Not Giving Into Fate

23- A Surprising Sibling Brunch

I sit in the garden, fanning myself as I wait for Elric to join me. I had invited him for brunch in the gardens on this warm late, summer day. I fan myself with one hand, body shielding the book from the sun so that I may read it, turning a page with the other hand. 

The book is written in Faelic, the language of fairies. I know there were some northern faeries long ago, maybe I can get information of them. After looking up the language of the curse, I deduced it was similar to Faelic origins... a language I'm not comfortable with.

I have another book in front of me and a journal next to it. I slowly translate the book, a tedious yet necessary step to figuring out this curse. I have a code which helps with the translation, however this language is long dead and hard to understand. 

"Sister," I look up and see my brother and Sebastian walking to me. They're in their training uniforms and their swords are attached to their hips. They are either coming back from a sparring session or they will leave to one. 

"Brother, General Sebastian... good morning." I close my books after carefully placing my bookmark to keep my page.

"You seem busy," Elric points out as he takes a seat next to me. He leans his sword against his chair and looks at the spread of food I prepared. Sebastian takes a seat on the other side of me on the circular table, copying Elric with his sword. 

I look down and then shake my head. "Oh, I was just researching the topic of the Faelic language for a curse I'm working on. It's not that interesting."

"It sounds interesting," General Sebastian speaks as he sits. "Why the Faelic language?"

I look to my brother who nods, letting me speak of my job. I smile, eager to say this in front of family, eager to share what I do. They have never been interested in my studies or my job. 

"A gentleman came to me with this bizarre curse, his hand completely black which is unheard of. After learning more about how he got it, I researched the words written in the cave where he had procured the curse and found it was similar to Ancient Faelic, something that isn't my strongest language. I'm currently reading this," I place my hand on the book. "So that I can learn about the specific Fae found in the region where he was cursed. After more research, I should know what caused the curse and how to cure him."

"It sounds like a lot of work," Sebastian muses. "And you like to do this?"

"I think of it as a game. I'm putting the pieces together like a puzzle. Normally I know how to fix the curses with general ease or slight difficulty, but this is pretty interesting." I smile.

"I can see why you were so determined to be Master." Elric chuckles, reaching over and grabbing the mug in front of him. He thanks me for the coffee and takes a sip. I look to Sebastian, realizing he was a surprised guest. I apologize and wave my hand, making a mug appear in front of him. I ask what he will like and he tells me tea which I procure for him. 

The men are surprised at the easy magic I did, which I wave off telling them that even first years can do this level of magic. Elric clears his throat as I sip my own cup of coffee. 

"Sister... how are you feeling after the tournament. I..." Elric clenched his hands and jaw. "Prince Ivan had no right to deliver a bloody fuc-"

"What he means to say," Sebastian clears his throat. "We are worried you may be reacting poorly to that public display. How can we ease your mind?"

I sip my coffee, very aware of Sebastian's sudden change of attitude with me. He's nicer, sitting in front of me acting as a charming man next to my soured brother. Just a few weeks ago, he had hated me. I don't know if I believe this random change in kindness, but I have to tread carefully around him. I need him to believe that I now trust him. If I act wrongly in front of him... he is my brother's closest confidant and I need my brother on my side.