Celestial Forge
By: Schin Ka'Tharos
CHAPTER 23
(Part 3)
Her eyes were keen upon mine. Not cold, but strong. I remained still and quiet and she spoke again. “Why are you avoiding the topic about the Tower?”
“Because," I said, finally. "It concerns my family.”
Ciara searched my face and when it was clear I would say no more she glanced over to Adeon who still lay motionless a few feet from her. She drank her tea in silence for a few long moments and her free hand absently rose to touch her mark under her eye. I struggled within myself on how to further answer her and what exactly to divulge. Her voice, quiet and meaningful, nudged me from my thoughts.
“When we were young Adeon would have…trouble sleeping.” She said, staring at her brother as she spoke. “We had gone through some truly horrible years and while he put on a brave face during the day, it would catch up to him at night. Our Aunt began telling us stories at bedtime every night to help. His favorite story was about an ancient forger of the ascended, Moonfire. This Ascended, my Aunt told us, would protect the dreams of boys and girls and keep them safe at night. You see Moonfire was not only her name but also the name of the singular eternal flame she possessed, and she held sway over the night and dreams. Moonfire protects us and her pale hands hold all good souls in safe keeping my Aunt would say. Adeon’s nights grew more peaceful and he grew to fall in love with Moonfire. He adored everything about Moonfire and would talk about her all the time. To him it was no story, she was real. He was enraptured by her pale beauty, moonfire flame, and tales of her deeds. She was a safe place to entrust his hope and love.”
“Other kids around the neighborhood would mock him for it. For his idealism. For thinking her real, or his obsession with her. While he didnt care if they hurt or insulted him, he would become enraged and violent at any derision of her. Many, many kids were severely hurt over an argument about her. I still tease him about it sometimes. Tell him not to go 'moonfire mad'.” A soft smile warmed her face.
“The Ascended called Moonfire is a mythic forger who is believed to be the only known bearer of the moonfire flame. She is rumored to pop up from time to time in various historical events.” She shrugged. “I’m sorry, it was the first singular flame example that came to mind.”
“Don't be sorry,” I said. “I’m glad you shared it with me.”
“Oh and Don’t say anything to him about it” She said quickly. “He’ll kill me.”
Ciara shifted to sit closer to Adeon and reached out and held his hand. She stared at their joined hands for a while.
“I know what he is going through, but I fear for him.” She said. “ I don't understand why he hasn't woken yet”
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“He is wrestling with the demons of his past." I said warmly. "While you may think you know all of those demons, I've found that even those who are closest to us have struggles we don't know about. We each have our own unique burdens that are our own to carry that are never fully brought to light.”
The silence resumed and hung tense between the three of us. Just before I had resolved to leave her alone and move away she looked back to me.
“I intend to speak the oath you proposed.” She said suddenly. “I had planned on waiting until my brother awoke so that we could join in it together, but I have a proposal for you. I will speak it now, but once in place, I will ask you a specific question directly afterwards that I need answered knowing you cannot lie.”
“I have nothing to hide.” I said.
We both moved to stand facing each other. I held out my hand face up and she placed hers on top of mine, our palms meeting. I felt the heat from her flame as it sprung to life in her hands and I stoked my natural flame burn within my palm. Even before I began to speak any light in the room began to pull into us, the heavens knowing the oath fated to be spoken.
“By my flame, may I burn if I speak any word that is untrue to Ciara, whose flame is bound to mine. I am bonded to truth between us.”
“By my flame, may I burn if I speak any word that is untrue to Schin, whose flame is bound to mine. I am bonded to truth between us.”
The Room of Reflections nearly went completely dark as all the light collapsed into us and a low rumbling tone echoed out for a brief moment. Then everything reverted to normal and we stood facing each other once more amid the lights of the faux constellations.
“Is it true that the reason you are withholding information regarding the tower is due to your concern over your family.” She said, eyes intent on mine.
“Yes." I said evenly. "My intentions are not nefarious towards you and your brother. This tower and my past is complicated. Complicated and wrapped up in my family, what little I have. I aim to protect them at all costs. I fear that there are many powerful enemies working against us but as of now I’m unable to fully understand all of the dynamics and machinations at play. My confidence is growing that the two of you are not among those who wish ill against those I love. Much is unclear to me, but I will reveal more to you as our bond grows.”
I stood then and gathered up the tea set. “Everything I have said since you have awoken has been the truth. I have spoken two oaths now to attest to it. I do not know the future of our paths and where they may lead, but I do hope we can be allied together and depend upon each other going forward.”
My head still throbbed from our fight earlier. And my flowlines ached. The small drop of Lesser Thousand Hands of Healing I had put in the tea seemed to be taking the edge off but I had underestimated how taxing the sparring would be and had not anticipated having to speak the oath of truth so soon. I was depleted. I had spent the last few months preparing for when Ciara had woken and the last few days had been draining in every facet.
“I will take my leave, for now. I am weary. I need to recover from our little sparring session and I can tell you still need to reconcile some more from the trial.” I said this over my shoulder as I began to walk over to the spiral staircase. “ Tomorrow, we discuss our current situation and formulate a plan. Oh and I’ll also explain this, but I’m too tired at the moment.”
With that, I opened the door to the basement with a flick of my will through the Voids Eye, and I dropped through the floor. I dragged myself to my bed in front of the massive engraved gate and collapsed.
Next Chapter...
Chapter 23: (Part4)