Author's Note:
Hi! We're out of Eredar, which means there's one major arc before the endgame arrives. Of course, I have a lot of OC stuff to add, so prepare for a different ending than you might expect. As always, I don't own this franchise.
-Tangent
With the fate of the world in the balance, it was amazing how small things like changes in the weather could give rise to larger concerns. It was colder than usual in Thais, due to chilling wind that had swept in from the northwest.
Not from the northwest. To say that would be misleading. Ishtar is the cause of this.
Ean exhaled slowly, watching his breath fog in the air. The cold front would be gone by morning, but the effects would remain. Some crops would perish, touched by the chilling winds. People would go hungry, and some would undoubtedly starve. So far, Uthar's healers had managed to prevent an epidemic, but too many refugees were sick and bedridden.
Unthinkingly, the elf turned slightly to the south, to where the mass of tents and people had taken up residence, a quarter-mile or so from the walls of the city. Uthar had estimated the group at 15,000, a full third of the citizens of Thais itself. As to where they had come from, it did not matter, only that they were here.
And yet, despite the sudden cold, poor conditions, and growing lack of food, the humans Ean had seen still held on to hope. Their return three day prior had lit a fire under many of them, and hundreds had flocked to see the so-called "saviors" of the rebellion. To the east, the combined armies of Candar, Seri, and Thais were drilling day and night, preparing for the conflicts that would arrive in the coming months.
It suddenly struck Ean that standing on a balcony and watching them from afar was a poor way to protect the people.
I should be helping. Delivering food, or medicine, or anything! Before he knew it, the elf had one foot on the metal railing, preparing to leap off the edge and fly to the refugee camp.
"I feel the same." A soft voice said from behind him, and Ean sighed again. Iya had emerged onto his balcony, a cloak of velvet accentuating her travel clothes. They had taken to sleeping in the same room, now that the privilege was available again. Thankfully, the staff of the castle knew better than to gossip about such things. "Do you think we should go anyways?"
"We?" He asked with a faint smile.
"I'm not going to let you go off and do it by yourself." His mate retorted. "You can carry me in your griffin form."
"We'd better not." Ean said finally, and the pair stepped back into their suite of rooms. "Nicholas said that the relief effort is making a big push today anyways. I think he conscripted most of the others."
"I'm impressed." Iya retrieved her staff, strapping it to her back. "He's really been stepping up. Gavin is waiting for us downstairs, by the way. Said he might have a solution to Nuha's problem."
"After you, then." The pair exited into the familiar hallways and went left, moving down a spiral staircase that would come out close to the main hall. As the elves passed, guards snapped to attention, and servants bowed hastily. Ean had tried to get them to stop, but to no avail.
"Ella told me that the group from Verashema is set to arrive tomorrow." Iya said softly. "They'll be a big help."
"Everyone's coming together, now that winter is approaching." Ean responded. "I can only hope it lasts."
Gavin was waiting for them in the main hall, wearing his usual black attire. A red cape with silver lining fell across his back, and his crimson hair was tied back. To his surprise, Ean saw that Ava was there too, face set in a determined scowl. As they approached, his elven ears picked up their words.
"Fine, fine. I won't test the scrolls without fully reading them first. Just because I caused plants to burst from your walls doesn't mean that- ow, ow!" Gavin hissed in pain as Ava seized his ear and twisted it, still glaring. "A little help, Ean?"
"Plants bursting from the walls?" Iya asked, eyebrows raised.
"This guy," Ava shook the warlock by the ear again. "Was testing scrolls in his room despite having no idea what they really did. I was trying to relax in the bath when a giant vine came through my wall!"
"To be fair, I did rectify my mistakes." Gavin offered, still wincing and edging away from Ava in fear. "And apologized. A lot."
"Hmph. At least you didn't try to peek, or that would have been my blade on your ear instead." The pirate grumbled.
"Tempting, but I think having both my ears outweighs my worldly desires." Ean saw Ava flush slightly, and he grinned.
When did these two start acting like this? Kind of reminds me of Rye and Emma.
"Anyways," the elf said, stressing the word lightly. "You found something, Gavin?"
"I think so. You remember that Uthar couldn't find anyone who could finish Nuha's book?" The elves nodded. After they had delivered the plans to the researchers, the crown prince had set every spare worker he had to studying the blueprints and constructing the machine. Even if someone had been available, virtually nobody alive had the knowledge to actually write the book themselves. "Well, one of the researchers mentioned that the castle library used to have a historian, but he retired ten or fifteen years ago. Said he lives over in one of the far quarters of the town."
"And you think he could do it?"
"I'm really not sure. I found the location, but it's probably best for you two to talk with him. You still have the book?" Iya nodded. She had taken to carrying it around with her in a pouch, for fear of it being lost or stolen. "We can go whenever. Does now work?" Ean exchanged a glance with his mate, and they smiled.
"Lead the way, Gavin."
The warlock led them out of the castle and into the southwestern part of the city, where the houses were a little more loosely spaced. It wasn't a rich district by any means, and Ean thought it seemed like a place where an old man would like to live out his retirement.
Huh... Wonder if I'll end up like that one day. I guess I'll be lucky if I do.
Another aspect that the elf was grateful for was the quiet, which was unusually prominent for the city. He and Iya and particular were recognized nearly everywhere they went, and although he did not fault people for wanting to see him, there was something to be said for anonymity.
"Here we are." Gavin gestured a small house on the corner of the street. A sign near the door read:
Abram's Residence
Ean knocked, and he heard faint shuffling on the other side of the painted wood.
"Oh, blast it! Where did I put- Come in, please!" Hesitantly, he pushed open the door to reveal one of the more interesting houses he had been in.
This kind of looks like the library in Eredar. A long hallway stretched down the length of the house, with several rooms branching off it. It had no doubt once been wide and spacious, but the majority of the area had been filled with stacks of books, scrolls, and wooden boxes.
"Hello?" Ean called, for he could still hear the sounds of someone rummaging and shuffling through the mess. "Do you need help?"
"Help?" There was a movement, and Iya yelped as a diminutive form sprang up from behind one of the piles. A very old, balding man appeared, wearing what appeared to be a large bathrobe, and frowning sternly. "Not unless you know where I placed my eight volume of Geological Strata Formations!"
"I'm afraid I don't know, but there's something we'd like to-"
"Sorry, I'm busy. Come back tomorrow." The wizened man turned around and began moving gingerly through the hallways.
"Uh..." Gavin said from behind the elves. "We'll let you deal with that, shall we? I was planning on heading back to the castle to help with deciphering the plans."
"I'm sure we'll work something out." Iya said cheerfully. "Have fun, you two." Ava scowled again, and began dragging Gavin back towards the main street. "Now, about that book..." The song mage flicked her wrist, and the Butterfly Orb appeared in her palm. The owner of the house turned around, his eyes wide.
"Young lady..." A split second later, he yelped as a book shot from one of the piles at random and stopped in front of him, hovering lightly in midair. He took it gingerly, and his eyes nearly popped out of his skull. "My book! How... What..."
"That's a new one." Ean remarked. "How's it work?"
"It actually summons a little fairy. It's invisible to most people, but it can still touch things. I asked it to find the book." Mr. Abram was still goggling at Iya as if he had never seen something so strange.
"But then... you would be Iya Tiki. The one recorded in prophecy."
"Indeed. It's good to meet you, Mr. Abram. This is Ean Okho, my mate and partner." The both shook hands with the ex-historian, and he gave them a crooked smile.
"I suppose that since you did find the book, I can help you. What is it that you require?" Iya held Nuha's books out to the man, and he took it with a frown. "I'm not sure that- Oh?" As they had over the previous weeks, Nuha's words began to appear on the blank pages.
"Is this the one who can finish my story?"
"We think so." Ean said out loud. "Mr. Abram, we-"
"Just Abram, young elf. There's no need for formality. But this book... what is it?" The elf quickly explained what had happened to Nuha, and the look on their host's face slowly melted into a visage of horror.
"Unbelievable... a daughter of the Goddess, bound inside a book?"
"It's why we came to you." Iya told him gently. "Our theory is that having the book filled in with her story would set Nuha free. Would you be willing to do it?"
"Me? I am but an old man. My hoard of knowledge is great, yes, but this?"
"There is nobody else, Abram." Nuha wrote. "I can give you some of the information, but it must be you who wields the ink and quill."
"Forgive me, Lady Nuha. It is not that I do not desire to help you, but I am unsure of my own strength. My body is feeble, and stretched almost to the breaking point. Even my wife has already passed..." Abram's voice cracked slightly, and he looked away in shame.
"I know these things, Abram. The choice must come from within. What would Michelle want you to do?"
"She would want to help you." The historian responded immediately. "I know it." There was a long silence, and Abram cast his gaze down to the book once more.
"I will do it." Iya reached out to touch his hand, and there was gentle pulse of magic that filled the whole room.
"It's not much, but the magic will cure your ails. Thank you, Abram."
"Don't waste your magic on me, Miss Tiki." The man responded grumpily, but he smiled all the same and took the book from her. "It will take at least a week, possibly more. I will send word to the castle when I have finished it. I suspect that you have other preparations to make, yes?"
"We do. I'll send some men along to guard the house, if that's okay." Ean said, shaking hands with their host again. "I don't know where we're going next, but stay safe, Abram."
His last view of the elderly man was of him shuffling back into the depths of the house, muttering frantically about materials and ink.
"I think he can do it." Iya said softly, and Ean smiled at her.
"Me too. And that will be the last of the five nymphs."
"Just Ishtar, then." She said in a near whisper, and he nodded.
"Back to the castle, then?"
"Actually, I was hoping we could... go somewhere?" Iya asked hesitantly, her cheeks beginning to turn red. "It's just that... we haven't had a lot of time together since we returned, and I-"
Ean laughed joyously and pulled his mate close to him, wrapping his arms around her gently.
She asks as though I would ever refuse her anything.
"I would be delighted to accompany you anywhere. Shall we call Beregond?"
"To be honest, I much prefer the castle's cooking to my own." Ean admitted from next to her, dangling his legs off the ledge they were resting on. Iya rolled her eyes at him, still chewing her own food.
"We'll have to bring recipes back home for the others to try. I wonder, could we grow different plants in the Vale?"
"No reason not to try. We'll have to ask Rye for tips on growing them when we have time." Iya's gaze turned westward, to where Thais was still barely visible. Beregond had flown them to a small mountain near Brightwood Forest, where they could enjoy a meal that the castle staff had prepare for them.
Ean demonstrated his usual aptitude for reading her mind as he prepared to bite into a pear.
"You worried about the refugees?" She nodded slowly.
"I'd like to go visit them later, see what the others are up to. More importantly, what do we do, while we wait for Abram to finish the book?"
"I was thinking about that too, until I remembered the bottle that Thrain gave us. I think that we should find this North Wind and capture him, before the weather gets any worse."
I had nearly forgotten, with everything else that was happening... Still, how would one trap the wind itself? She tucked those concerns away for the moment and smiled at her partner.
"I take it you know where to find this rogue wind?"
"Well, I was curious about the recent weather patterns, so I asked some of Uthar's scientists to display their courses on a map. From what I can tell, it's all coming from some forest to the west of Candar, right up against the Shaenlir Mountains."
"Hm." Iya mused, turning to look in that direction. "So you think the North Wind is there?"
"Yeah, but that doesn't answer the question of how to capture or even fight it. Besides, I think the others are busy with the refugee situation. I'd rather not go looking for a fight without all of us present."
"Agreed. But we'll do it soon." Iya shivered unconsciously, struck by another cool breeze. Without a word, Ean sidled closer and tucked an arm around her, pulling the elf to his side. Iya flushed, but did not pull away.
His body temperature is so high, but I rather like it. It must be because of the animal spirits. With a contented sigh, she leaned into Ean's warmth and stared out across the Land of Man.
She did not know how long it had been when she felt a tremor, a pulse of magic so vast that it permeated the air and land around her. It was like a heartbeat that thrummed only for a moment before fading away, leaving only residual echoes.
Iya's eyes snapped open, and she realized that Ean had leapt to his feet at the same time as her.
"I felt it too." Ean said in response to her silent question. "It came from the forest."
"Hostile, do you think?" Iya asked, reaching for her staff. "I didn't think so, but I could be wrong." A second pulse flicked past them, radiating outward from deep within the trees.
To easily penetrate such a dense layer of mass... I'm not sure I could do the same thing, even with song magic.
"Not hostile, no... But I think we should go look for it anyways."
"Agreed." Ean's form flickered, and the griffin named Cigne burst into being, flexing her wings through the body of the elf. The former healer was especially fond of Iya, and had developed the habit of speaking to her whenever she had the chance.
"A good day to fly, is it not?"
"Why do you think I brought him out here? Thanks for the idea, by the way." Iya sent the equivalent of a mental smile to the spirit, who returned the gesture.
"Hm. I am interested in seeing you two be happy, that is all. I was never married myself, so my wisdom in that area is limited. Still, it wouldn't take much for you to charm the socks off of this one."
"He is rather predictable, isn't he?"
Ean raised a furry eyebrow at her, and she gave him a winning smile.
"Do I even want to know how you two started communicating, or what you're talking about?"
"I wasn't planning on telling you anyways." The elf snorted, but allowed her to climb onto his back. With a swift stroke of its wings, the griffin shot into the air and soared toward Brightwood Forest.
By the time they landed, Iya could practically taste the magic permeating the air around them. To her eyes, everything seemed to be layered in a mire of it, but the energy was not harming the forest. If anything, the trees seemed to dance with joy, and animals scurried frantically past the two elves, moving towards the source.
"It's pulling us." Iya said, taking a step forward and to the left. "Ean, can you feel it?"
"I feel something, but... It doesn't seem to be pulling us so much as it is pulling you."
The pull had grown more insistent, and the elf thought she could hear a song in the distance, weaving through the trees. She cocked her head, listening intently, but the music was still too faint.
There was a popping sound, and something burst into existence next to her, emitting a c loud of pink smoke that dissipated quickly in the air. From it emerged a small figure, with fairy-like wings that kept it hovering in the air.
"Ceri!" Iya gasped, and the nymph gave her a soft smile.
"It is lovely to see you both again." Ean stepped forward, bowing to her as a gesture of respect.
"Do you know what has caused this surge of magic?" A slight frown crossed the ethereal creature's face, and she shook her head.
"I know not, but the presence reminds me of my sisters. I know that most of them are free now, and yet we have not reunited. It is not yet time. If you are willing, I would accompany you into the forest."
"We'd be delighted." Iya gestured with her staff. "I can guide us closer." And so the elves set off, accompanied by the nymph that flapped alongside them, gliding through the trees.
"How did you come here?" Ean asked after a minute or two. "I thought you could not leave your fountain."
"I once could go anywhere that love was blossoming." Ceri answered in a lilting voice. "Although my powers are still limited, I can still sense the great bonds of affection between mortals."
"So then..." Iya flushed and trailed off, causing the nymph to laugh.
"Yes, Iya. I used the love you two share as a focal point for my travel. It's quite a remarkable amount, if I may comment."
"Not you too." The elf groaned, but she let Ean give her a quick hug anyways. "We're getting close, now. Can you hear the singing?" The others shook their heads.
"I hear nothing." Her mate murmured.
"Whatever lies ahead is meant only for you, my dear." Ceri added. "Not even I could influence my mother's work." Iya stepped around a patch of flowers, which seemed to hum as the elf passed by. Ahead, she could see that the trees were thinning, and knew they were approaching some sort of clearing.
"You think the Oracle did this?" Ean asked curiously. "But why? I thought she could not intervene."
"I... am not sure. I think-" All of them fell silent as the trio stepped out from the trees and into dazzling light. Iya's eyes adjusted after a moment, and the elf's breath caught as she beheld the source of the magic.
She had been here months ago, searching for the nymph that now fluttered behind her.
There was a single pillar, and on it lay an orb of the most brilliant light I ever saw. I couldn't touch it before, but now...
Where there had once stood a single marble column, a gleaming white pavilion had emerged from thin air, shining in the afternoon light. Columns of pure quartz formed a ring around a central pillar, which was glowing so brightly that Iya could not look at it directly. As her gaze fell upon it, the once-distant melody burst into being, a chorus of thousands of voices, all crying out in soft tones. She could see the notes of the song, swirling in stanzas amidst the trees and sky.
Here and there, words could be picked out from the chorus, calling to voices were not any she could remember, but they felt familiar nonetheless.
"Iya Tiki."
"Ancestor."
"Descendant."
"Granddaughter."
"Daughter.
"Sister."
"Mate."
The elf looked up, and realized her feet were moving of their own accord, taking her closer to the miniature sun.
"Iya?" Ean asked from behind her, and she turned, still listening to the song. Her mate had not taken another step, nor had Ceri. "What are you seeing?"
They don't hear the song. I guess they can't see the light either.
"I was wrong." Ceri breathed. "This is my mother's work, but it is not recent. I do not know when she created this place, but it was long ago. Go forward, Iya. This is meant for you."
The song mage turned back to face the light, and it dazzled her.
If it was meant for me, then... She took a step, and then another, and then another until her body stood in front of the central pillar. Now that Iya was closer, she could see that the source of the light sat in the same ball she had seen before, still nestled on top of the pillar. The inscription at the base still read:
"For greedy hand I shall not fall. Karma keeps me safe from all." As she watched, the object floated gently down to rest in front of her, spinning and bobbing in the air.
"All this time, you were waiting for us." She whispered, hands trembling slightly. "Was it the Goddess statues that showed the way?" There was no answer, but the song seemed to skip a beat in response. "I guess you're right. Even after all this, I still want to believe in the Oracle. And if this is part of her plan, I'll do it." The elf laid her hand upon the sphere, and the magic took her.
It was cold, so cold that Iya could feel it stabbing through her skin like a thousand needles. The sleet and snow pounded against her, accompanied by the wind that threatened to steal her balance at any moment.
"Ean? Ceri?" But no answer came. Iya shivered violently, looking around for any type of shelter, but there was nothing except the blackness and ice. And then, from the darkness, a lone shape began to emerge, taking the shape of a familiar figure.
"Ceri, thank the Goddess." She stammered as the nymph emerged from the storm. Horror washed over Iya, and she fell to her knees. It wasn't Ceri. This nymph had icy blue eyes, and a pale complexion that made her seem more deadly than beautiful. Her dress was made of crystals, and her mouth was turned down in a sneer.
"Ishtar? The mage gasped, her vision growing blurry. "Why... Why?" The Snow Queen raised a hand, and the storm bore down upon her. Iya screamed, and Ishtar laughed mockingly.
"Enough." The storm, Ishtar, and the pain faded away. Fires roared up on either side of the elf, and Iya felt the frost on her body melt instantly, replaced with a warm, comforting feeling. After a moment, the void rearranged itself.
She was standing in a place she knew very well, and the knowledge of it pierced her worse than any cold.. She was at the edge of a cliff, staring down into an endless sky that stretched on forever.
"The Vale? I can't be back here." And yet, it was just as she remembered. Butterflies ambled lazily through the trees, and the nearby stream babbled as a soft as melody. Iya turned in a circle, drinking in the sights and sounds like she could never get enough of them.
"My apologies for what you experienced." The same voice rumbled through the meadow, and a brilliant golden light burst into existence. Iya sucked in a breath, her eyes narrowed. "I did not intend for you to see such things."
"Who are you?" At these words, the light changed to fire, with tongues of flame leaping out in every direction. They converged on each other, dozens of colors overlapping to form a shape that spread its wings and let out a jubilant cry. The massive bird standing in front of her was a rich gold color, with eyes of piercing blue. Its wings and tail were shot through with red, glowing dully in the sunlight.
"A very good question, dear elf. What do you think I am?" Iya's eyes widened. As far as she knew, there was only one mythical creature that matched what stood in front of her.
"You're a phoenix."
"Correct. I have no name, at least none that would mean anything to mortals. Call me whatever you wish. Still, it is wonderful to speak to you at last. My last visitor must have come at least five centuries ago." The elf's mind raced. She had so many questions, but the one that spilled out was:
"Am I really here?" The phoenix chuckled benevolently, ruffling its wings.
"No more than the spirits in your dear Ean's mind. Think of this as a small pocket outside of your own reality."
"So are we in Aveyond, then?" There was a hum of approval.
"Very good, young one. We are indeed in a place that approaches the realm of the Goddess, although it does not quite overlap. She is the one who set me here, when the mortal world was first being born."
"So you've been in this sphere for... I don't even know how long. How can you stand it?" A lone feather separated from the phoenix's wing and drifted downwards, lightly brushing her cheek. Its eyes were bright, like molten sapphires, and they regarded her with a warmth and compassion that was second only to Ean's gaze.
"It is not a concern for me. But you are missing the point, Iya. Why do you think I am here to begin with? Listen." The elf did, and she realized that she could hear the same song from earlier, drifting through the expanse of sky and earth. The notes wrapped around her, shielding her body, and Iya knew it was the melody that had driven away Ishtar's storm.
And then she knew, knew it so surely that it resonated through her bones.
"This is a song orb. And you are the melody that I hear." The phoenix cawed softly, nudging her with his beak of flame.
"You truly are a song mage, just as I was told. Well done."
"But how? None of the other schools of magic are anything like this. I don't hear the songs anywhere as loudly as yours."
"I cannot give a reason for my creation, only that I exist. Since I was set here, my purpose has been to wait for the one who could hear me. You are that elf, Iya Tiki. I am your own school of song magic, given form by the Goddess and your magical abilities." Iya stared at the majestic bird, who gazed back unflinchingly.
"My own... song?"
"Can you not tell? It is familiar, is it not?"
"It is, but I just... This is a lot."
"I suppose that this is not the first surprise you have received on your journey. Am I mistaken?" Iya laughed, feeling a surge of happiness. It felt as though she had met an old friend, one that she had not seen in years.
"You could say that. You know about our quest, then?"
"I do. Ishtar deserves to suffer no longer. I would offer my aid, provided you are willing?"
"You would help me? Even though we just met?" Iya asked softly, her eyes fixed on the phoenix. Dimly, she was aware that the light of the sphere in the grove was fading away, being sucked into an area inside of her own body. The elf could feel the energy entering the space where the other song orbs resided, and yet it remained separate.
"Perhaps we have met face to face. But I have known you, and you have known me, ever since your birth. Without a full spirit, you cannot control your own song. That is why I exist, separate from you."
"My spirit was torn apart. How could you help me with that?"
"Song magic is powerful, young one. I can act as a guide for the energy that comes from you." The phoenix seemed to give her an amused look. "Shall we?"
"I accept your terms." Iya replied with a dry smile. "Can you send me back to the real world?"
"I can. I am a part of you, after all." The elf stretched out a hand and stroked the bird's head. The feathers were soft, and cool, despite the flames that licked at her fingers.
"Thank you."
The melody swelled, the phoenix glowed like the sun, and the vision shattered.
Ean screwed up his eyes in pain as the light became brighter still. Next to him, Ceri was gazing at the fluctuating magic like she had never seen anything like it. Then, quite abruptly, the light died, and Iya was left standing next to a crumbling pillar. The rest of the structure was gone, and the forest was exactly as it had been before. His mate's back was turned, and he could not see her face. A sudden fear swept over him, and the elf bounded forward, covering the distance in a single leap.
"Iya? What hap-" Ean's voice was cut off as Iya seized him, pulling him into a rather abrupt kiss. A second later, she pulled away, smiling radiantly. "I... uh..."
"Thank you, Ean." He flushed, and Iya laughed softly. "I just thought I needed to say that. Did I startle you?"
"You aren't normally so forward, but... I suppose there could be worse things." He nodded towards the former resting place of the orb. "Do you want to tell me about it?"
"I will, but maybe we should wait for everyone to be here. Ceri, can I speak to you for a moment?"
"Of course, Iya." The nymph floated over, still looking confused by the events of the past hour. Ean caught the look Iya gave him and moved away, giving the pair some privacy. The elf took a seat on a nearby log and closed his eyes, letting the atmosphere of the forest wash over him. The raw magic that had been emitted from the sphere had drained him, leaving the elf feeling as though he had been standing in the sun for too long.
How did Iya endure that? I can't imagine that I could have gotten much closer to that miniature sun.
After a few minutes, Iya tapped him on the shoulder, and Ean opened his eyes. Ceri was gone, leaving the two elves standing in the middle of Brightwood Forest.
"She went back to the city?" Iya nodded.
"Apparently they've been having problems with unusual weather too. She's trying to protect the citizens, but you know that her power isn't exactly suited for that."
"We'll have to deal with that soon, then. When Nuha is freed." Iya swayed suddenly, and Ean seized her, guiding her gently onto the log. Her eyes were half-closed, but she smiled and laid a hand on Ean's arm.
"I'm fine." Her voice was sleepy. "Just... tired. Can I sleep for a little bit?"
"Of course. You've done enough for one day." His mate needed no further encouragement; her head lolled, and Iya fell into a deep slumber. Ean grinned slightly, reaching down and hoisting the elf into his arms. She was light, light enough that he would have no problems carrying her out of the forest.
So small, and yet, so strong. Incredible.
The journey back to Thais was uneventful. As Ean exited the forest, still holding a sleeping elf, Beregond swooped down to carry them the rest of the way. That was how he found himself sitting in a chair next to Iya's bed, watching her sleep peacefully. From time to time, Ean swore that he saw flickers of flame, dancing across her robes or hair, but they were gone before he could get a better look.
A knock at the door, and Ean twitched slightly.
I must have been deep in thought, if I didn't hear them approaching.
"Come in." He called softly, and Ella entered with quiet steps. The regent was wearing what he assumed to be a training outfit, complete with a sword belted at her side. Her eyes flickered over the sleeping elf in the bed, but Ella did not comment.
"You called for me?"
"I don't want this to get spread around any further than it must." Ean told her, and the princess nodded.
"I assumed as much. What happened?" He gave her a quick synopsis of the events in Brightwood Forest, as well as how Iya had come to be sleeping in the middle of the day. The princess merely sighed and sat down, rubbing her head.
"And I thought running a city was difficult. Will she be alright?"
"I think so. Magical overuse does not cause permanent afflictions, to the best of my knowledge." The elf changed the topic quickly, not wanting to reveal any secrets that he did not have to. "Have your scientists made progress on those plans from Eredar?"
"It goes steadily, if slowly." Ella murmured. "They have arranged for all of the materials they think will be needed, but construction may still take some time. Uthar would know more than I."
"Is he still out at the refugee camp with Nicholas and the others?"
"Indeed. I wanted to go, but one ruler is required here at all times, in case of any issues." Ella looked put out, but Ean grinned at her.
"He trusts you implicitly, Ella. Leaving his city in your hands is no small gesture."
"Hmph. I would have preferred for us to get married already, but I suppose we will have to wait for our parents to witness it." The words were harsh, but the smile on the princess's face told a different story. "I suppose you're in a similar boat?"
"I've been trying to make time for the two of us, but with everything else, it's just..."
"It's hard, I know." Ella nodded, giving him a sympathetic look. Between them, Iya stirred, and Ean saw the magic dancing over her skin once again.
"It's not just that, it's..." The elf hesitated, not wanting to sound stupid. "I worry that when this is all over, we're not going to be the same. Powerful forces are using our bodies as vessels. That can't be normal."
"No, I cannot say that it is." The older woman mused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Do you feel different?"
"Sometimes. There are days when I have to remind myself that I'm Ean Okho, not one of seven other lives that have played out countless times in my head. Even if they aren't mine, the memories are real, and it can get hard to tell the difference."
"Hm..." There was silence for a moment, while Ella stared down at the sleeping elf. "I'm not sure anybody in history has had powers like you, Ean. But if your personality is slipping away, find something to anchor it to. Find someone who can keep that part of you safe, no matter what."
"I already have." Ean admitted softly, and he felt the spirits chorus agreement in his mind. "They like her too." Footsteps sounded, and a guard knocked upon the door.
"Your Highness, Prince Uthar is returning to the castle now. He bade me give you his apologies for a late arrival."
"Thank you, Stephen. I'll get things ready." Ella rose, moving towards the door, and Ean stood with her.
"If you've got each other, I think you'll be okay." The woman smiled at the pair of elves, and he felt a wave of gratitude wash over him.
"Thank you, Ella. We'll try to join you for dinner."
"No need to rush. I'm sure Uthar is okay with dining later. Send me a message if you need anything else, Ean." The door opened, and the princess was gone. Ean returned to his seat by the bed, his eyes drifting around the room.
"I'll keep it together for a little while longer, so don't leave me yet." His rough hands closed around the softer ones, and Ean clung to her warmth like it was the only haven in the middle of a storm.
The world had shifted, a subtle yet sweeping overhaul that left her in a state of constant confusion. For not the first time during the evening meal, Iya found herself distracted by the way the light of the chandelier danced across the plates and goblets of the table. It felt that if she only reached out, she could seize that light and move it around.
Her hand twitched for a moment, but Ean's eyes flicked over all the same. His concern was quite adorable, if unnecessary, and Iya gave him a small smile as she covered his hand with her own. She had told him everything about the events in the forest after she awoke, and he had been paying extra attention to her ever since.
"You're still staring at the light, Iya."
"Am I? I suppose it's fascinating, now that I can see so much more than I could before."
"The sight will take some time to get accustomed to. Take care not to overexert yourself."
Ean nudged her, and she startled, her train of thought broken.
"You're spacing out again." She gave him an apologetic look as her eyes roamed, taking in the other occupants of the table. Uthar was telling a story that had Ella, Jack, and Rye listening intently, each of them leaving their mostly untouched. Emma and Ava were discussing something she couldn't hear, while Gavin was speaking quietly to Ean. Only Nicholas was absent, but she assumed he had stayed in the refugee camp.
" -Not anything wrong on a magical level." Gavin said quietly, and she made the connection that they were discussing her. "What exactly happened?"
"I'm fine, you two." Iya interjected, leaning forward to eye Gavin sharply. The warlock looked at her, his eyes probing the invisible space between them. "I'm just adjusting, is all." She took a measured bite of her food, noting with interest that her sense of taste remained unaffected.
"I can see that." Gavin told her, brows furrowed. "But you've clearly been in contact with powerful magic recently." There was a burst of laughter as Uthar finished his story, and Jack sprayed crumbs across the table as he nearly choked.
"Manners, Jack." Iya said with a smile, flicking a finger so that a small breeze whisked the crumbs into a pile. She had found that such actions had become far less taxing, since the phoenix could perform minor spells without any real concentration.
"So, do you want to talk about what happened today?" Ella asked her from across the large table. The words drew the attention of the rest of the party, who had mostly finished eating. "My scientists told me that the burst of magic from the forest nearly reached the outskirts of the city."
"I have to admit, I'm pretty curious too." Emma said, sitting up a little straighter. "Did you find something important?"
"I... I'm not sure yet." Iya hesitated, glancing at Ean for a moment. Her mate did not speak, but the look he gave her made his thought abruptly clear.
You don't have to share anything you don't want to.
"Do you remember that strange pillar we found in the forest?" The question was directed at Rye. "With the rhyme about karma?"
"Vaguely... is that where you went?" Iya nodded, and told them the events that had taken place about her perspective.
"You don't want to tell them about me?" The phoenix asked, noting that the elf had omitted that particular part of the story.
"I'd prefer to keep that quiet for now, in case this somehow gets back to Ishtar. I trust them, but there's guards and servants nearby as well. I'll tell them when we're alone."
"That is wise. I had thought you were ashamed of me, Iya." The elf felt a surge of affection towards the bird, and laughed mentally.
"Never."
When Iya had finished, there was silence for a few moments. The others seemed surprised, but not overly shocked.
"I suppose that this makes just as much sense as everything else." Ava said dryly, indicating the pair of elves with a hand. "A hidden song orb isn't the craziest thing I've heard out of you two."
"I suppose not." Ean grinned. "That's part of the experience you get, traveling with us."
"I was going to ask..." Iya directed her question towards Uthar. "I need to practice with this new magic. I'll do it outside the city, but if rumors start spreading, could you divert them from the truth? I'm sure Ishtar will learn about my new abilities eventually, but any advantage is a welcome one."
"That makes sense. I'll spread the word among the military about weapons testing, just in case. Ella, can you do the same with your men?"
"Of course."
"That's settled, then. I hate to end dinner on a serious note, but there is another matter we need to discuss, in private." Uthar suddenly looked solemn, and the other straightened up slightly. "Will you come with me?"
"Your study?" Ean asked, rising from his chair, and the prince nodded. "We'll meet you there." The members of the party rose and left the room, wrapping their cloaks around them. Even in the castle, the chilly evenings could make it uncomfortable to dress lightly. Ean and Iya, having more of an affinity for temperature changes, wore their usual outfits.
"What do you think it is?" Jack asked softly as they moved through the corridors. "Something bad?"
"The war is going to start soon." Ava said bluntly. "We're not going to have a lot of good news until it's over."
When the party arrived at Uthar's office, the two knights on duty ushered them inside, throwing sharp salutes in their direction. Emma in particular was treated with great respect, even though she was the same rank as the other knights.
Uthar and Ella arrived a few minutes later, accompanied by a rather disheveled Nicholas, who had evidently just returned to the city. The prince muttered some greetings to the rest of the party as Uthar spread a series of maps out across his large oaken desk.
"Now that we're all here, I'd like to apprise you of the situation regarding Shaenlir." His fingers traced a line that had been drawn, connecting the two warring cities. "As the city is sealed off, our current plan was to construct the weapon, use it to shatter the barrier, and move our forces into the city. We expect heavy resistance through the mountain, and will no doubt need your help to avoid casualties."
"We'll do whatever you need." Ean said at once. "How long to march from here to the mountains?"
"With the full army? A week, minimum. The other kingdoms have pledged aid, and their troops should arrive by the end of the month. By your information, we need to attack before winter comes. We'll confer with the other kingdoms once they arrive, but we intend to march within 6 weeks." The words settled over the room, and Iya saw each person contemplating the information. Now that the time had been set, the approaching conflict suddenly seemed much more real.
"We have no other choice." Ean said finally. "We'll be ready."
"Our true purpose is to get all of you into Ishtar's palace and confront her." Uthar continued. "The rest of us can be considered expendable, all things considered. But there is a more pressing concern."
"The weather?" Rye guessed, and the regent frowned.
"Aye. If this North Wind is really causing the acceleration of the seasons, we need to subdue it as quickly as possible."
"Agreed. We've already discussed that." Ean responded, eyes focused on the maps in front of him. "We're not sure where it could be hiding, except that it's north of Candar."
"My researchers have said much the same. I've got men scouting out there now, and they should be back before the week is out. Additionally, we've had strange rumors about a warlock or necromancer that's been summoning monsters to supplement the Shaenlir army." Gavin started, and the air around him crackled before he got his magic under control.
"Where did Ishtar find such a person? As far as I know, there are no other warlocks besides me outside of Bogwood."
"I'm not sure, but if it's true, we're in trouble." Uthar responded grimly. "Would you all be willing to look into these two matters for me? Ella and I are hard-pressed, especially with the soldiers arriving tomorrow."
"Of course we'll help." Ean said with a grin. "It's what we do." The other chorused assent, and Iya felt her magic thrum in unison with their energies.
"Evil wind spirits and necromancers?" Jack asked, smiling slightly. "Nothing we can't handle."
"I can't thank you enough." Uthar heaved a relieved sigh. "The soldiers believe in you all, just as much as we do. Now, I still have meetings before I can retire for the night, so I must go. Ella, are you attending?"
"I think I will, after all." As they filed out, Iya saw Ella give Ean a subtle wink. He nodded to the pair of royals, closing the wooden door behind him with a thunk.
I wonder what they talked about.
"What's the plan, Ean?" Rye asked as they entered the main hall of the castle, which was now deserted save for the guards. "For dealing with those two threats, I mean."
"I'm not sure just yet. Nicholas, how are the refugees?" He heard the man heave a sigh, his limp hair moving wearily.
"I think everyone has food and water for now, and medicine for all the severe cases. Thanks, everyone." The last two words were added in a quiet undertone, and Ava laughed softly.
"It must mean a lot if you're willing to bend that stiff neck of yours." The prince scoffed, but said nothing more. After a moment, he took a separate turn to his quarters and vanished from sight. The rest of the party followed suit, heading off to see to whatever personal tasks they had remaining after a day of hard work.
"Tired?" Iya started as Ean's voice seemed to whisper into her ear.
"Mentally? Not quite yet." He followed Iya into their shared room, where a fire had been lit in the cobbled alcove. A fresh vase of flowers had been set out on a nearby desk, and Iya smiled at the gesture.
"Nice to live a place with hired help. You can bathe first, by the way." Ean let out a noise of assent as he peeled his shirt off. She was more or less used to seeing him in such a state, but annoyingly, a blush still made its way up the elf's cheeks. The door to the bath swung closed, and Iya was left sitting on the edge of the bed, gazing out the window.
She awoke some time later, gazing up at the ceiling. Ean was next to her in bed, breathing rhythmically, and she smiled faintly at the sound.
Find someone to be the anchor, hm? The elf's fingers stretched out, wrapping lightly around Ean's, and Iya fell asleep once more.
Morning came, and with it, a sense of rejuvenation she had not felt in weeks. It was as though she had been wearing a blindfold the entire time, and was only now allowed to take it off. As she gazed around the room, Iya's eyes traced the flow of energy that connected everything, even Ean and her own body.
"I think I'm starting to understand. Am I seeing the energy of heat?"
"Ah, very good. Yes, the lines you see indicates the paths that heat has and will travel. You see the lines from the fireplace, how they are strong?"
"I see it. Can I touch them?"
"Not directly, but with magic? You will learn to do so before long. I would not advise rushing in this matter."
Iya nodded mentally and severed the connection, letting the lines of thermal energy fade from her vision. Ean stirred slightly, and his green eyes flicked over to meet hers.
"You're up early. Feeling better?"
"I feel energized, more than anything." Quickly, she explained what her resident phoenix had said about energy. Ean looked rather intrigued, and he glanced around the room as though he could see the glowing lines too.
"That's a useful ability. Does it tire you out?"
"Actually, no. I wonder if it actually requires energy to cast such a spell. I'll have to experiment with that later. When is the envoy from Verashema supposed to arrive again?"
"They said sometime in the morning, but you know how traveling is. They could be delayed. You think we should fly out to the coast and check?"
Uthar and Ella approved of such an idea, and so the elves set off at once. As they flew towards the horizon, the sun emerged fully into the sky, casting a dazzling light across the ground below. Out of curiosity, Iya let the phoenix song flow once more, and was immediately blinded by the millions of lines that moved from the sun to the earth. She switched it off hastily, grinning widely as she told Ean of her discovery.
"So, the energy from the sun is connected to everything? I suppose that makes sense. Could you control it in some way?" The elf shook her head.
"I don't think so. There's so much energy that it's impossible for even a dozen magicians to hold it all. I rather think that it's infinite."
"There's so much we don't know, living in the Vale." Ean mused. "Maybe we can change that when we return." They were approaching the ocean now, and Iya's eyes caught sight of a small fleet of ships, sailing up the coast from the south. The boats were uniquely shaped, being like a semicircle, and there were multiple sails on the edges of the craft.
"That must be them." Ean nodded, his eyes flickering back and forth.
"I can see elves on the boat. Looks like they'll be landing here soon enough." Beregond swooped into a dive, and within moments, was depositing the pair safely on the beach. She heard cries of alarm as the elves spotted the dragon flying away, and Ean grinned.
"I'll never get tired of that reaction."
It took a few more minutes for the boats to dock, as their unique shapes could not fit alongside the dock Uthar had built. Instead, they attached rope bridges from the ships so the crews could disembark. Iya watched as a familiar shape was the first to step onto land, and it immediately began running towards them, waving excitedly.
"My friends, it has been too long!" The elf's blonde hair ripple in the breeze as she seized Ean's hand enthusiastically, pumping it up and down. He did the same to Iya a moment later, still smiling widely. "I heard some fantastic rumors about your adventure. You'll have to tell me what's been happening!"
"It's great to see you, Elkian." Iya smiled at the other elves that were filing up behind their leader, looking apprehensive. "Thank you for coming here." The taller elf nodded solemnly, gesturing to his troops behind him. By Iya's estimated, there was around a hundred of the soldiers, and another hundred elves that were helping to sail the ships.
"There are not many of us, but the rangers of Verashema answered your call. It is the least we could do, after you freed Serendipity." Several other elves chorused assent, and others gave Ean and Iya informal salutes.
"I feel better about our chances already." Ean said calmly, nodding towards the elven knights. "Prince Uthar has sent us to welcome you to the mainland, and to guide you back to the city. Do you need us to help carry your supplies?"
"We travel lightly." Elkian said, waving away his concern. "But we have brought commodities that are rare on the mainland. I'm sure Thais will be delighted to receive them. My men can guard the ships until the prince's soldiers arrive. Shall we set off?"
"That depends." Ean said with a slight smile. "Do you want to walk, or fly?"
"Fly? I'm afraid I-" The elf stopped, and his eyes widened comically as Beregond swooped down and landed in front of them with a thud. The dragon eyed the newcomers and snorted amusedly. Iya noted that one of the elves had seized her bow, but placed it back over her shoulder a moment later. Elkian laughed, a joyous sound that rang out over the beach.
"I had thought that the surprises were done, but you've amazed me yet again!" He stepped closer, and Beregond let the elf touch his nose, eyeing him calmly. "I am honored to meet you, magnificent creature. May I ride upon your back?" Beregond's eyes rolled over to Iya, and Iya felt a faint sense of approval.
"He said yes." She informed Elkian, whose smile grew even wider.
"I'm not worthy of such an honor, but I thank you." The leader called his lieutenant forwards and issued some instructions, before leaping up into the large saddle on Beregond's back. Ean and Iya boarded as well, and the dragon took off with a series of powerful, beating strokes.
"Are you ready to meet the other members of the alliance?" Ean asked, and Elkian nodded determinedly.
"I have no doubt that we will triumph over the Snow Queen." Iya couldn't help but feel uplifted by his confidence, but a voice in her heart whispered that it would not be enough.
I know it won't be enough. That's why it's up to me. The others give me help, but I know in my heart that when the final battle comes, it will be between me and Ishtar alone.
Ean seemed to sense her train of thought and squeezed her hand discreetly. Iya gave him a grateful smile and turned to watch the fading ocean, her mind still tracing the lines of energy in the sky.
We're almost ready. Just a little more time.