The Lightbearer's Gift

Sianna and I walked side by side through the clan, towards Baelathor. It was rather amusing how the elves looked at us. It was somewhere between confusion, awe, and terror. I imagine it has been centuries since they had seen something like this. As we passed, the elves bowed in deference. I wonder what it must be like for them; to feel the overwhelming power radiating off both of us, the potential of our joining.

As we exited the forest, I saw Baelathor sleeping the day away. Has he even moved since yesterday?

“Wake up you lazy oaf we have a guest.” I yelled at him. A single massive eye opened. Its blue slit pupils looked from me to Sianna before he chuffed in offense and yawned, revealing his massive toothy maw and long serpentine tongue.

“Oh, don’t give attitude. I know you haven’t even moved since yesterday.” I said with exasperation.

Even Sianna, with her centuries of life and immense power, couldn’t help the sudden fear from causing her step to falter in her step and her breath to catch.

“Worry not. I have him under control, in fact, think of him as an extension of myself.” She raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.

“Fine, he does take a bit of prodding, but he is a good boy nonetheless.”

“Very well.” Sianna said, as she started to approach with me.

Sianna examined his folded wings and ran her hand along his scales. “Beautiful.” She whispered.

“Can you have him extend a wing?” she asked,

I shrugged and gave him a mental command. Baelathor did as instructed and extended his left wing above us. It covered practically the entire clearing. The sun behind it made the deep red hue of his wing membrane even more pronounced.

“Truly fearsome. Why did you choose the name Baelathor?” Sianna asked.

I commanded him to refold his wings then answered. “I was considering giving myself a last name, like nobles humans do. Benny thought to give herself one as well. She was set on Baelathor for some reason, it is a character from some fictional work I found amongst her things.”

I started towards the base of his neck to get the elven blade. I climbed along the collar and opened one of the large saddle bags. I pulled out the blade and climbed back down. Sianna’s eyes were locked on it the entire time.

“A Shaeilin blade. How did you find one?” she asked. I handed it to her, and she started to examine it.

“I found it inside an underground armory in an antient watchtower, amongst degraded armor, clearly of elven origin.” I said.

“These blades are antient even by elven standards. Unike human enchanting, we weave patterns within the ether itself and bind it to the item being enchanted. May I see your Staff?” she asked.

I never left without it, so I unstrapped it, twisted the two pieces together, and handed it to her.

“These lines of mithrite form some kind of structure that allows you to pull power from the gems.” She analyzed. Then asked. “Yes?”

“Essentially.”

“But you must provide an input, and this stream of ether is amplified. We, however, can pull power from the gems directly. By enchanting the gem itself."

She returned the staff to me and continued. “There was a considerable amount of competition among the royals. They hoarded these blades across the continent, paranoid that their rivals would steal it from them. Who it belonged to is unknown to, but considering it has been centuries since one has been found the owner is most likely dead.”

“What about the enchantment and the purple Mithrite” I asked.

“Most are to preserve the blade, sharpness, hardness protection against corrosion and so forth. As for the purple Mithrite. I can tell you how it is done, for a price.” She smirked at my enthusiastic expression.

“According to Kerelia the knowledge was lost but then again, she isn’t a royal elf. What price do you ask for this?”

“Two things swear to me to never reveal how it is done to anyone that is not of royal blood, And an enhanced Su’ran for two elves of my choosing.”

That hardly seemed worth the price and my lack of enthusiasm showed on my face. Sianna noticed this and continued. “Royal Mithrite can conduct the ether with no resistance or loss. I know not how to enchant as humans do but, using royal Mithrite would be an interesting prospect would it not.”

Now that was intriguing. What would that do to enchantments then I looked at my staff. I wouldn’t need the double amplifier. In that case I could use the amplifier to its max potential without the latency.

I reached out a hand and said. “Deal.”

She smiled slyly and we shook hands. “But of course you still will do mine for free. Yes?”

Damn she got me there; I shrugged. It's fine, I don’t mind letting her get a win.

“So, do tell me how it is done.” I asked, not caring that I had been swindled.

“It’s rather simple. You must compress primal ether within the mithrite. It requires a truly massive amount.”

I did have some mithrite with me. “One moment.” I said as I scrambled up Baelathor’s saddle and removed one of my ingots of Mithrite.

“How much ether would it take to transform this amount.” I asked.

“Enough to destroy the entire clan Noct’hrum ten times over. And it must be done all at once, cut off the flow and you must start over.”

Well, there goes my dreams of mass production. I could compress that much primal ether, but it would leave me rather drained. I looked at my staff and gauged how much Mithrite I would need to rebuild the enchantment. If I did, then what would I need the second gem for. Then I smiled. If Denerim came through for me, then I know exactly what to put there. There was no rule against having two amplifiers on one staff. It is fortunate I brought my enchanting tools with me.

“So, how would you like to fly? I’m sure you’re curious?” I asked.

Sianna sighed clearly wanting to. “No, I am not allowed to leave the bound of the clan without the approval of the matriarchs. Spies would spread the information that I went flying to who knows where.”

I shrugged there is always Lilian I suppose. “I see. Very well let’s see to your Su’ran then.”

We headed back to the field of Su’ran. As soon as we exited the forest Sianna started singing. It was a long, beautiful note that carried across the glade. To my surprise it was shifting the ether. Then one of the Su’ran came sprinting over. It stopped in front of her and nuzzled her hand. It was still uncanny how silent the creatures were. The deer itself was a head taller than me and those antlers still looked impressive up-close.

“How does it work?” Sianna asked.

“It’s rather simple I will forge a connection between you and the Su’ran. Through this connection I will channel your very life to it, this will enhance and empower her. With enough living ether the creature will be forced to evolve and grow stronger. Or be burned from the inside out from its own power.” I explained.

“You say living ether would, that means that my life would be reduced.”

“Yes, but not significantly. You are powerful so this would be like taking a few buckets of water out of a great lake.”

Sianna acquiesced and said. “Very well I shall trust you.”

Is it foolish or wise of her to trust me? How would she really know that my unique abilities will do as I say? I suppose it’s the same thing with the ritual. Very well I will take the olive branch, and we will see if she is as genuine as she appears.

“Very well lay your hand on her.”

Sianna nodded and placed her hand on the Su’ran’s flank. Then I gripped her wrist and placed a hand next to where she had hers. I summoned up my abilities. And forced the living ether from her body into the deer.

Sianna gasped at the uncomfortable sensation. “It’s ok, don't fight it, just let it flow. We only need a few more moments.”

Sianna stopped fighting and I channeled more living ether into the deer until it finally broke through its barrier. Just as I cut off the flow from Dianna to the deer, I tasted a bit of her living ether. It was delicious beyond anything I had tasted before. A vicious hunger welled up in me and I was about to start tearing the living ether out of her before I regained control of myself. Never have I felt such hunger before.

“Are you alright, Moon?” Sianna asked. From her perspective I must have looked like I blanked out.

“It’s nothing, I'm just examining the connection.” Then I proceeded to do just that. and like with Baelathor there was a thin line of living ether flowing between Sianna and the deer.

“Now we wait for it to finish its transformation.”

The deer collapsed and bleated in agony. It twisted and writhed and through the dense coat of white fur I could see muscles tearing and repairing.

“This is horrid.” Sianna said.

“Indeed, such is the price of power. But worry not, what comes out the other end will be worth it. For now, give it some time.”

“May I assume you have been through this pain.” Sianna said.

It was a logical assumption.

“You saw the state I was in after my first assassination attempt. It was a springtime walk compared to the pain of enhancing oneself.”

We returned to the keep after the deer stopped bellowing in agony. Once it got up Sianna gave it some basic commands to confirm that the connection was forged. It would take some time to fully recover, and I was excited to see the results.

Sianna was in the final stages of preparing the ritual so I figured I would work on my amplifier in the meantime. I sat in my room within the castle with an ingot of mithrite in my hand.

Then I began forcing primal ether into it. There was some resistance, but the Mithrite absorbed it as fast as I pushed it. After about ten minutes of channeling, the resistance increased. After fifteen minutes I drained two thirds of my stamina charging the mithrite, but still there were no changes. I actually started to doubt that I had enough stamina to transform the mithrite. There was no such thing as affinity for primal ether, so I was working off pure etheric stamina.

At 95% of my stamina drained, something happened. The Mithrite began to vibrate and heat, as Sianna described after she went into further detail. It became hot enough that I started to feel pain, determined to not to stop until I succeeded. I turned off my pain receptors and continued. Eventually I could smell burning flesh. Then in an instant there was a singularly massive pulse in the ether and the Mithrite instantly turned purple. I dropped the bar onto the floor and fell back, Exhausted.

I spent a few minutes catching my breath before I healed my hand and picked up the ingot. It was lighter than before, perhaps a third the weight. I had to wonder where all that ether went. It was as Sianna said, I pushed enough ether into the bar to destroy a city. I placed the bar into my small crucible to melt it. I had to charge the enchanted crucible with significantly more ether to actually get the royal mithrite to melt. Then I brought over my staff and began the arduous process of building the shell script for an amplifier.

Four hours later.

It was in the dead of night before I finally finished. The once blue lines of mithrite that created the amplifier were replaced with royal mithrite. And what a wonder it was. I could push the amplification and throughput to its maximum without worrying about any loss. And I still had a third of the bar left. I gathered my supplies and headed to Bealathor to stow them away. I ignored the stares and once I was in the field I tested the improved amplifier.

While aiming at the sky I channeled hundreds of radiant lances all through my amplifier without any loss in casting speed. I tried every light spell I knew and was pleased with the results. I couldn’t wait to see how powerful I could make other enchantments with royal mithrite. Leithani interrupted my practice.

“Moon the ritual is ready.” She said,

I returned my staff to its case and started towards the castle. “Very well, fetch Lilian before we start, I want her to be there for it.”

Before I passed her, she said. “Moon it would not be appropriate for her to attend.”

I stopped in my tracks, looked her dead in the eye and said. “I am not repeating myself.” Before continuing towards the castle. I didn’t bother sparing her a second glance.

The ritual room was completely barren with the exception of the massive circle that dominated the floor. Etheric gems were on small mithrite pedestals, placed exactly how the diagram specified. My eyes were drawn to the powerful shadow gem; they were the rarest form and the empire only had three. I walked around the circle confirming the sigil’s layout was the same. Sianna watched me observing the ritual circle with a neutral mask.

“Are you ready?” Sianna asked.

“I will need a demonstration, you, Leithani, and Lilian will do.” I said.

She raised an eyebrow, then nodded. “As you desire, I shall perform it first so you may see. As you have read, only one can be in the center.”

Leithani, Endali, and Lilian were standing off to one side. The two young elves were surprised at my request. Leithani seemed shocked, and Lilian seemed confused.

“One moment before you begin. I wish to see something. May I have your hand.” Sianna came over to me and gave me her hand, confused.

I channeled a small amount of living ethe into her and examined her brain in detail. Everything down to the smallest structure I gave a once over.

“Alright let's begin.” I said.

Before Sianna stepped into the circle she said. “You need to learn to trust Moon.” I scoffed.

Sianna stepped into the center, sat down on the floor, and placed a single hand onto a specific mithrite sigil in front of her. Then she channeled ether into the ritual circle.

Slowly the complex series of runes and symbols that covered at least 30 feet of the large room glowed a bright blue. From within the ether, it was even more impressive. It swirled and twisted in repeating patterns I have never seen before. Then the spirals intensified around her growing faster and condensing. To my utter astonishment every bit of living ether inside her body disappeared. Did I just watch this woman commit suicide? No one else seemed surprised so I just sat there and waited. Then a minute later, the living ether returned with a massive shockwave. And she took in a massive intake of air.

So, that is what the book meant by sending the soul on a journey to retrieve its lost fragments. It was literal.

She breathed heavily for a minute before she calmed down. Tears were flowing from her eyes, no doubt from painful memories. She sat there for a few minutes and finally got up and reached a hand to me. I shrugged and examined her brain in the same detail. Unsurprised, there was no difference down to the neurological level.

“Is your examination satisfactory?” Sianna asked. There was some pain in her voice, not the physical kind. I genuinely doubted that this was some complex mind control plot, but I might as well see it through till the end.

“Might as well see how the others react, at this point I’m simply curious. For a moment you looked as if you died.” I said.

“I suppose it would be to someone who could see life itself. Death is a more complex than that.”

Don’t I know it?

“Lilian, Leithani, are you willing?” Sianna asked. both nodded.

They repeated the ritual with the same results, no changes to their brains and the same whirling and twisting of the ether. The only difference was how long their souls disappeared for. Sianna was around a minute, Leithani was roughly 5 and Lilian was little more than 2. Once more the books proved to be accurate. The age determined how long the soul takes to retrieve its lost fragments. Lethani had a bright smile when she returned, and Lilian looked neutral.

“I suppose your worries have been assuaged?” Endali asked a bit testily. I’m sure I was breaking some kind of eleven etiquette, but I couldn’t care less.

“Not even slightly, but I might as well see this through.” I answered.

I stepped into the center of the circle and placed my hand on the same sigil. The 4 elves watched me in anticipation. I began to charge the circle the same way they did and as the books instructed focused on finding the fragments of my memory lost within the soul. I closed out the world and focused on this singular thought. My memories, who am I, where did I come from? I felt the ether whirling in the same way it did the last three times. I felt a strange pulling that reminded me of when my body was reconstructed. Then all thought ended.

Queen Sianna:

I watched as the Moon began the ritual. He was more untrusting than any elf I had ever met. But he finally seemed confident enough that I didn’t have some dastardly plot behind the ritual. As if a spell like that would work on an individual of our power. I did truly hope that he does recover his memories, however. One so young having so much power is not good for the world. It is fortunate that he seems uninterested in conquest.

Though he looks at me with open suspicion. I think we have actually begun to achieve something of a rapport. Even now the clans speak of our joining. And Endali whispers into my ears to take him to bed, though whatever interaction they had in Tabor seems to have given her pause. After a minute, the ritual reached its apex. The anticipation of everyone in the room rose to its maximum, as the answer to who this young elf was seemed to be close.

Then Moon’s body stiffened, and he collapsed onto the ground. “What is happening?” Endali asked.

“I know not” I said in worry. He should be in the middle of recovering the memories at the moment. But he simply laid there on his back, occasionally twitching.

“Do we pull him out or stop the ritual?” Lilian asked, looking at her in desperation.

“No, we can’t. It could kill him.” Endali answered for her.

“He looks to already be dying.” Lethani screamed as the twisting ether became more violent.

Nothing in all the text I had read described something like this happening. I searched my mind for what would have caused it to fail like this and found nothing. Just as I was about to break the ritual circle, it ended. And moon laid there on the floor unmoving. Then with a similar rush his soul returned to him. Sending the single largest shockwave across the room, almost knocking me over.

I felt relief as I could see his chest moving up and down.

“It’s over I think.” I said to everyone.

Then moon began to float. It was so shocking I couldn’t think of anything to say. His body rotated so he was hovering upright. Then his eyes popped open and looked about the room confused.

“What is this?” Moon said. His eyes flicked between us, with not an ounce of recognition. Is this Moon or someone else?

“A royal?” He said it with confusion in his voice. That's when I realized Moon wasn’t speaking imperial. He spoke perfect Evanian. This must be the true moon. Everyone was too stunned silent to speak, it wasn't just that he was floating a foot off the ground. It was his power. It was beyond overwhelming.

Moon or whoever it was signed and said. “Very well I’ll just take the answers.”

“Who are you?” I asked. If there was something that needed to be known, it was who in all the stars Moon was.

“Who am I?” Moon touched his lips in contemplation. “Now that is a complex question but, before I answer I want to know everything. It seems I have been away for some time.”

“What do you….” Before I could finish my question, it felt like an arm was choking me. I tried to use the ether, but I was completely disconnected from it. It was silent, never in my life have I felt such dreadful fear. The ethereal hand raised me off the ground, giving me just enough room to breathe.

Endali, Lilian and Leithani were in the same state, clutching at invisible hands that seemed poise to choke the life out of them.

Moon floated over and placed a finger on my head. I assume he cast some kind of spell to extract my memories since he immediately started laughing.

“The humans took Arlathan?” I was as If he had heard the single most hilarious joke in his life.

“Ah I haven’t had a good laugh in some time, I suppose it was bound to happen. They breed as if fighting off extinction and from what I can see the royals became quite wretched.” Moon said then he moved on to Lilian. Before he touched her head there was a fluctuation in his power and the hand around her neck loosened before tightening again.

“That was strange?” Moon mumbled.

Then he touched Lilians head, then Endali. He was using magic in a way I have never seen before.

“Moon is what I am called is it? Amusing that a human named me.” He made a small wave, the hands immediately released, and I could once again touch the ether.

“Seems you’re not my enemy.” Then his eyes focused, looking into the ether. His eyes tracked something, eventually focusing on the east.

“A wyvern? How interesting. I prefer drakes personally, though I did eventually go overboard. Such a waste.” Moon mumbled, shaking his head.

“Who or what are you? and what is your name?” I asked once again.

“I am what you see, a royal elf. Who am I? I suppose I could say I am the original Moon or a different version. These things get complicated.”

“You are simply dodging the question?” Endali said.

“I suppose I am, anything I tell you Moon will know, since the little queen there has quite a plan for him. Before we continue this lovely conversation, I have to check something.” Then Moon disappeared in a flash of golden light.

We looked at each other with confusion. “What in all the world did we just unleash?” Lilian asked.

“I don’t know. Perhaps he is some kind of antient royal elf more antient than our histories depict. His magic was strange and more powerful than anything I have seen, but still distinctly elven.”

“He described the humans strangely, so perhaps he is antient.” Leilani said. Everyone agreed with that analysis.

“He didn’t expect to be here, though. And that still doesn’t answer why Moon was in that forest.” Lilian said, with her eyes focused on the spot moon once hovered.

Moon popped into existence with a flash of golden light a minute later. Now he looked a bit more serious.

“Well, at least I have answers now,” he said.

“Why did Moon appear when he did?” Lilina asked.

“Now isn’t the time. Moon still needs to grow before he learns why. As for you four I would advise to maintain him as an ally.”

“Why not tell him now. Is there any point in keeping it from him.” Endali asked.

“Yes, he needs to walk his own path. If feels like he is being led he will fight the reins.” The Being said.

Then with exasperation I asked. “Then what can you tell us?”

“Hmmm” Moon mused. “Lilian, for your first question regarding Moon, just ask, you know his personality. The second is a tough sell. It would take years to wear him down to the idea, especially to get more than one. I recommend appealing to his narcissism. Third, in a few years you will get your chance, just make sure to remind everyone you knew him the longest.” Lilian looked both embarrassed and confused.

“Sianna, Moon isn’t an animal that can be caught with clever traps. But yes, he is considering deepening the alliance;’ let him come to you. Earn his trust. Loyalty is what he values most beyond anything else. If you want that future then truly understand him, but never try to cage him. You don’t understand the height of his ambition yet.” I’ll have to revise my approach I suppose. By the way this being is talking, Moon is going to return in time.

“As for the two of you,” Moon said to Endali and Leithani.

“Continue your work, the clans need to be united under one ruler and speak with one voice. Do that and Moon will open many doors for your queen.”

“Why are you offering this information?” I asked suspiciously. He was purposely offering us a route to turn Moon for our cause. But through the conversation with this being, I got the distinct feeling that he was trying to prepare Moon for something. Slowly this being lowered himself to the ground.

“Because he is too arrogant for his own good and distrustful of your intentions. This serves neither himself, nor you.”

He pulled up his sleeves and focused intensely on his forearm for a few moments. Before he fixed his sleeves, I was just able to make out writing. A private message from this being to Moon I suppose.

The being closed his eyes took in a deep breath. “My time is ending. Ask your questions and I will answer if I can.” He said.

“I assume you now have his memories so is there any way to convince him to take his place at my side?” I asked. I was already convinced it was impossible, but might as well have complete assurance. This being was rather open about Moon intentions.

“No, he doesn’t like sharing, and any attempt to convince him will only hurt your cause.”

“You say, Moon will open doors for Queen Sianna. What are these doors.” Endali asked.

“Worry not, he will approach you with an offer in time. Whether you side with him or his enemies is your choice. He hasn’t even begun to explore the true depth of his power; the healing and enhanced creatures are but an opening act. Those doors open when you choose him over safety.” Endali looked confused but this being not answering questions linearly was expected.

Then I remembered something Mentioned. Corrupted souls. I had no clue what they were and none of my research turned up anything of use.

“What are corrupted souls?” I asked.

The being actually flinched and for an instant there was grief in his eyes. “A body cannot live without a soul, neither will a soul remain anchored to the material plane without a body. When this connection is severed the soul moves on to the afterlife. However, if a soul is powerful enough and anchored to the by some strong emotion it will not move on. Over time the regret, hatred, or whatever powerful emotion that prevents it from moving on will consume and corrupt it. Leaving behind only a creature of rage and hate, whose only motivation is to consume and spread its corruption.”

Then the being pulled up its left sleeve and placed a much shorter message. Before hiding it once more. Slowly the overwhelmingly dominant persona started to disappear and his presence within the ether started to diminish.

“Will you appear again if this ritual is repeated?” I asked.

The being smiled and said. “No, I have prevented the ritual from working again. It is best for you to forget me as I am little more than the pale shadow of a long dead soul. If Moon decides to pursue me then it is his choice.”

Then his eyes grew dim as if he was about to fall asleep before snapping back to alertness. “Last question. Moon is beginning to awaken.”

A racked my mind trying to consider the best answer to ask. This frustrating being has done little to answer my questions.

It was an odd feeling talking to Moon at times. His mannerisms and attitude were so different from that of an elf that it felt alien. As if he was something else inside the skin of a royal.

“Are you actually a royal elf?” I asked.

The beings head tilted as he stared at me as if the question was more than a simple yes or no.

“Yes, I am as I always have been, though we never called ourselves royal elves. Speaking with words is primitive. We never used names. We spoke through the ether. I have had many spoken names. I will leave that up to Moon to learn. You aren’t ready for the truth.” He said with a smile.

Before I could ask him what the antient royal elves called themselves. The light in his eyes completely disappeared.

Moon Solaris:

I snapped awake with a rush and looked around my surroundings in a panic. I was sitting in the same position. Endali, Sianna, Lilian and Leithani were standing on the edge of the circle watching me. Though they looked rather haggard. I quickly searched through my mind for any new information and found none. So, it appears the ritual failed and did nothing other than rendering me unconscious for a few moments.

“Well, it appears this was pointless.” I said, as I got up and brushed myself off.

“Moon? Is that you.” Lilian asked.

Is she expecting someone else? In the middle of brushing myself off the sleeve of the robe slipped down a little and I noticed that from my wrist to my inner elbow was completely filled with words in English.

“What happened?”

Ten minutes later they repeated everything that had happened. From the being awakening, to his magic and all the information provided. So, I wasn’t originally a human. I can only assume that I was reincarnated in my old world as a human. I remembered the beings in the sea of souls. It was interesting to know that they were once powerful beings. Then I began reading the note on my arm. He actually stimulated the production of melanin within my skin to form the letters.

Dear Moon:

It is rather odd talking to myself. But it is as they have said. I am you or at the very least a different you. You have taken considerable steps in mastering your abilities, but more is necessary. Your plans for Moriah are a good start to gather the resources. As for the elves, complete your vengeance and move on. I have set the stage for them to become useful to your plans later. You need not worry for your safety. Sianna is as ambitious as you are and her plans for you span decades though none of them involve harm. Endali and Leithani are not to be trusted, they are loyal to Sianna and Sianna alone. Each of them will kill you without hesitation if she commands, though neither believe they have the ability.

Lilian, however, is a useful tool you have yet to utilize. Her loyalty to the clans is not as unshakable as you had previously thought. Her return has been bittersweet, and many are not receptive to her. Even Sianna and Endali have been distant from her. Give her your favor openly and she will rise to prominence within the clans. In time you could sway her loyalty from Sianna to you. The faint embers of ambition and resentment are inside her, you need but add fuel to start the fire.

As for your greatest question, who you are and why you are here. All those will be answered when you have the power. As you have guessed, I have the same unique abilities, once you become powerful enough you can reenter the sea of souls at will. Then that being will give you all your answers. If there is one piece of advice, I can give you is to grow in power. Build, grow, empower others, and lead them to greatness. Become absolute you have the ambition already and when the time is right you will understand why it is necessary.

This message was enough to confirm that what they were informing of is true. My intention was to see if Sianna proved to be loyal enough to introduce her to the rest of the cabal. That was only if she was able to take control of the clans. By opening doors, I assume he meant greater access to my abilities as well as the vast resources of the cabal. Choosing me over safety that would likely refer to the fracturing of the empire.

When the eventual war breaks out, I can assume that they would face pressure to ally with the empire against us. Having the ability to sort through memories is quite the power. I stared at Lilian and wondered if she really could be useful. Perhaps I should give her some attention later.

Then there is the being itself. It had my abilities so how exactly did it die? It can’t be old age, and I seriously doubt that someone with both my abilities and mastery of the ether, enough to completely nullify Sianna’s abilities would be killed easily. Then there was his openness with what a corrupted soul was. If I had enough regret and hatred, would I then become a corrupted soul. And he mentioned spreading corruption. If I had been killed within the sea of souls, then would I become one of those monsters.

The being said death would occur. But if there was one thing I realized, it was that death was more complex than first assumed. To evolve again would take at least a thousand lives most likely. I sighed this technically didn’t satisfy the deal I had with Sianna since I didn’t have my memories. But the creature wanted me to end my vengeance and move on. What is his game? Something was coming. Something he wanted me prepared for. Did it have something to do with corrupted souls? A feeling of dread came over me as I recalled Sianna’s description of what a corrupted soul was.

Sianna came over to try to read what was on my arm. But she had the same confused expression everyone else did when I spoke or wrote English “What does it say? And what is this language?” Sianna asked.

“It mostly confirms what you have been saying and offers some advice. The language doesn’t matter.” I got up and looked out the window. It was mid evening, and I wanted some time to think.

“While I do not have my memories, I will consider our deal satisfied. Once I have gathered my thoughts, we can discuss the process of officiating the duel and finally settling matters.”

Sianna nodded, though she didn’t look pleased. Then I looked at Lilian and decided to act on what the being said. “I did promise to take you flying. Will you join me tonight?”

She nodded and flung a glance at Leithani. I made my way to the door before Endali interrupted me.

“There is another message on your left wrist.” She said, I glanced down and saw that she was correct.

Benny was not powerful enough. Her soul has moved on.

I smiled and returned my skin tone to normal, my initial dread disappearing. Why would the being bother to reassure me about Benny’s fate?

An hour later I sat atop Baelathor over a mile in the sky as the sun started to sink below the horizon. The four women wanted to have a conversation with me about what they had seen but I wasn’t interested. My mind was whirling with the information, and I didn’t want the distraction. The elves, the cabal, and my kingdom. I had quite the task in front of me.

I spent over a little an hour in the sky going over everything I had learned.

My past self said that Endali and Leithani cannot be trusted while on the other hand telling them to continue their work and specifically mentioned uniting the clans.

The advice to Lilian was strange. There was something she wanted that would take years to convince me of and that she would have the chance in time. What that was I couldn’t say. Perhaps she wanted a boost to her power or a mount like Baelathor. Something like that would certainly take convincing. Though I got the distinct feeling she was altering what the being actually said. Still despite their fervent need to discuss what had happened. I refused and left to gather my thoughts.

I landed in the clearing a few minutes later and immediately headed to the residential section of the surrounding forest. I ignored the elves following me from the shadows. Honestly, it would be less annoying if they just followed in the open. Then I wouldn’t have to deal with the constant fluctuation of their stealth abilities.

I found Lilian’s house sometime later. Though it was at the dead of night there were still elves active and from within the many homes I could see lights or hear conversations. There was nowhere to knock like a traditional home, so I just said loudly.

“Lilian. Are you there?”

Fortunately, she was, and a head popped out of the window. She looked surprised to see me.

“I did promise to take you flying, didn't I?”

The way she looked at me it appeared that even she forgot. Then she smiled and said, “I will be down in a moment.”

A minute later and were headed to the clearing where Baelathor resided.

“I am surprised you came to see me.” Lilian said as we walked.

“I am an elf of my world Lilian, regardless of shocking revelations.”

Lilian chuckled. “Indeed, we all thought you were truly dead then you became that being.”

“Yes, quite the quandary that creature was. I am still not even sure of its intentions. But I do believe it was a past me. The massage of my arm was made by precisely changing my skin tone.” I said.

“Why not tell us what was said. Is it still trust?” Lilian asked.

“Yes, I am distrustful to the point where some would consider it paranoia.”

“That is not a good way to live life.”

Perhaps it wasn’t, but what choice do I have? “Someone loyal to a person, an idea, a country, or anything else cannot be trusted fully. There will eventually be conflict and a betrayal will happen.”

Then I looked at her and continued. “Take you for example, you are loyal to your clan and queen. What happens when I offer you my trust and loyalty, and your clans ask you to betray it? You already gave them most of the information you had on me upon request.”

Before she attempted to apologize, I interrupted her. “To make it clear I hold no grudge, it only serves as an example. Your loyalty is to the elves and your clan, not to me.”

“You say you hold no grudge, but your words still have ice in them.” Lilian said.

“Perhaps I do, everyone I know wants something from me to advance themselves or their own cause. Even Sianna sees only what she can accomplish through me. The brief time I had with my apprentice showed me what loyalty was. She held almost all my secrets, and not once did I fear she would betray them for any reason.” I said.

Lilian held a warm smile. “You speak of her with a warmth I have never heard from you.”

“Benny was unique, she wanted power and after she got it, just desired to be by my side. In her own words. It was a good life.”

Lilian nodded and said. “I suppose I understand why you desire vengeance. True trust is something you have never had with anyone, other than her,”

“Indeed.”

Then she asked another question. “Why have you not taken the prince’s head then. He is as responsible as any elf.”

“I have plans that go beyond this and killing him will cause an innumerable amount of problems.” I said, baiting the question.

“What are those plans?” This was the moment that the entire conversation was hinged upon. The being told me that she could be used, that it was possible to turn her to my side. And how does one build trust and friendship?

Show vulnerability and weakness. A friend will not judge or use it against you. Finally sharing a secret, I likely will have no way of knowing if she keeps it or immediately tells Sianna. But if she could become an actual ally amongst the elves then that would be a boon to me. For that I need her amongst the inner circle of Sianna. The only way I know how to find out if someone can be trusted is to trust them. If she breaks it, then the being was misguided, and I will handle it. I made a gesture which she realized meant I wanted full silence.

With an eager nod she cast the same sound dampening spell I’ve seen her and Endali use before.

“I have been thinking about settling down for some time. Perhaps taking a bit of land for myself.” I said casually.

She looked surprised, “You wish to buy land within the empire?” Lilian asked.

“No, I want more than that. I think I will look east, and I want much more than a few square miles.”

Then she looked confused, “How much do you want Moon?”

I continued on as if she didn’t ask the question. “You know Lilian I was considering giving myself a last name as the humans do.”

She shrugged and asked the obvious question. “What would you name yourself? And why be so secretive about it?”

“Moon is a decent name, but I wanted something grander.” I stopped in my tracks, locked eyes with her and with a smile said.

“Doesn’t King Solaris sound appropriate?” I asked Lilian.

Lilians eyes widened as she understood what I meant. Then her eyes widened even more as some kind of revelation happened in her mind. She calmed down a few moments later.

“I think it is a perfect name.” Lilian said, with eyes I have grown familiar with; eyes that burned with ambition.