Silrae and I had decided to postpone our trip to Siren’s Song for a different day. His concern for Kjar was deeply justified; he didn't want Kjar to be left alone after that brutal attack. The voice that had been echoing in my head since then had fallen silent, offering no tantalising promises about salvation if I embraced my role as the priestess. A sigh slipped through my lips, the weight of uncertainty pressing on my shoulders. My hands sought solace by gripping the back of my neck, grappling with the complex thoughts that entwined my mind.

As people passed by, some glanced at me, pausing momentarily, their curiosity evident. Did they see a flicker of the despondence that clouded my thoughts, seeping from the temple where I, the priestess, should be a beacon of hope? The temple, a silent witness to my internal struggle, stood tall and unmoving, its ancient stones holding secrets.

Then, amidst the mundane thoughts, a familiar lapis hand waved at me, pulling my attention back to the present. A smile graced my face, genuine and warm despite the tumultuous tempest within.

“Zershoon! Long time no see. How have you been?” I gestured enthusiastically, an attempt to escape the shadows of my own thoughts.

“Very good. I’ve been corresponding with my lover. He’s back at home right now,” he signed, his expression brightening at the mention of his love.

My curiosity piqued, I raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you had a partner.”

“I don’t talk about him often. He means everything to me,” Zershoon confessed, his hands telling a story of deep affection and vulnerability. He sat down beside me, and we shared a moment of raw honesty beneath the temple's watchful gaze.

“Are you ever scared?” I asked, pondering the courage that love demanded.

“Yes. More than you know. I’m scared I won’t see him again. I’m scared he’ll cheat on me with another. I’m scared that I’m not good enough. None of my worries mean anything though. I love him. I trust him. That is what matters,” his hands conveyed a symphony of emotions, the pain and love entwined in a complex dance. His eyes held the echoes of love's fragility, the invisible wounds that love could bear.

“I’m scared of falling in love,” I admitted. My whole body trembled. The sight of Silrae convulsing in pain flashed in my mind.

“Why is that?” he asked.

“Everyone I’ve ever loved gets hurt or dies.” My parent’s, bloodied and screaming, filled my mind.

"It's not your love that hurt them. It's the world." He stood up. "You deserve to love someone." Zershoon smiled at me. "I don't think Silrae would mind getting hurt if it meant spending the rest of his life with you."

"What?" My cheeks flushed. "I don't even know what I feel towards him." I rose to my feet.

"You know what you feel, you're just afraid to admit it." Zerhoon looked at the door to the temple. "I have to go now. I'll see you later." With that wave goodbye, he bounded up the stairs and entered the obsidian building.

I am not afraid to admit anything. My shoulders drooped beneath the weight of my words. It felt like my heart was going to tear out of my chest with how fast it felt like it was moving. My hands trembled. I clasped them together. Dear Gods and Goddessess, if you're even real, please keep Silrae safe. If he does love me and I love him, don't let him get hurt anymore. Don't let him die. For the first time in my life, I said a prayer.

"That prayer has been heard, little one. Your voice is just like I remember," the voice in the back of my head whispered.

"What do you mean remember?" My question was only met with silence. A sigh escaped my lips. I turned back to the temple. It wouldn’t hurt to explore it. I rose to my feet and walked up the steps. Each step felt like a rope was hanging by my hands, waiting to trap me. I turned around and walked back down the stairs. The bustle of the city brought a new type of desire to me. Perhaps I can explore the city by myself. See what the people expect from me.

Even the alleys bustled with life. Everyone seemed to either be a tiefling or an elf. There were some goliaths, tabaxis, and gnomes. No matter what species they had a smile on their face. Some gazed lovingly at each other. It was a sight to behold this many content people in one place. It made me wonder why my birth parents left this place only to die in the mountains.

As I left the alley, a large fountain came into view. Various couples sat or stood by the water.

“Djorn, where are you taking me?” the familiar tone of Wren rang out. Her blonde hair was in a braid decorated with purple daisies. A red blindfold concealed her vision. She held tightly onto the red tiefling. It was the first time I’ve seen such a smile on both their faces. His face really changed when he wasn’t scowling. She was more alive with a smile like that on her face.

Is this what people look like when they’re in love? I looked down at my feet, saddened by the sight. I wish I could have that. Maybe… I’ll tell Silrae later tonight. He’ll listen, I hope.

I turned my back to the fountain and began to leave when a hand grasped my wrist.

“Asara, how nice to see you,” the familiar tone of Djorn’s voice said. His lips were formed into a smile that was clearly forced. Wren was wrapped around his right arm.

“Hi Asara! I’m glad to see you. I actually just wanted to talk to you about something.” Her bubbly voice was a welcome sound.

“It’s nice to see you too. I was just going to continue my adventure through the city,” I gestured.

“Well, this is a wishing fountain. If you throw a silver coin in and make a wish, it will come true.” Wren’s smile brightened the area. It was strange to see even Djorn smile. This new side of him was interesting to see.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Although, if he breaks Wren’s heart… I’ll destroy him. Wren deserves happiness.

“I don’t believe in making wishes,” I finally responded.

“Here!” She handed me a silver coin. “Trust me. Whatever you wish for will come true.”

“I don’t know.” I handed her the silver, but she forced it back in my hand. She released Djorn, and he almost seemed to relax. Her hands gripped mine, pulling me over to the fountain.

“Go on. Make a wish. I won’t leave until that silver coin is tossed in the air and lands in the water.” She crossed her arms and watched me, tapping her foot against the brick pathways.

The silver coin flew up in the air, spinning around. I wish to find happiness. It landed in the water with a small splash.

“See that wasn’t so bad.” She nudged me.

“It wasn’t.” I looked back at Djorn. “Why are you here with him?”

“I love him,” Wren's voice resonated with a resolute tone, carrying the weight of a simple yet complex truth. The admission caught me off guard; I hadn't anticipated her falling for someone like him. Perhaps there was more to him than met the eye, a depth concealed from the world.

“Does he love you?” I asked, diving into the intricacies of her newfound emotions.

She looked away, a blush painting her cheeks, but the visible evidence of her emotions lay in the couple of bite marks adorning her neck.

“Have you two—”

“Goddesses, no!” she interrupted, flustered. “I’m not ready for a child. Besides, I want to marry him before we do anything like that,” her words rushed out, accompanied by the bright hue that touched her ears.

“As long as I get to be the godmother of the kids,” I teased, winking at her. “Are you afraid of being in love with him?” My gaze shifted to Djorn.

“Yes, more than you know,” a sigh escaped Wren’s lips. “I know everything will work out though. Love will always prevail.”

“What if it ends up killing those you love?”

“It's not love that kills people. It's the world that kills people,” she declared, her voice betraying the weight of such a truth.

“Thank you. I should stop taking up all your time with your future husband. I’ll try to get along with him,” I said, placing my hand on Wren’s head and ruffling her hair affectionately. “Goodbye,” I signed before leaving.

As I stepped into the alleyway, an unusual chill brushed against my skin, the darkness and shadows conspiring to make it colder than my previous walks. Perhaps it was the absence of sunlight, but the air I breathed was oddly liberating, yet carried an invisible weight—a dichotomy that mirrored the thoughts swirling in my mind. I glanced up at the sky, the openness contrasting with the constraining thoughts within. Did my birth parents feel this too, a need to break free from the chains of the city? I yearned to know more about them, to delve into the mysteries of my past. Would Erisa even share these truths after my outburst?

"Asara!" Djorn called. He ran up to my side. “You’re a fast walker.” He took a deep breath in. “Erisa can’t leave the temple normally, but meet her at the Siren Song tonight. It's important.”

I nodded.

“Don’t tell her about Wren and I please.” Fear was laden in his eyes.

“I won’t. You can tell her when you’re ready,” I signed.

“I assume that means you won’t. Thank you.” The red tiefling turned back around and sprinted towards Wren, swooping her up in a hug.

A smile came across my face. She seemed to know that I needed to talk to her.

====

The Siren Song. I read the sign. It was hanging off the marble wall. The doors swung open and a crowd of people left. A blue tiefling with white freckles looked at me. She waved and walked over to me.

“Hey, first time at the Siren Song?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m meeting Erisa," I signed. I did not care if she understood me or not.

“At least I know the alphabet. Erisa is in the back with the handsome duke.” The blue tiefling smiled. “My name is Iyalenth. I’ll see you around.” She ran off, catching up to her group of people. Iyalenth was one of the few tieflings in this city that didn’t expect anything from me. It was strange, but welcome.

I slipped into the building, immediately greeted by a male dragonborn. His red scales were illuminated by the blue firelight of the building. His horns twisted around his ears and rested on his broad shoulders.

“Are you looking for a table or meeting someone, Madame?” he asked, his voice deep, yet guttural.

I looked around, spotting the familiar silvery white hair of Silrae. I pointed to him, and the dragonborn nodded. Weaving through the crowd was a lot more difficult than I imagined. The loud noises were overwhelming. It felt like I was drowning. A few times people would bump into me and then apologise.

Silrae stood up and pulled out a chair. “Here, sit here,” he signed.

“Thank you.” I sat down and smiled.

“How are you?” Erisa asked. Her voice was soft, yet audible.

“I’m well.” I looked off to the side. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

“There’s a ceremony tomorrow. It’s to honour those who raised you and those who gave birth to you. I know nothing about those who raised you. I was hoping you could talk about them.” I turned my gaze to look at her. She seemed genuinely interested in giving them whatever this ceremony is.

“What goes on in this ceremony?” I asked.

“Blue fire will be created and placed into a lantern that represents your parents. Your mother will be tied to your father’s. The lanterns will then be released by you. We will all be quiet until the lanterns are far into the sky.” She stopped to take a sip of the wine in her glass. “We will then hold a feast in their name.”

It sounded lovely. It would be a good way to honour them, yet part of me was scared of that idea. What would people even think of my parents? They were human. I looked up from my hands, catching Silrae’s gaze. His smile brought warmth to my heart.

“It’s up to you. We won’t do it if you don’t want it.” His words eased the knots that formed in my stomach.

“Thank you. I need to think about it a little,” I gestured.

“That’s fine.” Erisa smiled. She rose to her feet. “I must go, but you two enjoy dinner together. Buy whatever meal you desire, it is on me.” Her tan dress flowed behind her as she moved through the dining area. The dragonborn that greeted me stopped her and chatted with her a bit.

I turned back to Silrae. “How was your day?” I gestured awkwardly, unsure of what to say to him.

“It was nice. I finished up all of this week’s paperwork, so I have the rest of the week free, if you’d like me to join you on some adventures.” His hands signed slowly. He shifted awkwardly in his seat. “Is it okay if I sit next to you?” Silrae’s cheeks were tinged pink.

I nodded. “Why are you so nervous?”

“I was thinking about last night.” He stood up and walked over to my side of the table, moving the chair out from beneath. “You weren’t drunk were you?”

I chuckled. “No,” I signed. “I was alone and wanted you by my side.” My cheeks felt warm now.

“Really?” He looked giddy at the thought of that. My simple nods brought him even more joy. “You have no idea how that makes me feel!” His arms wrapped around me. Silrae smelled of orange and vanilla. It was calm and soothing, like a stormy day in a library. Every second brought me more and more joy to the point it hurt to smile. I brought my arms up, wrapping them around his back. We sat like that for a few moments. When he released me, a twinge of sadness filled me.

“Would you like to come back to my place with me?” he asked.

“Sure.” I smiled.