It had been just over a fortnight since Alena and the others left for Særis. By the end of this next week, Rowan and Seres would be leaving as well. All that remained were some final preparations, starting with an informal audience with Queen Elarin.

Seres was already there when Rowan arrived in the second of Queen Elarin's audience chambers that afternoon. She'd been practising with Elan Fiir when the messenger informed her that Elarin was done with her official responsibilities for the day and was thus making herself available for conversation.

Rowan could have gone straight there, of course; the Queen wouldn't be offended by a smattering of sweat and grime, especially in an informal setting. She had, after all, already seen Rowan at her worst. Rowan didn't care. She could be more than that. She was free, and with her freedom, she wanted to become the best version of herself. That included looking the part. As such, she took the time to make herself clean and presentable.

Fortunately, the messenger had returned to Queen Elarin to inform her of the delay, and she was more than content to wait. Her relaxed posture made it clear she wasn't in any particular hurry, though Rowan could see a seriousness hidden within her eyes.

Whatever the reason for the seriousness, however, she welcomed Rowan with a warm smile. “Take a seat, Rowan. Make yourself at home.”

Rowan obliged. Thanks to the more intimate feel of the second audience chamber, it wasn't exactly difficult. She sank into the sofa beside Seres, who was, in turn, just lounging there casually with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. Once Rowan was sitting comfortably, Seres placed the selection of cookies between them so that they could share.

Elarin smiled again at the gesture before continuing on from where she left off with her welcome. “Thank you for coming, Rowan. I pray your training has been fruitful.”

“It has,” Rowan answered as she reached out for a cookie.

“Excellent. Seres tells me you're almost ready to leave.”

It took a moment for Rowan to respond as she was mid-bite, and she found herself in the awkward position of needing to chew. In any other situation, it would have been a simple task, but the awkwardness of needing to respond always had a way of practically tripling the amount of chewing required. Seres' giggling didn't help either. Fortunately, she was able to swallow without choking, even if it took far too long to get to that point.

Following the awkward and delectable endeavour of chewing, Rowan gave herself a second to breathe before giving her response. When she felt it was safe to do so, she nodded. “Tyris thinks I'm ready, so all we need to do now is pack.”

“And I imagine you are hoping to leave by the end of the week.”

“Sooner if we can. Two, maybe three days. Any later and we won't make it to Tærin City in time. If it wasn't Tyris’ birthday tomorrow, we might have been looking to leave already.”

Rowan saw a conflicted sadness flash across Elarin's face at the mention of her brother's birthday. It would have been barely noticeable had the queen's response not been delivered with uncharacteristic formality.

“I'm sure he will appreciate having you there. Were it not for your detour home, I'd have asked you to wait until after Seres’ birthday. Alas, I understand such delays keep you here until Spring, and I have no desire of keeping you from your father or your lover any longer than absolutely necessary.”

“And you already told me that you'd be making a state visit to Særis this Winter to help get King Dreigan up to speed,” Seres added.

Rowan giggled at Seres’ interjection and the way it cut through Queen Elarin's unexpected formality. She didn't begrudge Elarin wanting to see her daughter on her seventeenth birthday or wanting to celebrate it here in Midiris. It was an important day, one that would mark Seres becoming an adult, and it would normally be celebrated in much the same way her return was.

With that not being an option she was willing to pursue, she had clearly taken it upon herself to seek out an alternative solution, and a state visit was the perfect answer. Her last state visit had been a couple of years before Seres had been taken, so it was long overdue and King Dreigan did need to be informed of what was going on in his kingdom. Granted, his eldest daughter, Princess Yona, had already been given all of the key details, but it was as good an excuse as any.

When Elarin recovered from Seres’ remark, she returned to a more relaxed state. “Where were we?” she mumbled to herself. “Right, yes. I realise you probably want to leave as soon as possible after your brother's birthday.”

“The day after if we can.”

“Could I ask that you delay one more day?”

“Why is that?” Rowan asked, with Seres adding in a questioning look for punctuation.

Elarin held up two fingers. “I have a couple of reasons, the first being security. I know you're strong, Rowan. Strong enough to protect Seres and yourself from almost anything. It's why I named you Ardent Flame, but you can only do so much alone. With that in mind, I have picked out a couple of agents that I trust to accompany you, but I want you to meet them first.”

“Is that really necessary, Mother?” Seres asked.

“Yes. I know you wanted this journey to be just the two of you, but I can't risk losing you, again.”

“I agree with your mother, Seres,” Rowan admitted. “I'll want to make sure they are trustworthy myself, but I'll rest easier knowing someone has your back even when I don't.”

“Fine,” Seres almost harrumphed.

“If it makes you feel any better, they can be as unobtrusive as you need them to be. They can be a shadow or by your side.”

“When can we meet them?” Rowan asked.

“When you leave, so three days. They're returning from an operation today and will need time to rest after their debriefing, which is perfect as you'll be busy tomorrow.”

“What were they doing?” Seres asked.

“Investigating your disappearance and helping deal with corrupt officials up north that allowed raids to go on for as long as they did. I still damn myself every single day for not realising sooner. I was far too naive.”

“Stop beating yourself up, Mother. It wasn't your fault.”

“Seres is right. Whoever the Good Lords are, they know how to cover their tracks, and they have the resources to ensure those under them do the same. You cannae blame yourself for not knowing there was something to look out for.”

“Thank you. It means a lot to hear you both say that.”

“You don’t need to thank us.”

“But you can tell us the second reason for us delaying our departure.”

Elarin nodded. “Yes, of course.” She then turned to Rowan. “You have been like a sister to Seres, Rowan, and if you are both willing, I would have you be sisters in Resonance.”

Seres’ eyes opened wide. “You don’t mean…”

“I do. In two days, it will be a full moon, so the timing works.”

With that comment, Rowan started cottoning on to what they were getting at. “If you're suggesting what I think you're suggesting, wouldn't it cause issues?” she asked.

“It would be a private affair,” Elarin answered. “Strictly just the two of you. Legally there will be no change. In spirit, however, you will be sisters.”

“And we will be connected by a deeper Resonance than we are now,” Seres added.

It was becoming clear why Queen Elarin was advocating for them to take the rite. With a stronger Resonance between them, they would always be able to find their way back to each other. In time they might even be able to share their strength, though that would require a more advanced rite.

There was another reason that seemed likely as Rowan gave it more thought. Queen Elarin probably thought Rowan would be even more likely to keep Seres safe if they completed the rite. She'd be wrong, of course, as Rowan was already fully committed to keeping Seres safe, but peace of mind could be a powerful thing.

Whatever the reason, or reasons, Rowan fully intended to go through with the rite if Seres was willing. She had been the family Rowan needed when she had lost everything, and the inverse was equally true. Yes, they were regaining much of what they had lost, and they were gaining even more, but Rowan saw that as a reason for them becoming closer.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

With her mind made up, Rowan turned to Seres. “If you're willing, so am I,” she said.

Tears welled up in Seres’ eyes, and before anyone could say anything, she half-leapt into Rowan’s arms. “Of course I'm willing,” she cried.

*****

Tyris’ birthday the next day was a small, private affair. Just him, Talia, Rowan, and Seres. His original plans of a fancy meal with Talia and a night out with his Navy friends had been postponed until later in the week once it was clear that Rowan would be there. Even before she had been taken, Tyris almost never got to spend his birthday with family on account of his position in the Navy. Things had obviously changed now that he was married, but he wasn’t about to pass on a chance he feared would never present itself.

They started with some light training; a nod to a near month-long tradition that was finally coming to an end. Tyris had already told Rowan that she had exceeded all of his expectations with how much progress she had made in the little time they had. At first, Rowan thought he was exaggerating with his praise, but Talia did her own assessment after the last training session to make sure it was doing its job in terms of helping Rowan’s body recover from years of abuse and neglect. When she also acknowledged her progress, Rowan knew it had to be true. A doctor was more believable than a doting older brother, after all.

After barely breaking a sweat with their final training session, they moved on to gift-giving. It was a novel reminder of Rowan’s least and most favourite birthday tradition. The giving and opening of presents was always fun and exciting, but needing to wait until the hour of your birth to start was hellish. At least it was for Rowan. She was born during the early evening. Tyris, on the other hand, like much of their family, was born significantly earlier; so much so that he never actually had to wait.

Fortunately, this wasn’t Rowan’s birthday, so her frustrations about needing to wait were largely irrelevant. Even if it was her birthday, she felt as if it wouldn’t be an issue. Five years in captivity kind of put everything into perspective, after all, and she had already been given the gift of freedom.

Either way, her birthday was a question for the future. They were here to celebrate Tyris taking another step towards becoming an old man. Talia was the first to give him a gift.

When Tyris revealed it, Rowan felt confused. It was a box. A fancy box, yes, but a box all the same. Yet Tyris seemed fascinated by it.

“What is it?” Rowan asked with a frown.

“It’s a Ru’eni Puzzle Box, dear sister!” Tyris exclaimed in response, his answer doing very little in the way of offering a halfway decent explanation.

“A what now?”

“A puzzle box. You open it by solving the puzzle.”

“And this one has something special inside,” Talia added, an ever so slightly provocative tone colouring her remark with luscious pink.

Tyris’ eyebrows rose at the implication. “Does it now?” he asked.

“Maybe wait until we’re gone before asking that!” Rowan said quickly before Talia could respond. It was a dangerous line of questioning, and she wanted no part of it.

Fortunately, Tyris quickly came to a similar realisation. “Sorry, I was caught in the moment,” he apologised.

“I’m sorry as well,” Talia added.

Rowan shook her head. “You don’t need to apologise! We just don’t need to hear about whatever kinky secrets might be hidden in that box.”

Tyris gave her a sly grin in return. “I guess I’ll also refrain from mentioning how you made yourself right at home when you first visited here with Alena.”

“Stop teasing your sister, Tyris,” Talia chided, but it was too late. Rowan had gone from alabaster to crimson in record time, and Seres was curious.

“I don’t think I’ve heard this one,” Seres remarked.

“Well,” Tyris started before stopping in his tracks. Talia had given him the “don’t you dare” look, and it proved incredibly effective. When he continued, any hint of teasing was gone. “If you want to hear the story, you’ll need to ask Rowan or Alena. It’s not my place to share, especially when one of the involved parties isn’t here.”

Thankfully, Seres didn’t push the issue, and Rowan was able to go from crimson to a much gentler rosy. She still had her face buried into a cushion to hide the majority of her lingering embarrassment, but it was something.

Tyris received a few more gifts from Talia as Rowan continued to regain her composure, including a couple that she was giving on behalf of another. When she was done, Seres stepped forward to offer a gift of her own. “I know we are only connected through our shared bond with Rowan, but I felt it only proper that I also got you a gift. Especially as you’ve been kind enough to invite me.”

“No need to be so modest, Seres. As you said when we first met, Rowan has practically been a sister to you these past five years, and I know you were there for her as well in that time. As far as I’m concerned, that makes you a part of the family. Maybe not in the conventional sense, but family all the same.”

“Thank you. It isn’t much, but I hope you like it.”

Seres presented him a model kit for a Midiran Sabre Class Frigate.

Tyris’ jaw dropped. “This is a mighty fine gift, Seres. Thank you.”

Seres blushed softly in response before continuing. “I also have a gift from my mother.”

“Oh?”

The gift from Queen Elarin caught practically everyone by surprise.

“I think these might be a bit small for me,” Tyris said with a slight chuckle as he held up a tiny pair of socks.

“They aren’t for you, per se,” Seres admitted. “When mother heard of Talia’s pregnancy, she claimed one of the best gifts you can give a parent-to-be is a selection of baby clothes and a good blanket, so here we are.”

“Tell her it’s very much appreciated,” Talia said.

“I will.”

When it was clear only one gift remained, Rowan felt three sets of eyes fall expectantly on her. Fortunately, she had recovered from her earlier embarrassment. Still, she handed over her gift for Tyris without a word. He opened it to reveal a simple dagger. Only then did she speak.

“You got me a dagger for my eleventh birthday. It helped me save Tehri’s life. With this blade, I promise to finish what I started. I will find Tehri and bring her back to us.”

“It’s perfect, Rowan. And I know you’ll find her. I have no doubts.”

*****

They spent the rest of the afternoon playing various board games. At one point, Seres asked Tyris a question that Rowan hadn't really considered before.

“Were you born during an eclipse, Tyris?”

“I was,” he admitted. “Why do you ask?”

“Because your age doesn't match your Gift. You should have the Gift of the Eagle, but Rowan says you have the Gift of the Choir, and I'm inclined to agree. An eclipse was the most logical reason, but I wanted to make sure.”

“Reasonable. And, Rowan is correct in saying I was Gifted with the Choir.”

The conversation drifted after that, and they returned to their games. By the time dinner rolled around, Rowan decided to bring up Queen Elarin's proposal.

“So, you know how you said you already considered Seres family on account of us being like sisters, Tyris?”

“Yes?” Tyris replied quizzically.

“Well, what I'm about to tell you is a secret that can't leave this room.”

“Okay?”

“Yesterday, Queen Elarin came to us with a proposal.”

“Get to the point already, Rowan.” She could practically feel the eye roll from the chiding Seres beside her.

“Fine! I just wanted to make sure they understood the gravitas of the situation.”

“They'll understand just fine without all the extra bells and whistles.”

Rowan was tempted to push the bit a little further, but she ultimately decided against it as it was rather unnecessary. Instead, she went straight to the point as Seres had strongly suggested. “Okay. So basically, in recognition of our sisterly bond, Queen Elarin proposed we form an actual blood tie through the Rite of Familial Resonance.”

“And you said yes, correct?” Tyris replied expectantly.

“We did,” Seres responded, answering for the both of them.

“Good, because otherwise I'd have been forced to bop Rowan on the head.”

“Hey!” Rowan protested.

“I'm just saying it how it is. You both survived long enough to escape because you had each other. It's only natural that you'd ask the Goddess to recognise your bond. If Queen Elarin is also giving you her blessings, you'd be foolish not to.”

“So you approve?”

“Of course I do. I know Mother would also approve. Family is precious, Rowan.”

A second or two later, Rina's voice echoed a similar sentiment within her soul.

“I also approve.”

*****

It was late the following night when Rowan, Seres, and Queen Elarin gathered in a part of the Dawn Wing Rowan had only ever seen from the outside; a private chapel to the Goddess atop one of the larger palace spires.

It was a beautiful place, with large, open windows and reinforced skylights to let in as much moonlight as possible. Queen Elarin or whoever else that tended to the chapel had filled it with a selection of lunar flowers.

With Queen Elarin's guidance, Rowan and Seres prepared themselves for the ritual. First, they changed into a pair of white silk dresses that could have been described as plain if they didn't have a distinct silvery sheen that was practically luminescent. Once changed, they ritually cleansed themselves in water from the chapel's moon-soaked basin. Finally, they arranged a selection of glowing lunar flowers from around the chapel into a ring large enough for the two of them.

When they were done, Queen Elarin handed them the obsidian ritual blade along with the silk it was wrapped in. Then she stepped back. This was Rowan's and Seres’ moment. She was just there to bear witness.

Knowing it was time, the two girls took their position in the ring of flowers. Face to face and bathed in the full light of Rowan'el, they knelt.

With near-perfect serenity, Rowan took the knife, letting the silk slide off between them. Then, the ritual began in earnest.

"In lunar witness, we stand together."

"With knife and heather."

At the end of the first two lines, Rowan touched the obsidian blade to her palms. She cut them without hesitation, her blood dripping onto the silk below. With Rowan now bleeding, Seres took the blade and wiped it clean on the silk before cutting her own palms.

The two girls then locked their bleeding palms together so that their blood could pass between them before continuing on with the ritual.

"To draw upon bonds of blood," Rowan started again.

"So that the familial flower might bloom."

"Spin the thread."

"And tie the knot."

"Together, we swear."

"On crimson and Azure."

"That Seres Talyren El Ria Lanafae."

"That Rowan'efrii Alyris Naliir."

"Is family."

"A sister as true as any other."

"My sanguine bond."

To end the ritual, they ignited the silk that had been touched with their blood on one of the chapel braziers before casting the ashes to the wind so that it might reach the Goddess.