Qilby slumped into the chair with a deep audible sigh, looking and feeling exhausted from seeing Yugo and his friends off as they left to retrieve his Dofus and his sister Shinonome within. How he longed to be with her once more... it had been too long. He sat for a moment to gather himself, his fingertips caressing his forehead and the bridge of his nose before he opened his eyes ever so slightly to look past his hand to the one keeping him company. Alys was tending to a tray on the other side of the room that was graciously given to him, filling a pitcher with water from a small fountain to offer Qilby something to drink while he rested from today's activities.

She hadn't changed… While many Eliatropes were known to him, it was easy for Qilby to pick her face from the crowd in his memories and remember her. She looked the same, she was around the same age the last time he caught a glimpse of her and the same caring being she was all those years ago. He pondered about her ever since he recognized her since his wakening. Things usually don't change, he knew that all too well, but he had expected to see her either younger or older, like Yugo. In fact, he didn't expect to see her at the boy's side. It was an occurrence that had such a small chance of happening, and yet it did. That she was almost exactly the same as last time he saw her troubled him, as if she had been frozen in time during his absence, but she didn't remember him in the slightest. Where had she been? How did she escape mortality, if she had? Still, that she lost her memories worked in his favor and so he didn't linger too much on the thought. To her he was her king and he would remain so for as long as he would see fit.

"Thank you, Alys," he smiled with a tired sounding breath after the female Eliatrope placed the tray on the round table next to him and filled up a goblet before holding it out for him to take. She smiled in return as he gratefully took the offered drink from her, before he beckoned for her to sit in the chair opposite of him. "As caring as you always were," he said with a little nod before taking a well deserved sip from the cool and fresh water," are you a teacher here as well?"

Alys looked up from stroking the folds of her dress away after sitting down and blinked befuddled, her face betraying her surprise the question brought along. "A teacher?... No, I am taught instead," she said, her held back intrigue and bafflement shimmering through. His words made her wonder, rightfully so. Was she a teacher once for him to ask her that? Of what? To who? What did she teach? So many questions rose in her head but she spoke none of them aloud, afraid she would strain the male Eliatrope. She remembered her own recovery all too well, knowing first hand that the smallest thing could exhaust someone. She was eager though, unable to not hang from Qilby's lips while feeling tempted by Joris' suggestion to ask Qilby as many question as possible when he would feel able to.

Qilby thoughtfully hummed while examining her with an inspecting look from over the top of his round glasses before he slowly nodded. A look of nostalgia came to his eyes as he rolled the decorative foot of the goblet between his fingers, slowly spinning it in his grasp to match the rising of unforgotten memories. "I remember it well," he said, sounding thoughtful and reminiscent while picking through his thoughts," the singing and laughter of the children echoing across the fields. You enjoyed being on the outskirts during your teachings, the trees and the sky acting as your classroom's roof while you taught young children about song, ethnicity, joy, the simple things in life. You balanced yourself out with Glip, one of my brothers who taught the physics of Wakfu to the children and young dragons. You were more free and less strict than him, wishing to grant the children a carefree childhood while growing into respectable beings." He took his eyes off the goblet to witness Alys' reaction, seeing her faintly smile while her eyes were cast down to her lap.

It sounded like her, but she couldn't tell if it was true or not. Nothing Qilby shared with her sparked a memory, but there was a feeling within her chest which made her believe that what Qilby told her held truth. She could imagine herself tending to children in such a manner; she had been gentle and caring towards both Yugo and Adamaï, feeling the need to watch over them even if it was from afar. With the coming of Chibi and Grougaloragran as newborn children, she and Alibert had their hands full but she didn't mind.

"Your brother however…" he murmured, his eyes somewhat narrowing as he was able to place a face to the one who shared a Dofus with Alys.

"My brother?"

Her sudden question surprised him; it was as if she was genuinely surprised to learn that she had a brother, the tone in her voice betraying her. Qilby cocked his head a little as it became apparent something did change about the female Eliatrope after all, an unexpected turn in events. The last time he saw her, she was with her brother. The two were inseparable, always were throughout their lives. If she didn't remember him, it clearly meant he wasn't around anymore. Qilby withheld on a pleased hum as the absence of the dragon was good news in its own way, although it was a pity another dragon may be lost.

"Yes, Baudouin…" it took a moment for Qilby to recall the dragon's name, "He was opposite of you in almost every way. Silent, stern, serious, stoic and overprotective, especially of you. It was difficult to get a chuckle out of him but he had a heart of gold… or so I was told," Qilby said before having another sip of water. "Wherever you went, he was close behind… and vice versa. You two were difficult to separate, but such is expected from the ones sharing a Dofus. His golden wings and umber scales were quite a sight to behold whenever he soared high to watch over our people. It is a shame you do not remember him..."

"It is," Alys quietly said, the smile she held gone as she felt remorseful for losing memories of someone who was apparently very close to her. How could one forget such…? She wasn't envious of the close relationship Yugo and Adamaï had. On the contrary, to see the brothers so close with one and another made her happy every single time, but to learn that she too had a brother like that... it made her heart ache. Through her ponders, a thought began to brew in the back of her head, pushing itself forward and demanding to be asked rather than ignored. "You... told us that there was a fight when Yugo sent you to safety," her eyes lingered on Qilby's sleeve that was void of an arm, a price Qilby paid during that battle that costed the Eliatropes far too much," and due to the fight, many orphans are within a different dimension... Were it truly only children that were sent to Emrub?" There was a hope that her brother may be with those children, hidden away somewhere safe and unable to reach her.

A silence fell in the room when the king of the Eliatropes looked with raised eyebrows to the one he didn't expect to find in Sadida, until he understood the reason behind her question. "Alas, Alys… I know what you are thinking, but I cannot give you a solid answer," Qilby said while setting the goblet aside with a grimace on his face," it should only be children... The chance others joined them is significantly small. The losses were extremely high, and to create a portal of such a large scale through several fabrics of time and space… it required the Wakfu of so many Eliatropes. I wish to say yes, but it may be untrue. However…" he pushed himself up to a standing with a soft grunt and began making his way over towards one of the windows, the sky dark with the first stars of the evening," we will find out soon enough, won't we?"

Alys remained seated, idly caressing the back of her hand as she thought about what Qilby said. The reason Yugo was on his way to the Crimson Claws island was to retrieve Qilby's Dofus, a power source that would aid with returning the lost Eliatrope children to this world. Something bothered her though… and she couldn't help but ask; something wasn't making sense. "If it required so much Wakfu to make that portal into another dimension for the children, why do you believe your Dofus would suffice?"

Qilby's face distorted in distaste at Alys' question while he stood with his back turned towards her. He did not mind her asking questions, it was pleasant to have a conversation again after all these years, but if she were to pry too much and too deep he would have to consider her a liability… He conjured up a smile as he rose a finger of his only hand and looked at her from the corner of his eyes with a small turn of his head, answering her," not just my Dofus, my dear Alys. What we lacked back then was the Eliacube. If it hadn't been lost to us then, we would have been able to save everyone; adults, dragons and children alike. Unfortunately we were not that fortunate… It will be different this time around. Together with the Eliacube, my Dofus will surely suffice in creating a portal to where the children are kept. Not to worry… As long as Yugo succeeds, we will soon be reunited with our people."

As long as Yugo succeeds… Such a large responsibility for a young boy. She would have gone with him if she wasn't still recovering, but it was requested by several people that she stayed in Sadida. Yugo wasn't alone on his quest at least; he had his friends and she therefore didn't need to worry... but she did so nonetheless. Patience was something she had plenty, but she couldn't help but be hopeful that Yugo would find Qilby's Dofus as soon as possible, all to begin a new era for the Eliatropes. After all the tragedy, they deserved a second chance. Even if her brother wasn't with the lost children, there were still all those younglings in need of a home and someone to look after them. If she once looked after them like a teacher, there was no reason to not do so again. She would gladly retake her position once more.

"You and I will become their shepherds," Qilby mused while he stroked his long goatee, as if he knew what was going through Alys' mind but it was a mere guess from his part, a simple coincidence which matched her thoughts," if I am not mistaken, we will be the eldest of the Eliatropes... They'll need our guidance to thrive. After years of being within a space where time does not exist, the children are bound to be confused and scared, if not lost." He tried to gain her sympathy, to hit those spots which would grant him her devotion. She was important to have by his side, no matter that she was mentally incomplete; she would still prove very useful. "You know… before I was sent away by Yugo, you and I got along fairly well. We had our own responsibilities and lives, of course, but we did spend some time together. It surely sufficed. I do hope that we will be able to rely on each other, like we did before." He sounded thoughtful; the lie he was spinning was convincing enough for someone suffering from amnesia. "What are they teaching you here?"

"About the Gods, the World of Twelve, the Protectors of the Months, the cultures, the nations and a little about the history of the Eliatropes… many things," Alys answered sincerely, somewhat distracted by the thought that she and the king were friends once upon a time. She didn't feel the connection when she tried to search within herself for a hint of recognition and neither was it there when she looked at him or thought about it. Was it muddled by time or did her amnesia strip certain feelings from her as well? She arched a brow when she heard Qilby quietly scoff in disapproval after she listed up the subjects and kept her mouth shut, uncertain if she said or did something wrong.

"The history of the Eliatropes...?" he asked with some offense in a serious tone," honestly, what do they know about us?" He took a deep breath through his nose, his shoulders lowering as he calmed himself before turning around to face Alys with his small but familiar smile," false rumors and fairy tales no doubt, though I cannot blame them for believing any of it. It has been a long time ago after all." He made his way over to her side with a slow stride before he laid his hand on her shoulder while asking as he stood next to her," who better to teach you about the Eliatropes than an Eliatrope? Don't listen to whatever anyone tells you about our people, Alys. Before you know it, your judgement will be clouded and you will carry on the sprouts of nonsense, making others believe they are true." His smile grew as he bent forth to lean himself closer to Alys and said hushed," if you so desire, I will tell you everything I know. Everything. All you need to do is ask."

Her eyes peered out from under the rim of her hood, not uttering a word as she gazed up to him. His hand felt heavy on her bare shoulder, but what he told her and offered weighed even heavier. She didn't like his accusations; Joris had been most helpful, even with how inconclusive the information about the Eliatrope people was. She never held it against him for not knowing everything and she trusted him enough to believe he wouldn't lie to her. Yet Qilby's words held truth… What was known about the Eliatropes could be false or misinterpreted and Qilby, wise as he was and came across, was the only reliable source of information about her people. She still felt uncertain about laying her full trust and belief in Qilby, her king and presumably old friend, but she also felt like she had no choice. Who else was there? "Thank you, Your Highness," she said quietly while averting her gaze from him, feeling Qilby squeeze her shoulder in approval before he slipped away from her.

"Please, call me Qilby. There is no need for such formalities during moments like these," he said as he walked to his sleeping quarters before he lingered to look towards the female Eliatrope," I will retire for the evening. I'll tell you more about the past tomorrow, if you wish for it. One way or another, it will be pleasant to catch up with you." He sounded a little monotone, like as if he was tired or distracted by other thoughts, but he apologetically smiled to her after excusing himself before receiving a faint smile in return.

Alys rose from the chair when she understood her presence was no longer required, curtseying to him from where she stood even though he told her she didn't need to be formal in his presence.

He nodded towards her after hearing her whisper good night before she took her leave from his chambers like a quiet shadow. She seemed in a hurry all of a sudden, but it didn't matter to Qilby. She was perfect to have around; he could mold her in any way he liked with her amnesia tormenting her. With Yugo gone, the only influence she had was her king, and she seemed willing to listen to anything he had to say, eager to learn about herself and the Eliatropes. Her presence could be in his advantage. He had to keep her close to make it all work.

Unaware of Qilby's true intentions, Alys silently closed the door behind her after she left the room and glanced to the two guards by the door before she turned away to find some solitude. She needed to think as it felt like her mind was overflowing.

While she and Qilby didn't talk for long, it was much to absorb. The newfound knowledge about her past made her happy but also worried. Nothing connected in her head, nothing made sense. Her mind was conjuring up images, but were they memories or just figments of her imagination fueled by Qilby's words? She didn't know what to believe anymore. She sighed at herself while clasping the sides of her face in her hands and tried to stay calm to set everything mentally in order. She felt like she was fleeing from the truth, like she did before with the Eliacube. She wanted to know about herself, desperately so, but to not be able to remember what was told… it made her feel empty.

The grass rustled underneath her feet as she moved with a hurried step through the gardens, the watchful gaze of the guards she passed following her till she was out of sight. She could have returned to her chambers but she didn't want the walls to close in on her while she was struggling with herself and her thoughts. She was certain someone would disapprove of her being outside at this hour, like Canar and Renate but she didn't wish to think about it. She came to a stop by the edge of the lake, panting softly after she kept going with a fast pace. The lake's surface was still, reflecting the night sky with its many stars like a perfectly smooth mirror. She gazed at the sight to let the view calm her while listening to the sounds of the forest.

She didn't expect it to be this difficult. She longed to remember her past, even if the memories were told to her rather than something she would rediscover on her own. Yet the new knowledge Qilby shared with her left a void in her chest and it felt like nothing could fill it until her own mind would find itself again. She felt more lost than she did before…

The Eliatrope slightly frowned when the feeling she wasn't alone anymore crept up on her like a shiver up the nape of her neck. She turned her gaze down to see what or whose presence quietly alerted her, picking up on the pale color of the fur mantle in the night's dark color palette before seeing the shine in his eyes from under the edge of the dark hood. Alys didn't even flinch when she saw Master Joris standing beside her, having somewhat grown used to his sudden appearances though it was still baffling how he managed to do it. He didn't say anything while he stood there with the heavy looking mallet slung over his shoulder, his eyes ahead to what laid beyond the other side of the lake.

He always managed to find her… Did the guards alert him about her leaving the Tree or did he find her by coincidence? That he had his weapon with him was somewhat concerning, but she was pleased not to be alone anymore. She faintly smiled as she appreciated his silence before she looked back across the still water of the lake, her arms slowly crossing over her stomach to hug herself.

The silence lingered for a while longer until the Eliatrope slightly parted her lips and said," it appears I have a brother." She closed her eyes for a moment to savor the feeling the revelation brought up within her before she looked at Joris to see his reaction, the darkness of the night not in her favor as all she could see was the faint shine in his shrouded eyes. "A real brother…" she corrected herself, the two young Eliatropes and their dragon siblings not true family when it came to blood ties, yet she considered them like little brothers all the same," Qilby told me about him. He could be out there somewhere, unaware that I am here." She wettened her lips when a scary thought crossed her mind before she said it aloud with obvious reluctance," or he… his Dofus could be out there, waiting for me to find it."

"What is his name?"

Alys' scared expression grew a little softer when recalling the name Qilby told her and repeated it softly as she smiled down to Joris," Baudouin… he is a dragon like Adamaï and Grougaloragran. I… I don't remember him, but something tells me it is true. I just wish I knew if he is still alive on this world or somewhere else..."

Joris searched his memories, needing to go deep in the little time he had but there was nothing with any ties to the name Alys shared with him. He was instantly assuming the worse for Alys' brother as it was the most probable outcome; he may not be around anymore. A dragon isn't so easily ignored and neither is a Dofus if someone found it. "If he is elsewhere," the master said while lowering his mallet to place it next to him on the grass," only you will be able to find him. From what I have gathered, the Eliatropes have a special bond with their dragon siblings. It will be your personal guide when you decide to go search for him or his Dofus, whenever that will be."

A search. Alys hadn't thought much about the future, always lingering in her empty past or the present. The thought that she would one day leave Sadida was frightening, one she hadn't mentally prepared herself for. If her brother isn't with the children in the other dimension, she would have to search for him, that much was true. But how…? What could a special bond do if she can't even remember it?

"Do you know anything about Dofus, Master Joris?" She hesitated halfway through the question, hearing Qilby's warning to not listen to anyone else about the Eliatropes echo through her mind , but she finished it. It was difficult not to ask Joris anything; he had been around longer than most of the people she came to know, possessing a wisdom which should be respected and taken into account, not doubted or ignored. Besides, the trust that formed between her and the master was something she held in far too high regard to simply discard.

"A thing or two," Joris answered, a light tone to his voice but he didn't go into deeper detail about what exactly he knew about the dragon eggs. She didn't dare to ask him to elaborate, still uncertain about whose side to choose when it came to listening," however, I know more about the Primordial Dofus than the Eliatrope Dofus. We spoke of the Primordial ones before, do you remember?"

Alys nodded, remembering when they had sat among piles of books to collect information on Ogrest's Chaos, the historical event which divided the nations and turned landmasses into large disconnected islands and continents. The Primordial Dofus played a major role during that large historical event and they were highly sought after for their values and power. The Eliatrope Dofus were less known and perhaps that was a good thing. If her brother's Dofus was out there somewhere, it should be safely hidden rather than go from purse to purse for the highest bidder. She kept hoping he was still alive though, safe with the lost Eliatrope children. She wanted to see him again and remember.

Goddess, she had taken so much of Joris' time… It was strange how he always made time to educate her, but what else was there for him to do in Sadida other than speak with the King about the Eliacube? With the coming of Qilby and his intention to bring the Eliatropes back to this world, Master Joris and the King Sheran Sharm had their hands full. He must have been occupied all day with it.

The female Eliatrope looked past Joris to the mallet while she thought about how he finally had some spare time from his duties at this late hour, eyeing the heavy looking weapon before asking with intrigue," are you expecting trouble, Master Joris?"

He blinked a couple of times as he looked at her in a questioning manner before he followed her gaze down to the large mallet his hand rested upon," a mere precaution, Lady Alys. The presence of the Eliacube within Sadida has woken up sleeping boowolves… and the news of a new king and a returning civilization made a few people feel on edge." He rather not speak of the ill intentions some may have as they were all guesses until evidence proved otherwise. There was no need to worry the female Eliatrope about such matters. She had other things to deal with. "His Majesty Sheran Sharm has finally decided to inform every king, queen and leader of the nations about the Eliacube, His Majesty Qilby and the Eliatropes. He is awaiting their replies while the King of Bonta left this matter in my hands."

"That is a large responsibility..."

"One I gladly take on me," the master nodded humbly, his hand remaining on the mallet though his posture was relaxed. There was no threat nearby to keep an eye out for. Sadida was as peaceful as it ever was. A storm was brewing however; things would not remain as peaceful as they were. He could sense it. There was something not right about this whole ordeal that had unfolded, but he had yet to discover what exactly was out of place. He would continue to keep an eye out, especially now that his stay in Sadida was extended for an unknown period of time.

The silence returned to the gardens, thoughts about the future of the Eliatrope people and the World of Twelve shared by the two admiring the lake's view while taking in the serenity of the night. Both had their worries about different or similar things, unspoken yet known to one and another. The upcoming days would be busy while all awaited the return of Yugo with Qilby's Dofus. Hopefully he would return soon...

To be continued