WINTER SOLSTICE

The Solstice finally arrives. With the exception of a few guests who arrive a day or two early, the majority arrive the afternoon prior to the event, causing the usually empty castle to suddenly be bustling with life. Meeting in the lounge off the balcony, Kur waits for his children. Horus comes in first.

KUR: You’re not wearing that, son.

HORUS: Why not?

KUR: It’s all you ever wear. Go find something more formal.

HORUS: No-one is going to notice or care.

KUR: Not asking, Horus. Go change.

Horus turns to leave in a huff. Minerva comes in a moment later.

KUR: You’re as bad as your brother. This is what you’re wearing to Solstice? All black?

MINERVA: People would be confused if I wore something that wasn’t all black. Here, help me pick out some jewels.

KUR: Hm… at least these have a little colour. Let’s see…

HORUS: Okay, look, is this better?

KUR: …I suppose it’ll do. Is wearing something different really so terrible?

HORUS: I can’t believe I’m over thirty and you’re still telling me what to do. Nice necklace, Minerva.

MINERVA: Thank you… it’s yours.

HORUS: It is?

MINERVA: You never wore it.

HORUS: I don’t even have the option now, apparently.

Set, finally free from the tower now guests have arrived, comes into the room wearing a glorious cloak with golden lining.

SET: Well? What do you think?

MINERVA: Wow. That’s certainly put Horus and I to shame.

HORUS: I’ll say. When did you even get this?

SET: I grew out of my old one, so I had this made. I wanted something different. Dad?

KUR: …It’s lovely. It reminds me of something your mother used to wear.

SET: The dress she wore to the queen’s coronation, right? I remembered it from the photos. It’s what I was trying to recreate. You really like it?

KUR: Yes, son. Very much.

Ares and Primrose enter a moment later. Kur murmurs to Marsden before standing up to address them. He examines Primrose head to toe, looking at her outfit in detail before nodding in short approval. He doesn’t take long to look over Ares.

KUR: Nice suit, son. What is it with you and your brother always exposing your chests?

ARES: It’s called fashion, dad. Not that you’d understand. Set, that’s a beautiful coat.

PRIMROSE: I’ll say! What lovely colours.

KUR: It is lovely. But those earrings don’t go with it.

MINERVA: He can wear mine—

KUR: No. I have something else in mind. Ah, here’s Marsden.

MARSDEN: Are these the ones, my lord?

KUR: Yes, thank you.

MINERVA: Are those Mama’s earrings?

KUR: Yes. Her party earrings. She wore them to almost every event. She said that even on her ugly days, they made her beautiful. Which is ridiculous because she was beautiful every day she ever lived, but I’ll admit, they did highlight something special about her. They really brought out her eyes… they look even better on you, Set.

Look at all my children dressed up. My Eleanor would have been proud. Is everyone ready?

HORUS: Yes, father. You don’t have to prep us before every party.

KUR: Don’t I? Baron of Cragg, last time we invited guests over I had to drag you from your room to socialise. Let’s not forget our mission this evening. There are many eligible candidates, and ample opportunity to strengthen bonds. I expect everyone on best behaviour. Are we ready?

The children all nod, and Kur finally leads them downstairs to join the guests in the afternoon celebrations. Meanwhile, the servants are in full swing, barely taking the time to breathe. Danielle finally catches Osprey, completely bewildered.

DANIELLE: Osprey, there’s so many people! Who are they all?

OSPREY: A lot of very, very important people. People whose bad sides you don’t want to be on. Most people are nobles from Cragg, but… See that guy? That’s Lord Carver, Baron of Quarr. He’ll dunk your head in a punch bowl when you’re only fourteen years old if you mess up. He won’t even care if you pass out from it. See him? That’s Lord Gwese, Baron of Dunes. He’s friendly, don’t get me wrong, but he’s also one of Lord Kur’s oldest friends. He’ll show a cruel streak if you aren’t careful. Those triplets, headed for the library? Queen Jade’s nieces and nephew. Stay away from them altogether, yeah?

DANIELLE: Right, okay… by the way, I keep meeting people who say they’re related to you. Just how big is your family?

OSPREY: I’m one of twelve children. Most of us are here helping out, plus a few cousins. Have you seen Moonie yet?

DANIELLE: No, I haven’t.

OSPREY: Fuck. Look, I gotta go. Stay out of trouble, Danielle. There’s a lot of evil people here today.

Osprey hurries off, disappearing around a corner almost immediately. Before Danielle can move, a body bumps aggressively into her. Icarus barely looks her direction and makes his way to the staircase where he meets the family.

ICARUS: There you all are, looking mighty elegant. I’ll be with you all shortly, but may I borrow Minerva a moment?

Minerva stops dead on the stairs while the rest of the family continue downwards. She raises an eye at him.

MINERVA: What do you want?

ICARUS: You’re always so hostile. Can’t I just want to stop and chat?

MINERVA: You want drugs, don’t you?

ICARUS: …depends on if you have anything to sell.

MINERVA: I’ve already sold almost two dozen opiates, if you want to be on the same level as everyone else.

ICARUS: Perfect. I’ll take some later on, keep a couple tabs aside for me. By the way, that Gurnip dickhead is talking shit about you again.

MINERVA: He’s been testing the waters for years. I suppose he’s finally going to learn what drowning feels like. He’s a Horus problem, though. I have other people for you to knock into line.

ICARUS: Oh?

MINERVA: Yes. I don’t know why it’s so hard for visitors to remember not to slander our name inside our walls.

ICARUS: Laziness, pig-headedness, invincibility syndrome. Lots of factors can play on someone’s memory. So, you have some names in mind?

MINERVA: Those damned triplets keep making snide comments. And that woman, the new girl who lives with Gwese? She’s a proper bitch.

ICARUS: What’d she say?

MINERVA: Nothing about us, but she’s being incredibly rude to any child present. Also, apparently some servants are spreading gossip. Remind me to warn Marsden about it.

ICARUS: Will do — servant gossip has potential to be life threatening. You know what they say. There’s nothing more impressive than a servant’s grapevine…

MINERVA: Or the memory of a slave.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

Late that afternoon, close to the sunset, all guests gather in the gardens. Many on horses or on a carriage, everyone is ready to go hiking up the mountain. It’s not too steep to the main lookout which is where most people stop to view the sunset, but those who are willing and able continue up the higher rocky terrain where ‘Ston’s temple is. Many of ‘Ston’s temples are displays of how the stone elementals manipulated a suspension beneath the earth’s crust to protect their cities from earthquakes. Within the shrine lies a large stone monument of a mountain dragon, where people can toss their jewels in tribute. When everyone has paid their tribute, they wander back outside and find a spot to watch the sunset. Just as the Saber family find a place to settle in, Icarus comes to whisk Ares away suddenly.

ARES: Hey! What’re you doing?

ICARUS: Shush. Follow me.

Icarus leads Ares around the back of the shrine, where they’re out of sight. He pulls a syringe from his pocket.

ICARUS: Put this around your arm.

ARES: We’re doing this here, now?

ICARUS: Religious holidays can be a dangerous time. It’s been working, hasn’t it?

ARES: …I’ll admit, I’ve been feeling a lot better. Alright, hurry up before Primrose comes looking.

ICARUS: You right?

ARES: Yeah, yeah.

ICARUS: Good. Come find me when you’re peaking. I want to show you how amazing magic can feel.

Icarus and Ares straighten up and go to head back out, drinking whiskey on the way. Finally, the sun begins to dip. People kneel and put their fists to the ground until it’s gone. Darkness creeps in, and everyone watches the pink sky until it fades.

As soon as the lanterns turn on, everyone stands to hug and reminisce about their loved ones who have joined the stars and give thanks to the loved ones who remain. After Primrose and Icarus have all hugged one another, he quietly pulls her away, giving the family some space.

ICARUS: Give them a moment to grieve their dead mother, oldest sister, and stillborn sister. There’s a lot of dead women in this family.

PRIMROSE: How awful. These occasions are always hard when you’ve lost someone who you loved with all your heart.

ICARUS: Indeed. They’re also difficult when you’re separated from your homeland and locked in a castle with a family of people who treat revenge like some sort of sport. How are you holding up?

PRIMROSE: Ares is home, and miraculously, maybe thanks to you, seems to be doing better. That’s what I’m trying to focus on.

ICARUS: Good for you… by the way, I heard you’re performing a little water magic later.

PRIMROSE: Yes, I am.

ICARUS: Brave. Who talked you into that?

PRIMROSE: Horus… why do you say it’s brave?

ICARUS: Well, because of the recent war where water elementals killed hundreds of Cragg people, and because Lord Kur isn’t permitted to use his fire magic ever again and might take it as an insult.

PRIMROSE: …his fire magic isn’t permitted? How?

ICARUS: His magic was banned for improper use. If he ever practices fire again, he can be executed on the spot. It was the queen’s greatest achievement to date. She really seemed proud of herself for that one.

PRIMROSE: But… what happened, exactly?

ICARUS: It was during a war against Kindling, I was still just a kid when it happened. Kur was fighting against another fire elemental in the east, and they managed to lose control and set the Forest on fire.

PRIMROSE: …the forest? As in, the Forest?

ICARUS: Yes… some air elementals came out and sucked all the oxygen from the air for like two minutes. A whole bunch of soldiers died, and the war ended immediately. After that, he was banished from ever practicing fire on Hituh’n soil, ever again. Come on, let’s go back home. I’m fucking freezing.

Icarus drags Primrose away. Remaining huddled on the mountain, Kur wraps his arms around his children.

KUR: Another year of darkness. The enemies continue to try and take from us, but we will not let them break us. She will never extinguish the fire in our bellies. Ready for Dae’s prayer?

Dae, protector of fire,

Let us lead our enemies into light,

so we may scorch them into ashes.

Deliver us from darkness,

and turn us into stars,

Please, turn us into stars.

The prayer is finished with a large exhale. From Kur’s mouth, a small puff of smoke escapes.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

When everyone returns from the mountain, they move into the ballroom for dinner. Tables have been set up, forming a U-shape around the room, with the extended family sitting at the head. Eleanor’s younger brother and his wife are in attendance, with Icarus as their only remaining son. Eleanor also had three cousins, all of whom have children, and they circle the table as well. A band plays softly in the corner, and most guests are dining and chatting amicably. All the servants are working, and many members of security are stationed around the room. Though most of the family are having a nice time, Ares is breaking out in a sweat. Primrose touches his arm gently.

PRIMROSE: Holding up alright?

ARES: Yeah. I’m just surprised. I can’t believe so many people showed up.

HORUS: Me either. I guess we hold more favour than we thought.

KUR: Not favour, power.

MINERVA: It’s strange, isn’t it? They’re all pretending to want to be our friends while secretly hating or fearing us.

HORUS: Well, we do earn ourselves a reputation, I suppose.

ARES: Speak for yourselves. Set, you better be a peacekeeper when you get to the academy. It’s a lot easier, trust me.

SET: Whatever you say. Primrose, what do you think of our celebrations so far?

PRIMROSE: All these people and the music… honestly, I’m loving it. It feels like a taste of home.

MINERVA: That’s stupid.

ARES: Shut-up, Minerva. Incidentally, how’s the crowd looking for potential candidates?

HORUS: Oh, go away.

ICARUS’S MUM: Oh, you children still aren’t betrothed to anyone?

KUR: No, they’re not. Have you had any luck with Icarus?

ICARUS’S DAD: Rather difficult when he’s always away from home. People aren’t keen to marry someone they’ve never met, who risks their life for months at a time.

KUR: It can be difficult to maintain love while in combat. Still, the room is full of eligible singles. Perhaps he should watch his drink long enough that he can take to the dance floor.

ICARUS: I can’t remember how to dance.

ARES: Seriously? They didn’t drill it into you at the academy?

ICARUS: I’ve been slaughtering monsters for years. We don’t do a lot of dancing up in those snowfields.

SET: You should, it’d keep you warm. Look, people are getting up already.

KUR: Might be a sign the liquor is flowing too freely.

PRIMROSE: Ares, you should finish eating so we can go join them!

ARES: I’m not very hungry. Think I’m one of those people who drank too much. I’ll come back for it after.

ICARUS: We did have that snack earlier, too. Go dance it off, king. I definitely won’t eat all your food.

ARES: Fucking liar. But there’s heaps of food left on people’s plates. I’ll just take that when no-one’s looking.

Ares takes Primrose’s hand and takes her to the dancefloor. They look good together, and despite the initial disapproving murmurs from the crowd, eventually more people get up to join in. The Sabers sit and watch. Icarus’s parents go join them, and Icarus leans back.

ICARUS: So, who wants a dance? Minerva? Set?

KUR: I thought you said you didn’t remember how.

ICARUS: I do and don’t. I know enough to make someone butt in out of pity.

HORUS: Can we stop focusing on it so much? It’s weird enough already. I feel like a predator.

ICARUS: You shouldn’t. You’re the hunted. All you’re doing is choosing which beast gets to devour you.

MINERVA: Ew, don’t make it sound so gross.

SET: I’d like to dance. I’ll go with you, Icarus.

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ICARUS: There we go. You know any moves?

SET: Some, but not really. We can fumble together out there.

Icarus and Set get up to go dance. It doesn’t take long for a handsome young gentleman to butt in and take Icarus’s place with Set. Icarus does a little solo dance for his table in victory before wandering off to harass someone else.

HORUS: Right, well, in the interest of escaping this conversation, I’d best go mingle.

KUR: …Well, Minerva?

MINERVA: People don’t like us, Papa, but they do want to marry us. If someone is brave enough, they’ll come ask for me themselves.

KUR: The brave will also come ask if you’re out there socialising. Come along, you and I can dance.

MINERVA: No, dad.

KUR: Then, come share my cigar.

MINERVA: You’re just looking for an excuse to get away from the table.

KUR: Stop being difficult. I never see you unless I demand it.

MINERVA: Okay, okay, we’ll go outside.

The outdoor patio overlooks the gardens, and Kur and Minerva go forward to lean against the railings. A few people are laid in the snow, stargazing, while some of the kids throw snowballs. Kur hands Minerva a cigar.

KUR: I wish you’d make more of an effort with people, Minerva. We have a legacy to uphold.

MINERVA: I don’t think they deserve it. They treat us like dirt just because we’re of Daegon heritage.

KUR: You can’t reinforce their negative stereotypes, Minerva. You’ll eventually meet people who come to know you as you are.

MINERVA: You speak like you have friends.

KUR: I’m on good terms with many Barons, now. And I had your mother.

MINERVA: …do I have to get married?

KUR: Yes. You need to have children. It’s important to Eleanor’s legacy.

MINERVA: I would be such a terrible mother, though.

KUR: You wouldn’t… or maybe you would. Either way, the servants do all the early years things, so it’s not so much your problem. Not that your mother felt that way. She was always spending time with all of you.

MINERVA: I remember. Tell me again why she gave you the time of day?

KUR: Oh, I don’t know. I was different to all the other suitors who came her way. She was certainly always interested in my fire. But mostly, I think, she liked that I treated her just like I would have treated anyone else. Even though she was so much more noble than I was, I just treated her like a person. And I think that’s what she fell in love with. It still makes me smile thinking about how angry everyone was when she proposed to me.

MINERVA: …I miss her.

KUR: You were only so little when she died.

MINERVA: I was ten. That’s not so little. Look, that kid must have only just gone ten.

KUR: Tiny. A simple kick would send that child flying.

MINERVA: …you say you’re stereotyped as being violent?

KUR: If people expect you to do something, sometimes it’s nice to exceed those expectations. You understand.

MINERVA: I suppose I do. One more question.

KUR: Yes?

MINERVA: You weren’t so upper-class, but Mama gave you a chance. Why are you so strict about us marrying another noble?

KUR: Because I’ve come to see the truth since then. Eleanor and I loved each other, but she would have had an easier life if I hadn’t married her. So would all of her children. So… I won’t let you all make the same mistake she made.

The pair stand and watch those dancing inside for a while longer until they’re called in for dessert.

Everyone is sitting down and chattering amongst themselves, and as Fairfax passes Gurnip, he overhears some vaguely disrespectful talk directed at Kur. Most listeners look very uncomfortable, others nod quietly in agreement. Fairfax alerts Horus as he arrives to his table. Horus stops to listen in silently.

GURNIP: …I mean, it doesn’t take much to look around and see something is seriously wrong here. Just look at how they stick out at their own table. Surely, I’m not the only one who sees a disconnect. The Daegon’s waged war on our people for years, and now they’re in charge of Hituh’s largest piece of land?

GUEST: You’re purposefully ignoring how well they’ve looked after this land all this time. Monster attacks—

GURNIP: It’s not impressive to kill a bunch of monsters, especially if warfare runs in your blood.

The whole Saber family are listening now, as are most people sitting in the vicinity. Gurnip doesn’t seem to notice. Horus beckons for Fairfax to bring him his gloves and starts getting ready to go over there.

GURNIP: Now, now, they’ve gone and married a shark into the family. What kind of sick elemental blood mixing—

PRIMROSE: Excuse me?!

Finally, Gurnip notices the audience he’s attracted. The Sabers watch him patiently.

ARES: …The Lady asked you a question, Gurnip. What were you saying about Tijorans and blood mixing?

GURNIP: I…simply stated that I hoped the traditional Hituh’n values were being upheld in your household, is all.

HORUS: No, no. Please. What you’re saying is clearly important to you. Tell us more about your problems with our family.

GURNIP: I meant no disrespect.

MINERVA: Stop acting like a coward. Your grave is already dug, may as well say your piece on your way out.

GURNIP: What, you’d execute a man for having an opinion?

HORUS: On a normal day, yes. But the Solstice isn’t a day for us. Why don’t you follow me into the gardens, and we can talk this out? I’m sure we can come to some sort of understanding.

GURNIP: …if I refuse?

HORUS: There’s a lot of nice and gentle noble folk here. Let’s not disrespect their evenings by putting your blood on display. Come along. It’s really quite nice in the gardens while it snows.

When Gurnip still doesn’t move, Fairfax gives him a little nudge. Reluctantly, Gurnip stands up and follows Horus out, Horus leading him with hand on shoulder. Once the doors are closed behind them, quiet chatter comes back to the room. Kur stands up.

KUR: Apologies for the interruption. I understand the marriage between Ares and a water elemental was controversial, but the was has ended because of it. As such, we shall not tolerate any disrespect against our new family member.

GWESE: Hear, hear. Gurnip deserves whatever Horus gives to him.

CARVER: The man’s a fool. I certainly wouldn’t want to enter any sort of battle with a Saber, Daegon-blood or not.

GWESE: Most wouldn’t. That being said, the acting Baron is finally getting on in his years. Perhaps it’s nearing time for a rematch. What do you say, Kur Saber, to a friendly spar? Now that we’ve darkened the evening already.

KUR: …if my age is what depends on your victory, do you think it will change people’s opinions of who is better with their sword?

GWESE: Certainly not. But I’d like to strike you down just once before you die.

KUR: Well, I’ve never been one to say no to a sword fight. Let’s clear the floor.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

The dancefloor is cleared of people and Kur and Gwese stand in the centre, their respective squires preparing them for combat.

GWESE: I want to emphasise, again, that this is a friendly match.

KUR: You sound so unconfident in yourself.

GWESE: I’m just thinking of the guests. And your floors. Are you ready?

The squires’ hand over the swords used in training.

KUR: Always.

They fight. Kur wins by several points. Gwese smiles at his defeat.

GWESE: You may have won, but I scored more than I normally do. You’re starting to slow down.

KUR: It was bound to happen eventually. Anyone else care for a friendly match?

People hype up their friends for a battle, but absolutely no-one is willing to follow. Ares springs forward.

ARES: What about against me?

ICARUS: You’re not allowed to fight right now, remember? How about me?

This goes on. Icarus wins four fights before getting too tired, and Minerva wins two before claiming boredom. No-one even mentions the possibility of fighting Horus as he returns with flecks of red on his cheeks. The guests, most firm believers in the gods of steel, go wild watching the combat. The Saber family has always been known for their connection to steel and swords, and tonight they live up to the Saber family name. George, the young boy who danced with Set earlier, is being egged on to fight.

GEORGE: I’m not fighting a fucking Saber!

…Unless it’s him. I’ll fight the young master.

Set immediately steps forward, but Kur stops him.

KUR: My son is still a minor.

GEORGE: He’s almost old enough, isn’t he?

KUR: You’ve been to the academy. Set hasn’t.

SET: That’s perfect, then.

The way I see it, he’s been to the academy, and I’ve spent my life being trained by you. We should be pretty even.

Kur smiles and lets him go ahead. Set scowls at Augustus, who hands him the sword.

SET: Had to give me the heavy one.

AUGUSTUS: Would you like me to ask if you can switch?

SET: Get out of here.

Set shrugs off Augustus and gets ready to fight George. Keen to show off, George attacks relentlessly, but Set deflects it all. When he finally retaliates, he wins the battle almost immediately, knocking him to the ground. George’s friends all laugh.

SET: Not bad for a minor, huh?

GEORGE: Hmph.

GWESE: Alright, enough combat. We have a long time to go until the sunrise. Let’s have another drink.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

The night drags on. Most dancers exhaust themselves early and head to their rooms to rest until closer to sunrise. Others move to the lounge and library to rest or tour the gardens which are lit by jewelled lanterns. Minerva and Icarus work together to spike people’s drinks and Set dances with dozens of young suitors. Ares and Primrose spend most of the time tangled in one another, oblivious to everyone else, focussed only on Ares’s good health. Horus waits until no-one is looking, then goes to find Osprey.

OSPREY: Good evening, sir.

HORUS: How is he?

OSPREY: He seems fine. I don’t understand how he seems so recovered. Moonie’s worried about it, too.

HORUS: So am I. But he seems stable for now. He just needs to make it till sunrise, then we can handle him.

OSPREY: Yes, my lord.

HORUS: Where is Moonie, incidentally?

OSPREY: Around. Trying to keep a low profile so as not to antagonise your father.

HORUS: I should speak to her.

Horus moves off quickly and finds Moonie in the ballroom, watching Ares and Primrose slow dance. He goes and takes a seat next to her.

HORUS: You sure cut it close, making it back in time.

MOONIE: I had a lot to learn. I enjoyed watching Gurnip being put in his place.

HORUS: Well, thank you for coming back. I’m sorry, if I’d known Icarus would be of such big help, I wouldn’t have asked you away from your fiancée.

MOONIE: I don’t want to abandon Ares. He’s vulnerable. And I’m not sure I trust Icarus. How did Ares make such a quick recovery?

HORUS: Osprey was just asking the same thing, but Icarus swears he’s done nothing untoward. He knows how dangerous this situation is.

MOONIE: I’m sure he’s not ill-intentioned, Horus. But that doesn’t mean ill things won’t happen. We’re leaving in a week. How much can he really recover in that time?

HORUS: There must be some way to keep him safe.

MOONIE: I’ll do everything I can. Really, I will.

HORUS: I know you will. But there’ll be nothing you can do.

MOONIE: I’ll try anyway. Now, get out of here before people see us together.

Horus nods and stands to leave. As he reaches the door, he finds Kur and Minerva waiting for him.

HORUS: How much longer till Sunrise?

KUR: Why is Moonie here, Horus?

HORUS: She’s here for Ares, Dad. She’s fine.

KUR: If she’s here for Ares, why is she talking to you?

HORUS: Because of none of your business. Minerva, come with me to the library. It’s too bright in here.

KUR: You slept with Moonie, didn’t you?

HORUS: I beg your pardon?

KUR: Many years ago. You gave away your chastity to a woman who didn’t deserve it, and now you’re incapable of finding love. I’m right, aren’t I?

HORUS: I’m not discussing this with you.

KUR: Because I am right. You’re tainted.

HORUS: Fuck off, Dad. People aren’t tainted for having multiple partners. Look how happy Ares is with Primrose, for gods’ sake. I’m not going to let you shame me like you shamed him for what happened when he was at the academy. Did you tell him that shame is why you married him off to Primrose?

KUR: It wasn’t about that. The queen wrote me a letter asking to ease tensions across the border—

HORUS: And you were eager to respond.

MINERVA: Now isn’t the time for this discussion. Dad, go rest for a bit, I’ll come get you later.

KUR: Fine. But someone should send Set on his way, too.

Horus and Minerva follow Kur’s gaze back to the dancefloor where Set is dancing with George and getting much too close. Horus calls him over.

HORUS: What’re you doing, dancing with that degenerate?

SET: What? He’s not—

HORUS: You look exhausted. Go to bed for a couple hours. You have to study tomorrow.

SET: But it’s Solstice!

MINERVA: He’s right, Set. Go to sleep for a bit. Have you been drinking?

SET: No. I’ll go to bed. Goodnight.

Set hurries off, beckoning for George to follow secretly.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

In Set’s bedroom, he and George are on the couch. George breaks away to gesture at the portrait on the wall.

GEORGE: That lady is really creepy.

SET: Great, great, great Aunt Saber. She fought in a war in Daegon where she sold her teeth to some peasant in exchange for clean water. They were using them to play some game.

GEORGE: Wow. Creepy. I feel like you hear so many stories about people from Daegon being violent, there has to be some good stories out there, too.

SET: Plenty. We had the library stocked with several volumes.

GEORGE: Thought so. How else would we explain you? Although I didn’t appreciate being toyed with in our match…

SET: Sorry. You seemed overconfident, and way too excited to fight me.

GEORGE: You’re right. Let me make it up to you.

They kiss. A moment later, Augustus comes in. He rolls his eyes.

AUGUSTUS: Pardon the intrusion. I thought young master Set was sent to bed alone.

GEORGE: Well, he wasn’t, so…

Augustus doesn’t listen. He goes over to build the fire instead. George gestures wildly.

GEORGE: What the fuck is he doing?

SET: I’m underage. He’ll be here till you leave to make sure we don’t do anything… inappropriate.

GEORGE: Are you serious?

SET: Yeah, but you can ignore him. He’ll just work around us.

Augustus, unimpressed with his current situation, begins to do as many menial tasks as he can to keep himself occupied. Daydreaming about the future, he barely looks in their direction until he hears—

SET: Wait, stop it.

GEORGE: What? It’s just a shirt.

SET: I can’t take it off. You know that.

GEORGE: So, don’t. Just undo the buttons. You’re wearing a singlet, right…?

SET: You’re getting too ahead of yourself. You’re not allowed to touch me.

GEORGE: What, at all?

SET: No.

GEORGE: Then what am I doing here?

SET: You can’t touch me. I can still touch you.

They go back to fondling, with Augustus keeping a closer eye. This time, when Set pushes George away, George pushes back. Augustus clears his throat behind them.

GEORGE: Tell your servant to fuck off.

AUGUSTUS: If you want to continue touching my master without his consent, you’ll need his father’s permission. Would you like to go ask?

GEORGE: Fuck off, cunt. Set, order him to go away.

SET: He’s just doing his job. Maybe we should stop.

GEORGE: Fuck that. I’ll probably never get this chance again. I’m sorry, I’ll stop, okay? You can both go back to work.

Set looks to Augustus, as though for confirmation. Augustus shrugs like ‘why the fuck are you asking me?’ Set looks uncomfortable but starts kissing George again anyway, which makes Augustus frown. He watches, waiting for the inevitable. When George pushes past the boundaries again, Augustus goes over and physically pulls him off.

GEORGE: What the fuck?!

George takes a swing at Augustus. Augustus catches it and shoves him down.

AUGUSTUS: Sir George, you seem incapable of learning. It’s time for you to go.

GEORGE: Are you going to let him speak to me like that? I’ll have your head, servant.

Set, I got caught up in the moment. It’s not my fault your religion makes no sense. Besides, you’re being such a tease. You keep giving me signals you want more. Am I supposed to ignore them?

SET: I’m sorry, I—

GEORGE: It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m just getting frustrated because I want more, you know.

Tell you what. You could always use your mouth.

SET: Excuse me?

GEORGE: Come on. We’ve been kissing all night, and you’ve been touching me for ages now. It’s not like it would be breaking your precious “chastity”, would it? Even the servant would agree with me.

SET: …I don’t think I can give you what you’re looking for. You should go.

GEORGE: Fine, fine. I’ll settle for your hand.

AUGUSTUS: He said it’s time to leave.

Augustus grabs him by the arms and wrenches him away, pushing him for the door, stopping only to collect the shirt he’d taken off earlier. George starts to protest, but Augustus puts a hand over his mouth.

AUGUSTUS: Lord Horus’s room is next to this one. Think carefully about how much noise you want to make on your exit.

GEORGE: I won’t forget you, servant. Your treatment is unacceptable.

AUGUSTUS: I’ll see you at sunrise. We can explain the whole thing to Lord Kur then. Goodbye.

Augustus pushes George out of the room and locks the door behind him.

AUGUSTUS: …Sorry, Master Set, if I overstepped my boundaries.

SET: Don’t be. He was being gross.

AUGUSTUS: …are you okay?

SET: I’ll be fine.

I guess I should study.

AUGUSTUS: What, now?

SET: No point sleeping. It’s not that long until sunrise.

AUGUSTUS: You’re not going to learn anything at this hour. Come on, get into bed for a couple hours. You’ll be more refreshed to study tomorrow.

SET: Maybe you’re right.

…you’re a good page, Augustus. Thanks for coming to check on me. I know you’d rather be doing anything else.

AUGUSTUS: …may I say something, Master Set?

SET: Sure.

AUGUSTUS: You put up with his bullshit for way too long.

SET: Um…

AUGUSTUS: Think about what he was willing to do while I was in the room. Imagine how he’d have been if I wasn’t here. You can do a lot better than scum like him.

SET: He… wasn’t wrong, though. I did want to go further. I was leading him on.

AUGUSTUS: ‘No’ is a simple concept. You don’t have to justify your reasons or your body’s response to stimuli. If he had any class, he would have respected your boundaries.

SET: …Okay. Thank you.

AUGUSTUS: You’re a Saber, Set. Don’t let them treat you like that.

…I guess I’ll be off, then. Unless you want me to wait here until sunrise.

SET: You don’t have to.

AUGUSTUS: I don’t mind, Master. But I doubt he’ll come back. Do you want me to stay?

…I’ll stay. Mind if I lie on the couch till it’s time to get up?

SET: Sure.

I’m sorry, by the way. I forgot to buy you something for your birthday.

AUGUSTUS: I wasn’t expecting anything.

SET: Still, twenty is a big milestone. Want anything?

AUGUSTUS: …

SET: What now?

AUGUSTUS: Why are you being so nice to me lately?

SET: Am I?

AUGUSTUS: Yes. It’s weird.

SET: …people ask me why I never complain about you, even though you’re objectively not good at what you do. But… they don’t see stuff like tonight. You had no obligation to be here, and much less obligation to stay.

AUGUSTUS: Well, I could hardly leave you to yourself.

SET: Well, I can’t be good at everything.

Like studying, for example.

AUGUSTUS: You’re capable of learning, Set.

SET: Just face it. I’m doomed. My dog is doomed. It doesn’t matter how many more hours I put in. I can’t do it by myself, and I can’t keep asking people for help. Horus is busy, Ares is crazy, Minerva hates me…

Anyway. Thanks for staying. See you in a couple hours.

Augustus dilemmas on what to do. Eventually, he sighs.

AUGUSTUS: …I could help tutor you, Master Set.

If you like.

SET: …thank you, Augustus. And I mean this in the nicest way possible, but… you’re not smart enough to teach me. What I’m doing is the qualifying exams. You only did the basic exams.

AUGUSTUS: I did the qualifying exams, Set. I got straight A’s.

SET: How did you do the qualifying exams? You were working here.

AUGUSTUS: I studied in my spare time.

SET: You had like three spare hours a day. You’re telling me you spent them all studying and aced the qualifiers?

AUGUSTUS: I was kind of slack with study, actually. Not sure how I managed to do so well.

SET: …you’re seriously telling me you aced the exams.

AUGUSTUS: Yes.

SET: …and you’ll tutor me?

AUGUSTUS: If you want. You have to take it seriously, though.

SET: …Why are you offering this for me?

AUGUSTUS: I don’t want the only dog I like to die. Besides… I want to prevent your brother and father from fighting.

SET: Me too.

Okay, so I’m going to be tutored by my servant. That’s cool.

Do you know what you’re going to do when I go to the academy yet?

AUGUSTUS: Not precisely. University, maybe.

Go to sleep.

SET: Tell you what, Augustus. If I can pass all my exams, I’ll pay your university fees.

AUGUSTUS: …are you serious? All of them?

SET: Yeah. You have to pay your own rent and all that, but… anyone who can help me pass deserves a significant bonus. Do we have a deal?

AUGUSTUS: Deal, Master Set. Now go to sleep.

SET: Goodnight, Augustus. Thanks again for staying.

AUGUSTUS: Goodnight, Master Set. And don’t give that piece of shit George the time of day tomorrow. Men like that are never as nice as they pretend to be.

SET: He really hates you. Aren’t you worried?

AUGUSTUS: Not really. I’ll tell Marsden what happened here. He’ll deal with it.

SET: Marsden? But he’ll—

AUGUSTUS: He won’t tell Lord Kur. He only does if it’s really important.

SET: What will he do?

AUGUSTUS: You grew up with Marsden. You know what he’ll do. He’ll make Sir George wish he’d never been born.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

Sunrise draws near. People who went to sleep gradually start to rouse themselves, others declare they won’t make it and abandon final festivities. Horus, on the search for Ares, bumps into Primrose.

HORUS: Oh. Hello. Have you seen Ares?

PRIMROSE: Not for a couple hours, I’ve been sleeping.

HORUS: Ready for our performance?

PRIMROSE: Yes, of course. You don’t know where Ares is?

HORUS: You look around here. I’ll head outdoors.

Horus and Primrose part to look for Ares. Outside, Horus finds Icarus splayed out on the ground, smiling goofily at the sky.

HORUS: Have you seen Ares?

ICARUS: Oh yes. He’s having a wonderful time. Really high on his magic right now.

HORUS: He’s…what?

ICARUS: Don’t worry, he’s safe. Go and see him if you want.

HORUS: Where is he?

ICARUS: He wandered into the gardens to look for flowers. I told him, it’s winter. There’s no flowers right now. But he said it didn’t matter. Now, there’s flowers there. Go see.

Horus hesitates a moment before hurrying into the gardens. Eventually, he finds a blue haze that hangs thick in front of the area by the flower garden. He calls for Fairfax, who arrives a moment later.

FAIRFAX: What is this?

HORUS: I don’t know, but find Moonie and bring her here immediately.

FAIRFAX: What are you doing?

HORUS: …Going inside.

FAIRFAX: This looks unsafe, sir.

HORUS: Ares is in there. I’ll see you later.

Softly, Horus steps into the mist and progresses forward until he finds Ares sitting on a small bench. All around him little flower apparitions waft softly in the wind. Horus moves closer.

HORUS: Ares?

ARES: Horus? Is that you?

HORUS: Yes… are you alright?

ARES: Yes. I feel kind of peaceful. I remember how to do things now.

HORUS: What things?

ARES: Find flowers, for one.

HORUS: You aren’t yourself. What have you taken? Did you take hallucinogens?

ARES: I’ve taken what I’ll need to survive.

The sound of heavy footsteps grabs both their attention. Moonie appears suddenly through the mist.

MOONIE: There you are. Horus, get out of here.

HORUS: No.

Horus and Ares watch as Moonie goes to the flowerbed and touches one of the tulips gently. Her fingers pass right through it as though it’s a ghost.

HORUS: What are you doing?

MOONIE: Ares, did you summon these flowers?

ARES: Yes, I did. Aren’t they beautiful?

MOONIE: Can you hand one to me?

Ares picks up a flower, as requested, and hands it to Moonie. She takes it from him confidently, stares at it a second, then hands it to Horus.

MOONIE: This is solid. It’s real.

HORUS: So?

MOONIE: So, this isn’t a magic trick. This is a flower he’s taken from the spirit world.

Horus, Ares is dimension hopping.

HORUS: …What? You can’t be serious.

MOONIE: I hope I’m wrong, but if I’m not, he’s at serious risk. Evil spirits could get in, or he could get trapped inside the spirit world forever, or catch an irreversible curse…

ARES: You know, I can hear you.

MOONIE: We need to keep a close eye on him until we can get him professional help.

HORUS: Calm down, Moonie.

MOONIE: Why should I calm down?! He needs—

HORUS: The flowers are wilting. Ares is peaceful right now. Let’s not upset that.

Moonie stops to look and indeed, the flowers are beginning to wilt. Ares’s expression hasn’t changed, but the colour of the mist around them turns a darker shade of blue.

HORUS: Let’s deal with this situation now, and then we can figure something out tomorrow. It’s almost sunrise.

MOONIE: Fine, fine. But Ares can’t go to the ceremony. Let me watch him here.

HORUS: What about Primrose?

MOONIE: Tell her the truth. She’ll understand.

Moonie approaches Ares and begins to perform a spell on him. Trails of her purple chi dance along with her hands. Her spell knocks him unconscious, and the blue mist and flowers disappear immediately.

HORUS: That’s a clever trick.

MOONIE: Yes, it is. I’m putting him to bed. See you after sunrise.

Horus nods and leaves her with Ares to make it to the ceremony. Back at the lookout, everyone gathers as they wait for light. Horus joins Primrose at the top.

PRIMROSE: You made it. Everyone’s been staring. Did you find Ares?

HORUS: He’s passed out cold. We had to put him to bed.

PRIMROSE: Oh, poor love.

HORUS: Ready?

PRIMROSE: When you are.

Horus and Primrose begin their magic.

There are many different ways elemental magic can manifest. Most are born with some sort of ‘natural’ ability and are capable of learning others if they choose. Primrose is a water elemental who can control any water in her presence. Horus is an earth elemental who can muster earthquakes and bend steel. He can also create statues. As he builds up stone, Primrose calls on the water from the snow. In less than five minutes, Horus has created a moon-shaped fountain, complete with tiny, ever-drizzling rainclouds. People stare in awe, most too tired to comment.

HORUS: Thank you all for coming. I wanted to create something today to represent our new bond with Primrose and her tribe. This alliance can only make us stronger.

The sun is here.

The sunrise comes, thus ending the solstice. People watch for a short a time as possible before making their way to bed, desperate to get out of the cold.