Aella (manxman) - ON HOLD - Chapter 26: Chapter 26

I woke up at something tickling my senses. My first thought was fear of finding myself in that horrible nightmare once more. But as I peeked through my eyelashes, I could see the weak rays of sunshine sneaking into the den. I sighed with relief and turned to lay on my back. It must have been dawn or just before, since it was still a bit dark.
I rubbed my eyes and yawned, and then I forced myself to a sitting position. Alev wasn't around and the place where he usually slept was empty. I stood up to go look for him, while still rubbing my sleepy eyes. Suddenly that sweet feeling that woke me up in the first place was back.
I tilted my head back and sniffed the air taking in the delicious smell. I followed the smell and it guided me outside the den, where I found Alev sharpening his weapon, and a very sexy Ithel roasting some fish over the fire.
I moaned. "I think this is the happiest morning ever"
"Ceri! You're up" Ithel smiled.
I bowed my head to Alev and greeted him. Then quickly went to kneel close to the fire. I breathed in the heavenly smell of the nicely cooked fish.
Alev smiled and Ithel chuckled. "And here I thought you were happy to see me"
"I am! I just... feel really, really hungry all of a sudden"
"Your love for fish is as strong as usual"
I sniffed the delicious smell and eyes the fish with lust. "It is the best food ever!"
"And now I wish I were a fish"
I laughed and pecked his cheek, somehow forgetting that we weren't alone. Ithel's eyes stared at me adoringly and he tilted his head slightly while we just gazed at each other.
"Why don't you clean yourself the time Ithel prepares the meal?" Alev said to me. I nodded and ran inside towards the water basin. On my way, I could hear Alev talk to Ithel. "And you, make sure you don't burn the meal you brought so early"
I looked back, wondering if my father's harsh tone hurt Ithel, but my strong Aello was smiling as he flipped the fish to cook the other side.
I quickly cleaned myself and took out some water and a few pieces of fruits that remained from yesterday.
I leaned back on my arms with my legs sprawled before me, barely keeping myself from burping.
"This, was the best meal ever" I ate so much, I was about to explode. Ithel chuckled and handed me his piece, but I shook my head and tapped my stomach. He laughed and bit into it. Only after swallowing that succulent meat did I remember to be thankful for the meal
"Thank you, Ithel! This was really great"
"I'll get you as much as you want, Ceri. I would love to feed you every day-"
"That won't be necessary." Alev interrupted. Once again, Ithel nodded and went back to finishing his food. And Alev turned to me. "So you love eating fish"
"It's my favorite!"
A strange look quickly passed in his eyes. He glanced at Ithel and then at the fish before he went back to sharpening his hunting weapons.
I looked at the sky. "It's a beautiful morning. Looks like it's going to be a lucky day"
Alev stopped moving at my words. I knew I was being a coward, but I just couldn't ask directly. A moment later he resumed working on one of his weapons and he said with a calm voice. "Just like I said yesterday, I am not certain this is a good idea."
Indeed. Alev was too worried about what Leader Cailyn suggested yesterday. I didn't know how to convince him. But before leaving, Ithel told me not to push it and to be patient. He said I should just explain to Alev what I thought and not insist too much without explaining.
I did as he told me. I wanted to whine and beg Alev to let me do this, but I remembered what Ithel said and I did my best to look patient and wise. We spoke about it a few times during the day and before we both went to sleep. I hope he hasn't changed his mind, though.
I turned to Ithel, but all he gave me was a smile, almost a forced one. I could feel that he was of the same opinion as Alev, yet he didn't want to take this away from me. I needed this chance. I needed it so badly because no matter how hard I worked, it would be impossible for me to actually start hunting on my own in less than a few years. So I had to find a way to be part of the clan until I am capable of going through my Prueba.
Ithel looked between Alev and me, and then he stood up. He gathered the rest of the food and went to store it. He always made sure not to interrupt the rare feely moments between Alev and me. He was respectful and considerrate. He was so amazing.
A moment later, I took another shot. "Leader Caitlyn said he would wait for me at the border."
When Alev didn't say anything, I added, in a smaller voice since I didn't want him to hate me. "I promise I'll be back today"
He frowned and glared at the ground, then he looked at me. "I just got you"
I smiled. Alev might look stoic or emotionless. But in truth, he was too kind and loving, in his own silent way. "I am not leaving, father. I'll be back soon"
He gazed at me, and I could feel the fear and doubt in his eyes.
"You can believe in me"
"I do believe in you. It's the Aellas that I mistrust"
"I'm an Aello now! I'm confident and strong."
I gave him a wide grin that made him chuckle. He ran a hand through his hair and then patted my head.
"Make sure to get back to our territory before it's dark"
I squealed happily and hugged him. He was caught off guard. He hugged me back and laughed. It was a rare thing to actually hear him laugh.
I looked up and saw Ithel watching us with a smile. If my hunch was correct, his smile was hiding a frown.
And it was then that it just hit me,
I was going to face the Aellas again.
~~~~~
We walked for a few hours before we arrived at the Aellas' territory. We found Cailyn waiting there for us, accompanied with two scary-looking Aellos who didn't even greet us.
"I've been waiting since morning! I even thought Alev changed his mind again"
I bowed to him and smiled. "He did, but I convinced him. He trusts me"
"That is great to hear, young Aello."
"Just give him the message, Cailyn. He needs to get going if he's to be back in time"
Cailyn gave Alev an uninterested look. "Good day to you too, my friend"
Alev rolled his eyes. Before they argued again, I stepped forward. I did my best to look taller and unshaken as I announced. "I am ready"
Cailyn nodded. And grabbed my shoulder. Alev looked like he wanted to snatch me back, but he was kept busy by a glaring contest with the other two Aellos.
Cailyn explained to me how to get to the mountain without getting lost. Then, he gave me the message and I did my best to remember it. He also advised me about how I should act, smile, charm, and compliment. Aellas liked compliments, he said. Although, I knew very well that compliments never outweighed their opinion about me. He was confident that all the Aellas will be overly happy to see me again, and he even warned me from seducing any of them. I wanted to tell him that I would be blessed if I arrived there in one piece and was able to actually talk or voice even a single word.
Just this moment, I became aware of what I was about to do. It was difficult to listen to Cailyn and keep myself calm, now that I was at the edge of the Aella's territory. The only one who noticed my nervousness was Ithel, and he kept giving me small encouraging nods every time our eyes met.
Cailyn was interrupted from his endless speech when a hand fell on my shoulder, squeezing it gently for reassurance. I turned and found Alev. Seeing him there made my resolve strengthen once more.
"I will make you proud, father"
He looked like he wanted to say so much, but couldn't. I smiled at him. I could understand some of his thoughts even when he didn't voice them loudly.
I was given a bag to carry over my shoulder and I bowed in respect to Cailyn and my father. I nodded towards Ithel, and then I turned around and walked into the Aellas' territory.
Not a few steps later, I heard Cailyn yell. "What do you think you're doing?" I looked over my shoulder to see Ithel joining me, "You are breaking the law, Ithel! I will NOT have you ruin this!!"
Seeing him run towards me, made my heart swell with comfort; comfort that only spread further inside me when Ithel held my shoulders and looked me right in the eyes.
"Ceri...... I..."
"I will be brave"
He chuckled. "You have always been, and always will be. But..." he looked hesitant for a minute before he blurted out with a hushed voice. "Please don't go. I cannot let you leave again into the only place I know where I can't come get you! I'm so sorry, I know I told you to choose, but I'm just... this is uncertain, Ceri. I don't want to risk anything!"
"This would help me-"
"I don't care about the stupid Prueba! We will find another way- I will find another way for you, just..."
"I'm scared" I whispered and he frowned, "I'm scared of facing the Aellas again, but I know I have to do this. It's not just about the Prueba, maybe this would help me be someone... useful to the tribe. Like I would matter-"
"You are everything to me!", one of his hands held the back of my neck and he joined his forehead to mine, "You are my Ceri"
I felt my face heat and I closed my eyes. Warmth and happiness were all I could think of right now. It was because of him that I was here today. An Aello, reunited with his long-awaited father and trusted for a mission bestowed by the Leader.
He was the reason for everything good that happened to me. And all I wanted, was to show him that I can be just as strong and reliable as he was.
I smiled and we stared at each other. His shoulders slumped and he breathed out. "You're still going, aren't you?"
I nodded confidently, making him smile back. The worry never fading from his eyes, but he also looked proud and admiring. And that look meant everything to me.
"Let him leave or I'll come kick you myself, Ithel!"
Ithel ignored the Leader's threat and pushed my unruly hair behind my ear.
"You be very careful. Here," he discretely pulled out a small piece of leather and pushed it into my hand, "This stone is what we use to make the red powder. You just stroke it against something solid, like a rock or a tree, and you gather the powder that falls, then use it to make a fire. It won't be as red as the powder you know, but it will be thick enough to be seen from our territory. I will watch the sky for any signal from you. Just don't hesitate to use it, alright?"
"Um.. okay"
"Also... remember who you are now, Ceri. You're a brave Aello. You are Aello Alev's son. Remember that when anyone tried to intimidate you. Do not hesitate to say no and do not follow anyone or be alone with anyone."
"I'll be good, I promise"
"I know you will, my love. Just... This might sound strange to you, but please keep away from that Aella-hunter. Actually, avoid all hunters today and don't stay alone with anyone. Especially her"
I gulped and my mind stopped working for a moment. Heavens, how could I have forgotten about her??? Drita... I was going to meet Drita!
I was such an idiot
I nodded and promised to do as he said. Cailyn couldn't take this any longer so he stepped into the other territory himself and dragged Ithel back. I gave my father a quick bow before stealing one last glance at Ithel. And with the memory of his smile, I walked away, on my own.
~~~~~~
As soon as I was unable to see Ithel anymore, I hurried my pace. It was difficult to run in the dense forest, but the fear of meeting with a wild animal encouraged me to hurry and not look back or stop for fruits or flowers. I even saw what looked like a small animal with pointed ears. It shot back into a hole in the ground so fast, I couldn't really say what animal it was. It seemed to be that it had beautiful red fur, but it moved so fast. I wanted so much to stop and look inside its home, but I had to hurry.
Just as Cailyn explained to me, I took a straight line into this territory. About three hours later, I finally reached the mountain. I knew I had to move fast, but my feet hurt so much, so I hid between a few huge rocks and rested. I held the bag close to me. It smelled funny and I smiled as I remembered Ithel putting fish in the bag and telling me to give it to my brother and sister.
Ithel, I wish he was with me right now. This trip would have felt so different if Ithel was here. I miss him...
My feet were still hurting when I decided to continue my long journey. I needed to walk east, so I faced the mountain and turned right. I followed the bottom of the mountain for a long while. I couldn't tell how far I have walked anymore. All I knew, was that I was too tired and thirsty. No wonder being an Aella-hunter wasn't an easy responsibility.
I almost lost hope when I finally arrived at the familiar path that leads to the Aella's home above the mountain. I looked up, dreading the difficult climb. Suddenly, I felt some movement behind me. I turned around and found five Aella-hunters closing in on me from different directions. Two were walking from where I just came. Did they follow me? Since when had they spotted me?
This was it. They could let me visit the Aellas, or they could beat me, hurt me, keep me as a prisoner, throw me out of their territory, or even kill me.
All possibilities roamed in my head almost making me dizzy. So I bowed to the waist and escaped their eyes for a short moment. None of them spoke, they were only staring or glaring at me. So I straightened my back and smiled. Or at least, I tried to.
"I-I-I come in peace?"
I managed to cause one eyebrow to elevate. All the others remained stoic. I recognized all of them, of course. But if they didn't like me when I was part of their clan, how could they tolerate me now?
After sending a quick prayer to the old spirits, I cleared my throat and gave this another shot.
"I'm here to see the L-Leader-"
"Your Leader is not in this territory, Aello"
One of them scoffed, but I obviously ignored her reaction.
"I mean... Leader Sosanbr-"
"Why do you wish to see her?"
"I have a message to deliver"
"We will give your message to her. Just like we always do, Aello"
The one who scoffed earlier did so again, this time she added. "Aello? My three-year-old daughter is closer to being an Aello than this cub"
They were six now. Six Aella-hunters! My poor heart was freaking out. Especially when two stepped closer to me, sizing me up and down. I fidgeted uneasily and discretely stepped further from them. I looked around me and I noticed that none of the hunters were Rhonwen or Drita.
I guess if Rhonwen was here, I wouldn't have reached the mountain in the first place. And Drita? I can't even speculate what she would've done.
"Hey!" I jumped and looked at one of the Aella-hunters. "I said, give me the message and leave our territory."
"Um...... please, I... I really want to give the message myself. Leader Cailyn asked me to do this. Please let me fulfill my duty!"
"No!" she barked, "You cannot-"
The Aella-hunter who was scoffing repeatedly interrupted her. "Are you scared of him?"
"He is an Aello. He has no right being here"
"If he cannot be here, why didn't you stop him when he was strolling in our forest? Or when he was hiding behind the rocks?"
"I wanted to see his intentions. If he was trying to sneak his way up the mountain"
Sneak into the mountain? I thought the path behind me was the only way up.
"Heh, I watched this child grow. I don't think he even has the courage to be that clever"
The Aella didn't mean that as a compliment, but I found myself nodding. It was true, after all.
"That doesn't matter. He was claimed and he left the mountain. He is not one of ours any more"
The two hunters glared at each other. I waited to see who would win so I would know if I could proceed or not. Suddenly, one of the Aella-hunters who were getting closer to me grabbed my shoulder roughly.
The one who was arguing against me climbing the mountain yelled at her. "Do not touch him!"
"I'll throw him back to the wolf pack"
"He's an Aello! We don't have the right to touch them outside the Agape. You know the rules, Trin"
Trin reluctantly released me, but not before sneering towards the other Aellas. Then she turned to face them provocatively.
This was exactly why Aella-hunters scared me. They were so fierce and untamable. They were prideful and dominating. They respected each other more than they did the rest of the Aellas, but they had enough courage to stand for themselves against the world if needed.
I, on the other hand, preferred to retreat. So I bowed to them again, and carefully, slowly, turned around and climbed the first gray rock of the mountain. I was on four when I paused to check if any of them was getting her weapon to end me. But none of them did. So I scurried and climbed further.
If the climb was usually tiring and difficult, this one was terrifying. With six Aella-hunters on my heels, I was so flustered as I climbed, I slipped more times than I could count.
But eventually, I reached the top. I pulled myself to stand at the edge and did my best not to drop to the ground heaving.
Familiar faces stopped to watch me in disbelief. Some in growing anger, others held looks of amusement or interest that I didn't even understand the cause for.
And as they gathered closer around me, the only thing that kept me from taking a step back, was the tiny warm voice that I immediately recognized.
"Cewiiiiiii!!"