–What?.
Christopher looked truly surprised, he couldn't identify the species of this magical beast, but thanks to his mother he was now aware. He has read many bestiaries and among them there is information about the Caith Sith.
The reason for his surprise was because he had never seen one, but more than that was that these magical beasts never strayed from the place where they resided.
“A Caith Sith,” Selestia repeated. “Also known as Fairy Cats.” Her gaze swept over every inch of the aforementioned Caith Sith and she could feel the torrent of magical energy emanating from this being.
It wasn't very strong, but it was still fascinating.
But something had caught his attention and his brother was the one in charge of stealing the words of his own thoughts.
–If that cat is really a Caith Sith, why is it so far from the home of the Fairies? – Christopher said, looking away at his mother. –According to what I read, the Caith Sith never stray far from where they live and above all, they avoid contact with people.
–Young Human. –The Caith Sith spoke leaving Christopher, Selestia and even Alexander quite surprised, who had remained on the sidelines the whole time. –It seems that you are a very well informed person about my race, I congratulate the high degree of knowledge that you must surely have, just by observing you I can realize that you are very intelligent-.
–But you didn’t know I could talk –Selestia smiled–. Or am I wrong?-.
–You caught me, my sweet little sister. –Christopher followed.
“Honey,” Alexander called. “Do you know our self-invited Caith Sith? Is he a friend of yours?”
"I've only met one Caith Sith," Valentina replied, letting her guard down, as she was aware that they were not beings who would attack others unless they felt threatened.
Besides, the magical beast didn't seem to be looking for a fight, otherwise it wouldn't have come alone. "But that was when I was still living in Elfland, and it doesn't look anything like our guest."
"So, Lord Caith Sith," Alexander joked, seeing his wife relaxed he no longer had any reason to be on guard.
Once again, the relationship between the two came to light. They knew each other so well that Alexander knew there was no risk just by seeing Valentina's more relaxed attitude. –Could you tell us the reason for your sudden but very pleasant visit?
–Can I pass? –The magical beast asked.
–Please go ahead and make yourself comfortable, – Alexander finished.
...
They were all sitting on one side of the room, more precisely around a small table surrounded by four sofas. A large one where the couple sat and other smaller individual ones where the brothers sat and on the last one, the Cait Sith.
–Thank you very much for your hospitality, Lord Alexander and Lady Valentina. –The Caith Sith lowered his head in a gesture of dogueza, revealing his defenseless neck. –And above all I want to apologize for having startled you with my presence, believe me, that was never my intention.
He looked up again, it was strange to see a cat with two tails the size of a dog speaking in a very formal manner. –It's just that I don't plan on letting other people see me, in fact, having presented myself before you is the last resource I have in my search within this city.
“Quest?” Selestia asked, quite interested. “What could a Caith Sith be looking for in our city?”
The Caith Sith's serious and unperturbed face seemed to have sighed, it was like one of those sighs one would give when losing someone very valuable and Alexander knew that feeling. –Don't tell me. –He was truly serious and even somewhat surprised. –Are you looking for a Fairy in this city?
The Caith Sith nodded, leaving everyone except Valentina with their mouths open, that was something they had not expected. Seeing a Fairy was a real feat. People want to see one so passionately, that they even go out to explore the forests trying their luck.
Many people's desire to see a Fairy is so great that even nobles offer a large amount of gold to catch one, because as expected, they want to have such beautiful magical creatures as pets.
Within the human empire, it is believed that some high nobles keep fairies as pets.
"My childhood dream is to see a fairy," Selestia murmured to Christopher, who nodded.
Although he remained more thoughtful, taking into account the whole situation, the only thing he wished was that the beautiful magical creature had not fallen into the hands of bad people.
–So that’s the reason for your visit? –Valentina asked very seriously.
“That’s right.” Without further ado, the Caith Sith sighed in defeat.
The conversation progressed only between those two, the others decided to stay out of it because among all of them, the one who had the most knowledge about these beautiful magical creatures was Valentina. Selestia envied this of her mother, since she has already seen some in her life while she has not been able to see any yet.
"That is correct, Lady Valentina," the Caith Sith replied. "I would like to know if you have any information regarding any Fairies sightings in your city. Any information you have would be very useful to me."
Valentina looked at her husband and children.
–Well, at least I haven't heard anything on my part –Christopher mentioned–. Not even among my friends or any gossip among the PORCELAIN adventurers.
Selestia followed him. –On my side neither, none of my friends or acquaintances have spoken about a Fairy appearing in the city.
–And in our case, darling –Alexander continued–, we have not received any reports from the guild or the divisions about the sighting of Fairies.
The Caith Sith looked quite dejected, even his tails stopped moving and fell behind him as long as they were.
–If there really was a Fairy in the area, we would have already known about it –Valentina looked serious–. My little spirits would have already warned me because they would feel the pure magical energy that the Fairy would emanate.
“I see,” the magical beast nodded. “It’s a pity, I just have to find a new trace of her. I hope none of the magical beasts that inhabit this ‘island’ have eaten her.”
–I doubt it very much. –Of the group, Valentina was the one who spoke again. –Most likely he flew very far away.
"I'm afraid that's impossible, that fairy can't fly." Valentina raised her well-groomed eyebrows into an expression of astonishment.
“A fairy who can’t fly?” Christopher wondered to himself.
"Due to some inconveniences I cannot mention," the Caith Sith spoke again. "That Fairy has lost two of her four wings."
For the others the conversation was truly fascinating, even Alexander decided to remain silent and continue listening to the conversation and where it was going.
But Valentina was the only one who had already seen and spoken with the fairies, that is why she knows some things that no one else who has not had that fortune could know.
"Tell me," she said, causing the Caith Sith to look at her with those deep eyes. "Is that fairy someone important to the Fairy world? Otherwise, an adult Caith Sith like you wouldn't be looking for her. If she wasn't important, they would send the younger ones."
The three heads that were looking at Valentina moved towards the magical beast who seemed to have sighed. –I see that you know and understand about fairies much more than I would have liked, I would have no problem telling everything about the disappearance of that Fairy and about her identity if it were only you and the young girl.
The magical beast looked at Alexander, then shifted his eyes focusing on Christopher who noticed that. –But I don't trust humans.
"My husband and my son are nothing like the humans you know." Valentina looked a little upset and her attitude changed slightly because of what was mentioned. She didn't like that the men in her life had been indirectly compared to those low-class human beings.
She knew what the Caith Sith meant. “They would never hurt a faerie, so you can trust them, if you give us all the information we could give you a hand searching deeper into our city.”
–I understand –the magical beast's voice denoted some regret–. It was not my intention to offend your husband and son, it's just that I am somewhat desperate. –The Caith Sith looked up, the family felt as those slanted eyes stared into their souls. –You are right, Lady Valentina, the one I have been looking for for more than three years is too important for the world of the Fairies because she is the daughter and successor of Otonia, the Fairy Queen of Autumn.
Alexander and Christopher immediately knew that the situation was truly serious, as the expressions of total astonishment and extreme disbelief that Valentina and Selestia had on their faces indicated this. And if they, who were knowledgeable about this kind of subject, were like this, it was because the situation warranted it.
–WHAT? –Selestia was unable to hide her astonishment, but she went there because she couldn't even speak.
Maybe Christopher and Alexander had a lot of knowledge about beasts and magical creatures, but it only went so far, what they were doing now was like the doors opening to a new world of knowledge.
–Are you telling me that the Autumn Fairy Queen, Otonia, has a daughter? –Valentina couldn't believe it either. –And apparently her daughter is here-.
“My dear, please excuse my ignorance,” Alexander added. “But who is Otonia? And why does she seem to be someone so important?”
Selestia was also in the same situation as her mother, Christopher intended to ask her the same question, but it would be in vain because the shock would make him unable to even speak.
“Otonia is one of the four Fairy Queens of the seasons,” Valentina gave a brief explanation. “They are beings whose importance to the world is unquestionably of vital importance.”
–Each Fairy Queen rules one of the four seasons of the year-. –The Caith Sith continued:
–Fairy Queen of Autumn, Otonia, rules over autumn, watches over the coming and course of autumn.
»Fairy Queen of Spring, Primaira, rules over spring, watches over the coming and course of spring.
»Summer Fairy Queen, Verania, rules over summer, watches over the coming and course of summer.
»Fairy Queen of Winter, Winterland, Rules over winter, watches over the coming and course of winter.
Valentina and Selestia nodded, but there was still more to discover.
"And finally," the Caith Sith added again, "the Fairy King who rules over all the fairies that exist and will exist.
A chill ran up the spines of the two men in the room, not from fear or anything like that, but just hearing those names made a feeling of respect and authority run through their human beings.
–So, Mom. –Selestia said–. Have you met one of the Queens?
“No,” she quickly replied. “I only met one normal Fairy, I befriended her when I was still a child living in Elfland, but that was quite a long time ago.” Valentina looked back at the Caith Sith. “I didn’t know Fairy Queens could have children.”
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–Each of them has children. –The Caith Sith looked serious. –But she is the daughter of the Fairy Queen Otonia, Otonia Carlín, who has disappeared after some inconveniences. I have been looking for her for three years, but I always lose track of her.
Valentina clenched her fists, she was nervous, this was serious.
The successor of the lost Autumn Fairy and she is possibly somewhere in this city and right now they are going through a bad time.
–Three days, –Christopher said, gaining everyone's attention –in three days the whole city will unite and look for her, but please give us those three days.
There was no need to ask for the family to understand the reason for the three days, but the Cat Sith was not aware.
Luckily for him, Selestia was the one in charge of explaining it to him. –Tonight we will have a very important mission that we must complete at all costs and it is more than likely that many of us will be seriously injured, that is why we need those days so that we can at least regain some energy.
–You heard my children – Alexander said smiling – I promise that we will find the successor of the Autumn Fairy Queen, just wait for us those three days. – Valentina smiled sweetly, her family was always there to support others and that was an attitude that had defined the Hope family.
The Caith Sith lowered his head with some joy. “I must apologize to you,” referring to Christopher and Alexander. “I misjudged you, and I want you to know that I am truly grateful for the help you gave me. These three years of searching have been too much for me and I am already tired.”
“Don’t worry,” Valentina said. “We’ll find her.”
–By the way, –Christopher joined in– you said that Fairy might be here, didn't you?
The Caith Sith nodded.
»So while you wait for us you should go with Dry, she is the Dryad who lives in the world tree of our city. If there is anyone who will be aware of any beast or magical creature in the vicinity it is her, I assure you that she will be able to give you some clues.
With a few tears running down the fur around his face, the Caith Sith nodded again – I appreciate that so much.
Just as quickly as he came, he left, he jumped through the window and jumped, using the wind as a support point again, as if it were some kind of hard base that he could step on.
The family sighed in relief and talked about the situation, they even joked a little about the Fairies and let Valentina tell her story of when she had met the Fairy a long time ago.
...
After being crowned as the ruling star of the world, the one who gives light and happiness to the earthly world had to undertake a journey and rest. Now, it was the turn of the dominion of the nights. And the one who dominated this world was the moon that now appeared above KOSMOS, and with its soft rays of light illuminated the magical world of the night.
The floating lanterns were lit, already illuminating the cobbled streets of Gignit.
The stalls and night clubs are catering to people. At this time of day there is a certain tendency to dress according to the occasion, for example, a date at a restaurant. Something light but nice for a walk in the big park.
Because of the schedule, the children tended to be much calmer.
Adventurers from abroad were busy making their respective purchases and replenishing their supplies for some trip.
"Are you serious?" an adventurer who was not a resident of Gignit wondered aloud. "The dwarven smithy is closed?"
"This is very strange, they never close," an adventurer seconded her. Even though they were close to each other, none of them knew each other.
"This is really strange," said the man who seemed to be a strong adventurer, with his name inscribed on his pendant. The color of the pendant made obvious reference to his rank: SILVER.
He touched his chin as he looked around. “Not only the blacksmith shop, I see that some restaurants have closed as well. I wonder what the reason is, since the streets of this city are so busy today?”
–Friend, are you coming? –The voice of someone who seemed to be an acquaintance brought him out of his trance. –We found a very good inn where we can stay, in case you are interested, it is over there, it would be at the Luna Menguante inn. They say that from its terrace you have the most beautiful view of the moon.
"Okay," the man said. "Is it just going to be our group?"
"No," a woman replied. The most striking thing about her was the long Bo Staff that stuck out from her back. "It seems that other groups are also staying at the same place."
Now it was the turn of the last member of this group to add some comment to the conversation. –I heard the one who was the leader of one of the other groups saying something about holding a meeting and talking about the magical beasts that roam the outskirts.
–Ah! That’s it –the man said again–. Something very strange is happening in the surroundings of this city, there is a terrible agglomeration of magical beasts in the surroundings. –As he walked, this guy looked ahead pointing into the distance. –It will be quite difficult to go back even further due to the presence of-.
–ALPHA class magical beasts? –One of his companions joined the conversation– I can't believe that there are so many ALPHA class ones up here, they are too strong and what is even worse, there is a rumor that an OMEGA class Magical Beast even lives here.
"If that's true," the woman said, "if we were to encounter that thing we'd be its lunch. It's impossible for us to defeat a beast of that kind."
Walking and chatting they reached their destination: POSADA LUNA MENGUANTE.
From the outside it was already obvious that this was a good place to rest.
The neat sign bore the inscriptions of the name and, amusingly, the image of the waning moon.
From their positions they could already see some heads sticking out in the terrace area where some adventurers seemed to be talking, perhaps about quests, how to divide the reward or maybe something else.
Some tables located in front of the inn were occupied by other adventurers who apparently preferred to dine outdoors.
And at one of those tables, sat two people who seemed to be truly sad. Their shields and swords were resting on the table. A woman with short hair reaching to her shoulders, in her hands a lute, playing a melody that conveyed a certain feeling of sadness.
The other, a man, also with the same sad expression as his companion next to him, reciting a short, sad poem to the tune of the melody.
–Oh Sweet and bright moon, you who illuminate the nights and send us to the cradle.
»Charged with illuminating our path, you have been our only witness.
»We have been warned many times, do not go down that path because the terrible beasts will want to go with you.
»We ignored the warnings and the life of a friend was our punishment.
»Indestructible fangs and sharp claws, they minced his body and ate it with gusto.
»Friend, I ask for your forgiveness, I led you to death and I deserve your resentment-.
"I will never get over your death and I will always carry your memory.
»Finally, I ask the Gods to save your soul, but I will be here waiting for mine to end-.
The adventurers who happened to be passing by these people immediately knew how to interpret the lyrics of the sad poem. In short, it told a short story about how one night they lost a friend.
...
The hours passed and the anxiety did nothing but increase, they were literally just moments away from starting the mission, it was time to finish the preparations and that's why Alexander and Valentina already headed to the base to carry out some checks and take a look at the plans they must follow.
Currently, the Hope brothers were preparing their weapons and armor to be able to leave and go towards the meeting, at the request of Neledia who headed this group, they had to meet somewhere in the vicinity of the divisions' base, because she wanted to have a talk before they entered.
There were four people in the room: Selestia and Christopher checking and checking each other, making sure their armor was all on and tight while Roger and Dina held the two's respective weapons.
Something very noticeable was that the brothers kept sighing with extreme nervousness. But it was not due to apathy or anything like that, it was that feeling of nervousness that wreaked havoc on their bodies.
The time for everything to begin was too close, what would happen? It was a question whose answer they wanted to have right away, but it was impossible until it happened.
“Please take care of yourself, Lady Selestia.” Dina’s face showed nothing but immense concern. “And please make sure to turn back if necessary, do not risk your life so rashly.”
Selestia smiled because Dina's concern was genuine, the aforementioned would not know what to do if Selestia died because she was the one who had given her a second chance at life.
She went from being the slave of a fearsome and sadistic mercenary, to working with the daughter of the Governors of a beautiful city.
Dina didn't want to change her life, she wanted to stay in this city and try to have a new beginning here. Even though Dina was the oldest, she felt that she couldn't go on if something happened to Selestia. She had already lost everything, everything was over, losing the only person who so kindly offered her a new opportunity would be too much to bear, nothing would make sense anymore.
"Don't worry, Dina," Selestia said, smiling as naturally as she could. "I'll keep that in mind."
Selestia lied to her, winking at her. If she saw someone in danger, she would be one of the first to jump into action and try to save that person, but at least she was trying to calm Dina down. She was aware of the immense concern that Dina was feeling and she knew that if something happened to her, Dina would at least die of bitterness.
At least she would do her best to stay safe.
"The same with you, Lord Christopher," Roger sighed, quite weary and even frightened. He knew that his and Dina's words were in vain.
The brothers would not hesitate in the slightest to throw themselves into danger in order to help a third party. –If there comes a time when you feel overwhelmed by an enemy, I beg you to ask for help and please do not act reckless. –Roger was also in the same situation as Dina, which caused extreme concern.
»Please remember that Macky and I are here because of you, if something were to happen to her we wouldn't know what to do.» His face softened. «Besides, it would make my little sister cry and I doubt you want to make her cry.»
Christopher smiled as Roger had hit the nail on the head. “Don’t worry, neither my sister nor I are planning to die, right sis?” Christopher patted Selestia on the back as the final adjustments to her outfit were complete. “I just ask that you keep an eye out for when we get back as we will most likely need your help after this is all over.”
Christopher smiled again. “I might hurt my hands so badly that you’ll have to do all the paperwork for a while, Roger.”
The aforementioned nodded. –I would gladly do so, as long as I return safely, please take good care of yourselves.
“Pray to the Gods for us,” added Selestia. “See you at dawn.” In this way the brothers turned and walked towards the main door of the house.
For a brief period of time, the clothes, armor or battle suits that both were wearing were paraded.
Starting with Selestia, who, in order to be able to fight if the occasion required it, had all of her hair braided into a single ponytail, which was adorned with two black feathers right where her hair would begin to be braided.
She took out all her earrings and piercings and put them away among her things because these adornments were not appropriate for the occasion.
Selestia was wearing a full-body Night Elven assault suit, the black color would make excellent camouflage for the occasion.
Very good choice of the young and beautiful Elf.
The suit was tight to the body and quite flexible, as mentioned, the black tone stood out above all.
Golden lines superimposed on each other resembling reptile scales protected the thighs, arms and lower back. Blackish knee and elbow pads protected the joint area and could also be used as a weapon when hitting, causing more damage if possible without receiving as much damage because the outside was metallic, but inside it had another cover which was much softer to make the impacts more pleasant.
Black boots, the tip of these and behind the heel were covered and protected by a strong metal plate, they were made in such a way as to cause the greatest possible damage and Selestia knew how to kick because despite being an Elf she trained a lot in martial arts, courtesy of her father.
Although as an adventurer, it was an obligation to know a lot of these arts, different types of fighting, to have in the arsenal a varied fighting style to at the same time know how to defend oneself in all possible ways.
The shaft of his boots reached up to his knees. Thick rubber and leather greaves covered the front of his boots. From the waist emerged a cape, long almost to the knee joints, just as a note this was not a simple decoration.
On his back, the support to place the most characteristic weapon of the Elves was held by straps which went all the way around the torso, connecting at the front. On the support was visible his precious bow which he has had since he turned seven, when Valentina gave it to him.
The bow was made from materials from the great tree, so it was quite strong. Its shape became sinuous starting from where the handle ended, creating a curve from the inside out and curving again at the ends that seemed to be the shape of a leaf.
The handle was large enough for Selestia to fire up to three arrows at once, although that depended on her skills and capabilities.
Since the bow was made from the great tree, it was quite strong and flexible at the same time, it could be stretched much further than necessary, thanks to that its arrows would gain much more momentum.
The quiver, made of the same material as the bow, was decorated with drawings of hummingbirds and climbing plants; the quiver hung on his right side as if it were a sword guard.
His main weapon was a little above where the cape began, it was the pair of butterfly swords crossed one on top of the other in the shape of an X.
These were not all of his weapons, like any other adventurer he had weapons hidden throughout his suit and even some in plain sight such as the pair of feathers, who would think that those things were sharp.
In the quiver, in the four holes that seemed to also adorn the mouth, each one of them contained modified arrows, almost as thin as the senbon needles, but much longer, literally for silent assassinations.
Selestia was determined to do what she must do.
The cloak concealed some concoctions, possibly drugs to inhibit pain or perhaps alcohol to spray wounds or use to make fire. A pair of throwing knives were hidden in his boots on either side.
Lastly, what would be his most powerful weapon, or rather his most powerful defense, was a plain piece of paper that normally had nothing on it. It had a strange seal engraved on it, currently very well kept and no one knows where.
As for Christopher, he preferred to dress more like an adventurer because that was his style. Although he followed the same line as Selestia with the color of his clothes, black, it was not strict to wear this color, but given the occasion it would be a wise choice.
Underneath, he wore dark clothing, but quite thick and resistant for the occasion, then came the protectors such as the metal shoulder pads located on both sides.
He used metal plating that covered his chest and abdomen area, which was attached to the ones located in the rear area, covering his back.
Elbow and knee pads covering the elbows and knees respectively.
Fingerless gauntlets so that he could hold the enemy better, bracers with spider web designs, or at least that's what they seemed to be. On the bracers, located above the forearm area, there were some devices attached to them.
You could clearly see a strange, resistant metallic thread being wound around a tube inside the device.
The last thing on the bracers that was visible to the naked eye was the strange runic writing that was marked along it.
Rubber and leather plates covered his thighs.
Her boots were just as long as Selestia's, reaching up to her knees and also covered by greaves. The belt had visible compartments where she kept a bunch of throwing blades located all on the left side of the buckle, while on the right side were five Kunai knives ready to be used.
He wore a cape that reached down to his knee joints where he kept some more weapons or perhaps something much more interesting like potions, alcohol and who knows what else.