh.
"I think Laure is going to have to explain you a few things about the manor," Alex said, chuckling herself.
It took a few moments for Laure to collect herself but she then went on explaining to her boyfriend about the spell that was in place on Silverleaf Manor and part of its grounds.
"So this means that Alexandra here is," he started when she had finished.
"Hearing everything in English, yes," Yannick completed for him.
"And you hear me speaking French, from what you said earlier," Alex said, "Don't worry; I got the same shock than you when I found out about it."
"I can't believe you never told him about it, Nick," Laure said, "Valerian came to the manor a few times while we were in school."
"Hey! Not my fault if there were no foreigners around," Yannick said defensively, "Besides, you could have told him yourself."
"I guess I'll be discovering many things I did not know about this manor in the next days," Valerian said.
"I'm sure Laure will do herself a pleasure to show you around Valerian," Gran said as she came to joining them.
"I certainly hope so, Mrs. Silverleaf," Valerian said, smiling, "And if she does not, I'll have to rely on Nick for that."
"We'll see about that, mate," Yannick said.
"But that is for tomorrow," Gran said, "Let us enjoy the now and show Valerian a true Silverleaf atmosphere," she added, taking both Laure and Valerian by the arm and leading them to the rest of the family.
Alex smiled and looked at Yannick, who took her hand before to follow them.
--
I'll never again say that Aidan might be rusty,Yannick thought as he used his katana to parry a tricky attack from his ancestor.
They had been at it for over an hour now and he was starting to see one of the big advantages of being a ghost, one did not get tired. Yannick on the other hand was starting to feel a bit winded. He was used to long training sessions. Yves and Oromir had both been quite insistent that he train long in order to build his stamina. As Oromir put it, one rarely got breathers during a battle, and some of the epic ones could last for a day.
But sparring with Aidan was something different. For one he had been trained by Gran herself, and thus he knew tricks that Oromir did not, even though she had trained him too. Some secrets were kept to the Silverleafs only and had at times revealed themselves to be valuable assets in a fight.
Parrying yet another attack, this time coming from high, he started to go through which moves Aidan might not be familiar with, which he knew were few, given his ancestor's training and experience.
The sword of his ancestor had clear Elven influence in its design but was definitely a knight's sword. While it looked a bit heavy on the built, Aidan was using it with ease with one hand and the strength of his blow showed Yannick that he was perfectly at ease to use it this way. There was also the fact that the blade was a ghostly one, and thus probably did not have any weight at all.
Yannick made a quick move to the left and started attacking in quick succession, his blows hitting high or low. Aidan went back a bit at the attack but then did a feint which Yannick barely avoided being disarmed from. Having taken the advantage again, his ancestor attacked and Yannick used his defensive knowledge to be able to prevent being disarmed and defeated. Aidan saw his advantage and pushed it, forcing Yannick back. At one point, Yannick tripped on a root and fell backwards, his sword hand instinctively trying to cushion the fall. Aidan pressed on nonetheless and attacked.
Without thinking, Yannick used his left hand to take out his wakizashi and block the blow. The blades met and rang with a clear metallic sound, sparks flying at the force. Aidan looked a bit surprised at that and Yannick used this moment to get back on his feet and start attacking again.
The match continued but this time, Yannick felt more at ease. For some reason some of his tiredness had gone when he had started to use both blades. Aidan attacked with a feint but he found himself blocking it with ease and retaliating just as fast. The blades felt almost weightless and Yannick started to execute his moves without thinking much anymore, almost having the impression that the blades were leading him in the complex dance that his sparring match with Aidan had become.
Each strike on the blades left a clear ringing sound in his ears and sounded almost like music, like is a voice was chanting each time. He soon realized that there were three distinct sounds, two that were more pronounced than the third. He continued fighting more, this time paying attentions to the sounds and their probable meanings. And suddenly he heard them, first two Elven words Vakha and Seorsen, guardian and nature.
As soon as he made sense of the two words, his blades glowed slightly and he made a move he would have never dared try before because of its complexity. It took Aidan by surprise and he was able to envelope his ancestor's ghostly sword and send it flying in the air. It fell down a bit after, sticking into the ground and ringing slightly. Yannick listened to the fading ring and made out another Elven word, Vanya, fair.
Aidan was looking at him, looking clearly surprised by what had happened. Yannick looked at Alex and Loïc, who had been watching them from the side and he could tell that it had surprised them too. Alex was smiling and Loïc's mouth hung open a bit. The sound of clapping hands got him to turn and he saw Gran walking towards them, a serene smile on her face. He could not help to wonder how long she had been watching them.
"A very impressive display, Nick," Gran said when she came to him; "I'd say that you are mastering your new blades quite well."
"I should thank you for that Gran," Yannick said, "I have never felt such balance in blades before. Not even when I was training with Oromir."
"The blades you used until now were either Elven training ones or just plain Muggle," Gran said, "Your blades are Elven ones and they are special for one reason," she added, waving her hand and causing the two blades to come floating towards her, "they were forged for you. Part of your blood is in them and they are linked to you. How did you feel when you started using them both?"
"I was tired before, but then I felt more there, more alive," Yannick said, "I was doing moves without really thinking them. It was like the blades were telling me what to do. I was also hearing sounds each time they hit against one another. After a bit I understood them. They were Elven words, Vakha and Seorsen." as he said this, the two blades glowed slightly.
"Guardian and Nature," Gran said smiling, "fitting names for the blades of a tree shaper. I was pleasantly surprised to find out their name before they were given to you."
"You knew the blades' name?" Yannick asked.
"I know the name of all the blades I forge, Nick," Gran replied, "While the base of yours was Muggle made, I did forge them to Elven standards and designed their hilt guard according to their names. The black and white wolves for Vakha, and the leaves for Seorsen. The fact that you heard their names means that the blades have recognized you now, and they will guide you in your battles, until they feel that you are competent enough to not require their assistance all of the time," she made the blades float to Yannick again, who grabbed them with a kind of reverence.
"Amazing," he said as he examined the blades, before re-sheathing them in their scabbards, "I also heard another Elven word, more faint than the rest but still present. It came from Aidan's blade, Vanya."
Aidan smiled at that, "Fair is the name of my sword, and it makes sense that you hear it as well," he said.
"Why?" Yannick asked, "It is not my blade."
"But Aidan is your ancestor, Nick," Gran replied, "as am I. This means that you would be able to hear the name of our blades too, and would also be able to wield them in times of need as you are of our blood. Although I am sure you would not achieve the same level of bonding as you would have on your own blades."
"Amazing," Yannick said, "so the blades can be passed along the generations."
"They can, yes," Gran said, "And if it is the first blade of a person, they will be able to master it best."
Yannick was mesmerized by this bit of knowledge that Gran was giving him. But a question puzzled him.
"Why did Oromir not teach me about this?" he asked.
"Because you were still using training blades, for one," Gran replied, smiling kindly, "and also because it is best for one to find the name of one's blade naturally, without forcing the process. Then one is sure to achieve true bonding."
Yannick felt Alex joining them and listening attentively to the conversation. Loïc on the other hand had gone and Yannick supposed he had understood the conversation did not really concern him. He would find out about this knowledge when the time was right.
"I must warn you on something, Nick," Aidan said, snapping him out of his thoughts, "Yves told you to be wary of using your swords in revenge. To do so and kill can be severe to you link with the swords. In some case it could break it."
"But what if I have no other choice?" Yannick asked.
"There are exceptions, Nick," Gran said, "Or else we could have never had Elves fighting in battles. What Aidan meant was that to kill someone out of rage and anger will sever your link to the swords. Elven swords are made for good, not for evil. This is why it will guide you in your moves to defend yourself and defeat opponents."
"Gwenaelle speaks the truth Yannick," Aidan said, "Such thing almost happened to me once."
"Really?" Yannick asked.
"It was shortly after the end of my training," Aidan said, "I had received my blade a year before and was learning to master my Tree shaping powers in full. One day a rider came with a message for me. It was from England, from my mother. She informed me of the passing of my father, but also on the fact that my brother had been waylaid on his return of the crusades to assume my father's position in the English court. A French lord, Arnaud de la Crete was the mastermind behind it and wanted to hold him at ransom, his life for the Silverleaf lands. My mother refused and Arnaud sent her a basket containing my brother's head in it."
Alex gasped at that, her hand going to her mouth in an attempt to stifle it. Yannick was surprised as well.
"This was the middle age life, Alexandra," Aidan told her, "However, this news angered me greatly. Gorion had always been supportive of me and he was my little brother. I was so furious that I have very little recall of what happened then, until I faced Arnaud's castle. I managed to infiltrate the place and during the next night, cornered Arnaud in his room. He was a spineless man, not even fighting for his life but also not taking responsibility for his acts. I was close to cutting him down where he stood."
"But you did not," Yannick said.
"No. Gwenaelle stopped me," Aidan continued, looking at his beloved.
"Once I found out Aidan had gone from Brocéliande, I knew where he would go," Gran said, "I arrived in the place before him and watched him from afar to see what he would do. When he was about to strike a defenseless Arnaud down, I apparated in the room and caught his descending blade with my own."
"It took time but she was able to reason with me," Aidan said, "She showed me what could happen if I killed Arnaud, the fact that I could lose my link to my sword. But that is not what stopped me really."
"What did then?" Yannick asked.
"I told him that I had come to love a man that was much more than the one that was standing in front of me," Gran said with a little smile.
"So Arnaud lived?" Alex asked.
"Yes, but not for long," Aidan said, "After Gwenaelle knocked sense into me, we abducted him, apparating back to Brocéliande. There, we erased his memory of any magic he had seen and how he had arrived there. He was then brought to England for trial under tight escort. He was hanged there for his crimes against the English crown."
"But he was a French lord," Alex said, "English laws did not apply to him."
"But crusades law did," Aidan replied, "My brother was returning from the crusades in order to assume the place my father had left. He had safe passage from the church, granted by the Pope to all who partook in the journey."
"After Arnaud's hanging, Aidan's mother took care of the Silverleaf lands," Gran continued, "And this until Gorion's eldest son was old enough to rule in his place. Thus the Silverleaf line endured in the non magical world."
Yannick looked at his swords again. Their name rang softly through his head and he understood that he was linked to them in a permanent way. But while the blades would do his bidding for good, to use them for revenge or evil would severe that link almost for sure.
"Thank you for this knowledge Aidan," he said, looking at his ancestor, "I have been given two invaluable tools and I would be a fool to lose them due to reckless actions."
"Not that I think you will take, Yannick," Aidan said, "I have seen you act enough times to know you tend to use your head before your muscles. But it is better to know than to be ignorant of it."
"On the other hand, Yannick," Gran said, "I'd like to take a look at the liquid you brought yesterday."
"Of course, Gran," Yannick replied, sheathing his blades and turning to Alex, "You want to come?"
"As much as I love to learn about Elves and everything, I must admit that potion is not my favorite area," she answered, "However, I think I'll head outside for a walk in the forest. The weather seems nice enough for it."
"Sounds like a good idea," Yannick replied, "Just be on your guards out there. You can never be too careful. If anything goes wrong, just apparate straight back here," he added, kissing her softly.
"Sure," Alex answered, "Do you want that we meet somewhere when you are done?"
"It's ok, Alex," Yannick replied, "I'll find you easily enough."
Alex smiled at that and left from the training hall
Soon after, Yannick was with Gran in the brewing room of the manor. The House Elves had already prepared a cauldron with a fire under it and all the ingredients needed for a detection potion were laid on the table.
"The House Elves are more than ever their efficient selves," Yannick said.
"They strive to help," Gran said, "They love to do what gives them pleasure and to help, work around to make life easier and these tasks. Some people have misconceived this urge for stupidity, but I assure you, House Elves are everything but stupid."
"They helped me for my potions numerous times," a voice said in the room.
Yannick looked for its origin and saw Sir Daniel, looking at them from a painting in the room with very interested eyes.
"Hello Daniel," Gran said, "How are you today."
"As well as a painting can be, Gran," Sir Daniel replied, "preparing for a potion?"
"Yes," Gran replied, "Yannick brought a liquid yesterday night where he suspects a poison is in."
"I thought I recognized the ingredients for the detection potion," Sir Daniel said, "Well, do not let me keep you. But I will stay and observe, though. I always wondered how Gran always managed to achieve just the right hue at all times."
"Practice, my dear," Gran said chuckling, Yannick joining her, "a lot of practice."
Yannick was soon able to see what Sir Daniel meant. Gran started to expertly mix the ingredients that were there and while the potion would take him an hour to finish, she managed to complete it within half the time. After a bit of additional stirring, she doused the fire under the potion with an expert wave of her wand. She let the potion cool down a bit and then added a liquid to the mix, one that he was not familiar with.
"This will help me find out what Elven poison is in the liquid you brought," Gran said, "the detection potion is one of the rare ones the Elves gave to humans. It can detect any poison. However, it requires an additional ingredient for detection of Elven poisons. That ingredient was never given out."
"Why did mum not have that?" Yannick asked.
"Because it was never given to her," Gran replied, "I never thought she would need it. But having the ingredient is not enough, you need to have the right spell to reveal the poison as well. Let me show you."
She took out the vial where the chocolate was and dropped several drops in the potion. The reaction was similar than the one he had gotten in his own potion. Gran aimed her wand at the potion and then waved it, uttering a spell Yannick had never heard before.
"Elea i'dolen 'kshapsa," she said. (1)
The potion reacted and flashed several times with a range of colors, first blue, but then dark red. Yannick saw Gran's expression grow dark at the signs.
"The suspect died of a heart attack you say?" she asked him.
He nodded.
"Then, with this reaction it fits only one poison, mapien gurtha (2)," she replied, "the swift death poison."
"Never heard of that one," Yannick said.
"I am pretty certain you have not," Gran replied, "It has not been used for ages. It acts both slow and fast at the same time. Slow for the reaction time, fast for the killing of the victim."
"I'm not sure I follow," Yannick said.
"The swift death poison is not used anymore since a while because it has a main drawback, it does not disappear once it is in a liquid," Gran said, "however, the main reason it was used before was because of the fact that if ingested alone or with a cold liquid, it was inert. Take it with a hot liquid, for example the hot chocolate of your suspect, at it becomes active and will remain so until the liquid cools down. When the liquid is cold again it will be once more inert, until heated again. What main problems do you see with that?"
"That you need to remember where the poison has been put," Yannick said, "or have a healer check the liquids before use. Else you could wind up drinking the poison."
"Exactly," Gran said, "this is why it is not used anymore. Elves rarely used it before. That it comes in use now clearly points to one person, Andrelith."
"Are you sure?"
"No Elves would use this, Nick" Gran said, "There are more effective ways that now replace it. Andrelith would not know about them. He was cast out before they were discovered."
"So the suspect knew of something," Yannick said, "why else would Andrelith kill him?"
"Or the suspect was innocent," Gran said, "And he was eliminated before you and Sean could prove that."
"But how could Andrelith get into the Ministry?" Yannick asked, "He hates humans. I can hardly see him going into a building filled with them."
"Yes, that is true," Gran said, "But I think that while Andrelith hates humans, he will apparently use them for his own purpose. He showed this already."
"The Christmas attack?"
"Yes. He could never have apparated into the apparition room. There are specific wards that prevent that," Gran replied, "he used someone else to drop the perverted crest there. I did a scan of the room afterwards, and it had a human apparition signature. Not an Elven one."
"So he could have used someone else," Yannick said.
"Exactly," Gran replied, "And from all you have told me of the case and its developments, I could points out some obvious people."
"Me too," Yannick agreed, "Forrester and his clique."
"Yes," Gran agreed, "and this means also one thing too. The Ministry is compromised. The fact that Octavius supports Forrester despite his obvious incompetence is a clear indication of that. I would not be too surprised if Andrelith has them bought off."
"Not good news at all," Yannick said.
"Definitely not," Gran agreed, "It seems that I will have to use some of my connections to help you on this case. I had hoped it would not come to this but Andrelith is forcing my hand."
"What do you plan, Gran?"
"You shall know soon enough," Gran said, "I need to call a few persons and arrange a meeting with them. I'll let you know when it is arranged."
"Thanks a lot for your help, Gran," Yannick said, kissing her on the cheek, "Yours is the best I could ever hope for."
"You are my descendant, Nick," Gran replied, "That should be a reason enough for me to assist you in all ways. But I also think we can stop Andrelith for good this time and I will do all I can to help you on that goal."
"I understand," Yannick said, "Can I assist in any way right now?"
"Not really," Gran replied, "You should go to find Alexandra in the forest though. I'll be more at ease knowing she is with you than alone out there."
"I'll go to find her," Yannick replied, "But I am also sure that Altair is pacing her from a safe distance, just to be safe."
"Wise thinking, Nick," Gran said, "I'll see you a bit later," she added, before to go out to the room and take the stairs that lead to her private study.
--
Alex was walking in the forest near the Silverleaf manor. She had first followed the usual path she had taken with Yannick a few times and had reached the a small lake where they had spent a lot of time strolling around and talking earlier. It was a very nice spot and she had been amazed earlier to be able to see unicorns there. The animals had kept their distances at the time but they had been a sight nonetheless.
While at the lake she had met with Laure and Valerian. She had talked a bit with them but then left after she had understood the two of them wanted some time alone. After this she had explored a bit the forest, going places she had not been that much before but also making sure she was not too far from the manor. She knew very well why Yannick had asked her to be on her guards and she was not about to go too far away alone.
In any case, the weather was mild for a beginning of February and while there was still some snow here and there, hints that the winter was slowly losing ground to spring were starting to show. While exploring a bit she found a small path that went up small hill and followed it. She soon reached the top and stood there for a bit, admiring the peaceful landscape the forest gave, with the sun shining on the snow and ice that was still present.
It is then that she spotted a stone near a tree down the hill. It was clearly man-made and she decided to investigate. As neared t she saw that it was in fact a rune-stone, more specifically one put there to remember an event. It was in a softly pink colored stoned and shaped as a small obelisque. A receptacle was embeded on top of it and she could see the finely etched runes on one of the sides of the stone. She had taken the ancient runes option in Hogwarts and thus started to read them in order to see what they said. They were gaelic and after a bit, she was able to make out what it said.
Here lies Gwendall. Youwere taken from us too soon but we will always remember the joy you brought to us.
The words struk her with their full significance. She had come by Gwendall's grave. Yannick had never brought her here. She knew how much Gwendall had meant to him she had respected that, not bringing up the subject since the end of their sixth year at Hogwarts. From what she had learned about Gwendall from Yannick, but also from Laure, who had known her as well, she had been a very nice and bright young girl who was always interested in finding out about new things, a trait that Alex was sure would have landed her into Ravenclaw had she attended Hogwarts. She had seen two pictures of her in the manor, playing with the rest of the Silverleaf children of her time and she had no problems to see how Yannick had become very attached to her at the time.
Now she was in front of her grave and it reminded her of the foul being that was Andrelith, to be ready to kill and innocent girl to achieve his purpose of power, whatever good that would bring him. She was more than determined to support Yannick in his actions to stop the dark Elf. And perhaps in the same time she would be able to make him pay for her parent's death.
Revenge rarely brings one joy, a voice said in her mind, causing her to start. She looked around and saw Nimloki coming down the hill towards her. Had the wolf been following her?
Yes, she heard her answer. Does that bother you?
The clarity of the answer amazed Alex. "I must admit that I am not used at being followed by a wolf," she said as she sat down on a patch of dry ground.
Nimloki came to lie next to her, resting her head on her front paws. Alex absentmindedly started to pet her, scratching the wolf behind her ear and casing her to emit a satisfied whine.
"I take it you like that," Alex said, smiling.
Its... satisfying.
"I really wonder how I can hear you that clearly," Alex said, "You are obviously not a normal wolf."
True, she heard Nimloki answer, but you have always understood animals.
It was not a question, but a statement, and Alex knew she was right. Since she was little she had always managed to understand what an animal wanted, many times preventing a mistake that would have cost it its life. Her parents had seen her as a perfect veterinarian. But that was before she found out she was a witch. She had not really paid much attention to it thereafter. But somehow she was still surprised by the clarity of her conversation with Nimloki. It had not been like that the first time.
There has been changes, she heard Nimloki say.
"Are you reading my mind?" Alex asked, chuckling.
No need to read a mind when the question is asked that loud... Nimloki answered, looking at her with what looked like amusement.
"So what changed?" Alex asked.
The scrolls, she heard Nimloki's voice explain, they contain our story and are quite magical too. To see them again awakened a side of me that had been dormant for a very long time.
"So you are who Oromir and Mrs Silverleaf said you might be," Alexandra said.
Nimloki did not answer straight away and appeared to be thinking a bit.
I am the one that was known as Timmain, she finally said, although it is a name I have not used or answered to for very long.
"So you are her," Alex said, "Wow! This is amazing. But, if you are aware of who you are, you could become elf again, could you not?"
With help of a healer, yes.
"Why don't you?"
Why do you like this 'Quidditch' you play?
Alex was startled by the sudden question. "I guess I love it because I always wanted to fly and it also mixes with another sport I enjoy a lot," she answered.
And would you stop playing it?
"Never," Alex replied.
You have my answer, Nimloki said crypticaly.
"I am not sure I understand," Alex said.
I enjoy being a wolf as much as you enjoy playing Quidditch, Nimloki explained, You know one of the reasons I turned into a wolf?
"To be more able to hunt for the rest of the Elves," Alex said, "And thus help them survive."
That was one, yes, Nimloki answered, but there was another. I had lost the will to live on as an Elf.
Alex was shocked by that last sentence. She did not think it was possible for an Elf to not wish to live on.
I was always considered a explorer by my people, trying out new things, shaping my body in various ways, but always reverting to my original form, Nimloki continued, What is not widely known is that while our home world could not sustain more of us, it was also slowly dying, and it was only a matter of time before it became a dead planet, devoid of life. I chose to travel to a new world, along with others of my kind and my life mate Aerth. But the accident occurred and many of our people were killed by the primitive humans. Aerth was amongst them and his loss almost shattered me. The reason of the accident were beings, that I had insisted we take with us so they would not perish on our doomed world, rebelled against us and harmed the pilots of the ship.
Alex was looking at the white wolf as she told the story, having the clear feeling of being the first human ever hearing it.
I technically was responsible for the accident that almost wiped my people, Nimloki went on, After mourning Aerth I set onto finding a way to recover the magical abilities my people had lost. I managed and soon became able to shapeshift. I was not easy and extremely painful, but not as much as the pain that my heart felt from the guilt. Alathea told you about the rest.
"So because you felt guilty for what happened to the Elves you decided to remain a wolf?" Alex asked.
Partly, yes, Nimloki said, but actually it was that being a wolf gave me a new start in life. I found a new thrill in discovering it and have enjoyed it since. My Elven side went dormant after a while and I became wholly a wolf. Still, I felt drawn to Elves and I kept on passing by their various settlements over the years.
"But," Alex started.
You can think what you want to ask, Nimloki said, I'll hear it all the same.
Alright, it feels a bit weird though, Alex replied, so, if your Elven side was dormant all this time, how did it awaken?
Andrelith, Nimloki replied, I put myself in the way of a curse he sent to Yannick when he attacked the Silverleafs this winter. I had an innate ability to shield as an Elf, and this ability came back into play to counter the curse and send it back towards the Talant. This started my reawakening. The scrolls finished that.
Amazing, Alex said, But why me? How come you chose to reveal all this to me? I am just a human.
You are more than human, you have the magical gift, Nimloki replied, you are the first in a line of non-magical human, making your gift stronger than most and you have the gift to understand animals. You are also pure of heart and this is why I chose and accepted you.
I'm honored, Alex replied, what should I tell Yannick and Mrs. Silverleaf about you? She asked, realizing she had no idea.
My origin should not be a secret to them, Nimloki replied, Alathea is wise beyond her years and she will be sensible in regards with whom she shares this knowledge. As for Yannick, I would not have you keep secrets from the one you love, she added, looking at Alex with kind eyes.
"Thank you," Alex replied aloud, "Mrs. Silverleaf told me that you saved Yannick's life twice since he came back."
I did, yes, Nimloki replied, at first it was because he was Altair's companion and I was Altair's mate. He was always respectful of our bond and even told Altair that he did not need to follow him back, so he would not leave me. Altair would hear none of it and I was happy to follow them. After I started awakening, I realized the importance of protecting what the Silverleafs have in their safekeeping. My abilities have come back as high as they can in my wolf form and I have made the safety of this forest my charge. It is quite safe for all now, you know.
What do you mean? Alex asked.
I confronted Andrelith yesterday, Nimloki answered, he had been trying to kill some unicorns, animals that Alathea likes very much. I prevented him to do this and warned him that I had put the forest under my protection. I may be a wolf, but my power is greater than his and he knows it. Only "The Way" prevents me from taking offensive action against him. But I will be here to defend the Silverleafs and this forest should he try anything again.
Thank you for your assistance on this, Alex said, resting a hand on her. This is something I will definitely have to tell Yannick about.
You are welcome. This Talant is a filth and I will not let him harm others anymore, Nimloki said, and you might find that you will tell Yannick very soon, as he has been sneaking down the hill for the past minute.
How come I did not hear him? Alex asked, reverting to a silent conversation.
Elves excel in moving in silence, Nimloki said, and he has been trained by very good teachers. He also has Elven blood in him, making him more able than normal wizards. Do not worry though, I'll tell you when he is about to touch you, then you can surprise him.
A bit of a trickster, aren't you? Alex accused kindly.
Life would be very dull without a bit of fun, Nimloki replied, Now! She added shortly afterwards.
As she heard that Alex felt something brushing against her shoulder. She made a grab and caught Yannick's hand by surprise. Pulling him forward she used her shoulder to throw him above her and sent him down on the snowed ground, a very surprised expression painted on her face.
"How did you ever managed that?" he asked, "I am absolutely sure I did not make any noise."
"Secret my love," Alex replied, laughing lightly.
"And you think you can escape with an answer like that?" Yannick replied laughing, "Come here!" he added, lunging for her.
He caught her by the waist before she could get up and started to tickle her, causing her to shriek in laughter and tickle back. They rolled around on the ground laughing and fighting and only stopped when both were out of breath.
Children, Alex heard Nimloki falsely reproaching, causing her to have another fit of laughter.
"What's so funny?" Yannick asked.
"I just got reproached by Nimloki of acting like a child," Alex explained, smiling at the white wolf.
"She's taken quite a liking to you," Yannick said.
"I'm honnored of that," Alex said, "But there are things she revealed to me that I feel you should know," she added.
She spent the next half hour telling Yannick what Nimloki had told her about who she was, her story. Nimloki corrected her a few times but she saw that Yannick understood the importance of the news fully and he was already looking at Nimloki with an air of reverence. She then told her of Nimloki's confrontation with Andrelith. She immediately saw concern clouding Yannick's eyes, but saw it partly leaving when she told of the protection Nimloki had decided to grant them.
"I thank you for your assistance honnored one," Yannick said as he looked to Nimloki.
Tell him he is most welcome, Nimloki replied to Alex, But also tell him that I prefer he calls me by my wolf name. I was never fond of honnorific titles.
Alex smiled and relayed the message to Yannick, who had a little laugh. "I stand corrected," he said, bowing his head towards the wolf.
"I think we should head back to the manor," Alex said, "It is getting close to dinner time."
"Sure," Yannick said, standing and pulling her up at the same time, "But there is something I need to do first," he added.
Alex saw him take a few seeds from a small pocket in his cloack. He went toward's Gwendall rune of remebrance and knelt down. He seemed deep in thoughts for a minute and then his hand had a green glow and three red roses apeared in it. She smiled as she saw him gently depositing them next to the grave. He stood up and turned to face her and she was surprised to see worry on his face.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"I hope you wont be cross with me doing this," Yannick said.
It suddenly hit her that Yannick was afraid of her getting jealous of him flowering Gwendall's grave.
"Don't be ridiculous, Nick," she said, coming to him and embracing him, "I'll never be jealous of you taking time for that. She was your first love and I know how much you cared about her," she added, kissing him.
"Thank you," he whispered to her when they parted.
"You're welcome," she said. She took out her wand and waved it at the stone, causing a small fire to burn in the receptacle on top of it, causing Yannick to smile at that. "Now lets go home," she told him, taking his hand and going back towards the manor.
--
"A moment of your time, Nick?" Yannick heard Gran say as he was starting to go up the stairs to his room with Alex.
"Of course, Gran," he said, "I'll be up in a bit," he told Alex who continued up the stairs.
He went down to meet Gran who was waiting for him at the end of the stairs, smiling kindly.
"I first want to thank Alex and you for having told me about Nimloki and her encounter with Andrelith," Gran said, "It confirms my suspicions as to who she is and I am very glad to have her on our side in this."
"Me too," Yannick said.
"Now, the news of Andrelith is worrying but not unexpected," Gran continued, "I had expected him to try this dirty trick again and I am glad Nimloki prevented him. Andrelith is no fool, he has no hope in defeating Nimloki in a fair combat. She might be in a wolf form but she is still more powerful than he is."
"That's what she told Alex," Yannick confirmed.
"Now, I have contacted a few persons for assistance on the case," Gran said, "They will be coming tomorrow morning by floo. I want you to be there with me to greet them."
"Of course!" Yannick replied, "Should I ask Sean to be there too?"
"I have already told your father to do that," Gran said, "However, after the meeting, I will need you to go to Hogwarts to deliver a letter to Dumbledore and a packadge to Alwena."
"You think that," Yannick started.
"It could very well be, althought unlikely, that Andrelith might try to harm her, as he is effectively blocked here," Gran said, "This is what I explain to Albus in my letter. However, I have designed a new medalion for Alwena. It is the same as her old one but will be able to warn her if anyone is meaning her harm. Should that happen, you need to tell her that she is to head indoors imediately. The castle walls will protect her. There is also an elven dagger in the package. She should wear it at all times as well. I have explained that to Albus as well and I believe he will understand."
"I am most certain he will," Yannick replied, "Especially after my 6th year over there."
"Precisely," Gran agreed.
"Do you want that I tell Altair to patrol the forbidden forest there, just in case?" he asked.
"No, that would be overdoing it and his place is with you," Gran said.
"Alright," Yannick said, "I will depart for Hogwarts as soon as the meeting is done here."
"Thank you Nick," Gran replied, "I knew I could count on you. Now you should go to bed. Best not keep you lady waiting," she added with a little smile.
Yannick chuckled and kissed her on the cheek before to head up the stairs again.
--
(1) Elea i'dolen 'kshapsa - This means literally "Reveal poison"
(2) Mapien gurtha - "swift death", deadly poison that takes its time to act but kills the person instantly by creating a heart seizure.