Aella (manxman) - ON HOLD - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

The past few months were...... well, kind of weird actually. There has been a noticeable shift within the Aellas as many became nicer and more talkative with me. I mean I still had all the glares and the 'stay away from me' stares, but many others were being nice and were welcoming me more. Especially after they got the gifts from the Aellos, everyone was always happier after receiving the Aellos' gifts.
Even Halina, despite not being pregnant, Leader Cailyn sent her beautiful necklaces and a tiger skin. Of course Epona and Vreis got the most of them ; Epona walked around with the tiger skin on her shoulders, sauntering like she was the Leader herself, while little Vreis followed her with the necklaces around his neck and ankles.
Halina was pampering me more than ever. She made sure her smiling face was the first thing I woke up to every day since I started sleeping outside, and I can't say I hated her pampering me because she's an amazing and a very loving aunt, and the spirits know I will forever be thirsty for her kindness.
Also the younger Aellas were being very friendly. Weird, right?
And a couple of Aellas even brought their toddlers to show them to me several times, telling me how amazing and strong their children were. I was too unfamiliar with this and didn't understand what they wanted me to say, until they figured I was stupid and told me clearly that they wanted me to praise their children to their fathers once I went to live at the forest. I nodded of course, even though I didn't recognize the Aellos they described, nor was I able to concentrate to remember their description for later; I was frankly too flustered by their presence and insistence, I just kept nodding until they were happy and left.
Now I was rarely alone, no matter when or where I was. Sadly though, that didn't keep me from feeling lonely. The small time I spent with Ithel during our Agape was making me long for him all day, and even dream of him at night.
My dreams started differently every night, but they all ended the same way; with Ithel pulling my hand and leading me in the forest, only to look at me with his breath taking smile, and tell me that he brought my father back for me.
My father... the one I tried desperately to contact. He hasn't responded yet. No matter how much I prayed or how much red powder I managed to get my hands on.
He just didn't see the smoke because Saeva is too far from here
You didn't make the fumes well enough for them to reach higher in the sky
He's too busy fighting wild animals and trying to stay alive to answer you
He's mad at you because you're the reason why he's risking his life in the most dangerous island
...
......
He's dead.
I bit my lower lip, trying to remain brave. A strong Aello doesn't cry.
"Hey"
I turned to see Drita sitting beside me at the edge of the cliff that fell to the large sea.
"Still no answer?"
I shook my head and went back to watch the sea.
I had managed to stay away from Drita lately, but it was almost impossible no matter what I did. She was a hunter, sometimes she just shoos any Aella who was beside me and takes her place to talk to me. Luckily, that incident didn't happen again. She was back to her old self, so maybe she wasn't feeling good that day?
I didn't risk it though. Ithel said I should be careful and take of myself more. I definitely didn't want to let him down. So now as ashamed as I am, I skipped cleaning myself many times until Halina noticed. When she insisted to know why I didn't simply go clean myself, I asked her to come with me. She laughed at first, but then she started interrogating me and trying to find out who was the 'shameless Aella' who bothered me at such a private time. I let her think it was one of the younger Aellas and didn't correct her. She had enough troubles to deal with because of me. The last thing I needed was to get her into a fight with someone like Drita.
My, the idea alone made my limbs shiver.
"He'll be back on time, Ceri. You need to trust him"
When I didn't answer, she put her hand on my shoulder and asked: "You're ok?"
I wanted to tell her I was fine, but I really wanted to know what she thought. Drita never lied to me before, she was actually the only one who always told the truth about my situation
"Do you think my father is alive?"
"Yes"
I breathed. Her certainty made me ten times more hopeful. I guess I should've stopped the questions there
"Do you think...... he'd blame me for what he's going through?"
"Maybe"
My head whipped to stare at her: "Really???"
"Your father is a respectful Aello, Ceri, he's not stupid. It's obvious that if not for you being alive, he would still be safe on this island right now"
"But I never wanted him to go to Saeva!!!"
"I know. Yet the fates don't always happen the way we want"
My heart sank. I let her words settle in my mind and the more I thought about them, the more obvious they sounded.
"Don't worry. He'll do his best to be a good father to you. That much I'm certain of"
I suddenly wanted to ask what being a father meant. I wasn't like I was seven. Men my age have their own den and years of experience in hunting and living on their own. I didn't get that chance though...
"Are you scared?"
"I...... I'm not sure I can be a good son. I don't know how to be one"
"Just do as he says and you'll be fine. Careful not to anger him, and watch what you say"
Watch what I say?? I usually didn't talk much, but what if I said the wrong thing? Will he hate me???
As if she read my thoughts, Drita answered me: "He loves you. All fathers love their sons."
I nodded hesitantly. It was odd how she was so strong and difficult to deal with, yet managed to always understand me.
"Be a good boy and Alev will not throw you away"
WHAT???? I didn't even know that was a possibility!!!
Wh-what if he hated me, and then threw me somewhere and I couldn't even find Ithel! Wh-wh-what would I do then!
"If anything bothers you, I'm always here for you. I told you I'll protect you, didn't I?"
"Euuuh..."
She chuckled and her hand fell from my shoulder to my thigh, making my heart beat faster, not in a good way.
"You're the same as always. Just remain as you are and do not change. And when your father claims you, hang in there for five months, then we'll meet at the Agape"
Her hand squeezed my leg and started sneaking further between my thighs.
No, no, no! things are getting weird again! W-We're not even in her cave! Stupid Ceri, stupid, stupid Ceri!! How could I think it was alright to just speak to her like before!!!
My clothes were pushed upward and her hand was touching and squeezing my leg. I could feel her fingernails threatening to hurt me.
"D-Drita..."
I tried to push her hand away, but she shushed me so firmly, it made me remember the times she punished me. Sometimes I couldn't sit properly for a week! I don't want to be punished again
"Did you know... On this whole island, there isn't a soul like you. There is no Aello or Aella as innocent and frail as your pure little heart"
When her fingers started hurting my inner thigh I winced and went to move away
"Stay still."
I froze, but her hand didn't ease on me. I looked at her pleadingly: "Please... I-I'm sorry"
Instead of feeling my distress, she smiled: "You've grown into a beautiful man, Ceri, but with the same innocent sweet look in those eyes... and that is what I love about you... I don't know how will I wait for the next Agape"
A-Agape? Why would she say that to me???
She can't possibly be thinking that I...... and HER!?
"Ceri!!"
An excited voice interrupted us, and I could swear Drita growled as she looked back at the young Aella, Siena, who was running excitedly our way
I took advantage of the distraction and moved up and away from Drita, only to have her stand and grab my arm as she glared at the red haired Aella: "What is it you want, Siena?"
"Look! Look!! The signal! Ceri there's a signal!!!"
I looked towards the direction she was pointing at, my eyes immediately filling with tears.
He's alive...
Alev... my father is alive!
I wiped my eyes and sighed as I stared at the very distant fumes that reached towards the now reddish sky.
Mother, thank you for protecting him
"Saeva!" , "He's actually living in Saeva!!", "By the name of the spirits, that Aello is really something"...
The Aellas soon gathered to watch the fumes in awe. And Halina, Epona and little Vreis were hugging me and praising my father.
And I almost forgot all my worries, if it wasn't for the grip that refused to release my arm.
~~~~~~~
She sniffled and hugged closer. I always thought I'd cherish this moment, but now that it came, I actually was scared and sad to leave Halina behind... the only mother I ever had... the only person that protected me unconditionally since I was a baby.
Epona was also hugging me around the waist, and Vreis held onto my clothes with a cute teary pout.
"My sweet little baby, I can't believe you're really going"
I hugged Halina back: "I'm sorry... I love you"
"I love you too my child. More than you could imagine"
Rhonwen patted my aunt's shoulder gently: "Halina, let the man go"
I knew many were expecting Halina and I to just wave and part ways. I heard them many times say that such an event was harder on them because their boys were around seven
......... and because their boys were truly their boys.
But the fear and pain of leaving her warmth and kindness made me wish I could take her with me.
But the laws were the laws. And everyone believes I broke enough of those to deserve any leniency.
My dear aunt ignored the Aellas even though a lot of them were here out of compassion and not a sense of relief. She whispered in my ear: "I will always be here for you, my child. These are not words, they're the promise of a mother who'd give anything to see you happy. Promise me you'll take care of yourself"
I nodded, fighting my tears: "I'll make you proud Halina, I promise"
She chuckled and added: "Also promise me you won't try too hard. Just go easy on yourself, ok?"
"I'll be good, I swear"
She lowered her voice more and added: "And if you wish to see me at any time, you can come here. Let me worry about the Aellas. And if you need anything, you tell Cailyn. I know you don't know him much, but I promise he's a wise and kind Aello and he'll help you with anything"
"It's ok. I won't need help. I've got my father"
Her eyes flooded again: "Yes, yes you do"
"Let's go"
Drita's voice made my aunt hug me again. Then I leaned down to kiss Vreis and Epona, who reminded me to tell their father how much they love him.
"Tell papa I'll be a man next yea' "
I laughed gently at my little brother; with the way his R's still escaped him, I couldn't imagine him as a man, only the playful little child with the kindest heart ever.
I bowed to Sosanbra who, for the first time, came to say goodbye to the one who's leaving and didn't wait for me to go pay my respects to her in the cave.
I gave my aunt a kiss on the forehead and said my goodbyes to everyone before walking to the edge of the cliff.
"Rhonwen, please go with him"
"It's alright, Halina. I'll stay here with you. Drita will take Cer-"
"I'll feel better if you accompanied him too. Please?"
Everyone waited for Rhonwen to refuse, myself included. Despite her deep and undeniable affection for my aunt, Rhonwen's warm feelings never reached me. But this time, Rhonwen only glanced my way; or more precisely, Drita's way. And then she nodded.
"Don't leave his side until he's with Cailyn!"
"Bye Cewi!"
I gave a last wave and a glance at my beloved family, before climbing down the big gray rocks.
~~~~~
Rhonwen was walking in front of us, while looking back at us repeatedly. She had to slow down every minute or so because I was keeping them back. At least I had Drita with me, because I clumsily slipped a couple of times and she grabbed me each time. Unlike the rest of us, the hunters were very used to the dangerous rocky slope of our mountain.
Once we reached the forest, I had to admit the trees and the sound of the birds made my mood better again, reminding me of the those I was going to see soon.
Very soon
.
"Remember what I told you?"
"Hum?"
"Are you listening? About the Aellos. If anyone bothers you or hurts you, even Alev, you can come look for me and I'll protect you. Not even Cailyn or Sosanbra can stand against us Aella-hunters"
True. The Aella hunters kept the women and the children safe and fed. They were very respected by both clans, and not even the Leaders could ignore them.
And when I felt Drita's hand on my further shoulder, I realized how scary that fact was.
"We couldn't speak much lately, I have been busy with the hunts, and you were with Halina all the time"
"Sorry"
"I guess we'll have to wait for the Agape"
There she goes again about the next Agape. Whenever I thought of Ithel, I couldn't wait for the Agape to come, but whenever Drita mentions it, I wish the next five months would never end.
She suddenly stopped, halting me with her: "I don't like your hesitation, Ceri. You will come to the next Agape"
Was that a question or an order???
Damn it, I instantly became so flustered I forgot to answer her.
"Hey! We need to keep going, we're almost there! Is everything alright with you?"
"YES!" Drita yelled at Rhonwen, who looked baffled by her hostility.
Her patience with me grew short quickly as she commanded me to talk
"I-I-I...... I think-"
"You think??? You don't think. You just obey!"
I so wanted to tell her that from now on I had a father, that I had someone who'll be with me and that we'll be protecting each other. But of course, my tongue betrayed me and became heavier than the mountain we just left.
"Now listen to me, Ceri. You know that I care about you. But that won't keep me from punishing you if you are less than what I expect from you, you hear me?"
I just stared at her, unable to comprehend what she meant by 'what I expect from you'
"Answer me!"
"Y-y-yes!"
"Yes what?"
"......... I-I don't know... I'm sorry"
At least the apology seemed to work, and her features relaxed before she continued with a less threatening tone: "On the next Agape, all you need is be there. When I choose you, you on't refuse. The other Aellas will not dare challenge my claim. And you don't have to worry about hunting or having a den. You're mine, Ceri. And I take good care of what's mine"
I lowered my gaze, unable to look at her anymore. Why did she become like this? She's supposed to be my friend? She always thought of me and brought me fruits and wood to carve, she even used to tell me stories about her hunting and lets me play with her son and hold him all day when he was a cute little baby... she even forgives me when I do wrong and doesn't tell the Aellas on me. Now she's just...... scary
Rhonwen walked back towards us, not looking happy, maybe because she had a hundred things she preferred doing right now other than guarding me. Like maybe being with Halina whom I left with tears in her eyes.
I miss her already...
When Drita saw Rhonwen, she patted my shoulder and led me to walk again. We kept going and I felt silly wondering how such an event was supposed to be so happy for me, not scary and sad.
But those thoughts flew with the wind when Ithel's voice made me look up and I instantly grinned like a fool
"Ceri! Hey! Over here!!"
I chuckled at the way he was waving his arms and barely keeping himself from stepping into our border. I have missed him so much these past six months. He looked handsome. So manly, heartwarming, and much more charming than in my dreams... I quickened my pace, but just as much as I could with Drita still holding my shoulder.
When we passed some trees and the view became clearer, I gasped and halted my haste.
Alev... my father
He was here... he was back from Saeva, alive... but he looked so tired, he was actually leaning slightly on the side while Leader Cailyn held his forearm to help him.
I was shivering at the sight, but as soon as he saw me, he straightened his back and let go of the Leader. His face lit up with a small beautiful smile despite his obvious fatigue.
I was pushed forward again until we were a few feet apart.
The Leader tipped his head forward and Alev and Ithel bowed a bit lower to us.
"Ceri, welcome back" Cailyn told me as soon as he raised his head and the others followed his lead. I smiled at him and Drita reminded me to kneel and pay my respects to the Aellos' Leader. I did as told and bowed to the ground respectfully, while my eyes couldn't stop glancing at Alev. The hunters bowed only to the waist; they were the protectors of our clan, they didn't kneel, not even to the Leaders.
When they stood up, I did as well.
Cailyn looked at Alev who nodded without removing his gaze from me. Then Cailyn smiled and turned to us
"I, Cailyn, Leader of the Aellos, claim Aello Ceri as part of my clan, may he abide by our laws, learn our ways, and live for the honor of the tribe"
Everyone answered at the same time: "For the honor of the tribe"
I......... I was claimed
After ten years of waiting for someone to want me, my father claimed me
I felt goosebumps ride my skin and my eyes watered when Ithel stepped forward with a satisfied look: "Welcome to your new family, Ceri"