Awakening Chapter 3

Marilla woke up with a start reaching for one of her daggers. Her hand met an empty sheath causing her to look around. The cabin rock slightly as she spotted them by the window. She went and checked the belt to make sure they were all there before putting it back along her leg. She grabbed the two wrist sheaths and reached for the daggers that went to them. She held them up and let the light glint off of them.

"My little Rilla," Ganiel said sitting in front of her daughter with a flat wooden box under an willow tree, "I have a gift for you. Something that your papa would want you to have."

Marilla scooted closer to her mother to see what she had in the wooden box. Her mother opened the box to reveal two small daggers with silver handles. Marilla picked up each dagger and held them in her hands.

Marilla stared at the daggers remembering when her mother had given them to her. She had put one in its sheath when she heard the door lock being rattled. She ran to the side of the door and hid as it was opened. Her brother came in with a wrapped bundle and what looked like fresh clothes.

"Do not try to be stealthy little sister," Aranhil said as he put the clothes down and sat down on the cot with the bundle, "Now come and sit, I have something for you."

Marilla put the other dagger in its sheath.  She walked towards her brother cautiously. She sat on the other cot across from him. He started to unwrap the bundle to reveal a long sword. The light reflected of of the blade making the inscription on it stand out. Marilla reached forward and picked up the sword gently like it was glass.

"What does it say," Marilla asked looking at the markings.

"In the language of our tribe," Aranhil said, "You are a daughter of the Paronai tribe. On the other side it says  'Be safe my little Rilla.' Father made it when mother took us to Alsar. He entrusted it to me until I thought you were ready."

Marilla looked at the sword mistified by it. Aranhil wathed his sisters reaction with a small smile. He knew their father would be pleased with her reaction to his gift.

"Is he still," Marilla asked.

"He is still alive," Aranhil replied, "and would ask about how you faired when I would visit the tribe. It hurt him deeply when you ran."

"I had my reasons," Marilla said somberly.

"Care to explain," Aranhil asked, "because I have spent the better part of a century trying to find my little sister to make sure she is safe only for her to attack me and my betrothed."

"You are betrothed to Elania," Marilla asked trying to change the subject.

"The elders wanted it and we were in love," Aranhil answered, "Now why did you run?"

"I was scared," Marilla said looking at her brother, "Our mother was murdered in front of me and she told me to find my own path and to end it."

"We would have helped you," Aranhil said, "Now what exactly happened that night?"

"I went to see Tirithon," Marilla replied, "instead of going to my lessons with mother. It was late and I got a bad feeling and you know what Mother use to tell us about those."

"An old one having a bad feeling is usually right," Aranhil stated.

Marilla nodded.

"I ran away from Tirithon to find Mother," Marilla said, "She used our link to tell me to stay away and I did not. I entered the garden right before Yattien killed our mother."

"I am sorry Marilla," Aranhil said.

"Can we talk about something else please," Marilla asked, "I do not want to relive that night more than I have. It already haunts me in my dreams."

"I will talk to Callenon when we get to Dela Port," Aranhil said, "He will tell the council when we arrive if he deems it necessary."

Marilla nodded as he stood to leave the room. He turned and looked at his little sister. She stared down at the sword.

"Take the saying to heart Marilla," Aranhil said, "You are of the Paronai. We are stronger than we appear."

*     *     *     *     *

Marilla walked onto the deck and looked in the direction they were heading. With her elven eyes she could see the tall hills that made up the bulk of Dela. She enjoyed the wind in her hair as the ship moved slowly towards its destination. Foot falls behind her did not disturb the calm that washed over her as she stood there.

"May I," Tirithon asked.

"It is a big ship," Marilla stated.

"I wish to talk to you," Tirithon said moving to lean against his staff next to Marilla, "I would like to explain my actions better to you."

"You do not need to explain anything to me," Marilla said turning to leave, "You used the bond to find me like I was a common criminal. What more is there to say."

"If I did not use it," Tirithon said angrily, "They would have found you and then you might as well be dead. It would be better than what they would have done to you."

"You could have let me come home on my own," Marilla said looking at him eyes blazing in anger.

"Would you of," Tirithon asked, "If we left you alone, would you have came home?"

Marilla glared at him, flames licking her fingers before dying out. She turned and looked out at the sea.

"No," Marilla answered, "I would have continued to runaway from this."

"Even you could no run forever," Tirithon said, "I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry for my part in your capture."

"Am I a prisoner now," Marilla asked, "until my use is completed?"

"No," Tirithon replied resting his hands on the railing,  "If anything, I would be the one that would want you to keep your freedom. I know our bond is forbidden, but I would not wish it away, even for all of the gold in Halaeshna."

*   *   *   *   *

As they entered the habor, Marilla looked next to her as Aranhil and Elania stood next to her. Elania now wore clothes identical to the red and orange ones that Marilla wore. They both made sure their scarves were in place as people scurried around the deck.

"Remember not to stray from Tirithon or me sister," Aranhil said, "Dela port is a large city and it is easy to get lost. We will meet our escort at the Cadar market district."

"With your magic being unreliable it is even more important," Elania said, "We cannot have a volitile, uneducated mage on the loose."

Aranhil and Tirithon both looked at the novice oracle in exasperation. Tirithon leaned on his staff.

"If I recall correctly," Tirithon said looking back at the port city, "you froze Rilien and grandfather because you did not have control over your own magic."

"Things are different now," Elania stated, "I have control."

"Do not forget that we all have our Alaot," Marilla said, "We are all weak during that time. Your own should be coming soon Elania."

Elania huffed as the boat began to dock. They walked down the gangplank with Elania in the center. Marilla stared in awe at the sheer beauty of the port city. The carpentry of the elves, trees creating multi-tier homes as well as the canopies and ornate wooden piers that they walked on. The stone and metal works of the dwarves glinting in the sun and standing as sturdy as when they were first created. Stone towers reaching high into the sky with the orange and yellow flags of Dela billowing in the breeze. Human merchants and craftsmen walked around trading their wares and improving their trades. Many boats sat in the waters near and far ffrom the bay, you could barely see the nets on some of the fishing boats pulling their nets full of their catch within their confines. Water flowers filled the bay the closer you got to the pier.

Everywhere she looked something new caught her attention. She stood at the edge of the pier as the others walked forward. She started to laugh lightly at the joy that was filling her at the new sights and sounds of the city that crept up the hill and back down it.

Tirithon turned around when he felt the tug of their bond. He could feel her elation as he turned to look at her as Marilla stared at everything around her. Aranhil looked at them and gave a tug at his and Elania's bond causing her to stop and see what was going on. Aranhil pointed at his sister and the druid.

Tirithon stood and leaned on his staff as he watched Marilla take in the sights of civilization outside of a small village. Tirithon gave a wave of his hand making some of the pink water flower petal move from the bay and around Marilla. She watched them move as the lead towards Tirithon and the others, he had a smile on his face as he released his magical hold on the petals. They drifted off in the wind to continue their dance through the tradewinds.

"Come Rilla," Tirithon said within her mind, "We cannot linger here. We must make for the Cadar District."

Marilla looked around one last time before joining them. They journeyed towards the markets. Merchants from near and far was showing their wares, focusing on Elania and Marilla. Marilla followed Elania's lead and politely declined in elvish as she tried to follow with their male companions. Marilla went through an ivy covered walkway trying to get by a stubborn shopkeep who stopped as soon as she went through it. She looked at him as he removed his face covering. Yattien smiled at her. She turned and ran in a panic through the maze, trying to find her way to her companions.

*   *   *   *   *

"They are late," a young elven male said to his female companion.

She pretended to look through the produce at a stall. She had her basket full of some herbs and fruit that were uncommon further inland.

"He did say she was coming unwillingly," she said.

"Sylanysa, Rysdan," Aranhil said as he, Elania and Tirithon joined their party offour

"Four were reported to join us," Castien said, "But only  three are here."

Tirithon looked behind the sharply to see Marilla was missing. He looked around the market round them.

"Stay with them," Tirithon said, "Sylanysa with me."

Sylanysa nodded. A glint of two daggers now held in her hands as she followed Tirithon back the way he came.

*   *   *   *   *

Marilla made twists an turns in the maze as she ran. She would look over her shoulder at the slightest sound.

"Little Marilla," a voice said, "We are coming for you."

Marilla hid behind a corner as she heard a maniacle laugh rang through the maze.

"You cannot hide," the voice said, "Marilla..."

"Marilla," Tirithon said grabbing her shoulder.

Marilla let out  scream as she turned. A trail of fire moved with her hands. The woman with him let out a turret of water with her hands from a bottle at her belt drenching them.

"Its okay," the woman said, "We will not harm you."

Marilla backed away from her.

"It was Yattien," Marilla said, "He was in the market."

"Yattien of Do'lyl," the woman asked, "You could not have, he is dead."

"I know who I saw," Marilla said, "and it was he, my mother's murderer!"

"Enough," Tirithon said, "Marilla meet my cousin Sylanysa of Kilani. Sylanysa meet Marilla of Zariea. Now we must return to the others. If it is Yattien the we would be no match if his master is nearby."

Marilla glared at Sylanysa before following them out of the maze and into the markets.

"Why not meet in the Kilani district," Marilla asked, "Wouldn't we be more protected there?"

"Too many know of Sylanysa and her alliegences with the Queen," Tirithon said, " and the mission to find you."

"It was safer at the Cadar market district," Sylanysa said, "until you ran off."

"I ran off because it is not," Marilla said, "or ese I would not have seen Yattien."

"That is enough," Tirithon said, "Now be quiet and follow me."

Marilla opened her mouth to speak and Tirithon stopped and stared at her. She closed her mouth and began to follow them. Tirithon led them out of the maze and into the brightly lit market. Hues of yellow an blue decorated everything. Tirithon pretended to browse some of the merchant stalls while keeping a close eye on Marilla. She tried to pretend to do the same. She bought a couple pieces of fruit that Sylansya had shown and described to her as sweet tasting. Marilla could see her brother and Elania with a small group of people. Tirithon gently pushed Marilla towards Aranhil.

"Please keep an eye on her until we leave," Tirihon ordered, "We cannot risk her running of again."

Marilla glared at him as she went to her brother. Tirithon wlked up to Castien and Callenon both with his arms held out.

"My friends," Tirithon said, "At last we see each other again. May the fates have been kind to you."

"They have been more than kind," Castien said putting a hand on Sylanysa's shoulder, "to bless me with such a skilled daughter."

"You know that I cannot speak much on myslef," Callenon said with a smile, "I am well."

"We all know of the indescretion," Sylanysa said quietly, "It is fine to admit it now."

Marilla looked at her brother and Elania.

'He and a higher oracle,' Elania signed before indicating to Aranhil and herself, 'are in the same situation as us.'

Marilla nodded understanding the need for secrecy in the matter. It was forbidden for an oracle to mate. Tirithon and Rysdan patted each other on the shoulder.

"My friend," Tirithon said, "How is your sister?"

"Struggling with the loss of her love," Rysdan said.

"We will find him," Tirithon said, "I will see to it myself."

"How are we journeying to Alsar," Elania asked.

"We will be getting horses at the Sun Gate," Callenon said, "from there we will make the week long journey to Alsar."

"Marilla will stay near me," Tirithon said.

*   *   *   *   *

Marilla stood with her party at the stables near the Sun Gate. She stood at the entrance unsure of what to do. The others were inspecting the many different colored horses that filled the stalls. Rysdan walked towards her leading a horse that was white that was already saddled. He stopped in front of the confused girl.

"You look lost," Rysdan commented, "Have you been near horses?"

"No," Marilla said shaking her head.

"This is Upalae," Rysdan said patting the horse gentley on the neck, "She is one of the gentlest horses in these stable. If you treat her well she will do the same for you."

Marilla took the reins he offered her.

"You are of house Do'lyl," Marilla asked, "are you not?"

"I am," Rysdan replied, "The only other person is my twin sister Faessa."

"Your father has been following me since I was a small girl," Marilla said flatly, "He is evil."

"My father is not," Rysdan said, "How could he be? He is dead."

"He is not," Marilla stated, "He killed my mother and he is now after me."

"Yattien Do'lyl died when my sister and I were infants," Rysdan said, "You are mistaken in thinking he is alive."

Rysdan walked away from her to Sylanysa. She looked at Marilla and shook her head. Marilla looked over at Tirithon who was whispering to his chosen horse.

"Those two are inseperable," Elania said from the stall next to where Marilla stood, "They find each other no matter where they are. They share an inate bond."

"Why does he whisper to it," Marilla asked tilting her head.

"He has had that horse since he first became a druid," Elania answered, "Many years ago. It is an elven horse. They live as long as we do. Tirithon has raised it from a colt."

Tirithon petted the stallion on its head as he looked at Marilla. He smiled at her and she looked away in a huff at being caught.

"The two of you remind me of Aranhil and I," Elania said, "We hated each other as children, but now are inseperable."

"I still hate him," Marilla said looking at her, "You do not have that many years on us."

"Not on him," Elania replied, "You forget he is nearly a century older than you. Aranhil and I are only another fifty beyond that."

"You are old," Marilla said with a smile, "As is my brother."

"Come on," Elania said leading her horse out of its stall, "The others are waiting on us outside."

Marilla looked around and could not spot the others in the stable. She looked outside and saw them already astride their horses. Marilla led hers outside and followed what Elania had done to get on her horse, having some difficulty.

*   *   *   *   *

Marilla sat between Aranhil and Callenon. She kept moving her horse to another pair whenever Tirithon moved his towards her. He seemed to understand after the first few days that she did not want to be near him. She was still angry about the tether. Marilla wanted to have a choice in her path; she owed it to her mother. They were surrounded by trees sparsely as they journeyed through the small hills five days from Dela Port.

Marilla looked at Sylanysa who was ahead a litte bit scouting the way. Her bow was clasped in her right hand as she held the reins with her left. After several more minutes she came back to the group.

"We should make camp," Sylanysa said, "This is as safe as any place. We should be in Alsar within the next two days."

Tirithon and the others began to dismount their horses and remove the supplies. Marilla debated on taking the horse and making a run for it.

"Upalae," Tirithon said, "Yunisha mae."

The horse began to walk towards the druid despite Marilla pulling on the reins and telling it to stop. Sylanysa snickered as she went about setting up her portion of te camp.

"What did you do," Marilla demanded.

"I wondered what I would do if I was you," Tirithon said removing the saddle on his horse, "Then I told your horse to come here and not move."

"Undo it," Marilla demanded.

"No," Tirithon said, "Do you really want to push the limits of the tether. You will get maybe thirty feet before it starts to sap your strength, fifty before we are both unconcious."

Marilla huffed and got off of her horse. She patted its neck before grabbing her own stuff and moving towards Aranhil. Tirithon shook his head as his younger cousin came up to him.

"When will you tell her about the horse," Sylanysa asked, "That it is your gift to her."

"Whe she stops hating me," Tirithon replied, "Who is on first watch?"

"Father volunteered," Sylanysa answered, "Then you will be."

Tirithon nodded and begaan to set up his camp across from Marilla. He told himself it was to make sure she did not run, but he knew it was to be near her.

*   *   *   *   *

Marilla laid against a tree staring up at the stars. She tried to ignore the eyes staring at her from across the small camp fire. She knew who stared at her and it made her want to throw one of her daggers near him to make him stop.

Tirithon sat watching her as he played with his small Kanai seed that he kept with him always. He remembered the girl who gave it to him and wondered what happened to her to turn her into the uncaring, untrusting individual across from him. He could understand the death of her mother shook her deeply, but something must have happened while she was gone in the wilderness hiding. If it took him another hundred years to get her to open up to him then he would be willing to wait.

It was soon to be his shift for watch. He got up and walked towards Castien as he leaned against his bow.

"You are early old friend," Castien said, "You did not rest."

"My waking thoughts plague me," Tirithon said, "Sleep has not easily came to me in many years."

"Women have a way of doing that," Castien said, "They turn our worlds upside down and leave us wondering about every choice we make."

"That they do," Tirithon said, "Anything I should know for my watch?"

Castien shoo his head as he looked back at the camp.

"You care for greatly," Castien asked looking at the druid, "It is forbidden and yet you do."

"We grew up with each other," Tirithon replied, "I went with Elania to the fort. We met when I arrived. I was little more than and elfling."

"You have known each other for a long time," Castien asked.

Tirithon nodded.  Cries in the distance could be heard causing the two elves to jump, Castien grabbing an arrow from his quiver. Castien looked at the druid knowing what those cries came from. Fledging Drimana, nothing more than blood thirsty vampires driven by the glorae to feed. Castien notched the arrow anaimed into the night as the cries grew closer. He let loose at the first sign of movement in the distance. The cries grew in pitch as the arrow hit its mark.

"Wake up," Tirithon exclaimed to the group, "The Drimana are upon us!"

Everyone shot up from their bed rolls and grabbed their weapons. Sylanysa went to her father and cousin with her bow drawn.

"Father," Sylanysa demanded.

Castien let loose another arrow at her silent question. Together they began to shoot arrows at the Drimana that began to pour from the surrounding woods. Tirithon struck his staff on the ground causing tremors to shake the ground violently in a path towards the approaching Drimana. Their approach was halted temporarily as the stumbled in their running. Aranhil, Elania, and Rysdan began to attack them with thier swords. Elania used her sword in her graceful and deadly dance. Aranhil used his long swords to hack away at incoming enemies. Rysdan usedn a longsword and dagger to slash at the screeching Drimana.

Callenon joined Catien and Sylanysa in using their bows. Their aim true as they shot many arrows. A few times one of them would pull out two arrows and strike seperate enemies down.

Marilla attempted to use her magic. Her fire licked her hands, but refused to grow beyond a few small flames. She took out her sword as a Drimana came running towards her. She clashed her sword with its dagger as she parried it away from her. She could smell copper in the air as the others slew their opponents. Her hand lit on fire after she slashed the Drimana across the chest.

Tirithon saw her magic break free without her control. He began to hit the Drimana that got in his way as the battle slowly thinned out. He called out to her as she dropped her sword and tried to put out the flames. She tried to throw it at one of the few Drimana left; it hit it, but the fire would not leave her. Tirithon ran to her and dropped his staff. He held onto her head and began to mutter in elvish to her. Magic swirled around them as he continued to mutter. It seemed like golden light weaved around them as the battle ended. The fire extinguished as Tirithon finished muttering and kissed Marilla. Her body went slack as she fainted in his arms.