Shadowsworn

Chapter Five - Awakening

Nona felt her lungs reflate as she gulped down air. This was something she couldn't even conceive. The unexpected in a world where she could read the fates, knew what was coming. And to be blind sided by her eldest granddaughter. Unthinkable. How could she not have seen this power boiling within her dainty confines.

Quickly composing herself, she held up her head, plastering on a warm exterior and rushed forward to Petyr's side.

"High Lord Petyr, always an immense pleasure to have you in our humble home town", swallowing the revulsion she turned to the darker man in front of her, "And considerably more so to have our grand Master Tal grace us with his vast presence."

She heard the dark huff from far behind her. Ignoring its disrespectful meaning, she willed Aria to keep her mouth shut for once.

"Yes indeed it is, I highly agree with your kind words. Always a pleasure to visit", Petyr spread his arms in a welcoming way, "This, Master Abna Tal, is none other than the gifted woman herself, Nona Lex Exol."

She felt the iciest of chills travel up her spine, when Abna broke his eye contact with Tula and swung to face the old woman. Darkest of eyes; full of painful promises and selfish want. An imposing figure, hiding many secrets. His thin lips outwardly portrayed happiness and warmth. But Nona could read behind the false persona. Everyone knew of his powers, affiliated with five elements. A master of knowledge. She could see the simplest of truths. A dangerous man, grasping on the edge of success. Nona saw the plots twisting in the depths of his mind.

"Ah, a privilege to meet you Nona Lex Exol. I have heard far and wide of your natural ability with herbal remedies", bowing his head in the slightest of acknowledgement. "And whilst I would enjoy picking your mind, I find myself distracted by this vision in front of me. And what is your name young lady?"

As much as she despised Tula's selfish and snobbish attitude, Nona wished she could hide her away. She was still her family. But the inevitable was already upon them. She placed a shaking and frail hand on the small of her grandchild's back.

"This is my eldest granddaughter, Tula Lex Exol."

Tula smirked conspiratorially up at the Master Tal, "It is an honour your excellency."

"The honour is all mine. Tell me child, indulge an old man, I wish to know more. What of your age, skills and status?"

"Of course Master Tal. I'm eighteen summers. I have only truly trained in the herbal apothecary under my grandmother. But she taught us many things, a wide range of elemental and historical knowledge", she took an airy breathe and lowered her head, "My status is citizen. I have power over both my birth Elemental earth, also over water."

Master Tal raised his eyebrows, his grin become grander and wider, "However my dear, you just brought forth a third element, fire. A rarity to appear outside of the bloodlines of Wexlar."

Tula gasped, as her cheeks glowed in delight, "But that would mean..."

"Indeed. You have been elevated to the status of highborn. And I bring to you the most glorious and stately of offers. A proposal of marriage, to the High Lord Wexlar", he declared loudly and with great pride.

Petyr beamed around at villagers gathering, "Such a tremendous and beneficial offer. You'd bring this region much honour Tula."

Nona watched on in horror, powerless to do anything, as her granddaughter took a slight bow.

Tula spread her grin wider, "And so shall it be. I will accept this wonderful offer. I shall become with extreme satisfaction, Lady Tula Wexlar."

A shuddering gasp escaped Nona's parted mouth as the winds muttered in her ear. Then the pulsing echoes of power struck her from behind. She glanced at her last granddaughter across the yard. The fury, such bitterness and rage throbbing in waves from her.

Nona quickly erected a shield, circling Aria, attempting to smother the elementals breaking forth. The power it took was terribly draining on her abilities. Like fighting a forest fire with a goblet of water.

"I'm so very proud my darling. Sorry to disrupt, I need to attend to something quickly before I forget. Shall need young Aria's assistance also. I hope you have time for a celebratory dinner before you leave Master Tal."

Abna frowned momentarily, "I planned to leave immediately. Though I suppose it would be best to depart in the early hours after a little rest. The carriages aren't easy on the older body."

"Wonderful, thank you. It will give Tula a chance to gather a few belongings. Also farewell her father and siblings. I shall return to organise everything momentarily", she bowed respectfully.

She left Petyr to attend to the guest, rapidly crossing through the maelstrom of Aria's emotions, into the depths of unending anger.

~

Gnarled hands grasped tight to her wrists, sending deep soothing waves through her. Aria felt like she was suffocating, all air being wrung out, till she was empty and numb. Coolness drenched her veins, seeking out every fibre of her very being. The scarlet fog was pulling back across her eyes like curtains being wrenched open.

"That's it my darling. Release the pain. Come back to me." A gentle voice whispered.

Ebony locks, water spilling, blood running rivers over emerald grass.

"I can't release myself", Aria spoke through gritted teeth, wearing the strong enamel to the brink. The images were being burned in her mind. Forgotten scenes, perhaps meant to stay lost.

She could feel sparks shooting in her body, flares ready to break free of their fragile confines. The fury at her sisters stupidity and need to socially climb, fuelling the beckoning fire. The corruption and power that poured from Master Abna Tal. He came here for her sister, to steal her away into the intrigue and nepotism of the Wexlar region. The promise of status, diamonds and a High Lord.

And Tula never paused. Didn't stop to consider her family. One whiff of prestige and luxury; and her life here, her blood, all thrown into the dirt. Aria could sense it all rising up from inside. She opened her mouth wide, ready to release a shattering scream.

"I'm sorry my darling fated. This must be done."

And blackness followed.

~

Nona couldn't break her gaze from the figure laid out before her. The years and strain were taking its toll on her aging body now. As she tried to calm Aria down, she realised it was too late, the powers too close to the surface.

At the age of fifteen summers, her granddaughter's immense gifts were ready to break loose. Knocking her unconscious was the sole choice. If Master Tal had witnessed the release, death would be unkind and swift; to a young woman who had no control, no means to protect herself. Whilst Nona's own hidden affinity over the elements were strong, her failing body wouldn't have been physically able to put up much of a fight.

She had called upon Tam to carry his sister to Nona's own musty room, in her cramped but modest cottage dwelling. Tam had opened his mouth to question his grandmother. But after taking one look at her stern and impassive face, had done as he was ordered and swiftly disappeared back to his tasks. After tucking her in, she quickly departed to arrange and subsequently attend Tula's leaving dinner. A sombre affair for the family. Made more so by Aria's highly obvious absence. Nona feigned sickness in her granddaughter's defence, and nothing more was spoken.

She had watched on, eagle-eyed, at the disconcerting glances being thrown around by Abna. He knew something was amiss, his powerful aura sensing the balance being thrown off. It felt like Nona had held her breathe continuously, till first light of dawn struck. She kept guard until the sounds and sights of the carriage, carrying part of her blood, dissipated. Over the horizon, into a new life.

"What's happening to me?" The small, shuddering voice broke Nona from her trail of thought.

"You have awoken my darling girl."

Aria huffed quietly, pain ricocheting through her head, down to the last nerve, "Yes, I know I am awake. That doesn't quite answer my question."

"Actually, that was my answer Aria. The fated has awoken."

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