Caeli stood in front of the slim plate of gold. She had never thought that she was particularly attractive but now she admired the white hair that fell to her hips.
Her hair had always been one of the few qualities about herself that she allowed some vain interest.
She had thought little of the color change, more focused on regaining her strength, but seeing it glow in the golden reflection was enchanting. And it reminded her of her mother.
Her heart ached at the thought of Ventus, their relationship so convoluted by time and magic she couldn't be sure how she felt. On one hand confused and angry at not having truly grown with her, on the other hand, bittersweet for the memories they eventually had made together when Caeli had been visiting the past.
Lynx helped her into the gown that Raven had asked be made in preparation for the Feast.
She appreciated his consideration in asking her opinion on the gown as she was the one who would be wearing it, but she was unsure of how she felt about him, their last encounter confusing and question inducing.
She gave herself a hard stare in the plated mirror.
*What do you want girl? Because if you forgive him you must forgive him entirely. But should you turn from him, there will be no turning back.*, she thought to herself.
She stood, clearing her mind and focusing on a decision.
For better or for worse their interactions could not go on this way.
"What was that love?", Calliope asked as she came to stand behind her.
Caeli gave her head a slight shake. She made her decision, and no matter the consequences, it was made. She would steel herself for the pain just in case.
"Nothing Calliope, just some jitters. I don't believe I've ever attended something quite so grand.", she said grasping the woman's hands that had been offered in concerned comfort.
Calliope's look of worry cleared and she was jolly once more.
"Oh my lady, you are our cherished guest of honor. There is no worry necessary, stay as long as you feel you can, and speak up if you become tired. You musn't push yourself.", the portly woman said, her long white hair pulled into a neat bun, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
Caeli admired the woman's gown, light in material it was sure to keep her cool in the crowded hall. The neckline was modest and the material soft as silk. The woman had adorned her hair with what Caeli was told was some of the traditional flowers of autumn in the Midnight Forest. Bursts of deep black and purple, along with blue green leaves, looked striking against the woman's white hair.
Caeli hadn't paid attention to what Calliope said.
"You look positively radiant tonight Calliope.", she said softly, the affection she had for the woman having grown since her first day arriving in the forest.
"Now hush my lady, we need to get you dressed before you fall dead asleep. Exhaustion is the only thing that could explain your silly comment.", the stout young woman said blushing and gently leading Caeli away from the mirror.
Lynx entered the room.
"Are you ready my lady?", she asked giddily.
Caeli smiled and nodded, the women's excitement contagious.
She stopped suddenly as they went to leave.
"One moment.", she said, returning to her vanity to open the drawer. "Could you put this in my hair? I think I'd like to wear it tonight.", she said sheepishly.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
They had all gathered in the Great Hall; the area packed so tightly that revelers minded the dance floor so as not to swallow it into the crowd.
Lucius stood at the center of the head table speaking with Saxum.
"I can hardly wait to see what your honored guest looks like this night, on such a special occasion.", Saxum said into his goblet of wine.
He caught the sidelong glance Lucius gave him, the Lord of Midnight disapprovingly crossing his arms.
Saxum hastily sat his cup down and raised his hands in surrender.
"It is only a joke. Well, mostly. You must admit Lucius, she is enchanting.", Saxum said icredulously. "I cannot recall, did you mention a sister?", Saxum asked conspiratorially.
Lucius sighed.
"You know that I did not. Caeli is an only child.", Lucius scoffed but finished more softly. "All alone."
"Dammit. Well I suppose I will settle on being the better looking friend who vies for her attention. I may steal her from you yet Lucius.", Saxum said jokingly.
Lucius chuckled at this.
"The terrible part is that I would do my best to be happy for her. Of course, that would be difficult to do without removing you from the picture first.", Lucius said jovially. He had missed his friend.
Saxum threw his head back and laughed boisterously. He smacked his friends shoulder with a large clawed hand, the force causing his body to lurch forward.
"I would not hold blame against you. She is deserving, she is exceptional. I hope that she comes to her senses.", he said lifting his goblet for another large swallow of wine.
Lucius turned to him questioningly.
"You are a good man. I see your dedication to her, even unrequited as things stand at the moment. You have my love and support brother.", Saxum said seriously.
"Thank you Saxum.", Lucius said.
"Now all you have to do is keep her out of his grasp.", Saxum said jabbing his snout in the direction of Coruscare.
"Indeed.", Lucius said derisively.
Suddenly the room hushed.
A few moments of quiet passed before Saxum's rapt attention was pulled to the entrance of the hall.
"Goddesses above Lucius. Who is this woman?", Saxum asked, standing slowly in awe.
Lucius stood as well to follow his gaze.
The crowd parted to allow Caeli through, making her way slowly, using Bat as support as he walked beside her.
Lucius's heart stopped beating when he caught sight of her.
She wore the dress that he had commissioned for her, with her, truthfully. The idea almost brought him to his knees.
She walked slowly smiling and nodding at the awestruck onlookers. Many unaware of their mouths hanging open.
Her long white hair had been curled and pulled back in a loose braid, a few strands left loose to sway with each of her steps. Autum flowers had been strategically placed in the braid and along the back of her head. The dress modest at a glance but enticed the eye in other ways. The fabric was silk and reflected the light of the room like a waterfall would the moonlight. The cut was form fitting to her knee where the fabric fanned out gently. A small train followed behind her, the edges made of black lace. Her sleeves were long but slightly off of her shoulders, just enough to expose her collar bones but not enough to expose the gaping wound. The sleeves hugged her slim arms tightly and tapered into a well fitted cuff, just long enough to cover her palms but leaving her fingers exposed.
When she approached where Lynx and Calliope stood, she stopped to grasp their hands in a small and heart warming gesture.
She turned just enough for him to see something that he realized would make him expire there at the table.
With her back turned slightly, he could see that the dresses back dove deeply, coming together just above her tail bone. The rest of her back was thinly veiled by sheer black fabric that connected the two sides of the dress. He could see a dangling necklace, a long black thing that hung over her back instead of her chest, stopping just at the center, almost invisible as it moved with her beneath the sheer fabric.
The Midnight crest shimmering at the end of the chain.
And he could see her skin. Every surface, flawless besides the fist size wound on her shoulder where the blast had passed through her body. Scar tissue webbed from its diameter, the center dark. The sight both angered and softened him. A badge of immense strength on such a small and soft woman.
Seeing her clothed in his gifts, gifts that could never be grand enough to convey his feelings for her, her gesture of friendship and consideration, pulled at something deep inside of him.
She turned back and continued making her way to the table.
She caught sight of her old companions and her eyes sparkled with delight. She gave the gelding and the snake a warm broad smile and a small wave of her hand, which they returned to the best of their ability. The gelding throwing his head up and down while the snake wiggled the end of its tail at her in a waving gesture.
When she arrived at the foot of the table she placed a firm hand on Bat's back before shakily dipping into a bow. She grimaced once she was settled on the floor.
Lucius could hear her heart race with the pain.
The sound shook him from the spell her entrance had cast.
Lucius took a step forward and in a flash was at her side, lifting her from where she knelt.
He could feel the heat of her pain radiate from her body. He could feel her breath on his skin, hastened due to the insult.
Being so close he saw that she wore the jeweled comb he had gifted her the day she had moved from the infirmary.
"My lord.", she whispered.
"Caeli, so long as you shall live, I will beg of you, never to bow before me again.", Lucius said soberly.
"I meant no offense my lord.", she said hastily. She hoped that she had not embarrassed him and incited some well-contained anger.
Lucius lifted her into his arms, a few gasps were heard in the dense silence.
He made his way to the other side of the high table.
"Remember what I said? There is nothing in this world that you could do to anger me. Except maybe continuing to call me "my lord".", he said jokingly.
Caeli's heart raced. She nodded without saying anything. Her face was aflame and she was sure the whole room was just as shocked.
As Lucius approached his seat, he stood beside the chair closest to his.
Once Saxum shook himself from gaping openly, he hurried to pull the chair out for Caeli.
"Thank you my lord.", Caeli said smiling, her mortification forgotten in the familiar face that met hers.
"Night or day angel, it is my pleasure.", Saxum said bowing dramatically.
His show causing Caeli to laugh despite her nerves.
Saxum caught the slight decrease in size of Lucius's eyes, knowing it for what it was.
"Your threatening squint will not sway me, brother. I am at your feet my lady. A devoted servant, at your mercy. Should you need anything this evening, you have only to say it.", Saxum said in his most theatrically serious voice he could muster.
Caeli laughed again, the sound echoing through the room and through everyone who stood in it.
"Saxum, thank you for finding a way to make me laugh when I am in such desperate need of rescuing.", she said. His humor and playful chatter was easing her nerves.
Saxum shimmied to be closer to her ear.
"Fearful, are you, my lady? You know not fear. Not until you've been on the receiving end of that glare.", he said softly and meeting Lucius's gaze. He turned to take Caeli's hand in a gesture of theatrical beseeching. "I beg of thee, my lady, rescue me for I am surely meant to hang now."
Caeli laughed behind her hand and whispered back, "It is a well kept secret that his lordship is as docile as a lamb. He doesn't know, but I have more than once caught him rescuing silly birds from the brambles that often protect the berry bushes."
Saxum folded his hands over his heart.
"You soften him my lady. It is much overdue.", he said, standing to push her chair in, which he did with ease.
Raven huffed as he took his own seat.
"You have an ally in me, should you need anything. And be sure to have the wine. Delicious, and does wonders for the nerves.", Saxum said patting her hand before returning to his own seat. Caeli nodded appreciatively.
"Thank you... Raven. I did not want to break tradition but I cannot deny the bow hurt more than I had anticipated.", she said softly, averting her eyes to the simple but beautiful cutlery in front of her. The idea of feeding herself causing her to swallow with some difficulty. She had yet to finish a meal alone without making a mess.
Lucius slowly reached out for her hand and covered it. He waited for her to pull away.
She didn't.
"I am overjoyed at your appearance tonight, but be sure to let me know when you are ready to return. You have no obligation here. You do as you please.", Lucius said firmly.
He watched as color filled her cheeks, her skin glowing. The effect was intoxicating.
"I will do my best.", she said seriously before leaning towards him conspiratorially, "I fear I have no experience at things like this. I am quite out of my element so to speak. Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated."
"You would not prefer Saxum's help?", Lucius said softly. He hated the hurt in his own voice.
Caeli looked at him in shock. Was that jealousy she saw in his eyes?
Well that couldn't be right. He had no flesh to convey emotion.
Was it the tone in his voice?
Caeli couldn't be sure why she thought it was so but she did.
The thought warmed her for some reason.
She smiled and leaned close enough for their arms to touch.
"You mean that galoot?", she asked nodding her head in Saxum's direction who was, at that moment, attempting to make Syll laugh at his poorly constructed jokes. In which she shook her head slowly in despair, Einar squeezing the bridge of his nose beside her, Bat happily listening and generally excited to be included. He was Caeli's official companion for the event. "I trust him as far as I could throw him. One opportunity for a quick laugh and I'm afraid I'll find myself alone on the front lines.", she said. Lucius and Caeli both laughed at this, watching as Saxum attempted to balance a spoon on the tip of his snout. They both laughed again when they watched Syll snatch the spoon from his face and give him a reprimanding stare.
"Caeli, you will never be alone. Should you choose it. Should you allow me by your side, you will never be alone again.", Lucius said, still watching his friends as they laughed about something else.
Caeli turned to him, her eyes wide and her dress suddenly too tight. She opened her mouth to reply when a soft horn was sounded.
Lucius turned to her and gave her hand a squeeze before standing and lifting his glass.
"Tonight is for you, my people. For our successful Harvest. For our future. Tonight forget your worries and be merry for we are here together.", he said nodding to the silent crowd. "To the future, and the hope it holds for all of us.", he finished, glancing at Caeli.
Caeli sat in shocked silence before lifting her own glass with her good arm before taking a long drink. The wine, strong and sweet.
Everyone drank and cheered at the kings toast.
Food began to pour in from every opening of the great hall. Large roasted beasts carried on the shoulders of cooks and butlers. Silver bowls and basins overflowing with sweetened fruits and stewed vegetable courses. Caeli could hardly believe her eyes. She had never seen so much food in one place in all of her life.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Coruscare had watched in spellbound awe as she had entered the room. The crowd parting to reveal an angel.
He had sat enraptured at her appearance.
She was still thin but her skin glowed with a healthier light than when he had last seen her. Her eyes sparkling brown depths framed by impossibly long and thick lashes that remained dark despite her hair turning white.
Her hair was loosely braided and decorated with flowers, the design giving her the look of a wild fairy child.
Just as Coruscare was sure he could take it no longer, she turned to greet a couple of galaxian women along the way to the table.
He could see the smooth honey of her skin, thinly covered by the sheer black fabric of her dress. The curviture of her spine visible to just above her lower back. The effect was dizzying.
He felt Syll reach out a hand to snap his jaw shut but otherwise ignored her as Caeli made her way to the foot of the table.
It took him a moment to realize what she was doing before anger consumed him.
He watched as she hap-hazardously lowered herself to the floor and bowed to the members seated at the table.
He saw the almost imperceptible wince she made when she finally made it to the floor.
He gritted his teeth and stood to go to her.
Syll stilled him with a hand on his arm.
He turned to argue with Syll, noticing her gaze fixed passed him. He turned back.
Lucius.
In the blink of an eye, Lucius had appeared beside her and was lifting her from her kneeling position.
The room was silent but his words were too soft for Coruscare to hear.
Damn him.
Then Lucius lifted Caeli into his arms and gasps released across the room.
Coruscare felt as though he had been slapped.
He carried her to the high table, choosing to come around the side that Coruscare was not sitting on, bringing her to the chair beside his own.
He then watched as Saxum, his usual self, dotted on the girl. To which she responded by laughing. His initial guilt at seeing the Earth King dissolving at the thought of his being the recipient of her laughter.
The sound of it vibrated through Coruscare's body and he felt as though his heart was physically being pulled in her direction.
*Mine.*, Greedy whispered with a hungry hiss.
Syll tapped him on the shoulder, he reluctantly turned to meet her stare.
"Easy.", she said simply.
Her words pulled Corsucare from the depths of his mind. His skin was gently glowing red and his body radiated heat.
He blew steam threw his nostrils before turning away from Lucius and Caeli but then found it difficult not to throw glances their way. Every few seconds his gaze would drift their direction and he would angrily correct himself.
Syll sighed, it was going to be a long night.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Caeli's plate was filled with various dishes by the butlers serving the meal, with each scoop of something different she thanked them and smiled, unaware that each time she did, those around her became weaker in the knees.
To her delight she saw that once the head table was served, the citizens began helping themselves, including the household workers. It was apparent that they were expected to enjoy the night even though they had to work. She was sure Raven insisted on it and the idea of it softened her towards him even further.
Raven watched as Caeli thanked each butler for the food they placed on her plates. Her sweetness touched him, conversely the attention she received because of it pricked uncomfortably at his heart.
*Do not be possessive. You will drive her away as surely as the rains of the Forest come in the spring.*, he thought to himself. He took a deep breath before lifting his glass to let the room know that they could begin eating.
He absently pushed his food around his plate, too busy governing his gaze to be aware of the fact that it was quite obvious he had no intention of eating. He allowed himself glances in her direction, sure to turn and nod to Saxum at the appropriate times. The dragon hardly needed prompting.
Raven thought to himself that Saxum could likely kill someone with his endless talking.
It took him a moment to notice that she hadn't lifted even a spoon while others were eating with muster.
"Caeli? Is everything alright?", he leaned forward to ask in her ear. His closeness allowing him an intimate view of her smooth skin.
"To be frank Raven, I've yet to achieve a meal on my own without making a right mess of things.", she said softly back.
His heart rose at the use of his name.
And then sank at the reminder of her pain and struggle.
"May I assist?", he asked so quietly she almost didn't hear him.
She swallowed hard at the thought of him feeding her in front of hundreds of strangers. And Coruscare, who she intended to seek out and get answers from.
She nodded slowly, unsure of what the plan was.
Raven leaned away from her.
"Go ahead, try your best.", he said nodding at her plate.
She used her good arm to lift the heavy cutlery from the table and successfully delivered three bites to her mouth before feeling the weakness spread through her fingers.
"Mmm", she said in concern.
She attempted her fourth bite, her hand shaking as it made its way to her mouth, when suddenly she felt something support her wrist. The spoon delved into her mouth and exited in one swift motion.
She looked down to find one of Raven's tendrils, smaller than she'd seen before, gently cradling her wrist and palm.
She glanced at him in surprise, not wanting to bring attention to the aide he was providing her.
"I'll follow your lead.", he said, more softly than he had meant, unable to tear his gaze from her lips. He had silently watched as they closed around the spoon and he was sure he had come undone for all to see. Strips of himself scattered carelessly on the floor.
She gave him a small smile and mouthed the words, "Thank you" before resuming her meal. He assisted for the entirety of it and found it difficult to part with her hand when she had finished.
He took a steadying breath and retreated.
The horn blew once more signaling to those who knew, that it was time to dance.
The tables were quickly cleared, dishes whisked away by the dozens.
Caeli could hardly believe how quickly the hall transformed from a banquet to a dance hall. The floor clearing and tables pushed aside.
"May I have this dance?", Caeli heard from over her shoulder. She turned gingerly, too keenly aware of her wound not to. The alcohol having softened the pain but not eliminating it.
To her surprise Coruscare stood with his hand out along with a broad and charming smile.
"My lord, I know you are aware of some of my circumstance but unfortunately I fear I would not do the floor justice in my current state.", Caeli insisted, torn between speaking with him and falling clumsily to her eternal mortification.
Coruscare had been receiving regular updates from Arcane. He knew fully well that she was not quite back to her normal stamina.
Heartbreakingly, with the most recent reports, Coruscare was unsure whether or not she would ever get there again.
"I'll be there Eli, I won't let you fall.", he said seriously.
The sound of her parents nickname for her shot an arrow through her heart.
She nodded silently as he took her hand.
He wrapped her good arm around his, placing her hand in its crook.
"Lean on me, once we are on the floor stand on my feet.", he whispered to her.
She nodded once more. She wondered if all the wine had been a mistake, her head feeling as though it were suspended by a string.
They made it to the dance floor without incident.
Coruscare bowed deeply before her, rising to wrap an arm around her back and grasping her good arms hand in his. She gasped as he pulled her body close, lifting her slightly and then bringing her feet to rest on the tops of his.
"I'm here.", he said encouragingly.
They stood like this until the music began. He then effortlessly turned about the room, making small movements as to be wary of her wound.
"I am delighted to see you again Caeli. And doing so well.", he said staring down at her.
She was unsure of how he could maintain such a direct gaze upon her yet keep his footing and avoid bumping into anyone. All while he supported her weight on the top of his feet.
"I am delighted to meet you again… as well."
*Gah, you nitwit.*, she damned herself internally.
"My lord, I hate to be so direct-"
"Is that so? I recall you being the most direct person I've ever met.", he chuckled low in his throat, the sound was warm and sweet, it made Caeli's hands feel numb.
He couldn't help but recall their picnics in the past, her candid responses, and her enchanting smile.
"You see, about that, I seem to be having difficulty understanding what happened. Or rather, what order they happened in. ", she said quickly but smoothly.
Coruscare admired the heat in her cheeks.
He smiled roguishly, seeing her alive and animated was another type of sensation. He felt as though he'd waited all of his life to see her thusly, his excitement making him giddy, his inhibitions losing their hold.
He spun her in another circle and slowed when he saw her balance falter atop his feet.
"We should sit you down, we can talk then.", he stopped, all joking put aside.
Caeli nodded dizzily.
Coruscare assisted her slowly out of the hall, bringing her to a nearby balcony to get her fresh air.
"Wait here.", he said leaning her against the railing, she nodded and waved him away sure that's she'd be sick. In which case she'd rather him not be witness.
At first the sweeping of the dance had been exhilarating and exciting, but suddenly as she tried to explain to Coruscare what she wanted, what she needed, she had become dizzy.
She fisted her hand against her mouth.
*Please don't vomit here. Not now.*, she chanted to herself.
Coruscare returned only seconds later with two chairs slung over one arm, a small table in the same hand, and a glass of water in the opposite.
He set up the small dining set and assisted her to one of the seats.
"I'm sorry Caeli, that was inconsiderate of me.", he said contritely, chuckling nervously.
Caeli sipped her water and held her tongue only long enough to know she wasn't going to accidentally vomit at the King of Fire and Light's feet.
She shook her head and sat her glass down. She winced at the effort. Coruscare had unknowingly placed the table on her bad side, forcing her to lean forward and use her good arm, the twisting resulting in pinching at the edges of her wound.
Coruscare noticed the gesture and felt such a fool.
He came to stand at her side bending forward and reaching out an arm.
"Would you permit me to assist you?", he asked softly, glad to see that she was regaining her sea legs.
She nodded and he lifted her in the chair, moving it to the other side of the table. Both on the same side of the table. He resumed his seat and sat quietly.
He resembled a reprimanded puppy and although the thought tugged at her heart slightly, a small laugh escaped her before she could stop it.
Coruscare caught her smile in his periphery, it's power uninhibited by the evasion of direct observation.
"I know you have questions Caeli, and I'll tell you what I can. But, I need to ask, do you remember me at all?", Coruscare asked, observing his clasped hands closely.
Caeli swallowed hard, remembering the days he visited her in the past, at the time a new and interesting friend of the family, young and handsome. She herself years younger. Or it had seemed.
"I do my lord. I remember our picnics, I remember your visits with my mother. I remember packing you a lunch.", she said quietly. Her memory had ebbed and flowed since her waking, pieces she would find and keep and others that would slip from her grasp, only to appear once again days later. "I remember you bathing me. Or at least I believe that was what you were doing.", Caeli said seriously, all worries of trivial matters such as modesty gone from her mind. Her brow furrowed in her effort to remember.
But not not Coruscare.
He could remember it like it was yesterday and he was sure he'd never forget.
He nodded slowly.
"I came to the infirmary to find you covered in your blood. Fever plagued you endlessly and you toss in your sleep when you're too warm.", he said chuckling, turning his gaze to the royal garden. "There wasn't a groveling in sight. I had been researching ways to retrieve your consciousness and went to see you in the dead of night. I had seen how the grovelings did it when you first arrived covered in dirt, sweat, and blood. You were clothed for the entirety, I swear it.", he said seriously, choosing not to use the verbs in their plural form. Best not bring up the fact that it had happened twice.
Caeli nodded and admired the garden as well.
"You were very gentle and kind, but then everything goes black again after you started shouting my name. After you started shouting 'Eli'.", she said quietly.
*Her two memories have come together to become one. Her mind is tearing itself into pieces then putting itself back together, of course she can't keep things straight.*, he thought sadly to himself.
It was a marvel she hadn't lost her mind yet.
"Coruscare, do you know me by that name because of my parents?", she asked.
"Yes, your parents were royal soldiers in my military, and good friends. They informed me of your birth and your name. I knew nothing else of you until you arrived in the mountains. Truth be told I didn't make the connection until I visited you in the past.", he said, his brow furrowing.
"And there you spoke with my mother?", she asked.
"Yes. She seemed to be the only one around during the times I visited you. Your father was always off on some mission I'd sent him. Being on the inside looking out, I realize that that was unfair of me.", he said sadly.
"Missions for you?", Caeli asked, recalling the strange carriages that would come to get her father and take him away. "It was you who sent the floating carriages?", she asked.
Coruscare turned to meet her confused stare.
"They always arrived when I wasn't around, suddenly appearing, and then would float into the sky and away. I just assumed that it was some sort of magic.", Caeli said almost to herself.
Coruscare recalled Ventus telling him the safeguards of the spell. Why Caeli saw a carriage and not her father transforming into a dragon.
"I wish I could explain…", he said slowly.
Caeli's eyes widened in fear.
"Please my lord, I beg of you. Bring some clarity to my situation.", she had not taken into consideration the fact that there would be things Coruscare might withhold from her.
Her plea pulled at his heart mercilessly.
"Caeli..", he said before stopping. Every time he tried to tell her the things he knew she wanted to hear, his voice would disappear, or a large lump would form in his throat.
Damn the spell.
His anger was immediately doused at the knowledge of the sacrifice her parents had made to keep her safe.
"Caeli.. when you were very young, your parents… mmm…", he said, trailing off. He suddenly felt as though he'd be physically ill.
Caeli reached a hand out slowly.
"Are you alright my lord?", she asked, observing his change in expression.
He nodded quickly.
"The thing, that your parents did, to protect you, it keeps me from saying the things you wish to know.", he said hastily hoping she caught some portion of it. He feared for leaving his mouth open too long should the acute sensation of nausea take over.
She slowly nodded.
"It's making you ill.", she said quietly, in thought.
He nodded in response, choosing to play it safe and keep his mouth closed for a bit longer.
Caeli rubbed the back of her neck in worry.
"So my parents, did.. something? And you seem to know about it, but the condition of this… something… is that it cannot be spoken about.", she said trailing off.
Suddenly she turned to Coruscare, one eyebrow raised, he chuckled despite himself.
"A spell?", she asked.
He managed to nod before the bile rose to the back of his throat. He swallowed with some difficulty.
"They cast a spell.. on me I would presume otherwise we would be able to speak to each other about it?", she asked slowly.
Coruscare had begun to nod but started shaking his head.
"Which part is wrong? That I would be able to speak about it?", she asked.
Coruscare hesitated before giving a small nod. The nausea had abated but now he felt as though something large was stuck in his throat.
"So, no one can speak of it? No, magics are rarely so inclusive or exclusive as that. My mother must have been able to speak to you about it to some extent or you wouldn't know as much as you do.", she said to herself, rubbing her chin thoughtfully, unaware of the physical struggle Coruscare was fighting at her side.
"So there is a spell, perhaps on me, that is preventing you from giving me important information. But seemingly only about my parents..", she said slowly.
Coruscare nodded slowly as he tried desperately to massage the knot in his throat, praying that he looked more contemplative than painful.
"The spell was made to protect me. But protect me from what? And did my parents die as was told to me? I was told they perished in a village with plague, and that I was the only survivor.", she said, her confusion increasing.
Coruscare covertly leaned forward in his efforts to pull in air.
This was the moment Caeli realized how afflicted he was. She reached out and touched his arm, the motion causing her to grimace.
"Are you alright? We should speak of something else for a bit.", she said thinking of other topics that wouldn't relate to her parents. "My picnics, I realize now that you often didn't eat. Is that because you weren't really there?", she asked.
Coruscare swallowed hard and took a sip from her glass.
"I was there in spirit, my soul leaving my body. The Catcher entered your mind and used your physical body as a tether to your spiritual one, leading me to wherever you were. Which happened to be in the past. There is great power deep within you Caeli to be able to project yourself into the past the way you did. You lived there, you grew and you ate and you labored there. You were there. Your memories of your mother are not hopeful dreams. You grew rapidly in that time, a toddler to an adult in a mere matter of months, but she raised you. Some of your memories maybe older, and some newly formed during your visits to your mother, but both real all the same.", he said fervently, still holding the glass of water, in case of, emergencies.
Caeli's heart soared. Raven had insisted the same but to hear it from another who actually witnessed it, to know that it was real brought her an immense amount of joy.
"I met my mother. I had dinner with her, and read bedtime stories with her. She raised me.", Caeli said incredulously, fighting the joyful tears as they stung at her eyes, the alcohol making it even more difficult.
She had been raised, few memories of her mother remaining, in a home where she had either been a nuisance or non-existent.
Her few memories of her mother she had left, she cherished. As a child she would cry in bed at night at how desperately she wanted her mother back.
To know that she had a small taste of that life was bittersweet. Her joy in knowing she truly knew her mother and had spent time with her barely outweighing her heartache at knowing that she would never have that opportunity again.
She felt as though she had lost her mother all over again.
She blinked the tears away before they could fall.
She took a deep breathe.
"But I can't tell which memories came first, which ones were from before my Traveling.", she said shakily.
"What's happening to you is… making you… sick Caeli. Tearing you in two.", Coruscare said, the vomit rising to his throat once more.
"No, my lord, don't do that.", she said leaning forward.
"Tearing you, into TWO. Two pieces. Find the piece you are missing.", he said before throwing himself at the railing to retch.
Caeli winced at the painful sounds.
She stood the best she could and came to pat his back gently.
"Easy now. Enough of that. I will try to do my best to figure out the rest. Thank you for your help. I have many questions but I feel that I now have somewhere to start.", she said soothingly. Leaving out the mention of Old Fae, her first true lead.
She couldn't be sure that it had anything to do with her and she wasn't sure who all she felt comfortable with talking about it.
Coruscare turned from her and tried his best to discreetly spit the remnants of his former dinner from his mouth.
"I wish I could do more. Maybe in time I can but, not tonight.", he said heavily.
"Of course, of course. Come back and take a seat, you look like death.", she said seriously.
He returned to his seat and she did the same.
"By the by, thank you for taking me in upon arrival. I am sure that I would be dead if not for your kindness.", she said smiling at him softly.
"It was my pleasure, truly.", he said around a swallow of water.
Caeli gave him a sardonic look.
"Yes, taking in a bleeding human with nothing to give in return and housing her for months whilst trying to get back her spirit. Sounds pleasurable enough.", she laughed at how outrageous it sounded.
"It is when it is for you.", Coruscare said quietly.
Caeli's heart skipped a beat.
*Oh no. Oh no, oh no.*, she thought to herself.
Her life was complicated enough, but add another one of the Five to the mix and she would be sure to crumble under the pressure.
"My lord..", she said hesitantly.
Coruscare lifted a hand to stop her.
"I know that you are confused and that you are trying to make sense of things. I will gladly wait, but please allow us to be friends? To get to know each other? That was part of my excitement tonight that caused me to be so inconsiderate. I felt I've waited so long to meet you, and then once I did, you became very ill and visiting no longer was an option. That was when Lucius arrived.", he said, setting the empty glass back on the table.
"When I was brought here.", she said simply.
Coruscare nodded.
"During my last visit, I returned and you woke. We spoke for only a moment before the convulsions came. Lucius said that you were 'seizing' but all I knew is that I was terrified. You woke and recognized me for only a moment before your whole body began to shake. And somehow he arrived just as it began.", he said sardonically before finishing more softly, "I'm not sure what would have happened had he not come."
Caeli downcast her gaze to watch her fingers clench tightly into a fist.
"Coruscare, there is so much for me to process, to understand. And this piece I need to find, I'm assuming it is critical that it be done in a timely fashion, it's all so much.", she said softly.
Coruscare nodded.
"But I would appreciate your friendship. You cared for me for many months and have an intimate knowledge of magic and what transpired while I was Traveling. I could really use your help.", she said seriously.
"Of course Caeli, whatever you need. Name it.", he said just as serious.
She nodded in satisfaction.
"My first priority is to gain my strength back. Can't very well travel the world and hunt for answers in the state I'm in.", she said chuckling.
He did not find it so funny.
"It is my fault. Neither me nor my people knew how treat the Midnight Magic used to attack you. We failed you. I failed you.", Coruscare said.
"I must disagree my lord. If not for you I would not have survived the night of the attack. Even now my wound is shocking in size, and more extensive then the physicians had hoped. Seeing as me and my companions possessed no medical materials or simple shelter to protect against the normal dangers, I surely would have perished. I had only recently began to share what I know of medicine with Aurum, and seeing as neither he nor Brego have hands, it would not of done much good either way. I will forever be grateful for your kindness. A kindness that you did not have to show me as a human.", she added.
Coruscare shook his head slowly.
"I knew that you were deserving. When Aowin came to me, beseeching my help, claiming that you saved her and her pups, I had an inkling of your worthiness.", he said smiling.
"And when were you sure?", she asked quietly.
"After the first day I spent with your companions. Of course, as king, I had concerns about you and your companions. Knowledge is power and so I asked them what I wanted to know. And in the process came to know you without truly having met you. They told me stories of your bravery and your kindness, and I knew without a doubt, you are special.", he said truthfully.
Caeli felt the heat return to her cheeks.
"I am also thankful for those two. They are such dear friends to me. They are comfortable there, I am sure. It seems you've picked up after me since the day I crossed your threshold.", she said sadly.
*Oh love, if you only knew how wrong you are.*, he thought to himself, recalling all of the messes he had involved her in unknowingly and how she picked up the pieces and done the best she could with what she had gotten. Her resilience and bravery still put him in a state of awe.
"Your friends are a delight. Not to mention valuable assets to our society. Aurum has been teaching for some time and Brego is the only horse on our island. You can imagine how busy he is.", he said chuckling.
Caeli laughed at the thought of the grumpy gelding working with the Folk. He was softer than he would ever admit aloud and the knowledge made her adore him all the more.
"I will be taking time to recover and research what I can. I may need your help or answers to questions. Can I count on your willingness to correspond on this matter? If not I will understand but I would rather know up front. I will not ask assistance from someone who doesn't want to give it.", she said firmly but not unkindly.
He smiled broadly.
"Your wish is my command.", he said bowing his head to her. He was quiet a moment before continuing, "You are always welcome in my home Caeli, should you ever decide you need a change of scenery.". He gave his best attempt to hide his hope of her returning to the mountains.
But it was no use.
"I appreciate your offer my lord, and may accept it one day. But for now, Lynx is the only physician who knows what is required to heal this wound. It would be foolish to leave her side.", she said matter-of-fact.
Coruscare nodded.
"Of course. Just know the offer will always be there. If and when you're ready.", he said with a smile that looked sad to Caeli.
"Thank you my lord•", she said.
Coruscare stood and stepped in front of her.
"Well I'd say we both have had enough talk for now, lest we truly become ill and the house help find us incapacitated here on the balcony. I should return you to your host.", he said, clenching his teeth on the word "host".
Caeli was deep in thought and didn't notice, simply nodding.
Coruscare assisted her out of her chair and supported her along the trek back to the great hall.
No matter what happened, he would always remember the way her small hand felt in the crook of his arm. Fragile and trusting. Soft and kind.
____________________________________________
Raven watched as the Royal Red Imbecile danced with Caeli.
*How long had it been since he last danced? Hmph. Rusty.*, he thought bitterly to himself, watching as Coruscare carelessly swung Caeli around. Any proficient dancer would have recognized his overeagerness in his steps.
But it wasn't until he saw the look on Caeli's face that he moved to intervene. She was going to be sick.
Einar stepped in front of his master.
"The young lady should entertain new persons of interest. It will hone her skills for the meeting of Fate and it will do her mind good.", Einar said hastily, hoping to mitigate an outright brawl between two of the Five. "She's alright.", Einar said firmly.
Raven nodded as he watched the two leave the great hall, Caeli's small frame beside the dragons, her hand tightly tucked into the crook of the Royal Red Imbecile's arm.
Einar disappeared and Raven sat silent for what felt like a lifetime, throwing furtive glances at the exit Caeli had followed Coruscare through.
A moment later Einar reappeared at his elbow.
"She is fine, he's gotten her a seat and some water. They are just talking, but she's alright.", he said quickly.
Raven gave a quick nod to indicate he heard the report and went back to quietly waiting for their return.
*Do not hover.*, he repeated to himself like a mantra.
An eternity had finally passed when they reentered the hall, both laughing at something Raven couldn't decipher from his quick glances in their direction.
Caeli stopped to greet her old companions, giving them each a hug as they excitedly talked. From what Raven could hear, they were catching up on their individual recent events.
To see her so happy soothed him in ways he couldn't express.
She tearfully bid her friends a goodbye for now and continued towards Raven.
Coruscare returned Caeli to her seat, bowing over her hand. He sent a piercing gaze at Raven before returning to his seat by Syll and the companions.
Caeli took a long drought from her wine goblet. Her hands shaking slightly from the sudden dancing and the even more sudden influx of information she'd received from Coruscare.
"How are you feeling Caeli?", Raven asked without looking at her. "Would you like to return to your quarters? Anything you should need will be brought to you, you needn't tarry here.", he said reassuringly.
Caeli smiled warmly at him. The alcohol burning pleasantly and calming her nerves.
"Thank you my lord. I think I'd enjoy just a bit longer. Your people are beautiful and kind. To see their love for each other and their community is heart warming. You must be a great leader indeed. A vast difference from the human perspective if I might add.", she said sadly.
"So you've read some of the stories it would seem.", Raven said with a sardonic chuckle.
Caeli gave him a sidelong glance and took another swig of her wine.
"I have. And I don't believe them.", she said firmly.
Her confidence and support was heartwarming but he couldn't help but feel it was misplaced.
"Caeli, many of those stories are untrue. But I have done things in my past that I am not proud of. I will not hide that from you.", Raven said sadly.
Caeli turned to watch the people once more, watching as many danced to the jovial music, and just as many laughed and smiled.
"No matter the mistakes you've made. You have this wonderful kingdom and it is undoubtedly the result of your hard work. I think that has to count for something.", Caeli said hopefully. "I know it does for the people and their families who are here today."
Her smile broadened as she watched her friends dance in the quadrille.
Arolith, partner to Calliope who blushed furiously. Dorn who danced with Lavendra with fervor and delight, seemingly enchanted by the seamstress. Lynx and Einar coolly smiling and enjoying themselves in their more reserved manner. Saxum twirling a small and fair young galaxian woman who giggled endlessly.
"If not for you, none of these wonderful people would be here. If not for the choices you've made as of yet, I could not have come to know such delightful people with such inspiring stories. And for that I am thankful. No matter what you believe you've done.", Caeli said smiling broadly, continuing to watch the merriment that filled the halls. Her tongue looser from the wine.
Everyone cheered and parted ways to clear the floor.
Raven stood and knelt at Caeli's feet.
"May I have this dance?", he asked, his voice strangled. Her words touching him deeply.
The weight of his hope constricting his throat, hope that she meant what she said if ever things came to light, that she could accept him.
Caeli turned and smiled warmly at him.
"It would be my pleasure. Although, if we could take it slowly, I may last longer standing up.", she said sheepishly.