The Chronicles of Nir

4 | Nip and Tuck

Ben was no bard, and tended to ramble, yet his storytelling held a certain charm. He spilled everything, telling the wood-elf far more than he needed to know. Erianthus kept a straight face—even at the parts that would make a lesser man blush—and listened with compassionate attention.

"I see," he said, when Ben reached the end, having unnecessarily recounted the parts Erianthus had witnessed firsthand. "Well, it is fortunate your path has led you to me, I think." He drew a breath and redirected his attention to Tallon. "As for you, half-elf. I am familiar with Lord Colbert—and of his elven wife. Tell me, did your mother ever mention a certain elf-maid by the name of Elantra?"

Tallon blinked as he searched his memory. "The name sounds Esilunian, but Mother never speaks of her homeland, and my father is likely to know more about the state of his pantry and wine cellars than of our neighbors affairs."

The wood elf swirled the wine in his cup, eyes fixed on the liquid as he spoke.

"The College of Alchemical Arts was once among the most renowned centers of learning in the seven realms. It attracted the best of all races, and even high elves would deign set foot in its lofty halls. Lady Elantra Snowberry was among the most esteemed scholars of medicine, and perhaps the best alchemist to ever set foot in the college. Your mother, though she initially pursued arcane studies, was among her pupils, once. Has she not mentioned her education?"

Tallon pursed his lips for a moment, aware of Ben and Maisie's eyes on him, waiting for an explanation. He only shook his head, unable to keep the bitterness from his tone. "Like I said, Mother doesn't speak of her past. The very mention of Esilunia will prompt her to change the subject or leave the room outright. Her people don't speak of grief or difficult emotions, as I'm sure you know, and my siblings and I were taught to never ask questions."

Eri nodded understandingly. "Prior events haunt many who once called the college home. Your mother left before the worst came to pass, but she was there long enough to witness the Great Disillusionment."

Ben snuck a glance at Tallon. It sounded like the name of a traveling circus show, but he kept his peace, sensing an old wound among any elf familiar with the cataclysm. Less shy to speak up, Maisie paused with her spoon halfway to her mouth and frowned.

"The Great What-Now?"

Erianthus smiled and refilled her glass as he spoke. "Elantra was brilliant, producing medicinal potions for the most incurable ills. Some believed she would eventually cure death itself. That is what drew me to her."

He settled back on his cushion and crossed his legs.

"I had a brother—a twin—named Oleander. Oli was the better half of our pair—sweet tempered and kind. Sadly, he was afflicted with a wasting illness, rare and deadly, and was not expected to survive long. I was determined to find a cure; Elantra promised she could save him, and so I pledged my loyalty and services to her. There was nothing I wouldn't do to earn her respect and assist her pursuits."

Maisie glanced at Ben. "A dangerous endeavor, I'd wager."

Desperation rarely led to good outcomes, and Tallon felt for Erianthus. Were his sister Liari, or even his brother Vann, in Oleander's place, Tallon would probably make the same choice. He shifted in his seat. "I take it she didn't uphold her promise?"

"No, she did not." Sadness darkened the wood elf's gaze, and seeing that everyone had finished their meal, he rose. "Let us continue this in a more comfortable setting."

Erianthus led them to the central space of his airy house, offering his guests their choice of the strange, woven furniture. Taking a seat, Ben found his chair quite comfortable, but declined the elf's offer of more wine. One glass had made him sleepy; two would have him snoring through the elf's tale.