(Thanks go to Alaric's player with whom this roleplay was written.)
Some might say she was a fool to wander into a place like Adrealia, a place known for its strict policies on her kind. Witches, or really any being that wasn’t human crossed the borders at great risk to themselves. Because it was against the law for them to be here and they would be hunted and killed or ran out depending. Though, some of the elites were more lenient than others. However, Kaleigh had come here to help a young girl to use her powers and she was always helping people. She wasn’t about to let the risk change that fact. It was to this purpose that she found herself in the woods gather herbs.
It actually might be said that Kieran was a better choice to teach a girl to heal. But, the stubborn man didn’t want to admit he could. To be honest she would be quite rich if she had a coin for every stubborn thing he did or every stubborn thing a Giese did for that matter. It mattered not. The only thing that mattered is that she was here and she attended to help the girl. So, she gathered the herbs that would be needed to further her lessons not paying attention her thoughts on other things.
So, much so that she failed to see it she let her guard down and it that moment something happened. She hadn’t noticed the giant scorpion like thing moving out of the bush at her. She didn't notice till one of its claws grabbed onto her arm as she let out a shriek and was knocked off her feet as she rolled just in time to avoid the tail that lashed down towards her chest. It narrowly missed hitting the edge of her shoulder as she cried out in pain. She could feel the arm going numb as whatever was in their began to spread through her system. She rolled to her feet as she glanced around trying to find something to keep the effects from spreading as it moved towards her and she half ran half stumbled towards the nearby clearing.
She might have met her end there if it wasn’t for another, a person she knew quite well though perhaps on his part he didn’t want to admit it. That person was Alaric and like Kaleigh his mind was on other things. The encounter with Jenna and that other elite was still playing heavy upon Alaric's mind. It was mostly the conversation with the girl that had his attention. The elite had only been there because Jenna's father had been his patron. The girl had claimed to be a fae, and asked him to accept his role as her king. No. It wasn't asked. It was more like demand, at least it felt that way to him. No, no it was more like she expect just to come swinging in and convince him to accept that role just by saying that she was one of his subject. It was egoistical of her. Whatever the case was, he needed to get his mind off of it. This was why he found himself within the woods--helping to find something to beat his frustration out upon. The sounds of screaming echoed throughout the area. Immediately he rushed to the source. He only glanced at Kaleigh. Long enough to make sure she was okay, but he didn't take her details in. He didn't know that it was her.
His attention turned towards the scorpion monster that was inching it's way towards the Kaleigh. Alaric step between it and its intended victim. The monster noticed, and brought it tail down to stab right into Alaric. Just before the stringer it him, Alaric rolled out of the wall, jumping to his feet just in time to avoid another attempt by the scorpion. This went on for a time. Each time Alaric moving closer to the monster until he was close enough to stab the scorpion into the side. It was far from a killing blow. He buried his blade into the monster side, using it to host himself up onto the monster, who was flailing about trying to get him off. He stabbed another blade into the top of the monster, holding on for a few moments during the worst of the thrusting then quickly pulling the blade from the monster and stabbing it into its brain once the monster ceased thrusting about-
His sudden appearance didn’t register on her mind for a few seconds as she thought that she was a dead girl for sure. However, she knew better. She knew he had a lot on his mind. She ran towards him and wrapped her arms around him. “I Knew you loved me.”Okay, he would have done it for anyone he was an elite but she knew it would earn her one of those looks and she loved those looks. She could see him looking at her now. His thoughts clearly a million miles away she wondered what he was thinking if she had known she might have given words to her own thoughts on the matter.
His thoughts were on his destiney. The role that everyone seemed to think he should take and the path that he should follow. The path that would lead him to be King of the Autumn Court, but accepting that role wasn't as easy as some might think. It wasn't fear that kept him from doing so, at least not fear in the manner that people thought. He wasn't afraid of change. He knew that change happened. He knew that as society progressed changed was only natural. He just didn't want to be responsible for the change that brought ruin to his people. He had swore to protect them, and preserve their way of life. And he felt if he accepted his role as fae king that he was breaking his promise. More than that, if he accepted his role of fae king what did that make him? Human? Certainly not. It made him fae. And his humanity had been something that had brought him great pride. Sure he was an elite, but he was still human. It was not something that others understood.
The thought pushed from his mind as he heard Kaleigh's voice. He frowned as he regarded her---clearly not liking her words- "I didn't save you because of any romantic feelings. You were in danger and I acted. I would have done the same if you had been someone else."
She sighed as she looked at him he was always so stubborn. The day they had met he had been such. He had been injured. To stubborn to treat let the ‘witch’ help him he had always died. “Are you out here patrolling?” However, if you asked him he would deny it and say he was perfectly fine.
Alaric hadn't almost died because he had refused to allow her to heal his wound. It was just a minor scratch. Nothing that a little rest couldn't have healed. Besides, he knew enough of herbs to create poultice if the wound had been serious. It would have been enough to get him to a human healer. He ignored her words--deciding that maybe if he ignored her delusions that she might stop believing them- "I'm relieving stress." -He was being honest, but he didn't get into what had been stressing. He slide off the back of the scorpion---keeping an eye out just in case there were others of its kind nearby. The last thing he wanted was to fall one---only to be put down by another.
He was so hurt more than he claimed. Let the witch fix it...no...she had to wait till he passed out. The crazy human had made her follow him around trying to heal him. It was alright she had made a friend even if said friend didn't want to admit it. She blinked as she looked up at him. "Oh? How is that? I mean it is like the out in nature relaxing part that helps you reveal it? Or is it look for like things to kill or fight that helps? Or being alone?" She wasn't going to assume or guess what part of being out here helped him to reveal his stress. "I can help you relieve your stress." She winked at him as she watched him look around and almost giggled. Always on the lookout. He was so adorable.
He wasn't! And he wouldn't have passed out if she hadn't been so determined to be the one to heal him. He had poultices that would have helped him. Okay, so he did use some of those poultices, but that was besides the point. He was too concerned with getting away from the crazy witch to make sure that the poultices were its more effective- "All of it." -It was more like he wandered the wilderness until he felt better and if he found something to fight and kill than so be it. He blinked at her words. Did she just imply what he thought. He took a step towards her- "You would like that."
She simply flashed him a smile. They both knew the truth. He was worst that he claimed. But, he was too stubborn to ask for help. Al could be a Giese for all the stubbornness he had. He probably was in a past life or something. She eyed him as if debating for a few moments as she giggled slightly. "I should figure. You never do anything halfway." There was an implication in her voice that perhaps those words held a double meaning as he stepped towards her. "I think you would like it as well." Her green eyes flickered up towards him.
He wasn't! He would have been fine. And he wasn't too stubborn to ask for help. He would have asked for help in a heartbeat if she had been human. Okay, maybe not. Alaric wasn't the sort to burden others with his problems. He would have waited until he gotten to the elite compound before admitting just how bad off he had been.- "I don't know how you would do that half way." -If he had noticed her implication he didn't say.- "Stop being delusional." -He stayed where he was at, keeping his eyes pinned upon her.
He was! He was stubborn. And just because she wasn't human didn't mean she couldn't help. He was a silly goose. She watched him as he spoke and giggled. "Yes. That would be rather hard to do half way. Though I would think some do it poorly. So, does that count as half way?" She flashed him a smile as he spoke. "You are so cute!" He was always like this. He acted like she might reach out and bite him. "I am positive you like it. There are some things Mr. Cole that one really just can't hide." She let out a sigh as she looked at him. "Would it really be that bad if you did?" She let her eyes drift down as she played with strands of her red hair.
There are those that will claim that his stubbornness is a thing of legend, but he doesn't know if he would necessarily call it stubbornness. He is a man that refuses to let go of his convictions no matter how the world tells them that it is wrong.- "No. If you gave it your all then it can't be half way---even if your all is shitty." -He mumbled at her calling him cute. Why did she do that? Why did she insist on calling him cute. He stared at her for a few moments upon hearing her questions, saying nothing for the longest moment before finally saying-"Does it matter?"
Her eyes darted up. "Does it matter?"" Everything faded away in the wake of those words. "Does it matter? Yes, it matters. It matters to me. I care if it really offends you to like me. I am not a horrid person you know. " She made a huffing sound as she flopped down next to the tree. She knew that he had a lot of issues with her being a witch. And she also knew that he liked her but sometimes she wanted to kick him.
"Do you?" -He asked, allowing those words to linger in the air for a few moments as he regarded her in silence- "Do you really care if it offends me? I don't think so. I think you are too busy trying to get me to admit some *truth* that you don't even hear what I am saying. No one does. 'Oh, Alaric is just being stubborn. Oh, Alaric is just in denial. Oh, Alaric is just afraid of the truth. Oh, Alaric is just a coward because he won't just fall in line.' I..." -He shook his head, pushing the thought from his mind as he watched her flop down- "I know you aren't horrid. It doesn't mean that I want to be your friend."
She sighed as she looked up at him. He was ranting she had a funny feeling it was about more than just this moment. However, she still didn't like it. "I don't think you are a coward. It is hard...change. I mean...I think you are a lot of things more than you tell the world. I think because you care it makes it hard for you to just embrace a destiny you clearly don't want. But, I know you are my friend. Despite everything you say. You have defended me time and time again. You have talked to me whole conversations before about nothing. Friends do that. You could have tried to kill me or told someone I was over the border a hundred times. I also think that you aren't sure what that means. You love your country and you are worried what will happen if it changes. You wonder if it will still be that country that you love if it happens. It will be something new and different. But, most of all you are afraid you will be the cause of its destruction. I know all this because I love you. And you can say I am wrong. By the Void I don't care."
She sighed took a deep breath and looked back at him. "I pick the worst men to love. My clan's god and yes I know you don't believe in witch gods. They aren't even gods in the traditional sense to us either more like enlightened elders. His wife came back from the dead and so he returned to her and who could really blame her. Ashir whose pure devotion is too life his mate. And well you the man that can't even admit he is my friend. Isn't that sad? I guess it should make sense. I mean I can't even pass my leadership test. How the hell do I think I will pass the greatest test of life. Love." She shook her head at him. "Though I can't imagine how anyone could not love you. You are brave, loyal, determined, a bit stubborn sometimes. But by the Void there is something in you. You are a leader of men Alaric Cole. So, by the goddess lead."
Love him? How did she mean those words? Like a friend love another friend? Or were they more romantic in nature? It didn't take him long to figure out the answer of that question. She loved him. Loved him in a way that a woman loves a man who she wish to spend the rest of her life with. "You're crazy" These words are probably ones she had heard thousand times before, and he took another step towards her. "Love isn't a test." This was true. He had no desire to be king or anything of that sort. He just wanted to be an elite--a man that devoted his life to his people and their protection. He turned his eyes away from her, looking towards the distance to their left. "Do you think that fate pick those that have no desire to lead because they are the least likely to be corrupt by that power?" He returned his eyes back toward her.
She figured it might be. Though she couldn't be sure. She was unaware of many of the events that had transpired in his life as of late. If she knew his dreams she would tell him not to worry. That while anything could happen she had faith in him. She believed that if anyone in the whole universe could keep such things from happening it was him. Perhaps, he was chosen to ensure it didn't. Sometimes dreams were tricky things and they could show your fears, the future, or what would happen if you didn't pick a path. She knew there was a light around him. She knew he was chosen for something bigger than he even knew. And why the dream showed he was at fault with his decision perhaps it was the opposite. She had no idea. It could be nothing more than a dream. If he shared his fears she might suggest they go to her sister to see if they could get to the root of the problem. Instead, she looked at him listening.
It seemed he would figure out those words. As the words she had heard his speak a thousand times before in a thousand different ways came cascading out of his lips. "Sometimes. I think it is. I think I am suppose to know the right person. Like, if you don't get it right somehow you will be left alone. The prize is happiness and the loser gets nothing." She shook her head as he reached out and gently brushed his hand against her face. She was almost afraid to move afraid somehow she would break the moment. "Perhaps that is why you were chosen." She said with a shrug unsure. There were men that lead or were born to it. Those that knew without a doubt that they should lead. But, it seemed to her some of the best leaders were thrust into their positions. "I don't know. The greatest queen that my kind has ever known was a woman by the name of Astrea. I don't know if she ever wanted to lead but she determined she needed to lead. And she changed the course of our kind in many ways. We are still the same at the core but she changed things that made us better. And she let them kill her because she knew that was what was needed as well. I think that is the kind of leader you are. The kind who would change what he needed but manage to keep the soul of the people in tack. And in the end if it was required would give up his throne and even his life to ensure it. I think that is why you were chosen. I think you are meant to be so much more than the fall king. I think you will lead people in ways we can't even convince."
She looked up at him and sighed softly. "What do I know? I am just a girl."
Alaric wasn't the type to share his fears. He never has been. He have always been the sort to keep whatever concerns he might have about a particular situation to himself---turning it inside his own mind. He did this because he didn't want to bother anyone with something silly or mundane. He had seen hardship and he knew suffer, and to him whatever concerns he might have paled into comparison to the hardship that others have to suffer. Yes, these concerns worried him---terrified him even, but he couldn't speak them allow---he can't tell her that he is worried that he will be the one to bring his people to ruins and that he has nightmares about it. He just can't. "How?" That word came out as a snort. - "Do you have some greater insight of the inner working of the universe? Do you have an ability to look at everyone within the universe and automatically know whom they are suppose to be with? Nothing? Is the fairytale ending the only form of happy ever after?"
He sighed at her words. He didn't want to hear that. He wanted her to tell him that those who lead always desired that position---that they were born into it and knew from an early age they were meant to do it. Okay, he knew that it was wishful thinking upon his part---especially when she kept telling him that he was meant to lead. "Everyone keeps saying that." He spit those words out in frustration. "That I have this great destiny. Is it true? Do I have some great destiny or is that what they have convinced themselves to be true because they desire and they see me as the instrument to bring it about? And what if they are wrong? What if I am not this great leader that will sweep across the land and changing the world for the better? What if I am nothing more than a tyrant in the making?" He paused upon saying those words before looking down at his hands. "I feel it you know? Power--ultimate and unlimited power. More than that. I feel a hunger ebbing inside of me."
Sometimes, one should share their fears. Just because others had it worst didn't mean yours were any less valid. The world was a crazy place and some people were there for you. Sometimes sharing your own fears made you stronger. She wouldn't push the issue with him. She was just there should be decide he wanted to talk to her about them. She shook her head slightly. "I don't know how. I just...I feel like I am always failing. I am suppose to be the high priestess of the goddess herself. And yes I know you don't follow Aine. I do though. And to my people she is the light, the bloody creator and I can't even past a simple leadership test. My taste in men seems to fall to those that are smitten with another or those that won't even look at me half the time out of some sort of fear that admitting their feelings will...I don't know make the world crumble to ashes or something like that. I am not sure."
I don't know that I have to have the fairytale. But, it would be nice if the guy I liked...well either he doesn't really like me or he can't admit it. Either way...I am pretty screwed in that department." A few tears streamed down her face as she rubbed her eyes listening to him. She knew he didn't want to hear the words but she had never been anything but honest with him and she wasn't about to start now. "I suppose you could throw the destiny away. I mean there is free will and all that. It would be a shame. Because you care. In the end run you care so much about the world too much to let anyone ruin it even yourself." She stood up and came to stand so close to him she could almost be touching him. "I think that power can corrupt. By the Void maybe it always corrupts a little but only the strongest of men can resist it. You are the one of those men. If you weren't you would reach out and grab what you want. However, I promise you if it ever comes to that. If you ever can't resist the power by the goddess herself I will kill you. I will find a way. " She glanced at him as she whispered. "I swear it."
He didn't think that his fear was any less valid than anyone else. He just thought it was smaller in comparison to other fears. His fears was the noble teenage girl not knowing what she was going to wear to the next ball while there was someone elsewhere in the kingdom worrying about where their next meal would come. Both were valid, but in the wake of hunger the former seemed rather silly. "Is passing the leadership test a requirement to be Aine's high priestess?" -Whether or not he followed Aine or not had no bearing upon what she or her people believed. "More importantly do you think Aine would pick someone to be her high priestess whom wasn't capable of doing the job? I look at you." He whispered those words. He reached a hand out towards her to whip those tears away with a single finger "Would I be a horrible man if I just threw it away? Would I be betraying those I care about and swore to protect if I walked away from it?"
It might seem silly but some part of him resisted this destiny because everyone was so instant that he accept it. Some of it was because he was afraid he would fail to live up to their expectation, but there was a rebellious part of him that wanted to refuse simply because they wanted him to do it. Then there was a part of him that wanted to know if they would stay with him even if he did not live up to their exception--that even if he decided to walk away that he wouldn't somehow become lesser in their eyes. He looked at Kaleigh upon hearing her words---her promise if he was being honest. He seized her by the arm, pulling her towards him before pressing his lips against her own.
It didn't matter. Small fear, big fear, big issue, small issue, it mattered because it bothered him. That was all that counted in her eyes. Though she spent a lot of time listening to the fears or others or their problems. It was part of her role as Aine's priestess. She was the for all purposes the voice of the goddess on Asmiara. She tilted her head as she shook her head. "No. I mean I don't think so. If it was I would totally be sent back. We can be dismissed. I mean the goddess can release us or we can choose to move on. That however is another issue altogether. I just feel like damn I can't even be good enough to lead a clan. Why did she choose me if that is true?" She blinked at his words. "Do you? Sometimes I think I scare you." She didn't mean like oh no the witch will bite me. No, she meant in deeper ways. Ways she wasn't sure he was willing to admit even to himself.
She could understand questioning your path. She had only wanted to lead her clan. Instead, she was the voice of a goddess and not any goddess. Aine herself. She could get wanting to rebel against it. "I don't think so. I do however believe you would only do so if you thought it was best. I am not sure you believe that. I also know you care about all people. I mean sure yours first. I just don't think you would walk away from a kingdom that needs their king. It wouldn't make you bad to do it. I just think you aren't the type too. You have too much heart. It doesn't make one heartless to not follow that path. It just doesn't make them you." She looked up as he seized her by the arm and pulled her towards him. She had no idea what to expect there were a thousand different options. A kiss? She wasn't sure what it meant but for now it was enough to just be seen and noticed. So, she returned the kiss.
It might not matter to her. She might not pass judgement upon his fears or anyone else. She might not even compare on fear to another. Her role of Aine might allow her to be object when to listening to the fears of others, and thus allowing her to help them without belittling their concerns. It was very possible that Aine picked Kaleigh as her high priestess because she could listen and advice without judging. "Maybe, she believes in you or maybe she is trying to show your people that a test is not always needed to determine a person's place in life?" He shook his head at her words--denying her words about her scaring him in that one simple movement. He frowned at her words before letting out a sigh. "Having too much heart can be a bad thing. I know if I accept my role as fae king that I will have to put them first, and that will require me to break my vow to the people of Adrealia. People say I can do both, but I can't. Maybe it won't happen right away, but it will happen someday where I will have to hurt the people of Adrealia for my court's best interest."
He did not realize he had just called it his court "How can I look myself in the mirror when that happens? I will be an oath breaker and in my mind there are few sins worse than that." He didn't know why he kissed her. He had acted without thinking and now that it was done there was no going back---especially with her kissing him back. He allowed his lips to press against hers some more before pulling away.
It might be. But, in the end she supposed neither one of them would ever really know. Well, if she was dismissed they might know. She shook the thought off as she looked at him. "Anything is possible." She frowned at him and paused for a moment. "I can imagine it would be in your eyes. I am not saying it is right or anything. Or trying to belittle your oath here. It is just it seems to me...we make so many oaths. To honor our parents, our families, our people, our gods, whoever they might be. We made them without even thinking about it. We make them and it is impossible to keep them all. Some people might go through their whole entire life with no conflicts between them. And I know the elite oath is more...how do I say it...more official?" She shook her head slightly. "Still. Those are the lucky ones the ones that never have to figure out which to keep and which to break. I think the greatest of oaths is too ourselves. It might come down to a choice between the two. It might never come to that. I don't know. I can't see the future. However, I think that if anyone can play the line enough to try and avoid such things it is you. Perhaps, that is why you were chosen. Because you of all people are uniquely qualified for just such a task."
"I only know that I am sure you probably want to protect your sister as well and she is a fae. And you were put in the best place to do such. I don't know what you should do. However, I can tell you the most important oath to me is too yourself. So, what does your heart say to do." She simply smiled at his words. He had called them his court. She could point out that he had already made the decision but it was something he needed to realize for himself. "Perhaps you should see them. The fae I mean? It might help you? As for how you look yourself in the mirror. You just do. As long as you tried your best in the end of the day that is all anyone can do. And there are those in this world that wouldn't even do that. Those that would dismiss the humans as nothing and not even try. You of all people would never. Sometimes you have to forgive yourself for the sins you commit." She blinked as he pulled away and took a deep breath. "You want me to leave don't you?"
"I can't see the future either, but I am fool if I think that it will never come down to a choice between the two. It will. it is not a matter of if but when. Some oaths don't require you to breath another, but this isn't one of them. If I accept my role as fae king I will be breaking my oath as an elite. There is no way around that." -He didn't believe that he could avoid such things---mainly because taking his oath as fae king was walking right into such things, but maybe he can minimize such damage? Or maybe that what his guilty mind was just trying to convince him in order to get him to accept this role?- "I don't need to be a fae in order to protect my sister. I have been both her protector and provider long before I was an elite let alone fae."
She could point it out, but it wouldn't do her much good. "I don't need to see them. I know they are out there. One came to be---begging me to accept my role lest the humans find out she is dwelling with Adrealia." He turned his head away from her, shifting his weight between his feet for a few moments. "I don't think sins are erased simply because you did your best nor do I think you should forgive yourself for them, because to forgive yourself for your sins means that you give yourself permission to commit even more gruesome sins in the future. I can't do that. I won't do that. I will not be the man who thinks the end justify means." He snapped his eyes back towards her before letting out a sigh
"I can't see the future either. And yes some oaths never go against each other. And some we swear should never conflict end up doing so. And we are suddenly forced to make a decision which to keep. Perhaps, I view it differently than you do. No, you haven't needed to be anything other than human. However, she is now a fae. And as such her world is different and in order to protect her you still might have to break the elite oath even if you choose to remain as you are. And maybe you can be a human king of the fae. I don't know. Maybe you can bind to your sister's life force somehow. There are so many choices I can't even begin to imagine them all. All I know is that it is right there before you. She is the winter queen and the only thing left if for you to decide if you will be her knight."
"There is a difference between knowing they are out there and knowing them. I am sure you are aware of this." She watched him for a moment. "I think sometimes we have to forgive ourselves or we die." She looked down at her feet shifting her weight. "I don't know if it comes down to that. I don't think we should ever forget them. I do think we need to forgive ourselves. We are after all only human. Well...in a matter of speaking." She took a deep breath. He was the most annoyingly frustrating man she had ever met. It was like he wanted to but no matter what you said you couldn't find the way to push him over the edge. Her eyes looked up at him. "Don't give me that look. I don't know what to do. You're hot...you're cold. ..everything you take a step forward you give me hope only to crush it just as quickly in the next moment when you pull away. It feels like my heart is on this roller coaster ride ever since the day we met." She took a step towards him. "So, you tell me Alaric Cole. What is it you want?"
"I know that." Those words came out harsher than he had intended, and he let out a sigh "What my sister is haven't escaped me, and there are those that say I have already broken my oath when I didn't kill her after I found out what she was or when I didn't kill you or any other supernatural that cross over into Adrealia's border." He shook his head at her words. "No. I will not be a human king of the fae." He said those words in such a way that it left no room for argument. Through, the way he regarded her suggested that he expected her to argue it. "I will not be king of the fae period. I am a knight. That is all I will ever be, and if she wants me to accept a place in her new world she will accept my desire to be nothing more than her knight and pick another to be king of the autumn court. Because, I will not."
He found himself shaking his head upon hearing her words "I don't believe that. I believe that you can't forgive yourself if you want to live, because to forgive yourself means demoralizing the sin and to demoralize means to become a monster. That is the worse kind of death. It is the death of the spirit---the soul. That is the kinda death I will not partake in--even if it causes me unspeakable amount of pain I will not forgive myself for my sins." Everyone was trying to push him over the edge. Everyone was trying to figure out what to say to get him to accept this role---even those that claimed that the decision was his. He knew what everyone wanted. "Give you hope for what? That I will fall into line with what everyone think I should? That I will march to my sister and tell her that I will be king of the autumn court? Is that what you want? Is that what everyone is this fucking world wants?" He was going to say more, but her words caught him off guard. What is it you want? "I just want to be an elite, but I can't have that."
She simply raised her eyebrow at his tone of voice. She might have snapped back if it wasn't for the fact that she knew he was just frustrated. So, she let it slide. "I don't know that I think it did. It is just...I am sure...strange? I would think it would be strange to have a human sister who suddenly because a fairy." She had no better way to explain it. She wondered if it felt surreal to him at times. It was true some would say she had failed when he did that. She wasn't so sure. Some like her helped his people. She looked at him for the longest time. "That is part of what the autumn king is...the knight of winter. I don't know if you can dismiss one without the other. Though, I don't know that you mean it quite that way." She sighed as she looked at him.
"Do you know what I have been doing here lately? I have been teaching a young girl with healing powers how to heal. She is afraid to become an elite because of what they do with girl elites. She thinks it means that she can't help her people. That she would be locked away. I have been to the undercity with her. And she wants nothing more than to help her people. In the best way she can. I know this is a silly point to make. I just...the king of autumn controls the harvest. And fae they have way more than they need...as the king you could feed those people your people. You could make it so their was no price you could do so many things. If you don't want to be I can't force you...nor would I try. I just..." She shook her head having no idea what she was going to or should say next. "I think you will break your sister's heart. Goddess knows you have broken mine enough."
"I mean not about being a fairy. That isn't the important thing. No, you break my heart every time you say you don't care. Every time you say you don't love me. Every time you tell me to go away. Every single time a little bit of me dies." She wasn't trying to make him feel bad she was only speaking the truth. "What do I want? I thought that was obvious. I want you to feel the same way about me that I do about you. Sadly, it appears neither of us get what we want. I heard you were getting married. I wish you luck with that. Tell me something? Do you love her? Or is it just she is the best choice to keep being what you want?" She took a step forward as her hand brushed gently against his cheek. "Good luck, Alaric."
"You could say that." Alaric wasn't going to pretend that it wasn't strange or even surreal because it was. If he was being perfectly honest, the strangest part was that she had woken up fae inside of him. She had showed no sign of any supernatural tendency before this time. None at all. She had be been for every intent and purpose completely human. He, on the other hand, was an elite. It would stand to reason if any of them would suddenly wake up one day as something other than human it would be him. Some part of him felt as if he failed her. He knew that it was silly. Yet, the feeling was there lurking within the depth of his being--this feeling that she became a fae because of some inability on his part. He knew that it wasn't true nor was it a really loud and preexistence one. "Who says? Who made the rule that I can't dismiss one without dismissing the other?"
It was possible that if he wanted to be Izzy's knight that he had to accept the role as Autumn king. If that was the case---well, he didn't know then. He knew that he didn't want to be king. Any sort of king---whether it was king of the fae, Adrealia or anything else. He didn't think that he would make a good king. He was a knight, and that was all he was going to be---all he wanted to be. Beside, he'll need to break his code of honor if he wanted to be king. This wasn't because he believed he could only accept a kingship by breaking this code or that kings had none. They did. It was just a king and knight had different responsibilities towards their people, and a knight's code of honor was a poor tool for a king to aid in his responsibilities towards his people. "There are things about our society that needs to change. I will admit that much. The treatment of female elites without our order is one of them. I don't think our people are ready for females to take up the mantle of warrior, but we can give them other roles besides breeder. Perhaps, we can train them in the art of healing or other supportive roles."
He rolled his shoulder. He didn't expect her to give him any response towards those words. These weren't her people, and he knew that any suggestions he might have would have to be taken to Darken or Devaki. Izzy would help, but she was still getting used to being Queen of the Winter court that he didn't want to add any more concern to her plate "My sister will make sure that our people receive some of Autumn's harvest---even if I do not accept my role as king." She would. He knew that she would. They were still her people and she wouldn't want them to starve. She had provided them aid when he had been accepted into the order, and they had moved from the district into the estate the government had provided for them. He didn't see this stopping any time soon. In fact, if anything Alaric believes that his sister would understand the power that her position gives her, and use that power to better aid the people Adrealia.
There was a part of him that believed that they should give his people the seed rather than the fruit of the harvest, and teach them how to grow their own food. Of course, he understood the flaws within that plan, or at least one of them. The ability to grow your own food was pointless if you had no land to grow it upon. His thoughts were silenced in the wake of her next words. He stood there for a few moments in silence--uncertain how to respond to those words. He hadn't realized that she cared that much. He believed that she had been so insisted that he cared for her more than he liked to admit because some part of her found it amusing. He had been foolish. He knew that now. No, he knew that than. He knew that her feelings for him ran deep. Feelings that, if he was being completely honest, he shared. He didn't want to share them.
He didn't want his heart to pound within his chest whenever he was near her or to get butterflies within the pit of his stomach whenever he thought of seeing her next. He dismissed it. Pretended that it didn't exist. These feelings couldn't exist. He was an elite, and being in love with a witch was betraying the vows he took. He told himself that if he pushed those feelings down that he wouldn't be betraying anything. More importantly he told himself that if he denied them that eventually they would pass and he would forget about her. He convinced himself that she didn't feel the same way. This was done out of fear and hope. Fear of what would happen if he admitted his feelings and hope that he would never have to find out. Her words about Devaki gave him a moment reprieve.
It allowed him to turn his attention away from the pain that he caused her- "I love her. She is my twin soul." He hoped that she would understand what he meant by those words. He didn't know what witches called them, but the idea of twin souls wasn't a foreign one to her people. It was what their twins were, or at least what they believed they were. He didn't answer her other question. He knew the answer. He didn't marry her out of any romantic concept. He married her because he believed marrying anyone else would be unfair. He was an elite, and that lifestyle would steal him away faster than most. This was the reason why elites tended not to be allowed to marry. Death was common place for everyone, but for an elite it tended to happen faster than others. He didn't want to subjugate anyone to that pain.
Oh, he knew that it would still exist whether he was married to them or not. This didn't mean that he wished for someone to enter a marriage that will last only a few years when they still had a lifetime before them. He believed that they should marry someone that could live as long as them---grow old with them. Devaki deserved that as well, but Devaki was an elite. He did not think she was going to give that up nor did he believe that she was going to stop being an elite warrior like him---even if some deep suited part of him wished that she did. She understood what the order was about--the risk that it involved. It was why marrying her over anyone else was safer. He felt her hand against his cheek, and he immediately seized it with his hold. Closing his eyes as he pressed her hand against his cheek.
"I only want this." His eyes drifted shut for a few moments before they snapped open to regard her with a fury buried deep within them "I love you. Is that what you want to hear?" He seized her by the shoulder. "I do. I love you, and it infuriates me. Not just because you are a witch but, also, because you can't be just mine. You belong to another--your goddess. You'll always belong to another. You can't just be mine and mine alone." He moved away from her and had every intention of turning away, but he was suddenly upon her again--his lips pressed against her with a passion that he had not shown her before.
She did just say that. Well, she had to figure it was strange. After all why wouldn't it be? You are a human and your sister is something else? Though their are those that argue elites have supernatural dna or that humans are just supernaturals that have lost their powers and such. She had no idea the truth of the matter. In the end it didn't matter. To live with someone your whole life and have them suddenly change right in front of you that would be confusing as all get out. She frowned as she looked at him. "I don't know. That is the way it is done?" Okay, she knew that he was an instrument of change or that people thought of him as such. So, by all rights he should be able to bend the rules. But, she wasn't sure. Some things were universal law and others could be changed by the will of the people around them. She had no idea where this one fell. Would it hurt the fae if he did something like that? She had no real answers at this point.
Would he accept the role as king if he couldn't? If it meant keeping his sister safe? Would be throw away the oaths he made and embrace a role he didn't want? She also had no idea. The only person that could answer that question was him. She looked at him and only nodded. "I am not a part of your society. So, it isn't really my place to judge them. I mean I do everyone judges. I only know that there are things I don't like about it. However, I grew up different so it is hard for me to say this should be that. It is something you have to decide and your people. And some battles you fight despite the wishes of others simply because it is right." She knew that a knight did what he thought was best to protect those around them and not always what those around him wished him to do. A king in some regards was the same he should if he was a good king do what was good for his people. However, not all kings were good.
She was sure his sister would try her best. Izzy seemed a girl who wanted change too. Perhaps, not as radical as some people from what she had been told. But, still she seemed to want to change things up. It might be she was moderate enough to please those that protested but forward enough to move them towards a new beginning. But, it was also true she was a queen of the fae. She wasn't sure how that role was affecting the girl. It was hard when her own knight wasn't there. She only knew that Izzy would need someone to keep her safe. The girl while bold wasn't a warrior. It might be that they could do that as well. Give them seeds show them how to harvest them. Or even give them land to do it. She had no idea there were so many questions. It might be that everything was going to change or nothing what so ever. Time would give them all the answers that they ever needed.
It some parts it was exactly that. She had tried to play the game. She had teased and did as she always did. Some part of her was afraid to put herself out there. To come forward with her feelings so it was easier to act like it was amusing to try and get his attention so if she never succeeded she could break it off. She could move on. She had never known his feelings for her either. She had hoped that he liked her. She had longed for it but in the end he only seemed to find her a passing fancy. She knew he wanted her he keep falling into her in ways a lover did. However, she also knew that he held back. She thought perhaps he only likes me in bed but nothing more. Elites had many lovers perhaps I am just one in the ocean of many. His words about Devaki made her nod her head. "Is she? She isn't your twin? But, she is connected to you?" She was trying to make sure she understood just in case he had found out they were related or something since last she had heard. Because stuff like that did happen.
She stood so still when he took her hand not wanting to break whatever spell held the two of them there. She was afraid if she moved it would all melt away and they would return to normal. She would be lost with the longing once again, afraid to say how she felt, afraid that he would never feel the same. Then the words came tumbling out of her lips causing her to look up, her green eyes speckled with tears as she paused for a second. She had never thought to hear those words that she thought them first to be a dream. "You do?" The smile that crossed her lips causing her face to light up. His words causing her to pause. Aine was her destiny. She had been born for this role. However, a thought drifted across her mind as she looked up at him. "So, join me? Become Aine's High Priest. I am a witch yes. Aine however isn't just the creator of witches. I know you don't believe that. But, she is light. The first light she loves witches because they were the first. But, all creatures came from her children. And as such I hold no complete allegiance to any one nation. I am her voice on the the world. It is my duty to go wherever I am needed and as my priest your duty to protect me."
She took a deep breath. "The priest and priestess of Aine is different than normal ones. Kieran said it was why he had to kidnap me because without a priest I had no protector and the Giese were best suited to look after me till the real priest showed up. So, why not you. You could be Izzy's knight as well. I could live here. You could look after Devaki. Guard your people while you are here. And we could promote so much good for everyone. I mean...each new queen figures out how to set up her court. I read that once about fae. Izzy can set her court up however the fuck she wants. She can decide to be like I don't know some sort of over ruler and appoint a few lesser fae to guide the courts and report to her and you can guard her. You can remain a knight and you can love me..." Any other words she was about to say fell silent in wake of that kiss as she wrapped her arms around him, kissing him back. The world felt like it was melting away and for one moment it was just them. Only them. And that was alright.
It was. It was extremely confusing, if he was being perfectly honest. However, no matter how confusing it was for him it would be even more so for his sister. Isolda had no reason to suspect that this destiny laid before her. She had no reason to believe that she was going to wake up as a fae. Alaric imagined that she had been scared. Terrified of what was happening to her and what that meant for her future. She might have even felt alone. That was another reason why he felt as if he failed her. She felt as if she had to flee instead of talking to him. Okay, he didn't respond to her transformation in the best way. He had set out to kill her, but he would have never carried that task through. Some part of him knew that even when he set out to do just that. Alaric didn't know how true the theories that humans were just supernatural that have lost their power were.
It's possible that it is completely true, or just something that someone made up to explain why there are humans with special abilities. It might be possible that those humans with special abilities have supernatural ancestors within their family line and that those families whose members don't develop any unique talents have none. "Why? Why does it have to be done way? Is there something forbidding it from being done another way?" Everyone called him the instrument of change. He didn't see it. He was too stubborn, and even if he could bring about great change. So, could anyone else. He was no more capable of being an instrument of change than the next person. He didn't know what he would do if had to accept the role of king. He didn't want to break his oaths, but this wouldn't be the first time he had to do something he didn't want to do. He would if he thought it was the best.
He killed a small child once. She was probably five or six. Her mind had been taken by a witch's spell--stripped away until only a feral animal remained. He had tried to save her. He had been so desperate to save her. It was to no avail. He had to kill her. It was for the best. Not only for the people as a whole, but for the little girl as well. He cried when he did it. He never allowed anyone to know that. He never told anyone how he held that child's body to his chest and wept as if she had been his own. He knew that it would be the same way if the role of king is something that he cannot refuse. He will do what best regardless how hard the decision will make him weep. "Everyone passes judgement upon a society regardless if it is their society or not. Your society isn't perfect. There is flaws within it. But, you are right there are some battles that we must fight despite the wishes of others."
Change was coming for the people of Adrealia. There was no deny it nor any way of avoiding it. Whether this change was too subtle for anyone to notice or a radical one that while flip their entire society upside down Alaric had no way of knowing. He just knew that it was coming, but he also knew that it would come whether or not he served as its instrument. That was just the way of things. The world turned. Societies progressed and shifted and changed with the need of its people. The people of Adrealia would be foolish to think that their society would forever remain the same. In fact, Adrealia have proven countless times over the course of its history that it will change. Whether you are talking about the creation of the elite order or some other events---all these points to the progress of Adrealian society. It was true that not all kings were good. Some people found themselves in a position of power that had no place in that position.
Alaric might be a better king than he believed. He might find himself better suited for that role than he believes or even enjoying it greatly once he accepted it. He didn't know. What he did no was the idea of being king terrified him. He would be responsible for some many people, and in a vastly different way than he was now.
It was different going to the front line and defending his people against the swarms of monsters that threaten to kill them than deciding between the countless difficult choices that a king has to make. Choices that no matter how he sliced it always left someone hurting. However, in spite whatever decision he will make. He would always be there for Izzy. He will defend her with his last breath. He will always be her knight. Things would have been easier if his feelings for her was nothing more than a passing fancy. Alaric had those. Women whom he only slept with for a time. Nothing more than short affairs that passed like the sudden blowing of the wind. It wasn't as common as some elites he knew. There were elites whom seemed to have a new lover everyday. Not Alaric. He tended to keep his lovers longer than that.
"We're not related." He hoped that was what she was asking. If not she won't hesitate to make that fact clear. "She is. I don't know how to explain it. I just feel this deep connection to her. I don't know if it is the same thing, but it feels very similar to the stories of witches' twins." He just nodded his head at that question--unable to muster any more affirmative than that. He loved her. Now that he admitted those words his mind wouldn't shut up about it. There was some part of him that wondered if it didn't want him to scream it at the top of his lung until his voice became harsh. He heard her words, but some part refused to accept what she had said "What? Join you?" -His tone was clearly confused. As if he was woken up suddenly and had no clue where he was or even whom he was. He stared at her with a rather dumbfounded expression upon his face.
Join her? Could he do that? Physically he could. There was nothing stopping him. Yet, the real question is should he? Would the same thing stopping him from just accepting his role as fae king stop him from accepting this role. Would accepting this role be breaking his vow as an elite? Aine was the highest symbol of the witches. It might be true that Kyleigh's people viewed her as the creator of the world, but his people viewed her as a symbol of the witches. If he became her high priest would they consider that act of treason? Fuck them. He didn't care. Oh, he cared about his people. He would always love them, but he didn't care if they liked this role. He wanted it. No. That was wrong. He didn't want it. He believed that it was the right choice. There was some part of him that was screaming at him to say yes. A part that was impossible to ignore in the way of him admitting his feelings towards Kyleigh
"Only if you'll be my queen. I will be king of the autumn court as well as high priest of high as long as you will be queen of the autumn court and high priestess of Aine." Were both possible? Was he biting off more than he can chew? Could the autumn court have both queen and king? He thought Izzy said something about the court having just one. That if the autumn court had a king than his wife was nothing more than a consort. He didn't want Kyleigh to be a consort. He wanted her to be equal to him in all things. Sure, there were some things that he would be superior to her over others, but there were things that she would be superior to him. He did not want his kingship to be one of them. He allowed the kiss to intensify. He wanted to drawn within her. He wanted to get lost within her embrace until the rest of the world melted away and there was only the two of them left
It was different but in some ways the same. They both had to do what was best. One was much more hands on in a manner of speaking. You were off fighting and killing and dying if that was what was needed. Kings on the other hand she supposed for the most part they were suppose to live. They were the center stone of their lands and their lives were perhaps the most important of all. Though a good king would say their people's lives were the most important. It was a very complicated thing to be a king. A knight she supposed was simple. You would always throw yourself in front of the knife for another. Well, if you were a good one. There were those that would say not for peasants or other such nonsense. Al just wasn't that type. He was the type that would be more than happy to give his life even for the lowest of the low because none of them were low in his eyes. They weren't in hers either but to some they were and that was a sad thought.
She had no idea how many lovers he had. She didn't like keep track. She knew he had a few. If he had more it might not surprise her. Though surprisingly most the men she knew seemed to be selective. Sindri had only a few as far as she knew and Ashir only had Aiyana. It might be a theme for her. To be honest despite the fact that seduction magic was her specialty and she was very likely to tease or kiss someone. She really didn't run around willy nilly getting lovers either. A fact that might surprise most people sure she was probably more open than some but not as open as others.
She stood there waiting for a response. Could she really do that? Offer him the job? She wasn't sure. Nor did she care. It might be said she should care. It was the goddess who decided such things? But, no some part of her knew she could. She could just decide. The only person that could stop her was Aine and if Aine didn't like it well...she would deal with that when the time came. Besides, like so many things she knew it was right. And she trusted her own instincts when it came to her goddess. Of course Al could refuse and that would put her right back where she had started from. She wished he would say something it was making her nervous. There were so many fears running through her head. He didn't want to be a king let alone a priest to Aine. That could be considered by some either further from his people. So, she waited holding her breath.
His words were not what she was expecting. Could she even do that? She had no idea. She thought that each court only had one? It would be consort wouldn't it? She had no answers. Perhaps, they were both crazy people trying too hard to keep each other. Or perhaps as long as they were willing to fight for it they could have anything in the world. She had never been one to expect she could have greatness. That had always been Katia. Her sister whom everything just came naturally too but who wanted none of it. The girl who had a special power that was rare. The promise of leadership who didn't want it. Kaleigh had wanted to lead. Perhaps, that was wrong or bad. But, she had wanted to ensure the safety of her people. Now she was being offered a chance to rule something else with a man she adored. She took his hand. One way or the other she would make this work.
"Are you sure? I would follow you to the ends of time itself if I had too. But, I don't want you to pick a path that goes against your morals." She looked up at him as she was drawn more into that kiss. There were times she wished the world away. However, this moment with him she wrapped her arms around him. She felt like she could fly.
This was true. The role of king and knight were very much the same yet undeniably different at the same time. They were both roles that required one to do what is best for the people, but how a knight went about performing this duty was vastly different than how a king did it. This might be because there wasn't such a pressure for the knight to live. If the knight dies there was always another---just as capable--waiting to fill the hole he left. His death did not impact his people as much. Alaric knew that there were those that would mourn the knights death. Those who felt the world had became lesser because of it, but truth be told a society would not fall apart with the death of a knight. A king was a different story. A king had the ability to make or break his society. A country feel and rose with her king. A nation swore to unspeakable heights with a great king and feel to impossible lows with an horrible one.
The death of a king could have dire consequence for a country. This was why heirs were very important to king. They needed to secure their next in line, and make sure that their dynasty didn't die. It wasn't out of vain that this desire rose. There was a deep suited fear within every king that if they did not secure an heir that they didn't only risk losing their dynasty but dooming their country to fall into ruin. The absence of an heir left a country to the civil war, and such a war could tear the country apart. There was another reason that a king cannot throw his life away in the same manner that a knight can. A knight acted in the moment. If someone is in danger--it is a knight's duty to leap into action. A knight is expected to throw himself in front of a blood without hesitate. He is expected to sacrifice his life for one person. A king, on the other hand, is discouraged for making this type of sacrifice.
This is not saying that a king is not encouraged to love his people. He is. A good king loves his people with all his heart. A good king will consider is people's lives much more important than his own. A good thing will not think twice about saving the lives of his people--all his people. And that is where knight and king differ in sacrificing their lives differ. A king is encouraged to only sacrifice his life when the whole of his country is threatened while a knight is encouraged to sacrifice his for the individual. This was why he felt that knights made poor king. It was hard going from a man that is encouraged to sacrifice himself from the one to the man who is encouraged to only sacrifice himself for the many. Alaric didn't know how many others lovers she had. He knew that witches were rather open about such things. Their society encouraged them to spread their love freely.
However, he wasn't foolish enough to believe that all witches did so. He was certain that there were witches that slept with anyone they crossed path and then there were those that have only ever slept with one other person. He did not know where she fell upon the line. Yet, he wouldn't be surprised if she told him that she was drawn to men that was rather selective in their lovers. There were probably some among the men she was drawn to that were more selective than others. It was probably true that if Aine didn't like her choice in a high priest that she would make that fact clear. Perhaps, she would have done so by having him refuse. It was possible she showed her approval by making it so easy for him to accept? The elite didn't think that wanting to lead was wrong or bad. He just didn't think everyone that had that urge were right for the job. Did he believe that about Kaleigh? No. He didn't.
He believed, in spite, what her test said that she could be a good leader. And perhaps, he saw this as a chance to prove that to her. He didn't know if she would accept it. She might refuse---rejecting this offer under the belief that if her society said she isn't fit to lead than she isn't fit to leave.
He couldn't blame her if that was the case. He had rejected his role of king of the autumn court under the pretense that his society thought it was wrong, or rather under the believe that accepting it would be breaking his oath. Some part was expecting her to refuse it, and so her next spoken words took him by surprise. "I would not have said it if I was unsure. I am morally okay with this decision." This was true. Alaric had a habit of acting on things that his moral compass said is wrong, But, he only spoke something aloud when he is absolutely morally okay with it. Some part of him believed that the act was his mind way of forcing himself to address the issue---admit feelings that he had that went against his society's moral compass. Funny how his mind understood just how stubborn he was.
Flying. Flying sounded good? However, he pulled away from that kiss, regarding her for a few long moments before saying "I think I owe several people conversation."
There was no way around it. It was the same and different. Some kings though were warriors and it made her wonder how many of them died before they ensured a future for their people. She had no idea. There was so many questions running through her head. So, many details to work out with so many others. It didn't really matter. She had chosen a path and this was the right course of action. And the world would fall in line or it wouldn't it really was that simple. She had been taught to follow her instincts and it could be said that those instincts had made her fail her leadership test. It might be said she was a bad leader so she shouldn't rule. So many things might be said. However, there was a part of her that could at this moment see with such simple clarity. Who gave a fuck? The world could brand her not right. She didn't care. Al believed in her and that was enough. Could a test really say if you could lead? She had no idea. It might be a good tool. Perhaps, some things should change amongst her own people as well. People rose up to lead all the time. People who weren't born noble or were never tested. They simply did. Hell, Ever was leading before she had taken a test. She didn't need one to tell her. She simply knew.
She looked at him as he pulled away from the test. Her green eyes glistening for a moment. It was true they had so many people to talk too. "As do I. I have a funny feeling our decision here today well change everything. By the way I was thinking you could maybe train with a witch. Ever might be able to help you with some of your powers. I know your type only believes in defensive magic. But, a good knight should know both. And she is a master at illusion magic and well...she is bloody magic. I can ask her if you like?" She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "I think it is time to get moving." She moved back and lifted her hand good bye as she vanished to set so many things into motion.
Warrior or not, many kings probably died before ensuring a future for their people. Death did not come knocking only when you wish it to nor did it come before old age for those that took the field of battle. If that was true than his parents wouldn't have died when they did nor would countless other people have died from other causes beside the wounds of battle. Kings were no different. There are plenty of kings that died from some kind of ailment or accident that had nothing to do with being a warrior. He smiled at her words "It will, and more than either of us realize." He had no idea how this decision will change everything, but he knew that it would and he knew that his own words were right.
It would change things more than either of them would realize and in such a way that neither of them would expect. They have been standing on the edge for the longest time--hesitating to take plunge because they knew that others were tied to them. Okay, he had been. He didn't know about her. He decided to take the chance. Decided to leap, pulling his society with him and hoping that they will fly rather than fall. No, perhaps he expected them to fall and was merely hoping that they were strong enough to pick themselves back up when they did. "You're right a good knight needs both. A good knight should act as much as react. Perhaps, we can find a place for our females by changing the way we train our males. We can teach females defensive magic while teaching males both. I'll seek her out when I am ready." He watched her vanish.
There was some deep suited part of him that had wished to reject her words---to deny knights needed both, but once he opened his mind to the idea of change it was impossible to walk away from it. Perhaps, he really was going to be the instrument of change because right now he felt like a great wind about to sweep across the land and there is no force in the world that will be able to stop him. Deter him maybe. Alter his path certainly, but stop him---never. He moved to find his sister and hold a conversation with her that was a long time coming.
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