72 Starting Over (72)
After their late night tea, Raven bid her good rest and left her chambers.
It took all of his strength not to shout with joy as he gently closed the doors to her room. Using his hands as he didn't trust his magic when he felt so elated.
He took a steadying breath and headed to the garden.
He needed a walk in the cool night breeze to bring him back to earth.
When he had first received the invite to her room for tea, he had been hesitant. At first wondering if it was to be told that she was leaving, to never return. Or that she wanted to be off the premises during her healing and to never catch sight of him again.
He hadn't dreamed that she would apologize for being upset at his actions, let alone ask to start over with a clean slate.
He wondered if he'd ever get used to her kindness and consideration.
Perhaps now they could be a part of each other's lives.
Surely being her friend would be better than exiled from her existence.
Of course, she'd continue to plague his every moment, visions of her and phantom scents, but he would take whatever she offered willingly.
He would need to do something for her, to show his appreciation.
——————————————————————————
Caeli woke the next day to find the great hall decorated for the Harvest. Copper curtains hanging heavily around the windows, dried flowers and leaves in vibrant shades of orange, yellow and red laid out on every flat surface.
Although Caeli was nervous for the proceedings, she couldn't help but feel excited.
She continued to the kitchen to find Dorn and Arolith in another argument, the scene causing her to laugh.
She ignored them and moved to the wash station where Aroliths younger brother worked.
"Good night Orion.", she said pleasantly to the teenager.
Orion blushed furiously. Miss Caeli was always kind and helpful but her beauty made it difficult to function in any normal sort of way.
"Good-good night Miss Caeli.", he responded, flustered.
Caeli wore her breeches and linen blouse, her arm slung this particular day. She brought her good arm to her bad wrist and rolled her sleeve up.
"What do we have today?", she asked pleasantly.
Orion huffed, annoyed.
"Dorn is insisting just about every dish in existence be made. More prep trays and bins, and in abundance I'm afraid.", he said forlornly.
Caeli laughed boisterously, ruffling his hair and turning to the sink to begin drying what he had already washed. Another of the younger brothers named Rigel put things away as they finished them.
Orion glanced at Caeli's arm in its sling.
"Miss Caeli, you know that I appreciate all of your help, but shouldn't you be resting?", he asked hesitantly, hoping not to offend.
Caeli shook her head.
"I rest enough. I have research to do and must be sitting to do so.", she said nonchalantly. "Not to mention I appreciate the change in scenery and the company.", she laughed glancing at Arolith and Dorn who continued to bicker on the other side of the kitchen.
Orion laughed.
"May I ask what you're researching? Perhaps I could help. I know how to read and write.", Orion said proudly.
"You do? Well then, when you put it that way, I suppose I could use some help. I'm trying to learn everything I can about dragons, and something called a Seeing Stone. You have to keep that last part a secret though, alright?", she asked smiling sweetly at him.
Orion blushed furiously.
"Of course Miss Caeli!", he accidentally shouted.
Arolith heard his brother and turned to see that Orion and Caeli were working at the wash sink. He lifted a hand to Dorn to indicate that he was done with the discussion and worked his way over to the pair.
"You might just be the most beautiful worker we've ever had the pleasure of having. Arguably too beautiful to be doing such lowly work.", Arolith said with a charming smile.
Caeli laughed at this.
"I've never been of a mind to think that any task should be below anyone. Besides, it takes the place of my therapy. I'd rather be doing both at once, if I can help while rehabilitating my body, all the better.", she said with a shrug of her good shoulder.
"Do you plan to join us for Harvest Miss Caeli?", Rigel asked from behind her.
Rigel was as handsome and charming as his brothers but perhaps only seven or eight years old, Orion being closer to thirteen.
Caeli nodded.
"I do. Perhaps only to see the festivities, I can't be sure that I'll be in any shape to partake.", she said sadly.
Arolith waved a dismissive hand.
"You shall partake alright, and steal the hearts of everyone while you are at it. Not to worry, we still have a week before the day comes and you've improved with each day. With that said, I hope that you save me a dance. I promise to do all of the work.", Aolith said with a wink.
Caeli felt warmth creep to her cheeks and simply nodded.
"Good night Caeli.", came a deep voice.
She whirled to see where it had came from and inadvertently slipped on the water that had fallen to the floor.
Just before she hit the ground she was caught by what felt like an iron bar, something used to hold up a house.
She had scrunched her eyes against the impeding crash of her fall but slowly opened them to find Ravens visage hovering above her. His chest entirely too close.
She flailed as she attempted to regain her balance, with his help of course.
"My lord.", all three boys said hastily and in unison, bowing deeply.
Raven gave the three a nod and the youngest a wink, soliciting a giggle from the little boy.
"Could someone explain to me why our distinguished guest is washing dishes?", he asked pleasantly, absently steadying Caeli as she continued to frantically regain her composure.
Orions face turned ashen white and Arolith opened his mouth to explain before Caeli interrupted him.
"As I've told these gentlemen just before you arrived, quite conveniently I might add, is that I used chores to help me rehabilitate while also providing help. Lynx has approved the method and thus here I am.", she said with a sugar sweet smile.
Raven wanted to reprimand her but found it next to impossible when she smiled thusly.
"Hmm.", he grunted. "I had went to your chambers to find it empty and Bat rolling leisurely in your bed.", he said with a chuckle.
Caeli's brows rose in surprise.
She curtsied to the best of her ability, admittedly shakily.
"How may I be of service my lord?", she asked curiously, surprised to hear that he had come looking for her.
Raven shook his head, aware that the three boys were discreetly making their escape, taking small and silent steps away from the pair.
He smiled internally.
Ideally, all others would react the same in the future.
"No service required. I was seeking you out to ask if you'd like to join me on my trip to one of the villages today? I am told that you've read all that you can find on the Midnight Forest, I hoped to give you an opportunity to see for yourself.", he said sheepishly.
Caeli's heart soared.
"Yes of course! I would be delighted. Thrilled truly.", she said with one of her knee-weakening smiles.
Her smile faltered and she turned to see how much work her and Orion had left.
"Well, perhaps after I finish and freshen up.", she said, furrowing her brow at the stacks of dirtied dishes.
Raven began to insist that wasn't necessary before Orion spoke up.
"It's quite alright Miss Caeli, there will be plenty tomorrow should you want to come back.", he said, his cheeks a delightful purple that always indicated blushing in the galaxian.
Caeli smiled and wrapped her good arm around his shoulders, bringing her lips close to his ear to whisper.
"It would be an honor to work at your station tomorrow. And perhaps we can discuss our research at further length. What do you say partner?", she said straightening to see his face.
Orion couldn't bring himself to look into the eyes of the angel that helped him wash dishes but nodded enthusiastically.
With a laugh and a squeeze of the child's shoulder she followed Raven out of the kitchen, stopping to grab two cookies from one of the warm trays and tossing one to Orion and one to Rigel, who squealed in delight.
She brought her index finger to her lips in a hushing motion and gave them a wink before following the massive king through the exit, her pivoting turn much more graceful than her prior display.
Arolith stood in awe and Dorn joined him by his side.
"She's absolutely delightful. I think I'm in love.", Arolith said in a whisper.
Dorn grunted and crossed his arms.
"That maybe the only thing we agree on runt.", he said with a curt nod, watching as the comely woman in mens clothing walked side-by-side with their master.
"The way her hips sway-", Arolith said shaking his head in disbelief.
Dorn grunted and punched the boy before turning away.
"Apparently we agree on more than I thought.", the dwarf said to himself with a chuckle before continuing his work.
——————————————————————————
Raven stood in front of the double doors, waiting for Caeli to emerge.
Workers had reported that Caeli often found work around the castle, insisting that it was helping her build strength. Turning soil, planting bulbs for the following year, dusting the woodwork, and apparently, washing dishes. The workers, frantic, were always relieved when Raven insisted that she may do as she pleases, so long as she was not putting herself in the way of danger or injury.
With each passing day, he heard more of the small fairy child living in his castle. Of her manners and consideration, her desire to help, her good humor.
"It seems I'm not the only one falling in love.", he said with a heavy sigh, turning to Bat who sat obediently at his feet.
He gave Bat a pat on the head just as Caeli emerged.
Raven turned his head to face her and found his breath stolen once more.
She had asked if she could have more than one set of mens clothes and Raven, unable to deny her anything, had them made.
She stepped out in leather boots and black breeches, her loose linens shirt tucked into the high waistband. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail by a black ribbon, a strand of hair loose framing the right side of her face.
She had a cloak draped over her good arm and smiled warmly at him.
"Ready my lord.", she said with a nod.
He stared pointedly at her cloak.
"May I?", he asked, holding out a hand.
As if she had forgotten she had it she looked down at the cloak and nodded.
He took the it from her and gently placed it on her shoulders.
She turned and smiled until he used his large hands to clasp it in the front, just below her throat.
Raven's movements slowed involuntarily.
Caeli cleared her throat, her cheeks flushed.
"Thank you my lord.", she said.
Raven lowered his hands and took a step back.
"I asked Bat to accompany us. There will be more walking than you're accustomed to and I'm not sure you'd be able to keep yourself a top one of the moths.", he said.
Caeli was mounting Bats back when she turned to stare at him in shock.
"Moths?", she asked.
Raven nodded.
"We'll take a tour of the royal grounds before we go to the village. You'll see what I mean.", he said with a chuckle, her surprise and delight causing him his own joy at being privy to it.
Bat carried her to the exit along the back of the castle, a part that she had never been to before.
They stepped through a set of double doors and out into the night air.
"Goddesses above..", Caeli whispered to herself.
A vast portion of the grounds was wide open. At a glance it seemed to go on forever but with a closer look she could see small gardens dotted across the expanse. To the right she saw something even more wonderful.
"The moths nest. We'll go there first.", Raven said in reply to her open mouth stare.
They moved towards what looked like a dead and dry primordial tree, the top gone and no longer reaching out of sight. Holes could be seen all over the trees surface and large flying creatures entered and exited.
As they got closer she could hear a sound similar to a constant hum.
They entered a large opening at the base of the trees trunk and she could hardly believe her eyes.
Immense moths, the size of horses, hung to the inner walls of the dead tree trunk. Their colors varying from yellow to purple and everything in between.
Each had a mane of soft fur around their necks and two incredibly large eyes.
Raven made a whistling sound from his skull. Moments later a large black moth landed in front of them.
Raven stepped forward and gave the moth an affectionate pat, to which it responded with a series of delighted clicks and whistles.
"Moths are used for transportation here. In the beginning of time they were this size, in your time, they are much smaller, as I'm sure you know. They can see in the dark better than even I, and can fly for days without tiring. I suppose the only downfall is that their body is covered in a dust that will, in turn, stick to you once you dismount.", he said with a chuckle and holding out a hand to show Caeli the sparkling material on his hands. "Most wear a riding cloak for that reason, the moths are also fitted with saddles, these alone help reduce the amount that makes it onto your body."
Caeli had dismounted from Bats back and took a few steps forward, her desire to see the moth more closely, feel it's air light hairs, was irresistible.
The moth seemed unaware of her presence until Raven reached out a hand to Caeli.
She took it without thinking and he placed it on the mane of the moth.
"It's so soft.", she said in awe. The moth purring appreciatively in response.
Raven chuckled.
"I think he likes you. Although that isn't very surprising is it?", he said, a smile in his voice. "You seem to have an affinity for strange creatures. Such as is who are present today.", he said giving Bat a sidelong glance.
Caeli wasn't listening. She was feeling the vibration thorough her body of the beating of the wings throughout the tree. She was appreciating the delicate hairs that responded to every movement nearby. She turned to see the large antennae protruding from the creatures head, tufts of hair on the ends.
"The hair, it's a sensory tool isn't it? To help them feel and detect things.", she said more to herself than anyone else.
"Very good Caeli. That is correct. The hairs are thin and light, because of this, every little movement disturbs them. It's another way for them be aware of their surroundings in the dark.", he said, impressed by her deductive skills.
"Hmm.", Caeli mumbled absentmindedly. The moths fur was so soft she could loose herself in the task.
"You could have one, if you'd like.", he said softly, enjoying himself more than he'd like to admit. Watching her rapt interest and curious joy was a pleasure he hoped he'd never have to give up.
Caeli turned to him in delight before her face become somber.
"I could never accept such an extravagant gift my lord.", she said taking a step back from the moth, suddenly feeling embarrassed for her interest in the creature.
Her reaction broke his heart.
"Caeli, you've done more for me than I could ever repay. Not a mountain of gifts could be considered proper reimbursement for what you've done. What you've brought to my life.", he said softly, turning to the moth whistling. The moth slowly beat its massive wings and rose away from sight.
Raven assisted Caeli onto Bats back and they exited the tree.
"There is nothing to repay my lord.", she said quietly. Her desire to climb the tree and inspect its contents pulling her heart in the direction of the moths.
Raven shook his head as they walked.
"Caeli, you saved my life. And more than that, you saved my people. If you had not named me and returned me to my former self, they would be lost. Of course all of this does not include the light you've brought to my life, as well as the others in the castle.", he said the last part softly.
Caeli turned to see him walking slowly, his hands clasped behind his back.
He had dressed for the occasion, a pair of leather breeches, similar to her own, and a black shirt, open at the throat. Two black metal rings had been placed on two of his largest horns on his head, red gems in the settings.
The clothes, surely larger than anything any man could fit, still seemed tight against his body.
The thought made her heart race.
"It would please me greatly if you accepted my gifts. Perhaps it would even relieve my conscience some. Any bit would help.", he said with a painful chuckle.
He had hardly slept since he last saw her. His mind constantly returning to the night they'd parted ways. To the hurt he'd caused her. To the vibrancy she had brought to his life.
Caeli could hear the pain in his poorly disguised laughter.
"Yes, my lord. I will do my best.", she said sadly.
Raven halted his steps and turned to her, Bat followed suite.
"I only tease Caeli. You have no obligation to ease my worried mind. Please do not feel pressured to do anything that you do not want to.", he said quickly, afraid that he had seemed selfish in the moment.
Caeli shook her head and absently ran her fingers through Bats mane.
"I only mean that I've never received such glorious gifts before. To be truthful, I've never received many gifts in my life time. My aunt and uncle were very conservative, including in my raising. The cloak I own was with me when I arrived at my aunt and uncles home to live their. An inheritance I suppose. Otherwise, I received little else.", she said with a sad smile.
She could recall Ventus wearing the cloak in the past she had visited during her Travels.
As always, the memory was bitter and sweet.
She found it comforting to make the connection between her mother and the cloak, to see it.
But it made her miss her all the more.
"I am sorry to hear that, for if there ever was a person who deserved gifts of love and gratitude, it would be you.", he said, his voice deep and low in his throat.
Caeli's heart lurched. Why did his voice always cause such a reaction in her?
After a moment of locking gazes, Raven cleared his throat and continued walking.
"I have sent a letter to invite Coruscare to Harvest. I asked that he bring your friends as well. I sent them a separate invitation, I did ask that they bring the cloak if it was in their possession. I recalled it was with you the night we met.", he said gruffly.
Caeli's heart leapt at the mention of her friends and her mothers cloak.
"Thank you, my lord. Thank you for taking the time to do that. I know that life must be busy for you and seeing my friends again and having my mothers cloak back would mean the world to me.", she said.
Raven nodded.
"Shall we?", he asked, nodding his head at the wide road that started at the castles front yard and continued towards the village, creating the Main Street of it.
Caeli smiled and nodded in return.
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Raven took her to each of the places of note. One of the many public libraries, the biggest as it was the closest to the castle, the hospital that attended all of his people, the smithy, and many other places. All of which amazed Caeli.
The homes and facilities were all created to work with nature and not against it.
Unlike her village, the houses were not built from dead wood but rather built into trees that had died. Only becoming a home once the tree was lost.
The people used materials to stabilize the trees after their death, hollowed out the centers and utilized roped ladders and bridges to navigate internally and externally.
"Much of how we live is sustainable. The materials for the homes collected from already fallen or dead trees and used to create rope, bannisters, and furniture. We attempt to waste as little as possible. The land I am able to protect is not so expansive as I would like but the people are comfortable. If we live sustainably, we are able to keep our land clear and useful. A critical quality for such little space.", he said as they continued down the main street.
The roads were dirt but wide and clean. The homes as well. Raven pointed out large woven baskets with covers used to discard their wastes, some of which was separated out to deteriorate over time and be returned to the land. Rivets in the ground disappearing at intervals were how the homes drained water, taking the soiled liquid away from the homes and out of the village.
Black metal rods held an array of stones that glowed in the dark and lit the streets.
"Quartz that we charge with energy to use for light and warmth. Because of the quartz, most people only use fires to cook food.", he said pointing at the structures. "We charge the stones in the nearby rivers, the rushing water filling them with kinetic energy. Einar established the program some years ago. A team of workers is responsible for harvesting the stone, installing it, and maintains their charge. Families take care of their own stones inside of the home but have been educated on how to maintain them.", he said as they passed a couple who bowed deeply as the trio moved on. He gave them a nod and continued.
"Marvelous.", Caeli whispered to herself, doing her best to absorb her surroundings.
Raven pointed to one of the tree homes they were passing.
"The primordial trees possess magic, once they die, the magic remains. Homes are built from the trees that pass, the magic remaining protects the home, reinforces it. The Night Trees posses the power to strengthen that which it is combined with. That is why you'll find the wood of Night Trees used in much of the architecture. It is as workable as any normal wood but because of its particular magical characteristic, the structure of anything made with it is resilient and long lasting. Many of our soldiers also steep the leaves and bark of the trees in a brew that they consume before training or battle, strengthening the body and making it more difficult to be wounded."
As he finished his sentence Caeli could smell something salty and sweet in the air.
She lifted her nose to the air slightly to attempt to catch more of the delicious phenomenon.
Raven chuckled.
"Hungry?", he asked, to which Caeli nodded.
Raven held out his hand for Caeli to take and dismount from Bats back.
They entered a tree building to find that it was a bakery.
People bowed as they passed, Raven lifting a hand in greeting.
They made it to a long counter. A kitchen could be seen behind it, workers took no notice of the pair, diligent in their tasks.
A portly woman with night skin rushed to meet them.
"Good night, my lord.", she bowed deeply. "How may we be of service today?", she asked, casting an occasional glance at Caeli who was busy observing her surroundings.
*I've never seen him with anybody other than Lord Einar before.*, the woman mused to herself. She took note that the woman was an incomparable beauty.
"An order of your special if you'd please. We will share I think.", he said pleasantly, looking at Caeli as she turned in a slow circle to see what was above.
The tree had been hollowed out and the top taken off, presumably replaced by a roof made with the portion that had been removed. A series of holes like the ones she saw at the moth nest opened parts of the tree to the outside. Wood and rope made the majority of the stairs and bridges that connected opposite sides of the trees trunk.
People milled about, some working and carrying trays, others seated at tables eating the fare.
The woman nodded and smiled broadly and turned to get what the lord had asked for.
Raven bent forward to bring his head next to Caeli's.
"What do you think thus far?", he asked with a laugh.
"Incredible my lord. The thought and science put into every detail is astounding. Not to mention the fact that I've seen nothing like it before. I've never seen people live with nature as I see here. It's beautiful.", she said lastly, turning to him, her eyes glittering with excitement and awe.
Raven laughed and the woman returned.
"Here you are my lord. Thank you for stopping by and have a lovely night now.", the woman said with a smiling wink and curtsy.
Raven handed the woman a coin, to which she raised her brows, and bowed to the woman before turning to take Caeli outside of the tree.
"Here.", he said simply, handing her the leaf filled with something warm and light.
Caeli took it from him, her eyes wide.
Inside was a large bun, larger than her fisted hands put together.
"Go ahead.", Raven said encouragingly.
Caeli pulled a piece off of the large serving to find that it was almost the consistency of a cloud and that it had a brown filling.
She placed the chunk in her mouth and thought she'd died and gone to heaven.
"What is this?", she said in disbelief.
Raven laughed at her reaction. Her childlike sense of joy and curiosity was contagious.
"A sweet bun. The dough is made and filled with any variety of fillings. This one in particular is slow cooked rabbit stew. Once filled, they steam it with water and fire causing the bun to expand and become the size you see now.", he said.
"Mmmm.", Caeli moaned appreciatively. "Meat is not something I ate much of during my trip across Ausia.", she said sheepishly, suddenly aware of her behavior.
*Because you're too kind. Even if it means going hungry.*, he thought with endearment.
"I recall you enjoying fishing much more than hunting during out time together.", he said hesitantly.
They had apologized to each other, and presumably started over. But he didn't presume that she felt affectionately about their time together.
Caeli laughed and his heart lightened.
"This is true. It's not logical but fish are easier to catch and eat. I feel less guilty I suppose.", she said, shrugging her good shoulder.
Raven nodded.
"We should get you back.", he said.
Caeli gave him a half frown but nodded. She could feel sleep lurking behind her eye lids, eager to claim her.
Caeli saved her other half for Bat and handed it to him. He took the piece gently, once her hands were out of the danger zone, he ate it in one swallow and purred appreciatively.
Raven noted the creatures gentle behavior around the small woman. He supposed he'd need to avoid the topic of the gargoyles usually violent nature. Gargoyles on the hunt could be ruthless.
Bats drive had always been good on the matter, thus why Raven had favored him.
Of course, over the years, he came to love the creature as a companion and pet. His manners always in good order within the castle.
*Youll have to tell her one day mate. Trust me. And it won't be easy. But I feel she'll be understanding, lucky for you.*, Raven thought to the gargoyle who stared at him happily.
As the three made their way back to the castle, there was not a single soul in the city that wasn't whispering about what they had just witnessed.
The lordship, with a woman. A beautiful one at that.
And what was more, he was laughing and joyous.
