Rennala could not remember the last time she had been so hopeful. Radahn was fully healed, his spirit had settled into his newly formed body wonderfully, and she'd already seen to him with her great rune. All that remained was to wake him. Oh, what joy! What sublime jubilation! She'd caught herself humming a cheerful old Carian tune more than once.
Ranni and Owain sat at Radahn's bedside, Rennala herself was leant against her massive son's ribs, having just finished braiding his hair. "He may yet prove violent upon awakening; Wain, Tanya. Prepare thyselves to restrain him until I canst calm him." She reminded the sentinel and knight.
"Aye, mother. As you say." They stood on either side of the overlarge bed, readying themselves. Tanya was silent as usual, but her eyes were bright in excitement. She hid her feelings towards Radahn almost as poorly as Ranni had with Owain. Rennala chuckled.
"With me, Ranni. With care, daughter." Both queen and princess delicately cast their magic, slowly lifting the prince's ensorcelled slumber.
Radahn awoke with a bellow loud enough to shatter the windows of the infirmary. His fist shot forth unto Owain's cheek with a sickening crunch, the sentinel rushing to hold still the arm even as blood spewed forth from his nose. Her son's other arm knocked poor Tanya clear through the outer wall. "Radahn!" Rennala called, raising once more, the calming spell. "Radahn! Thou'rt safe, sweeting! Thou'rt home!"
Her son's wild eyes, now again the dark blue of his youth, snapped to his mother's face. In one moment, all the boy's struggling ceased. "Mo-" He coughed harshly. "Mother?" Rennala could not help herself, she began to weep tears of joy. She could not form the words but instead nodded, wrapping her beloved child in an embrace even as Owain healed his shattered cheek and Ranni fussed over it. Tanya was limping through the shattered wall, smiling despite a concerning amount of blood dripping from her lips.
Rennala waved Owain towards the knight offhandedly. "Oh, mine sweet boy. My son most beautiful! Thou'rt returned to me!" She planted a kiss on his brow.
Radahn looked about the room in wonder. "I do not…where am I? Where is Leonard?" Rennala supposed it made sense he would be disoriented after all she'd put him through.
Ranni laughed, a short, barking thing only shared with her siblings. "Thou'rt home, brother." She took Rennala's hand with a smile.
Owain matched their grins. "Leonard's with Osgalath. Aldo's been taking special care of them both."
Radahn looked as if he'd seen a ghost. "Owain?" Her son's voice was a delicate whisper. "What dream is this?" Rennala brushed a thumb against his stumbled cheek. Her youngest son had always had such a soft heart.
"No dream, mine son. Thou'rt safe. Much has happened."
"Yes." He agreed softly, "Much has." His eyes were pained as he voiced his next question and it made Rennala frown. "What of Caelid, mother?"
She pat his hand sadly. "The rot…the rot has claimed it, my son."
Radahn's face tightened in resignation. Rennala wiped the silent tears tenderly from her child's cheek.
Owain cleared his throat, tone upbeat. "We have cleared most of your territory of threats, rot addled or not. Once we devise a way to combat it, Caelid will be verdant once more, brother."
Radahn turned to the sentinel, confused. "We?"
Owain smiled. "My sentinels; Ranni and I have been quite busy."
"Busy for a dead man, indeed." He laughed weakly. "How is it you are returned?"
Owain met Rennala's eyes and she nodded. The queen appreciated his considerate nature. "Mother is right, much has happened."
Rennala ushered her family out after a few minutes of low conversation. Radahn needed time to sort himself out, away from his excited family. She left Tanya to tend to him. The knight's quiet nature was ever a good match to Radahn's own. Oh, the queen could not stop smiling! To see her children together, even in somber conversation, was a gift she'd not expected to experience again. Now, she must see to Rykard!
Radahn found him sat at the edge of the balcony that crowned Ranni's tower. The lumbering warrior settled gingerly beside him, leaning back on his hands as they watched the sun set. They sat quietly for a few minutes before the warrior spoke. "Ranni was asking for you." After his brother had had some time to gather himself, Owain had let the Carians spend the day together without him. He was sure Ranni had updated Radahn on a great many things.
Owain huffed a short laugh. "I am sure she knows exactly where I am. I've need to mull things over." Ranni would worry at his melancholy, and he had no desire to distress her.
Radahn hummed his understanding. "Thou seekest to save the others?"
He nodded. "If I am able." He contemplated his hands, these clumsy weapons that had held most of the demi-gods as mere babes. "Including Rykard, four remain to tend to."
"Even Malenia?" Radahn's tone was more curious than accusatory.
"I am oath bound, brother. I love her as my own beside; I must relieve her of her great rune, I am sure it has…affected her." He sighed. How was he to articulate his feelings? The girl was precious to him, surely she must be ailing, surely she'd not meant to unleash the rot. He needed to protect his errant charge.
Radahn rubbed at his chin contemplatively. "Our battle has yet to returnest in full to my mind, but what fragments I have show her as behavin'…oddly."
Owain grimaced as his grip forced a small crack upon the stone ledge. "I should have-" He sighed, how often would he speak the same words? "I am sorry that I was not there to prevent the shattering."
"I see thy habit of shouldering all blame hast not abated in this second life." Radahn tilted his head back to regard the first shines of brightening stars.
Owain too, reclined on his hands, sighing tiredly. "If I had only been strong enough to see Godwyn through that night, been wise enough to see the machinations of the fingers before I was claimed by them. I could have stopped this all, brother."
"In a war as sprawling as the shattering, how couldst thou thinketh the onus only thine to hold? Perhaps I should hath sought peace, in place of power. Chosen cooperation in place of conquering. Alas, the shard addled my mind; all our minds...I had thought mineself beyond its influence. With its absence, I seeth it true, the terrible weight of it." Radahn laughed softly. "My own weakness prolonged what should have been a decisive conflict. Doth not the blame lieth upon my shoulders as well?"
Owain smiled softly. "Ah, but were it not for my failure, you would never have needed to make any such choices."
Radahn nodded slowly. "We could yet play this game all night, Wain. I'd almost forgotten thy stubbornness rivals my little sister's." The two men chuckled.
"What plans have you? There is still much to do in Caelid, and I need make my way to the capitol."
"My dreams of the elden throne are best left behind me, methinks. The vengeance that drove me no longer matters. Thou'rt returned, Ranni is returned; Morgott is now ally to Caria." His eyes drifted to the stables where Owain knew Osgalath and Leonard were being treated as kings among horses. "I will repose here awhile, my troops as well will make their way to Limgrave to be free of the rot for a time. I wish to cleanse my lands, give my soldiers the respite they require. I would honor their steadfast devotion to our home." Radahn fiddled absentmindedly with the end of his long braid. "Thank you, Wain."
Owain turned to him, surprised. "Always, Radahn. We must keep our family safe, little brother."
Radahn brought him into a crushing hug, which Owain returned with a muffled laugh. All the Carians were softer than they seemed.
If Queen Rennala's return to Caria had let hope spark in the hearts of her people, Radahn's lit that hope to a roaring blaze. The manor town sprawled all the way to the nearest of the lakes now, with further constructions being added as quickly as their newly hired head architect could approve them.
Lord Moongrum had trained a small army of new soldiers that bore the queen's crest during Owain's absence. It was greatly appreciated, as it lessened the burden on his already strained men. Lady Nepheli as well was amassing her own forces, that she might keep her lands safe without the need for so many of Owain's sentinels.
In the few weeks since Radahn had woken, Owain and Oswald had been thoroughly vetting every newly promoted sentinel. He could not allow a repeat of cursed Archibald. He'd bade Aldo keep close watch on those recruits he led in Caelid as well, and so far they'd yet to find any problematic appointments. Now that Caelid had been culled of any substantial threats, and all the lands south of the capitol were once more patrolled by his sentinels, Owain was faced with a discomforting truth. He would need to leave Caria.
Still, he dallied. There were several matters that yet weighed on his shoulders. Radahn's memory had yet to return in full, despite Ranni's attempts at aiding their recollection. Iji had yet to come home after imprisoning Blaidd. How would the Carians react to the news of Blaidd's imprisonment? He would allow the troll to explain himself, Owain did not much feel like taking on his wife's ire for something he did not order. Last and most foreboding of all, he did not yet wish to bring up the matter of taking Queen Rennala north with them. The woman had been happier than he'd seen her in many years with the return of her son. Rani too, was lighter hearted than she'd been since perhaps gaining her new body. Owain feared that this fragile joy would crumble should he put forth Lady Fortissax' command to him.
One morning, whilst Ranni leafed through books on her stolen chaise, Carian Knight Linde entered his office after a sharp knock. "Linde?" He asked curiously. She'd been abroad in Liurnia for a few weeks on some errand of Ranni's, he'd not known she'd returned. "Letters from Stormveil, my lord."
He took them gratefully, leafing through the senders as Linde reported other tidings to Ranni. Melina, Princess Nephelli, and Lady Lansseax, had all written him correspondence. His brow furthered ever deeper as he read through them all. Lady Nepheli gave only good tidings; she was finally free of Haight's nagging, her troops were training diligently, and she'd brokered true treaties with the 'misbegotten' and demi-humans of the southern peninsula. The warrior had offered them a goodly portion of the south-eastern territory to take as their own, keeping Castle Mourne as the southern point of defense it was meant to be.
The tarnished, Vargrum, as well as the finger maiden, Therolina, had sworn their service to his lady Melina rather abruptly after seeking her out at Stormveil. This was not especially comforting to Owain, as he'd not had much time to measure their mettle. Fortunately, the three would be journeying north to Caria. Melina wished to travel with him to the capitol. He would watch both tarnished and maiden very closely.
Lady Lansseax' letter left him rather confused. The dragon thanked Ranni for her aid, and would be joining them north as well. "Ranni." He asked. "Lady Lansseax sends her thanks, though for what, I do not know."
His princess' eyes regarded him cooly over the top of her book. "I suggested that Lord Vyke might yet be hidden in an evergaol. When I realized their enchantment blocked mine ability to track thee, I thought they might perhaps also blockest scent." She turned a page. "I've kept regular communication with Lady Lansseax, though Lady Fortissax has yet to speak with me directly." He nodded as she went back to her reading and Linde began tidying the many texts before her.
Owain rubbed at his beard. This letter to him must have been only to serve as notice that the dragon would be joining them. Perhaps she wished to ply Ranni's mind instead of searching the north for evergaols without direction? He was not given much time to ponder as there was yet another knock on his door. "Enter!" He called as all three within the room turned in unison to the door.
The great warrior jar who had aided him in his battle against Radahn entered silently as the sentinel at the door showed him in. The way he walked made Owain think he was still nursing his wounds, though it did not diminish his enthusiasm. "I greet you in joy, Highlord!"
Owain rose with a smile, rounding his desk to grasp the graveled forearm of the faceless warrior. "And I return it, noble jar. To what does Caria owe the pleasure of your visit?" Though they had spent short time in eachother's company, Owain found that he very much enjoyed the jar's personality.
"I wondered if I might beg your wisdom, good sentinel. Have you the time for a cracked jar such as I?"
Owain glanced down at the veritable mountain of paperwork on his desk before grinning at Alexander. "For you, I will make time."
Ranni blew him a distracted kiss as he and the jar went forth from his study, Linde remaining behind. Owain nodded to the many sentinels that patrolled the manor as they passed. He and Alexander shared some small talk until he had guided them to the nearest training ground, an old favorite of Lady Loretta's. "Tell me, Alexander." He said as he turned to face the jar. "How might I be of service?
The great jar pumped a fist in excitement. "I have had time to bolster myself since we faced Radahn, but I know it is not yet enough! That was a battle marvelously fought. You are well and truly a champion, friend." He sighed, lowering his hands. "I, on the other hand, am nothing but a crock. One hit was all it took to crack me, and for my insides to come spilling out. After that, I hid like a coward. And as such, I can hardly stand to face one such as you."
Owain regarded the creature silently. He had wondered where the jar had gotten off to, but to know Alexander had been carrying such misplaced guilt since last they met discomforted him. He lay a hand on the jar's stone shoulder. "That you were laid low against my lord brother is no shame, noble warrior. Radahn is one of the mightiest men to ever live. Even I was not his match."
The jar's voice was wavery with emotion, though he tried to hide it with a grand display of bravado. "Even still, lord. You were able to accomplish your goal! You faced the Starscourge stout and true! I would beg your training. Any elucidation would be most gratefully received." He bowed with a flourish.
A frown marred Owain's face. If it were not for Ranni, Radahn would have surely been his death. He'd not have glory unearned piled atop his name. "If you so wish to test yourself against my sentinels or myself, once you have recovered, I would be glad to see it. Though, heed me, Alexander. It was only through the cunning hands of my wife that I survived. When facing a demi-god, survival is all most should hope for. Lift your head, righteous one; you are lordly and brave. You will reach the strength you seek, should you continue on your path. Be not discouraged."
Though the great warrior jar did not have a face, Owain thought perhaps he was smiling. "I-" He paused. "Thank you, Owain. Your kind words have lit within me anew, the desire to become a champion! I have heard tell that you will make your way north soon, might I join you? I seek the fires of Mount Gelmir to harden my clay!"
This man always seemed to make Owain smile at his antics. "I would be most honored, my friend." The two spent the next while discussing battle tactics before Owain was called to lunch.
The family was having dinner when Linde entered to announce Iji's return. The queen smiled warmly. "Mine thanks, Linde. Couldst thou sendeth for he and Bliadd? I am sure they too, wouldst enjoy this repast." The expression that crossed Linde's face was best described as subtle panic.
"Iji is…alone, my lady. He will come hence soon to explain." The carian knight quickly saluted before fleeing the scene. Owain sighed into his soup, trying to ignore the piercing eyes of his princess.
The cheerful mood of the meal was thoroughly ruined, mother Rennala set her utensils down with a stony frown. Thankfully Iji made his entrance before Renalla could turn on Owain. "My queen." The troll said as he knelt, stance wobbling.
The foreboding weight of the queen's anger sat hulking just at the edges of Owain's senses. He felt the hair of his nape rise as she spoke. "Iji."
The troll rubbed his knobby hands together, he must have run out of his arthritic ointment on his journey. "Please, forgive my overcaution, my lady." Ranni and Radahn made cautious eyes over the laden table, Owain winced as Ranni's nails dug into his palm.
The queen rested her hands upon her lap. "Speak."
The kindly troll coughed weakly. "The Two Fingers gave Blaidd to Lady Ranni, as a faithful follower. Her very shadow, incapable of treachery. But if Lady Ranni, as an Empyrean, resists being an instrument of the Two Fingers, I hypothesize that shadow will go mad, transforming from a follower into a horrid curse. I placed him safely in an evergaol, so as to prevent tragedy now that the fates of the Carians are unbound."
"And thou thought to act without mine command? Bold and foolish, War Councilor." Owain looked morosely down at his now cold soup. Perhaps he should've simply told them at the onset.
"But such is his destiny, my lady. It pains me so, but he must be neutralized. For Lady Ranni's sake." The troll bowed his head, the small plates of his mirror helm clicking together faintly.
"This lady Ranni of yours possesses a mind of her own, Iji." Ranni finally relinquished his hand to begin gesturing emphatically. "Hadst thou simply spoken to me, I would hath toldeth thee not to worry. I have already completed the craftin' of an item that compels a friendly nature towards whosoever I deem."
He could not see his face, but Owain was sure Iji was as surprised as he himself was. He had an inkling he knew who the item was intended for. "Forgive me, lady Ranni. I meant no offense."
Rennala's eyes slid to the princess. "What is this device, daughter?"
Ranni waved a hand. "A tool for a different task, one that I shall maketh once more for mine brother to block full the awful fingers. Givest me a few weeks to prepare it and we shall go forth to bring Blaidd home."
The queen did not seem entirely satisfied with that answer, but Owain could feel the air begin to lighten. He and Radahn matched sighs of relief across a large bowl of bread. Rennala too, sighed, but more to release her anger than her tension. "Come sit, Iji. Eat." The troll did as he was bid.
Dinner was a rather tense affair that Owain escaped as swiftly as he could, leaving Ranni to converse with her brother. His wife found him some time later with an unamused glare. "Thou knewest."
"It was in his letter." He decided he should come clean with the other news of note as well. "As was the location of the weapon of Nokron you sought. Jerren keeps it safe."
She floated slowly to their bedside. Arista must have just brushed her hair, it shone quite lustrously. "It is very unlike thee to keep such a thing from me." He did not like the heavy look in her eyes.
Some small petulance crept into his tone. "I did not order Iji to abscond with Blaidd. I wished to let him explain himself first." Owain pulled her to him from the air, lifting their sheets to allow her entrance as she lifted her nose at him.
"Or to escape mine mother's ire." She sniffed.
He chuckled. "That too."
She rounded in his arms, to lay her chest against his own. "Sunbeam." She frowned.
He was being foolish. "I am sorry for hiding it from you, darling. I should not have."
"Thou'rt forgiven this time, brute." She finally allowed him to kiss her.
My thanks-" Something about the way she'd call him 'brute' stirred a memory; Owain lay his head back with a groan.
"It seems thou hast gotten thy wish, brother. Thy happiness is mine own, so mind thy scowl, brute. Else I might mistake thine joy for sorrow." Godwyn pushed a fist softly into Owain's cheek, the sentinel only eying him indulgently.
"Aye my lord, as you command, O' most golden of men." Owain said with mock solemnity as he batted aside his lord's teasing hand. He readied his stance, ever since Godwyn had taken up his father's wrestling hobby, Owain had not known a day of peace.
Godwyn rolled his eyes, feigning a charge. "Have you told mother? Thou knowest she can be a little…sensitive when it comes to thy long sojourns in Caria. How many times more must I tell her thou'rt learning glintstone magic? She stopped believing me centuries ago, thou knowest. It would be most helpful if thou couldst even cast a pebble , O' burnished one; most studious of men."
Owain shot out a grab with a laugh. "I can cast a pebble, rather well actually. Shall we skip stones later?" As Godwyn chuckled distractedly, Owain rocketed forth to try and secure a hold. "Oh, did you mean of the magical variety? Ranni reads enough books for both of us and a hundred men beside. I did not tell you to feed your queen mother such nonsense, I would never lie to my queen."
"You know she wilt not bring it up, that way she can feign ignorance in preventing the Carians from stealing thee away."
"I fear her answer, should I tell her plainly. I am a servant of gold before anything else; to choose between Ranni and my order would surely slay me." He stepped back to catch his breath.
Godwyn's eyes lost some of their cheerful shine. "Mother loves thee more than most, Wain. I fear she'll not part with thee until the very last."
Owain smiled softly, it was not a terrible fate; he would just need to bide his time. "I shall have to exercise patience then, not that you would understand the difficulty of such a thing."
Godwyn roared with laughter and he snapped a hand to Owain's elbow; oh not this throw again! "Do not be jealous that I had the good sense to marry my Fia as soon as possible, thick headed fool!" He called tauntingly as he swung Owain over his hip. As the two men shared breathless laughter, Owain contemplated the cloudless sky; alas, that these days could not last forever.
"-ain?" Her gentle thumbs wiped unnoticed tears from his cheeks. It was so cruel how these memories ambushed him so.
"It was a good moment, all the more painful for its dearness." He looked away.
"Oh, Wain." She whispered, fingertips delicate upon his brow.
He knew they still had much to discuss, but he simply had not the head for it. "Please, Starlight, let us face our duties in the morn." His throat was damnably tight and he saw her eyes soften.
"Aye, my shining lord. In the morn." A smile forced its way to his face as she nestled into his chest, must she always fling her hair about so wildly? Love and grief mingled in his heart as he welcomed sleep.
Of course, it was when he most desired rest that he dreamed of his queen.