Page 30 of Fate

The simplicity of the answer hangs like an apple ready to fall from its tree. Olena pauses, and a feeling of uncertainty takes hold deep in my gut, a slight twisting. Yet she has never given any reason to not trust her; a single ray of hope tries desperately to breach the forest canopy.

“Does Helia know?”

“Yes.” Simple answer, same feeling, same twisting. Olena looks at me through fresh eyes, a veil pulled free. Mere moments pass, several heartbeats, an eon.

“I guess that makes us sisters then, doesn’t it?” The twisting shatters, the ray of hope bathes my core, tears coming unbidden to my eyes. Olena drapes her hand on mine, familial and caring. “Do any others know?” I shake my head; this was terrifying enough. “I understand. I will stay silent, until you tell me otherwise. Though, for what it’s worth, they would all accept you. I’m not sure how things were in Athos, but across most of Thetan, this isn’t so rare.”

“I don’t know how to thank you Olena, my sister.” Her grin warms my heart as we fade into silence once again, a fleeting peace in our violent lives. Olena looks out toward the park pensively before turning back to me. “Skion is a masculine name. Have you thought of a new one?” I blink several times, the question catching me off guard.

“I’ve thought about it here and there. Helia mentioned it too. I think I have a favorite, but I want to make sure.”

Olena fishes a few coins from her purse, dropping them on the edge of the table as we finish our plates, still taking time with our wine.

“Oh? I can’t wait to hear it!”

At that moment, the server comes over, sliding the coins expertly off the table. Our conversation shuts down, waiting for her to leave except she lingers, brushing her hair behind her ear yet again, a slight rosy color tinging her cheeks. She turns to me and smiles endearingly.

“You’re new here.” A statement, not a question. “Are you staying in the capital long?” I open my mouth to reply, attempting to cut off Olena’s inevitable snarky reply when a firm hand clasps my shoulder.

“Not too long. But they are taken.” Helia’s voice calms the surge of adrenaline her hand caused, even if the edge of her tone could slice a mountain. Her frame casts a shadow along the table and the server bows before quickly making her escape. But not before casting a forlorn look in my direction.

“You’re in trouble noooow,” Olena chides, shrinking quickly under the look from Helia. “Aaaand with that, I will see you later sister.” Nodding to me and saluting the commander, Olena scurries off before she receives a reprimand.

Eyebrow cocked, Helia slides onto the bench replacing Olena. “Sister?” Helia peers into the cup Olena left hoping for some dregs of wine leftover. Disappointed with what she sees, Helia pushes it away and leans her arm on the table.

“Ah, yes. Before the attack yesterday I made a comment when we were out shopping. We passed some dresses that caught my eye. She’s got a good memory given the events of the night.” I swirl the remnants of my cup before offering it to Helia, who takes it enthusiastically.

“Indeed. You could do worse for a spear sister.” Helia seems distant, almost uneasy. She casts her gaze around, taking in the beauty of the day. She stands abruptly, holding out a hand in my direction. “What do you say to a little walk? We won’t be here long and it’s too nice out to waste.” I smile and join her, seeing the server peering out from the doorway. I wrap my arm around Helia’s waist possessively, pulling her close and leaving no room for misinterpretation.

“Oh!” Helia slightly surprised, lays her hand on my shoulder as we exit the taverna, blades on our hips, arms around each other. Companions, friends, and more.

The walk through the circular park is empty of words, yet full of life nonetheless. Birds sing across the path to each other and the fountains splash, creating a world none would ever leave willingly. The earlier breeze stays with us as we walk, the bushes and trees rustling in its wake. We make our way to a bench flanked by two statues. One a soldier, spear in hand and shield poised in the other, his posture grand and imposing. The second statue a woman clad in a simple tunic, yet adorned with a laurel around her head; a politician or ruler of sorts but one of common birth. Olive trees surround the statues and bench, providing a layer of privacy in the otherwise open park.

I stay silent, soaking in the beauty, while eying Helia and waiting for her to reveal the source of her unease, her uncharacteristic uncertainty. Two old men shuffle by, nodding as they pass. After they depart, Helia blows out a heavy sigh, hopefully ready to share her burden. She leans forward, hands clasped together, looking outward and avoiding my gaze.

“As you know, being an Aspect comes with granted memories. One in particular explained my mandate, my purpose.” Where is she going with this?

“To find me, right?”

Helia grunts in acknowledgment, still maintaining an unnatural stony coldness.

“Yes. Find you and bring you to Askepollo with priests of Lunos. But there is something more than that. Something I’ve been keeping from you. Something eating at me from the inside and, I don’t think I can keep it at bay anymore.” One hand flexes around the other, a futile effort to calm herself. My breath starts to quicken. What in the pantheons has she been dealing with this whole time? I wait, teetering on the edge of a knife watching the void below waiting to consume the both of us.

“Lunos was specific in her mandate. I was to find, escort, and protect you. And to never form a relationship with you. That, at the end of this journey, only oblivion awaits.” Her muscles quiver in anger and fear. A mountain, quailing at an oncoming windstorm. My heart quakes, threatening to break into tiny pieces.

“Wha-what are you saying? She said those words? Er, gave you the memory of them?” This is all too confusing. What is clear though, is the turmoil Helia faces.

“I don’t know what it means, exactly. But the intention is clear I think; I will be no more once I bring you to Askepollo. For years, I’ve been okay with that. But now…now I can’t bear the thought of leaving you behind.” My heart shatters into a thousand shards, clattering deep in the dark abyss. No! I won’t accept it. I place a hand on hers, pulling her focus and gaze. Mist clouds Helia’s eyes, delivering a punch directly into my gut.

“You don’t know what truly awaits us in Askepollo, right? Gods and goddesses are enigmas; who knows what Lunos actually means.”

Helia shakes her head, a flicker of hope streaking her features. Placing my hands on her face I force her green eyes to meet mine. “I am not going anywhere. If you face oblivion, then I will be there and face it with you.”

I pull her close and steal her breath, fire igniting in us both. The breeze picks up as the kiss deepens and Helia wraps a firm hand along my waist, stirring a flutter above my stomach. Her tongue plays against mine briefly before breaking off, gazing silently into each other’s inner most depths.

I would fight any god or goddess, burn their temples and scatter the ruins across the land for this woman. Oblivion or no, I will use every ounce of my borrowed power to protect her.

Unexpected bravery sparks a fire as I plop myself down in Helia’s lap, wrapping arms around her neck, one hand playing with her hair. Surprise colors her face, but only briefly. A wicked grin quickly develops, touching something deep inside of me. Helia places one hand on my thigh and the other pulling my neck close for a kiss.