An Eternity of Nihility

Chapter 16: « Sis »

Some 800 years had passed since Lycair's death, at least according to Hucral, because some time ago she had unfortunately started to lose count. However, she was still drawing her, be it her hands, her face, her body or even her soul, at least how she imagined it. As time went by, she paid more and more visits to Titania, the Fairy Queen, who became for her the sister she never had. She also visits Mylène to train with her. She has also made friends with Anna and Bianca, and Hucral has no qualms about using them as guinea pigs for his non-lethal experiments.

She also visits the king of the elves, and their prisoner, because 300 years ago, they first locked up the queen in the dungeons beneath the crystal palace. Since then, the witch has only had to come and strike her twice. Meanwhile, the king had spread the rumor that his wife was suffering from an incurable disease. What's more, he had instructed the healers to find a cure, to make his lie more believable. But they came up empty, as expected. Aside from this affair, Hucral took the opportunity to confess to the king that she had realized she was working illegally, and was so afraid of being reprimanded that she drew her katana. Fortunately for her (and especially for him), the latter was very grateful to the witch, and seeing her healing gifts, he decided to pretend he hadn't heard anything and let her continue to practice her profession. Knowing this, Hucral had wept with joy, for she would be able to continue eating the market grapes. To celebrate her victory, she would go and taunt the Queen from time to time, just for a laugh. On the other hand, it was only Hucral who enjoyed these moments.

The rest of the time, she continued to live normally with Stella, preparing meals, updating her book of discoveries, and going to work, where she accepted patients who were not very interesting to her. Until one day, a particular casualty came to her.

— No way, she asserted coldly. I'd rather lose my job than treat a troll.

— Hucral's just a kid, retorted her boss, he hasn't had time to do anything wrong yet and you're already judging him.

— What do you know about it? I don't think you live in their kingdom as far as I know, she said, crossing her arms.

Desperate, he sighed and said one last thing to her before leaving.

— I'm asking you to at least think about it. I know his life isn't in danger, but you have a week maximum to make up your mind. If you don't, you'll suffer the consequences.

He left without looking back, leaving Hucral alone in her thoughts.

The latter sighed loudly, exhausted by the situation she found herself in.

— Pff, when I said unusual patients, I didn't mean trolls, she lamented. But on the other hand, he's just a kid... I'm going to have to make the right decision, and there's nothing better than skipping work to go and get some fresh air at my sister's place.

Motivated by her idea, Hucral stormed out of the room with a smile on her face. She was about to walk through the front doors when she was interrupted by someone.

— Well then, Hucral, are you extending your breaks? asked a male voice ironically.

She stopped dead in her tracks and closed her fist with all her might.

— (Noooooo it's a joke... What a fucking pain in the ass this guy is! I can't see him in paintings, sculptures or anything else!)

She turned around slowly and pulled a funeral face, a sign that she'd rather never have seen him.

— What do you want from me now, Ulmo? She asked, annoyed. I haven't got your time.

He moved closer to her with a stupid grin.

— Where are you going?

— It's none of your business, get off my back and get back to work, there's still work to be done, she replied in a detached tone.