Side Story – A Mother’s Circumstances

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 Azariah

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How did this happen? The ground was completely stained in red and the reek of blood spread out.

“Take the women and the children alive, and kill the men!” A soldier shouted.

Dead bodies could be seen everywhere. There were those who had been killed trying to protect their loved ones and those who ended their own life, refusing to be captured. But all of them were my friends, my family.

Completely powerless, I’m staring blankly at the corpse in my arms. It was a young male elf. His beautiful green hair had been stained by the red color of his own blood and his eyes were lifeless. I placed my hands on his throat were a clean deep cut could be seen.

‘Rakiel…’

He died instantly, before bleeding out, having his neck severed. At least, he didn’t suffer… The screams of women losing their husband and the cries of children snatched from their parents could be heard.  I know I should be running away, but as I watch the lifeless body in my arms, I can’t seem to find any strength. Everything just looks so unreal. Until yesterday, we were still laughing together.

“Take this one.” The dry order of a human soldier forced me to come to my senses and realize the slaughter. This is reality. As another human soldier pulled my arm, forcing me to get up, his superior inspected me with his lustful eyes.

“Good. This one will be worth a lot.”

Darkness suddenly erupted as the world collapsed. Everything was now completely and utterly silent.

◊◊◊◊◊

“Miss?” A low voice called out.

A dream…

I abruptly opened my eyes and saw the face of an old man. That’s right, he’s one of the attendants of the family.

“Sorry to wake you up, but it’s time. The young master is waiting for you”, he said.

“Thank you…” I answered.

It’s been a little more than six months since I arrived in Eskor, the capital city of Agraal. Currently, I’m staying in the main residence of the Whiteheart family, together with my two children. But it’s not the first time I’m here, I used to live here too a couple years ago.

I hate this place. The only person who used to appease a little all the negative feelings that this place gives me already disappeared a long time ago. Now, only unhappy memories remain. Still, I’m living here. This is a price I have to pay to protect my family.

Guided by the attendant, I’m heading to a small room of the mansion, where my son Aoban is waiting for me. We’re actually not blood related, but I’ve raised him for as long as I can remember. Upon entering the room, I notice the small boy rushing towards me with a huge smile on his face.

“Mother! How do I look?” He asked as he span around, showing off his beautiful silken garments.

“Good.” I answered him with a gentle smile. “You look like your father.”

I could tell his embarrassment by the look on his face and by his cheeks that flushed pink.

“I-Is that so?” He said as he tried to suppress a proud smile. “Where is Lyni?”

“The young Lady should be coming soon”, the attendant answered. “I’ve already sent a maid to look after her.”

Today, we’re celebrating Aoban’s seventh birthday. Before the festivities, I planned to go on a walk with my two children. We’re not allowed to go out, so we will only be in the garden, but it will be the first outing in a while I had with my family.

The door opened as I noticed a small child entering, accompanied by a maid.

“She’s ready.” The maid said.

She’s Lyni, my daughter.

And this child is special…

◊◊◊◊◊

It all began a few years ago with the raid of my village by human slavers.

It was a secluded village, situated deep within the mountains, far from any kind of civilization. It should have been hidden well enough, yet the humans found us. Everything that happened next came so fast. It was a surprise attack, before we could do anything to retaliate, it was already over. Those who had not been killed had been captured and we were soon separated to be sold in different kingdoms.

As a child, I’ve been warned well enough to know what to expect. The life of elves slaves in a human territory is far from being easy. I’ve heard enough stories from my people to know that. I know I should have been taking my own life to avoid this, but I was a coward, I couldn’t bring myself to. In the end, I ended up in Agraal, sold to one of the most powerful families.

“Please, take care of this child.”

That was the first order and only order I received from my master.

I soon understood the situation. My new master, the Marquis Lloyd Whiteheart, was a widower. He had recently lost his wife after she died giving birth to his son, Aoban. Now left without a mother and too busy to raise him by himself, he asked me to take care of the child instead.

I didn’t understand. It didn’t make any sense. He could’ve asked anyone else. A nursemaid, a servant… Anyone human. Why would he ask me, an elf, to take care of a human child? Because of their rarity, elves slaves are expensive. There was just no way that the Lord had purchased me just in order for me to play the nanny. He must have had something else in mind and I did not trust him. But it didn’t matter. He was my master and it was his order. Besides, no matter how sly humans may be, the child was innocent. He had yet to be corrupted by his people.

Eventually, I met a young cat-boy. Just like me, he was a slave of the family. Because we were both in the same situation, I thought we could get along. But no matter how hard I tried, the boy would never open himself to me. I soon understood that, unlike me, he was born a slave. Conditioned to his position from the start, he was loyal to his masters, no matter how bad they treated him. So he saw me, who was craving for freedom, as a threat.

As time passed, I learnt that the Master wasn’t a bad person. He was very different from what I’ve been told about humans. He was actually a decent man. My life as a slave wouldn’t have been so bad if it wasn’t for his relatives. No… If it wasn’t for everyone else. Besides him, everyone was treating me as the lowly slave I was. He was my only ally. Maybe because we both lost someone dear to us, but I eventually opened my heart to him. He even gave me back my freedom. I could’ve chosen to leave but I didn’t. My place was at his side. He and his son had already become my new family.

But things change. One night, there was an assassination attempt. With most of the member of the family absents, the targets were clear: the Lord Lloyd and his son Aoban. Most of the guards weren’t here that day, we were easily overwhelmed. Following the Marquis’ wish, I fled the house together with his son, to put him in security. But I never came back. The word that the Lord went missing after the incident quickly spread. Without my only protector, there was nothing else for me in that mansion, so I fled.

To protect the child Lord Lloyd had entrusted me with and the growing life within me, I ran away as far as possible from that family. Still, it wasn’t enough. They found us again and this time, there was no escape.

◊◊◊◊◊

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We had an agreement. I returned with them, and they wouldn’t harm my children. I still have no idea why they want me back so much, but I don’t have the choice. This is the price to protect my family.

I got separated from the children, and I can only see them for a few minutes a day. But at least, I know they’re safe and well. That’s all what matters.

My position within the mansion wasn’t specifically determined, but I still had to work. I was a bit apprehensive of what kind of work I would have to do considering my past time here, but surprisingly, it wasn’t much. Running errands, cleaning, cooking… Just the kind of work any servant would do, not the kind of work for a slave. Additionally, they never really mistreated me again. I had no idea what they were thinking, but they clearly had something in mind.

From time to time, Lady Nora would summon me in her chamber. But, she never did anything to me –again. Instead, she would just grin at me, intimidate me and send me back. Sometimes, she would give me a lot of things to do in order to exhaust me, but that’s it. I know what she’s trying to do. It’s a mental battle. She’s expecting me to break down anytime, but I won’t. I have a family to protect.

However, one day, I went too far.

Lady Nora had summoned me. As usual, she kept talking about how cunning I was for seducing Lord Lloyd and taking advantage of his son. I’m already used to that talk and I know there is no point in arguing so I’m just listening. Seeing my lack of reaction probably annoyed her, as she raised the sensitive subject: Lord Lloyd’s disappearance and his assassination attempt.

“You know I find the timing quite weird, Azariah”, she started. “On day, there is an assassination attempt on my brother, and the next day, you disappear. Quite a coincidence, isn’t it?”

So she wants to frame me for it. How futile. I tried to keep my composure, but Lady Nora probably saw the irritation on my face before I could hide it as she grinned.

“You know what I think?” She continued. “I think that you tried to kill my dear brother and kidnapped his heir in order to take over the household.”

I was laughing internally. She was being so ridiculous that I couldn’t help myself but smile. She didn’t miss that.

“What’s so funny?” She asked, as her grin disappeared, irritated.

“I’m sorry My Lady, it’s just that… You calling Lord Lloyd ‘dear brother’ is quite ironic…” I answered.

“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“My Lady… You never liked him, did you?” She flinched. “He was the only decent human being in this household, and he would always be in your way. You’ve never liked the way he managed things. He was a fair man and you couldn’t stand him as the head of the family.”

“You… You know nothing…”

“I know that you would’ve rather have him disappear, he and his family. Isn’t it why you killed Lady Mello?”

“Y-You crazy woman!” She shouted. “I have nothing to do Aoban’s mother’s death! She gave birth outside the city during a storm, the healers couldn’t make it! It was an unfortunate accident!”

“True. But you were with her that night. Aren’t you a mage, My Lady? You could’ve healed her, but you chose not to.”

“That’s…!”

Clenching her fists, her eyes looked like they were about to pop out. But she soon regained her composure.

“Azariah… It seems like a few years of freedom has driven you insane”, Lady Nora said. “Since when do you dare to talk back like that?”

She’s pissed. I know that, and I might regret it if I push it any further, but I need to know.

“Since you’re trying to frame me for your own actions.” I spoke.

“What?” She said, as she raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“I have to agree with you My Lady. The timing was too perfect. The only day where the Lord was alone with his son and a couple of guards, he was attacked. It can’t be a coincidence, there was an insider.”

I tried to study Lady Nora’s reaction, but she stayed silent, listening to me. So I continued.

“Lord Lloyd was my only ally, my only protector. Why would I try to kill him? On the other hand Lady Nora, you and Lord Jack have much more to win from his sudden disappearance. A total control of the family. You just needed him and his heir gone.”

“… You’re forgetting something Azariah. If what you said was true, why would we take back Aoban? He would be in the way. So why would we be providing him a roof and an education?”

“That… I have yet to find out. But I will find out.”

Lady Nora stared at me for a while, without saying anything. Then she sighed, as a small grin appeared on her face.

“Those few years of freedom really drove you insane… You seem to have forgotten your position. Should I remind you a little?” She said. “Follow me. If you don’t, I’ll make sure you never see that filthy daughter of yours again.”

I flinched. Cold sweet started to form on my forehead as an unsettling chilling made my skin crawl. I know what she intends to do. This is not the first time. I know what to expect. I tried to keep my composure, but all my past memories of the time I spent here suddenly assaulted my mind. Fear slowly took over my body.

As I followed her, she guided me in front of a small room. The room.

She opened the door, and I immediately noticed Yao laying on the floor. His nose broken, he had been beaten up for hours. He was covered in blood and had even more cuts than before.

“Yao, get out.” Lady Nora ordered coldly, ignoring his state. “I’ve found a new toy to play with.”

The cat-boy struggled a little to get up. Then he politely bowed to Lady Nora, before he headed to the door. As he passed beside me, I heard him whispering in my ear, smiling.

“Have fun with the mistress.”

◊◊◊◊◊

After that, a few days have passed. I’m not sure how many exactly, I’ve lost the track of time. I had to see my daughter. Since it was the night, I slowly entered her room, hoping not to wake her up. But she woke up, and as she saw me, her face distorted in horror.

“M-mommy…?” She asked, her voice wavering.

I’m so stupid… To let my daughter see me in a state like this, I’m shameless as a mother. Still, I approached her. I needed to see her better, to cuddle her, to kiss her. How many days has it been? I missed her so much… I thought I’d never see her again. Lyni squinted, as the muscles of her chin started trembling. In order to ease her mind, I tried to smile. No matter the circumstances, a mother should always be strong in front of her children. If I can't even smile for her, how scared is she going to be? She can't feel threatened. I want her to feel protected.

“It’s okay mommy, it’s fine.”

Ah… Again… This child has always been different. Even as a baby, she never cried much and wasn’t scared of strangers. She always seemed intelligent. One minute, she would silently analyze her environment, and the minute later, she would act like a child. I thought that maybe, being blessed by the Gods, she also received a greater intelligence. Once again, she perfectly saw through me.

With only those few words, I felt something breaking within me. I tried to hold it in, but my emotions suddenly swirled like ocean currents, deep and strong. I was so scared. Scared to lose her. I was weak and powerless, I couldn’t protect her. Because of me, she would be in danger. I wanted to run away, far from here, from everything. But I couldn’t leave Aoban behind, and this indecisiveness of mine will eventually cause me to lose both of my children. I wish I could turn my tears off, or at least save them until I'm alone, not exposed in front of my daughter like this. What is she going to think if she sees her own mother in such a pitiful state?

Eventually, I fainted in exhaustion.

◊◊◊◊◊

I had a dream.

I was lost all alone in the darkness, silently suffering. I tried to scream, call for help, but my voice wouldn't come out. Then, an angel came down for me. She was the most beautiful angel I’ve ever seen. Her golden eyes were glowing like two suns in the darkness and her silky blond platinum hair was floating like a flag behind her. In her back, there was two pair of wings. Their color, black and white, were mismatched. She seemed so distant, yet so familiar.

The angel quietly whispered something. 

As she smiled, a bright light suddenly chased the darkness and the pain away.

The dream ended.

I slowly opened my eyes and I saw Lyni besides me, seemingly worried about something.

Was she awake the whole time? How careless of me, falling asleep while letting my two years old daughter worry about me. I tried to reach her cheek to reassure her, as I immediately noticed something. My body did not ache anymore. All my wounds were gone. My bruises, my cuts, there was nothing left. How…? How long have I been asleep? It couldn't possibly be more than a few hours so how? Healing magic? It was the only explanation. But who would use magic on me? Then I recalled my dream. An angel coming out of nowhere, saving me and chasing the pain away. Golden eyes, and platinum hair… So distant, yet, so familiar. Was it really a dream?

My eyes slowly rested on my daughter, who began to panic about something.

“Lyni’s not human, mommy! She’s an angel!” Aoban’s voice suddenly resonated in my head.

Could it be…?

“Lyni… Did you…?”

Before I could finish, she rushed forward. Grabbing my clothes with her tiny hands, she looked up at me with her distressed eyes, whining. Tears burst forth, spilling down her face, drenching my shirt. Her nose grew red at the tip, as noisy sobs echoed through the room.

“Again… She’s doing it again… Acting like a child…”

It wasn't the first time. Lyni was always smarter and more mature than the children of her age. Yet, right now, she had suddenly regressed. I tried to understand the situation. But no matter how hard I thought about it, nothing made sense. The healing magic, the dream, and now Lyni. However, when her eyes met mine, I suddenly remembered. She’s my daughter. Isn’t it all what matters? I’m not sure what she’s hiding, but if she won’t talk about it, then I won’t ask. One day, maybe, she’ll open herself to me. Then, I’ll listen to her. For now, let’s keep things the way they are. She is just my lovely daughter, and as her mother, I need to protect her smile.

The next day, something unimaginable happened. My eyes had turned golden.

It took some time for me to notice it, since I don't particularly care about my appearance and don't look at myself in mirrors -especially not after what happened. However, given the reactions of the others, I soon noticed that something was wrong. I first thought it was because of my ears, so I tried not paying attention to them. However, their reactions still seemed disproportionate. No matter how surprising it was, it was no reason to over-react like that. Then, eventually, the rumor spreading in the house reached my ears. It was said that I had been blessed. It didn't make any sense, but seeing how people reacted when they saw me, I decided to check it myself. The rumor wasn't unfounded. My newly golden eyes were the proof of that. No wonder people made such a fuss about it. So far, only newborns had the potential to receive a God's blessings. I wasn't sure how it happened, but it would also explain my instant recovery.

The change was so sudden and improbable that everyone started to ask questions. The Marquis, the maids, Aoban… Everyone except for her.

I smiled.

“An angel, huh…?”

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