"Our most treasured fragment becomes invaluable when our loved ones fall."
~Tasmiya Shaik
REALM OF ALVGARD
Southern Continent of Euroseka
Rossi Estate
Tuesday
7:45 a.m
Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt would regret every second of his existence, and she would ensure that his heart would be carved out and laid to rest beside his corpse. Where was Soran? He did not return, and even after her multiple attempts to seek him out spiritually, her efforts were in vain. She would not release her brother on sympathy terms this time and nor would she show mercy to Sebastian.
Despite her undying desire to torture the new Lord, she could hardly imagine him suffering the emotional distress and physical ache in her chest. She did not wish such agony upon anyone. Soran's prolonged absence and separation from her felt as though the beast's spirit was ripped from her soul and what remained now was but an empty hollowness that ached for what belonged.
"Kai..."Her brother called her name, sorrowfully.
Kai's breathing exhaled in uneven breaths, and inhalation was rather challenging. It felt as though there was a blockage in her nasal cavity. "Fratello Andreas..."Her breathing became heavier.
"Kai, do not strain yourself," Andreas pleaded and grasped her hand in his own.
"I am at my limit," She smiled faintly and averted her gaze.
Andreas placed his hand over her forehead, and an intensifying heat burned his palm. "The herbal remedies will not work...Kai, let me take you to the healer; she will be able to treat the pain."
"Fratello..." She said in Izavian. "It has taken you a week to reach here by ship...I do not think I can withstand another week without Soran,"Her hazel eyes dulled with exhaustion.
"If there was anything... anything at all that could be done..." Andreas clenched his fist.
~Andreas, there is a way... however, it is something that is preferably performed by the healer.~ Shun informed as he voluntarily emerged into his spiritual form from the tattoo on Andreas' arm, where his sleeve was rolled up.
"Can it be done without her?"
~Yes, but the consequences will lie on you as well as the side effects.~
"That does not matter; I will deal with it. What do I have to do?" Andreas roused from the bedside, and Shun's golden orbs regarded him warningly.
~When a Warcan chooses an Asharra child upon their birth, a spirit retainer orb develops within them to host the Warcan spirit. Soran and I are of the same blood, and Kai's orb should be compatible with my spirit. If I am temporarily transferred to her orb then the pain should subside.~
"And these consequences? If it is temporary, then I doubt you will be separated from me for more than a week." Andreas arched a brow.
~That is not the issue. Do you wish to know now?~
Andreas' gaze averted to Kai, who laid devoid of strength and unfocused of their conversation. "So, what is the issue?"
~When my spirit returns back into the orb within you, it will be the same as when I chose you for the very first time. You will have no control of my magic and abilities, and you will be forced to undergo the fusing process again.~
Andreas recalled the excruciating process of when his own Faélon magic had fused with Shun's Warcan abilities. He writhed in agony for five days straight and was rendered unconscious on several occasions due to the massive infusions of the Warcan's magic. The thought of withstanding such immense anguish did not bode well with him; however he was not the kind of warrior to prioritise himself over his beloved sister.
He treasured her dearly more than his own life, and despair engulfed him as he observed her endure misery. "Very well."
~Andreas,are you certain you wish to do this?~
Was he certain? He did not have time to decide between his heart and mind. Relinquishing his bond with Shun was the same as having a fragment of himself fade away, incomplete as an Aldari. He eradicated all reasons of doubt and seated himself beside the bed.
Shun retreated within the insignia on Andreas' arm and the Asharren warrior directed the flowing energy of the warcan beast into the orb. He focused the power to a single point and gently grasped onto Kai's hand. He allowed the energy to flow out from the insignia and along his arm. Rays of sapphire energy weaved around in individual rings that proceeded in a circular motion along Kai's arm. The energy infused with her orb and Shun's spirit was hers to wield.
Andreas sensed a hollow ambiance within his orb, like a distant memory of himself had been forgotten. As though a fragile glass had shattered. Kai's breathing stilled to calm rythym and fever began to subside. Andreas smiled and pressed a soft touch of his lips to her forehead.
"Rest well, Alikaia. He will bring Soran back to you."
REALM OF ALVGARD
Northern Continent of Varsaléiz
Reinhardt Estate
Vassal meeting chamber
Tuesday
14:26 p.m
Avery began to question her expert ability at flicking off 'pests.' Was that her true intention? Somehow such words would much rather sound like something her uncle would consider. Indeed, Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt had no control of his connection to the enchantress, however it was not aspect that she abhorred him for. She was but a doll, devoid of emotion and feeling. What should it matter if the feelings of others invaded her heart?
"Milady, I am not too fond of Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt's tardiness. It is already a concern that deems him incapable of reigning as Lord," The vassal seated to her right frowned with distaste.
Avery was not accustomed to an atmosphere that thrived on tension, though she did prefer the silence. How did one educate the ignorant?
"Lord Elucian Quirinus Mckain, I do believe you are aware of the situation that summoned my uncle to it's immediate attention?" Avery pointed out and leaned back in her chair.
"I do think it is rather unprofessional of him to run off and play hero to a maiden that ventured out of boundaries. Do you not think so, Lord Jilaan?" Elucian gestured to the arabian Asharren warrior.
His skin was slightly darker than tan and his eyes were a reddish brown that signified him as a handsome warrior of the desert. He was donned with a traditional male Arab dress which was a long white tunic, a sleeveless cloak and a distinctive headcloth. The tunic was loose fitting to allow air to circulate and prevent sweat from evaporating too quickly and slowing dehydration in hot, dry air.
His headcloth or 'kufiyya' was the most distinctive part of an Arab's clothing. It was held on by heavy woollen coils or an 'agal'. The ends of the cloth were wrapped around the face and neck. It acted as a protection from the cold, a shield from the sun's heat, and a screen to keep the wind and sand out. The rope displayed the wearer's ability to abide by obligations and responsibilities of manhood.
"Ia tahkum bidun fahum," Lord Jilaan said calmly in his native language with a soft smile."Do you wish to know what it means, Lord Quirinus," His Arabian accent was quite prominent and his tranquil manner of speech was pleasing to the ear.
Embarrassed by the situation he was caught in, Elucian wisely decided to remain silent.
"It means, do not judge without understanding. Lord Quirinus, you are quite adept with the knowledge of the Aldari and I am certain you understand how important the healer is to our existence. Should it not be logical for the Lord and protector of the Aldari to see her home safely?"
"That is understandable, however Lord Jilaan, the vassals all received a letter from Lord Rossi that Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt summoned us to a clan gathering and yet he is not in attendance? It is improper and unbecoming of one who is to lead the Aldari clans." Elucian argued.
"It is indeed," The vassal of the Cavendish clan agreed. "I do agree that it is unprofessional, however if any of us were in his position, would we prioritise a meeting over the life of our kin?"
"Lady Ophelia Darleis Cavendish speaks righteously, Lord Mckain," The Vassal of the Chevalier clan consented.
"Milady Erlysia," Lord Jilaan seated the right of Avery gently clasped her hand."You are at unease. You have guided them, they will return to us safely. If you wish it now, I will lead a force into Mythgar and retrieve them."
"Lak aimtinaniun," She thanked in Arabic. "I have my full faith in them and will await their return."
"As you wish, milady," He smiled.
Despite her heart that believed the healer and her uncle would be safe, a constant uneasiness advised her otherwise. The darkness was always at work in the shadows with foul ploys and many of those who sought to end their wicked strategies were faced with tragic fates. Was her belief and guidance alone strong enough to to keep the darkness at bay? Was she capable of wielding the light in her hands?