Vaehandre: Where The Stars Fall [Under Revision]

Chapter 18: Fettered Love

[Photo: My love by adenah on DeviantArt]
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Gazing up at the skies above, Lôra wondered about the other stars. She traced the marble railing of the terrace that was placed before the edge of the cliff. The thought of her home slipped into her mind. Sadness crept in with a frown. Shortly, the looming hour of Aiden's arrival at the castle warmed her heart.

Alistair, upon approaching, was stood beside her in silence. "Good evening, my lady ... I've noticed you've spent a lot of time with Aiden."

"What of it?"

"It is not my business to interfere with your relations, but I must give caution. I assigned him to you as your guard, if things are to develop between you two. It will not end well for him. For his sake, be frank with him. For I see he has much affection for you. White fairies live a long life and the Elite, only as long as Man," addressed Alistair.

She furrowed her brows, glancing at him intently.

He bowed his head down. "Take this into consideration, my lady. I'll take my leave."

She diverted her attention back to the stars. Soon, the rowdiness of the great hall could be heard all the way to the terrace. Glancing there with expectant eyes, she peered around the gathering knights from where she stood.

Aiden had just arrived at the castle from his patrol. He drew near her. "Are you well, my lady? How goes your crystal-works?"

"They are almost ready for use," replied Lôra.

Aiden tilted his head upwards. "Amazing aren't they? How balls of light, when they fall, can alter fate, tip the scales in a power struggle—change lives." He set his eyes on her.

There was a moment of silence for Aiden's sentiments provoked much thought in her.

She replied with uncertainty, "A blessing and a curse." Lôra looked at him gravely. "So many possibilities, good and bad," she continued, half angered, half sad.

"The world's fate isn't always in your hands." Aiden tried to assure her.

Lowered her head, she doubted his words. "Vaehandre's fate was in my hands, and I allowed it to be passed on to you, then I failed to protect you when you held it. You should be furious."

"I told you. I don't blame anyone. I just know what I must do. No one could have predicted this." He moved closer to her.

Lôra backed away, shaking her head. "It doesn't change what happened, Aiden. I couldn't bring myself to stop her, and she could've killed you, but she chose to take your memories and send you away—to get to me!— she was after me..." exclaimed Lôra, her voice strained.

"It—happened. We'll be better prepared now."

"If anything happens to you, it would be my fault. Maybe I caused this when looked into..." She slowly hushed her voice, worried that Aiden might think badly of her.

"No!" he said as he lay his hand on her shoulder.

She shrugged, turning away from him. Her eyes fluttered as she pressed her lips.

"Lôra," he began as he held her hand that lay aloof.

With a trembling voice, she said, "This war, whatever this whole thing is－" She slowly returned her gaze to him. "－it's not going to end without casualties."

Perplexed, Aiden stiffened and almost lets go of her. "Don't say that." He held her hands tightly.

"You have to think of it, Aiden. You have to consider that possibility."

He looked down at her as he gauged the seriousness of her expression. He glanced to the side. "I'm just hoping for the best. We don't always have to see our current situations as they are, without hoping for better outcomes," said Aiden desperately.

Lôra drew near him. "There's a difference between hope and wishful thinking."

Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "Where is this coming from?"

Lôra pressed her hand on her temple and moved away. At length, she stared at the horizon.

"Don't despair." Comforted Aiden as he tried to go near her.

She closed her eyes, trying to calm her mind, blinking slowly, her back turned to him. "I'm afraid I've let my feelings get in the way."

"Get in the way of what?"

"Mightier things."

"Things will—be—different this time."

These words put Lôra's mind at ease. She smiled lightly. "I won't make the same mistake as last time."

He reached for her hand again. She took hold of his, allowing herself to get lost in the blue of his eyes.

• • •

With this being the third night since Hector and the other commander's departure, Owen asked Alistair in the infirmary if he had received word from them.

"The Western army is set to arrive in two days and the South in three days maybe more," said Alistair, as he set aside large white crystals.

"And of Hector?" Owen tilted his head and spoke in a pensive tone.

"We have not heard from him. The message we received from the East was sent by their royal messenger."

"Then Hector is not with the king. We must send his raven to him so he can reply."

Alistair kept his brow crooked. "Very well, I'll see to it."

"Allow me, my lord," put in Owen. But before turning away, he asked, "Are those the crystals to make more shields?"

"These? No, They are to be made into light crystals."

"For a battle at night," Owen replied as he nodded. "What is the word to activate them?"

"Dilliah."

One of the large crystals shone a blinding light.

Owen shielded his eyes.

"Ohn-dolp," said Alistair, and the shinning of the crystal ceased.