Arakiel, Mellia and Aurora followed the ruler of House Alexandrite through a portion of the Alexandrite Keep that consisted of illustrious corridors and venerable rooms with different functions, whether it be recreation, self-improvement or introspection. They only met a few other people on their way towards the keep’s high walls, most of which were either aureas or members of the central bureaucratic staff.
Arakiel hadn’t been in this part of the keep for a long, long time and yet his surroundings felt familiar and friendly. Proof of his House’s many exploits were sprinkled all throughout the palace, whether through its personnel, its trophies and cabinets or just the large variety in inventory. He knew not the history of these many items, but he was certain that each one held a tale to remember and retell if one was inclined to do so. While he and Aurora were rather taken in, Mellia and his mother barely paid attention to it which wasn’t all too surprising. Mellia had lived a rather sheltered life in the main keep as far as he recalled, with Erythrai doting upon her at every opportunity.
Arakiel had once been doted upon as well – that was, until he failed.
But no longer.
Some time later, they eventually reached the color-changing high walls that surrounded the Alexandrite Keep after having passed an indoor herb garden that had quite a few curious-looking specimen. From this angle, the walls were shining in a soft green color.
From up here, the Colorchanging Tower was so very close and the bridge that connected the keep’s highest tower with the adjacent building lay right above. From what he recalled – never having entered the tower himself – most of his House’s proper educational facilities lay inside alongside most of the lower levels being wholly dedicated to commoners’ scientific research. A necessary evil, he had heard one of his siblings claim once – a statement that had cost that particular elder brother dearly, for his father had been most displeased to say the least.
He found himself chuckling at some point, for there were so many memories in these walls that he had barely acknowledged for the past decade and if his mother’s aim had been to see him reminiscence, then she had certainly succeeded.
The Lady Alexandrite did eventually break the silence that had enveloped the four of them, for everyone else hadn’t dared to speak up, instead choosing to quietly follow along.
“Arakiel, my son.” Alexandria began as she stopped, turning halfway towards him and the Eternal City of Kalanaar below. Everyone else stopped, with his and Aurora’s hands still refusing to let go of one another.
His mother’s green eyes pierced right through him as a rather potent gust of air brushed by, causing quite a few strands of hair to partially obstruct her timeless face.
Nonetheless, he returned her gaze while his heart skipped a beat, part excited and part afraid.
“What is your current level? Which class do you hold?” The demigoddess inquired in a calm voice while the winds played with her hair in a manner that no mortal or immortal would likely survive. In fact, Arakiel had never seen his mother’s hairdo in such a ‘disheveled’ state, not that it marred her beauty in any kind.
“I do not know precisely, mother.” Arakiel then admitted as he returned his focus on the task at hand. Realizing that this was a rather poor explanation, he hurried to outline the details. “My class is that of a Mortal Ascendant of the lord-type and while I haven’t gotten an update on my level, I would assume to to be in the range of four to six, most likely five.”
“You and your ‘friend’ felled the Earth-Nature Alterator that ruled that plane’s largest realm – is that correct?” His mother then asked further and he could only assume that Mellia had told her just about everything. Granted, he wasn’t sure how she knew because he hadn’t told her, but perhaps the seelie had done so.
“That is indeed correct, honored mother.” Arakiel replied, feeling quite proud of making that statement. King Cahir had been a most formidable foe, one that cost Ezekiel and him just about everything they had and then some.
“Tell me, aurea – what is my son to you?” The Lady Alexandrite followed up, suddenly addressing Aurora once more yet unlike last time, she barely flinched and responded right away.
“Arakiel is my beloved Monarch-to-be, honored Lady Alexandrite,” his seraphine responded in a clear, affectionate tone while once again hugging his right arm.
“What does this title entail?” Alexandria demanded further, her expression unreadable.
This time, Arakiel didn’t feel the need to intervene and he doubted that he would’ve been able to. In fact, he was curious as well since she had never quite explained the term to him.
Aurora’s answer returned right away. “It acknowledges his potential to become a Monarch one day.”
“And what, my dear aurea, is a Monarch?” The demigoddess demanded to know.
This time, Aurora hesitated a little, causing him to look sideways. His seraphine’s beautiful face showed a bit of conflict while her golden eyes actually met his mother’s stare, which he found exceedingly surprising. Despite this, however, he could feel her being terribly afraid since her hands turned cold, never mind the shaking. “A ruler that has the capabilities to shelter and protect me, a ruler that has earned my eternal devotion,” she ended up responding.
These words pleased him greatly, even if they betrayed that he wasn’t quite there yet – which was true.
And then Aurora turned towards him while her lovingly white wings that fluttered quite notably in the wind began to unfurl. “He is my Lord, my beloved and the only one who has the right to wield my very soul,” his seraphine continued in a most affectionate manner. Her cheeks even blushed a little which – together with the shy smile she put on – made her appear so very cute right now.
Arakiel couldn’t help but return her smile and the joyous warmth that spread inside him certainly made him feel very accomplished. He had certainly lost much – but he had also gained quite a bit in return… and he would gain more as time marched on.
A smile briefly hushed across the Lady Alexandrite’s lips, so brief he might’ve just deluded himself – and yet he felt as though there was some hint of pride to her expression right now.
“Very well. Your answer is satisfactory,” she announced and then added in a slightly upbeat tone that still sounded odd to Arakiel’s ears. “In that case, I see no reason to intervene in your affairs.”
She continued before he could adequately ponder on it, however. “Arakiel – while your prospects do seem promising, you will need to form a party if you intend to make an impact in our House.”
“I am no leader,” Arakiel deflected right away, suppressing the part of him that very much enjoyed leading the Smokeless Host. That part inside was part grief and more importantly, part ambition.
“Then you should quickly change that, because I doubt any of your siblings will take you in and I will not tolerate one my very own sons joining some affiliated planeswalking party.” The Lady Alexandrite stated, elaborating. “Furthermore, your aurea is correct. There is vast potential in you, potential you will not be able to harness if you’re under someone’s thumb.”
“I do not have the resources to outfit a party.” Arakiel pointed out rapidly. Despite his rather significant background, he had never called upon his House’s financial aid even if he had a right to it. And even now, he still had no intention of doing so. His work as Traveler and part-time burglar had earned him decent coin, but most of it had been used up to fund further operations at first or later on, to ensure that Aurora lacked nothing.
“This will not be an issue, Arakiel.” The Lady Alexandrite stated matter-of-factly. “Not only will you be compensated for your successful conquest, I will furthermore ensure that you lack for nothing if you seek to continue a proper career as a planeswalker of House Alexandrite… as you were meant to be.”
“I already received such support once – and I squandered it.” Arakiel highlighted, his very being suddenly feeling uncomfortable.
He desperately needed his House’s protection, but he did not want to become any more dependent or indebted to them than necessary.
How could he prove to his family that he had chosen the right path if he now accepted their aid in this manner?
His mother actually lightly tilted her head as if she was genuinely surprised at his statement. “So?” She asked and then added. “To err is mortal and we mortals are nothing if persistent in our pursuits. It is what sets us apart from immortals.”
Arakiel turned sideways, letting his gaze wander across the many differently colored tiles of Kalanite houses down below – some of which were large, some huge and quite a few small. Homes of many different shapes, sizes and kinds – each one telling its own story.
He chuckled.
His own story was meant to diverge from his family until he had earned their respect through his own schemes, his own devices, his own labor. It was in part defiance and in part longing – but it remained his wish still.
He acted on behalf of his House, but right now, as he faced this prospect, Arakiel just couldn’t accept it. It’d betray everything he had worked towards over the past years.
“Honored mother… I cannot in good conscience accept such support.” He said full of conviction, straightening his chest as the words poured from his mouth. “I seek protection because it limits my ability to act, but I never wanted to become reliant on our House.”
“I am aware, my son.” Alexandria responded, her tone carrying the slightest hint of approval again. “And while you may think it a noble deed, it is nothing but foolish.”
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Alexandria turned towards Mellia, who blinked a bit perplexed at first before she realized that their mother wanted her to speak up.
Meanwhile, Arakiel turned to face his mother and sister, saying. “Excuse me?”
“Thou seekest power, does thou not?” Mellia queried, her green eyes with the golden sprinkles looking at him quite intensely. He couldn’t recall her regarding him like this, ever.
“It boils down that, aye.” Arakiel affirmed while a particular imagine briefly flashed through his mind. A bolt of lightning to sunder an army, a rain of fire to scorch, to incinerate it.
He found his lips forming to a smirk but quickly reverted it as he banished these particular thoughts from his mind. That had not been his own power – but borrowed power was power still… wasn’t it?
“Then why hesitate? Thy family is thy best chance of accumulating that which thee seeketh, Arakiel – that which thee desires.”
“Because, my dear Mellia, it’ll undermine everything I have worked towards over the past decade.” Arakiel returned without second thought.
“Thy work aimed at obtaining thine Aurora, did it not?” Mellia asked to clarify.
“And obtain me you did, my love.” His seraphine whispered sweetly into his ear. “Even more than that.”
“Arakiel,” his mother began once more, her voice having hardened notably. “I am willing to invest in you because I see potential in you. As your mother, I certainly wish to see you prosper, but as the occupant of the Seat of Alexandrite, I need to think of my House first and foremost.”
A part of him accepted that, it even encouraged him to accept his House’s support. It would be foolish not to, not when he had no proper idea what to do otherwise. That part of their grand solution had been in Shemyaza’s hand as well… and Shem was nowhere to be found.
And although Arakiel had become something, he was by no means divine, by no means on the same level as a demigoddess… as his mother had aptly proven. Not that there had been a need to. Any such notions had died in a small shop in the Emerald District.
He met her gaze but said nothing, his own inner conflict beginning to paralyze him once more. Indecision on whether to throw his own values overboard… or perhaps he was clinging to them due to fear, spite or something else?
“Your unique connection with your aurea is worthy of my investment, Arakiel. Perhaps this will help you realize that I am quite serious,” the Lady Alexandrite began and then turned towards Mellia. “Daughter dearest. I order you to join Arakiel’s party if he decides to create one. You are to hone your skills alongside him and apply your talents for them first and foremost.”
“Of course, honored mother.” Mellia replied without hesitation, slightly bowing her head in respect.
“You cannot be serious, mother.” Arakiel gasped, his eyes widening.
“Did you think I would send out my little Mellia and your beloved sister on a whim, Arakiel?” The Lady Alexandrite responded with a hint of disapproval. “While the situation in Kalanaar is dangerous for both of you, I had full confidence in your ability to protect Mellia.”
“And yet I failed.” He stated with a dash of irritation.
“Thou didst not, Arakiel. I am here, am I not?” Mellia queried while giving Aurora the slightest hint of appreciation. Back then, he could’ve taken credit for saving Mellia, but he had not. Since then, Mellia treated Aurora a little differently.
“No thanks to–” he began, yet his mother interrupted him right away.
“Let me paint you a picture, Arakiel. You grow up and accept your blood’s help as any capable adult and especially planeswalker should and then we discuss how you can find your place in your House and family. You have been a lone force for long enough.”
“You’re asking me to throw away my convictions!” Arakiel protested quite adamantly, causing his mother to laugh out loud.
To laugh of all things, it took him by surprise.
“Convictions? You’re throwing a tantrum, son. You’re trying to make a reality happen that does not exist. If anything, you’re delusional if you think you can achieve anything by yourself.” The Lady Alexandrite stated rather cruelly.
No, that wasn’t true. She was stating the truth.
“I never said that!” He objected once more, adding. “I just want to forge my own path, one without having to rely on my family!”
“You say that because you think you failed us.” His mother noted rather pointedly. “But you did not in a manner that is unforgivable. If anything, your planeswalk should’ve taught you the error in your assessment. If it did not, then you are truly a hopeless cause.”
Arakiel opened his mouth to argue against her, but he could not dispute that argument. All this time, he had thrown around his House’s weight and more importantly, he had learned that there are beings which are far, far more powerful and play by completely different rules.
“There is no right or wrong, Arakiel.” Alexandria reminded him, having noticed his hesitation, his acceptance of that fact, that reality. “There are two states: being powerful and being powerless.”
“Which one doth thee intend to become, Arakiel?” Mellia queried rather rhetorically, yet it lead to a simple conclusion.
“I intend to become an Archon.” Arakiel stated, reminded himself. He did so slowly, weighing every word with the gravity it deserved. The great goal that he had once set for himself, that was still there.
To become part of the Transcended’s retinue, to climb to the Apex and beyond…
Ambition.
Yes, it was still there, this flame of ambition burning inside him. It had dimmed, had almost been snuffed out because of Nyanna… but it was still there.
“But much much earlier than that, I need to find that seelie and give her a proper Kalanite treatment,” he added with grim determination, having at last made his choice in his mind, even if he didn’t voice it just yet.
Hesitation was defeat, after all.
He looked up towards his mother, asking in a proper, respectful tone. “Lady Alexandrite – can you give me the means to combat two handmaidens of the Evercourt?”
“The Evercourt?” Alexandria returned with a modicum of surprise that in turn surprised Arakiel even more. “That piece of news is significant. Tell me about those immortals you encountered and do not leave out any details.”
Just as Arakiel was about to respond, however, a distraction happened: a slender, very pretty red-haired girl in a wispy red-golden dress approached from the back, the golden collar around her neck marking her as an aurea.
Arakiel didn’t know her, but the fact that she could approach and draw his mother’s attention without suffering an immediate punishment marked her as not simple. Perhaps one of his mother’s personal servants?
“Mistress Alexandria,” the girl greeted in an incredibly sonorous but respectful voice, her deeply aquamarine-colored irises focusing solely onto the demigoddess. “Forgive my intrusion.”
A flash of irritation hushed across his mother’s face, but it was quickly replaced by a timeless and regal countenance, any trace of emotion having been subdued.
“Amiela,” the Lady Alexandrite noted calmly. “Deliver your report.”
“H-here, Mistress?” The girl asked a little surprised, her gaze briefly glancing over the other people present.
Alexandria’s eyes briefly lit up in gold and from one moment to another, the world around them turned silent as a sort of invisible barrier appeared, blocking out any and all sounds.
Arakiel could only hear his own rapidly beating heart alongside his and Aurora’s soft breathing. Then, she stared at the servant who bowed in submission and then spoke up in an even more respectful tone, if that was somehow possible. There was no fear in it, however.
“The Lord and Lady Sapphire have just sent an invitation to meet in the Immortals’ Delight. Tonight, just you and the Lord Alexandrite.”
The fact that Arakiel had been deemed worthy to hear this maid’s report had to be considered significant as well. His mother truly meant it… she truly meant for him to join his family as a proper member once more. In a way, it was exactly what he had once hoped to achieve… yet why did he feel so terrible right now?
“Have they made any comments on the matter of this meeting?” The Lady Alexandrite queried.
“They have not, Mistress. I was informed that you would know the subject if I deliver the report as such.”
“Thank you,” the demigoddess noted, adding. “Make yourself presentable for the evening, Amiela. You will be joining us. Dismissed.”
Her words seemed to greatly surprise the aurea, but her training quickly let her process the order. With an even deeper bow, she affirmed and then hurried off, right after which the sound returned to the world, the little snippets from below, as well as the surrounding winds.
“An unexpected development, but a welcome one.” His mother concluded in a thoroughly neutral voice, saying. “This matter demands my immediate and full attention. You can return to your home for today. I will seek you out on the morrow. Do not leave the keep’s premises.”
Alexandria didn’t even leave him time to answer as her silhouette just vanished from one moment to the next.
Just like that, it was over.
Aurora kissed his cheek right away while gently stroking his beard. It made him hug her in full while she beamed a smile at him.
“See? There was nothing to worry about!” She fluted happily.
“Arakiel,” Mellia began to say from the side, the increasingly strong winds causing her hair and dress to develop a life of their own. “Consider mother’s proposal in earnest. Thy future is bright if thou accepts our help.”
“You really wouldn’t mind, Mellia? Joining me?”
“I do not dislike thee, brother – and even I can see that thy potential is vast, as mother said. It would be my honor to support thy rise in our House.”
“And what about yourself?” Arakiel queried.
“Mine ascension to godhood is all but guaranteed if father and mother are to be believed. Yet mine education made me a pillar of support for my family first and foremost. I intend to honor that.” Mellia answered with a soft smile. “Besides, I am curious to see where thy journey leads and… on a more personal note…”
Mellia cleared her throat and approached him, her tone turning low and soft. “I want to put these seelie in place as much as you do, brother. Maybe even more than you.”
Arakiel chose to ignore his sister breaking character, instead engaging with her words. “And yet mother recoiled at the Evercourt’s mention. Their background might be more significant than I anticipated.”
“We shall find out tomorrow.” Mellia replied and then added. “Until then, Arakiel… Aurora. I shall now find the nearest bathroom and I suggest you do the same.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea!” Aurora agreed rather sheepishly and truth be told, he couldn’t deny that a bit of indulgence in Kalanite amenities sounded like an excellent way to spend a good portion of today.
For now, his battle had been fought.