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Qualis: Shadows of Genus Rays of light reflected off the clear, azure ocean waters as the suns began to rise, the start of another long day. A gentle ocean breeze blew the grass and shrubs around him as he sat at the edge of the cliff, thinking, as he did many mornings. Small waves crashed on the stones and ridges below, in a repeating relaxing melody he'd came to find comfort in. He most often came here when he knew it would be a day of meeting with the leaders of Genovra Province. Birds sang in the background, welcoming the new day. He wished he could be as cheerful as they were every morning, singing their hearts out to each other and soaring free in the skies. As a child he'd always wished to spread wings and fly away like the elven race he admired, the Avarials, winged elves capable of flight on majestic feathered wings. He laid back on the grass, letting his long blond hair and white robes lay around him haphazardly. He closed his eyes taking in every breath of wind, ever scent, the ocean's salty air, the flowers and grass. His high elven sense made it so easy to pick up sounds and sights that he often forgot how peaceful the forest, oceans, and other untouched lands were. Being expected to stay in Genovra City, Capital of Genovra Province, often took its toll. He was the leader of the province, the 'Kaeshiar'. Just a few of his duties were to keep the peace between the counties within the province's boundaries and to discuss trades with nearby Provinces. Those two jobs alone were more than enough for an entire council, let alone one person. He refused to step down, however since his predecessor, Rahnshae, requested him specifically as his replacement. Though he thought Rahn was wrong to choose him, for several reasons, he accepted his mentor's final wishes. Nearly the entire province was against him being Kaeshiar, except for the three people who meant the world to him. Their support was the only thing that kept him going some days. He sighed lightly, opening his midnight-blue eyes to watch the yellow-green sky begin to turn to green as the second sun began to make itself apparent. A few birds passed overhead, passing by the clouds like little streaks of light. He wondered how long until she would arrive to scold him for being out again. The sky turned a pure emerald green, the signal of the day starting to people on this moon, Qualis. Qualis was on of five moons around a planet which had died long ago due to a war caused by humans. The ancient scrolls explained the history of what happened to planet Genus, but only the most trusted of people were allowed access to them. He remembered reading them many times as a child even though he had no place in politics then. His mentor always took him there telling him to read and learn the histories of the moons and planet. Qualis, Desdart, Kifina, were the three inhabitable moons. Desdart was a desert wasteland. Very few races adapted to the climate, leaving mostly Humans, Desert Elves, Gnomes, and a scarce few others. Kifina was the polar opposite, a water world. Aquatic races dominated, the few non aquatics who lived there on the land masses were non native to the area. Humans were the only race he could remember off hand that didn’t fit in on the moon. The very thought of humans made his stomach lurch, knowing their history was both unfortunate and a blessing. To know that entire evil race did in their time on Genus was enough to scare even the most heartless of people. Still there were times he wondered what Genus had been like before it turned into the dark clouded mass hanging in the sky above them all. Was it like Kifina? Desdart? Maybe more like Qualis which was mixed climates and terrains? The planet was so massive, and the history so long, that the archives on Qualis only held a small portion of their histories. That which the survivor races had been able to recount and record, or rescue from they dying world as they fled the human’s destructions. The green sky was now a brilliant silvery blue with the arrival of the third and final sun over the horizon. He knew she had to be nearby watching by now. He sat up and brushed the bits of dirt and grass off his clothes and hair while looking around him. He heard a small cough from behind him. “Done daydreaming, Daeual?” the voice was female, but deep and striking with a motherly authority. Daeual picked up a book near him, stood, and finished dusting himself. He didn’t turn but knew she was watching him with her hawk-like eyes. He didn’t need to see her to know she was standing with her arms crossed either. The tone in her voice gave away her pose and expression. He’d been on the receiving end of it ever since he was 35 when she came to help him. He was now 127, making him still only young adult for a high elf. “Averi,” he finally spoke as a greeting. His voice was soft and slightly accented. He didn’t like to speak the human’s language, but Averi had never learned elven in life. Even now she refused to in death, as she was now. He marked the page the book was open to then closed it. He looked over his shoulder, Averi’s expression softened, and arms unfolded. “You looked peaceful; I gave you longer than I should have.” She sighed, her hands made their way to her hips. Her angelic wings were folded behind her, barely visible on first glance, but her halo and white-wash colouring was a giveaway that she wasn’t from the realm of the living. Daeual was always reminded when a person dies, their spirit retains their appearance of last moments of life. Averi had dark brown hair, long on either side of her head covering her ears, but short in the back of her head. Her eyes were hazel, her skin nearly pure white, but may have been darker. Her face gave her a slightly masculine look with her slightly squared jaw line. Daeual never knew her while she was alive. She claimed to have died 'over 100 years ago'. When asked how long specifically, she would say ‘More than 100’. “I appreciate it.” He replied, looking back to the city’s direction. The peaks or the tallest buildings peeked over the treetops, reminding him of just how close Genovra City was to this peaceful, yet so different, area. “We should be returning. The meeting is soon.” Averi didn’t need to tell him, he was already walking back; his long pointed ears seemed to droop slightly as she said it though. “She's already there, waiting, you know.” He blushed slightly. Averi always made point to tease him about his crush on the representitive for Cupa, Surinya Touka. She caught up to him and appeared as if she was walking beside him, thought he knew better. She was a spirit who refused to accept death. Often she’d be found doing things like live people do, walking, swimming, anything she didn’t have to do for transport. She said it made he feel as if she fit in after being stared at by people so much. She’d even sit at the dinner table to converse, though she had no need to eat or drink. Daeual inhaled sharply and released his breath is a slow sigh, taking in the fresh air before returning to the crowded city. During the spring the markets were always busy with animal trade as people began to rebuild any lost stock after the winter, leaving the streets smelling unfavourable. This year especially was going to be difficult, the Genus Eclipses were going to be happening all summer long, shorting the suns lights during the crop growing seasons. Averi also made a sighing noise while playing with a time keeper device she wore around her neck. It wasn’t like anything Daeual had seen or heard about before. It didn’t even keep time since Averi’s death, though she constantly used it as a way to remind Daeual he was forgetting something or behind schedule though. Twirling it, opening the cover that concealed the face of it, anything to make him get the hint it was ‘time’ to go. He wished he was able to actually touch and examine how it actually would have worked. Being able to reproduce one, if it were possible still, would be worth it to settle the curiosity it brought up whenever he saw it. The city's stone walls and thick wooden gates were nearing, the guards at the gates and on the towers high above appeared as if they wanted to return to their homes and back into their warm beds. One human on the ground was slumped against the wall with he helmet on crooked while eating something. Apparently he’d been rushed to get to his post; he didn’t seem to notice his boots were on the wrong feet. “G’day” the guard grunted with his mouth full. Daeual shot him a forced smile and a nod, trying to politely point out the problems in the guard’s attire. The guard either didn’t notice or didn’t care. The gates opened slowly with a groaning metal on metal noise. They normally were left open during the day but this day was an exception. With the province’s county leaders in town, there was added security measures required. The only one of the group seven he looked forward to seeing was Surinya. He began to enter the city thinking of her. Nearly a year had passed since he last saw her. He had so many things he wanted to tell her then, but she was forced to go back to Cupa before he could. Her mother had become ill and was dying. Meanwhile her father was on a trade expedition halfway across the moon in Wakasho City, the capital of the Fenika continent that Genovra was a part of. Daeual’s thoughts were interrupted as he heard the pounding of horse hooves in the distance. He turned to see someone approaching the city on horseback quickly. Averi nudge him along, pushing him aside. Even though she was a ghost, she was able to physically move him when she needed to. He jerkily stepped aside, still watching the on coming horse and rider closely. Messengers typically didn't arrive so early in the morning, nor did they come so quickly into the City, and, to add to it, people knew today no strangers were allowed into the City. The guards who were actually alert enough to do anything, attempted to close the gates quicker. The archers on the towers had their bows ready aiming out at the quickly approaching target. “Stop now before we shoot!” the lead archer bellowed, a last attempt to stop the rider. Daeual could tell the gate would close just as the rider arrived, and the rider seemed to be getting ready for that. Their legs weren’t in the stirrups of the horse saddle now, the seemed to be tucked up as if they were going to stand up on the saddle. He noticed the person seemed to be rather small, their cloak may have been giving a misconception of size, but he felt something was odd looking. The horse took a sudden jerk to the right when arriving within five or so meters of the gates. The gates were closed tightly leaving Daeual unable to see what happened with the rider. The archers had fired one round of arrows, but their reactions implied they’d not hit their target. Calls erupted atop the towers for assistance and general cussing about having missed. “’E’s com’n back!” someone yelled above. By now the people near by the southern gate area were watching closely at the archers on the towers. Daeual could hear hushed voices in both elven and common languages asking what was going on and who they were shooting at. He could feel the crowd drawing in around him as they all watched wanting a closer view. “We should hurry back,” Averi encouraged. “The guards can handle this. And I’ll hurry ahead to the meeting spot to explain your lateness for you…” Her voice trained off with a slight annoyance as she faded away, sending herself to where the leaders were likely waiting. Daeual never did get used to that, she had a way of just vanishing before him all the time. A loud yell recaptured Daeual’s attention just as he began to walk away. He turned just as the cloaked figgure shot up over the top of the towers. It was the horse’s rider. They threw off the cloak over the archers obstructing their view, and began to glide through the air towards the ground below. Daeual was in awe to see just what it was that had entered the city. “Nekomimi!” was called out repeatedly within the town. “”It's a nekomimi!” Daeual had already realized the person near him was right, it was a Nekomimi. Nothing else would be agile enough to climb the side of a stone structure then leap so high. The nekomimi was a female with pure white furs with long, pale blue hair on her head. Her stubby wings were spread out as she glided to the ground; her fur and hair were windblown and messy. Daeual was compelled to go to her landing spot, as many others had. People gave her space, but a few were pushing through to get closer, this was one time Daeual was thankful for being Kaeshiar, people were stepping aside so he could walk up to the strange cat. He arrived at the inner circle where the nekomimi was kneeling down with her hands on the ground. Her wings were tucked in tight against her back, her clothing was ripped and barely covering her. Daeual noticed something in her left hand, a collar. It looked as though she had come to Genovra to escape her master, but he had to admit, the timing of her arrival felt supicious. “Puyuiiiiii maauuwww!” the nekomimi howled throwing her collar into the air. “Puuuuyuiiiii mauw!!” I’m free, I’m free. Nekomimi were a native race to Qualis, unlike some races such as humans. Nekomimi were often called an ‘endangered’ species because of how humans treated the females of the race. Since their arrival to the moon, humans had began to capture and make Nekomimi their slaves, however the finicky cats were often able to outsmart the humans so they escaped often. Then there was the invention of ‘the collar’. Humans made a way to control the cats with this by shocking them if they passed a certain range from their master, or did something their master found unfavourable. Genovra had become one of the first cities to forbid the use of slavery and slave trading which was the beginning of Rhanshae’s Legacy to protect the nekomimi. The city’s walls were enchanted with magic that would disable the collars and release the locks on them. Normally if a nekomimi were to pull, try to break, or unlock the collar it would send a shock to stop them, based on how hard they pulled or broke the collar. Breaking would cause one hard enough to kill most cats. Daeual cautiously approached her side and placed a hand on her shoulder. She snapped around to face him and hissed, her long tail furs sticking out in all directions and her cat ears flat to her head. “It’s alright, you’re safe.” He attempted to reach out to her again. She meowed quietly then pounced onto him clinging tightly. Her legs and arms were wrapped around him locking her onto him. “Keep me safe.” She whimpered. “I-“ Daeual didn’t know what to say. He had to hurry to his meeting; he didn’t have time to console a distressed nekomimi. “I’m sure someone will be able to help you, I need to go to an appointment I’m late for.” She looked into his eyes. Her eyes were the saddest eyes in the world in that moment. One blue eye and one brown was very unusual for a nekomimi he thought, but he had to admit he'd not seen many. “But… But…” she stammered biting her lower lip. Her fangs looked as if they would break her skin if she kept biting down like she was. Guards from around the southern city that had heard the commotion, and saw the gathering people finally pushed their ways past the swarm of people. One grabbed onto the nekomimi’s arm and pulled sharply, attempting to rip her off of Daeual. Something bad was about to happen, he didn't need to be a diviner to see it. The guard was a large human male, the last thing a newly free'd nekomimi would want to see. She screamed and beat him with a wing while grabbing tighter onto Daeual. “No humans! No Humans!” she yelled over and over. “Humans hurt me!” Serveral elves and half-elves within the group yelled angerly at the guard. The last thing Daeual wanted was another uprising of elven beliefs vs human beliefs. That was one quarrel he knew would never end within the city. Humans were the dominat population inside the city's walls, but outside, Genovra was heavily elven populated. “Please, just leave her alone.” Daeual insisted. “I'll see that she's taken care-...” The Guard pulled harder, scaring the nekomimi. Her claws unleashed and ripped deeply into Daeual’s back. His eyes opened wide as the pain stuck him. He could feel them pierce and rip his flesh until they struck bone. He collapsed onto his knees, his mouth open but words wouldn’t come up, the only thing that did was blood. He could tell she had pierced his lung, he could feel air escaping from his back and blood filling in his chest. His vision slowly began to fade. He could hear people screaming around him, but there was too much pain for him to understand. He could see the frightened nekomimi being pulled away from him by several guards. Her hands, face, and chest covered in his blood. People were beside him but he couldn’t tell what they were doing, the world was slowly fading away from him. He let his eyes close. If there was ever a time to be true to his priesthood and pray to his guardian god, Lucaitus, this was one of those moments. It was embarassing though, he had to admit to himself he was very bad at keeping up with his priestly duties ever since he'd taken on such a big roll in caring for Genovra Province's people. The few prayers he'd done lately had been mostly for his own benefits, he tried to make a note to himself if he somehow got through this to be less selfish. He felt people being pushed away from him; someone was approaching with a very strong aura of magic. The type of aura only one race could emit, a Mystic Elven High Cleric. He felt a surge of magic strike him, like a shock to his body, pulling him off the ground. He fell onto his back facing the sky; things were starting to feel clearer. He gasped sharply, he could breathe again. The pain was slowly subsiding, but the taste of blood still filled his throat and mouth. His eyes opened. People among the crowd were hushed as they watched, guards were pushing them back telling them to move along and let someone through. The spell caster had cast at range; still, he could tell who it was. He propped himself on his elbows, Averi was now beside him again, her face lacked any worry, it portrayed her anger at him not listening to her and gong directly to his schedualed meeting. “Be thankful Lady Touka wanted to check on where you were.” Averi’s voice was cold and heartless. “The longer I care for you the more reckless you become.” Daeual up righted himself into a sitting position. He frowned; his eyes looked to the ground where his blood seemed to be evaporating magically. He could hear a faint murmur of a familiar female voice speaking a magical incantation, likely the source of the self-cleaning blood. “Are you alright?” The source of the voice was behind him, he could hear her voice shaking with worry. Weakly pushing himself to stand, he brushed his hair out of his eyes. The woman placed a hand on his shoulder to support him. He placed his hand on hers. “Thank you, Surinya.” He still didn’t turn to face her, he could feel Averi’s hard eyes drilling into him even though she was dead. “Thank Lucaitus.” She replied, her voice no longer shaking. He could feel her magical presence was weakened after casting such a strong spell. “I was guided to your location by his will…” He turned to face her, still holding her hand. To him she was the most beautiful creature he’d ever laid eyes on. He thought so ever since they first met. Her brown eyes were so dark they looked nearly black, but they were so soft and inviting to him. She always had a smile of encouragement when he needed it most, like now. Her black hair looked like Averi’s at first glance, but her hair was divided into three chunks, a long braid in the back and two piece on either side of her face tied with scarlet ribbons at the ends. Her dark eyes and hair made her already pale skin appear nearly as pure white as Averi too, their resemblace was almost eerie. The only offset was her pastel pink silk dress with more red ribbons used to hold her long flowing sleeves in place and another just above her stomach, allowing her dress to flare out and flow from her stomach to her ankles. Daeual smiled weakly, he was still feeling the pain of the damage done by the nekomimi. The wounds were physically healed but the side effect to healing magic was the pain stayed for a while even after healing. His lungs were no longer filled with blood but he could still taste the blood in the back of his mouth as if they were, he coughed at the thought of them filling with blood again. “Are you alright? You’re probably still weakened we should get you home so you can rest.” Surinya placed her free hand on his forehead, her other one was still being held by Daeual who was staring at her in a trance-like state. “I can heal the body but you mind is probably still in shock.” She turned to look where Averi had been a moment ago. Daeual knew the angel was still there, those cold eyes were still looking at him, but he could feel them sending a different emotion, jealousy. “Please tell the others the meeting is delayed until tomorrow, Daeual should recov-“ Daeual stopped her. “I’m alright. We’ll just make it brief and finish whatever needs to be done over the next days.” He winched slightly as he moved his shoulders to stretch his back. The crowd was now mostly despersed. They had returned to their gossips with new things to tell, it wasn’t every day a Mystic Elf was in their part of the world, especially a Cleric. Very few mystic elves became clericals or priests, those who did were closely protected by their goddess Maegynsa. The race was often feared, they were the strongest magic users alive. Able to harness the magical energies and life forces of any living creature, plant or animal, they master most magicks with ease. Many chose to devote their lives to a single category magic spells, such as necromancy, enchantment, or illusionary magic, however some chose to learn all types, but are much less powerful than someone who specialized. Surinya wasn't specialized in traditional magics since she was a cleric, but the one she was strongest in was Illusions. Daeual remembered her telling him when he met her before she was taught illusionary magicks by her father, Masaki Touka, who was the best Illusionist on the moon. Her mother had been a cleric of Maegynsa, the reason she chose to follow the path to priesthood. Surinya frowned at Daeual’s persistence. “I still think you should rest, you’re in pain just standing there.” “I’ll be fine.” Daeual insisted. He straightened his posture and pulled lightly on her hand to signal her to walk with him. Surinya shook her head. “If you insist on this, then at least let me take us there.” Daeual felt a small surge of magic growing around them. The streets faded out while the meeting room he was expected in appeared around him. He took a moment to regain his bearings and realized she’d used a teleport spell. The room was very bright. A large rounded-square windows lined one wall, the sunlight from the three suns reflected off the long black polished table in the middle of the room. Seated at the table were three of the people he’d expected to see, Myriu of Nivel, Phipo of Artius, and Shaesu of Vastus. Kirauo of Mysia was standing by the windows staring out over the sitting with a look of impatience as usual. He was an older man, half elven, half human. He had a bad disposition about being mad to wait and not getting his way. His short spiky hair was greyer than Daeual last remembered, the blond was slowly leaving. He also seemed to have grown a goatee since they last met. Shaesu was the only one facing Daeual when they appeared in the room. He didn’t seem to have noticed yet. He was entertaining the other two with some story, likely an exaggeration as most halflings did. After hearing a story they tended to repeat it with more and more enthusiasm each time it was told. Their small stature was made up by their imaginations. Shaesu’s hands waved around wildly as he stood on his chair acting out as he told his tale. His blond hair would flop into his face covering his shifty blue eyes. He would push it back repeatedly as he talked, making sure his audience was watching and listening to his every detail. Phipo was chuckling at shaesu’s tales his chubby body shaking slightly. Phipo was one of the only humans Daeual got along with. The old man was kind hearted and would give the shirt off his back to a person in need. His county was one of the poorest in the province despite being a major city. But from how he controlled it, fair and just, it ran as well if not better than all the richer cities. His people loved him dearly, however his tired wrinkled tried face showed just how aged he was getting, though his green eyes were still very lively. There were times Daeual thought he may soon be getting notice of Phipo’s passing, but the old man was too passionate about his people to ever give in. Myriu was the person of the group who stood out the most. As a Taurynn she gave a very mean exterior. Her bullhorns and history of her people often made most keep their distance from her. But not many realized just how peaceful the taurynn race became after their civil wars had ended many years ago. She was smiling and laughing at Shaesu’s tales of valor with her tail swishing back and forth brushing along the floor. One person appeared to be missing. Jemai’yu of Illicitus. He was the only person of the council that Daeual disliked with every core of his being. He was a tyrant. He encouraged the use of slaves and abused his power over his city’s people. The city was rich, but the people within it were poor, unlike Artius where the people were well off even though the city itself lacked in funding. Jemai’yu was a rare, unique, cross breed of Drow. His skin was as black as a pure Drow, his eyes just as red and mean as well, but his hair was black rather than white. The combination made him looks like the demon his personality portrayed. “Oh look who’s finally arrived!” Shaesu said, acting as if he hadn’t noticed Daeual for a few moments. The halfling had rushed to the end of his story before saying anything. Daeual nodded to the group who was now looking in his direction. Surinya moved to take her seat at the table beside Myriu. Daeual went to the end of the table which placed Shaesu on one side of him and Phipo on the other. “Jemai’yu said he, um, couldn’t make it…” Surinya appeared to be trying to make the drow’s words politer than they were. “I’d rather not repeat the actual words he used…” “Every word he used to describe our wonderful Kaeshiar was true though, he is a-“ “That’s enough, Kirauo.” Myriu interrupted. “Please sit down.” Kiraui snorted and threw his hands in the air. “He can keep people waiting for half an hour past a time he set for us to be here but I can’t have five minutes to speak?” He moved from the window and took his seat next to Shaesu. “Just shut up…” Myriu rolled her eyes; she’d always acted like Kirauo was a windbag that needed to be popped to keep him in control. Daeual frowned slightly; he wanted to explain what kept him but decided he’d leave the story telling to Shaesu. “Shall we get to business then?” he shuffled the papers in front of him. “It looks as if you’ve all seen the papers placed here ahead of time by now. Due to my late arrival we should push some of today’s concerns to tomorrows meeting. The things I’d like to bring up today though are the most urgent of all. Our neighbouring Province, Lokima has recently suffered a great loss and is asking our help in retrieving the stolen item. As you should know every provincial capital is home to an artifact from Genus. Originally they all came as one complete item but over the years this item was dismantled and divided among many people. Lokima has lost their piece and suspect the person doing it is seeking to rebuild the artifact. “I’ve done research on the history of the items and have yet to find any information explaining the power of it in its entirety. However, many scrolls pointed to this item being the cause of Genus’ Final War. If such an item is able to cause a war able to destroy and entire planet I fear what will happen if it is reassembled and falls into the wrong hands.” Daeual waited as everyone’s eyes were focused on him. The pause was uneasy but it was nothing in comparison to the pain from wounds he’d suffered earlier. All he wanted now was to hear what the others had to say. He didn't even care if it was another insult, just anything to get all eyes off him. “So, where is our piece exactly…” Kirauo finally spoke up; his macho act had quickly ended. “Hidden within the city, only a select few know of its location. It’s to be kept secret incase of spies…” “…within the council. He doesn’t trust us.” Kirauo finished, he couldn’t resist but take knocks at Daeual every chance he got. He was nothing compared to what Jemai’yu would be saying if he were present though. Daeual was at least partially grateful. “On the contrary, he doesn’t trust you.” Myriu laughed a sharp note. “I wouldn’t either as much as you harass the poor boy.” “Is there anything else you know about this artifact?” Surinya chimed in, attempting to avoid the conflict being set in motion. “Does it have a name? How many pieces? Anything?” Daeual sighed, both relieved the topic was changed back on course and of lack of information himself. “The name found in the scrolls was not in a language I’m familiar with and was unable to find someone capable of translations. Many of the texts are so old their languages have been lost over the centuries. As much as the scholars try to keep current languages available for all information, it’s often too difficult to handle every text in the archives. “One text however seemed to indicate there may be more than one singular item. It spoke of several made in similar fashions with different powers. It never explained the exact powers of the items but referred to another text which seemed to be missing from the archive.” Daeual shifted in his chair, the pain in his back was getting worse; he was starting to regret not taking Surinya’s advice. His health had always been poor but adding injury made him feel like crawling in bed and never leaving the comfort of the warm, soft blankets. Are you sure you’re alright… Surinya’s ‘voice’ made her comment sound more like a statement. She was using the elven form of communication known as ‘sending’, speaking telepathically directly to him. I’ll rest after this, he replied feeling guilty for holding conversations the others couldn’t hear. He felt like when he was young and other elven children would send to him asking for test answers in classes. “Could I get access to the archives, perhaps?” Phipo spoke. “I’d like to read up on this more myself.” “Of course, you’re all welcome to.” Daeual was hoping this would lead to them all, or at least enough to matter, wanting to go read about it themselves and let him adjourn the meeting quickly. “I think this would be better if we all checked in and went over the information, and combine any findings we have tomorrow.” Shaesu paused, then nodded to himself. Daeual sensed Shaesu knew something was wrong with him. “We should finish this tomorrow then?” “Agreed,” Myriu also nodded. Daeual expected a remark against him from Kiraou but realized the irritable half elf wanted to get out of the meeting so would likely not cause any more trouble that might prolong it. “Alright, meeting will resume tomorrow at the scheduled time, unlike today. My apologies, for my lateness.” There were a few murmured words exchanged between people as Myriu, Shaesu, and Phipo left together chatting. Kiraou left alone slightly behind them leaving Surinya and Daeual alone. She moved closer to Daeual, taking Phipo’s seat. She placed her hand on his forehead and frowned. “You’re not doing so well, you need rest.” He reached up and moved her hand from his forehead and kissed it softly. “You don’t need to worry; I’m going back home and resting. I hate to make you frown like that.” Surinya blushed, she was speechless. “Come with me?” he almost had the words choke in his throat. He wanted a chance to be close with her alone; he had so much he wanted to talk about in private. Surinya pulled her hand back and looked away. “I can’t.” Her right hand moved to play with a ring on her left hand. Daeual hadn’t noticed that until just then - A wedding ring. His heart felt as if the nekomimi had ripped into his chest and shredded it. It seemed as if he was going to be sick, faint, and kill someone all to once. The room went blank for a moment, his vision cut as the blood rushed from his face. He stood forcing his senses back. “I’ll see you tomorrow then…” he turned to the exit and began to swiftly walk out. His entire body was shaking, unresponsive, numb. She didn’t even invite him? She didn’t even tell him. He didn’t have a chance to even contest the wedding and tell her how he felt about her. He kicked himself over and over. Why didn’t I try to talk sooner, I had my chance a year ago… “Daeual!” Surinya called after him. He didn’t even look back. “Will you wait? Please!” Wait? Look where waiting too long got you, idiot. He thought to himself. He broke into a run. He had to get away. He raced down several flights of stairs fighting back the pain his body was in, stuffing the physical pain behind the emotional distress he was feeling. He didn’t realize just how fast he was going, he passed Myriu, Shaesu, and Phipo on the ground floor of the building, ignoring them entirely. He heard Myriu speak his name but he avoided replying. The doors were just ahead, he needed to at least get outside. He hesitated, panting waiting for the glass doors to slide open, but they didn’t. He looked around quickly to see if there was a cause to the doors not opening and came face to face with Averi. “Stop being a spineless gat and talk to the woman.” She warned. Her arms were crossed with her trademark glare. “I shouldn’t have to mother you, you’re a big boy now.” Daeual coughed, his breath still not catching up with him. “I-I…” He stopped and tried to rephrase what he wanted to say before making a fool of himself, he couldn’t string words together he was so shaky. “She doesn’t want… anything to do with... me.” “She didn’t say that, did she?” Averi’s hands were clenching into fists. “You’re only thinking of yourself again. Such a cowardly, selfish boy I’ve been stuck with.” “I am not!” Daeual yelled at the top of his lungs. He didn’t care if everyone on the floor heard him or was looking at him arguing with a ghost. “You have no idea what’s going on.” “Neither do you.” Averi threw her hands into the air, “GO. Just go.” The sound of the doors sliding open made him turn to leave. He glanced back to try to say one last thing to Averi but she had gone as quickly as she appeared. He left the Central Building for City Affairs, now walking at a normal pace, his home wasn’t far thankfully. Ever muscle in his body was burning, searing with pain now. Since he was a child he was never able to run or play without suffering weakness and pain. He pushed himself too far today. He wanted to walk down an alley way, sit and die. People around him, walking by, called greetings to him but he didn’t reply, didn’t even look at them. At that moment, he hated everyone knowing him. He used to love the random possitive attention. He loved nothing now. He wanted to be alone, be a nobody, anything to try and patch the hole that had been ripped open. The pain of the nekomimi inflicted injuries was nothing compared to what the emotional pain of seeing that ring on her finger felt like. He slowed his walking to a normal pace. The more he’d thought about the ring on her finger the faster he’d absently walked, draining any last energy he had left in him. He was nearly home and didn’t even remember the walk itself, just the emotions he was feeling. Hate, anger, confusion, jealousy, and heartbreak were a few of many conflicting emotions inside him. He walked to the door of his home, slamming it shut behind him. Unlike many homes in the city his wasn’t an apartment style home shared with others. It was a large building, mansion-like; all to himself and anyone he wished to have stay with him. It was one of the ‘perks’ of his position as Kaeshiar. He stood in the foyer staring at the empty short hallway ahead of him. The house looked as empty as he felt. It was a very well designed house none the less. Beautifully done wooden floors polished to a shine in every room except the bedrooms, which were plush and carpeted. The walls reached high above to meet open rafter ceilings on the second level and foyer. Directly as he entered, a set of dark mahogany stairs leading to the second level were visible. The stairs started as one wide set, then halfway up split rounded into two, one going right and one left. The East and West wings each had a balcony allowing people to look down over the kitchen and living room areas. Unique and Rare plants decorated the balcony edges and much of the hallways and stair railings. Paintings and portraits of former Kaeshiars and their family were archived in the house also, though there were times Daeual wanted to take them down, some of the paintings were unappealing. Rarely was there another person, aside Averi, inside the lonely building. He didn’t conceder it much of a ‘home’, it felt more like ‘place I stay’ to him. A home would be somewhere to share with loved ones and friends; he didn’t really have many friends. His parents had passed away when he was very young. He’d been entrusted into his aunt’s care where he developed and illness which made him nearly an invalid at the age of 35. No cleric was able to cure or diagnose the problem. Some claimed he was a cursed child, saying the gods damned him for something his parents had done, or even something his soul did in a past life. The excused often varied based on the cleric’s religion, but it was always the same, excuses. The only reason he was even alive was Averi. His aunt’s desperation and prayers eventually were answered by a god who felt pity for his situation and sent Averi to his aid. “You’ll never learn.” He came out of his staring-daze to see Averi walking past the end of the hall, from the kitchen to the dinning/living room with a broom floating along behind her. The broom was swishing back and forth of its own will, mostly kicking up dust rather than sweeping it away. Averi never was one to know how to house keep very well. “You run like a coward whenever something comes up in the way, face it like a man.” She scolded. The broom stopped at her side and she grabbed it roughly by the handle. “I don’t see what the problem is, personally.” “You were spying, you saw what happened.” Daeual knew Averi had been there, she always lurked near by even when she was told not to. It was a fact he came to accept over time; privacy was something he lacked as a child. She shrugged and pointed the broom into the living room. “You have a guest. I’ve no idea how it got here but it’s leaving fur all over the place.” To his knowledge Daeual had no ‘furred’ friends, or any reasons to have someone meet him at his house, nor did he want a reason for them to be there. He wanted to go to bed, he felt horrible, physically and emotionally. He made sure he regained his dignity then walked forward past Averi. Once looking into the dinning area he realized what Averi meant by leaving fur all over. Long white fur was trailing through the house, presumably from the entrance to the living room where the frightened nekomimi sat on his sofa. She was clinging nervously to a cushion. Her claws were absently ripping into it as she chewed on the upper edge. The pillow wasn’t the only thing she had damaged. Several other pieces of furniture had claw marks and fur matted to them. The bill to repair the damaged items wouldn’t be cheap. “Nekomimi, how did you get here?” He approached cautiously, placing a hand on her shoulder, he didn't want an encore of the performance at the south gate. Her eyes moved from the wall across the room losing their blank stare; she looked content at seeing Daeual. She continued to chew his pillow however. “L’dy ‘Oka.” Her voice was too muffled to understand. “Ooo okey n’w? I ‘idn’ ‘ean ‘o ‘ur’ ooo” A puzzled expression passed Daeual’s face, the nekomimi lowered the pillow from her mouth still chewing on some of the stuffing. “Lady Touka!” she repeated happily. “She told me to come to this place when I gots here.” One of her ears flicked and her head tilted. She looked as if trying to see Daeual’s back. “You okie?” Her ears lowered in concern. “I was scared… Lady Touka help you? She’s really nice. She tricked Lord Raishuo into letting her take me from Illicitus! He didn’t know about Annyyyything.” She waved her hand from left to right in a ‘swish’ style motion. “You’ve lost me.” Daeual’s expression blanked a moment looking at the confusing cat. What did Jemai’yu Raishuo have to do with anything? He kneeled beside her, looking directly into her eyes. “Surinya brought you? From Illicutus? How? Why? What was she doing there? Why didn’t you come in to the city with her? And what is your name?” The nekomimi’s eyes went crossed at all the questions to once. It was too much for her one track mind it seemed. “Whoa so much question…” she moved the pillow from her lap and handed Daeual a wrinkled dirty paper envelope sealed with the Touka family seal. “Lady Touka said to give this to you. I was supposed to get here before her but I gots lost… she said she wanted you to know some things before she gots here and hurt you by accidents.” Daeual’s heart stopped for a moment. Maybe Surinya thought he already received the message, that’s why she reacted how she did. He quickly opened the envelope and unfolded the peach scented parchment inside. Several peach blossom petals dropped to the floor, Surinya’s signature way of showing a letter was authentically from her. Daeual, I’m not sure where to begin, so I’ll start with introducing you to Naoko. Be patient with her she’s a bit… ambitious and forgetful. No matter what she does she’s trying to help even if she can be a bit destructive… Daeual instantly thought of the damage to the house and injuries she caused him. Please look after her for me until I arrive. I’ve sent her ahead of me with this to inform you of a few things have happened since we last met. He’d been right, Naoko was late and Surinya didn’t know. The biggest change would be I’m married, though not of my own will. Jemai’yu has been pressuring me to marry him or else he would begin sending soldiers into my land to terrorize my people. I held off foolishly thinking he was bluffing. I regret being so naive. He slaughtered an entire village near where our boarders meet as a warning. Killing parents in front of children heartlessly, and then slaughtering the children themselves. My own soldiers were unable to arrive in time to rescue anyone. The only thing left unburned or mutilated was Naoko. She was left tied by a rope around her neck as a messenger and ‘gift’. He told her to send the message this would happen again and again until he either killed everyone or had me. I didn’t want anyone else to suffer… So I reluctantly accepted. I’ve been living in Illicitus for the past month. Jemai’Yu has been keeping me from my own land, leaving my father to run things for me. Daddy’s wanted to come to you to ask Genovra for help but I told him I could settle this on my own. Unfortunately I don’t think I can anymore. Jemai’yu has recently been obsessing over something called “Flaera y Pheonos”. He has scrolls and tablets throughout his castle recounting artifacts of Genus. Whenever I get near them to read he demands I leave or removes them from my access. He sent an armed squad of soldiers to Lokima recently; I fear it’s something to do with this artifact he speaks of. I’ve a lot more to tell you about that but I’ll wait for us to meet in person incase someone else intercepts this message. Naoko was peeking over the top of the message, her large eyes staring directly into his. “That’s a long letter…” He bit the inside of his cheek to hold back his amusement with her. Despite the seriousness he was reading, the cheerful, carefree nekomimi gave him a spark of happiness. He realized her demeanor reminded him of a child, he wondered just how old she was. Jemai’yu will undoubtedly have spies keeping an eye on my every move while in Genovra City. As much as I want to spend time with you, I will have to avoid any meetings with you which would look suspicious. I will find a way for us to spend time together somehow, please be patient. If Averi were to read that paragraph, he could already hear Averi’s voice in his head in a nagging tone telling him she was right all along and he need to stop jumping to conclusions before he received all the facts. Remember to take care of my Naoko! She’s very affectionate and likes to cook, and clean, just be sure to watch her closely. She tends to- Naoko’s hand reached over the letter blocking the paragraph. “You dun needa read that.” She nodded. She was still watching his eyes, he realized she was watching where he was reading. Naoko pointed to the next paragraph. “Start there.” She nodded again, and then resumed peeking over the top of the page. “That other one isn’t important…” Daeual decided he’d read it later when Naoko wasn’t watching him to see what kind of warning Surinya had left him. I miss you, looking forward to seeing you soon. Love Surinya He refolded the letter and placed it back into the envelope. He placed it inside a breast pocket on his coat-like robe. A complete jackass, he’d left her confused, crying out to him. He felt like a heartless monster. She was probably upset, maybe even crying. The thought of making her cry made him fight back tears of his own. Naoko picked up the pillow she had been chewing on and held it out as an offering. “You want a chew? It makes you feel better…” He looked at her and allowed himself to smile faintly. He placed his arms around her and hugged her tightly. “I can see why Surinya wanted you to come with her for so many reasons.” He sighed letting his tensions release. He released his hold on the confused cat and looked at her face-to-face. “Come with me, we’re going to find Surinya.” |
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Qualis: Shadows of Genus