Tigress continued to carry Cole through the trail and back to the shrines. The elves let her pass as he remained unconscious on her back though still had a steel grip on his sword.
With this she laid him down and began to clean his wounds and body. Humming a song of her own clan. She then laid beside him holding him close, keeping him warm as he healed.
“You will survive this my lord. Find your way back to here.” She whispered in his ear hoping his subconscious would hear her words
*Deep in his mind Cole was back in that place.. the school room… the old man from before…
‘You have returned. You have done well.’ Salazar whispered
‘So that is your name?’ Cole asked walking closer now more curious
‘It was the name etched in your soul. A name that I know yet I do not. One that you know well, but you have not heard before.’ Salazar explained as he remained still
The way this old man appeared had changed slightly since their last meeting. His face younger and grey hair shorter now. His suit almost taking almost the appearance of black scales, almost like a snake’s skin. With what looked liked feathers protruding from the end of his cloak. Cole’s eyes not able to discern which was the true pattern.
‘You will have to face your fears. Do what you know is right in your heart, not just what is expected. Be defiant, kick scream and fight like hell, until you cannot stand or continue to fight any longer. Even then, never give up hope.’ Salazar explained to him
‘Are you sure I’m up to this task? I don’t want to hurt people.’ Cole said turning away now
The old man then place a hand gently on his shoulder now. The warmth and comfort he could feel put him at some ease.
‘I believe this is a cruel world. I want to protect you from it, I want to cloak you in my flames. But also inside me is the same desire to do what is necessary to defend myself and you. You and I are one, what affects one of us will affect the other. My power is yours, as long you believe in it.’ Salazar further told Cole now
Cole looked out at the setting sun. Looking at the school grounds with the trees obscuring what lay beyond them. He could feel these words ringing deep inside him. He could feel the truth in them. They were what he needed to hear.
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‘Then I may end up leaning on you.’ He now countered
‘I have faith you will find the strength to walk on your own feet.’ Salazar assured him
Cole only smiled softly now at this strange man’s words.
‘Guess it’s hard to argue with all that.’ Cole joked now
‘I believe in you most of all Cole. I believe you can find the balance needed. To do what is necessary when needed, and defend those things you care about most. You can always choose to be something better.’ Salazar assured one more time ‘I will always be with you…’
As Cole started to come to he could feel warm water and a damp cloth being patted against his body before being slowly and carefully bandaged. Tigress gently sang a song in her native tongue as she tended to his body. His mind and body far too exhausted to be able to move.
“Relax, you’re still recovering. I, admittedly pushed you too hard.” She whispered planting a kiss on his lips gently before wrapping her arms around him
He was still too weak to even move or much less speak. His body felt so heavy and exhausted. His eyes closing again as he at last allowed himself to fall asleep…
——————————————————
Another week later and Iris was returning from her journey with a great host of Dark elves. Warriors, magicians, alchemists, craftsmen. As she dismounted and stood before Faye, both bowing to one another.
“We of the Ranger Elves welcome this delegation and host of the Dark Elves, Lady Kuro. It must have been a long journey, allow us to tend to you for the evening, before beginning discussions.” Faye said as the Dark elves all seemingly nodded in agreement to this proposal
“Then we would be terrible guests to decline such an invitation of the Ranger Elves, Lady Gale. We gladly accept.” Iris said inturn as both groups began to mingle and were guided to places of rest and recuperation
Iris was guided back to the lower shrines where Cole was meditating with Tigress, lighting and controlling the flames of the candles, his sword resting his lap.
Allowing him to focus she was guided on through the shrine and to another chamber.
Resting on its stand was a full set of black samurai armor. The very armor of her master and mentor, the man who took her in when she was wild and rebellious against the wishes of the high Elven council. It was that very rebellious spirit that inspired Faye to become more vocal herself.
But everything he promised her was a lie, or only half of the truth. Not that any of it mattered now.
‘I treated you like one of my own. Like a daughter, and this is how you treat the one who loved you when no one else did?’
‘You threaten all life… you’re a madman, that is no father figure of mine.’
‘Then you will walk these lands forever stained with our blood, never to know peace. A plague of death will follow you and only come to those you care for..’
“As the last of the samurai. It’s time to let go of what haunts you. Or will you continue to let ghosts keep you awake?” Faye said moving off to the side now
Iris could still feel so much pain and sorrow, hatred and magic in this armor before her. After all, she was the one who brought it here in the first place. She knew she could no longer let this strangle her. Drawing her sword swiftly and bringing it down in one motion, slicing clean through the armor. With this she slowly slid the sword back in its sheath at her side. Releasing the breath she’d been holding in at last and opened her eyes.
“It’s done…” Iris whispered at last before turning to Faye “I suppose I’ll know with time that I’ve let this go.” She added giving a faint smile
“Come, even Reaper’s need rest.” Faye said softly taking her hand and guiding her now to her bed chambers to finally rest…
Meanwhile…
Cole stood out looking up at the moon now. His sword resting in his hand still. So much was happening. The alliance between the Ranger Elves and Dark Elves would not go unnoticed. And there was still the matter of Falconia finding out who he was by reputation, and he had no idea what they were like or what their agenda or political motives were. He still had yet to find this Basilisk.
“You shouldn’t overthink too much my lord.” Tigress said now approaching him
“Can’t help it.” He said before looking back out at the moon as she was by his side now
“Much of what is come will not be easy. People will disagree, but it’s to be expected when those come to know something is different, and different can be dangerous.” Tigress said assuring him and guiding him back to their chambers
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