Unmarked

Forgiving Unora

The council came to session early the next morning, they wanted to start right away with Unora. Amilia sighed as she peeked through the doorway and out to the council's great room. And then she shut the door completely. Amilia hadn't been in the situation since she was fourteen, when she was tried as Nsefen for her war crimes. Although it wasn't her who stood trial she was still worried for Unora. Amilia turned around and looked at her. She was staring at the ground, moving her feet in front of her, and fiddling with her hands. Amilia walked over and sat down next to her.

"Are you alright?" She said putting her hand on her back. She didn't say anything. Amilia put her hand behind her on the bench and looked up to the ceiling. After a few minutes Unora suddenly put her head onto Amilia's chest and cuddled up to her, grabbing onto her shirt.

"I'm scared." She whispered to Amilia. Amilia hesitated, but then put her hand onto Unora's head.

"Why?"

"The Marked don't like us magic users. What do you think they'll do to me?"

"They're not going to do anything to you. Things have changed, I promise."

"Then what about this trial?"

"It's just a formality, you'll see." They heard a knock on the door and then saw a guard.

"It is time." He said motioning to the room behind him. Unora gripped onto Amilia's arm and them pushed her face into her chest.

"It's alright." Amilia whispered to her. Amilia stood up and then looked to Unora. "Come on." Amilia held her hand out to her. "I remember how scared I was when I stepped out there. But Pglm helped me out so I could do the rest. And I hope this time I'll be able to stay with you, to help you along." Unora slowly got up and took small steps towards Amilia, finally taking her hand, as soft as she could. Amilia led her out into the room, with the guard following closely behind. They stopped in the middle and faced the balcony. Unora hid behind Amilia and buried her head into her back. Then eight figures came to the edge, each of them sitting down in their respective chairs. Though it had changed, the chairs seemed to have flags on the back of them and in front of them, on the balcony as well. They saw them talking, but could not hear them. Then the Market representative stood up.

"Unora you stand trial for endangering the Marked Underground, endangerment and abuse of the chosen one, and faking your own death." She paused. "What do you have to say for yourself?" Unora just gripped harder onto Amilia's hand.

"She doesn't remember it." Amilia said, looking at her.

"Is this true, Unora?"

"It's Ophelia, actually, she's only ten."

"Very well, do you not remember these events, Ophelia?" Unora looked up at the woman who was standing.

"N- no, ma'am." Charlie turned, sat down and put her hand to her chin.

"Please," Amilia started. "Let me take care of her. Don't do anything rash, I beg you. I know if I raise her she won't turn out the same, I promise. And doesn't she deserve that? A better chance at life?" Charlie stood up.

"We shall see." She turned around and the other seven followed her. They went into the back room for a moment and then came back out. All but Charlie sat down. "Tell me, Ophelia, what do you remember?" Unora looked up to her.

"My mom and my dad. And going to sleep. When I woke up I was in front of her." She said pointing to Amilia.

"Are you aware that your parents are deceased?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Can you tell me how long?"

"A few hours?" A few eyebrows were raised after she said that.

"Does Ms. Cripple here, remind you of anyone? Anyone at all?" Unora looked at Amilia.

"No, ma'am, she doesn't."

"She doesn't look like anyone in your family?"

"No."

"Do you know where you are?"

"Qgxkm." She said, her voice cracking. Charlie's face became concerned and then she looked to her fellow council members, who all nodded their heads at her. "Well, seeing as you don't remember..." She looked to Amilia. "You can be her guardian, Ms. Cripple, but you and you alone will be responsible for her. If something happens you will be as much to blame as her. Do you understand?"

"Yes, your honor, of course."

"As for you Ophelia, you do not have to fret. Qgxkm was extinguished a long time ago. Those who courted your kingdom and took your loved ones from you are long gone from this world. We now call this place the Marked Market, where everyone and anyone can come and thrive. I'm sure you'll like it here and well, if you decide not to stay, I'm sure you'll be happy wherever you are. Especially with our very own Amilia Cripple watching over you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh- uh, it's very complicated. But I'm sure if you go to a Market school you'll learn all about it." She picked up a gavel and hit it down on the balcony. Then all the others got up and left the room. Unora stepped to the side of Amilia and looked at her. Amilia ran her hand down her hair.

"It's alright, you'll be alright." Amilia smiled.

"Ms. Cripple, congratulations." Charlie said, grabbing Amilia's hand and shaking it. "Now, you have to take good care of her." Charlie knelt down to Unora, Unora backed away. "Oh, it's alright I'm not going to hurt you." Charlie put her hand out and pushed Unora's hair behind her ear. "I never knew you had blonde hair."

"Huh?" She quietly said. "This is just the color my hair is." She said quietly.

"Oh, well it's very pretty." She stood up and put her hands on her hips. Then she laughed. "Reminds me a lot of you, Ms. Cripple." She paused. "I would say that the council of your time determined the same thing, yes? You were no longer Nsefen, but rather, Amilia, Amilia Cripple. Someone who had never heard the name of Nsefen. Speaking of which," Charlie turned more towards Amilia. "How is Nsefen?"

"Nsefen?" Amilia questioned.

"Yeah, don't you two talk or whatever in your head?"

"Oh, well, actually..." She staggered off, "I haven't talked with her since I've been back." She stopped. "She's kind of gone." Charlie's smile disappeared.

"Gone? How can she be gone?"

"I don't know, she just is."

"That's not good, what about your mark? Make it glow, let me see." Amilia did as she asked. "Oh dear. Maybe you should see one of the doctors."

Amilia laughed, "No." She stopped.

"No?"

"It's over, Charlie. The prophecy was fulfilled. There's no longer a need for a chosen one and that's alright. I didn't much like the title anyway. Besides, I have better things to do with my time." Amilia looked at Unora and smiled.

"Well, if you feel sick, you know where to go." Charlie turned around and left the room.

"You ready, my dear?" Amilia put her arm out to Unora. She grabbed it easier this time and they walked out of the chamber together.