Caeli had never been to Flumen although many of the merchants in the village would take a trip there once every couple of years and bring back items of luxury and intrigue, along with stories. Stories of humans and magic folk co-existing, of merchants that sold silk in every color of the rainbow, of dancing troupes of all backgrounds and species, of heroes passing through on their way to another adventure.
The journey was dangerous, some villagers never returned. Many villagers would disappear into the forest. Now she understood why these trips were made sparingly.
Caeli and her companions soon made it to the city gates. Hungry and exhausted their first goal was to find food and somewhere to rest for the night. Thankfully Caeli had saved her own money while living with her relatives and had brought it with her hidden in one of the many pockets of her cloak. Hopefully it was enough.
As they entered the gates of the city, Caeli couldn't believe her eyes. All around her she saw elves, dwarves, beast men, fairies, spirits, humans. All here. All living together, having conversations with each other, bartering for goods, even some children of different species playing games with each other in the streets.
The city lay in the portion of lands of Ausia considered more desert than plains. The wood they had traveled through to get there being the last line of abundant life before the dry clay lands took over.
Despite the cities barren lands on the outside, the inside was well taken care of and foliage had been encouraged to grow here. Large trunked trees with small leaves were strategically placed throughout the city providing dappled shade to citizens, low rising bushes with dark leaves bordered most homes and businesses.
Homes varied greatly, as if various creatures across the world had come here and brought with them their cultures architectural expertise. Some homes made of simple wood and stone like her own home had been, others made entirely of dried clay and tile. She found one home built inside of one of the trees lining the street, its fence barely rising to her waist.
It was so different here. Although it was comforting to see magical folk and humans living side-by-side as was the way back in the day, Caeli couldn't help but feel trapped. She had always loved the open fields of the village or the endless boundaries of the forest. The city was not a place for her. There was no where to run that she wouldn't have to clear a path. There was no where to go without structures looming overhead, beautiful in their construction, but lacking the energetic life force she could sense in the trees.
"Let us rest and move on", said the gelding. He was as uncomfortable as she having grown as a colt in the village with large fields to forage.
Caeli gave a curt nod in agreeance and focused her attention on finding somewhere to stay for the night.
Aurum, lightly wrapped around her neck, was stone still.
"Aurum? Are you alright?", she asked.
"Yes miss, just not trying to draw anymore attention to ourselves than we already have."
With his comment Caeli realized they had indeed drawn the attention of many of the people in the streets. A woman riding a proud gelding draped in a golden snake, although not outlandish, she was quite the spectacle. Her long hair was loosely braided and fell to her lower back, her eyes sparkled from the wonderment the city made her feel. Cheeks flushed, covered in leaves and dirt, one sleeve of her blouse torn away, her hand wrapped and wounded, many wondered who she was and why she was in the state she was in.
"Let's be quick and move on as soon as we can. I don't want any trouble.", she said darkly. Although Caeli had always thought herself ordinary, she knew the trouble that her strangeness could attract. How many times had old men and outsiders found her attractive and made rude advances? How many times had she had to endure the blatant staring of those too ignorant or to naïve to know that she was an outcast even among her own people. A few times she had even gotten marriage proposals before the stranger even gave her an opportunity to speak. Often that is where the desire would end. She would read them like a book, and unfiltered, would lay out their deepest desires and their intentions in front of them.
Which of course made her a witch.
Then of course the admirers would curse her or silently leave and never bother her again.
She had never minded but she wanted to get what she needed from the city and not cause any problems or draw any attention. She pulled her cloaks hood over her head and lowered her face slightly.
"Too late.", whispered Aurum.
She looked down at him in confusion. Suddenly the gelding reared back and cried out, thrusting his feet into the air.
She braced herself and reigned him in hushing him and trying to comfort the gelding while also trying to evaluate what caused the horse to startle.
A man in lavish clothing and riding a pure white mare blocked their path. A sense of awe on his face.
The man quickly composed himself. "Madam, I apologize sincerely, my mare seems enraptured by your gelding. She must not realize the state of his manhood.", he snickered.
The man had white hair down to his horses saddle but his face was of someone her age. With bright blue eyes and high cheek bones, he might have been mistaken for a women if not for the thick eye brows and the square jawline. His long hair smoothed away from his face, she noticed his ears were long and pointed. He was an elf.
"I would appreciate if you removed yourself and your mare from my path as I have business to attend to.", she said curtly. Furrowing her brow she attempted to re-direct the gelding around the man.
He prompted his mare forward to continue blocking their path.
"Miss, I am terribly sorry if I have offended you. You seem new to the city and a little out of place I thought I would offer my assistance as the head councilor of Flumen. It is my duty of course.", he said, bowing slightly on his horse with his hand over his heart. He smiled at her as though he knew a secret. She didn't like it.
Caeli glanced around and realized crowds were gathering around the pair and observing their interaction. Trouble.
"You could direct me to the closest inn that offers food and a place to board my horse.", she said through practically clenched teeth. Interacting with others had always been difficult for her, let along someone this handsome and irksome.
"Right this way my lady.", he said softly with another slight bow at the waist.
She reluctantly followed the man until he brought her to the front of a large building with a green roof and that had been built with logs. The sign in front, hanging over the road read "The White Hart". The building was old but well kept and she got wafts of fresh baked bread and cooked meat drifting from the entrance that was opened to the street.
"This inn has been here since the dawn of time. For as long as I have lived in this city, this inn has been here. They make the best beef stew in the whole city. I think you'll find it to your liking.", he said, happily.
She nodded without looking at him.
"Thank you my lord, it is much appreciated as our journey has been long. I bid you good day then.", she said sliding down the side of the gelding and removing her satchel from his rump to throw over her shoulder.
"Now is that any way to treat someone who helps you? The head councilor of a large city no less?", he pouted dramatically placing a hand over his heart as though physically wounded.
"How could I repay you? I do not have much money and nothing to eat. I have no skills to offer nor knowledge that you yourself, I am sure, are not able to provide yourself."
He raised a large eyebrow at her with a broad smile on his face and she suddenly flushed realizing the blunder she had spoken herself into.
"You could invite me to dine with you? Tell me who you are?", he said, having the audacity to bat his eyes at her. Was this man unaware of his positively outrageous and shameless behavior?
Caeli stood silently staring at him. She was surprised at his forwardness but sure that he would give it up once he had the opportunity to truly talk to her. He made her wary though as he was more difficult to read than the villagers and travelers had been.
"I suppose that would only be polite. My lord will you join me?", she said staring, looking him directly in the eye as she had avoided doing until this moment. Perhaps she could make him uncomfortable.
She was pleased to find him with a look of shock on his face. Mouth slightly open, eyebrows slightly raised, it looked as though he was holding his breath.
"Why, yes I believe I will join you. After you my dear.", he said as he dismounted and held out his arm in the direction of the doors.
Unsuccessful.
As they approached the doors a young boy moved forward to take hold of the geldings reins and the horse reared back whinnying loudly.
"My horse stays where he is. He will not wonder nor will he cause problems but he stays.", Caeli said. Should they need to leave in a hurry she needs him near by. She also realized suddenly that the horses presence brought her comfort.
"I will be here Caeli, ready when you are.", said the gelding darkly. They would eat, they would rest, and then move one. She threw the boy a small coin. "Could you please bring food and water for him though? It has been a long journey.", she smiled softly at the boy who was still shocked by the horses reaction. The boy silently nodded while staring at the horse and led the mare away.
Caeli entered the building and looked around. It was larger inside than it seemed from the outside. The ceilings were high with brightly lit chandeliers made of deer antlers. A bar ran along one wall and opposite of that was a cheerfully crackling fire place.
She took a seat at the back of the room and the elf followed. He sat across from her.
"My name is Callon, what is yours my dear?", he smiled broadly and leaned back in his chair.
Caeli stared at him as the inn owner approached their table.
"My Lord Callon, how wonderful to see you today!", a large cheerful man with a thick mustache practically shouted. He bowed deeply beside the councilor and glanced at her. "What can I get for you today? We have a new ale made for this hot season? Our world renowned stew? Or do you fancy something sweet?"
Callon seemed slightly distracted as he continued to look at Caeli.
Without turning to look at the man he said,"Two summer ales and two orders of the stew Gerard. That will be all, thank you."
The large man beamed a smile at them, bowed deeply once more and turned on his heel towards the bar.
"Where were we?", Callon smiled.
"My name is Caeli.", she said quietly without looking at him. She continued to quickly scan the crowd, she noticed most of the people in the room were glancing in their direction or blatantly staring. "My lord your presence seems to be making a disturbance for many of these people, are you sure you would like to dine with me?", she said flatly.
"Oh my dear it is not I who is making the commotion. I travel the city often, come here at least once a week. It is you everyone is curious about.", he said chuckling.
"And why would anyone be curious about me? This is a large city, travelers come through often. There is nothing strange about that.", she said uncertain. She hoped that was correct. In all reality she wasn't sure. She had hardly left the village.
"Of course travelers come here often, even heroes and rich merchants. None look as you do though. "
"And what is that suppose to mean my lord?", she said becoming angry. He must have a love of speaking in riddles. She was not pleased.
"Caeli, I can tell you likely are from a small village but you really must know how intriguing you are. Just the sight of you alone.", he said, sounding genuinely shocked.
She slowly shook her head.
"All sorts of creatures live and frequent this place, humans, house spirits, elves," he said putting an emphasis on elves, "but you are.... different."
Caeli snickered sarcastically. Different? Yes, but mostly, well, ordinary.
"I think you are mistaken. I find your attempts to be flirtatious quite comedic."
"As an elf I am able to sense magic inside of creatures. I see no magic in you but I feel it. I have never seen anything like it. You must tell me who you are.", he said intensely.
Caeli's mouth almost fell open. Magic? She was a human. She had even been told by her companions that she possessed no magic.
Although, she had accidentally named Aurum.
"Councilor I am genuine when I say that I am no one. I have never been anyone and will continue to be, no one."
"How fascinating.", he said, seemingly serious.
"My lord your antics are not funny. I apologize for my rudeness but your series of ridiculous comments are not entertaining to me. If you really must know, I grew up in a tiny village south of here. I am an orphan and am old enough to be a grandmother. I possess no incredible wealth, strength, or knowledge."
"Surely in your village even they noticed how different you are?"
Caeli sat quietly trying to conceal her shock. Often times she read people, never had anyone read her.
"I am very old my dear although it probably doesn't seem like it. Spend 300 years roaming the earth, fighting wars, and building cities and you will see a lot. Even so, you are different. Not to mention beautiful.
Now she was floored. She truly looked at Callon now. He certainly would be considered handsome. Close to six and a half feet tall he had broad shoulders and a lithe build. Although 300 years old he had only slight lines near the corners of his eyes. With large dimples when he smiled and perfect teeth he could have passed for an angel in the village.
If he hadn't been an elf.
A man of this status, of this beauty called her beautiful and she wasn't sure what to do.
She rolled her shoulders back.
"Now you are being mean my lord.", she retorted, clenching her jaw.
"All the better you don't realize it, otherwise I might have to compete for your attention.", he smiled looking at a strand of his own hair he had just lifted to examine closely.
A busty woman came quickly to their table, smiling widely. She carried a tray with her, laden with bowls of stew, fresh baked bread, jam and honey, ale and fruit. She slid the tray onto the table and turned her back to Caeli giving her a strange look before turning to the councilor.
"My lord! What an absolute pleasure it is to see you today, oh it is! I brought yer meal along with my homemade jam, it is simply to die for, you must try it.", the woman practically leaned in for a kiss as she jabbered in a high pitch tone with pure delight. As the woman had leaned forward to get closer to the councilor her rear end had, unfortunately, been placed perfectly in front of Caeli and seemed to get closer. Caeli began to lean back and looked quickly away. Perhaps while the elf was distracted this would be the perfect opportunity to slip away, she could find food and rest somewhere else, surely.
As Caeli began to slowly stand Callon quickly moved his gaze from the swooning woman and locked them onto her. His look was almost... pleading?
"Yes, thank you Marnie, of course I will have some. Could you please excuse us for a moment as I am in the middle of a business transaction.", he smiled sweetly, holding out his hand to indicate that he sat across from someone.
The woman named Marnie whirled around to look at Caeli. She almost acted as though she had forgotten anyone else was at the table. The stout waitress raised an eyebrow at her.
"A business transaction eh? My lord you never bring anyone here, not fer business, or pleasure.", she said sounding as though she was ready to throw a tantrum.
"This young lady is a very special young lady. I'll tell you all about it the next time I'm in, I swear it.", Callon replied almost eye level with the woman despite sitting in a chair. He laid his hand over his heart and smiled at her.
Marnie almost fell over.
"Oh yes lord, that's my lord, good friends we are. Wouldn't hide a thing form his Marnie, would he?", she said like a dotting mother hen.
The waitress looked back at her enthusiastically. Caeli stared back at her blankly then realized she must seem rude. Quickly Caeli nodded once and gave a forced smiled. At this Marnie seemed to realize how strange the girl at the table was and nodded back and left the side of the table.
"She thinks you're the most beautiful creature in the world, you know? That woman would likely throw herself into fire if it served you in some way." Caeli said with a sarcastic chuckle.
Callon stared at her for a moment. So forward.
"Indeed I am sure you're right although I am not sure she has ever spoken that aloud.", he said laughing. Quickly he changed the subject. "So Caeli, what has brought you to Flumen?", Callon said cheerfully, not missing a beat.
Callon began unloading the tray placing a bowl and a piece of bread in front of each of them. When Caeli made no move to begin eating, despite her painful hunger, he waved his hand at her food in a gesture of encouragement.
Slowly Caeli lifted her spoon and took a bite. She moved the piping hot stew around in her mouth savoring the taste of the fresh herbs and vegetables along with the meat. Her stomach growled audibly.
At this she caught Callon smiling at her behind his own spoonful. He looked down and gently blew away some of the heat and got another spoonful.
"I am in search of a new home, lord. I wasn't... welcome in my village. I am in search of a place to settle. Preferably, alone.", she said pointedly. Caeli finished her sentence and efficiently shoveled more stew into her mouth. Every time Callon looked at her she would stop, then as he looked away she would quickly eat again. She would be damned if she would show him how wonderful she thought the food was.
"And is Flumen a possible candidate?", he asked cheerfully looking down at his food again. He took another bite and looked up when she didn't answer. His mouth slightly fell open. All of her food was gone. Not a drop left in the bowl nor any on the table or her face. How had she done that?
"I am not sure. I only just arrived. Although this city seems beautiful, I am much more comfortable in the country side. I will likely move on from here tomorrow.", Caeli said. She truly intended to leave in the evening of this same day but better that she didn't tell him the whole truth.
"So soon? Can I not convince you to stay awhile? To show you around the city? Advocate for its potential for a future home?"
"You seem like you would like for me to live here my lord. Although I am sure that is your duty as the head councilor, it is unnecessary. My gelding and I would not last long here.", she said softly and honestly. Aurum tightened ever so slightly in comfort. It brought a small smile to her face.
"I understand. My own clansmen are born and raised in the depths of the Midnight Forest. Although many of us leave to seek education or opportunity, I always feel a pang at the thought of home and its comfort the wood gave me in my youth."
"You miss home but you are a good and strategic leader. You desire more than the wood could ever offer you.", Caeli said, matter-of-factly.
At this Callon sat silently staring at her.
"Yes. Yes I suppose you're correct. You are very perceptive Caeli.", he said softly, suddenly seeming wary.
"A fault that was held strongly against me at home I'm afraid. I apologize my lord, I am not meaning to be rude."
"Not at all, it is rare for people to be so insightful. Let alone someone of your age. It could make you a strategic leader as well, should you decide to hone that skill.", he said. His cheerful demeanor seemed somewhat forced now.
"I have no interest in becoming the leader of anything. Honing my skill, yes, being in charge of anything other than myself, absolutely not.", she replied with a half smile. She had already been held accountable for something she had never done, she can't imagine the backlash or the displeasure that would ensue if she truly held a place of authority.
Callon lifted a hand in the air with his forefinger pointed towards the ceiling and set it back down.
"It certainly comes with its difficulties. It also comes with its freedoms.", he said slyly. Caeli's heart jumped at the very idea of "freedom". To not be questioned, to do as she pleases, learn and travel without restraint of money or peoples opinions.
As quickly as her hopes had risen, they began to fall. At what cost would the freedoms come? Loss of her anonymity, duties calling for sacrifice. No. Better to find her freedom in solace.
"I understand that. It is something I will take into consideration but whatever you're hoping for my lord, I am not for hire at this moment, but I will, truly, keep it in mind."
Callon raised his brows at this. Had she realized so quickly what his intentions were? His council was in need of a negotiator and with her beauty and perceptiveness, she could be of great use. As he was shocked he laughed inwardly at himself. The very reason he would bring her on for the council had taken him by surprise.
Gerard rushed to the table with another pair of bowls filled with stew. He quickly whisked away the empty ones and replaced them with the full ones. Bowing deeply as he backed away, he returned to his station at the bar.
"I hope that you mean that Caeli. Let me be clear. Although I have just met you, I can sense a strong aura of strength and knowledge around you. You are intriguing, beautiful, and have a knack for perception. I could use someone like you in my council. The relations between humans and the magic folk have not been what they once were.", he said sadly. "As head councilor of Flumen, it has been my personal goal to repair the relationship between the human species and those of magic origin. Ever since King Boris made his declaration against the magic folk, things have quickly began to worsen and crumble. Rumors of humans attacking and harassing those of magic decent, creatures of the forest, sea, and sky attacking humans. Trade between villages and cities becoming less and less as the surrounding areas become more dangerous and unwelcoming. In order for Flumen, no, the world, to thrive these things must cease. For the good of humans. For the good of the Folk."
Caeli had slightly turned her head to stare at the fireplace as she processed what Callon was saying. She had noticed that although the hearth was made of common river stone, she also noticed that the inner portion of the fireplace was lined with marble with small markings. She had wondered how the fire had been shining so brightly and the fire so warm. The inn owner had used runes in the marble to augment the light and warmth of the fire. Caeli smiled softly at this. How different life was here. How much more she would have fit in. How different her life could have been.
Suddenly she realized she was smiling despite Callon's sad words. She quickly wiped the smile from her face and became serious.
"My lord this is something I could see myself fighting for, truly, but before I commit to any other purpose in life, I have a few things I must see to. I hope that you understand.", she said softly this time. For the first time since their meeting she felt sorry for this man. She could understand his point of view.
"Yes, yes of course. I understand. Do know though Caeli, you are always welcome here in Flumen, and should you change your mind, come and find me.", he stood slowly, dropping a handful of coins onto the table. He came to her side of the table and gently lifted her hand to his lips. "I hope that our paths will cross again one day. There is so much more I would like to know about you. I wish you luck on your journey.", he bowed at the waist over her hand and turned on his heel, swiftly exiting the building.