A few days later and Caeli found herself searching for more reading material.
Her daily exercises had become more difficult but her stamina had improved even more so. She was now capable of reading for a few hours before giving in to the exhaustion.
She read anything that was related to Raven or the Midnight Forest, which wasn't much, then moving on to material about dragons in general.
Bat brought a fresh stack of books when she recognized one of the covers.
Large in size but smaller in thickness, the cover was gold. A roughly made symbol that resembled a woman intertwining with a dragon, was on the front.
She lifted the immense book and ran her fingers across the title.
"'Drakes Heir'", she whispered to herself.
She vaguely recalled her mother reading the story to her.
Sitting next to her mother, a man, who she recognized as her father, tending the fire as her mother read aloud. Both parents with long white hair, just as she had since she had woken from her comatose state.
*Once upon a time, there lived a young woman. She was of the Old Race, some of the first humans to exist in this world, and one of the first ancestors of many human and Folk alike. Her hair long and white enraptured those around her but no one could pry her attention away from the dragons.
The woman and her family lived near the god-like creatures, their capital a fortnight away. The large dragon city often made trade with the smaller municipalities in the surrounding area.
The daughter of a merchant and named Caeli, she worked hard for her family but would always sneak away to peak at the dragons who would come to do business.
The dragons depended heavily on the humans for their ability to cultivate the land, the surrounding villages containing more humans, could offer these goods. The capital had only ever been inhabited or seen by the dragons themselves, meaning they often visited the surrounding cities to bring back imported goods.
But the humans depended on the dragons for their artistic and magical talents. Their education rumored to be the best, their jewelry and fabrics the height of luxury and beauty. In addition, due to their power, the dragons protected the cities that pledged allegiance to the capital.
Because they were the First Children of the goddesses, they were revered as god-like creatures. The other races of the world giving them distance as a sign of respect rather than derision.
The humans were small fragile creatures but their ability to imagine and create resulted in machinery the dragons found difficult to make with their large clawed hands. This same ability to create made their agricultural advances more rapid.
The woman would duck outside of her homes window and watch as the dragons would arrive with beautifully made fabrics and tapestries, some with dragon scales incorporated, enchanting the objects with magic.
Despite the amiable relations between the two, they rarely mingled otherwise.
The dragons home was more or less a mystery to outsiders and this only increased the woman's interest in the dragons.
One day she was crouched under the sill of one of the open windows and listened intently as they negotiated their trade, her father excitedly informing them of their wonderful harvest.
It was then the woman peaked over the sill and saw the most beautiful dragon she had ever seen.
Standing on two large feet, a dragon the color of sunrise, glistened in the light.
His chest bare, his waist covered with a luxuriously draped silk fabric.
His horns were adorned with jeweled rings and his tail was encircled by a band made of gold.
His voice was deep and warm, reminding her of a fire in a hearth.
The woman could hardly believe it, but she was in love.
The dragon caught her in the window but did not stop his delegations.
Later that evening, during the dinner her father always threw for the traveling dragon merchants, she stood in the dark of her garden, too embarrassed to show her face at the festivities, lest the handsome dragon be there.
To her surprise he found her in the morning and inquired at her interest.
She sheepishly explained her great interest in dragons and the culture, and apologized for her rudeness.
To her surprised delight he invited her to his kingdom, to come as a guest, and see for herself. He offered a year of education in their ways in addition to allowing her to attend whichever school she desired during her visit and offering to be her benefactor during her stay. He did not however disclose the fact that he was spellbound by the woman and her beauty.
Of course she wholeheartedly accepted the opportunity and her parents were thrilled at the prospect of her daughter going away to learn of the dragons.
The great children of the goddesses.
The Favorite Children.
The woman packed her things and within a few days was on her way to the dragon capital.
Not long after arriving she decided to attend the dragons school of magic.
A combination of spells and potions more attuned to the healing arts was the department she chose. White magic. She became a White Witch, discovering her affinity for magic during her stay.
She would encounter the Red Dragon, each occasion more abashed, more aware of his gentle kindness, his depth of knowledge, his love for his people.
It wasn't long before the two began to court, but in secret.
A human and dragon union was unheard of.
Despite this the woman fell more in love each day they spent together.
When her year was coming to an end, the Red Dragon begged that she stay, his feelings had grown fierce as well.
She joyfully agreed but both knew that the union would be difficult. They discussed the issues they may face and their fears, being open with one another.
After much deliberation about the consequences of their actions, they agreed that life was not worth living apart.
The last day of her year, she sent a letter to her parents to announce her engagement to the Red Dragon, the jewel master of the capital.
Her parents were shocked, but ecstatic.
It was the minutes before the woman was to walk down the aisle when her mother asked if this was what she truly wanted.
She answered that of course she wanted to marry the Red Dragon, their love was true.
The mother insisted that she did not deny this, but speculated at their future.
Was she ready to sacrifice the ability to have her own family? Her own children?
The woman felt unease in the idea but knew her love for the Red Dragon to be strong and could not be swayed.
After they married, and her parents returned home, the couple lived happily for some time before the Great Decline. Talk of the falling population of dragons and it's devastating effects on its people began to be heard everywhere. It was the most discussed subject of her entire academy.
Mother wyrms losing offspring more and more often.
Due to the woman's training in White Magic and medicine she often worked in the largest hospital of the kingdom, watching the devastation of the falling birth rates.
A mother dragons grief can be so powerful as to stop her heart.
Some births resulting in the loss of not only the child but also the mother.
After months of watching the heartbreak the woman went to work on solving the problem. Working hours as an apprentice to a mid-wife she found that part of the issue was the length of the births.
The woman was shocked to find that mother dragons could labor for days before having the egg, the stress on the egg and the mother great and often resulting in the babies death.
The woman worked tirelessly, researching herbs to put into a warm bath during the birth, steeped teas that could help with contractions.
Before long she had a regimen for expecting mothers and the locals came to call the white witch, "The Heir", so called for all of the children she brought safely into the world. Many had thought her title was "The Air" so called for the life she breathed into the dragon species.
Before long, she had saved hundreds of mothers and children in the kingdom.
Dragon couples from around the world came to her in their time of need, desperate not to lose anymore drakelings.
The woman was so renowned that others came to learn from The Heir, the woman single-handedly responsible for the recovery of the dragon race.
Years went by and the woman lived happily with her husband, finding purpose in her work.
But she still ached to have her own family. Day-in-and-day-out she witnessed the miracle of birth and watched as loving mothers wrapped their eggs in their embrace. The expression of love emanating from the joyful parents.
The white witch then made it her mission to find a way for her and her husband to start a family.
Years went by of researching with no hope.
After the woman had been close to giving up, she met a human couple who came to ask her help in the birth of their child.
The woman had been flattered but confused, explaining that her expertise was in drakeling birth, not human.
That was when the man told her that his wife was a drake.
Upon closer inspection, the woman could see some differences. Her movements were graceful and smooth like a serpent and her skin was cool to the touch.
A human man and a female drake.
The husband disclosed that he was a powerful magician but knew drake births to be difficult. When they learned of the woman's skill they came as soon as they knew they were expecting.
The woman agreed to help and asked that they discuss further how his wife was of human form.
As they prepared for his wife's labor, he explained that they had fallen in love years ago but the difficulties presented by the differences in their anatomy made it impossible to have children.
He had worked endlessly until he invented a spell to temporarily allow his wife the form of a human.
He succeeded.
The woman's joy at hearing his words was quickly dampened when the man explained that the amount of magic required to do so was immense and that the materials required for the spell could only be found a few times a year, her human form something they could only achieve a few days a year.
The white witch assisted the mother drake through her birth successfully, the parents beyond thankful.
The woman asked them to stay, for the husband to work on a way to prolong the human form, as she herself was faced with the same heartbreaking circumstance.
The husband and wife, eternally grateful, agreed to stay and assist in the research.
After years of research, they were successful.
The Red Dragon offered a rare stone, the Opal, possessing the ability to preserve the materials needed for the spell, to be used in the process.
The Wizard and The Heir combined the materials along with the Opal, making a necklace.
The work resulted in the first Seeing Stone, a stone that would allow a dragon to take human form whilst worn.
The Heir gifted the stone to her husband and found that their years of work had not been in vain.
The Red Dragon and the The Heir had ten children before their passing and those children, half drake and half human, continued their mothers tradition and the magic was passed down from generation to generation.
Dragon and human alliances increased and strengthened resulting in the Old Fae.
And as for The Heir and the Red Dragon? Well they lived happily ever after.*
The suddenly recovered memory caused Caeli to also remember the Seeing Stone she had found. The one that looked like the sky during the sun set.
She tried desperately to recall what Aurum and Brego had said about the stone.
*Seeing Stones are incredibly powerful. Only Folk tend to possess them. Mainly witches. They are used for magical tasks and ceremonies. If I recall correctly, witches often are assigned one at birth and pass it on through their family lines. The older the stone, the more powerful. Each family of witch was thought to have a large collection of stones, the older the family line, the more stones they had, the more powerful they were. Of course this was a long time ago when Folk outnumbered the humans.*
Caeli felt something at the edge of her mind, something important that she was forgetting. Something hidden from her.
The sensation of loss and confusion so strong it caused her to feel dizzy. She set the book down slowly and took a steadying breath.
Her mother, her father, a story of drakes and witches.
Her mother had looked so lovingly at her father during the part about the woman falling in love with the jewel dragon through the window. And there was more, her mother had said something after telling the story. What was it?
Caeli concentrated harder, trying desperately to feel for the invisible thread that evaded her, the one tethered to the memory of her parents.
In her experience most humans did not favor the Folk. She did not recall her mother to be unkind in any sense of the word but it seemed strange that a human family would find such a story appropriate for their daughter. Many humans discouraged interaction with the Folk.
Still something vibrated inside of her mind.
It was then that she accidentally spilled her glass of water.
She went to catch the water in her hands, trying to prevent it from hitting the ground.
*Do not forget your mother and father! We all love you Eli! Now and always!*, Caeli heard loudly in her mind, as though someone had shouted it just beside her.
Her heart stopped as her gaze locked on the handful of dripping water she continued to hold in shocked stillness.
"What was that?", she said breathlessly, afraid to move lest she catapult herself deeper into the madness that seemed determined to take hold of her.
A throbbing began at her temples, the pain so sudden and sharp she pressed her fingers against the side of her head, the water forgotten and partially spilled on her lap.
A flash of a woman who looked composed of water, being restrained by armed men, reaching out to her, shouting, *Eli!*.
Caeli recalled her mother and father, the ones she wasn't suppose to know but somehow had memories of, calling her Eli.
Whatever the memories may be, memories of her visits to the past or her actual past, there was only one person alive now that had called her by that name as well.
"Coruscare.", Caeli whispered to herself, her confusion mounting.
Ausia was also where Brego and Aurum likely were, and they might know where to find her cloak and Seeing Stone.
She needed to speak to him. To the Lord of Fire and Light.
He may have answers.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Caeli decided to return to bed for the remainder of the night. She wanted answers but she needed to regain her strength in order to do that.
Worrying needlessly would only inhibit her attempts to learn what she wanted.
She slowly worked her way to the bed, pausing every few steps to muster strength. Her body sore from the days of rehabilitation previous. The depth of her weakness was enough to make her cry.
Silent tears streamed down her face as she finished the journey to her bed.
She sat heavily and heaved a sorrowful sigh.
A small knock came and Caeli bid them enter.
Bat happily trotted into the room, having returned from some errand Caeli knew nothing of. He often left the room suddenly and then would return and keep her company until he was called away again.
"You truly need not stay by my side, but I appreciate you all the more for it.", she said smiling at the gargoyle. He nudged her legs and she weakly rubbed behind his massive ear.
"I am lost Bat. More lost than I ever have been in my entire life. And I began this journey in search of myself. Is this a sign that I am my own worst enemy? Or am I just a fool?", she asked, laughing sardonically.
Bat gave her a small whimper before walking beneath her legs to stand beneath them. He turned and stared at her expectantly.
"Are we going on a small trip?", she asked.
Much to Caeli's surprise he nodded in response. Although she had always sensed that the gargoyle seemed in tune with her emotions, she had never seen such a blatant expression of sentience form the creature before.
"Well, alright then. Suppose I can't argue with that.", she said shimmying her bottom to rest on his back, her legs to one side and trapped in the folds of her floor length dress. Bat looked back to make sure she was settled before leaving the room.
The creature had a discreet grace about him. Despite his cheerful lopping demeanor his steps were taken quietly, hardly making a noise. His body swaying only slightly with each stride. Between his largeness in size, and his smooth gait, the ride was comfortable and she found it surprisingly easy to keep her balance.
She looked back worriedly as she noticed the long train of her dress had cloaked the creatures back end and drug across the floor.
"Bat-", she began, but the creature picked up speed down the halls.
They passed unrecognizable hallways before descending down a flight of stairs, Bat using his prehensile tail to wrap around her torso so that her efforts to remain on his back would not hinder his pace.
They walked through what looked like a great hall, a long table at one end and benches along the walls. Castle workers moved about quickly, cleaning and rearranging furniture.
"We are preparing for Harvest, I think you will enjoy it very much.", Lynx said from beside Caeli.
She had not heard the woman come so close but was too busy marveling at the number of workers milling about the room.
"It will be held in about a months time. I am sure that we will have you ready in no time.", Lynx said reassuringly.
"Oh no, I couldn't possibly. I know very little about the etiquette and I certainly have never been a part of something so large, or luxurious.", Caeli said as she watched workers carry in wheel barrels of food.
"Not to worry my lady. Our king has never been much for frivolities. It is mostly a celebration of the people and their hard work. The king throws a Harvest Feast each season to reward and celebrate the hard work of his people. Each year the king grants gifts and money to those who contribute to a successful Harvest. The greatest reward being the dance with the king. Each year, a woman is chosen from a drawing to dance with him.", Lynx giggled. "Twice in a row it was Mother Pisces who was drawn from the hat. And the king didn't falter for a moment. He was kind and courteous, the perfect gentleman sweeping that sweet old woman into his arms across the floor. He is cool and stoic at times but I do believe my master has a kind humor about him. If not, then I don't believe he would do the dance each year."
Lynx saw the confusion on Caeli's face.
"I am a firm believer that the dance is the lords way of showing us that there is always hope. And that he too can have fun. I think it is his way to show the people that he is not so far above us. That he is willing to set aside pride and honorifics in the name of good-natured fun. I think he also does it knowing that no matter who he dances with, it will benefit the dancer greatly.", she said smiling, her excitement mounting as she watched the other workers ready for the party.
"I am sure that it allows the dancer a social boost that could mean riches or rags for some families.", Caeli said sagely.
Lynx turned quickly in surprise to observe Caeli's face.
"That is correct my lady. Although the master works diligently to care for all of his people, ridding a kingdom of poverty is close to impossible. For some of these girls, it could mean that they stand out more when seeking a husband. And for others it means feeling young again, just as valuable if you ask me.", Lynx said chuckling.
"He is a very kind ruler, isn't he?", Caeli said softly, still watching as more workers traded the simple black curtains for copper velvet ones. So large that each panel required three workers to achieve its hanging.
Lynx nodded.
"He truly is. It is a well known fact that many women secretly hope for his affection. A small part of them hoping that he will see her and fall madly in love. Of course it never happens. But he always treats the women with kindness, gently returning them to their families after the dances end. And although many women walk away in disappoint, they are often rewarded with marital offers and gifts after the fact, some of the attention doing as you described, carrying some families out of hardship. I think the lord knows all of these things, and that fact alone contributes to his peoples love for him.", she said nodding to a pair of galaxian men as they passed by the women. She noted the stares Caeli's presence elicited and hoped the king made a claim on her soon before someone found themselves seriously hurt.
"I am... unsure of him Lynx. I know that may anger or pain you to hear but if you only knew..", she said softly.
"You need not hesitate if a confidant is what you seek. Nothing you tell me would ever leave my lips. Not even in the threat of death.", Lynx said seriously, turning to Caeli and meeting her gaze.
Caeli smiled, the woman's kindness was comforting in such strange times.
"Thank you Lynx. Maybe when I next have tea, you will join me. I could use a friend.", Caeli said around a lump in her throat. She said the words before she realized their meaning. It made her realize how desperate she wanted for an ally.
She would wake in her sleep paralysis and yearn for Raven's closeness, so much so that she tried to shout his name through clenched teeth, and each time she would sit in the waking hours and second guess her affinity for him. Her feelings towards him swinging like a pendulum between deep affection and cautious distrust.
Lynx was kind and genuine, if there was someone who would be willing to listen and help her sort the whirlwind of feelings inside of her, then Caeli calling herself grateful would be an understatement.
Lynx smiled broadly.
"It would be my pleasure. Tomorrow? After your lunch?", Lynx asked.
Caeli was slightly surprised at her readiness to spend time with her. She supposed years of people inviting her to things they did not truly want her to be present for would cause that.
Caeli nodded with a smile.
Lynx gave her a gentle squeeze on her good arm.
"Would you like me to show you around since Bat has volunteered to take you about the castle?", Lynx asked with a twinkle in her eye.
"I would very much enjoy that. And perhaps a crash course guide to life in the castle, especially so close to your Harvest.", Caeli said conspiratorially, her concern strong enough to cause a small crease between her brows.
Lynx laughed boisterously.
"You have to excuse me my lady, you are very funny indeed.", she said before dramatically crouching closer to Caeli's ear. "I'll have you right and ready, no time time at all. It helps that you are smart and willing to learn. Those things considered, it will be fine.", she said laughing.
"To begin, this is the great hall, where all of the kingdoms largest events are held. There are not many but it is also held as a meeting place when the lord sees distinguished political guests. They rarely stay.", Lynx said absently, moving towards an exit. "It is obviously where the Harvest Feast will be held. In time tables and chairs will be brought along with more decoration. It is tradition in the Midnight Forest to decorate with the fallen leaves of the trees that hide us from the world, the Elder Trees. The colors are brilliant, I cannot wait for you to see them yourself.", she said stepping through the open double doors to descend a series of stone steps. She glanced back to ensure that Bat and her were not experiencing any trouble making their way down before turning to continue forward.
They rounded the center of the stone staircase to enter a large kitchen.
The floors made of marble tile, darkly stained wood cabinets and cupboards covering the majority of the walls. A long island counter taking up one half of the room.
On the opposite side, two large hearths blazed, intricate runes carved along the edges and inside of the fire place.
"This here is the kitchen. The stairs you see across the way descend into the vaulted cellar where perishables are kept.", Lynx said pointing towards a large framed opening, another set of marble stairs on the other side.
The workers slowed as they watched Caeli pass by on Bats back. She nodded and smiled in response, unsure of what else to do.
They watched, staring openly, some aware enough to tip their hat or nod in return.
"These are our lovely galley staff. Darlings, everyone. And this is master chef Dorn. Dorn, this is our honored guest Caeli.", Lynx said stopping to turn at his side.
The dark skinned dwarf bowed deeply, pulling his toque from his blue head to reveal a shining hairless crown.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance my lady.", he said gruffly.
"I must agree. I am honored to meet the talented gentleman that had been preparing my meals. Your expertise is greatly appreciated. Thank you for all that you do.", Caeli said smiling. She couldn't imagine running such a vast kitchen, let alone the employees required to maintain it all.
The dwarf blushed furiously. It had been ages since a visitor had come to the castle. And even longer since he had received such kind compliments on his work.
"My lady, thank you kindly for your words. I am beyond grateful that you enjoy my work.", he said, trying his best to speak as he watched her smiling at him.
Lynx laughed, his reaction seemingly what she would need to expect moving forward.
The dwarf bowed profusely as Lynx ushered the woman and the creature past to continue the tour.
They climbed a different set of steps to arrive at the largest hall of all the ones Caeli had seen so far.
"Along this hall is the masters study first on the left. The next doors you see leads to the library we spoke of before. On the opposite side is a large sitting room. The last door on the end there is the art gallery. Artwork the master has accumulated over the years. The castle is five stories tall. Many of the other rooms are ones for guests, and some of the rooms are for those that work and live here, such as Einar and I.", she said.
Caeli looked around in amazement. There hadn't been a building in Flumen, not even the capital, that had been as large as this place seemed.
"And Ravens room?", she asked slowly before turning to look at Lynx.
Lynx nodded and pointed back the way they had came.
"It's further away from all of the rooms I've shown you. The infirmary is the only room in use that is near the masters.", she said nodding in agreement with herself.
"Hmm.", Caeli hummed quietly.
Lynx gave a content sigh before turning back to Caeli.
"I will see you tomorrow for your tea my lady. Please let us know if there is more that we can do for you.", she said nodding.
Caeli smiled and nodded back.
"Alright Bat, better get back. I'm not sure I can stay awake much longer.", she said giving the side of his neck a loving scratch.
Bat excitedly turned around and took her back to the infirmary.
They had come close to the entrance of where she had been staying when she put her hand against the gargoyles neck.
"Do you think I could go to the balcony? Just for a little bit.", she asked the creature quietly.
Without hesitation, Bat turned and headed down the hallway.
After a few minutes, they arrived back at the large double footed room, the door shut.
Caeli observed the door, starting from the bottom and working her way up.
"I suppose this must be one of the many unused rooms Lynx had mentioned.", she mumbled to herself.
They entered the room, still as dark as the last time, and made their way to the open doors of the balcony, a gentle wind blowing at the black curtains.
Once they made it to the railing of the balcony, Caeli closed her eyes and inhaled the air deeply. The feeling of it refreshing.
She opened her eyes to once again marvel at the breathtaking view before her.
The ambient light of the "sky" above her had begun to change from blues and greens to reds and pinks.
She could see leaves slowly falling and drifting to the ground, their size immense but light as a feather.
"It must be the beginning of autumn for them here.", she thought aloud, seeing that much of the foliage of the forest, much closer to the ground, was also turning in color.
She was able to see a small village not far from the castle, citizens moving busily through the streets, carts being pushed as merchants haggled and children played.
"What an astounding place.", she said to Bat.
A bird like creature flitted in front of Caeli's face, curiously moving left and right getting closer with each movement.
"Hello.", Caeli said to it softly.
It's wings moved with unimaginable speed, it's body covered in blood red feathers.
It's eyes were large and round, a long thin beak protruding from its face.
The birds neck expanded as it made chirping noises.
The tail feathers of the bird long and whisper thin at their ends, some curled in a half curve or corkscrew fashion.
"Perhaps I should write about the creatures and life here. For all that reading, I saw very little information on things like this.", Caeli said smiling down at Bat. Her smile faltered for a moment after he didn't respond. She furrowed her brow, perhaps she had imagined his nod earlier.
With a small shrug she turned her attention back to the world around her.
She took a few more moments to soak it in before patting Bats neck. He turned and took her back through the double doors and to her room.
Raven watched as the two disappeared into the infirmary room.
He turned away. Perhaps he ought to take a walk instead.