Aridean’s eyes opened slowly to the sight of an unfamiliar ceiling. Similar to the overhead sight she would see if she were waking up in her bunk back at the barracks, it was entirely made of stone. However, what was different was how it had clearly been manipulated by someone’s use of magic. Her new ceiling had been shaped and moved in such a way that there was some sort of enigmatic artistry to it. While there did not seem to be any particular theme to the dips, waves, and stalactites, Aridean still found it an interesting sight to behold upon waking up in her new bed.
With a quiet grunt, the minotaur sat up on her new mattress and reexamined her new living quarters. Aridean was seated in a comfortable bed, the frame for which was entirely made of stone that had also been shaped and reformed by magic. There was a large bookshelf with many different tomes and novels; the top three shelves were entirely taken up by books with magic glyphs engraved in their spines. The bottom shelf contained mostly children’s stories and, strangely enough, a rather erotic and graphically detailed novel entirely unexpected from its previous owner.
Aside from the bookshelf, the bedroom also contained a dresser and mirror. The dresser was mostly filled with simple shirts and dresses for the upper body and brighter colored leggings for the lower. Sitting atop the dresser were several small belts and pouches along with a sharpening stone and well-worn rag. Aridean could see her reflection in the pristine mirror; Mikali had given it, along with the rest of the room, a thorough cleaning before Aridean was allowed in.
Disregarding the tasteful literature, the bedroom was basically a perfect depiction of what Aridean had envisioned Rana Stonehoof’s bedroom looking like. Only one thing remained out of sight: beneath the bed that Aridean had slept in was a small woven basket of photographs and several minotaur charms. Having sorted through the basket of memories alongside Mikali the previous evening, Aridean found that Rana was much more sentimental than she initially believed. The older minotaur had kept photos since even before the rebellion had started along with mementos of her mother and father.
Still sitting in the bed with the oddly designed frame, Aridean concluded her examination of her new bedroom. She found that her eyes had fallen to the smooth, stone floor, the only surface of stone in the room Rana had not cast magic upon, and let out a quick, indifferent sigh. Mikali and Aridean had only agreed to the arrangement the previous morning. Although the female minotaur had been somewhat hesitant as she moved in with the elderly male, Mikali seemed so much more lively than she had even thought him capable of being. Even so, something about waking up in the bed of her late friend filled her chest with a certain aching.
Is this really okay? Would Rana and Vidor be alright with this? Mikali seemed so… approving of this deal, but I can’t help but feel a bit awkward about it now that I’m living with him, Aridean considered as she pushed the sheets off of her. Her hooves swung off of the mattress and hit the stone floor with a clopping sound. Standing up, Aridean inhaled deeply to smell the tantalizing aroma of breakfast being prepared. Despite the mouth-watering scent, the minotaur maintained an indifferent expression as her mind continued to buzz about whether she should have accepted Mikali’s proposal or not.
As she pondered the nerve-wracking ordeal she found herself in, Aridean made for the dresser. She had insisted to Mikali that she did not wish to intrude on Rana’s privacy nor did she wish to remove any of her dear friend’s belongings. Both agreeable and understanding, her host had given the bedroom a long and thoughtful survey the previous evening before simply smiling to his guest and wishing her good night. Clearly, the General was still hurt by his loss, which only served to confuse Aridean more as she debated internally. Nevertheless, the minotaur collected a fresh set of clothes from a large sack she had brought the majority of her belongings in from the barracks.
If Mikali is still sure about this, I need to go and get the last of my things at some point today, Aridean thought to herself while pulling a fresh shirt over her horned head. She gave herself a quick glance in the mirror and used a brush she had pulled from the large sack to settle her mane. As she finished up, a knocking was heard coming from the other side of the bedroom door. Aridean turned to see the knob twisting and the door open as Mikali Stonehoof entered the room.
“Ghos nion, Aridean. Nalap su hree?” asked the elderly minotaur with a gentle tone to his normally deep, gravelly voice. ‘Good morning, Aridean. Did you sleep well?’ was what Mikali had asked her in his native tongue. Vidor had told her about it a while ago; the Stonehooves would strictly speak the Minoran language in their home to one another. Although her host had already told her she was free to continue speaking in English, Aridean had decided she would speak to Mikali in his favored language when they were alone from now on.
“Good morning, sir. I slept as well as you might expect,” Aridean answered as she put her brush back into her rucksack. Standing up straight, she looked to Mikali to see the old minotaur had a gentle smile on his face. His one good eye seemed to express the same pleasant kindness as his smile, but Aridean could not shake the thought that perhaps this arrangement was made far too hastily.
“I’ve told you that you may call me Mikali. Further, you needn’t worry about anything,” Mikali began as he gestured her out into the hallway. The delightful aroma of breakfast wafted through the air as the two exited the bedroom. Their hooves clopped loudly against the stone floor and Mikali’s walking cane tapped just audibly. As they walked, the elderly minotaur continued to speak with his surprisingly gentle but deep voice, “I have already told you what my grandchildren thought of you. I assure you that they would have no qualms with your staying here.”
“I-I understand… it’s just a bit sudden is all,” Aridean replied as the two passed through the living room and made for the dining room. Mikali had already set the table for the two of them. Sausage links, scrambled eggs with chopped vegetables sprinkled throughout, and rice sat upon each plate on the table. Aridean could not help but wonder why Vidor and Rana would eat at the mess hall every morning when their grandfather was capable of creating such a delightful spread.
Hooves clopped against stone as the two moved through the dining room to the same seats they had taken the previous morning during their discussion. As Aridean was seating herself, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Mikali was looking in her direction. The old minotaur had a gentle smile on his face, one that Aridean found oddly familiar for some reason. Regardless, her host took his seat at the table and the two began to eat.
“Aridean, I understand that my request was… unexpected of me. I do apologize if you felt forced into accepting such a bizarre proposal,” Mikali said after swallowing some rice and clearing his throat. The look on his graying face appeared relaxed, yet he still let out a quiet sigh, “You are free to return to the barracks if you so choose. Hmph, you’re free to venture out beyond Stonehaven if you desire to do so. You hadn’t chosen to join our cause two years ago truly of your own volition and as such you shall no longer be considered one of our soldiers from this moment forth.”
Aridean’s eyes widened in surprise and her ears perked up, reaching for the tips of the horns on her head. Her fork was held loosely in her hand and the muscles in her arms and shoulders and even her back had tensed from what she had just heard. Mouth had fallen slightly agape yet nothing passed her lips. Seeing the younger minotaur so visibly stunned, Mikali’s gentle smile returned to his face.
W-what? I’m… no longer a rebel? He’s… just letting me go like that? Aridean’s mind buzzed rapidly and wildly. Her hand slowly lowered her fork back down onto the table as she tried to process what was happening. Nothing about Mikali’s bizarre attitude made any sense to her; the old minotaur had never acted so understanding before.
“S-sir—Mikali, w-what are you talking about?” asked Aridean once she had managed to calm herself enough to speak.
“Precisely what it sounds like, Aridean. You felt forced to join us two years ago; it was not a choice you wished to make,” Mikali answered with his kind smile. What joy was present on his face vanished immediately as the old bull sighed. His expression was painted with solemn sorrow as he seemed to reluctantly continue, “Rana so desperately wanted to leave this hole and I do not blame her. But I was far too fearful that the Empire might take them from me if she and Vidor ventured beyond the safety of our home. Because of my fears… I see now that I…”
Even he can be afraid… but he only wanted what he thought was best for Rana and Vidor, right? I think I understand… he was afraid his family would be exterminated like my tribe… Aridean mused as the old minotaur heaved a weary sigh and paused for a moment. It appeared Mikali was just as lost in thought at she was as his gaze shifted elsewhere. After a few seconds of staring into empty space, the elderly bull shook his head and focused once more on his guest.
“But I will not allow myself to repeat past mistakes. Since you never wished to fight for our cause, since you never wished to come to stay in Stonehaven, since you have no reason to stay, if you wish to leave… I understand,” Mikali told Aridean with a both solemn and reluctant tone. Once more, the young minotaur was left entirely stunned by what her host was telling her. This time however, Mikali could not meet her gaze with a gentle smile as the old bull’s sorrowful eye had fallen to his half-eaten breakfast.
No reason to stay? Aridean repeated the phrase in her mind multiple times over. Those four words left her in a confused trance as she tried to process what it was Mikali was telling her. Her heart had sunken in her chest as she slowly began to come to the realization that what the old bull had just told her held some truth to it.
Aridean had never intentionally meant to reach Stonehaven when she ran away from her home. She was forced to stay as either a soldier or a prisoner and although she was not happy with either option, the young minotaur was hopeful that one day the rebellion might end and she could return home. However, that no hope had been crushed the day that she and her friends had visited Thellia; why would she choose to return now that her home is no longer recognizable?
Despite never having wanted to join the rebel organization, Aridean had become close to the Stonehoof siblings. The duo had not only saved her life but helped every step of the way as she adjusted to her new environment. It was only recently that the two cherished friends had revealed their true feelings about her; she was loved like family. If anything were to give her the strength to carry on, it would have undoubtedly been their support. But now, that support is no longer with her. How could she muster the confidence and courage to continue as a rebel soldier if the two friends she fought for were no longer at her side?
“I…” Aridean quietly began to speak. Before another word passed her lips, there was a knocking on the front door. Without even being invited in, both of the two minotaurs in the dining room had their ears perked up as the door opened and a few pairs of boots tread through the foyer. Into the dining room walked Captain Bryn Smithson, accompanied by several other higher ranking rebel members. Mikali let out a tired sigh as the old bull pushed back his chair from the table and began to stand.
“Sir, we need to discuss—oh! I’m sorry, I hadn’t realized you were serious about this arrangement. Should we come back in a few?” Bryn had begun to address Mikali before noticing Aridean seated across from him at the table. The younger minotaur could feel her body warming with a tinge of embarrassment. It was not as though Mikali had made their new living arrangements public, so having these new guests arrive, along with their reactions, caused a mild surge of awkwardness to course through Aridean’s already slightly flustered mind.
“No, now’s fine,” Mikali responded to the human. Still maintaining a somewhat gloomy face, the old minotaur turned to Aridean, “Once you’ve decided, I humbly ask that you let me know before you leave.”
His deep and heartbroken tone resonated in Aridean’s mind as her own heart felt as though it might shatter. Unable to form any words, she simply watched as Mikali and his soldiers exited the dining room. Even after the front door had long since shut behind them and the remaining bits of food on both plates had grown cold, Aridean continued to sit at the table. It was not until the familiar voice and click of long, sharp nails on stone could be heard in the kitchen rang out that she was shaken from her thoughts.
“Quite the upgrade you have here, isn’t it?” spoke the creature as it entered into the dining room. Aridean, mildly alarmed, looked into the beast’s empty eye sockets as it took Mikali’s seat at the table. It folded its muscular arms over its chest as it leaned back in its seat, watching Aridean intently.
“Vici…” Aridean called quietly. The beast let out an amused snort; should it have had lips and skin around its toothy jaws, it may have been smirking.
“And how are we doing today, Aridean? You seemed to have slept well enough at least, but I can tell you have so very much on your mind after everything that’s happened,” Vici began with a friendly-sounding voice. His voice was deep like Mikali’s, but not quite as authoritative and grim. The monstrous form collected the fork that Mikali had been using and began poking at the remains of the bull’s breakfast on the plate in front of him.
“After everything that’s happened… I don’t really know what to make of anything right now… Is there a point to any of what I’ve done up to this point?” answered Aridean with a somewhat gloomy tone. The minotaur’s eyes had fallen once more to her own almost-cleaned breakfast plate. Vici huffed once as the fork he held scratched the plate loudly and unpleasantly. While her sensitive ears felt discomfort, Aridean made no motion or reaction in response to the grating sound.
“I hadn’t thought you to want to talk philosophy, wasn’t cartography more your thing as a child? Hmm, well, think about it more so like this: is there really a point to anything?” Vici inquired as he set the fork down. Aridean looked up to the monster sitting across from her curiously.
“W-what do you mean by that? Surely there’s a reason for things happening. I-I just don’t know what they might be,” Aridean responded, still somewhat baffled by the question. The yellow glow in the back of Vici’s empty eye sockets seemed to grow and glow more brightly than normal.
“Let us think about it like this: what is the point of this little rebellion?” Vici further asked. Aridean was a bit taken aback by the peculiar question. It seemed like a fairly straightforward question with an equally straightforward answer.
“I-it’s to end the discrimination the minotaurs receive from the Empire,” Aridean replied without much thought. Vici’s head cocked to one side as it fell into the open palm of his left hand. His right hand rested on the table, a long claw rhythmically clicking against the table.
“Perhaps, that would certainly be how others might see it. But what do you make of it? You never particularly cared from the beginning, did you? Why was it that you decided you would continue as a soldier even after my master had fallen? What kept you going then?” Vici further pressed. Despite his inquisitive tone, the beast seemed almost impatient as it awaited Aridean’s answer. Aridean herself was once more taken by surprise, yet even after a few seconds of silence to think, the minotaur failed to answer.
I… I thought maybe we could end the rebellion and I could return home with Simon. A-after Thellia, though… w-why… why didn’t I stop? W-what kept me going? Aridean pondered for a moment.
Although his white teeth and bony jaw began to move, both the creature and minotaur turned their attention to the doorway leading into the foyer as the sound of knocking could be heard coming from the other room. Vici grunted, but pushed back the chair he sat in and stood from the table. The creature slowly receded back into the kitchen from where it originated this time.
“Give it some thought, won’t you? We may speak again another time,” Vici’s voice echoed from the other room. Aridean was tempted to get up and pursue the monstrous form for clarity but figured it had probably vanished once more. Shaking her head, the minotaur got up from the dining room table and made her way into the foyer as another knocking was heard beyond the house’s front door. She grabbed the doorknob, twisted, and pulled, opening the doorway to reveal the familiar young, half-elf, Magdalene, waiting on the doorstep.
“Maggie? I-is everything okay?” asked Aridean with a gentle tone. She was left both curious as to why the half-elf had come to find her as well as concerned given the girl’s long-standing opinion on minotaurs.
“Ari… y-you’re not busy today, right?” Magdalene asked quietly and hesitantly. Her cheeks were turning a light red and eyes failed to meet Aridean’s as she spoke.
“I’m not busy today. Why? Was there something you needed, Maggie?” replied Aridean, a bit concerned with the half-elf’s apparent uneasiness. Magdalene’s eyes shifted anxiously as she let out a quiet, frustrated groan. Aridean’s brows rose upward as the girl in front of her began looking over her shoulder, as if someone or something were after her.
“Can we go somewhere to talk? There’s been some things on my mind… a-and I want to talk about it with someone,” Magdalene finally asked with anxiety in her voice.
Magdalene and Aridean had left the Stonehoof residence over an hour prior. The half-elf had asked Aridean if she knew of a particular location within Stonehaven to discuss something specific. The minotaur was entirely taken back by what the young girl was asking as their destination was not an ordinary place for conversation. Despite still finding the girl that was almost half her size frightening at times, Aridean was both curious and oddly interested in hearing what it was Magdalene had to say to her.
Aridean led Magdalene all through Stonehaven. Hooves clopped and shoes clicked along the stone pathways as they walked the street leading back to the plaza. It was still relatively early in the morning and both soldiers and citizens of the underground town were only just making their way to the mess hall. Although Aridean had offered to stop so that Magdalene could eat some breakfast, the half-elf sternly, but surprisingly inoffensively, insisted they keep moving toward their destination. With her companion fixated on pushing forward, Aridean led the girl past the mess hall.
The two passed by the marketplace as the morning rush began to file in. Aridean caught Magdalene staring at some of the shops. Remembering that the girl was seemingly grateful for their time clothes shopping upon Magdalene’s arrival in Stonehaven, Aridean suggested they go again sometime. Magdalene returned the thought with a short pause before looking to her minotaur guide and agreeing. However, the half-elf also commented that they should go early when they do as the lines get long when the rush floods the market. With a nervous smile on her face, Aridean continued to direct Magdalene past the marketplace.
Ultimately, the duo had passed through both the dwarven and elven districts on their way to an unnatural, underground field of lush, green grass. The stone path had stopped abruptly as they now walked upon a narrow dirt road. Aridean had not come out to this particular field often; only when Vidor and Rana had asked her to do so. It did not bother her, rather it had not bothered her previously. However, the sight to her immediate left gave her a sort of aching feeling in her chest.
Many small, stone markers had been arranged in the grassy field in an orderly fashion. All of the monuments were adorned with either flowers, ribbons, or even rebel equipment such as blades and armor. On the other side of the path were short, but thick trees. At the base of each tree was a collection of loose dirt that looked as though it had only recently been moved.
What did she want to talk about here? What did she bring me out here for? Aridean wondered to herself as the two made their way past the collection of stone tablets and trees growing in loose soil. Magdalene had made the most peculiar request that they talk together, privately, and in the Stonehaven cemetery.
Aridean paused to gaze out into the human graveyard, doing so seem to leave her in a bit of trance. She could so clearly hear the uproarious laughter of her two cherished friends in the back of her mind. Yet, as the laughter began to die down, the unpleasant ripping and tearing of flesh was heard, followed by a loud thud and shouting that quickly faded away as it seemed to grow more and more distant.
“Ari?” Magdalene asked, looking back at the mesmerized minotaur some yards behind her. Aridean’s heart was racing but Magdalene’s call to her snapped her back to reality. With some quiet panting, the brown-furred minotaur faced the half-elf with unease in her eyes and an unconvincing smile across her lips.
“S-sorry,” Aridean replied as she shook the cold shivers from her spine and moved to follow Magdalene once more. However, she was instantly confused by where they were going as there was not much beyond the human, dwarven, and elven cemeteries. Should they continue further on the worn, dirt path they were walking, Magdalene and Aridean would reach the yard used for ritualistic minotaur funeral pyres.
What is it that we’re here for? Aridean again wondered as she stopped just behind Magdalene. Towering over the young girl, Aridean watched as her companion took the bag on her back off her shoulders and began rummaging within for something. A large book was pulled from the pack and the backpack itself was gently placed at Magdalene’s feet. Wordlessly, the half-elf opened her book and flipped to a bookmarked page. Without a sound, the girl’s eyes darted from side to side as she studied the text within, leaving Aridean all the more confused as to what was happening.
“‘Love thy neighbor as you love thyself.’ I really haven’t changed one bit, have I?” Magdalene finally spoke with a somewhat gloomy tone. Aridean’s ears flicked as she quietly and patiently waited on the girl. Magdalene closed her book and returned it to her bag before turning to face Aridean with a depressed sigh.
“Uhm… I’m sorry, Maggie, but what are you talking about? Why did you want to talk to me today… and in a graveyard?” Aridean asked curiously with a bit of hesitancy. Magdalene paused; her eyes drifted down to the dirt road between the two where the girl once more sighed. Aridean watched as the girl’s hands clenched into balled up fists and her golden hair shook back and forth as her head moved.
“I get it was weird of me to ask you to come out here with me today… I wanted to ask something of you,” Magdalene replied with her gaze still focused on the space between their feet and hooves. The girl lifted her head and revealed to Aridean a certain light in her eyes as she continued, “W-will you… teach me how to pray… f-for minotaurs?”
“W-what?” Aridean inquired, taken completely by surprise.
“I told you all when you found me following you out of Byrden: I wanted to repay my debt. But… I also wanted to believe that there were more minotaurs like you guys. I wanted you guys to help me learn and grow so then maybe… maybe I wouldn’t hold this hatred in my heart any longer,” explained Magdalene with resolve and conviction in her voice. Despite the air of confidence, her face was flushed red with embarrassment. Aridean could not help but simply stare down at the young girl in astonishment.
“You… want to lean how minotaurs pray?” Aridean eventually asked once the surprise began to pass. Magdalene nodded her head, the skin of her cheeks still a bright rosy red.
“I-I don’t know much about minotaur faith and tradition, b-but I thought… we should hold a service… f-for them,” Magdalene stuttered as her eyes began to stray from Aridean’s gaze. Aridean could feel her heart sink in her chest. She had not even entertained the idea of a funerary service for Vidor and Rana. Traditional minotaur funerals involved the ritualistic cremation of the body so that the spirit did not stay confined within its shell.
Mikali was so heartbroken that he couldn’t even burn their bodies for them… I… I really wish there was more I could have done back then… lamented Aridean with a depressed sigh. Nevertheless, the towering minotaur locked eyes with the young girl.
“I… I think they’d like that, Maggie,” Aridean gently told the girl. A wry smile formed upon her face as she led Magdalene out into the field. There were multiple pockets of dirt scattered throughout the yard and in no particular order. With one look, anybody outside of Stonehaven would suggest hiring a groundskeeper. However, both the minotaur and half-elf approached one of the many patches of dirt in the otherwise verdant space.
Aridean inspected the dirt patch that they had selected. There was still ash piled up in the center and charred chips of wood used for the fire haphazardly tossed about. The tall minotaur got down on her knees and began to push the remains of the previous fire toward the surrounding grasses. Once she had managed to clear a space on the dirt, Aridean stood once more and turned to Magdalene.
“We’ll just need some Yura wood for the pyre. There should be a store in the market that--,” Aridean began as Magdalene removed her backpack from her shoulders again. Quickly sifting through the pack’s contents, the half-elf produced several large pieces of chopped wood.
“That much I knew, so I already got some,” Magdalene said as she handed over the logs. Once more, Aridean was stunned by the half-elf’s peculiar behavior.
This is just so unlike her… What could have triggered such a drastic change in her? It’s… admirable, really, Aridean thought to herself as she collected the wood that Magdalene offered her. With the ritual materials in hand, Aridean went to arrange the small logs in a particular pattern within the now mostly cleaned out patch of dirt. Using the wood as a sort of frame, Aridean then pulled some nearby dry grass which was used to line the logs. Once the pyre pit had been prepared, Aridean stood up straight and examined her handiwork as Magdalene watched curiously.
“Is there a reason you set it up like that? It looks kind of like a bird’s nest,” asked Magdalene as she inspected Aridean’s construction.
“Well, traditionally, minotaur funerals will use the dried grasses and flowers of the tribe’s homeland as a means of reminding the spirit from where it originated. Unfortunately, we don’t have any grass or flowers from the Stonehoof lands so this will have to do. But the Yura wood is arranged in the shape of the minotaur symbol for ‘soul’ as this pyre is the end of the body’s life but the spirit’s new beginning,” Aridean explained. As she spoke, the minotaur moved around to the opposite side of the pit and got down on her knees again some feet away from the pit. The minotaur then pointed out to Magdalene to sit opposite her around the fire pit.
“Where they came from… and new beginnings… I-I think I get that much,” Magdalene said as she took her seat. Curiosity still shone in her eyes as she looked over the pit once more before lifting her gaze to meet Aridean’s. “O-okay, what next?”
“Now I will light the fire with a little magic. Once the pyre burns, we bow and offer our prayers. T-traditionally, the prayers would be offered in Minoran, b-but I think Vidor and Rana would understand since you might not speak it,” Aridean answered while also raising her hand. She took a deep breath and began to focus while Magdalene watched silently. Her thumb ran across her fingertips slowly as a bright orange, glowing orb began to manifest in her palm. Once the small globe began to radiate with intense heat, Aridean gave the concentrated magic a light toss into the center of the fire pit. The second that the miniature sun made contact with the grasses laid out, the pyre began to burn radiantly.
Without speaking, Aridean leaned forward, arching her back and bowing to the flames. Upon snapping out of her enchanted trance, Magdalene followed suit and began to whisper her prayers. Aridean’s ears flicked as she barely managed to catch some of the words spoken by the half-elf, words such as ‘dummy’, ‘debt’, and, most surprisingly to Aridean, ‘thank you’.
I-I didn’t catch everything she whispered, but did she… thank them for everything? I-I didn’t think she’d be hurt as much as she was by what happened… Aridean pondered to herself. After a moment of whispering her own prayers, the minotaur rose from her bowing position along with Magdalene. She was, however, alarmed by what she saw upon the half-elf’s face through the flames that separated them.
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“I was so angry… at minotaurs. I had convinced myself that they were nothing but a bunch of monsters. Just looking at one was enough to make my blood boil so hot with pure rage,” Magdalene spoke with tears flowing down her face and a dispirited tone. Her gaze remained fixed upon the still-burning funeral pyre. Aridean’s ears fell flat against her head, but she managed to keep focused upon the troubled girl across the fire pit. “It’s so… unfair! Why did they kill Sis?! There are good ones like you guys, s-so why did that one…”
“Maggie…” Aridean gently called out as the flames of the funeral pyre continued to crackle and pop. She could see Magdalene’s hands ball up into fists upon her light blue skirt as her head was hung low.
“Minotaurs killed Sis! B-but why did good ones have to die when there are bound to be bad ones?!” Magdalene wailed, glistening tear drops falling upon the backs of her hands. Aridean continued to sit on her knees on the opposite side of the pyre, unsure of what to say or do. Her heart ached listening to the girl and her legs felt weak, yet she could not muster the courage to open her mouth to speak. If anything, she could feel the cold, wet presence of a tear running down the right side of her face as she waited for her half-elven companion.
Magdalene quietly sobbed for a few moments while the fire continued to roar. Black smoke rose high into the enormous underground chamber. Smoke was carefully vented outside the underground city through a series of inconspicuous vents in the stone ceiling above Stonehaven. As the smoke billowed upward, Magdalene’s crying began to quiet down into quick, raspy pants. The girl lifted her tear-soaked face to meet Aridean’s gaze.
“I… I want to tell you my story now…” Magdalene exclaimed before wiping her flooded, red eyes. Aridean’s ears shot up in astonishment, but quickly settled back down. Understanding and compassionately, the minotaur gave a warm, gentle smile and nodded. Together, the two stood and moved to find a spot where they might sit together in the large, open field. They settled on sitting beneath an average tree, their backs to the trunk. Aridean looked toward Magdalene, still a bit surprised, but also with another strange but pleasant feeling in her heart.
“W-where do you want to start? I’ll listen to everything,” Aridean nervously and gently said, using as kind and sincere a voice as she could. Magdalene could not bring herself to look up to the minotaur she sat next to. The girl’s gaze had been focused on the grass just past her shoes and arms wrapped around her knees that had been brought up to her chest.
There was no breeze in the underground chamber, but the commotion from the street leading back toward Stonehaven proper could be heard. Aridean waited both patiently and anxiously for her half-elven companion to start. Her eyes only shifted from the young girl as she noticed other Stonehaven citizens entering and exiting the cemetery. After a long pause, Magdalene took one raspy inhale, cheeks a slight reddish color, and let the air out in one tired sigh.
“Sis would have loved you…” Magdalene finally announced, still unable to lift her eyes to look upon the minotaur that sat beside her. A bit confused, Aridean’s brows rose slightly on her horned dome.
“A-and I would have liked to meet her, too,” Aridean replied while feeling a bit uneasy. Magdalene smirked upon hearing the response.
“I would have liked to see you two meet for the first time. It’d have been so awkward that it’d be a funny show for me,” the half-elf seemed to tease. Aridean, still a bit confused, managed an uneasy smile that faded as soon as Magdalene’s somber expression resurfaced. “You… you’re really like her.”
“Uhm… w-what do you mean?” Aridean asked hesitantly. Magdalene finally lifted her head, but still failed to look in Aridean’s direction.
“You’re both timid and easily shook despite what you’re capable of. But at the same time… forgiving, caring, and brave when it matters most,” answered Magdalene as her arms that hugged her knees fell to her sides.
M-me? Caring and brave? I… I guess she means when I rushed to her aid back in Byrden… I’m still not sure what came over me though. It was like something else was in control of my body at the time, Aridean contemplated as Magdalene paused again. Her body had started to feel a bit warmer from the unexpected praise and she wished that the two were above ground so that some cool winds might blow past.
“I-I don’t know if I’d say I’m—,” Aridean began to anxiously speak.
“And modest,” Magdalene interrupted with another smirk that faded almost as soon as it appeared. The half-elven girl heaved another sorrowful sigh, “I was only two when our mom passed from illness and I never even knew my dad. Sis took care of me as best she could, even working as a healer using the holy magic that she taught me. I thought she was incredible; I wanted to be just like her. Until I was six, all I had was Sis.”
How do I respond to that? ‘I’m sorry for your loss?’ Ough, how do I talk to her about this? But… at the same time, I think I now understand why she asked me if I ever knew my birth parents when I took her clothes shopping. We… shared something, Aridean mentally considered as she listened to Magdalene continue.
“Just a little over eight years ago… an otherwise normal day was ruined by utter chaos that struck as fast as lightning,” Magdalene started again. Aridean’s ears flicked with anticipation, “Sis was holding me tight as a battle between the Empire and some rebel soldiers threatened the very village we lived in. I… I remember when things started to quiet down. Sis… slowly let me go a-and peaked out the window.”
It was at this point that Magdalene was starting to choke on her words. Aridean could feel her entire body growing weaker just listening to the stifled sobs. A thin stream of tears flowed down the half-elf’s cheek as she sucked in air.
“Maggie… it’s okay, you don’t have to--,” Aridean tried to reassure with as kind a voice as she could manage. Magdalene shook her head, golden hair jumping with each shake and ultimately settling in front of her eyes. Her hands clenched into tight fists as a second stream of wet tears appeared on her other cheek.
“S-she saw a soldier o-outside, l-lying on the ground w-with blood all around him. S-she told me t-to stay put. I-I begged her not to leave me, b-but do you know w-what she said to me?” Magdalene further described through her crying. Aridean’s ears once more flicked as she genuinely thought on what Magdalene’s sister might have said in that moment. With another raspy inhale and hiccup, the half-elf continued, “‘I-I have to go h-help them. R-rebel or Empire, w-we use our magic t-to help those in n-need.’ That was the last thing S-sis ever said to m-me. S-she only just reached t-the soldier w-when the a-arrow hit her in her back.”
“Maggie, it’s okay, you don’t have to—,” Aridean began to speak in as comforting a voice as she could. Magdalene simply shook her head, the golden locks hanging in front of her face, hiding the waterfalls of tears and gritted teeth.
“I said I want you to hear it and you said you’d listen to everything!” snapped the young girl, her tightened knuckles held to her skirt turning white by just how clenched her fists had become. Aridean, a bit startled by the aggressive outburst, looked upon the half-elf as her ears fell against her head again. She did not mean to sound as if she regretted their discussion, rather thought that perhaps the girl would prefer not to finish her traumatizing tale. Magdalene took one long raspy inhale before continuing, “S-sorry... I-I know you’re trying to help, but I-I’m almost done… After I saw her fall, I ran to her. I was already channeling the healing magic. B-but… it was no good… I-I looked… I looked in the direction of where the arrow came from. All I s-saw were towering, dark figures with horns on their heads and fire behind them. Screaming… screaming all around me... I-I don’t really remember much of what happened after that… I just remember crying so much it hurt…”
“Maggie… I never would have guessed it would have been that hard,” Aridean told the half-elf after a brief silence. Magdalene failed to raise her head, but the sobbing had at least subsided. “I… I don’t know how you did it.”
“A few days passed and I met Pastor. I had nowhere else to turn to at the time and he seemed so… sincere. I thought, just maybe, that he was what a dad would have been like since I never knew mine,” Magdalene responded as she moved the hair out of her red blushed and tear wetted face.
“After what you’ve been through… it’s no wonder why you detest minotaurs so much,” said Aridean with an increasingly somber voice. Magdalene continued to stare into empty space ahead of her as she thought silently. Eventually, the half-elf’s lips began to move once more.
“It’s because of what I’ve been through that I… kind of understood him… Hearing him cry like that… I felt so scared; it felt like I was six again, c-clinging to Sis while she was bleeding in my arms,” Magdalene explained as her voice started to crack up again. The girl took a few deep breaths, fighting back any more waves of tears. She had finally released her vice grip on her skirt as she extended her legs.
She means Vidor, doesn’t she? I… kind of understand it too, because of what happened back in Thellia. At least when Vidor stabbed Rana, she had been brought back through necromancy… when I struck down father… Aridean thought to herself depressingly. The more the minotaur pondered, the tighter her throat became and her entire body began to heat up. With an audible sigh, she shook the notion from her mind before returning her attention to Magdalene.
“I’m sorry… If I had just been stronger back then… maybe you wouldn’t have had to relive that,” Aridean apologized with a somber tone of voice. Visible confusion appeared upon the half-elf’s face as she finally lifted her gaze to look up to the minotaur seated next to her. Within seconds, Magdalene turned away again.
“It’s not like it was your fault… I just wish… I just wish I could truly say I’ve changed since I met you guys,” Magdalene started once more, her voice sounding stronger than it was during her tragic tale. She continued to speak as she patted some dirt from her light blue skirt, “I decided to join you guys here hoping to get rid of this hatred in my heart. But… I don’t know if anything’s changed. All I’ve been concerned with is how much I miss Sis when two people, minotaurs of all things, that saved my life, died right in front of me.”
“Maggie… o-of course you’ve grown since Byrden. Despite how much you hate minotaurs, you still came with us and helped us on our assignments. Further, you’ve chosen to tell me, a minotaur, what happened that made you come to hate my kind. S-surely that’s some progress, right?” Aridean replied gently. She desperately hoped that what she was trying to say made sense to the young girl. However, despite her efforts, Magdalene sighed dispiritedly and shook her head.
“There’s one more thing I want to ask you to do with me today. C’mon, we won’t take long,” Magdalene ordered as she began to stand. Aridean rose to her hooves as the half-elf began to march back into Stonehaven. The minotaur silently contemplated past events before heaving a tired sigh and moving to follow the young girl.
Aridean pushed open the large door, opening into a long hallway, walls to one side made entirely of stone. However, on the opposite side of the corridor, the walls opened into small alcoves that were blocked by wrought iron bars. Within the first cell was nothing but a few raggedy looking sheets. As the minotaur and half-elf proceeded further down the hallway, the second recess was entirely empty.
Why did she want to come here? What is she thinking right now? Aridean pondered to herself as she followed Magdalene through the long hallway. Both the third and fourth cell were entirely devoid of anything save dust and dirt. Aridean noticed that the closer she and Magdalene drew to the fifth cell, however, Magdalene continued to slow down more and more. Eventually, despite the young girl’s apparent reluctance, the two reached the fifth cell in the prison hallway.
“Ah, Ms. Gray, Ms. Yorre, to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?” asked the sole inhabitant of the prison cell the two had stopped at. Aridean’s eyes scanned the small space the inmate was confined to. There was not much beyond a wooden frame held against the stone wall by some chains that acted as both seating and bedding. Fortunately, the cell did house a bucket for relieving oneself. By the cell door was a mostly emptied bowl and a spoon with some sort of goop still stuck to it.
Vladimir Impalivik closed the book he had been reading from with a loud thump and carefully placed it to his side on the wooden-plank bed he sat upon. The noble man stood from his seat and approached the cell bars that separated him from his visitors. Despite the situation regarding their meeting, Aridean could see that even when thrown behind bars Vladimir was keen to maintain his dignified stature. Standing just four feet from Aridean, Vladimir waited patiently with his hands behind his back and a tired, yet sincere, smile drawn upon his partially covered face.
I’m not sure… why was it Maggie wanted to come here? Aridean wondered to herself, eyes slowly moving to survey the girl at her side. She was somewhat surprised to see that the half-elf was shaking somewhat, fists clenched again as she took a deep breath.
“Ari… he… he says he’s sorry. He… claimed he wanted redemption. D-do you think… he can ever be forgiven for what he’s done?” Magdalene anxiously asked, her gaze having fallen to the stone floor at her feet. Vladimir’s gentle smile quickly faded and was replaced by a more serious look as he and Aridean silently focused on the young girl. After a moment of silence, the noble’s uncovered eye shifted over to Aridean as he awaited the astonished minotaur’s response.
W-what? Where is this coming from? W-why does she want to know that? What does she care whether or not he can be forgiven? Aridean pondered as her own focus fixed upon Vladimir in his cell. Her hand reached up to the charms on her necklace that rested atop her chest. The minotaur looked longingly into the memento as she considered both why Magdalene was asking her the bizarre question and a genuine response.
“I… I don’t know. Whether he’s sorry or not, I just don’t know if something like what he’s done can be forgiven,” Aridean finally answered. Vladimir continued to silently watch his visitors with a serious expression. Magdalene, however, seemed to choke a little hearing Aridean’s answer; her body began trembling violently. Having taken notice, Aridean immediately asked with concern, “Maggie? Are you alright?”
“Y-yeah, I’m fine…” Magdalene answered instantly, her voice sounding less than fine. Golden locks hung in front of her face again and a single hand was brought up to wipe her freckled cheeks. With a deep breath, the girl lifted her head, “How… how do you think he can start to find redemption?”
“After everything he’s done? I… I wouldn’t know the answer to that. I-I’m sorry,” Aridean replied, still confused as to why Vladimir’s situation seemed to have Magdalene concerned. Still holding her necklace, Aridean looked into the ruby charm and locket once more, “But… I am grateful that he stopped me from so recklessly throwing this away. It hurts to look at it, but it’s better than feeling nothing at all.”
Vladimir simply closed his one visible eye and nodded his head. Magdalene took another deep breath but refrained from pushing any further questions. Aridean took another moment to gaze upon her birthday gift before letting it rest upon her furred chest again.
“I don’t know if you truly care what we think, but for that much… thank you. How are you holding up in here?” Aridean asked the well-dressed prisoner. It was now Magdalene’s turn to look to her companion in a bout of confusion. Nevertheless, Vladimir opened his eye and focused intently upon his minotaur guest.
“You needn’t worry about me, Ms. Gray,” Vladimir replied with a gentle smile on his face. Although Aridean was somewhat confused, Vladimir continued to explain himself, “Not only has this been a much kinder reception than I had previously anticipated, but the atmosphere here is also a most welcome change to that in my desecrated estate.”
He was launched into a stone wall by a spiked mace swung with enough force that his body left a crater in it and then locked in a cell. How much worse could he have even been expecting? Aridean pondered curiously.
“While I do miss a hot bath and quality meal, they could have dismembered me and kept my pieces from reforming,” Vladimir said with a nonchalant attitude and easygoing face. Aridean could not help but wonder if the man could read minds until he followed up with, “It is simply a mercy I be allowed my arms. Without them, how else could I turn the pages in my books?”
So, he thinks being in one piece is a mercy as it will stave off boredom… What bizarre priorities, Aridean mused to herself. Mild annoyance mixed with confusion washed over her face but Vladimir continued to smile at her. Before the conversation could continue further, the door to the cell block opened. Magdalene, Aridean, and Vladimir all turned to see who was entering the hallway. Aridean seemed to be the only one surprised to find that three minotaurs had entered the corridor. Two of them stood guard, silently and intimidatingly, as the third approached the group already present. His walking cane tapping against the stone floor with every step.
“So, I did see you two enter into here. Aridean, child of human and elf, what are you two doing in here?” asked Mikali as gently as his grave and deep voice would allow. His one good eye, however, darted to Vladimir and was filled with burning animosity, “Why is it that you two have come to see this ‘thing’? What business have you with this creature exactly?”
“W-well, you see--,” Aridean began to answer nervously.
“I dragged Ari out here. Since we know what he’s capable of, I didn’t feel safe coming to curse him without Ari,” Magdalene interjected with her arms folded. The girl turned her nose up at Vladimir, who seemed to find the half-elf’s half-truth rather amusing. Vladimir allowed a quiet laugh to escape his throat, much to the apparent frustration of Mikali.
“You two needn’t bother with that beast. Come now, let us get you two out of here. A prison cell is most certainly not the place for you two to spend your time. Let us leave that abomination to its solitude,” Mikali said with slightly more authority in his voice than was normal. It was by no means the overly demanding voice that Aridean had associated him with; she could tell he was trying, and failing, to be patient with something.
“Uhm, sir, is everything alright? You sound a bit uneased,” Aridean asked anxiously. Mikali heaved a tired sigh as he focused his stern gaze upon her.
“I’ve been in talks about sending a team to meet with the lizarians of the swamplands again… We only just settled on what group would undertake such a task,” the old bull explained with as much patience as he could muster. Aridean could not help but noticed the two guards that stood by the door looked to one another uneasily. She grew a bit confused seeing one shake his head while the other approached Mikali.
“Uhm, sir… about that…” the guard began to speak. The General had turned his back to Aridean and she failed to hear the hushed whispers between Mikali and his guard. Her curiosity was sated, however, as the General erupted with frustrated fury. She watched as the guard stepped back from the excessively agitated bull going ballistic from the news he had just received.
“They WHAT?! RGH!! Dammit all! Fine then, let those scaly whelps wallow in mud then!” shouted Mikali, absolutely radiating his impatience and aggression. It was readily apparent that the elderly minotaur had just received more than just troubling news regarding his plans. Aridean felt a bit concerned by her senior’s outburst; even Magdalene had taken a step back. Despite her anxiety, Aridean swallowed nervously before reaching out toward Mikali.
“S-sir? Is everything alright? Did something happen to one of the teams?” Aridean asked with a gentle and soft tone of voice, seeking not to agitate Mikali further. As the old minotaur snorted furiously, his nostrils flared with every puff of air.
“I’ve to make new plans… the lizarians refuse to meet any of ours outside of their swamps. We need their aid if we are to make any progress now, but where shall we find someone willing to meet with them in the Wiir Swamplands?” Mikali both answered and inquired, his back still turned to the younger minotaur. Aridean’s eyes slowly drifted downwards, to the stone floor between her hooves and Mikali’s.
Even when his reason for fighting is gone… he carries on. But why? What’s the point of it? What the hell is the point in anything now? Even Maggie pushes on despite what happened to her and Vlad only seeks punishment for having lost his reason… But, couldn’t that also be something to keep one going? Aridean began to wonder to herself. As she silently contemplated, she thought back on everything that had led her to this moment. From running away from Thellia to surviving the demon of Cortonne. Memories of her adopted father, beloved friends, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences flooded her mind.
Father… Vidor… Rana… Without any of you… do I even have a reason to keep standing? Aridean pondered as she reached for her necklace. Her eyes focused intently on the small charms she kept wrapped around her neck as their voices filled could be heard in the back of her mind.
“Because I love you.”
“I’m going to protect everyone that I love, that includes you.”
“That’s just what love is.”
I think… I’m starting to get it, Aridean mentally told herself as her grip on the necklace tightened. With a deep breath, she released the charm, letting it fall to her chest once more, and focused intently on the old bull in front of her.
“Allow me to go, General,” Aridean announced with as much confidence as she could muster. Although the shock surfaced on his face immediately, Mikali slowly turned to look at the younger minotaur. Mouth agape, his eye ran up and down as he studied Aridean while she had to try her utmost to present herself in a confident and determined light. She saw the General’s lips move, yet nothing could be heard. Aridean swallowed nervously before reiterating her proposal, “Allow me to be the ambassador to the lizarians, sir.”
“What? Aridean… you mean to say…?” Mikali’s voice trailed off as he ruminated on Aridean’s request. However, within seconds, the old minotaur shook his head and composed himself with his normal gruff and grim expression, “Even should you have decided to stay here in Stonehaven, you are no longer one of our soldiers. You haven’t even a team to accompany you. I will not allow you venture into the Wiir Swamplands alone; that is far too dangerous for anyone.”
“I got nothing better to do… I’ll go with her,” Magdalene commented with a nonchalant tone. Aridean, now as surprised as Mikali was a few seconds ago, blinked a few times before turning to see the half-elf girl at her side. Magdalene was facing away from both minotaurs and had her arms folded over her chest. What Aridean could not see was the light red color tinging the young girl’s lightly freckled cheeks.
Maggie… you don’t have to do that, you know, Aridean thought to speak yet could not manage the words. Her attention was immediately returned to Mikali as the old minotaur let out an audibly frustrated grunt.
“Absolutely not! I will not allow children to wander through such dangerous territory, no matter how trained in combat or effective with magic,” barked Mikali sternly. Magdalene turned her head slightly to look up at Mikali; her strong face almost immediately melted into unease upon seeing the old minotaur shouting at the two. Upon noticing the forceful bull’s tightened grip on his walking cane, flaring nostrils, and furrowed brows, Magdalene began to subtly shy away and hide behind Aridean.
If it were Vidor, she’d try to argue back. I understand why she’s cowering. He is intimidating, but… I… I need to do this, Aridean thought to herself as she attempted to psyche herself up. However, it seemed that she was out of options. Mikali was right to reject her offer even if Magdalene were to go with her. The Great Wiir Swamplands are practically legendary throughout the Empire for housing dangerous wildlife and even dangerous plants. Not to mention, this task involved both finding and speaking with Lizarians, a people not known for their patience and compassion but rather their forceful aggression and open hostility.
What could I say to convince him otherwise? What if we had a full team? But where would I find someone to join us on this mission? Wait a minute… Aridean continued to ponder with her fingers to her chin. As an idea dawned on her, her hand lowered back down to her side and she turned to look beyond the cell bars once more. Vladimir was already looking back at her with a tired look on his face. A tired, but sincere, smile crept across the man’s face as he locked eyes with the minotaur standing outside his cell. Aridean’s eyes widened as the prisoner gave her a simple nod, his hair bouncing gently over his face.
“What if we take Count Vladimir with us? He said he wanted to help us when we left Cortonne, so what if--,” Aridean suggested before the frustrated grunt cut her off.
“Did you honestly just suggest allowing that ‘thing’ to accompany you?” snarled a particularly agitated Mikali. His nostrils were beginning to flare up with each heated exhale, “Out of the question! That ‘thing’ isn’t interested in helping us accomplish our mission. It only followed you back to Stonehaven in search of achieving its own goals.”
“Although I cannot deny your statement, Mr. Stonehoof, I would like to be of service to you all as I am able. As Ms. Gray mentioned: I did offer my assistance in exchange for allowing me to flee my wretched past,” Vladimir commented courteously and with genuine sincerity in his voice. Magdalene, Aridean, and Mikali all turned to look at the imprisoned man behind the iron bars. Magdalene initially wore a distrustful expression, but her face softened and eyes drifted down to the ground at her shoes as she lost herself in thought. Aridean managed to face the man with a sort of stern understanding in her eyes as she now nodded to him.
Mikali, however, glared at the count with sheer fury in his one good eye. It seemed more like pure rage was expelled from his lungs with each loud puff of air rushing from his nostrils and his teeth were gritted together as a low growl formed in the back of his throat. Even so, Vladimir maintained a dignified and confident stance, just as he always had despite the situation.
“You dare speak of helping our cause?! After what you’ve done?!” Mikali angrily retorted, entirely unmoved on the idea of accepting aid from Vladimir. Despite the hostility, the nobleman managed to keep up with his regal presentation of himself. With his chin held high and a serious look in his one visible eye focused intently on the enraged bull, Vladimir looked for all the world like a fine, disciplined noble even behind prison bars.
“He’s agreeing to help. I never said I was giving up being a soldier and we would make a full team now. Please, General Mikali, please allow us to--,” Aridean began to plead once more. She was cut off by the loud stamping of Mikali’s walking cane on the stone floor. Magdalene was becoming progressively unnerved as the old minotaur’s muscular arms could be seen tensing up as he grew more and more impatient.
“For the last time: you will not be allowed to go! I don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense!” snapped Mikali as frustration and anger covered his face. The snorting of his nostrils even sounded heated by how much he seemed to be fuming over the discussion. His grip on his walking cane had tightened so much that Magdalene feared the old, wooden stick might snap in two at any second. Despite his firm stance, Aridean, nervously and reluctantly, drew in a deep breath and blew it out again as she focused on Mikali with determination in her eyes.
“But sir—,” Aridean once more tried to persuade. A loud clop of a hoof stomping echoed uproariously off the stone walls and the breaking of wood sent small splinters to the ground. Mikali’s walking cane fell to the floor in two pieces and shattered splinters as the old bull let out an outraged roar.
“Dammit, Rana! For once, just once, will you just listen to what I say and do as you’re told?!” Mikali interrupted, both suddenly and aggressively. Rage enveloped his face and his nostrils flared with each loud exhale. Aridean’s body had gone entirely stiff, as if she were petrified solely by the male minotaur’s outburst. Stunned astonishment painted her brown-furred face as she simply looked back at Mikali. Even Magdalene, still hiding herself behind Aridean, widened her eyes in surprise at the old bull’s outburst. Vladimir merely continued to watch silently from behind his cell bars, his brow rising slightly in interest.
“S-sir…” Aridean quietly managed to squeak out. The elder minotaur, having heard Aridean call out to him, immediately replaced the anger in his expression with a sort of stunned astonishment of his own. His one good eye now opened wide, Mikali’s ears fell flat against his head and his mouth fell agape.
“A-Aridean… I…” a surprisingly nervous Mikali attempted to speak. His tightly clenched fists opened and his one good eye surveyed Aridean from head to hoof. As his own bewilderment slowly faded, his expression began to shift into a more sorrowful look while he continued to focus on the younger minotaur without a word. With a heavy sigh, his eye fixated upon Magdalene, still looking on in shock behind Aridean, before turning to Vladimir in his cell. With a defeated grunt, the old bull turned his back on the three. Aridean’s ears flicked as she just barely heard him muttering, “I won’t make the same mistake twice, Rana… my precious granddaughter.”
Aridean could see Mikali’s hands ball up into tightly clenched fists once more. The General shook his head as he began to make for the door where his guards were waiting patiently. One of the silent minotaur guards pulled open the door for Mikali as he approached. Aridean’s expression began to melt into confused sorrow as the old bull went to leave after such an outburst. Her ears, however, perked up as the elderly minotaur called out to her.
“Aridean… I’m counting on you to get this done… That ‘thing’ will stay in its cell until you are ready to depart, but if it will assist you, then I shall pray for your swift success,” Mikali announced, back still turned as he stopped in front of the door. Aridean’s eyes widened in surprise as the elder began to turn his head to look back at her with his one good eye, “Your number one priority: come back in one piece.”
With his gravelly voice resonating in her mind, Aridean watched as Mikali exited the prison hallway. His guards followed behind closely and the door shut behind them with an audible slam. Still trying to process the unexpected conclusion to their conversation, Aridean simply stood in place staring at the door that Mikali had already left through. Magdalene, now feeling a bit more confident without the old minotaur around, slowly circled around her towering, brown-furred companion.
“Well… when are we heading out this time?” asked Magdalene with an unusual softness to her voice. Aridean blinked a few times before looking down to the young girl in front of her. Mouth still slightly agape, the minotaur shook her head as if to wake herself up from a dream, much to the apparent delight of Vladimir. Both of his visitors turned to look at him as his quiet chuckle settled down.
“I’ve not been to the swamplands in many years, but I shall do my best not to disappoint,” Vladimir informed with his signature gentle yet tired smile. Magdalene’s face, full of distrust, only scrunched up further as she listened to what the Count said.
“You better be serious about helping us. You lied when you told us that was why you left Cortonne after all,” snapped Magdalene with her usual enthusiasm. Aridean’s eyes shifted between the two as they spoke, but not a word left her mouth. Vladimir closed his eyes and bowed his head to the two standing outside his cell.
“I do humbly beg your forgiveness for the previous deceit. Allow me to reaffirm my vow to aid you,” Vladimir began to speak. The regal man paused only for a moment to clear his throat. He continued to speak with his head bowed, “I am Count Vladimir Impalivik of Cortonne, both the hamlet’s proprietor and its scourge, and I do solemnly swear by my name and title that I shall provide whatever aid I am able.”
Having heard his oath, Magdalene and Aridean glanced at one another. The half-elf, still skeptical, merely shrugged while maintaining her annoyed look. Aridean, however, appeared almost amazed by the apology and verbal contract that the man was offering her. Her ears twitched as Vladimir’s voice began to echo against the stone walls once more.
“I must, however, ask that if we come across--,” Vladimir began, head still bowed in respect.
“If we find any leads to help you break your curse, we’ll look into them,” Aridean interrupted suddenly. It was readily obvious that Vladimir had not expected such a response as the man lifted his head with shock on his partially covered face. After a brief pause, the nobleman once more gently smiled his appreciation to the minotaur outside his cell.
“W-well… if Ari says so… I guess that’s fine. But don’t think for a second that we trust you,” huffed Magdalene as she turned away from both of her companions. Vladimir chuckled his modest amusement once more.
“I am grateful for your assistance in the matter; grateful to the both of you. I recognize what I have done does not merit your kindness. But it is that kindness I swear to never disappoint; on this, you have my word,” Vladimir told his visitors with sincerity and dignity. Aridean turned and began to usher Magdalene toward the door.
“We’ll come to get you tomorrow morning… Thank you… Vlad,” Aridean concluded as she and Magdalene began walking away. Vladimir, still smiling, returned to his reading on the wooden plank of a bed as the clopping and clicking of hooves and shoes respectively faded away. Standing at the door exiting the prison hallway, Aridean paused as she reached for her necklace.
I do have a purpose here… A reason to stay; you guys saved me so many times and now that you’re gone… I have to make you proud… all of you, Aridean thought to herself as she felt her throat tighten. She stood in the open doorway for just a moment longer, holding the cherished memento close to her heart. With renewed determination, the minotaur set out into Stonehaven to prepare for her next assignment.