255 years ago
— You should have gone, Khaled. You know how important the ceremony was. Our parents couldn't see you one last time. — Nadia said with her sweet voice, while playing an instrument that looked like a harp. The place where they were was the open interior of a great Mother tree. The roots, branches, and leaves were part of the environment, and everything was lit by sunlight or small energy orbs floating around. The scent of morning grass was enchanting. The fabrics, always in very light and flowing colors, displayed a huge colorful variety in pastel tones.
Khaled was focused on writing arcane words in his grimoire, drawing each rune in an almost artistic way. The thick book, with a leather cover and incomprehensible designs, had a subtle and unique glow; it contained powerful and hard-to-access magic. The elf remained silent as he listened to the melancholy sound plucked by his sister.
— And the oracle spoke masterfully. But this time, it talked about the future of our family. — She closed her eyes while enjoying the sound of her own chords. — You know they will no longer awaken, because...
— I saw them last night. — Khaled cut her off, making the elf suddenly stop playing.
The two looked alike. Nadia had olive skin, large yellowish eyes with small dark freckles. Her long hair, reaching near her heel, was braided with spring flowers in orange and white; the shade of each strand varied between light brown and blonde. Her expressions were always calm and sweet, but Khaled knew his sister — he knew there was a leader before him, one who would soon join the elf council and take their parents' place, making important decisions for the future of the nation.
— I talked with both of them. Apparently, my decisions were not accepted in their final moments. — Khaled squeezed his quill pen so hard he thought it might break. Relaxing his fingers.
It was the last time he spoke with his progenitors; he thought they would understand his motives, would at least give him words of comfort even if they disagreed. He didn't assume it would be a mistake. The sleep was an important passage, a ritual the elves valued as something special. After two thousand years living under that land, or even before, the elf could rest, sleep for eternity, and never wake again. And his parents had been long enough in that mortal land, so they decided to take the much-awaited sleep. And their two children should be by their side, but Khaled refused to participate in the ceremony.
— Brother, you knew they would disagree. Everyone knows how ambitious you are. — Nadia used her soothing tone. She had known her brother since birth; they both knew well the fine line before the mage, which he would easily cross if it benefited himself. — I don't understand why you sought consent, you're already ready to leave, to go to Elderim and start a legacy. But, I think you should talk to the oracle first.
— Empty words. — Khaled finally closed his grimoire; there was no reason to fear an old tree older than animals, nations, or any form of knowledge.
— What are you afraid of? It would be a friendly gesture after missing the ceremony. Do it for the two of them and your companions. Phaliarnos will appreciate a later visit; he'll be nearby, and it will be a good farewell from a friend. Your only friend. — Nadia stood up at last, walked over to her brother, and hugged him gently, knowing she wouldn't see him again. If the oracle was right. And it always was, she could only see her brother in a distant future, but not so much for the elves. Besides, she knew something that left her worried but didn't intend to tell her brother; he could deal with such a consequence later.
— I'm going, Nadia. — Khaled held his sister's face, placing a kiss on her forehead. Taking his spellbook and the small magic pouch that held all his belongings. He needed nothing more than that and, of course, how could he forget little Kacifer? He grabbed his little mouse companion and placed him on his shoulder. Heading to a portal beyond the mirror. Passing through and always looking straight ahead. It was his future. No oracle had the power to make him stop.
The great tree soon appeared before the elf. It was enormous; its roots were colossal. Khaled always felt small before the presence of the great oracle. Some elves were around, some lived there maintaining the great and wise tree.
— Khaled. — The voice echoed throughout the forest area. Some birds flew away frightened by the booming voice. The power of such an ancient creature was impressive, especially when its name was said intensely.
— Great oracle. — The mage bowed respectfully. The roots soon lowered, forming a kind of hand, on which he climbed, knowing how it would be once lifted close to what seemed to be an old face marked on the brown bark with moss and many insects naturally moving along its path.
— I saw your future. Being a god will not change who you are. — The voice was thunderous and commanding. — Khaled, know that ambition is not a bad feeling, but it will destroy your being from within, like a rotten root that kills a tree from inside. — The old tree touched the tip of a branch on the elf's chest, softly illuminating it. — You will fail, but you will return and eventually lose this important feeling, becoming unscrupulous. Your desires and longings, your need for power will become so strong that you will kill the only one who will truly want to stay by your side. You will kill the blood of your blood. You will kill your friends. And your love. And when you finally have all the power you wished for, you will find yourself alone and bitter, confronted by everything, regretting your own decisions. So, keep in mind that instead of a blade cutting such feelings, it will be your lips that must proceed, to then be judged and absolved.
The oracle said everything slowly and clearly. Khaled understood that at some point he would have to make an important decision and give up his own feelings if he wanted to reach his maximum potential. In the kingdom of Encanthia, he felt limited; he had already read every possible book about magic, herbology, alchemy, geography, history, besides learning all possible magics taught by his elf peers. So, he would go to Elderim in search of knowledge and more power, to learn more about the human world and their customs. He was open to making connections, to have colleagues and partners as powerful as himself and genuinely share his achievements. But his parents didn't want him to travel to the mundane world and learn. They had never argued like this before. But now he knew his achievements would be rewarding. He just needed to be careful. He traveled with no remorse for what he left behind.
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Liandre slowly opened his eyes, feeling the soft touch of delicate hands on his hair; he was sore. He knew he had been wounded in the last battle against those creatures that smelled like death. The bites only encouraged him to keep destroying each carcass until nothing remained. He just didn't know how he was still alive. The mage was sitting beside him, seemingly contemplating something without paying attention to the surroundings. He noticed it was raining. There was grass beneath and a kind of giant leaf above both their bodies, protecting them from the small downpour.
— I'm glad you woke up. — The mage lowered his gaze, removing his hand from the mercenary's skin, which was slightly feverish.
— Where are we? — He sat up, stretching his body until he noticed the elf's clothes were torn in the shape of arrow shots. He grabbed his shoulder desperately. — What happened?!
— I met with old friends. I'm fine, I was healed. — The mage said kindly. But he had to admit he felt shaken after the encounter. He thought many times about how he would react if he saw them again, and now it seemed so pathetic to think about the hurt, the feeling of betrayal that still ran through his long-lived body as if it had happened the day before, even after so much time had passed. — We're in Encanthia.
Liandre finally moved away, looking into his eyes and the way his shoulders seemed tense. He vaguely remembered the bites, the feeling of flesh being torn by the undead, then completely blacked out; he didn't know what had happened, didn't imagine Khaled had found his old companions and for the first time been in the presence of such mythical creatures. Now that he knew, he thought how painful it must be, unsure what words to use, or if he even wanted comfort. So, he just settled in, looking around. He noticed majestically large and imposing trees, a heavy and compact wooden cabin in the distance with two craters beside it, and a giant that watched them with curiosity. Everything was magical. The elven world was arcane, he could feel it with a hospitable depth. He had never left Elderim.
— It's the home of an old friend. It was the first place that came to mind. We couldn't face the three without my power at least halfway. — Khaled said, disappointed with his own ineptitude. — It brings back some memories of the past. The last time I was here was with the oracle, then I went to the human lands and befriended the three. Gilgrim was always very loyal and stubborn, but her kindness was unquestionable. Randyr, with his brutality, could still be gentle and affable. Laurent, despite his inconvenient ways, could be trusted. — He didn't know why he was saying that, but maybe he needed to talk to someone without worrying about being judged as a ruthless villain.
— You must have cared a lot about your companions. — Liandre said after hearing him, thinking about the kind of pain it is to be betrayed that way.
— Yes. But it doesn't matter now. There's a fragment in Encanthia, to the north, following the fairy road. — He pointed in the direction, trying to drastically change the subject.
The mercenary approached, wrapping his strong arms around the mage's body. Khaled felt strangely protected but didn't want to admit that the gesture was somehow comforting. He needed to keep focus on his goals above all else. He already had a plan in mind; they just needed to keep traveling. But even thinking about continuing, he stayed in the warrior's arms. Raising his head, looking at the rough face that was staring back at him. Kissing his lips.
They could hear the sound of raindrops on the leaves above, the croaking of frogs, the flutter of wings from birds trying to shelter from the rain, the smell of wet grass—but none of that mattered. Liandre gently held his face while keeping their lips glued, opening just enough to feel each other's warmth, breath, and the slightly moist skin brushing. It was something so intimate and yet comforting that he simply forgot the world around him; the large body covered him completely. His heart skipped a beat as he savored every sensation it gave him. The mage felt a strange need to deepen the kiss with their tongues, turning it into an erotic moment with the most ecstatic intensity. Liandre met his expectations, gripping his delicate body tighter, showing the voracity of a wild animal needing a more brutal touch—until breath ran out. They pulled air, touching foreheads with eyes closed, enjoying the subtle warmth in the cold weather.
— Isn't it better to wait for the rain to stop? I like it here. — Liandre said lightly; if they waited a few more hours before walking, it wouldn't really be uncomfortable.
— I think it's better. — Khaled said, looking again toward where the oracle used to be.
— So this is your home? — Liandre pointed to the rustic cabin. Somehow it didn't match the mage's grandeur at all.
— No. It's the home of the old oracle and her guardian, but she left a long time ago. Her last prophecy was about me, then she went wandering the world. — He said as if strolling through pleasant memories. — I lived here a long time in the fairy city, where the high elf dome is, including my sister would get a post there after our parents decided to sleep the sleep of elves.
— Don't you want to see your sister? — He thought they could make the most of the stay and see some of the mage's relatives; elves live so long they could still be alive.
— I don't think Nadia wants to see me after I simply left our nation and went to Elderim. — Khaled smiled bitterly.
— Looks like you're more antisocial than I am. — He ended up forcing a laugh that made the mage smile more genuinely.
— I chased what I thought I should and almost had everything within reach. — The elf looked at his own hand, imagining the power fitting in his palm, then closing it, as if holding it tightly.
— Was it worth it? — He interrupted his thoughts. He knew Khaled must have been one of the most powerful beings in the planes of existence before being betrayed. But he seemed to lead a lonely life. He knew loneliness very well, having lived secluded for so long, wishing to end that pain. And the only time he had a few companions ended in disaster because of the curse in his body forcing him to be alone, unable to count on anyone. But the mage was different; he seemed to push people away around him due to his mad quest for more magic and pushing past what would be the film of humanity.
— It will be worth it when I recover what was taken from me. — Khaled lost his composure for a few moments. But he realized it wasn't with Liandre he should discuss it. So he chose a different, more soothing approach. — What if you had the possibility of having so much power in your hands? To rule your country and depose those in power?
Liandre was surprised by the question. He had thought about it, especially when cursed for so long.
— I don't want power, Khaled. I never desired that. All I did in my life was try to end the curse, remove it from inside me, and that's why I became strong, why I fought. Of course, I thought a lot about the end. I'll build an inn, find someone, start a family, and live peacefully in some village. — Liandre said sincerely; that was what he planned for the future. — I don't want revenge. I hate them with all my strength, but I don't want to destroy what they built; if people accept the republic, let it be. But I feel anger toward my parents for being loyal to the crown until the end; they could have cared for their children if they had accepted surrender and gone to another country, living our lives in peace, facing the curse together. That's my grievance. But I don't want all the power in the world; it would be lonely.
He admitted this to the person who desired exactly that: to be a deity, part of the pantheon of gods, and have all power at his fingertips. Khaled, in turn, thought about Liandre's naivety; his plans would never come true and felt a bitter sensation in his mouth after such a sweet kiss that thrilled him. The warrior was simple in his goals, understandable since he knew nothing but pain, suffering, and adversity. If he experienced that feeling, he wouldn't say such simple words.
— When it's all over, you can have what you want. — Khaled lied; he knew it wouldn't be that way, felt his heart tighten in sharp pain that didn't last long, even seeing Liandre's smile. He had an idea that the mercenary would do everything for a greater good. — The rain has passed, let's go.
Liandre thought about what he had said, maybe he could change his plans a little. But when it was all over, Khaled would be unreachable, everything he had always dreamed of, while himself? He wouldn't be more than a mortal who would die in old age with no more suffering. So their futures would separate, he knew that; better not to hold onto hope that they would continue their relationship when reality was in front of them. He got up, feeling his body better, just needing to walk to the destination Khaled had mentioned.
There were various magical creatures. No matter where Liandre looked, some fauns occasionally walking, centaurs, minotaurs, fairies, dryads. He admitted he was enchanted by the sight. The forest was rich not only in magical beasts but in fauna and animals; many different kinds of creatures composed that impressive scenery. The high elves, or forest elves, were creatures connected to nature, so their large cities or communities had a lot of natural elements, made in great millennial trees, in communion with wild life. The road, although traveled by carts and carriages, was clear and beautiful, filled with magic everywhere. He could feel the arcane sensation all over his body.
Khaled had a bitter suspicion that was confirmed as they advanced. Although they had to stop and rest while eating, Liandre gathered some fruits from the forest and filled the canteens with water. Then they had a good meal. Even the fruits tasted quite sweet.
— I can't imagine someone who would leave this world behind. — Liandre said without thinking, because it was an environment where one could live.
— It's not all as beautiful as you imagine. There's corruption and creatures trying to devour you. The elves isolate themselves, thinking their race is superior, their architecture, arts, culture, language. So it's not always pleasant. — Khaled said as he looked around, filled with nostalgic feelings. — When you live too long, everything slows down. You have a different perception of life; humans and orcs, even halflings live everything intensely because they know they won't live more than seventy years. Elves live calmly, patiently, appreciating the world, watching the eras pass, human evolution, and feeling little.
— And what do you think of that? — It was hard to imagine how it would be to live almost two thousand years; the world could be completely different at some point.
— I think a bit of both. I was curious about the human world before traveling to Elderim. I felt an overwhelming passion for knowledge and an unusual urgency for elves. As if I couldn't miss opportunities, but living here, I was being pruned; I couldn't express or feel. — The mage had his own desires. He wouldn't say it aloud, but he thought if he reached his greatest potential, not just out of ego or vanity, he could help the world, creatures, beings, evolution, intervene divinely and not watch everything like a bizarre spectacle in a mortal theater, like the gods did.
— I only thought about the ephemerality when my parents died. But I try not to dwell on it. — Liandre shrugged. He didn't have philosophical questions to reflect on, especially when he had a serious problem hitting him once a month.
They reached a flowing river coming down the mountain. They walked after filling the canteens. The wind made the environment refreshing. There was a brown bear on the other side eating fish, sitting by the bank, not seeming to mind the passersby. The sound of footsteps on the river stones could be heard. Khaled felt with regret that his suspicion was right when he saw the mushroom-shaped house on the banks of Esther.
The house had a top shaped like a big round red hat, made of thick wood as if carved from a single large piece. It was small and compact, with two flower beds in front of the door, with daisies and mountain lilies, plus some plantations in the back that served all kinds of tea leaves growing in the region, and a cow and some sheep roaming the pasture. A gnome came out wearing colorful and graceful clothes; she was at most 80 centimeters tall, chubby with rosy cheeks. It was noticeable that the woman was old, her long white hair showed it, along with some wrinkles under the eyes and on her small wrinkled hands.
— I knew you would come, my little elf. — The gnome said with affection and much fondness. — I missed my big-eared boy.
— Mistress. — Khaled's shoulders were low; he looked at the familiar face with some sorrow. Facing Liandre's gaze in his direction, he just smiled sadly. — This is the woman who taught me magic, Oda Blackrock.