62nd of Ashan, Arc 719
Miletos, Isle of Tyros
Kaelrik eyed the sentry guards standing watching over the estate of Lord Alistair Venora and his House. Compared to the grandly dressed men and women of affluence and influence that walked the streets he was decidedly common in his appearance. He wore nothing more than a cloth shirt with the sleeves removed. The muscles of his arms were well defined and toned from the days spent working in the forge shop. He was sun tanned as he’d been spending as much time outdoors as physically possible since coming to the islands. His legs were clad in simple brown cloth pants tucked into dusty leather boots. His clothing was tighter on his form than they had been in Quacia. The healthy meals that he’d been consuming, coupled with all of his work and training had seen him put on more of his healthier weight. He was finally able to breathe with much ease as the wounds to his ribs had healed. There was only the normal soreness from exerting himself physically around the shop and during his exercises.
The sentry guards paid Kaelrik no mind. He recognized some of them from Alistair’s estate in Quacia. He was certain they recognized him as well considering the nod or two that he’d received. No, it was not the men guarding the gates to House Venora that was giving him pause. His spark of Rupturing was humming softly. In the way that it only did when Alistair was nearby. He’d grown in his powers of teleportation and as a result, his awareness of all things in movement and in passage had grown more precise as well. He wasn’t surprised he was more keenly aware of the presence of the nobleman either.
He’d been putting off coming to the estate since Zarik had told him that Kleine was not doing well. While the decision to do so weighed on his heart as he wanted to see the other Lothar, he’d been conflicted. Across the islands, in the markets, in the streets, people were gossiping about the rising God-King of Helice. Whispers spoken almost prayerfully at the feats of the celestial man who commanded the forces of life and death were bounding everywhere he went.
It had been nearly thirty trials since Kaelrik had seen Alistair.
His supposed Kindal hadn’t spoken to him, hadn’t sought him out, hadn’t done so much as send more than a single letter to him since. And what a letter it had been.
The sting of being so callously kicked aside had dulled considerably in the face of being reunited with his twin brother. In that time, Kaelrik had found many other things to focus on. He’d begun exploring the depths of his magic more heavily. He’d been learning the ways of the forge more closely. He’d been dabbling in alchemy and other forms of crafting. He’d also been training his body and mind. Kaelrik had been spending time with his brother, catching up on all of the things both of them had missed. Somehow though, he still didn’t feel prepared to be anywhere near Alistair. The Lotharro sighed heavily before walking through the gates.
“Kleine?” He spoke to one of the guards in passing.
“East wing.” Kaelrik nodded and made for the direction indicated. He noted that the guard’s face seemed rather normal. Relaxed even. If he knew Alistair and his prowess as both a mage and a man of medicine, that meant something good. With measured steps, Kaelrik made his way through the grounds of the estate. He nodded to some faces that he recognized. He ignored those he didn’t though he heard whispers cast in his direction. He was relieved to note that the direction he was feeling Alistair was opposite of the one Kleine was purported to be in. That didn’t mean much. The nobleman could be anywhere he wanted with the mere exhalation of a breath. Still, it helped Kaelrik to keep moving. He noted gardens and architecture all of which was as grand as he expected. The elements and life thriving in the area called to him. The water in fountains sang softly to him, happy with his presence, eager to get to know him. He smiled and sent a weave of his own song to them. The waters in and around Alistair’s home would be cleaner, clearer and more refreshing for a time.
The air danced around Kaelrik’s form. The gentle breeze in the gardens plucked gently at his shirt and his hair. His pony tail fluttered lightly as the winds curiously explored every nook and cranny of his being as was its nature. The Defier greeted the winds and sent a weave of whimsy and contentment to them. The air around the estate would be crisper, would be lighter, and more happy for the next few trials.
Even the earth beneath Kaelrik’s boots was eager to greet him. The dirt beneath the bushes became more lively, more accepting of seeds and plant life. The earth’s steady rumbling music played in Kaelrik’s head. He added his own note of solidarity to it. The stone walls of Alistair’s home would be more welcoming of guests and more stalwart against invaders. The world came alive in anticipation of Kaelrik and he happily wove the music of his own Defiance into that which played around him in the back of his mind. He harmonized with it and in so doing, coaxed the elements into harmonizing with each other.
“Kaelrik?” The Defier was pulled from his communion as he heard a familiar voice. His attention immediately went to the form of Kleine. A smile broke out across Kaelrik’s face and he quickened his pace. Darting up to the other Lotharro, Kaelrik swept Kleine up into a hug.
“You’re okay!” Kaelrik hugged Kleine tightly, eliciting only mild protest from his fellow Lothar. After a moment or two, Kaelrik set the other man down. He cleared his throat.
“You heard what happened then?” Kleine’s face was curiously blank as he straightened his clothes. Kaelrik nodded.
“Zarik told me.” An unreadable expression crossed Kleine’s face before the other Lothar nodded. “How did you…?”
“I initiated Zarik into Becoming. I tried to initiate Alistair afterwards and…” Kleine trailed off.
“It went wrong.” Kleine nodded and Kaelrik felt momentary anger. “He shouldn’t have asked. Not so soon after you initiated Zarik.”
“Kael…” Kleine spoke low. His tone warning. Kaelrik shook his head.
“No. Alistair knew better. Knows better. Do you know a more practiced mage than him? How many domain’s does he have? He knew the risks. He asked you to do it anyways.” Kaelrik folded his arms over his chest as his temper flared. He loathed the idea of people he cared about being put in danger. It irked him even more that it had been Alistair who’d done this to Kleine.
Because of all the people he currently knew, he still cared deeply for the bastard. And that, perhaps, pissed him off most of all.
“So did I, Kael. But you know I’d do anything for Alistair.” Kaelrik sighed. “He did heal me. He has taken care of me. You know he always takes care of those he loves. At great cost to himself, I might add.”
Kaelrik scoffed.
“Oh? Yes. I’m sure it cost him a great deal. So much so, he’s off conquering island after island. Such a sacrifice it must have been for the rising God-King of Helice.” The Defier shook his head. Kleine sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I don’t want to argue.” Kaelrik studied the other Lothar. As much as Kleine seemed in good health, there was something on the other Lothar’s mind. Kaelrik took in a deep breath and his countenance softened. Stepping up to Kleine he placed his hands on the other Lothar’s shoulders and smiled.
“I’m glad you’re okay. For your sake, I’ll keep the rest of my opinions to myself.” Kaelrik squeezed Kleine’s shoulders and brought him into another hug. He pulled back and Kleine merely nodded.
“Are you staying?” Kaelrik felt his stomach tighten. He kept his face as blank as possible but it was impossible. Shaking his head he released Kleine’s shoulders and stepped back.
“No. In fact, I’ve stayed too long already. I just came to see you. Since you are on your feet…” He eyed Kleine from head to toe. “…I’m glad you’re okay.”
The two of them stared at each other for a few silent moments. It crossed Kaelrik’s mind that this might be one of the last times he saw Kleine. He had no idea what the future held and it was apparent that House Venora was, as of yet, not part of his future. Not as it had been before.
“You need to forgive him, Kaelrik.” The Defier sighed and turned to go.
“No. I don’t.” He paused before speaking over his shoulder. “But I want to.”
