Jaris looked at the person in front of him, unsure if what he was seeing was real or another phantasm. The body under his fingers certainly felt real, and when the other person turned to face him, he felt his arms land by his side, flaccid and helpless.

The woman could have passed for any socialite among the elite of Distria. Her silky blue dress went all the way to her feet, and the exposed skin of her arms and face had no blemish, almost glistening with the eerie light of the forest. Her face showed no emotions, but as their eyes met, his first instinct was to take a step back. The world was still spinning with him, and the only word that he could mutter was a barely audible help me.

The woman gave no reply, her eyes measuring Jaris with cold precision. Moments later, her lips moved, and Jaris realized that he heard her words twice: first in his mind, then a few seconds later, in his ears.

“You can see me?”

"Y…yes" stammered Jaris. "How can't I, you're right in front of me."

The burning sensation pierced his eyes again, and the woman's shape became a blue haze. Moments later, the sensation vanished, and his sight returned to normal. Blinking quickly, Jaris looked to see if the woman was still there. And sure enough, she was. Still as motionless as before, the only change being a slight opening in her lips.

“How are you doing this? I have no desire to be seen.”

The words made no sense to him. The entire place seemed like it was meant to break him down, forcing him to think outside the box. What other justification could those words have?

"I've done nothing. Please, how can I help to see what's in front of me?"

The woman shoot her head, burgundy strains of hair waving as if in an unseen breeze. She had all the grace of the things that had attacked him before, and that terror still clung to him. He reached for his belt, only to realize that his axe was long gone. If the being before him meant to harm, there was no stopping it. But that didn't seem to be the case.

“Please, help me. Those things…”

"The veelas are drawn by male desperation. And your desperation is truly great since it brought you all the way here."

The edges of the clearing still kept some of their glitters, and Jaris made out female shapes moving through the foliage. The sounds they made had all but vanished now, replaced by an equally frightful silence.

“Who are you?”

“You know who I am, Jaris. You’ve known since the day you called out to me.”

“To…you?”

"In the tavern. As you drank and wanted to die, your agony called out to me."

The man's legs gave way, and he fell to his knees. Looking up at the towering female, the truth became clear. And what was before belief, gave way to certainty.

“You’re…”

“Feel free to call me what your people use. The word fairy is as good as any to describe me. After all, it is that simple belief that carried you here.”

Jaris let out a deep sigh. If there was any definition of insanity, he had just found it. No explanation would suffice. Fairy. The word carried with it all the baggage of a childhood long forgotten. Songs learned with the other children, stories told by elders or travelers who claimed to have seen one. The impossible was made possible with every page he turned while resting in his bed at night. All of those forgotten and scoffed-at things are made real in an instant.

Her hand stretched out, and Jaris flinched. Shivering, his fingers touched hers, and he got up, barely standing. The touch felt as natural as it could be. Reason and belief were once again at odds, and looking at the being before him, all reality seemed to fade. He had crossed the river, and there was no turning back now.

“Thank you, lady….”

“Choette.”

“And…”

"Just Choette. Among us, we do not need titles beyond our name."

Jaris felt a lump in his throat. He heard the plural and understood its meaning. With shaky footsteps, he followed the fairy to the center of the clearing, where both sat down. The forest was now dead silent, the two simply staring at each other. Jaris closed his eyes, and all the tension and misery that had built up inside of him exploded to the surface in a cascade of tears. With an almost childlike innocence, he looked at her with pleading eyes.

“Help me! Please, help my life! I don’t want to die!”

“And what will kill you?”

The words carried with them no insult, but for Jaris, they felt like a slap in the face. Their simplicity and lack of empathy left no room for any explanation. Rage and fear mixed in an explosion that rocked his new-found foundation.

“You’re the all-powerful one here!” yelled Jaris, “You tell me, if…”

“I’m not a god, Jaris. And I certainly am not your curiosity box!”

The image became blurry again, and the man yelled in terror. Reaching out in desperation, he grabbed the hem of her dress, and his eyes saw again. The fairy remained in the same position, her eyes staring deep inside him, and for a brief moment, Jaris noticed the surprise on her face.

“Forgive me! I meant no disrespect. Please, if my life has any value before you, forgive me!”

Layer by layer, his remaining self was peeling away, leaving behind the child that had found refuge in pages he thought were real. And if he could have believed back then, why not now? He had found his new reality, a simple act of trust being the only thing that still held him back.

“I’ve made a promise to my child. Without even knowing what I was doing. He wouldn’t stop crying. So I gave him a Birth Promise. One which I can never fulfill. I had no intention, and I want to take it back.”

“Then you’re a dead man.”

The words had the clarity of a dagger in moonlight, and Jaris buried his hands in his palms. All of this, all the dangers, all the torment. All of them were in vain. Crossing the forest, all of the anguish, pain, and loss. None of them had been of any use.

“There’s got to be something you can do! You’ve helped so many others. Why not me? Why isn’t there anything that can be done with me?”

"Jaris, the powers that govern Birth Promises are ancient. Older than any fairy that has ever lived. We didn't create them and have no power to cancel them. Once made, it can't be undone. I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do for you."

“What do you want of me? If it’s a matter of giving, I’m prepared for any sacrifice!”

Damn it, again speaking without thinking! He meant the words. But what sacrifice would be required? He was prepared, but not all the way. Not when it came to…

“You have nothing to give. The Promise is your sacrifice. It’s the offering of what you hold most precious. A reflection of your life. You’ve already offered that. There is nothing beyond your own words.”

Her hands rested on the man’s knees, and a soft warmth crept through his body. His limbs became distant, mere leaves floating in a breeze. He was becoming conscious that his heart was beating slower and slower as well.

“In the tavern, you desired death. I can grant that to you. Gentle and quicker than falling asleep. Is that what you wish?”

The floating sensation became more acute, and Jaris let it embrace him. It might as well be now. Since nothing could undo his promise, what was an extra year, if not torment? To die in nature, under the touch of a magical creature, was better than all the days he would have to endure. His heart's beating was almost imperceptible, and his vision was blurry again. He saw Ajutine and the boy. Both smiling. And as he looked at the baby's hands, he saw two orbs, one gold, and the other silver. He played with them, without a care in the world. His promise. How did he get his promise?

“The Sun and the Moon.”

His heartbeat returned to its normal pattern, life running through every fiber of his body. He noticed that the fairy's hands had broken contact, her fingers resting gently in her lap. Her face was hard to read, emotions and thoughts coming and going in rapid succession.

“What did you mean by that?”

“That was the promise I made him” replied the man bitterly. “I promised that I would give him the Sun in his right hand and the Moon in his left. I never should have said that, I understand now that I was mistaking…”

“Or I was.”

The fairy’s face returned to its initial emotionless state, and Jaris could only hope that it was a good sign. Seconds passed agonizingly slow, and then she spoke.

“Go home, and bring him here, together with your wife. I will explain everything then.”

"So that means that you can…"

His words were cut short by the snapping of wood. The trees behind him bend and moved aside, opening a clear pathway for him to leave. The fairy nodded, giving the man a final jolt of courage to go back into the woods. To go and find salvation.

*** ***

Kalis enjoyed working with money. It was one of the few tangible examples of the power that was available to all, and yet made the difference between the powerful and the weak. And within the Banking Guild, one of the few institutions in Distria still free from the Crown's control, money held its special place. They may not be able to buy the abstract thing called happiness, but they could buy the things that got one there.

The coin counter finished its calculus with a distinct click, printing the results on graphen sheets. Kalis placed his mouth on the speaker and imprinted his voice on the signature. Once done, the document could only be accessed by an audio imprint of his voice. Impossible to forge, and thus the perfect safety mechanism. With the help of two other workers, payment sheets were drafted for all workers weekly.

“Lads, can you finish things here, I need to…”

His thoughts were interrupted by his door being opened. In the antechamber, he saw his secretary, arguing with someone. The voice was unmistakable, so he rushed out.

“I’m sorry miss; you can’t just barge in like this.”

“I don’t care; I need to speak with Kalis!”

“It's fine, I can take things from here.”

The two walked into the open office. Kalis had no doubt something had to be up. The panic in the woman was far too serious about being some joke. The health of the child came to his mind, but he dismissed it since he didn't see the baby with her.

“Ajutine, what’s wrong?”

“Have you seen my husband?!” she asked in an almost yelling tone.

“Not since yesterday afternoon. Did you look for him at work?”

“I did. He’s not there. And I haven’t seen him since last night. He said that he wanted to go for a ride. Hasn’t anyone else here seen him?”

Kalis tried to process what he was hearing. And as the seconds wore on, an all too clear image formed in his mind. Jaris wasn’t a man who would leave his wife just like that. And other than that, there was only one reason that could account for his vanishing. His eyes snapped open in shock, then he rushed into his own office.

"Finish the payments. I need to tend to something urgent. Once you're done, seal the coffers and ready them for delivery."

He slammed the door to his office shut and grabbed Ajutine by the hand. Both ran to the colony docking slots where the levitracks were kept, and Kalis was relieved that most of the devices were charged.

“Kalis, what’s happening?”

“There’s not enough time to explain. First I’ll take you home. And then I’ll get a search party organized.”

“If you know where my husband is, please tell me.”

The man remained silent. All he had at this point was conjecture. His greatest dread was that Jaris had gone insane and killed himself in some remote place. The possibility was real, and there was no point in lying to himself. The other, however unlikely, was the answer to so many riddles he had struggled with. If there was any chance to solve the riddles that had been plaguing his mind ever since he had gotten here, he would jump at the chance.

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The ride to the homestead took under two minutes, and the two rushed to the house. Ajutine pressed the handle, and to her shock, found it open. Hurried footsteps came from inside, and Kalis pushed her out of the way. Entering, they found a pile of dirty clothes on the floor, and there was no mistaking as to who they belonged. And as she looked at the top of the stairs, he saw Jaris coming down, holding the baby in his arms.

“Jay, what are you doing?”

“No time to explain. You need to come with me and the baby!”

He spoke with such force, that Ajutine didn’t even have time to reply. And only when Jaris grabbed her by the wrist, did she yank back in fear.

“Jaris, what are you doing?”

Kalis had placed himself between them and the door, trying to evaluate the situation. The man’s actions were clearly disturbed, and if he had any ill intentions, he hoped that he would be enough to stop him. On the other hand, if he had truly been to the forest and had made contact, things could go far better than he had hoped.

“Get out of my way.”

Kalis stood his ground. Not enough to stand out as a threat, but enough to force Jaris into talking. If it was only insanity, then his priority was to rescue Ajutine. Both men waited, Kalis, counting in his mind the time he had to defend himself. Jaris, on the other hand, looked in no shape to fight. He simply wanted to leave.

“Jaris, where were you?” asked Kalis cautiously.

“The forest…”

There was no need for further words. His state of mind confirmed what he had suspected all along. And there he was, on the verge of his greatest discovery. The confirmation of everything he had tried to prove before.

“I’m coming with you.”

"No! Her instructions were clear. Only me, the baby, and Ajutine."

The tone left no room for negotiation, and Kalis stepped aside. Jaris stepped forward with the baby, nodding to Ajutine to follow.

“Jay, where are you going? You’re not well, please, try to listen.”

“Do you trust me?”

She gave no reply, but her eyes wavered between yes and maybe. There was nothing he could throw to tip the balance. Other than showing her. And to do that, she needed to take the first step outside.

“If I do, will you tell me what this is about?”

“I can’t. You just need to come with me. There’s nothing that I can explain to you here. Once you see for yourself…”

She took a small step. Enough for them to be face-to-face. Her hands reached for the baby, stopping just short of touching. Looking into her husband's eyes, she tried to understand.

“Please, let me take him up. You need to rest.”

“I will rest. Once we go back to the forest. You must be there. Those are her orders.”

Ajutine’s eyes widened. But before she had the chance to ask anything, Jaris simply turned and went out. Walking at his regular pace, he gave her plenty of time to catch up.

“Who’s her?” she demanded.

"I can't give you that information now. All I can beg of you is to come. She'll point the way. It's my only chance, love. The one shot I have to get out of this alive."

“You’re not making any sense!”

“Same was for me, until last night. Come, we need to get the horses ready. It’s best if we go there while there’s still daylight.”

He mounted, and Ajutine had no choice but to follow. She wasn't going to let him go alone. Not this time. She would ride by his side, to whatever end he decided to go. And when he would get there, she would bring him back. To the love, they had left. Even if that love would last only one year.

*** ***

The forest had a distinct charge to it. Every branch felt like a natural limb that could reach out at any moment. The colors were vibrant, the green of the Third Light only amplifying the natural elements.

Even during daylight, Jaris still kept his eyes open for any movement. Last night's events were still fresh in his mind, and he tried to avoid the creatures that had nearly driven him mad. And yet, the woods remained silent. Other than the forest’s sounds, all else seemed deep asleep.

Ajutine sat comfortably in her saddle, taking in the natural surroundings. They barely spoke since leaving the homestead, and Jaris was almost thankful for it. The less he had to explain the impossible, the better. In his arms, the baby was fast asleep.

“Jay, where are we going?”

He gave no reply. The path seemed familiar to him, but as he looked more carefully, he noticed changes. The broken and bent trees that had forced him last night to go on foot were gone, allowing ease of access towards the clearing. It was impossible to tell if that was the actual state, or if he had hallucinated the whole thing last night. Either way, he was thankful. The two continued their stride, and half an hour later, the clearing became visible.

“There! Come on love, that’s where we need to go!”

Ajutine nudged her horse forward, trying to keep up with Jaris, who was now almost at full gallop. The line of trees gave way to grass, and the two found themselves back in the light.

"Lady Choette, we're here!" shouted Jaris, at the same time, trying to tie the reigns of the horses.

No reply came. Another shout, and still nothing. Looking at Ajutine with shame and desperation, he called out again, only to be met with silence. He felt his chest tightening, and the baby in his arms, as heavy as a mountain. He really had gone mad. The whole thing had been his mind, trying to find a solution, no matter how absurd. And there he stood, with his wife to witness his humiliation.

“Jay, let’s go home.”

Jaris closed his eyes. The last bridge had been burned. The final hope, nothing but his desire. Discarded and useless. Did I imagine all of that? The question would remain unanswered. The only one who could give a reply wasn’t there. He shouted again, and a reply came echoing in his mind, then to his ears.

“Seize your yelling. I heard you the first time you entered the forest.”

Choette stood mere meters away from him, dressed the same way as last time. No sound had indicated her arrival, and Jaris understood with shocking clarity that she had been there the whole time. With graceful steps, she approached Jaris, reaching for the baby.

“You’ve come. Good. Bring the boy here, and we can…”

She stopped, looking at Ajutine's hand that was now clutching her wrist. Jaris went pale and decided to back away, while Ajutine continued to keep Choette in her desperate grip.

“Who are you, and what do you want with my son?”

“Ajutine, let her go. You don’t understand, she’s my only escape.”

“Jay, I’m not going to let a random stranger do, whatever to our child.”

“She’s not a stranger. Her name’s Choette. And…she’s a fairy.”

Ajutine frowned, not sure how to understand the information. She looked at the elegant woman that had appeared out of nowhere, then at her husband. He wasn't laughing, which meant he believed it. And that meant that he had gone insane.

“Please, forgive my husband, he…”

“Is under great pressure. I know that. But he did not lie to you.”

Choette’s face displayed no emotions, her eyes staring directly at Ajutine with the same curiosity that he had been studying Jaris. Laughter crept over Ajutine’s face, and she had to cover her mouth to conceal it.

“You can’t be serious. What’s next, threatening to turn me into a frog for my insolence."

“Ajutine, what’s 14.960 times 206.094?” asked Choette with perfect calm.

“It’s 3.083.166.240”

It took Ajutine several moments to understand that she had spoken. They were her words. Her mind had done the calculations, in a matter of seconds. Math that was way past anything that she had ever attempted. And she had done it without the aid of a calculus.

“You always were terrible at math, Ajutine. Even simple additions or algebra threw you off. You don’t have to worry about the frog thing though, I can’t manipulate organic matter. I could turn you, however, into the greatest scientific genius Distria had ever seen.”

Ajutine's voice was all but gone, together with the rest of her strength. She felt the earth move from under her, and before she fell unconscious, Jaris rushed to help her up. In his arms, there was comfort. And beyond that, there was a new reality, that had barged into her life without any care. She had no justification or reason for what had happened. All that held her mind together was her husband's trust, and her desire to help him.

“I don’t believe you. I can’t.”

“You don’t have to. My business is with Jaris and the child.”

"Which is what I need to ask you: last night, you said there's no way to reverse the Birth Promise. Are you telling me now that there is?"

“My words were correct, Jaris. What you’ve promised the boy, no being can ever give. However, it can be sought for.”

“But how can I seek for…”

“Not by you. By your son. I cannot cancel your promise. But I can release you from the burden of finding it, and give it to your son.”

The words struck him like a hammer when he realized the implication. He would live if he transferred the responsibility to the child. The cost of his life was the life of the one in his arms. He felt the content of his stomach in his throat, making the no barely audible.

“I will not give you the life of my son!”

“Jaris, he won’t die. However, the desire to find what you have promised him will grow stronger and stronger. And should he chooses, he will have the possibility to search for what you’ve promised.”

“Search for what? How can he have the Sun and Moon in his hands?”

“Again, you speak in ignorance. Your promise goes far beyond that. Each parent that makes a Birth Promise contributes in some way to the development of Ered. Some are small and meaningless, while others have the potential to change the world.”

“Is this what’s happening here?”

"Yes. Your promise has changed something. I've felt its engraving when it happened, and while I have no answers yet, it is an anomaly that needs my attention. Distria is changing, and you are just the latest anomaly in a chain that is leading down a road that hasn’t been walked before.”

The words had no meaning, but he did perceive their weight. What had he spoken? And most importantly, what did it mean for his life from now on, or for the life of his son? He was prepared to make sacrifices if it meant he would live. But the thought of the burden that his son would have to bear was too great. He looked down at his serene face and made his choice. The only choice that could be made.

“What do I have to do?”

“You must Confirm the boy. Right now.”

“What about Midsummer?” asked Ajutine.

“There’s nothing special about one day over another. Simple superstitions have no power over the world.

“But what about his godmother? We still haven’t found anyone who…”

“I will be his godmother.”

Shock reverberated through their bodies like a lightning bolt. Ajutine wanted to say something, but all she managed was a gasp.

“I don’t even know what to say. What will we tell anyone who asks, would anyone believe us?”

“It’s not for you to be believed. And until the time is right, you are forbidden to speak of me to anyone. Now, by the testimony of three, truth is established”

Jaris recognized the opening words of the ceremony and understood that there was no room for negotiations. He moved next to Ajutine, their hands joined while they held the baby. Around them, the light seemed to change, and with a glance, Jaris saw that the Third Light had changed its color from green to orange. The same color he had always seen in the capital.

“Jaris and Ajutine Hesb, do you acknowledge Arate, though not born of you, to be your son?

"We do," they replied in one voice.

“Do you swear to raise him as your own, to teach him the right and to forbid the wrong, to be responsible for him until he reaches manhood, to watch over his life, and to never betray your love for him?"

The same reply followed, and Choette looked at Jaris directly. It was at this point that the father would have to present his Birth Promise. He wanted to speak, but Choette shook her head in disapproval.

“Jaris, you have no right to a second promise.”

“It’s only something small. Please, can’t I do that much at least?”

“No. You have made your promise already. It binds you to your son. Just look for yourself.”

Jaris looked, and shock muted him. He saw a pure silver thread that ran from his chest, ending into the baby’s navel. He wanted to speak, but something shook his body. Looking at Choette, he saw that her eyes were now pools of blue, staring directly into him. No movement was possible, and this time, the words were heard only in his mind.

“But remember your promise, Jaris, in the days of your life, before there is no time to fulfill it. Before the last hour has passed and you say why was I not more diligent? Before the golden bowl is shattered as it fills before the wheel of change stops moving before the silver cord is severed."

The last words were followed by an intense burning sensation, followed by a pain that emptied his air of lungs. The silver thread snapped, and he was barely aware that Ajutine was holding him by the arm. The pain had somewhat ebbed, but he still found it impossible to stand.

“Jaris, your obligation to fulfill your promise is no longer binding on you. It is for your son to decide if he desires what you’ve given him.”

Ajutine's voice sounded calmer than it should have been, given the situation. While still on one knee, Jaris still raised the baby in an offering gesture. The fairy took him and waited for both parents to stand.

“We acknowledge you, as our child’s godmother. With the Four Keys, we welcome you into our family. We give you the right to be his guide, in right and wrong, the right to speak on his behalf, the right to be called Second Mother, and the right to choose his spouse.”

Ajutine had recited her part of the ceremony perfectly, and Jaris had to wonder how long had she been preparing or rather desiring that moment. The fairy nodded in approval, then walked to Ajutine, so that both held the baby. Her blue pools seemed to draw Ajutine into a whole different world, and her voice resonated in their minds.

"I, Choette, the only bearer of my name, hereby take Arate, the son of Jaris, as my godchild, from now to the end of history. Your actions will be my actions, and your inaction will be my inaction. I take upon myself your name and the consequences that follow from all that you do. Your name is now written on my hands, and your life in the Awakening of Man."

The words weren’t those of the ceremony Jaris knew, and he had to wonder if what they were experiencing was truly a Confirmation. Choette's body was pulsating with an unnatural glow, her burgundy hair spread out on either side of her head like wings. Her lips still didn't move, but the words continued to pour into them like water.

“As the bearer of your father’s burden, it is up to you if you will reject it, or pursue the path his promise has opened. And if you do, this is the Birth Gift that I shall bestow on you: That if you walk that path and are prepared to accept the responsibilities of your actions, however bitter they may be, you will be able to see in any battle beyond what is seen. Your eyes will find your enemy's movements before they make them, and your steps will out-move them, no matter how prepared they are."

Both fairy, mother, and child were now surrounded by an unearthly orange glow that held them like a shroud. Choette's body shivered, and her eyes returned to their natural form. Both women remained still, allowing the light to depart into the noon air. She looked visibly drained, and Jaris could swear that he saw white strands in her hair. With a smile, she backed away, allowing both parents to look at the child. He looked no different, yet both of them were aware that things are no longer the same.

“I forbid you both to speak to anyone of that has happened here. For the rest of the world, and for your son, my name shall be Visku. You will raise him, teach him as you would any child, but I forbid you to tell him of what has happened here.”

“Then what if he decides to seek out his promise? Shouldn’t you teach him magic or something? How can you send him out unprepared?”

“I won’t send him. He must make that decision. He will be closely monitored, and I expect you to do your part. Send him to the regular Magisterial Schools. He will learn there how to have a normal life. As for me, I have other ways to prepare him for his journey. And for the dangers that have started coming our way.”

“This is about the creature that attacked us, isn’t it?”

Choette gave no reply, but she did appear visibly disturbed.

“What was that? I need to know.”

"Actions have consequences, Jaris. And what you saw, were the consequences of others' actions. We call them Rubriste, Living Matter. Beings that distort and pervert the world around them to their ends. Twisted realities that take on flesh to bring curses into existence.”

She didn't speak the words he feared. But the implication was there. Is this what his son was destined for, to fight monsters?

“Why hasn’t anyone seen them before?”

"They can choose to be seen or not. Since their existence is bound to the Canopy, their movements are unseen and subtle. Nightmares, accidents, and wars, most of which are the result of Rubriste activities. Those that aren't, simply empower them.

“How many others are there?”

“Many. The one that attacked you was drawn by the suffering of the mistoa. They can sense negative actions, and are drawn to them like moths to a flame. Their actions cancel out our work.”

“Your work? Just what exactly is that?”

“It’s love, Jaris. Love for the world and love for man. The pinnacle of all emotions. But for us, love is an action, not an attribute. We act out love through our senses. All of them. That is our work.”

“Then…I think we can contribute to that.” nodded Ajutine, rocking the baby in her arms.

Choette walked to Jaris, her form becoming dimmer with each footstep until only her outline could be seen. Jaris wanted to shout out his protest. There were too many questions left unanswered. The fairy’s fingers touched his cheeks, and his mind calmed itself, the typhoon of doubt driven. Here he stood. And here he would remain. Alive, and a father.