The Forsaken Hero

A horde of elvish attendants met us at the gate, with most slipping by to see to the carriages. An elderly elf with graying hair and a few shallow wrinkles stood before the others, bowing with a hand pressed to his chest in an informal salute.

”Welcome, Lord and Lady Sunsinger. We’ve long awaited your return,” he said in a strong, rich voice.

”Velne! How are you?” Aerion said, beaming. ”It’s been how many months since we’ve met? Four? Five?”

”Six, I believe.” The servant said, brow creasing. ”It’s not my place to say, but your mother’s been very worried. I’ve even received several missives from House Whitemarsh inquiring as to the time of your return.”

”The Whitemarshes?” Selena frowned, smoothing her skirts. ”I’m surprised their spies haven’t kept them informed.”

”I suspect this was Lady Whitemarsh’s way of...suggesting we return as quickly as possible.”

”Your father agreed,” the old elf said.

”What? But he never mentioned it in his letters,” Selena said.

The elf gave a small, mysterious chuckle, shared by Aerion.

”I’ll have to thank the old man,” Aerion said. He started past the servants, then paused, glancing over at us. ”Oh, yeah, these are the girls I told you to expect. Please, treat them as one of the family.”

I shivered as the servant’s eyes narrowed, scrutinizing our small group. Korra folded her arms, glaring back.

”I don’t recall you mentioning a demonkin. Or three humans for that matter,” Velne said in an icy voice.

”Really?” The playful note in Aerion’s voice chilled, and his aura rose slightly, charging the air like the time before a thunderstorm. ”It must have slipped my mind. That won’t be a problem, will it?”

”Of course not, my Lord,” Velne added hastily. ”It’s just... the House has been in precarious standing with Whitemarsh after your last antic, and welcoming outsiders at a time like this...”

”Aerion,” Selena said, frowning at her brother. ”You didn’t, by chance, also forget to mention who our guests are, did you?”

Aerion scratched his head. ”Maybe...? That letter was a long time ago, you know.”

”It was last week!”

Selena took a deliberate breath, running a hand through her hair. She turned, beckoning us forward. I hesitated, tail switching restlessly, going only after Korra and Elise went first.

”This is the Water and Life Hero, as well as the only recognized ambassador of the Infernal Hordes,” Selena said, gesturing to each in turn.

”H-Heroes? Demons?”

It wasn’t just Velne that paled. Every servant shifted nervously, clasping hands or unconsciously retreating a step. Korra smirked, raising her chin ever so slightly.

Selena rested a hand on my shoulder and gave me a reassuring smile. ”And this demonkin is a dear pupil of mine, the Oracle of Eternity. I believe I’ve mentioned her more than once; it isn’t like you let something that important slip your mind.”

Velne looked like he was going to be sick, but he swallowed hard and straightened his back, forcing another informal salute. ”Yes, my Lady. Forgive my impudence. I shall ensure they receive the best care.”

He motioned to several servants, who came forward, saluting in the same manner. We’d just begun to follow them across the courtyard when a scream sounded behind us.

”M-Monster!” a young elf girl, looking no older than fifteen, screamed. She scrambled back, tripping on the uneven cobblestone ground, eyes rolling in terror.

The Starguard’s weapons were in their hands before I could so much as summon my staff, but they relaxed the moment they realized what had frightened her. The elvish guards within the courtyard weren’t so confident and raised their spears, advancing. My tail went rigid as I saw the problem, and I ran forward, quickly getting between them and the ’monster.’

”It’s alright!” I said, grabbing a handful of Fable’s silver fur and pushing him back. ”He’s friendly!”

”Put those down,” Selena snapped, glaring at the guards.

Her words cracked like a whip, and the guards rapidly retreated, muddled with confusion.

”This is the Oracles...pet,” Selena said. ”It will be staying with us for the time being. Xiviyah, please instruct him to remain in the courtyard. I’m not sure our staff could handle running into him in the halls.”

I curtsied quickly, tail lashing. ”I’m sorry for scaring everyone.”

”Good.” Selena kneaded her brow. ”Gods, who’d think coming home was such a hassle?”

Slowly, the attention left as servants and guards began to disperse, returning to their duties. I remained at Fable’s side, slowly caressing his fur. I wasn’t sure if I was trying to soothe him or myself, but given how composed the wolf was, the latter was more likely. That scream had startled me more than I cared to admit, and adrenaline still made my heart flutter erratically.

”Xiviyah, you coming?” R’lissea asked.

I jumped, realizing everyone except for me had already crossed the courtyard. The Star Guard waited for me patiently, still surrounding the entrance.

”Coming!” I called, then, turning to Fable, whispered, ”I’ve got to go. Please, don’t cause any trouble. Please?”

He whined softly and licked my cheek. I rolled my eyes and pushed him away, but couldn’t keep a smile from creeping across my face as he sent a few impressions through our bond.

”No, you can’t scare anyone. And don’t pick any fights. The church is here, and I’d rather they find out about us later rather than sooner.”

Hoping my smile hadn’t betrayed the integrity of my instructions, I turned and ran after my friends, catching them just as they entered the dark double doors of the Sunsinger Manor. Inside was as beautiful as the outside, with dark paneled walls and delicately carved fixtures. The entrance hall was several stories tall, opening to two grand staircases carved of dark, grainy wood, and a shining chandelier. My boots clicked on the floor, startling me into looking down. My reflection returned my gaze, showing wide eyes and an agitated tail. The entire floor was like a seamless crystal mirror. It glowed faintly with light, just enough to be seen but not to see by. Whatever magic it held also prevented anyone’s feet from tracking dirt, though I was still careful to wipe my boots on the embroidered entrance rug.

”Xiviyah, why don’t you and your friends relax for the rest of the evening. We’ll discuss business tomorrow,” Aerion said.

”Does exploring your house count as relaxing?” Korra asked.

Aerion grinned. ”I don’t see why not. Just avoid any room that’s locked, and the basements. Wouldn’t do to get under our servants’ feet.”

”If you would please follow me,” a servant said, saluting me.

I gave a hesitant look at my friends, but their own servants were already leading them away. The one addressing me was nearly as old as Velne, but even his aged composure looked strained. My fingers gripped the hem of my skirt.

”Sorry for the trouble,” I said, staring at the ground.

The servant turned stiffly, leading us up one of the staircases. As I climbed the steps, a presence ghost beside me, and Kahlen’s voice whispered in my ear.

”Don’t look so disheartened, my Lady,” the demon said. ”I believe he was frightened of me, not you. It’s not every day one comes face to face with a demon.”

I stopped in my tracks, turning to look at him. The demon was tall and broad-shouldered, but his swords were nowhere to be seen. Why would he–

My face warmed as the realization hit me. Silver. Kahlen was silver. His skin, his hair, his clothes. Gleaming silver and reflective, though not nearly as bright as the floor. I’d gotten so used to the demon I barely even noticed the fact, but to anyone else, he must be intimidating. There were other ways one might look like him other than a demon, but every one of them would leave a normal person unsettled.

”He must be envious of my good looks and chiseled physique,” Kahlen said suddenly.

I froze, the slight pink across my face turning crimson. ”W-what...?”

”Kahlen, that’s not something you can say about yourself,” Jenna scolded, a playful grin tugging at her lips. ”Though you are rather dashing, I must say.”

The demon chuckled, a sound like scraping iron. ”Is that right? I’ve noticed your gaze more often of late.”

”Perhaps it’s your charm finally getting to me.” She fluttered her eyelashes, then smirked. ”Or maybe I just like having a mirror handy.

”That’s enough, you two,” Luxxa said, sighing. ”Jenna, I expect to act up, but you, Kahlen? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you crack a joke before.”

”Hmph.”

Kahlen turned his head, falling back into his place behind me, but he couldn’t hide the pleased smile on his face. I stared at him wordlessly for a moment before he noticed me watching. I quickly looked away before remembering we were supposed to be keeping up with the servant. Fortunately, he hadn’t gotten too far, and it wasn’t until we caught up that he gave us a stern look. It was only then that I realized my tail had stopped twitching.

The servant led us down a hallway, and then another. Doors lined the second, spaced every ten feet or so apart. At the end was a staircase that took us up one more floor. The doors here were spaced further apart, and the mirrored floor had been replaced by carpet.

”Here are your quarters,” the servant said, stopping at the last door before the hallway turned a sharp corner. ”It might be difficult to find until you’re familiar with the manor, so please don’t hesitate to ask another servant or myself if you need help navigating back.”