by Orr, Krystal
Perhaps, even then.
"Talliea?" Markahn questioned when she did not answer.
Talliea shook her head slowly and allowed the dark images to diminish before clearing her throat. "Yes," she said simply.
"How? If this power you have possessed, why did you allow me to take you back to camp when I found you? Why did you allow Lao'dahn to assault you as he did?"
Talliea stood up, her towering height appearing even more impressive as her shadow flickered against the cave walls. Her eyes were dark and unforgiving as she stared at Markahn.
"I did not allow anything. When you found me that day, I was not aware of this power. Then, I was simply Talliea, as I had always been. I walked with you to save Ari, to give her a chance to escape. As for Lao'dahn, if this power had of been mine when he humiliated me, he surely would not be among the living today. At that time, my friendship with Ari-sera was still new. Our feelings for one another had not yet been given a voice."
Markahn nodded slowly, truly trying to take in and understand everything that was being revealed to him. Talliea had changed. A lot. He had been able to see that when he'd returned her to camp, but that change was still taking place. It was more evident now. At times, he barely recognized her and at others, she was still the same young, innocent, Talliea he had first fallen in love with.
"I am sorry. It was not my intention to offend. I am merely attempting to grasp this situation."
Talliea's features softened and she smiled apologetically at her friend. "No apology is asked."
Cynra spoke up at the silence that filled the cave. Her eyes landed on D'jiira who was still looking at both Talliea and Arizira with utter bemusement and respect.
"We will get to Talliea's powers shortly, but I think it would be best if we began this tale at the beginning, for truly that is what it is: A grand tale spun of legend and myth that will resonate in the hearts of future generations for ages to come."
Her words were met with nods of approval and so she continued.
"I suppose this tale begins with me and with you, D'jiira. You were the first Esu to glimpse an Arnira in many, many moonturns, just as my daughter, Iolirthas, was the first among our people whose eyes beheld an Esu. Ironic, if one allows their mind to ponder such things. Your clan, D'jiira, had made a home of these forests for many winters and summers and never once did either of our peoples fathom the existence of the other.
“The night that Arizira was given life and brought into this world, Aitla had shown me of the importance she was to have. At the time, my mind was unaware of the nature of that importance. I was only to watch over her until certain future events came into being."
Cynra kept her light purple eyes on D'jiira and a sad smile spread across her features. "The sacrifice that night was the memory of Io."
Something pained and dark passed over D'jiira's face, but Cynra continued speaking. "She had a greater purpose, just as we all did. I, alone, was given the gift of her memory. I and you. When I returned to the tribe, questions arose as to whom the child I carried belonged. I told the others Arizira was the daughter of one of our own who had long ago left to follow her heart."
"And of her other mother? Of me?" D'jiira asked roughly, engrossed in the events of her daughter's life.
Again, a sad smile colored Cynra's worn and wizened face. "Of you, little was mentioned. The others came to believe that you were from a neighboring tribe. Not a complete fabrication, of course."
Arizira reached out and placed a comforting hand on D'jiira's arm. "You knew nothing of me in your younger years?" D'jiira asked her daughter. "Nothing of who you were?"
Sparing at glance at Cynra, Arizira hesitated before answering. "I only learned of you and of my own Esu blood very recently. Perhaps, twelve moons past."
D'jiira appeared visibly shaken as her eyes lost their focus. She did not know what sort of answer she had been searching for, hoping for, but the news that Arizira had lived the last twenty-seven years knowing nothing about her hurt. It stung and it stung deeply. She had lived every day of her life since Arizira's birth regretting her decision. She had cried, in solitude, every night for the child she would never know.
Learning that Arizira had not even been aware of her existence was akin to a cold and harsh wind biting at her skin.
"I thought of you, lana. I was aware that my nurture mother had passed to Aitla, but of you? I knew only that your grief over her loss had been profound. It is not the way of the Arnira to dwell upon what has been. In my mind, you had made your decision and I harbored nothing of ill will toward you. You had given me life. It was not my place to question your own."
Smiling and trying to keep the tears she felt behind her eyes from falling, D'jiira bit the inside of her cheek and placed a hand on top of Arizira's. "Cynra's wisdom was passed to you, I see,” she said smiling.
"My wisdom, but your outlook," Cynra said, continuing her story. "Arizira's younger years were happy, D'jiira. She received the best training in all fields of study. Your curiosity and quiet reserve served her well. It was she who first learned of the Esu settlers in the valley."
At this, Cynra's purple eyes cornered Markahn who had been watching, rather absently, Talliea run her fingers through Arizira's hair.
"Which brings this story to you. What part in this tale do you play, hm?"
Markahn started and looked around him. Five faces, Esu and Arnira, stared back at him. Of those faces, only two looked upon him with a sense of trust and friendship. "Pardon?" he asked.
Taetylona, her almond-colored eyes appearing to strip away any possible facade he held, spoke up. Her voice was low and raspy. "Speak truly, boy, for your words shall be the basis for which you be judged. Will they be presented honestly or will duplicity color your statements for all gathered here? Are you friend in this tale or foe? Leave any trumpery behind, for though my body be old, my mind remains sharp."
Markahn felt anger well up inside of him. He was to be judged? Why? Because he was a man among women? Because he was Esu? Taetylona, Talliea, and D'jiira were also Esu. The warrior woman, Arizira, was half Esu as well. In fact, the longer Markahn thought on the matter, the more he came to realize that all of those present were Esu. All except Cynra. Why then was he being brought under such perusal?
He had given Talliea her freedom. He had fought Lao'dahn at every turn to keep the man from venturing into the forest after her. In the end, his efforts had been for naught, but the fact that he had sought to keep Talliea's privacy must have counted for something. When he had decided to look for Lao'dahn, and through that endeavor found Talliea, he had not ordered the men with him to pursue Arizira. When Talliea had been sick and lost, Markahn had offered her his hand in friendship and, through that gesture, aided her in escaping their clan so that she could find her love.
Instead of returning to their people and leaving Talliea to chance, he had turned around to ensure her safety and, instead of finding Talliea, found D'jiira, who in a strange turn of events turned out to be the mother of Talliea's love.
How such a thing was possible, Markahn had never asked. He had, again, desired only to help and for his efforts was being questioned? His role carried to such inquiry?
Opening his mouth, he went to speak but was interrupted by D'jiira. "This man offered me his aid. Surely his intentions are noble."
"Noble?" The voice belonged to Taetylona. "Noble, you say? Nobility holds the hand of honor not that of chain and key. Tell her, noble man, who you are to Talliea." Taetylona's attention was fixated on Markahn's dark and grim face. "Tell the woman who speaks of your character the truth of who you are."
A heavy silence met the end of Taetylona's harsh words. D'jiira looked to Talliea whose gaze fell upon Taetylona. "Sage woman, rashly do you speak. The past is the--"
"Bah! Rashly spoken words are oft times the most truly presented. The past now lies in the present and until we confront it, the future can never come! Speak boy!"
Markahn sighed and stood up. He somehow f
ound his sense of self better served on his feet rather than his knees. "I stand before you a friend and an ally, if you would permit me to be so."
“Answer the question, boy," Taetylona persisted.
Markahn sighed again and sagged his shoulders before meeting D'jiira's penetrating eyes. "I am the man who claimed Talliea and sought to mate with her. I am the man who desired her to join with me."
D'jiira looked startled. She turned away from Markahn and looked at Taetylona who only nodded implacably before speaking again.
"You see now why I am reluctant to admit you leave to remain among us. Your mind forgets that I lived among you, Markahn. Though the lot of you overlooked me, my eyes were observant enough to see the comings and goings on of your lives. Your feet fell in Talliea's footfalls from the moment she was old enough to be considered a woman. When her time came to be joined with a man, you did not hesitant in claiming her for your own.
“What decency is there in those who would subjugate another's will, or have you so soon forgotten that your nobility exiled me, not once, but twice? You see, I have never felt the gentleness of a lover's touch, nor tasted the sweetness of another's kiss. For desiring to be my own person, I was named a heretic. A harlot. Eyes thereafter only fell upon me with suspicion and distrust. Have you any mind to fathom the loneliness that accompanies such an existence, hm? Have you?"
Markahn started to shake his head. He opened his mouth to answer, but Taetylona's low voice sounded in the silence again.
"I have borne witness to the 'friendship' extended at the hand of your kind, boy. Enough to know that there is never an act of kindness unless there is also one of advantage. Is it your intention to try to win Talliea's heart through these, the most noble of deeds? Do you harbor a darkness in your heart for Talliea‘s love? How can you stand here offering friendship when you desire something you can not claim? For that is all the men of our clan have ever shown an aptitude for: taking what they want. How can you be trusted among us?"
"Enough!" Markahn yelled, causing everyone to jump. "Enough. I shall not sit in judgment when my recent actions have spoken to my true intentions. Yes, I desired Talliea, just as every man in our clan. She is unique among our kind. I was following our traditions. Our ways. I will not apologize for that, but always I wished for Talliea to be happy. When she was returned to us, it became clear that her happiness lived in another. Not with myself nor any other man. I offered my aid. I helped her."
Taetylona scoffed. The other women watched quietly. A part of Talliea felt as though she should stand up for Markahn, but at the same time she was also curious to the part he would play in future affairs. Too much was at stake to risk otherwise. D'jiira listened eagerly. She had never suspected that Markahn was anything more than a rogue member of his clan. To think that he had feelings for Talliea unsettled her. Had she unwittingly led a man who meant harm to, not only her daughter, but her daughter's love? At the thought, D'jiira looked toward Arizira.
Her daughter's face was guarded. Not a hint as to what she was thinking could be inferred. Apart from the tight grip her hand had around Talliea's, there was nothing to indicate how Arizira was feeling.
After a moment of heated silence, Talliea finally spoke up. "I believe Markahn should be given the benefit of doubt. If his actions have been carried with a dubious intent, then we shall deal with that matter when it comes before us. Fighting amongst ourselves shall only result in dissension. I vouch for his presence."
Silence.
Taetylona continued to look at Markahn with suspicion. Cynra glanced around at the faces present and slowly nodded her head.
"The child is correct. Allies are in short supply. This man aided both Talliea and D'jiira. In so doing, he brought happiness to Arizira. That is enough for me to vouch for his presence as well."
"I know not of events before my coming, nor can I stand in judgment of another's past when my own is not without fault. Markahn walked with me even after I threatened his life," D'jiira paused with a small smile on her face before continuing. Her features became resolute and her voice grew hard. "However, knowing what I do now, I will say here before these witnesses --" Keen eyes turned their attention to Markahn. "Arizira's peace is all that matters. Talliea makes her happy and calms her spirit. Any action you take that upsets that balance will be dealt with swiftly. Do nothing to harm my daughter or her love."
Markahn swallowed and slowly nodded his understanding.
"Then you also have my voice to add to your presence amongst us," D'jiira finished.
Smiling and acknowledging his thanks, Markahn took a gravid breath as he waited for any further word from Taetylona. The warrior woman, Arizira, had yet to speak about him favorably or not. Her unusual silver-blue eyes glowed in the dark and made it difficult for him to make out what she was thinking. She sat to his right between Talliea and D'jiira. Talliea held her hand and looked to Markahn to be sheltering her smaller form from some unseen harm.
Despite his appreciation of the situation, Markahn could not help but smile at Talliea. No longer was she the young, unsure woman he had known. She was in love and she protected that love.
"Do your eyes see the danger in the dark ahead? Have you a mind as to where your feet lead you or do you walk blindly?" Arizira suddenly asked after the brief lapse in conversation. "Do you understand what it is we do? What quest is before us? Though peace is what we hope to achieve, such a thing can not be without the possibility of bloodshed. Are you so willing to spill the life of your brothers? So ready to offer to walk this path without fully appreciating its scope?"
To Markahn's left, Cynra smiled approvingly while Taetylona appeared smug and satisfied. It was a point all of the women had been pondering and contemplating themselves. Each of them--Talliea, Arizira, Taetylona, D'jiira-- had been involved in said events from the beginning. Each of them had been an important part, a vital piece to the entity of time. Markahn, however, had not. He was just a man, a simple person in comparison to his company. Was he genuinely willing to aid those that could so readily bring harm to his clan?
Yet, how could he not be? His brothers were destroying themselves. He knew that they would never allow Talliea to be. Not after she had injured their pride in the clearing. They would not seek friendship with the Arnira either. No, their only purpose would be to eradicate their enemies and secure their sovereign supremacy. It was their way.
He could not follow the path of this brothers, but at the same time, he did not know if he would be able to take up arms against them. Arizira's face softened and she spoke before he had time to think about matters any longer.
"You appreciate the situation now, I see. Hold your tongue and keep your thoughts until you have heard fully the whole of this tale. Then, make your peace in whatever way soothes your spirit. None will think less of you if your path splits from our own. You led my mother to me. For this, I am grateful."
Markahn nodded again and sat back down. D'jirra smiled at Arizira and placed a motherly hand on her shoulder.
"Your wisdom is beyond the measure of your youth, my daughter. I think I should like to hear the rest of this tale, of your finding the Esu and falling in love, as well as how Taetylona came to be among you."
The next few hours were spent with both Talliea and Arizira revisiting their recent past. Arizira told her mother of how she followed Talliea the night she discovered her people in the valley. She told her of how she learned the Esu words so that she could speak with the woman who fascinated her; of how she, early on, had felt a connection that left her breathless. Arizira told D'jiira of her subsequent times finding Talliea.
The first visit to Li'nas Dei. The meeting at the hot spring after Talliea's assault. Arizira's decision to help Talliea and aid in her survival.
She told D'jiira of her 'Spirit Quest' and how it had allowed her the time she needed to be with Talliea.
Minutes, hours, and days were spoken of in great detail and at great length. Talliea, Cynra, and Taetylona each added their own r
oles and thoughts to fill in the missing gaps of Arizira's retelling. When the matter of their first kiss came up, both women smiled and blushed at one another. Talliea told D'jiira of how their initial first kiss had been interrupted by the howling of a wolf.
“A wolf? They are blessed by Aitla, if I recall," D'jiira had said.
Cynra had given both women a look that requested of them their silence in revealing the truth of the wolf's identity. Neither had questioned matters, understanding that Cynra most likely felt the need to impart that particular detail to D'jiira in private. Their story had continued, the night aging with the passage of time.
Food and drink were shared as Talliea and Arizira told D'jiira, and by extension Markahn, the story of how they fell in love.
Talliea took over after a time, giving the account of Arizira's injury in vague detail. Months after the event, she still felt a sense of guilt over her actions. She recounted to everyone how scared she had been and how alone she'd felt while Arizira had been on the mend. Events moved forward again and when Talliea thought to skip over the first time she and Arizira had bonded, her love had given her a questioning look.
"It is private, Ahmanae," she'd whispered.
"Yes, but the insight we gained, the understanding and the clarity, that must be shared," Arizira had responded. So, once again, their tale had resumed and both women had given their account of that first coming together. They reserved certain details, naturally. Both told of how they had been able to feel the other's emotion and experience parts of their lives. From there, their story continued at a much quicker pace.
The appearance of the white wolf the morning of their separation was told; Lao'dahn's second attack and Arizira's heroic rescue were relived, as well as Markahn's untimely arrival and their painful separation from one another.
Markahn had apologized quietly to Talliea before the story had continued once again.