The Blinding

Chapter 43 - Tissa

Elmi's embrace was so tight it took my breath away. For a moment, the weight of everything dissipated as I sunk into the warmth of his hold, a living link to my family's past. He held on for what seemed like an eternity, then held me out, examining me as if seeing me for the first time. "A Blinding," he whispered in awe. "I never foresaw this when Yanile approached me."
My father's name yanked me back into the harsh present. "Then the rumors were true," my voice cracked, "You did know my father."
The light in Elmi's eyes dimmed a shade. "I knew both your parents, and I knew them well."
I swallowed the lump in my throat, understanding the weight of his words. Their absence, which had been a silent pain, now felt concrete and unbearable. Sensing my distress, Elmi gently beckoned, "Come. It's time you heard their story." As if on cue, the others receded to give us space. Hani, always attentive, laid out mats and left fresh bread beside us.
Elmi began once we settled. "The night of your birth, Yanile came to me. With your mother, Rahma, having passed during your birth or just after, and with his strength waning, he brought you to the palace for safety. He entrusted me with your care and revealed your name—Tissa. One look at you, and I saw both Yanile and Rahma in your features. Seeing you now, here, is quite the surprise." He offered a comforting smile. "They loved you, Tissa. They left you in the palace, not out of choice, but necessity."
Their sacrifices became clearer with every word. Elmi's account, coupled with Iftiin's revelations, painted a tragic picture of their final moments. I pondered on the destiny they had envisioned for me.
"Go on," I urged, my thirst for their history insatiable.
Elmi's eyes sparkled, lost in memories. "Yanile was more than a friend; he was family. We shared countless escapades, from skipping lessons to secret swims at the beach. Our mothers always threatened to disclose our mischief, but their empty threats became our inside jokes. When my father, a Seer, passed away, my mother relocated us to Sarapion, among the Magician kin. Despite the miles, Yanile and I remained close. His joy peaked when he spoke of your mother. Rahma had a captivating beauty, accentuated by her regal demeanor. With hair cascading like yours and her striking features, she was a force of nature. Kind-hearted yet fierce, she was his equal, if not more. Yanile revered her, not as a queen, but as his soulmate."
Elmi chuckled, the sound rich and nostalgic. "Their love was palpable, Tissa. Even though they defied conventions and faced numerous threats for their union, their love remained undeterred. Their wedding wasn't just a union; it was a celebration of undying love. To witness their love was to believe in fairy tales."
My emotions overwhelmed me, tears flowing freely, a torrent of joy and sorrow. Their love story, so poignant, so fleeting, was now forever etched in my heart. My parents' love was a legacy I'd never witness, but it consoled me knowing they'd cherished each other.
Blotting my tears, my thirst for knowledge was unquenched. "How did they first meet?"
A hearty laugh escaped Elmi. "While it was never my path, your parents were fervently involved in the rebellion. Yanile led the Bulsar chapter of the Council of the Resistance when your mother joined after relocating."
The Council of the Resistance—the same one Samakaab mentioned. The realization hit hard; my parents were insurgents. Their roles made perfect sense. I couldn't envision them idly standing by amidst the persecution of their kin.
Searching for more connections, I inquired, "Do any of my relatives remain?"
Elmi's brows knitted. "Your mother's kin remain a mystery to me. Your paternal grandfather departed long before, and Yanile was an only child. As for Yanile's mother... her fate's uncertain since his demise."
A flicker of hope sparked. But now wasn't the time for such pursuits. I felt I'd probed deep enough for one sitting. Gratitude welled within. "Thank you, Elmi," I whispered, pulling him close. "I can't even begin to—"
"Hush," he murmured, soothing me. "Words aren't needed."
We broke bread, our conversation's remnants leaving it slightly chilled. As we munched, Elmi's curiosity emerged. "Tissa, how did you elude the palace's notice with such latent powers?"
I fidgeted, memories of my newly discovered abilities vivid. "Only recently did they manifest."
"Your parents must've bound your powers for your safety," he deduced, clarifying the initial sparks of my magic.
"And the significance of these abilities?" I asked. "As a Seer, can't you discern my fate?"
His gaze softened. "I wish I could. Rare are the Seers who can interpret the future of someone so potent. My visions are spontaneous, not summoned."
The unfolding events rushed back. I detailed them to Elmi, who listened intently, unsurprised. "Foreseeing isn't always needed, Tissa. We've all sensed the looming threat. Given your powers' emergence, is time running short?"
I nodded, anxiety evident. "The palace is close on our heels."
His voice took on a comforting tone. "We'll make the best of our time. Embrace your powers; they're part of you. With time, you'll master and understand them. Fear not; you're not alone." He gestured toward the others. "Join them. I need a word with Samakaab."
A smile, tinged with gratitude, crossed my face. Elmi, with his unique blend of wisdom and warmth, was a beacon amid the encroaching gloom.