Steel rapped on the wooden door, startling Werond and Serena.
Serena scrambled backwards off the throne as Werond stood up after her. Heat flooded into her cheeks as she pulled her helmet off the throne and stuffed it back onto her head, thankful that it hid her embarrassment. Across from her, straightening out her long skirt, Serena didn’t have the same luxury, her long ears turning that usual shade of bright red.
Werond sighed as she adjusted her helmet. She wasn’t sure why she felt embarrassed, though it probably had something to do with how fuzzy her head felt. Werond’s face still felt damp and her heart seemed as though it was sore from all its pounding. Though they had ended on a positive note, their conversation had forced a heavy exhaustion onto her shoulders, and from the tired expression that Serena bore, Werond knew she felt the same.
Another rap on the door, Damian’s voice echoing it.
“Sir,” Damian said. “I have another visitor here to see you. And he’s quite annoyed at having to wait this long.”
“I’m not taking any more visitors.” Werond’s thunderous voice almost shook the walls; Serena jumped. “If he wishes to meet me, he may schedule a visit for another time.”
“Of course, and I said as much sir.” Damian’s voice turned apologetic. “But he refuses to take me at my word. He insisted that he hear from you.”
“Then he will insist and receive nothing for his wasted breath. I have a tournament to attend to as it is.”
“Of course, sir. Should I –”
“Tell them to leave before I have them arrested? Yes.”
Serena blinked and crossed her arms, looking surprised at the harshness of Werond’s words.
“Of course. Your will be done.” A long clang sounded from behind the door, Damian’s retreating footsteps following soon after.
Werond sighed, and turned back to Serena, thankful that at least one problem had been delt with swiftly. Before she could speak though, a low buzzing emanated from her helmet.
Serena sputtered.
“Did that just –”
“Vibrate, yes. One moment.” Werond groaned.
She pressed the palm of her hand against the ear carved into her helmet. Immediately, a man’s voice filled Werond’s own ears, though it sounded as though a blanket was thrown over his mouth.
“Apologies milord, deepest apologies.” the man – one of the head attendants – groveled. “I’m sure that you’re extremely busy and I only used this network as I had no other choice.”
“Yes, I imagine.” Werond turned away and placed a hand on her hip. Serena looked baffled for a moment, before realizing what Werond wasn’t talking to her. “Keep it short then.”
“Right, of course.” The man cleared his throat. “I regret to inform you that we…well, all of the contestants have forfeited the tournament on account of Harshnag’s previous fight. We –”
“What?!” Werond’s yelled, body tense, exhaustion forgotten. Serena cringed and turned to retreat towards the large window at the front of the room.
“Y-yes, evidently they weren’t happy about the…results, I should say.”
“Gods damnit…” Rage began to boil in her chest; she knew having Harshnag in the tournament would turn out to be a horrible idea, but this…
“I-I agree sir, it’s caused quite the issue! With that being said though, we have managed to put together a secondary plan…u-unless you have something else in mind.”
“Spit it out.”
“Right.” He cleared his throat. “We have three contestants left – Harshnag, the Aarakocra, and another man. We plan on having the Aarakocra duel a small number of harpies so that we can buy time to convince the other man to fight against Harshnag. Evidently the two have sparred before, and Harshnag says that that man should be able to hold his own against him. We’re looking into convincing Harshnag to ah…go easy on the other contestant, but it should prove to be an entertaining fight! With the slaughtering of a handful of harpies right before it, we should be able to wrap up to the tournament for today and have everyone be happy!” He paused. “For the most part.”
Werond shoved away her anger and glanced out the large window. She hadn’t noticed that the sun had begun to set over the horizon, blanketing the coliseum and spectators in a dying, golden light. That same light now washed over Serena as she gazed out of the window, her back to Werond.
“Right.” Werond looked away, stunned that time had slipped by so fast. “Right. That uhm…that sounds like a good plan. Get the fight with the Aarakocra ready. Once I see you both on the sands, I will announce everything.”
“Fantastic. Your will be done milord!”
The attendant terminated the contact, filling Werond’s helmet with blessed silence. She sighed deeply.
What a mess this day had turned out to be.
Werond remained where she was for a moment. Then, she sucked in two deep breaths, and walked over to Serena, exhaustion pulling her shoulders down. As she made her way over, Serena turned around, the setting sun framing her body in a beautiful golden light – a halo that radiated out and enveloped Werond in a comforting warmth. Despite her own fatigue, Serena brightened as Werond halted in front of her, the smile upon her lips brighter than the sun at her back.
“Everything alright?” Serena asked. “I know we’ve been in here for…a bit.”
“We have been.” Werond glanced over Serena’s shoulder. “Didn’t realize it. And no. Everyone walked out after they heard about Harshnag’s fight.”
“Really?!” Serena’s eyes went wide.
“Unfortunately. I said as much when I asked about this…damned thing. Luckily, I picked good attendants though. They’ve already figured out something else to do in place of everything. I just need to announce it. So –”
“So, I need to leave right?”
“Ah…yes. I have a feeling there’s a lot of irritated people in the stands and I need to be out there as soon as they get everything ready. And I’m sure, of course, that you’re needed down in the healer’s section.
“Right. And I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“You could never do that.”
Serena smiled and looked away, a trance of embarrassment across her face.
“Uhm,” Werond said. “but before you go…” Serena looked back to her.
Werond briefly hesitated, then pulled her helmet back off. She pressed it against her hip, just under her left hand, and the enchantments on the robes held it in place, as though it dangled from a hook.
She stepped forward and wrapped her hands around Serena’s waist. Serena lowered her head and gazed at Werond through the tops of her eyelashes, a curious look that set her heart racing.
“B-before you leave, I just wanted to say…” Werond sighed, fighting against the tightness of her chest. “Thank you. F-for your words. And…sorry again about…what I did. I know nothing I can say could make that right but…I’m just…still scared about the future. But…hearing your conviction to stay it – it makes me feel so much better. I…” She swallowed, blinking back fresh tears. “Thank you.”
Serena raised her head and smiled. She placed the sides of her hands against Werond’s chest, and their presence began to calm the ocean of anxiety that still crashed within her.
“Of course.” She signed. “And it’s okay. I know you didn’t mean that. That wasn’t you. And I know you’re still scared, but I’ll be there with you. Whatever happens, we’ll get through it together. You helping me and…me helping you. And knowing that I can finally do that…” Serena ducked her head. “makes me really happy too.”
Werond frown, her chest tightening further as Serena glossed over what she’d done. Before she could say anything though, Serena’s head shot back up, fast enough to startle Werond.
“But I need to get out of your hair, sorry!” Serena wrapped her arms around Werond, stood on the tips of her toes, and planted a kiss on her cheek. The move surprised Werond, so much that she failed to react before Serena pulled away and jogged to the door.
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Werond turned around, stunned, as the anxiety tightened in her chest. She opened her mouth to protest, only for Serena to flip around and continue walking backwards towards the door.
“I’ll see you after the tournament, right?” Serena signed.
“Uh…y-yeah, of course.” Werond nodded, her protest dying on her lips. “I’ll meet you outside the healers section. Sound good?”
“Yup! See you then!”
Serena turned and placed a hand against the door. She paused before opening it, however, and looked back towards Werond. She grinned nervously and raised one hand.
“Love – you.”
Werond blinked, her heart tearing through the anxiety that tightened her chest.
“Ah – love you too.” Werond quickly said, smiling to hide her own embarrassment.
Serena perked up, a goofy, happy grin spreading across her face. With a blush blooming soon after it, she pushed open the door and stepped out, letting it close quietly behind her.
The moment she was gone, the tide of anxiety smashed against Werond’s body, sending a shudder down her spine. She turned away from the door and rubbed her face, exhaustion threatening to pull her to the floor.
Her statement was genuine, solidified by the short time they had spent together. The determination that steeled Serena’s eyes, the conviction in her voice that filled Werond’s mind, and her resolve at doing what she wanted to do only deepened the love and respect that she held for Serena. Nothing could sway her from what she believed in, and Werond couldn’t help but admire her for it.
Yet fear still clung to the rafters of Werond’s mind, filling her body with a faint sense of dread. She could not get past that Serena had somehow uncovered what had happened with Tai, nor could Werond overlook her instinctual reaction to simply hearing that Serena had known. The fear that filled Serena’s eyes in that moment seemed burned into Werond’s memory, made worse by how quickly Serena had simply…forgiven her.
Werond sighed. She rubbed her face one more time, before placing her helmet back over her head, letting the enchantments seal it to her robes.
It was almost as though nothing had happened in the first place. Werond had screamed in Serena’s face and grabbed her wrist so tight that Serena had screamed back, and yet all was forgiven in a manner of minutes. Serena’s attitude, her opinions, hadn’t changed, and despite Werond saying as much, it didn’t matter to her. That conviction that Werond admired had horrified her at the same time. The love that Serena had for Werond was there, but so too was that burning passion alight in the eyes of everyone so young – that they can save the person they love. That they alone can change what has fundamentally been locked in for years upon years, more solid than any city wall.
It blinded Serena to the truth that Werond foresaw. That, perhaps not physically, and perhaps not by her hand directly, but that Werond would hurt Serena again. Just as she’d done with Tai. She knew she would, despite Serena’s protests to the contrary. And despite the chill that crept down her back at the thought, what frightened Werond more was the thought that Serena would willingly accept it, if only to continue to be with her. That should Werond act like that again – despite her intentions to never let it happen again – Serena would overlook the whole thing because deep down, she believed that she could save Werond. That, the moment that Jarlaxle would make Werond’s life hell, Serena would do everything in her power to stop that damned man, even if it meant hurting – or killing – herself in the process. All because Werond’s heart had beat a little faster that distant, sunny day when they first met. All because Werond couldn’t bear the thought of being alone again.
Werond let loose a guttural noise from deep within her throat, the sound ripping out of her mask like demonic thunder. Inside, the mask’s enchantments whisked away the tears that began to slide their way out.
How much she wanted to call Serena back, call off the tournament, and talk into the small hours of the night until they both understood each other. But other matters called for her attention. Werond knew that there was still much they had to discuss – despite the love that poured from Serena, Werond still had her doubts that she truly understood the magnitude of what had occurred. And part of her truly believed that, even if she laid all of it out for Serena, she still wouldn’t get it.
And yet, despite the negativity it had brought upon Werond’s mind, the love they had for one another had only grown. Though she was torn by it all, Werond wouldn’t be alone for the time being, and that was something to be thankful for, however selfish it felt to her.
…
Serena closed the door softly, the light of the setting sun warming her face as she stepped back out onto the top of the wall.
And into an argument.
“So, she gets the Masked Lord’s undivided attention, yet you refuse me?”
“Sir, with all due respect, I have no clue who you even are.”
“Had you simply told her my name –”
“A name I’ve said I don’t want to hear.”
Serena squeezed her eyes shut and sighed; she had no energy to deal with anything else at the moment.
Werond’s heavily armored guard – Damian, if she remembered correctly – stood a few feet in front of the door, back towards Serena. In front of him, off to his side, a dark-skinned elf, dressed in odd looking black and gold leather armor, stood with his arms crossed, his dark eyes alight with naked fury. Atop his head sat a wide brimmed purple hat – the stupidest hat Serena had ever seen.
She narrowed her eyes; something about the elf seemed familiar to Serena, though she couldn’t quite place where she’d seen him before.
The elf’s furious eyes snapped to her; the intensity of his anger sent a shiver down Serena’s spine.
“Enjoyed your conversation?” He sneered.
She frowned, exhaustion quickly forgotten as the elf glared at her. Before Serena could respond though, Damian turned around to face her, a move that only irritated the elf further.
“Everything good in there?” He asked. Serena nodded.
“Yeah, it’s fine. Just a lot of…information. Sorry we took so long.”
“No need to apologize. Clap once for the elevator to move.”
“Oh, right. Thanks.”
Damian nodded, turned sideways, and swung his arm out to gesture towards the elevator door. The move forced the elf to duck, as the bottom of Damian’s arm almost knocked his hat off.
Serena had never seen anyone look as angry as the elf did.
She nodded at Damian and quickly made her way towards the door. Before she could get far, however, Damian called after her.
“Surprised you didn’t put your choker back on.” He said. “You’d look great in it.”
Serena rolled her eyes before she flipped around – it wasn’t the first time a man had said something like that to her.
“I forgot I had it.” She simply said. “I don’t always need to have it on.”
“True. I just enjoyed design of it. Thought it was pretty.” Damian looked at the elf and grinned, completely ignoring the twisted look of abject fury thrown his way. “You should see it. It’s a moon with a wheel of a–”
Damian jerked as if he’d been punched, his words cut off with a violent cough. Serena took a step towards him, concerned, as he pounded a gauntleted hand hard against his chest. The elf stepped away, though he looked equally surprised.
“I’m fine!” Damian choked out, fighting back another cough. “I’m fine! Spit – wrong pipe. I think. What in the –” Another violent cough cut off his words.
“Are you –” Serena took another step forward.
In a flash, the previously furious elf inserted himself in front of Serena, barely a foot away. The anger on his face had vanished, replaced by wide-eyed curiosity. Serena jerked back as the brim of his hat almost poked her in the head, then stepped back again as the elf moved to follow her.
“What –” She tried to sign.
“A choker with a moon on it?” The elf blurted out in a disbelieving voice. “Where did you get it?”
“What? Who are you?!”
“Show me the choker.”
“What?!” Serena jerked her head back, lips forming into a sneer. “No wonder you don’t get to see the Masked Lord, being that rude. I’m not showing you anything!”
Instinctively, Serena shoved her hand into her skirt pocket, checking if the choker was there. She came up empty and realized she must have put it in the other pocket.
The elf’s eyes flicked down; Serena cursed as she realized what she had done.
He pursed his lips and took a step forward; he stood a few inches taller than her, though somehow, the height felt like more.
“You have the damned thing on you,” he said, voice low. “so show it to me. Now.”
“You don’t know that.” Serena stubbornly signed.
“Do you think me an idiot, girl?”
“With a hat like that, yeah!”
The sneer returned to the elf’s face.
“Clever, girl.” He spat. “Now –”
Damian, now recovered from his coughing fit, stepped up behind the elf and laid a heavy hand upon his shoulder.
“Shut up and leave her alone.” He said. “Now.”
The elf jerked out from under Damian’s hand and stepped off towards the side. As he glared at him, Serena turned sideways and stuck her hand into her other pocket, scratching the impulsive urge to check for her choker.
The pocket was empty.
Serena’s eyes went wide, heart soaring into her throat.
“I understand that neither of you know me that well,” the elf growled. “but –”
“But nothing! You don’t get to fucking talk to me like that!” Serena ripped her hand out from her pocket and spat, hoping her own anger hid her panic. “Standing up here with a sword shoved up your ass, fuck you!”
She quickly turned on her heel and stalked away, ignoring the cold fury etched across the elf’s face. Serena did not look back as she pushed her way through to the empty elevator.
As soon as the door shut behind her, she allowed her panic to consume her utterly.
Serena franticly turned out her pockets, digging around them as though they were a foot deep. Still, the choker refused to turn up.
Cold anxiety gripped her chest as she froze in the elevator shaft, eyes flicking about, thoughts racing. Where else could the choker have gone? She didn’t have any holes in her pockets, and even if the choker had fallen out, she would have felt it! She knew that she hadn’t taken it out with Werond either – did that elf do something? But how could he when –
A sharp, piercing pain lanced through her leg.
Serena jerked, stumbling, as what felt like a knife plunged through her thigh. Grinding her teeth, eyes watering, she slapped her hand on the spot where the pain had blossomed from, healing upon her fingers.
She gasped and cut off the spell.
The choker was back in her pocket.
Immediately, the pain vanished, as though it was never there in the first place.
Serena straightened up and ripped the choker out. Her heart hammered in her chest as she examined it, flipping the piece over and over, but nothing about it had changed. The silver moon still shone brilliantly in front of those eight arrows, fastened firmly to its black strap. It was still the same choker Dad had given to her all those years ago.
Except now, it could vanish and reappear for no explicable reason.
She could only stare at the piece as a maelstrom of thoughts raged about in her mind. After a moment, however, Serena took the choker in both hands, and placed it around her throat – the safest place for it for the time being.
And yet, try as she might, the fastener refused to catch. Serena could have strapped the choker in place with one hand, and yet now, even with two, the piece refused to stay on.
After a minute, she ripped the choker from her throat and stuffed it back into her pocket, irritation bubbling in her chest. Her fear and anxiety now gone, Serena didn’t have the patience for whatever was occurring with the damned piece. So long as she had it, she’d figure it out later.
Sighing deeply, she clapped once and, as the elevator jerked and began to descend, wondered if Werond knew anyone who could examine the choker for her. Perhaps then, Serena might understand what was occurring with the seemingly haunted piece of jewelry. Though if it was haunted…
Serena shook her head and closed her eyes, exhaustion sinking back down upon her like a leaded weight.
She could think on it later.