“It’s… Just up here… up those stairs.” Fairien pointed, pausing to catch the wall to prop himself up. Will joined him by his side and watched him silently. The wanderer joined them, watching. Will glanced at her.
“Wanderer, go see if the door at the top is locked.” He said. She looked at him strangely, and was about to say something, but Will cut her off with a look. She slowly nodded and left. Will turned back to Fairien.
“Take a rest. You can’t let Minerva see you like this.” He said quietly.
“She knows how weak I am.” Fairien said. “What does it matter how I appear physically?” he bowed his head. “It’s all over now anyway.” Will stared at him, and surprisingly, felt anger building up.
“How can you say that? You know what kind of things are depending on us!” he said, trying to keep his voice low. “I know, a little while ago I wanted to give up too, but when I realized what that truly meant- I knew I couldn’t do it- and you can’t either!”
“Will,” Fairien said, “You do realize that I haven’t come here to fight Minerva, don’t you?” he said. Will frowned and opened his mouth,
“Then what-”
“I’ve come to beg.” Fairien said with a sigh. Will stared at him in silence. Fairien continued, “I am going to beg her to leave my people alone. If that means my death, then so be it.” He looked up at Will. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t want you to have to see this. If she wants to kill me, I’ll make sure she’ll help us separate first. I wouldn’t want you to die too.”
“Fairien!” Will hissed fiercely. “Don’t say that! Don’t!” he said, “Don’t let her break your spirit! Never! Never let anyone break your spirit! If your spirit is broken, then what happens to the spirit of Betamy? Is it gone?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know anything.” Fairien said dully, and pulled himself up. The wanderer’s feet could be heard, returning down the steps.
“It’s unlocked.” She called.
“Good.” Fairien said, pushing past her, ascending. Will followed them. He wasn’t sure what to do, or if he could do anything. Even when Fairien had been at his gloomiest, he had never reached this level of spiritless depression. Again, he felt that strange anxious anger filling him. Fairien reached the top first and pushed the door open. The sky’s light rushed in. Will realized that it was only mid morning. They walked out onto the top level of the castle, and looked around. Fairien shivered. She was here.
“Minerva.” He called.
Child. A voice said in his head. Fairien stiffed.
Why don’t you show yourself? You’ll be easier to talk to. He said.
So you want
to talk now Michael? Well, that’s good because I do too. Minerva said. However,
I don’t think it’s necessary to bring the mortals into this. In fact, you’d
probably prefer that they didn’t know of our conversation. Correct?
Alright.
Fairien agreed grudgingly. I suppose you know why I’m here?
To beg? No need for that Michael. I don’t want humiliate you. I have a simple bargain in mind. Minerva said.
“Where is she?” the wanderer asked, looking around. Will frowned. He could feel something, something working all around him. He knew Minerva was here he could feel that much. He turned to Fairien, and noticed Fairien standing very still and staring straight ahead.
“He’s talking with her…” Will murmured, realizing.
“He’s what?” the wanderer asked.
“They’re talking.” Will said.
Great, you could have at least acted normally. Minerva said in distaste. Fairien sighed.
Yes. Minerva said. But not now. Not here. Fairien frowned.
Then what do you want? He asked.
I want you to meet me at the center of the world. Minerva said simply. Fairien’s eyes widened.
“No!” he shouted. “No way! I’ll die, but nothing is worth that!”
Don’t speak out loud. Minerva chided him. That’s my bargain. Otherwise, I will destroy Betamy and wipe out every single one of your children. I left a few Hailians out of curtsey for Azrael, because I like him. However, I will not leave any Betamians. She promised. In fact, I know just the one to start with. Fairien frowned as he felt an image thrust into his mind. There were trees and people. Lots of people. They were crowded around a small group. Fairien felt his heart quicken as he saw that the group consisted of Collin, Demus and Tella. Areans held knives at their throats, ready to slit them at a moments notice. The men holding the knives had a slightly glazed look that Fairien immediately recognized as the look people got when Minerva was influencing them. He cursed loudly.
“Don’t!” he shouted.
Say you’ll come, or they are dead. Minerva said quietly. I’d rather not kill them, but if you don’t comply, I’m afraid I’d be forced to.
Minerva, please! Fairien pleaded, Don’t do this! What can you possibly gain from this? He asked.
Hope Michael. She said. Hope for a better world.
I don’t want to argue with you Michael. It is a simple question. Yes or no? she asked. Fairien caught his breath, his eyes wide.
I can’t make this decision. He thought.
You had better. Minerva said. I’m growing impatient. If you don’t respond I’ll kill them… In five… Four… Three… Fairien noticed Will moving toward him, speaking to him, but Fairien couldn’t hear him. He had to do something!
“Alright!” he shouted, feeling his knees wobble unsteadily.
… You see Michael. Minerva said, I can be reasonable. Fairien watched the knives were lowered. The Areans blinked, then slowly moved back, retreating silently back to the shore. Tella, Demus and Collin watched them in confusion. The picture slowly faded away and Fairien was left with himself.
“Minerva…” Fairien breathed painfully. “Please…”
I’ll expect you there by the end of tomorrow. Be glad I’m giving you that. If you don’t show up, I’ll return to Betamy and destroy the country. Oh, and bring your little puppet. He might come in handy. You never know. She said. See you later. And she was gone. Fairien realized he had fallen to the ground and Will and the wanderer were on each of his sides, calling his name. Slowly Fairien pulled himself up and gazed sadly at them.
“I’m sorry.” He said.
Tella, Demus and Collin watched as the last of the Areans loaded onto the boat and departed.
“Something is wrong.” Demus said. “Something is terribly wrong.”
“I think your right.” Tella said hollowly.
“Why don’t we go to the castle?” Demus suggested. “We can regroup there.”
“Maybe Will and the wanderer are there.” Collin said. Tella nodded.
“I hope so… I hope they’re alright.” She said. Demus rested his hadn't on her shoulder comfortingly.
“They’ll be alright. Be thankful for what we’ve come out of.” He said sadly and gazed down at the body littered hill bottom. Most of the Betamian army lay there. Tella felt her eyes tear up and wiped them angrily.
“Come on.” She said, pulling them away.
It wasn’t until late afternoon that they reached the castle. It wouldn’t have taken so long, except that they kept finding wounded, both Betamians and Areans. Camps had to be set up around those who couldn’t be moved, and those that could be moved were put on planks and carried to the castle. It was depressing to note that there were only about fifty men who could still walk, out of the three hundred they had had before the battle. Finally, once all the arrangements were made, Tella, Demus and Collin made their way slowly to the castle.
Tella watched as the doors opened before her. She wasn’t in the mood to make a grand entrance at the front of the castle, and had instead taken one of the side entrances. Nonetheless, as soon as she opened to door a figure rushed forth and grabbed her, hugging her tightly.
“Tella!” Avery shouted. “I’m so glad you’re alright.” He pulled back slightly to let her breath. Tella smile briefly but looked worriedly around. Avery frowned, leading her and her friends in.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. “I heard the Areans retreated.”
“They did… But…” Tella shook her head. “There was something weird about it. They had no reason to retreat. I think maybe they’re planning something… This isn’t over.” Avery gazed at the floor silently for a moment, then lifted his eyes up to study Tella’s companions. He noted a boy with white hair, looking at him curiously and a tall man beside him… Avery blinked, taken aback for a moment. Demus shifted his eyes, uncomfortably. Would everyone he met look at him like that? Like royalty? He wasn’t used to it. Avery, however, stayed silent, only making a small polite nod of acknowledgment and then said,
“I suppose your all hungry. I’ll have something brought to you in the West room.” Tella cocked her head.
“The West room? Why would we eat in the visitor room?” she asked. Avery paused, awkwardly.
“Because we have a visitor.” He said. Tella sighed, rolling her eyes.
“If it’s the Chancellor, tell him to stick it up his-”
“No.” Avery said, cutting her off. “It’s not the Chancellor.”
“… then, who is it?” Tella asked frowning. Avery looked away again.
“Maybe you should go see.” He said. Tella’s eye’s narrowed and she frowned. Avery, flicked his eyes up to hers, then immediately dropped them again, and shuffled off, mumbling,
“Come with me.” Tella paused a moment, wondering what on earth could make Avery behave like that. Slowly, she followed him, leading Demus and Collin behind her.
The West room was a nice room. There was a reason it was the room reserved for important guests. It’s walls were covered in a nice warm brown color, with intricate patterns painted along the sides. The room was laid out comfortably, with nice chairs pulled up to a polished table. The room didn’t give a really formal feeling, but it served the purpose of welcoming, giving the guest a taste of Betamian hospitality, while at the same time showed the guest the honor that they deserved.
Tella thought all of this over as they approached the West Room’s door. She was more annoyed than curious as to who the visitor was. Why wouldn’t Avery say anything?
Avery took hold of the door handles and opened them, bowing slightly and motioning for them to enter. Tella strode in, as Demus and Collin followed closely behind her. They too were quite interested in this mysterious guest.
In the comfy chairs sat Will and the wanderer. They looked up as they entered and smiled slightly. Tella blinked, looking past them and stopped. Seated at the table was Fairien. He swallowed nervously.
“Hello. Tella.” He said.
They were seated around the table with plates of hot steaming soup lining their places. Avery had delivered food and then set off to finish other duties. It was dark outside, but there were lamps lit within the room, giving it a warm peaceful atmosphere. Tella suspected Avery had done that on purpose. Well, they needed all the peace they could get.
She and Fairien really hadn’t talked much. They had tried to a little, but when small talk runs out what could they do? Tella had considered asking him what it felt like to die, but restrained herself, thinking it might not be polite… Besides, she thought nervously, this guy might not even be the Fairien she’d known… He was after all Michael, the spirit of their world… Funny, she’d never believed in him. She remembered how Fairien always had, even to the reaches of stupidity… She supposed it was rather ironic he had died in his own name.
As the minutes went by and the conversations died slowly, they could feel a subject hovering over them. Finally, Collin broke the silence.
“So… What exactly is going on with Minerva?” he asked. The question was obviously directed at Fairien. Fairien looked down in his soup. It had been good soup. Lots of fresh vegetables, and hot, the way he liked it. The bowl was familiar too it-
“Come on Fairien! Answer us! We need to know!” Tella shouted before she could restrain herself. Fairien looked up and glared at her sullenly.
“The Areans retreated from what Tella and the others have told us.” The wanderer said, “But why would they do something like that? What did you say to Minerva?” she asked. Tella, Demus and Collin perked up their ears. Fairien had talked to Minerva?
“I… made a deal with her.” Fairien said. He glanced up for a moment, and noticed Will watching him grimly.
“… Just what did you promise her?” the wanderer asked.
“I told her I would go to the center of the world.” Fairien said. They stared at him.
“What?” Tella asked. “Where’s that?”
“The center of the world of course.” Collin said making a face at her. Tella growled.
“Shut up Collin! You don’t know anymore than the rest of us so stop acting smug! Now, Fairien, what is the significance of this place you have mentioned?”
“That’s where they met.” Will said distractedly. Fairien nodded.
“You remembered.” He noted. Will nodded and looked at his friends, explaining.
“When this world was created, the three deities awoke in their own countries and then instinctively drew together. The place where they came together and met it called the center of the world. Didn’t you say it’s out in the ocean now Fairien?” he asked. Fairien nodded.
“It is.” He said. But tomorrow when Minerva goes there, it will rise out of the ocean.”
“Ummm,” Tella said, “Why? What does Minerva care about this center of the earth? I wouldn’t think she’ much of one for sentimental places…”
“No. She’s not.” Fairien said. “Minerva wants me to go there so she can…” he winced as he said it, “…begin the apocalypse of this world.”
“Do what?” the wanderer asked wide-eyed. “She wants to end the world?” Fairien shrugged.
“I guess. That’s the only reason she would want me there. For the apocalypse to happen, all three of us must go to the center of the world and… well… kill each other, using the talismans. That’s what the talismans were created for really.”
“But… It’s not time for the world to end… is it?” Demus asked. Fairien shook his head angrily.
“No!” he shouted. “It’s not. No where near! Minerva is insane. I don’t know what she wants anymore…”
“… So,” Will said, “You promised Minerva the apocalypse in exchange for the safety of Betamy for one night?” Fairien looked up at him, glaring at him.
“What did you want me to do?!” he shouted.
“You could have fought her!” Will said angrily. “You gave in!”
“She would have killed everyone in Betamy!” Fairien shouted back. Will glared at him.
“That’s better than the apocalypse.” He said. They stared at each other in cold silence. Everyone else shifted uncomfortably in their chairs. Tella had to admit, Will had a point, and for all of her bravery, she wasn’t sure she would have dared say anything like that to Michael. Maybe Fairien, but not Michael.
“At least then some of the world would still be living.” Will said.
“If you want to call it living.” Fairien spat. Will blinked, looking back at him.
“What do you mean?” he asked. Fairien’s expression slowly drained of its anger. He looked depressed again.
“If Azrael and I die completely… the people of this world will lose their true spirits and souls. What they’ll have left are shadow spirits and souls… In other words, they’ll be puppets of Minerva’s, since there won’t be anything left to stand against her.”
“People could live without spirits or souls?” Demus asked. He felt himself shudder. “That’s terrible.” Fairien nodded. He fixed his eyes on Will as he spoke.
“No one would be able to feel anything. There would be no deep thoughtful realizations, no ingenuity, no passion, and certainly no love.”
“No love?” Tella asked.
“No love.” Fairien repeated. “Love is a conception between the soul and spirit. If both of them are gone, it cannot exist.”
“That sounds like theory.” Collin said. Fairien gazed at him.
“Really?” he asked. “I suppose you know more about it than me?” Collin flushed, but kept his eyes from moving to the floor. Fairien was a really bad person to get into a staring contest with, he realized.
“… You said for the apocalypse to occur, all three of you have to be there?” the wanderer asked. “What about Azrael?” Fairien sighed and turned to her.
“She’ll find a way to bring him. Since he doesn’t have a physical form anymore, Azrael won’t be able to defy her and not come if she calls for him. He won’t have control over it.”
“Can’t you do anything to stop her?” Will asked. Fairien shrugged.
“Maybe.” He said. “All I can think is to keep her from killing me.”
“She would need the mirror talisman for that.” Collin said. Fairien nodded uneasily, eyeing the bulge in Collin’s shirt. “Without it, she couldn’t hurt you, could she?”
“No… Not in less I possessed a mortal…of course, she would have to possess a mortal as well…”
“Mahito is dead though.” Tella said.
“…That’s true.” Fairien said nodding uncomfortably. “… however, for safety’s sake, I would ask that none of you come with me, when I go tomorrow.”
“What?!” Tella shouted. “Not come with you? Of course we’re going! You can’t tell us we can’t come!”
“Yes I can.” Fairien said, growing annoyed.
“All of us?” Will asked. “What about me?” Fairien paused and shook his head.
“No Will. You can’t come either.” He said.
“You think Minerva might try and possess one of us?” Demus asked.
“No way! She can’t possess us!” Tella said. “You have to be willing to be possessed for her to be able to, right?”
“Well, vaguely willing, anyway.” Fairien said. “I have the utmost faith in all of you, but even so, you never know what she might try.”
“She wouldn’t possess me!” Will shouted. “I could fight her, and besides, you need me for foundings. You’ll be much to weak to face her without me.”
“As long as Minerva leaves the Betamians alone, I’ll be fine.” Fairien said. “I’m sorry, but I really don’t want you all there. It would only cause trouble.”
“How do you know?” Will asked quietly. Fairien stared at him a moment then said slowly,
“Because Minerva told me to bring you.” He said. “She said, ‘bring your puppet along, he might come in handy,’ and whatever Minerva tells me to do, I’m sure that I don’t want to do it. Her words were sinister to say the least.”
“I still think I could help you.” Will said.
“What about the rest of us?” Tella asked. “Are we completely useless? We’ve got the talisman of heart! The staff, created by you and Azrael! The thing that can kill Minerva!”
“Which is why you should give me the staff.” Fairien said, turning to the wanderer. The wanderer frowned.
“It was given to me by Azrael. I don’t think he ever intended it to be used to kill.” She said. Fairien sighed and rolled his eyes.
“I’m sure he didn’t, but that staff is just as much mine as it is his.” He said. “Besides, I at least know how to use it. You on the other hand have no idea of its power.”
“Take Will.” the wanderer said. “He’s your talisman. The staff is mine, and Azrael’s.”
“There you go, talking about me like an object again.” Will scowled.
“I’m not taking Will! And none of you are coming!” Fairien said growing angry.
“I don’t care what you are Fairien!” Tella shouted, “You’re not leaving us behind. I’m not going to let you go off on another mission of yours and get yourself killed again. I don’t want to have to ask myself if I could have stopped it... If I could have helped you.” The room grew quiet as they all watched Fairien. He shook his head angrily.
“If I die… You won’t have to worry about that.” He said. “… You won’t be able to.”
“Idiot! You think I want to live like that? You think anyone wants to live like that?!” Tella shouted, standing up and pushing her chair against the table roughly. “We’re going tomorrow, with or without your approval. We’ll find a boat and I don’t care how much you try to stop us, I seriously don’t think you have the power to put up much of a fight. We are going.” With that she turned and walked out of the room, muttering, “Good night.” And slammed the door. Fairien sighed and looked down at his soup.
“Right… Perhaps we all ought to go to bed…” Demus said peaceably. Collin yawned and slipped out of his chair.
“Do you think they have any tea around here?” he muttered to himself more than to anyone else.
“Try the kitchens.” Fairien mumbled. Collin nodded, and disappeared down the hall. Demus rose as well, and went off to find where he was to sleep. The wanderer followed him out silently. Will rose, and walked to the door, but stopped. He frowned slightly and turned back to Fairien.
“I didn’t mean to be so… argumentative.” He said. “I… think you made the right choice… I didn’t know all that stuff, about what would happen to the world if you died. I’m sorry.” He said. Fairien glanced up.
“I know…” he said. “It’s fine… I don’t mind if you argue with me. It’s kind of helpful in a way… Kind of helps me see the other side to things… Anyway, I know your feeling bad because of your uncle…” he paused. “I’m really sorry about that.” Will nodded.
“Thank you.” He said and touched the doorknob. “I think I’ll go to sleep now…”
“You’re going aren’t you?” Fairien asked. Will blinked, not understanding him at first. Fairien looked up at him and clarified his words, “I mean, tomorrow. You’re going?” Will slowly nodded. Fairien closed his eyes.
“I warned you.” He said.
“Yes. You did.” Will said, then slowly slipped out the door. “Good night.” He said, then peeked back in and added, “You should go to bed too. You’ll need all the rest you can get.” Fairien smiled slightly and nodded. Will disappeared again, his footsteps growing more distant. Fairien sat by himself for a few minutes, then he slowly rose. He wasn’t ready to sleep yet. He had so many things running around in his head he didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t sure of anything, except that this whole thing was going to be a huge disaster, and that he would probably be the main cause of it. He walked down the halls and found himself in a cozy commons room. He smiled, remembering this room. It had always been one of his favorites. It had a couch and a fireplace and a large window to the side. He sat on the couch and watched the fire. This room was close to the kitchens. He could smell the lingering fumes of the soup from supper. Avery had always been a very good cook. Of course, that may have had something to do with the fact that he had a team of Betamy’s finest cooks under his authority. Fairien sighed. For all the warmth and comfort of this room, he still couldn’t get rid of his troublesome thoughts. He stood up and strode to the small bar counter and sat on a stool, staring down at the tile.
He heard a small noise from the next room and found himself jumping slightly at it, like a started cat. He silently reprimanded himself and looked over to see who had made the noise. Collin stood in the door way, holding a cup of tea, watching him with an expression that clearly said, I wanted this room for myself… I wouldn’t have come in here if I thought it was already occupied… Fairien frowned as Collin moved inward, not wanting to be rude by turning around and leaving. He sat down at the bar across from Fairien and sipped his tea. After a moment, his eyes moved up to meet Fairien’s face. He stared for a moment, then slowly opened his mouth to speak.
“I suppose you want to defy me as well?” Fairien asked grumpily. Collin paused a moment, frowned and shook his head.
“Uhhh… No sir.” He said. “I was just wondering if you would pass me the sugar.” Fairien stared at him, dumbfounded for a moment, then laughed at himself and handed Collin the sugar.
“Sorry.” He mumbled.
“You’re as bad as Will.” Collin said, taking the sugar and adding liberal amounts to his tea.
“You shouldn’t put so much sugar in it.” Fairien said absently. Collin glared at him from over the top of his mug.
“Shut up.” He said. Fairien rolled his eyes.
“I swear, none of you even know what the word respect means, do you?” he asked. Collin laughed.
“We have to be like this.” He said, “If we want to survive, that is. If we ever let our selves seriously sit down and think about all the stuff we’re doing, we’d go crazy.” He said. Fairien shrugged.
“I guess.” He said, slipping back into his somber mood. Collin glanced at him and frowned.
“Tomorrow’s the big day then.” He said. Fairien’s mood darkened into further gloom.
“Yeah.” He muttered. Collin watched him a moment.
“You’re scared aren’t you?” he asked quietly. Fairien glanced at the boy. It was really starting to annoy him to have all these mortals around that could read him as well as he could read them. Well, he reflected, your not doing a very good job of hiding yourself from them…
“Don’t worry.” Collin said, “What can Minerva do to you? Like you said, if you don’t possess a mortal, she can’t kill you! And don’t worry about the Mirror talisman. We won’t let her use it on you.”
“… Have you got it?” Fairien asked. Collin nodded slightly and touched his chest.
“Right here.” He said. Fairien suppressed an instinctual shiver.
“Hm, now that I think about it I can smell Minerva’s stench all over that thing…” he muttered. Collin looked down, pausing.
“Do you know a lot about Minerva?” he asked. Fairien turned his head a bit, focusing on Collin.
“I know a good bit. Why?” he asked.
“… I was wondering… If you knew what was going on with her about two years ago.” Collin said.
“What do you mean?” Fairien asked.
“Like what she was doing, or planning, or…” Collin shrugged, turning his eyes away.
“… I’m sorry. I was a mortal at the time.” Fairien said. “I had no idea about Minerva then. I haven’t had any notion of her plans for about twenty years now. She shut herself completely off from me and Azrael.”
“Oh.” Collin said.
“Sorry…” Fairien said, “Why do you ask?”
“… I was… Just curious.” Collin said carefully. Fairien rolled his eyes.
“What kind of answer is that?” he asked. Collin looked up and met his eyes for a moment.
“… I suppose I could tell you…” he murmured. “I think I can trust you… Of all people… You might understand.” he sighed. “I tried to tell Demus… But I didn’t tell him the details…”
“What are you talking about?” Fairien asked slightly annoyed, but trying to be compassionate.
“Uh, sorry.” Collin said flushing. Fairien sighed.
“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” He said kindly. Collin shook his head.
“No. No… You might… You might understand what happened…” he frowned looking down trying to gather his thoughts together enough to relate the story in a half comprehensible way. Fairien waited patiently.
“Back about two years ago I was attacked by Mahito while living in Avrai.” Collin said finally. “I was home alone and he broke in… He had that… crazy look about him that he gets when Minerva gets too close to him… That’s why I thought she might have had a connection in it… Anyway, he attacked me with some sort of magic, which was clearly meant to kill me… But it didn’t.” Collin frowned. “I really don’t remember much after that… When I woke up he was gone. But… I’ve never known why he attacked me. At the time I had only seen him once or twice before that and had given him no reason to come and try to kill me.” Collin paused. Usually he would have been unnerved by talking about this, but in Fairien’s presence he didn’t feel the shame and anger that had always clung to these memories. All he felt was bewilderment. “The thing is, after the attack, I found that I was able to channel magic through my body.” He shivered, “I’m not sure if it was an effect of the magic he used on me, or something else.” Fairien’s expression darkened slightly as he gazed at Collin. He paused, phrasing his question carefully before asking it.
“Tell me about the spell Mahito used.” Fairien said quietly. Collin shrugged.
“I didn’t know much about magic at the time so I can’t tell you much about it.” He said.
“What did it feel like?” Fairien asked. “Do you remember?”
“… It…” Collin frowned, thinking, “It was… A very intense magic… It was like something moving into me, and touching me somewhere deep inside… I guess that’s why I’ve always hated it… That someone was able to do something like that to me and I was helpless to stop them.”
“You don’t let many people into your heart, do you?” Fairien asked. Collin nodded slightly. Fairien closed his eyes, “It must have hurt you deeply when someone barged in like that with the intent to hurt you.”
“That’s why I used the ability.” Collin said softly. “I wanted to become powerful, so that I could stop anyone who wanted to hurt me. I hated being helpless.”
“And in the process you lost your innocence.” Fairien added. Collin looked up at him slowly.
“Mahito took it.” He corrected. Fairien blinked, then nodded.
“Yes. I see that.” He said. “And from then on, you built yourself up, letting no one know you truly, except perhaps your father, Bran… And even then, you tried to hide yourself… Because you didn’t want him to worry.” Fairien said looking at him thoughtfully. Collin nodded again. This guy understood.
Collin realized that he hadn’t meant to tell Fairien this much, but he found that it was hard to keep anything from him. Suddenly he could see why Will had so much loyalty to Fairien.
“You’re easy to talk to.” Collin commented.
“Am I?” Fairien asked. “I don’t know, usually I’m bad at this. Will tells me I drive him insane with my chatter.”
“I’d be insane too, if I had you in my head all the time, telling me things like, ‘don’t put too much sugar in that tea. You’ll ruin your teeth!’” Collin said. Fairien smiled.
“When I met Will he was one of the sanest people I’ve known.” He said, “But now, I think he’s catching up with the rest of you.” Collin nodded thoughtfully. He felt a lot better for some reason now. Also, he was getting sleepy. He finished his tea and got up to put the cup away.
“Well,” Collin said, “I think I’m going to bed now. Good night.”
“Good night.” Fairien said. “Collin?”
“Yes?” Collin asked, lingering in the doorway. Fairien paused a moment before speaking.
“Collin, you’re friends love you, you know that right?” he asked. Collin blinked and nodded, uncomfortably. Fairien nodded and turned away.
“Good night then.” He said again. Collin lingered only a moment more, then slipped away, going off to bed. Fairien remained still, staring ahead out the window. He was concerned. Something Collin said had caught his attention, and it disturbed him greatly. He supposed that’s why he had added that comment at the end about Collin’s friends, in hopes to reassure himself a bit. Still…
Fairien sighed in almost frustration. His mind was quickly thickening. He needed sleep.
Then sleep. He heard Will say groggily.
Bug off. Fairien told him.
I would but I can’t. Will said. All
you’re thinking and talking is keeping me up. Why don’t you do both of us a
favor and go to sleep?
… I will. Fairien said wearily. Give me a
minute.
Mm. Will grunted and mentally rolled over in bed. It was funny to feel a mental roll over in bed. Fairien figured it took real talent to transmit such an image of physical annoyance through thoughts. He smiled.
You have that funny ability to always cheer me up, no matter how bad my mood is… Fairien reflected, half to himself.
Don’t I feel special. Will muttered grumpily.
Collin sighed, thinking as he lay in bed. He had told Demus Mahito’s attack on him hadn’t been physical. Demus had understood enough, that something terrible must have happened to him mentally, to leave such a mark. Demus knew all too well the tortures of a mental wound. That’s why he had been so sympathetic and hadn’t wanted Collin to talk about it, knowing that the more Collin talked about it, the deeper the wound would get. Instead, he had tried to comfort Collin and had since watched out for him. Demus hadn’t needed the whole explanation. He understood the underlying emotions and had reacted to them. Perhaps that was why Collin liked him so much.
On the other hand, Fairien had been intrested in the details. Collin remembered how Fairien had seemed especially interested in the magic Mahito had used on him. Not to say that Fairien hadn’t been sympathetic as well. Collin realized that Fairien had been able to give him something Demus had not- closure. He knew that it was probably due to what Fairien was, that he had the ability to sooth things like that, while Demus was only mortal. Collin had come to like Fairien pretty well, but he had to say that he still preferred Demus’ company.
For one thing, he knew Demus better and trusted him. Fairien was friendly, but you kept getting the idea that there was a double meaning to everything he said. That and the feeling that his mind was off somewhere else while another part of him talked to you. And when he did focus on you, it was like being watched by a crowd of people, and yet like being completely by yourself at the same time… How did Will stand it? You could never pin down anything about him… Maybe Will understood him better, Collin reflected. He had to, or he would have really gone insane by now.
Those two… seemed to somehow fit together. They were like brothers. They even bickered like brothers. Collin smiled at the thought. He yawned and snuggled into the soft Betamian pillows. It had been ages since he’d slept in a bed. It was nice. Within a few more minutes, he was asleep.
Woo. Long chapter. Anyway, things should pick up again after this… hopefully anyway. ^^’ I updated my website and put up some pictures I’m really proud of, like a new Minerva picture, and a picture of Will and Tella, both cel shaded/CGed and very nice looking.
I hope this explains the whole Collin Mahito thing, or at least some of it.
I think by now most of the questions have been answered that I wanted to answer by this point- I’ve still got a couple of surprises though… hehe^^ Jaa.