Staring. Watching the people pass by on the road, not a single one stealing a glance toward me. I sit here, invisible. The rustle of fabric tarps rouse me from my stupor, behind an array of color above, I notice the looming darkness and stand. Donning my hat, I take a sly glance around. With no one looking my way, I duck into the alley behind me to start the journey home.

Making it to the next road unscathed, I peek out the corner. After watching for a minute and sensing no trouble, I step onto the street. Consciously avoiding interaction on the way, I make it closer to the outer walls and finally, home. Pulling the thick wooden door open, I find my younger sister standing over the fireplace with a small pot of stew steadily boiling. “Cael, that you?” she questions.

“Yes, you were able to get meat?” I say, looking over her shoulder after putting my hat up.

Turning to look me in the face, then remembering she’s the short one here, finally looks up to my eyes. “Mmmm, just don’t ask how I got it.” Cheekily winking in the process.

“Come on Sis, we’re not kids anymore. Also, I’m the one that set the traps.” After saying that, I see her mood deflate just a bit. “Cheer up Luci, at least we’ll be able to eat together tonight.” I say while moving to grab a couple bowls and spoons from the counter.

“Cael… you don’t have to starve for my sake. We can always share a bowl.” She mutters.

Barely hearing her, I don’t respond and instead set our small table. Seeing the worn boards, with multiple lighter patches where I sanded out splinters, I sigh and finish up. Not much to be done with only 2 sets to prepare. “Cael, dinner’s ready. Lend a hand please?”

Already knowing she wants to pawn the manual labor off on me, I walk over and bring the pot to the table. I know she could lift it herself, and she knows it too, but what kind of brother would I be then? Taking our seats, we quickly recited the prayers taught to us before my sister portions out our meal.

I notice my bowl is slightly more full and consider switching, only to look up to see my sister slightly tilt her head at me before looking down to eat. Dismissing the thought, I dig in. Tasting the salt, I look up again only to see her still eating, then continue myself.

Halfway through my meal, I notice my sister’s eyes linger on my own for a little longer than usual before resuming the feast. Today’s meal makes up for all the times I went without myself, which lights up my eyes as I look up. “So, what’s up Luci. Why such a fancy meal?”

“Cael… Always looking for something suspicious, just accept that I’m a better cook than you.” She snarkily replies while avoiding the question. “You know, I was thinking.”

‘Oh, here we go.’ I thought.

“You’re always so worried about me, and now that I’m 16, I can start looking to marry. There’s a couple merchants that have sons around our age, you could put in a good word and I could start looking.” She says while staring me down. The weight of her words starting to get through to me, I simply stare back at her.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea Luci, I may hang around there and there’s times they ask me to fetch things for them, but I don’t have any sway over these people.” I reply, still dumbfounded where she got this idea from.

“Well, let’s talk about something else then, did you reignite your aura?” She inquired, and now I’m even more bewildered.

“Where did you ever get that idea? You would be the first I’d tell.” I insisted, still off put from our earlier topic.

“Then what’s up with your eyes? They’re different from yesterday, and not in a slight way either.” She replies.

“My eyes feel fine, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I get out before drinking the rest of the stew from the bowl. “Listen Luci, I know it’s late and we’re both tired. Let’s talk about this in the morning. We can visit the looking well after for me to see for myself. Besides, you know how these things are, most times it’s just cosmetic.” I respond while standing. Before I make it halfway across the room, my sister speaks up behind me.

“The eyes are different Cael. These things don’t happen randomly, unless they do I suppose, huh.” She rambles while I continue on to my room. Closing the door behind me, I undress and sit on my bed to ponder my existence. 20 winters, or well, years I guess. My aura still burnt out, no changes there. Sighing, I shift over to lay and notice it. Still resting there in it’s spot. I stare. Nothing can change that day, so I turn over to face the wall. Meaningless thoughts racing through my head, my eyes start to droop as my vision turns to darkness.

I dream. Standing there, above me, a figure, more besides. The central one is huge, yet the others still tower around them. Their gaze, solely focused on me.

Waking up in a cold sweat, I can only remember those uncaring eyes. Staring off, I notice I flipped over in my sleep and my eyes focus upon the sheathed sword. After what feels like hours, but what was probably only minutes, maybe less, I sigh and fall back to look at the ceiling. Seeing the rays of light shine through the atmosphere of the room, I’m reminded of my dream, what was it again? Mmmm, damn. I can’t remember. Pushing myself to sit up, I gander around the rest of my room, the desk below the empty window, unboarded for the late spring. The closet, holding my two spare sets of clothes. It. Moving to my closet, I dress and step into the living room.

“Cael! You’re finally up, took ya long enough.” She quips at me before moving to dust the rest of the house. “You know, magic’s really handy for all these little things.” She proves her words with action, slowly gesturing small gusts to push the dust and debris in a small pile.

“Yes Luci, you don’t have to remind me every single day. Just like I don’t have to remind you that I can’t do magic everyday. Just like every other man.” I deadpan back. Moving to grab some leftover bread, I take a seat for the discussion to come. “So, what’s this about my eyes now?”

“Oh yes! Your eyes, I almost forgot with how sudden the change was.” She said before moving to take a seat in the chair next to me. “Now, let me get a good look, I think I remember what some of the Eyes were…” She drones before getting close and looking right into my eyes. “Hmmmmm, yeah, I got no clue.” She sputters before collapsing back into her chair.

“Right, so it should be fine. Any idea on what caused it? And you’re not just pranking me, are you?” I speculate aloud while watching her face. This wouldn’t be the first time after all.

“No, no, I promise you your eyes have changed and this is a documented magical phenomena.” She explains while I just stare. “So, from what I was taught, ambient mana decides your eyes are a nice spot to live and gets attracted there. Errr, then something happens. I remember reading about someone that was able to shoot flames from their eyes! Although I don’t recall if they could do anything else…” She begins to ramble off various eyes she was taught about although they don’t mean much since none match with mine.

Interrupting my sister, I speak up “And there’s nothing to worry about?”

“It’s usually a boon so if anything, it should help you!” She exclaimed before resting back in her chair. “Well, there are some that seem to just enhance eyesight, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

“Alright then, nothing to worry about I suppose. You working today?”

“Ughhh, no, the old crone said I’m only needed every 3 days now. I don’t know how she expects her shop to stay clean with her clientele, all dirtied up and bleeding half the time. She should have me there everyday!” She quickly blurts before sighing. “To take a page from your book, how about we focus on something else. Like what we’re gonna do today!” She declares while watching my face.

“We?” I coldly reply.

“Oh come on! You said last night we’d go visit the looking well so you could see for yourself.” She groans out. I guess I did mention that.

“Hmm, alright, I’m ready to go when you are.” I coolly respond while observing her reaction back, seeing her sputter in place, looking at the few places still left to be dusted, she reverts her look back to me.

“I’m ready, let’s go!” She giggled out and stood. “Besides, not like they’re gonna miss you at the markets this morning. And it’ll be their loss!” She quickly amends her statement while walking toward the door.

Standing to follow I check the house, Dining table in the corner where we are, small hearth in the center surrounded by some coarse cushions on the floor. Then two rooms along the back wall, not that large but after what happened, more than enough space. Hearing the door thunk open, I see my sister starting to head out. Quickly following behind, we make our way to the looking well.

As we arrive at the square that holds the looking well, I see almost no one around and move closer, my sister following behind now. “Sure is nice this morning Cael, you’ll be able to get a good look and see what I mean.” Luci says behind me as I walk up and peer into the small pool of water at our feet. It’s raised up a bit to keep the water in, not that it helps blind pedestrians from tripping into it every so often.

Finally peering down, I get closer and start by taking in my body. Still slim and looking like dry noodles. Although hints of muscle still poke through here and there. My hair ends at my shoulders now, I’ll have to cut it again at some point. Although I don’t think any of our knives could do the trick, ah well. Slowly moving down, I come to rest on my eyes. “So, what do you think?” Luci interrupts and I avert my look as I lock onto her.

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“Come on Luci, I just woke up, give me a minute to adjust. I haven’t even seen my eyes yet.” Saying that, I look back down and lock eyes with my reflection. I see, I see more than I mean to. Looking deeper into the eyes in the pool in front of me, I see more copies of myself, like another looking well just a surface deeper. Breaking my gaze for a moment, I stand and stretch.

“So! What do you think. Pretty neat looking huh?” She stated before looking down at her own reflection. “You know, I think it’s a good thing this happened. I feel like this means we’re doing something right in this world. We’re on the up and up ya know…” She says softly while still beholding herself.

Hearing her words, I refocus and look back down. I notice that what I saw earlier was not just an illusion, there is definitely something up with my reflection. Adjusting my view, I see the ever present bags under my eyes. I wonder when those will disappear. Then, I gaze back into the reflections of my eyes. I see more, I see myself alone in my home. I see myself in the forest. I see myself at the market. I see myself in bed. I see a set of uncaring eyes. I see myself dead.

I break the spell that holds my sight and breath deeply. This is a bit much for just some eyes huh. Illusions or something. Let’s not worry Lucille with this, I don’t know how much more she could take. “Alright Luci, let’s head out. No need to become obsessed with our image.” I calmly state before taking a couple steps back with a glance toward our surroundings. I notice a bit more bustle going on as the day begins truly starting up.

“Just give me a sec, I want to fix my hair a bit more. You know, you could use a good haircut soon.” She retorts back for trying to rush her.

“You know,” I begin “I was just thinking the same.” I say as I continue to watch the surroundings. “Are you gonna be done anytime soon? I could still make it to the market.”

“And do what Cael? Beg? You don’t even have your hat.” She says which makes me glance up, ah, that’s why it felt a bit brighter than usual. “Running errands? You’re better than that, you used to be a fighter, I know you can-” she scolds before being interrupted

“Lucille! What gives you the damn right to lecture me about how I make money, you know damn well what happened that night. Not only can’t I fight anymore, I don’t even have any Aura anymore, and you know damn well what that means for a man.” I explode at her.

Hearing my words, Lucille looks down and lets out a short sob, “Cael…” she softly lets out. Staring ahead, I storm off to let Luci find her own way home. She said it herself, she’s a grown lady now, let her handle something for once. Storming off, I find an alley to take some respite from the sun in and sit on the ground.

Slowly calming down from the exchange, I look up to see the sky above. Just sitting there, I consider what I saw in my reflection. Thinking about it, I remember those eyes. Those eyes that seem to view all within its grasp. I dwell upon how uncaring those eyes were. Then, I hear it. The horns blare in the distance, more and more joining the rousing chorus denoting an attack. Hopefully the threat has already been identified.

Quickly standing, I look around. Seeing as I’m still in an alley, I run out to the main road to see what’s going on. Not seeing anyone doesn’t make me feel any better as I run closer to the wall, I need to get home and- BOOM. Looking over, I see the top of the stone wall partially clipped by a giant stone, red stains surrounding the edges. A couple seconds later, a loud crashing sound erupts somewhere behind me.

Not letting my nerves take hold, I continue closer to the wall. As long as the walls hold it should be safer close by, it seems the projectiles are being launched directly rather than from above. As I begin to run, I hear some loud screaming in the distance. Hopefully just someone was injured, it would be extremely bad if the walls were already lost. I break out into a sprint at this point, making it home. Pulling hard on the door, I peek inside and notice it empty. Empty…

Lucille is still out there. Fuck. I sprint into my room. It’s in its spot. Like always. Slowly, I reach down and grab the longsword by its handle. Unfortunately I don’t have my armor, or Aura to work with. Whatever, just get Luci and get safe, that’s the plan. Sprinting out with my sword in hand, I get back to the looking well and glance around. I see and hear nothing. Concerning, but I come up to the first door I see and start banging. Quickly, someone answers.

“Oi brat, what da hell do ya tinks you still be on the street for. You’s too scrawny to be some warrior.” The older woman groused.

“I left my sister here while I ran an errand and the horns started, I went home and didn’t find her, I was hoping you could point me in a direction. Please Ma’am, help me.” I begged of her. I needed to be there for Luci, I couldn't bear not being there if anything happened.

“Hmmm, Not’s good to be wandering around during an attack, I’s took your sister in, she’s right here brat. Let me fetch her then scam, I got enough problems as is.” She grouchily replies before slamming the door and leaving me to wait. And wait. I bang on the door a couple more times, but there was no more response. As I consider barging the door down, she shouts at me.

“Oi brat, she’s on ‘er way. Stop that racket!” She ranted from behind the door. Shortly after, the door opens again and there my sister stands. Pulling her away she stops short just outside the door.

“I’d like to apologize Cael, I didn’t mean to say those things.” She lamented. This wasn’t the time.

“It’s alright Luci, let’s get home and get safe. Hopefully the walls will hold but I saw some massive boulders being launched, it’s better if we stay close at home.” I inform her.

“How does that make sense? And is that your sword, I thought you promised yourself never to pick it up again.”

“It’s fine, come on, we need to get home quickly. We can speak more there.” I say as I pick up the pace a bit, making sure my sister can easily keep up. As we get closer to the walls, I start to make out the very faint noise of clashing steel. Shit. “Luci, the walls are breached, prepare for anythin-” the flight of an arrow whooshing past my face interrupts my calm panic as I turn to see where it came from. Looking up, I notice multiple masked men with long bows perched on top of the surrounding buildings. Quickly reacting, I pull myself and Luci into the nearest alley as we began to run.

Looking back, I don’t notice any apparent injuries on Luci which allows me to let out a sigh of relief. Suddenly coming up on the next street, I peek out the corner and watch for a minute. “Cael, what’s going on? Why did they shoot at us?” Luci let’s out in a quick breath. I start as I turn back to face her.

“Listen Luci, they’re already inside the city. It’s gonna get bloody from here. We need to find a place and hole up. We get inside the nearest building and don’t open it for anyone, let’s go.” I say this as I immediately step out onto the nearest street and move to the closest door. I begin banging on it only for no response. Seeing a nearby window, I climb through and move to unlock the door for Luci. Thankfully, nothing happened in the meantime so I close the door behind her.

“Alright Luci, let’s hunker down and ride this out. We’ll be safe here, looks like no one was home.” I say, hoping not to jinx myself. As we look around, we notice a bedroom door open so we quickly enter and close the door behind us. I gesture Luci to hide under the bed while I keep a lookout. Not hearing any footsteps close by, I let out a pent up sigh of relief before looking down to Luci. “Here we go Luci, time to ride this out.”

“Cael, what in the world is going on, h-how are we being attacked? We’re in Jalathaes .” She nervously stammers out.

“Well, something went wrong somewhere along the line Luci. We’re just caught in it.” I coldly reply while watching out the window.

“Is this what it was like Cael, when you were a warrior.” Luci says from under the bed.

“Well, I was part of the ones doing the invading, not like sending us to fight did much good.” I mutter out and sigh. “Listen Luci, let’s just be quiet for now and ride this out. We’ll figure things out afterwards.” I softly say while taking a seat on the floor near her against the bed frame.

Hours later, or maybe just minutes, I hear a loud crash at the front door and the clatter of armor chinking together. “So I was telling pigface over there that I should have first dibs on the loot this time, and like come on guys, we’re raiding the Jalathaes, there’s enough for us all to share.” I hear from the other room.

“Come on Harris, you know how this goes, the commander's gonna get the first pick regardless. No damaging the merchandise and all that. Now come on, let’s search this house and move on, not like we found any so far.” I hear from a 2nd man, knowing there’s at least 2 and they’re here to search the house, my heart freezes. I can’t take on 2 soldiers in my current condition. Not to mention while protecting Luci.

Quickly looking down to Luci, I see the panic in her eyes. “Luci, it’s gonna be okay. Here’s what we’-” BOOM, the door to my right flies open and standing there in the doorway is a massive figure with a mace in their right hand and shield in the other.

“OI BOIS, I FOUND A COUPLE A RATS.” The massive figure bellows before stepping close. During this time, I stand and step back, readying the longsword that never left my grasp. Just like before. Good. “Oh look at ye, a fightin rat if I ever seen one. You protecting the little lassy under the bed. Good job boy, now die.” The giant then bears down and performs a swing with such absolute power that any attempt at offense is dissuaded, so instead, I simply step back and swing half a second later. Right as his mace is past my swing connects with his wrist, yet instead of slicing it to the bone, I heard the dreaded sound of chinking metal.

“Haha boy, you got a bit ah skill with that sword there. Tis ashame.” As he says that, he realigns and his blow comes from below, which I narrowly parry yet his other hand comes forward with the shield and bashes my nose. As I stumble back, he starts again “Ah come on, that wasn’t even a real hit. Get ya sword back up brat.” Lifting my sword, I step forward and perform a slash from below just out of his range which allows my follow up stab to connect toward his open face.

The monstrous man deflects the stab up with his shield while connecting with his mace, I hear the sound of multiple ribs shattering and step back to take a knee. Coughing blood I hear him taunt me again. “Ahahahahah, little boy can’t even take a single hit.” As he says this, a hand reaches out from under the bed and grabs the mans ankles. Yet, the man remains unmoved.

“Ohh, looky there, little lassy got some fight in her. Fuck off real quick while I deal with a man.” He snarled while kicking her hand away, partially crushing it against the bedframe. “Alright boyo, it’s been fun, let’s wrap this up.” He winds up another blow, leaning against my sword in immense pain, I try to muster the strength to do something, I’ll gamble it at the last moment. Finally, the man seems set before performing a monstrous over hand blow. Leaning back, I fall to the ground and let the blow land on one of my legs, instantly shattering a kneecap. I bite my tongue trying to hold in the pain.

“Oi Duncan, you almost wrapped up in there?” I hear from the one I think is named Harris. “Make sure you’re not damaging any merchandise, it’ll be hell to explain once we get out.”

Hearing this, I remember there’s at least 1 more guy. Probably another. “Oi fucker, look me in the eyes.” As the massive man hears this, he looks towards me and takes in my eyes. While he does so, I observe his. Uncaring.

“Heh boy, you got some pretty eyes, maybe I’ll take em with me.” As he says this, he steps over me to prepare to deliver the final blow. “Well, I would say it’s been a good fight, but you only landed one blow. It’s almost like you got no aura. Sucks to be born without worth I guess.” Finally, I see him solely focused on me, as he stands over me, I notice his chainmail ends in a skirt, with only a leather crotch piece.

“LUCI, RUN NOW.” As I say this, the man turns to see Luci scurry out from under the bed, turning off my side where I concealed my sword, I rotate and twist for a perfect stab into the mans loins, his height making the action easier from the ground.

“YOU FUCKING BRAT, HARRIS, GET THE BITCH WHILE I HANDLE THIS” Hearing this, I know my time is up. Seeing him look down at me, I cough another globule of blood onto the floor and seize up in pain. I’ve done all I could, and I don’t think it was enough. Hearing screams from the other room, I look up to see into his eyes one last time. Anger. Better than indifference I suppose. Crunch.