Aella (manxman) - ON HOLD - Chapter 10: Chapter 10

"... I understand... but can't we at least let Ceri wait behind? He doesn't need to be there!"
The Leader sighed, trying to be as patient as possible: "They specifically asked for him"
"I know, but he can wait until we understand what is it that they want exactly. That would be much safer-"
"Halina, dear, you know how much I value you and even look up to you, but when it comes to Ceri you get too dramatic"
"I do not!"
"Yes, you do. Let me remind you that the one calling for your son is none other than Aello Cailyn, the one you trust so much that you had your Agape with him this year, AGAIN!"
"But..."
"But nothing. If you can trust him over Vreis and Epona, you sure can trust him to be fair with Ceri."
Halina looked back at me with hesitance and sadness in her eyes, and then she continued with a lower voice, probably hoping I wouldn't hear her: "But today he's not here as an Aello, he's here as the Leader! Please Sosanbra, I've been in that position enough time to know that maintaining the laws of our tribe is more important than anything else!"
The Leader stopped, causing us all to halt behind her, even the couple Aella hunters at the front, then she looked at Halina's pleading eyes: "Then you also know how much the Leaders cherish every and each one of you all with no exception. NONE, Halina.", she resumed walking deeper into the forest while adding: "And that goes double for Ceri"
"What's that supposed to mean???"
"It means it's time for Ceri to breathe, Halina. It's not fair for him to be hidden in the mountain like a prisoner. All the Aellas get to have an Agape and raise children. Don't you think Ceri has the right for at least some of that?"
I couldn't believe my ears. The Leader was actually thinking about me. She thinks my life is unfair! She even thinks I have the right to breathe and live outside the mountain!!!!
I hadn't realized I had stopped walking, until Rhonwen pushed me roughly to keep walking.
"I got this" Drita told her before she grabbed my arm and pulled me to resume the pace. It only took one second of my eyes meeting Rhonwen's to feel the anger she had towards me now. The hunter glared at me a bit more before she walked past us and joined Halina and Sosanbra.
If not for Drita beside me, I think I would've been beaten before we even got to the Aellos.
The Aellos...
What did they want from me?
Did they miss something and thought I stole it, like when Rhonwen accused me yesterday?
I looked at my own clothes, maybe they figured I was still wearing the clothes Ithel gave me and they want them back
Ok, even I felt that was too silly. The Aellos didn't seem to care at all that I was given those skins. They were only interested in who I was and the news about the other Aellas and their children.
So only one option was left.........
That Aello...... His piecing look still haunts me... Did he hate knowing that I was alive? Did he prefer I died instead of mother??
Wait... does mother prefer I died instead of her as well???
"No need to torment yourself with thoughts, Ceri"
Drita's low voice brought me out of my rising panic
"D-...... do you think they're going to punish me??" I whispered back and she looked in my eyes for a moment before shaking her head: "I don't know what they want of you. Maybe if you told me what you did, then I'd be able to protect you"
Nothing! I did nothing bad, I swear!
I felt so heavy hearted. I couldn't even defend myself. Even if I did, who would believe me? Even Drita still thinks I somehow did something and deserved whatever I'm being led to...
When I didn't respond, she continued: "We'll find out soon enough. This could be nothing. Maybe the Leader wants to inquire about you"
"Th-then what happens when he knows about me?"
Her silence scared me even more
"Drita... What will they do to me?"
"This will teach you to always do as I say, Ceri. If you just stayed with me... if you waited for me in my cave on the mountain instead of wandering down here without permission, none of all this would've happened"
Her words made me even more scared. It seemed no matter what I did or hoped for, I kept getting myself in trouble. And this time, everyone will hear about it. Drita can't just punish me in private this time...
But if I get punished by both tribe Leaders...!!!!
I halted resisting Drita's pull on my arm. I looked at her, trying hard not to cry or whimper: "Please Drita... I'm so sorry! I don't want to be thrown off the mountain or whipped... I don't want to be sent to Saeva!!"
She stared at me sympathetically. And the fact that she didn't deny my fear sent my mind into a frenzy
Saeva... a nearby island filled with wild animals. It is known to be the most dangerous in our sea. Aellos who break our laws are sent there as a punishment or a test, letting their fates to be decided by the nature.
"Don't even hide anything from me, Ceri. I'm the only one who can help you. I'm the only one who will protect you"...
I didn't listen to what she was saying as my own thoughts were screaming in my head
I don't want to be sent there... I don't want to die!!!
I looked at Halina, who was still talking to Sosanbra. My dear aunt can't do anything to help me this time...
I-Ithel! Ithel please help me...
Drita started walking again to catch up on the others, forcing me to follow.
What could Ithel do... if the Leaders decide anything, no one can stand in their way. If he does, he can risk being in danger himself!
Dilara... Mom, please help me
~~~~~~
Ithel
I ran as fast as I could through the woods. Whatever was going on, I needed to be there to understand what the hell is going on?
Why would they call for the Leader of the Aellas and my Ceri?
How dare they discuss my Ceri's matters without telling me!!! I was lucky Aleksy came to tell me that something was wrong and that the Leader demanded to meet the Aellas
But what worried me, was that Aleksy said the Leader was not pleased at all when he called for the meeting, and he even asked specifically for my Ceri!
I quickened my pace as I hoped I'd be there in time.
Luckily, I found the Leader with a few other Aellos still waiting.
"Ithel. Why am I not surprised"
I bowed quickly to the Leader: "Leader Cailyn. I must've missed whoever you sent to call for me"
He rolled his eyes: "I figured you'd come on your own. I didn't know you'd be here that fast though. Let me guess, Aleksy?"
I nodded: "He said you called for Ceri"
"We have some matters to clear"
I answered while standing beside him and catching my breath: "If it involves Ceri, then I'm not leaving!"
He scoffed: "I'm not going to eat the boy!"
"Then you wouldn't mind me staying and saying hi to him"
The Leader scoffed again. He sounded playful but I knew him too well to be fooled.
He was angry.
And only then I took a look around to see that, aside from the few other Aellos that were here more show-off the clan's strength, there was also another Aello standing on the other side of the Leader, one who's usually never interested in meeting the Aellas,
Aello Alev.
Before I could ask and probe to the cause of this meeting, the Aellas started showing up.
First a couple of Aella hunters, standing on either side of the gathering as to protect their Leader. Then there was the Leader, Sosanbra, who stood a couple of feet in front of us. Quite the young Aella, and I heard she was wise and respected by her clan. Oddly, Aella Halina came to stand beside her
"Halina!"
My Leader was more happy to see her than surprised. But somehow, Halina kept her eyes cast down. Sad, or maybe angry? I felt my Leader fidget at the realization as well. I guess she wasn't as thrilled to see him as he was seeing her.
Then it was my turn to feast my eyes. My beautiful Aella approached us, his hair as sunny and wavy as always, and his lips as inviting as yesterday. I felt my whole body react to his sight. But very soon, my happiness was squashed by the way he looked so defeated.
He was being dragged to his place on the left to complete the half circle of Aellas
"Ceri?"
His eyes raised for the first time since he got here, and he looked straight into mine. I expected that beautiful light of excitement and happiness, dancing in his enchanting eyes, but to my shock I saw nothing but fear...
Utter fear and regret... my sweet Ceri looked so powerless, it pained my heart.
Before I could go to him, my Leader cleared his throat. He was bowing his head to the Aellas and the other Aellos were all bowing in respect too. I guess I was the last. I did like the others and kneeled, then bowed my head to the Aella Leader.
When we all stood up, it was the Aella Leader's turn to bow her head to Cailyn. Her Aellas followed suit and kneeled.
I smiled lightly when I noticed that, just like me, Ceri was too preoccupied with his own thoughts to do as expected of him. I tilted my head and went to motion for him to get his attention back, but before I could do anything, the red headed Aella hunter kicked the back of his knee sending him falling down on the ground
"Show respect!!"
I lunged forward to protect him, but was caught by Cailyn who pulled me back: "Easy, there. Do not interfere"
"She hit him!!!"
When I glared at the Leader for holding me back, I noticed he was also holding Alev's shoulder and talking to him, not me. Alev already had his grip on his weapon, looking really angry, which only alarmed the other Aellas who in turn pulled out their weapons and pointed their spears at us to protect their Leader.
At the same time, Halina was done with paying her respects before she got to kneel properly and was now standing behind Ceri and glaring daggers at the tall, aggressive one: "YOU WILL NOT LAY A HAND ON HIM!!"
"Halina..." The Aella hunter tried to touch her, but Halina moved away from her and went to check on Ceri.
Ceri bowed properly now, but he didn't get up from fear of everything happening around him.
"My child, are you ok?"
Ceri nodded without meeting anyone's eyes. He only mouthed a very quiet 'sorry'. Halina smiled at him and hugged him quickly. Then she helped him stand, and I didn't miss the other Aella hunter who brought Ceri earlier; the way she grabbed Ceri's arm again and pulled him to her didn't sit well with me at all.
"STAND DOWN!"
Cailyn's dominating voice vibrated, making everyone obey and take a step back, even the Aella hunters.
He ordered the Aellos who came with us to put some distance between us, and then turned to the other Leader: "We need a bit more privacy for this"
Sosanbra gave a dissatisfied look to her people and motioned for them to back away. Then she added: "I guess we're done with the formalities"
Cailyn sighed and nodded: "Let's just say that we all greeted each other"
As soon as his eyes fell on Halina again, his mood lightened: "Aella Halina, I didn't know I'd be seeing you so soon. This meeting is turning out to be delightful, after all"
I rolled my eyes while Alev squeezed his shut and breathed in to remain patient. Of course, Cailyn can't pass an opportunity to seduce his preferred Aella
"I had no choice."
Her pouting voice and the way she didn't look Cailyn in the eyes made him frown: "Why would you say that? I didn't force you out of your territory. I am just........."
We all heard the unsaid: happy to see her
Halina didn't say anything. Instead, she grabbed Ceri's hand and squeezed on it reassuringly. Still baffled by her reaction, Cailyn took a step towards her
Sosanbra took her place back in the conversation when she asked: "I believe you called this meeting for a reason, Leader Cailyn?"
"Yes" both Cailyn and Alev answered her. The Aellas looked at Alev in confusion, like they couldn't guess his role in the matter. Neither could I, actually. But I was more worried about the reason that saddened my young Aella than the purpose of this meeting all together.
Alev took a step forward, and our Leader reluctantly took his eyes away from Halina: "Indeed. We are here to discuss the matter that I believe is long overdue-"
Before anyone could ask anything, Alev interrupted: "I'm here to claim my son"
.........
What?
His... son?
Alev doesn't have a son... And what does that have to do with my Ceri?
My eyes widened in realization, and so did everyone else; the Aellas and Aellos all looked at Ceri with surprise, except for Cailyn and Alev.
Sosanbra turned to our Leader: "Cailyn, what is the meaning of this?"
"I am yet to be certain, and that is why I called for this meeting. After seeing the young Aello yesterday, Alev believes he's possibly his son"
"Not possibly! I am certain"
Cailyn put a hand on Alev's shoulder to calm him, and Halina looked at Ceri: "Y-you knew about this?"
Ceri looked even more scared and lost: "I...... W-we met yesterday...... h-he rejected me"
I glared at Alev, how could he??? HOW DARE HE!!!
Halina gasped silently: "My poor baby, is... is that why you were crying???", and then she turned to Alev looking furious: "You rejected my child????"
Alev seemed confused with Ceri's reaction, but he chose to respond on another matter: "Wait, he's not your child, HE'S MINE!"
The Aella grabbing Ceri's arm and the red headed one, both came forward to stand before Ceri and Halina and snarled at Alev: "NO HE'S NOT!!", "DON'T YOU DARE TALK TO HER THAT WAY!!"
Sosanbra glared at all of us: "Why the hell is everyone going for blood today!"
"Indeed", Cailyn continued, "Let's talk about this calmly. Even I need to figure this out. I need to know how come the Aellas hid an Aello from his rightful clan"
"Are you blaming ME for this?"
"You're the Leader of the Aellas! You're responsible for delivering the Aellos to my clan!"
"This is not the Aellas' fault. If anything we protected him from a grave error that YOU made!"
...
I was shocked to see Cailyn argue for the first time. With Arev by his side, and Halina beside Sosanbra, standing silently with tangible fear in her eyes. I sneaked around the herd and pulled my Ceri back discretely. He looked at me. His eyes immediately filling with tears that broke my heart
I pulled him into a hug and he clung to me: "Please don't cry, my sweet Aella. It's alright"
"No, it's not, Ithel... I'm in trouble and I'm getting everyone angry because of me!"
His voice sounded so discouraged and scared, and I didn't know what to tell him to ease his pain since I didn't understand the situation either. But he wasn't wrong about one thing, everyone looked angry.
I caressed his hair and kissed the top of his head: "It's just a misunderstanding, I'm sure of it. Cailyn will deal with it"
He shook his head in my embrace: "I...... I don't want to die, Ithel"
"DIE??? No one intends to hurt you, Ceri. Look at them, they're all arguing, but they're arguing for you. Please calm down", I pushed him slightly to give him a reassuring smile. He hesitantly looked towards the crowd. He wiped his tears and tried to compose himself again. But I could see the tremble in his hands. By the Heaven's name, who could scare him like that??? Tell him he was going to be punished and hurt!
And the instant I saw that Aella hunter frowning deeply our way...
I held Ceri closer to me. I knew I had to protect him
I leaned down under her fierce gaze and kissed his cheek: "Do you trust me, Ceri?"
He nodded cutely, making me brighten up instantly: "Then believe me when I say that no one will hurt you. It actually seems like you're getting what you always wanted!"
He shook his head like he couldn't believe me. But no matter the yelling or arguing around us, the matter of fact was that his father was alive and he was here to claim him!! Now all we needed was to make sure that Alev was really who he claimed he was, and understand why the hell he's only stepping forward today!!!
"I'm so glad you're here Ithel... I was wishing to see you"
"I'm glad I'm here too. Hey, how about we go understand what's going on"
Ceri hesitated and looked at me: "You'll stay by my side?"
I grinned and gave him a quick peck on the lips: "Where else would I go"
His cheeks tinted adorably, and he allowed me to steer him closer to the crowd.
Before we could listen to anything, the glaring Aella hunter approached us. She grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him closer to her: "Is this the Aello you were with when I came to see you during my Agape??"
Ceri raised his hands at her in surrender and whispered: "Shshsh... Please Drita... Y-you promised!"
"I thought you said he only helped you find your way!!!"
Was this his friend Drita? Why the hell was she interrogating him like he owed her something????
Before anything else, Halina's pained voice brought our attention back to them
"How could you... My sister...!"
Alev shook his head: "I never meant anything bad for Dilara! She was the best thing that ever happened to me! I only knew happiness with her! You're the ones who hid my child from me for SEVENTEEN YEARS!!!"
Cailyn was calmer than Alev when he addressed Halina: "How could you not tell me you were raising another child?"
She shook her head slowly: "Please don't do this, Cailyn... I protected him so far... please don't put my baby in danger"
"Wait... Is this why you remained at the mountain all those years and didn't have an Agape? You were keeping him! How could you doubt my sincerity towards you, Halina?"
This time it was Sosanbra who answered him, while putting a hand on Halina's shaking shoulders: "Because you're a Leader. As Leaders it is our job to honor the spirits and make sure our laws are respected to the letter." She sighed, then continued: "Ceri was born six months after the Agape."
"Halina..." Ceri whispered her name when her shoulders slumped and started shaking
Cailyn's eyes widened and he turned to Alev: "YOU! Did you-!"
"I did not mate with Dilara outside the mating season!" and he turned to Halina: "How could you think such thing of her! Is that why the Aellas don't like to talk about her??? Did you accuse her!! Did you hurt her????"
I held Ceri closer as he watched the scene before him in horror, while ignoring the hateful one named Drita who refused to let go of his arm like he belonged to her.
Sosanbra looked fed up with everything: "Just speak the truth, Halina. You've protected Dilara's child for too long. There only much an Aella can do"
"Dilara was my most precious person in the whole world... She was a good sister, a great friend, and a kind Aella. On her last Agape, she disappeared too soon. She usually greets me before she leaves, as her sister, but also as her Leader. I didn't think much of it at the time. But after the Agape, she refused to tell anyone who her mate was. I thought maybe he didn't treat her well, but then I'd look at her and she seemed happy, too happy even.
Until the day her pregnancy showed. All the Aellas that were blessed reported to me, but even when we had to inform the Aellos of their expecting mates...... Dilara still wouldn't tell who the Aello was.
For some reason, she didn't trust anyone... not even myself. The Aellas didn't see kindly to that, and everyone thought it was unfair for the child's father. An Aella hunter chose to inform the Aellos thinking it will help her put her hands on who broke our law. On the day she delivered the baby...", Halina choked slightly, but continued while looking at Cailyn: "She made me promise her. To never look for the father... to care for the child as if he was my own.
She... took one look at her baby and she smiled. 'Ceri' was the last thing she said before she closed her eyes.
I was too shaken by the death of my beloved sister, but the older Aellas came to me. They said I was responsible for maintaining the sacred laws of our tribe... they said the last time a child was born from a mating that happened outside the Agape, both parents were sentenced to death.
And the baby...... he was left to fend off himself..."
She shook her head vigorously: "I couldn't... I couldn't kill my sister's only child! She waited so much to have one!!", then she turned to Alev who was so pained with her words: "And I hated the Aello who put her in such pain with all my heart, but for her... for Dilara, I didn't want to tell on him"
Cailyn sighed and held her shivering hand: "So you kept it secret"
She nodded: "The Aellas were all against me. They loved my sister, but after what she did, they believed she dishonored us all! They even feared that if the Aellos heard, they'll think less of their children and even the young Aellas... So I had to give up my position as a Leader. If I can't honor our laws, then maybe my sacrifice will suffice to keep the baby alive"
Halina turned to Ceri: "And he was a ray of sunshine in my life. Since the day my sister passed away, I never once regretted raising you, Ceri... I only hope you forgive me for the free life that you could've had... I'm so sorry my child"
Ceri broke away from both Drita and I to hug his aunt: "I'm so sorry, Halina... I knew I always caused you to suffer, but I never knew...... I never knew the truth"
~~~~~~
We all fell into a brief moment of silence as we watched Halina hug Ceri like she was afraid for his life. And according to what she said, she had all the right to fear for his life. I myself feel so indebted to her for sacrificing her title as a Leader to keep Ceri safe.
And during this moment, I made sure I was closer to Ceri than the hateful Drita.
I didn't like the way she touched and spoke to Ceri at all. She needed to know that he no longer needed her, he was no longer alone
Alev took a step closer to Ceri , who released his aunt, but froze in place. He gave him a smile I have never seen on Alev before this day: "You have your mother's eyes, Ceri." After gazing at him for a moment, he added: "I am here to claim you as my son."
Ceri gazed up at him, not knowing what to answer. His left hand sought mine and I grabbed it and stood beside him. Alev looked at me, probably wondering why or how Ceri came to know me that well. But he chose to ignore it for now and continued: "No matter what you heard until this day, I need you to know that your mother never sinned-"
The red headed Aella, Rhonwen, interrupted him with a scoff: "She mated outside of the Agape! If that is not enough for a sin, then what is!!"
Alev didn't even spare her a look. He smiled more to Ceri and continued: "Dilara was like your aunt said, beautiful and kind. She would've been so proud of the way you've grown, and so am I"
Ceri nodded, and spoke up for the first time today: "Thank you...... but why did she..."
"Only today I came to know of what happened. When I asked the Aellas back then, they said Dilara passed away after she lost her child. It was my fault for not asking more, but Dilara lost a child before, so I never saw through the lie. I think Dilara was afraid because we had four Agape's together"
Damn it...
Ceri frowned, not seeming to understand
Sosanbra shook her head and explained to Ceri: "An Aello and an Aella can only mate three years together, by the fourth they need to seek another mate in order to make sure everyone gets a chance to have children"
It was also to make sure the Aellos do not think they own the Aellas. Our history says that a long time ago, Aellos could own Aellas and it would lead to disrespecting them and dominating them. It was the reason why the Aellas chose to have their own clan.
Cailyn: "So you never met her outside the Agape?"
"No! She was the Leader's sister! She was bound to be discovered if she climbed down the mountain! My only mistake is that I didn't want to see her go with another Aello, and I didn't want to mate with any Aella but her. So on her last Agape, I convinced her that if we left discretely, no one would notice"
Sosanbra turned to Cailyn: "Even if his sin was less than expected, it doesn't mean he didn't do wrong. Because of his mistake Halina lost her title and the boy had to live on the mountain all his life"
Cailyn raised an eyebrow at her: "Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you about that law myself. It's not a very ancient law, I actually believe it was made like, just a hundred years ago or something"
Sosanbra shook her head: "I'm young not stupid, old man. I know you're only bringing this up because you already hit your three years in a row limit with Halina and want to have more"
Halina looked embarrassed while Cailyn gave a proud grin: "No. I'm talking on behalf of all the Aellos. Don't you agree, Halina? You're an elder, you sure can advise your Leader"
Halina blushed, making our Leader's laugh resonate.
Rhonwen urged her Leader: "Leader Sosanbra, this meeting is taking too long"
Sosanbra rolled her eyes and returned to Cailyn: "So. We need to talk punishment"
Halina immediately panicked: "Please leave my child out of this! He did nothing wrong!!"
I pulled Ceri to my side again and couldn't keep from interjecting: "Why the need for a punishment? Haven't they all suffered enough?"
Sosanbra looked reluctant as she answered: "As Leader of this tribe, we need to make sure our laws are respected."
When Halina turned to seek help from Cailyn, he surprised both of us by agreeing with Sosanbra: "It's our duty to make a proper judgment that makes all Aellos and Aellas feel fairness, even by giving punishments"
At the last word, Ceri tried to take a step away, but I held him close: "It's not fair, Leader! Ceri lived without his parents for seventeen years! He should be rewarded and compensated, not punished!!"
Neither Sosanbra or Cailyn looked happy with this. But we all had no choice, but to head by the decision of our Leaders.
"I will leave to Saeva"
"NO!", Ceri yelled, "Please, I just met you today!! Please don't leave... please don't die!"
"I will not die, Ceri"
Even Sosanbra didn't look convinced: "It's the most dangerous island in this sea. We need to punish you, not Ceri. I will let you choose the proper punishment for your Aello, Cailyn. I just need to know what it is before ending this meeting. I will take care of my Aellas."
"Aello Alev will go live in Saeva for two months."
"A year"
"A year is too long. He was already kept away from his child for seventeen years. Now his punishment will end with six months on Saeva. And then there will be no talk of this matter again. If Aello Alev survives those six months, he will come home to find Aello Ceri waiting for him-"
"Aella"
Cailyn narrowed his eyes at her: "Do I need to undress him before you, to prove my point?"
Sosanbra couldn't retaliate to that. And I so much wanted to tell them that I could vouch on my honor that he was a man. But before I could throw in a witty comment, Sosanbra gathered her thoughts again: "Who do you think sheltered and cared for him all his life?? Since I was born, I heard of the Aella boy who had no parents and nowhere to go. I watched his wait year after year for an Aello who never came! And the first thing I did when I became Leader, I tried to give him his freedom that I knew he missed so much! But Halina was too scared for her child's life and begged for him. Even the older Aellas were against revealing him. And every time an Aella protested on his existence or claimed that he was a threat to tempt the young Aellas, I pushed them back and protected him!! Ceri is as much Aella as he is a man. So even if he's on your territory, if I hear you forced him to hunt or to do what he was never taught, I will personally come take him back."
Waw. Sosanbra sure wasn't as indifferent towards Ceri as I thought. And from the looks of it, everyone was as surprised as I am.
My poor Leader threw his hands up in surrender: "How about this. Halina keeps Ceri for the whole next six months. I can't give you more because I have to answer to my own Aellos who are already asking me how a man is allowed to live with their daughters. Alev will be back by then and he'll claim his son to live with him and teach him our ways, as an Aello."
Sosanbra considered that for a few seconds, then she nodded in agreement.
Alev smiled at Ceri again: "In six months. I will be back to claim you properly. I promise, Ceri"
I whispered in Ceri's ear, and he looked at me. I nodded at him in encouragement and watched as my beautiful Aella approached Alev hesitantly, then he hugged him, a bit awkwardly but it was a start.
Alev couldn't look more emotional. His eyes filled with unshed tears as he hugged Ceri back
"F... Father... please be safe. I will wait for you"