Chapter 65

Sedaris
Fifteen Years Earlier

The library was ornate, dressed ceiling to floor with marble statuary, stained glass and more paintings than the entirety of their solar system combined. And while Vala Mal Doran was one of the last people you would believe would be caught dead in a library, it was a particularly hot summer day and this was one of the few places in their village that was not scorching from the warmth. The An Tal's were one of the wealthiest families on the planet. They owned properties that spanned across most of the solar system and were the primary employers of nearly their entire village. The library, a 'gift' the families gift to the village in honor of their son Rayden's sixteenth birthday while spectacular to some to Vala came across as nothing more than flaunting their opulence and abundant wealth upon them. She had come to visit her father and stepmother Adria for the summer. And while she protested violently at having to spend any time with her father and 'that women' as she so often called her, her mother insisted that she come, if for no other reason, than to see her sister.

Vala never thought of Aja as her sister, despite having grown up with one another. She was haughty and arrogant, much like Adria. A spoiled rich girl who used to getting what she wanted when she wanted it. Having grown up the simple daughter of a merchant and midwife, Vala never cared much for worldly desires and felt more comfortable away from the constant reminders of a wealth and snobbery. She felt out-of-place when she visited the village. As if all anyone had to do was look at her, knowing that she was a place where she did not belong. Walking up and down the tall dusty shelves filled with half crumbling tomes, knocking them off and to the floor with a childlike glee, Vala stopped in her tracks when she noticed someone walk into the library. It was Netan, the An Tal family ward. The son of the An Tal's former governess, Netan was given all the benefits that the family gave to their own son, with the possibly of the respect that came along with it. Having been made to feel that he owed a great debt to the An Tal's for the opportunities that were given him. Netan became to earn that respect at all costs.

He was such a fool. But that, she surmised, was due in part to his youth. Vala knew all too well that you couldn't earn the respect of people like this. You were a child born wanting and no matter what life you made for yourself, that would never change. Vala hid behind the bookshelf watching the young man as he set himself up on a small isolated study area near the door. Placing large tomes that he had carried in with him besides a large writing notebook that he used to log his findings he sat with a small sigh and began to bury himself into his work. Vala couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous he looked. Despite being a bit of a bookworm Netan was a particularly attractive man. He would make a good husband if he weren't so dedicated and married to his work. Taking one last look at Netan she slowly turned the corner to leave, only to find herself face to face with her sister.

"What do you think you're doing?" Aja asked looking at Vala incredulously.

"Trying to escape from the god awful heat. I mean, have you been outside? The weather is inappropriate to say the least."

Vala flashed an innocent smile that Aja didn't buy for a minute, "Mother has looked around half the village for you. You do know we have that party tonight"

"How could I forget," Vala bemused pointing to a flyer on a nearby wall. "Its Rayden An Tal's eighteenth birthday. They have signs posted every four feet."

Aja grabbed her sister by the wrist and gently dragged her to towards the exit, "And as one of the prominent families of this village our attendance is expected."

"Your attendance is requested, but nowhere does it say that mine is."

"Vala," Aja sighed as she pulled Vala out the door of the library and onto a large marble patio. "The An Tal's know you are here. If you do not show up it will be a terrible insult to them, not to mention the damage to our families reputation such a slight would cause."

"I don't care about what these people think of me."

"Well I care!" Aja yelled slapping Vala across the face. "This may not be your home but its mine. Whatever damage you cause is still here when you leave. I know you hate me and you know what, now, the feeling is pretty mutual."

"I never asked for a sister!"

Vala immediately regretted her words and the sharpness of her tone. The hurt across Aja's face was palpable.

"I never asked for you to like me or to be my sister but as long as you are here you will respect me and my family. You will make an appearance at tonight's event and after that I don't care if I ever see you again!"

Vala watched as Aja stormed off. They said nothing to one another for the rest of the night. Vala would attend the An Tal's gathering, but Aja had kept her distance. The next day she begged her father to send her back home and she returned to spend the rest of the summer with her mother. It would be years before she would see Aja again. Years before they were able to create a real bond. And although they would eventually create a strong bond, Vala never forgave herself for that night. And for the harsh words that had been traded.

oooooo

Vala awoke to find herself in the transport, her vision hazy and slightly unfocused. She had been dreaming and yet it seemed so real. As things became more clear, Vala looked up to see Baz, Terik's son, looking down at her with great concern. It was only then she noticed she was lying on the floor.

"What happened?"

"You were dreaming but you would not wake," Baz said as she helped Vala to the nearby seat. "We became concerned and laid you down in the hopes you would awaken. What were you dreaming of?"

"My sister. Which was strange because the last thought I had been of Daniel."

Baz looked at Vala with strange caution.

"I'm fine Baz. I swear to you I am."

Baz nodded wearily before smiling, "Well, if you're sure then I am happy to tell you that we will be touching down at the rim within the hour."

"How long til we reach Ver Vallis?" Vala asked eagerly.

"Not long. Within a day or two at most. You'll be home soon Vala."

Vala smiled sweetly and looked at the transport window. The rim was within her sight and Daniel within her reach.

Unbeknownst to Vala or anyone else on that ship, there was another passenger with them. Across from Vala, sat Aja, an incredulous and determined look on her face.

"Not if I can help it."

Aja snapped her fingers. A quick flash filled the transport. When the light vanished, Baz turned and much to his shock, Vala was gone.

oooooo

Authors Note: I felt that I need to flesh a few things out before I moved forward with the plot. I apologize for pulling the last update chapters without notice and for the length of my last update.