Return of the Outcast

By Christian Clason and Andrew Gray

War of the Zealot Empire #6 - Returning from his own age of darkness, Vesuvius finds himself glimpsing a world that existed beneath him, beneath his nose, and his understanding. The lessons he wanted with Verana come true, in a new form, as he seeks the wisdom of a monk of elves. Through guidance he searches himself, his past and his future, for the answers to unlocking what keeps him from the woman in his dreams, Verana.
For others, Vesuvius' return to the light is nothing short of a headache or a terror. Haunted by old nightmares and bad memories, there are few Vesuvius can trust, and fewer he can accept as friends. To supporters, it is all up to him to prove that he is no longer a war criminal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312806184

Book preview

Return of the Outcast

Return of the Outcast

Book 6 of War of the Zealot Empire

Characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictional and based on fictitious ideas.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

All rights reserved, including rights to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

©2015 Andrew Gray & Christian Clason

ISBN: 978-1-312-80618-4

Chapter 1 ~ Second Chance

The caretaker returned as usual. As always, he was passive and quiet. He had this passive determination about him to go about his work without ever making a sound. Everything about the way he moved was quiet and calculative. He did nothing without great care and without thinking through it carefully. Every movement he made was deliberate and slow, as if to keep himself in a paced mobility.

There was a strange feeling in Vesuvius’ heart relating to this man. He was the only person he had seen in six years. He was the only person who seemed even remotely kind to him. He was all Vesuvius had, every day, arriving on the hour on the eighth, twelfth and eighteenth hours of the day, with fresh clean clothes, food and water. He was loyal to taking care of Vesuvius without so much as a hint of regret in his work.

At the same time, Vesuvius hated the man’s undying consistency. No matter how hard he tried – even avoiding the times the man would arrive – he could not follow through with a suicide attempt. Somehow, the caretaker knew. He knew and he showed up promptly before Vesuvius could die.

He tried hanging himself multiple times, and the caretaker only got better and better at arriving in the nick of time, until Vesuvius could not get the noose around his neck before the caretaker pulled him right off the chair.

He tried cooking himself in the fireplace, but the caretaker arrived and used a simple spell to vanquish the flames. He would take Vesuvius by the waist, like a little boy, and set him on the floor so he could clean out the ashes leftover.

Then he would turn to Vesuvius and hand him clean clothes to replace the singed smoky clothes. He did not even seem to blink when he healed Vesuvius’ wounds. He just went about this as if it were a normal day for him.

Finally Vesuvius lost it and roared at the man, WHY WON’T YOU JUST KILL ME?! I’M OF NO VALUE TO ANYONE!

He was seething with rage and despair. The fires of hurt and outrage roared inside of him. They sparked again and again, every single day, outlasting his patience. It was what drove him to the attempts at his own life. He could no longer stand by while his existence became a melancholy nuisance in the dark.

Six years! Six damn years and here I am, doing the exact same thing every day, alone with my thoughts, my insanity, my pains! How am I supposed to heal with no one around?!

Am I…interrupting something? a woman’s voice came from the doorway.

She cleared her throat as she stepped over the threshold. Her soft boots barely scuffled against the floor. She had soft blue eyes, fair skin, long black hair that draped down her back, and a blue dress that hugged her middle. A black belt as thick as his hand wrapped around her waist and held a knife in its sheath and a quiver with its bow.

A lover’s quarrel perhaps? she asked, with a questioning quirk of her eyebrow.

The caretaker was taken by surprise with her presence. He gasped and nearly let out a sound of his voice. He barely managed to recover from the surprise.

It was the first time Vesuvius had ever seen him look surprised at anything or show any real emotion. He was always passive, but he had not expected this woman’s arrival. He was surprised and unsure about what to do about her presence.

I’m sorry? You are who exactly? Vesuvius asked with a quirked eyebrow.

He thought he recognized her, but he was not sure. The eyes seemed wildly familiar to him, yet he could not place her face. Still, he was not sure how to react to her appearance here, anymore than the caretaker did.

The caretaker glared at her. He seemed to be looking her up and down with disdain. His face started to turn color, while he tried to silently gain her attention. She almost seemed to ignore his glare, giving more attention to Vesuvius.

Don’t worry, Izeniske, she turned to the caretaker and nodded to him briefly. He looked like he wanted to argue, but choked back words.

She turned back to the zealot with a calm look about her. Your time here hasn’t changed you much, Vesuvius, she said, as she bent to eye level, Not even your sour temper.

He saw it in her eyes, the burning wildness that set her apart from most elves. It was that strange fire that lit up in her eyes that sparked his memory. He studied her up and down, and his eyes widened and he took a few steps back, You! It’s you isn’t it?

He started to step back and tripped over a footstool, falling backwards. He landed harshly on his tail, leaving it bruised between the hardwood floor and his rear end. He paused to rub the forming bruise. That’s going to hurt!

Ow! he looked up at her and scooted back against the couch, Please, I’m unarmed!

She rose to full height, I suppose some things do change. Her skirts rustled as something hid behind her. It did not want to be seen.

What…what’s behind you? And why are you here? he asked, as he noted the little creature hiding behind her skirts. His curiosity flickered between her eyes and the creature hiding behind her skirts.

She turned and moved her skirt so the creature could not hide. The little green boy buried his face in the back of her leg. But from his raven hair and pointed ears down to his scaled tail, it was clear what he was.

His eyes widened and his jaw dropped as he gaped at the little half zealot. The creature was a stunning sight, something Vesuvius had never seen before. He never thought it could actually exist, though he had heard rumors. Vesuvius was in shock at the reality of its existence.

He’s…he’s a… he stuttered over his words at that point.

He had no words for it. His hate of terrans and his time in isolation made him victim to conflicting thoughts. He cringed inwardly as he tried not to blurt anything nasty.

She laid a hand on the boy’s head, Namaniliel, don’t hide your face! She turned to look at Vesuvius, Yes, he’s half zealot.

A hybrid? he looked at him and his face sunk, It’s mine isn’t it?

We don’t know that, she let her skirt drop and turned her attention to something in her belt pouch, The fae queen offers you freedom.

Freedom? he looked at her and then grew suspicious, That’s it? Nothing attached to it?

Well of course there is, she replied, You’re not going to like it either.

She pulled out a silvery rope. It had a loop at each end, one larger than the other. It had a beautiful luminescent color that shined in the light.

You have to prove you’re ready for it. And as part of this, I’ll be your handler, she explained, To keep you in check and give you a fair chance at rehabilitation.

He quirked an eyebrow, Made prisoner by my own prisoner? That’s irony…and if I refuse?

Then you’re stuck here, she shrugged, "Not like you really have a choice. The fae queen has decided your fate and that’s what’s happening."

She reached out to him, grabbing him by the front of his shirt. As she pulled him close, her other arm whipped around and lassoed the silvery rope right around his neck as a collar. The other end fastened tightly around her wrist within a seamless, fluid motion.

He had no time to react, and he struggled with the collar a moment, and then stopped as he looked up at her. He sighed, and put his hands at his sides. He was defeated already. His time in isolation did far more to heal him than he originally thought.

He nodded with a resentful sighed, Fine…not like there’s anything else to occupy my time, I’ve been going bat-shit crazy with cabin fever.

I guess this’ll be uneventful, she rolled her eyes as she headed out the door. The little boy gasped and scampered around her skirts to hide as she moved.

Don’t sound so disappointed, if you’re still holding a grudge, you’re the one holding the leash, he chuckled.

Don’t make me laugh, she growled, Not like I chose this job. If it was up to me, I’d have skinned you alive years ago.

Would have saved me many attempts at my life… he sighed.

Too bad, she shrugged it off.

She led the way out to the meadows. It was almost exactly the way he remembered it. There were a few elves out here tending to what appeared to be flowers. But, now there were many tiny people flying around the flowers.

Vesuvius could smell the child now, being out where the breeze wafted amist the grasses. He instantly knew that it was his, and it hit him like a sack of bricks to the face. He was overwhelmed with debilitating guilt and sorrow for what he put Dragon Heart through.

Disbelief was overcome by regret and sorrow, as he stopped in his tracks and fell to his knees. The smell was overwhelming. His mind was flooded with the actions against Dragon Heart, the hell he put her through, the hell he put so many terrans through. The loss of Verana, and everything else, it all came surging back.

That was the reason he wanted to kill himself. He shuddered and gasped, trying to catch a breath. He could not bring himself back to his wits, let alone back to his feet. The truth was in front of him, as if it were intentional.

I’m…I’m a monster… he whispered.

"Well, that is MY view…yes I’d say so," she said.

I killed thousands…tens of thousands…and tortured just as many… he shuddered, The child…the one right by your side. I can smell it…it’s of my blood. I’m so sorry, for all I put you through, I-

She put her hand over his mouth, Just shut up.

He at once clammed up, but his eyes glistened with tears, and he quivered. She reached down and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him to his feet. She proceeded with her hand digging into his arm, keeping him on his feet, like he might collapse. He wobbled along as he followed her lead.

They headed into another part of the forest, a path he vaguely remembered. Last time he had shackles on his wrists and was following a calm elf with a tranquil personality. Everything felt different now, especially when they entered the city. Even the woman leading him there was a different personality, with a sort of determination in her step.

Everywhere he looked there were half breeds and zealots who co-mingled with elves and etherians as if they fit right into the society. Nothing had really changed about the elven culture, just a different look to the overall population. The society seemed blatantly clashed, yet every person within the city was going about their day to day events without pause. Nobody was out of place. Everybody had their own place in this little society.

This is…so strange. Zealots communing with terrans? This is blasphemy…this is such blatant blasphemy, he said.

She stopped in mid step, You raped me repeatedly, I don’t think that’s any less blasphemy. She resumed walking, without even looking at him. Her hand fell to her side while the other laid on her son’s head.

That was for…yeah, that’s blasphemy too, he sighed as he walked with her.

Suddenly, it dawned on him. All those years ago, her torture entailed mutilation, rape and castration via a device that was designed to extract every egg from her ovaries. He shuddered at the thought, I really am an abomination of a creature.

Just shut up, she grumbled.

Wait…after all that, she shouldn’t have been able to have a child…so how is it mine? Did I miss an egg? There must have been one that I missed! Damn myself for being inefficient…

She came to a stop where there were several elves gathered with two zealots. She approached them to speak with the zealots. Telemechus, Havasol, might I have a word? she asked. He was surprised to hear their names from her mouth, because he did not even recognize them.

They nodded and walked right up to Dragon Heart and Vesuvius. Havasol looked up to Dragon Heart, Good day to you Dragon Heart. How are you? And who is this?

Telemechus had a box of candies in his hand, he was on his way to give it to Eleji as a gift, ::It’s a pleasant day for a stroll, who is the newcomer?::

This is Vesuvius, she replied.

Telemechus’ jaw dropped, ::This? Vesuvius? Where is his military posture, his proud extended tail? His arrogance? All I see before me is a slouching, defeated civilian. This cannot be Vesuvius. You’re joking!::

She patted Vesuvius’ head, as if he were a tame puppy, With a little magic, his face looks different. But the rest is just from his time sitting and thinking all alone by himself.

Havasol burst out laughing, pointing at Vesuvius and barely able to stand, Oh gods, this is priceless! What merciless irony! Vesuvius nothing more than a pet! Where’s your army now you ignorant servile scum?

Havasol! one of the elves called. It was a quick snap of the tongue to catch his attention.

What? he barked at the elf, Can’t you see I’m berating someone?

Knock it off, Jahinaki growled at him, Or I’ll come over there and hit you myself.

What? Come over here and stop me then! This monster deserves every bit of hate all of us can throw at him! He will never redeem himself, ever! So why go around pretending he’s capable of being considered one of us?! Havasol growled, it was clear he had much hatred, even six years later.

Seriously, Havasol, Dragon Heart said, calmly, Just stop.

Jahinaki rose to his feet and strolled over to Havasol. As he came near, Vesuvius’ face became swept with recognition. But as he approached, Jahinaki seemed calm, and Havasol doubted the passive elf’s words. Despite the body language, Jahinaki’s fist slammed across Havasol’s mouth while the other held him by the shoulder to keep him from falling over. He went straight from the punch to holding his friend up on his feet.

I warned you, Jahinaki said, firmly.

Havasol spat blood to the side and then glared up at Jahinaki, Why protect him? What do you have to gain from it? What do any of us have to gain from being friendl-

Another punch whacked him across the mouth, Sorry friend, I don’t like to do that. But you really should be smart about heeding a warning. Your mouth is smarter than your brain, apparently.

Warning? Why do you protect him? he growled and eyed the elf suspiciously. He spat more blood on the ground.

You forget yourself Havasol, Jahinaki said sternly. He pulled Havasol aside with a firm hand on the shoulder of the zealot’s shirt. When they were out of hearing distance, he finally spoke. Have you forgotten the last battle at which he took him prisoner? Jahinaki asked.

When I rescued Dragon Heart? I should have shot him right there… he scoffed, Or are you talking about when I was picked up by Dragon Heart?

"We…and yes. When I made a contract with him. I used my tattoos to bore through his barrier," he said. As if the mention of them was a summons, an arrow rose out of the collar line of his shirt and moved like a snake across his collar bones. It was an eerie movement that drew Havasol’s eyes for a moment.

You? Him? he looked appalled, Fine then, go run off into the sunset with him, or whatever, just get h-

Stop being creepy, Jahinaki grunted, These tattoos have taken imprints of me for ages…and when they were released into his mind, they gathered every piece of information from the entirety of his brain. He’s marked on me, Havasol. And every nasty thing you say comes back to haunt me. Don’t think I’m not haunted by memories and thoughts day to day. Your words are sickening and hurtful though. Every part of his mind then is now still a part of my own mind.

What he did to Dragon Heart is unforgivable! I have no desire to treat him with dignity! he snarled at Jahinaki, You royally screwed yourself, you’re going to be fucked in the head a long time!

::That’s enough Havasol! If you will not respect the authority of the elves, and your friends, then you will respect those that outrank you. I too hate Vesuvius, but this is going too far. You are done speaking of this. You hear me?:: Telemechus said as he approached them, ::Speak ill of Vesuvius one more time, and I swear I will make your next few hours a living hell.::

I can give you some pointers of how to do that, Dragon Heart said slyly, though no smirk appeared on her face, He’s very easy.

::No Dragon Heart, I’m thinking something rather more serious,:: he said.

So am I, she said, with a shrug, "Death is such an easy way out, make a man hurt where the sun don’t shine for a few weeks and he’ll never even think of doing it again."

Jahinaki sighed, Zealots will never understand. He turned and headed down the road, leaving his stuff behind.

Oy! Jahinaki! Your sack! Izzialiel called after him.

Bring it by tonight, Jahinaki waved, but continued down the road without pause.

Telemechus turned to Havasol, ::You are not fit to reside here while Vesuvius is in rehabilitation, go home to your sage ladies. That’s an order.::

Fine! At least I’ll be the only one without his throat slit! Havasol stormed off to take a squadship.

Chapter 2 ~ Experiencing Culture

Dragon Heart sighed, "It’s not like he can do anything. I know you can’t see it. But I have him under a tight hold…"

She paused for a long time for thought. She gazed up the road the direction Havasol left. What should I do about him? I guess I should just let him go though. Anything I do from now on has to benefit Vesuvius’ integration. She winced as the thought of the zealot’s name gave way to harsh memories.

Funny how quick he is to lash out about what was done to me, while I’m the calmest one here… she glanced at Vesuvius, Except for Vesuvius, that is. You’re awful quiet for being berated by your peers.

Vesuvius looked away from all of them, Just…take me home.

Their words would not roll over him. Already having experienced the shock of his offspring’s existence and facing the truths of his transgressions, he was feeling too overwhelmed to deal with people. He was beginning to wish he could just die in that tree they locked him up in.

Not the point of this expedition, Dragon Heart said pointedly, "You’re getting to socialize, whether you like it or not. And you’re going to be nice."

"No, I want to go home. Take me back to that damn tree!" he growled. Just let me go home and die there!

Nnnnope! she shook her head and proceeded down the road, Take care, Telemechus!

She waved back at the other zealot as she led the way up the road. Vesuvius had no choice but to follow. If he tried not to, he would have simply felt the leash tug on his neck like a dog on a string.

I don’t want this! The people of this island don’t want this! I will have no part in anything that is unwanted by both parties! he tried to tug on the collar, giving a slight struggle. He figured physically struggling would be to no avail, so he decided to try reasoning with her.

She rolled her eyes as she approached a small gathering. Something was being set up, a party they were preparing for. I’ve already planned for you to attend a small tea gathering, she said, It’s quiet and pleasant and with your disguise you’ll be able to mingle easily with people here.

Well...maybe that won’t be so bad, he thought to himself. He looked around as they made their way up the road. He was still in awe of the creatures surrounding him and their diversity. None of them gave him a second glance though, as he seemed to blend right in. Still, he was starting to wonder why nobody questioned that Dragon Heart held a man hostage on a silver string. He began to wonder just what context this leash belonged in, and if elves were simply used to leashes.

She brought him to where cushions were already laid out and sat down. An elven woman approached her and bowed, speaking in elven tongue. Zeisko, this here is my guest, Dragon Heart explained to the woman, He is new and I would very much like it if he was given a full and proper experience of a tea gathering.

Ah yes! You mean, to be respectful, yes? the woman asked.

Dragon Heart nodded, Thank you.

The woman turned to Vesuvius with soft gray eyes, How are you called?

Ve- he paused, he had no other name, he had no choice but to say it, Vesuvius.

Vesuvius, she nodded, I will bring you tea!

She smiled and shuffled her way towards a table. Other people were gathering on the cushions in a circle. The woman and two other women went around serving people their cups, and eventually brought some to Dragon Heart and Vesuvius.

Rema’ha farheiţ en doigeţi en mo vueni, the woman said as she placed the cup in Vesuvius’ hands. She repeated the same thing as she gave another cup to Dragon Heart.

The cups were something strange. Vesuvius’ was a simple off white color that spoke simplicity of a cup with a handle. Dragon Heart’s looked slightly contorted with strange coloration. It looked like it had been molded by hand crafting that was not so delicately handled as the one in Vesuvius’ hands.

Vesuvius tried his best to hold the cup in his hands, but his claws made it difficult to keep a good hold on it. Stupid claws… he grumbled as they raked against the cup, making squeaking noises.

Calm yourself, Dragon Heart said, Just let the bottom lay on your palms.

He sighed and did as he was told, That works better.

She nodded with a smile and then closed her eyes as she sipped from her cup. She had a satisfied smile after taking a drink. It was almost as if there was something in the tea that made her smile. It let a soothing feeling run over her, like the world did not matter, just that moment of calm.

When he looked back to his tea, he realized there was a small leaf in it, drifting on the top. The herbs lay at the bottom, soaking in the hot water that steamed up towards his face. The smell was minty and refreshing.

He sipped the tea gingerly, it burned his sensitive tongue, but the flavor was soothing. It was a satisfying taste with a satisfying feel to it.

Good? Dragon Heart asked him.

Vesuvius nodded, Yes! Very good!

She nodded and sipped from her cup again, It’s soothing for the soul. And in this setting, we’re in a place that’s null of judgment. I apologize for Havasol…I must admit, I did not expect him to act that way.

I did…you can see it in his eyes, he has a very strong draw to you, Vesuvius sighed with a shrug.

She blushed, but said nothing as she took a long draw from her cup. Her thoughts became entwined with conflict as she pondered this. She gazed into the dark liquid, thinking over the past and the present regarding Havasol’s actions and feelings.

Dragon Heart? Are you coming home? I need snuggles, and loves! An all too familiar voice called out to her, with a childish yet loving tone.

She sighed and rested her hands with the cup in her lap. I need my mind focused right now. I’m dealing with rehabilitating a zealot who used to be demented. She blushed with concern about him finding out. Eric was as protective as any, and had he had any choice to save her over helping the millions of people who were suffering from war, then he would have torn the cosmos apart looking for her all those years ago. Now she was charged with helping her ex-captor. If he found that out, it might have devastating consequences.

She gasped when she realized that Havasol was heading back to the sage providence. He might still communicate with Sentinus. Of all people, Sentinus was even worse. Had the man realized that she had been stolen, rather than simply being under the cover of war and mayhem, he would have torn the island to bits looking for her. He would have slain anything, showing no mercy to the weak, innocent and unfortunate. If he knew about the man’s existence still, he might destroy the world yet.

She took the leash off her wrist and set it down next to her cup. Stay put, I’ll be right back, she said softly. She hurried off to find somebody, leaving Vesuvius with his tea.

Havasol was grumbling as he strapped himself into an empty squadship. He fired up the controls, and went through the routine flight check preparations. He whistled a tune as he checked all information coming in through his visor about the ship.

Somebody was telling him to power down. For whatever reason, they changed their minds about him being clear for takeoff, and they requested that he disembark the ship.

::Flight Control why? All the controls read green, nothing is abnormal, why can’t I take off?:: he asked. The voice was hazy as it asked him again to disembark the ship. ::The fuck…:: he grumbled and powered down the ship, unfastening the straps and leaving down the ramp of the squadship.

As he came down the ramp, he found Dragon Heart coming this way. She was still in her blue dress with its big belt. But she had a firmer stride now, the look about her that spoke of her years as a soldier.

::Dragon Heart, why…why are you here? I was just about to leave," he asked, looking up at her.

I had to speak with you, it just donned on me though, she paused for thought, "You cannot tell anybody about this, about Vesuvius. This information is sensitive and I shared it with you hoping you would be a supportive friend. But, the last thing I need is for Sentinus to find out. That means don’t tell your girlfriends. Don’t tell your best friends. And for the love of peace, do not tell Sentinus."

::What makes you think I would tell Sentinus about this? It’s not his business, it’s your business to tell him. I need to not be here for a while. You want to know why I’m truly hostile to Vesuvius? Why I’m unable to look the other way and accept his acclimation into Medelthian culture?:: he asked as he took off his helmet, and looked up at her, Do you really want to know why I’m being vicious with him?

With that kind of attitude, no I don’t! her hands clenched into fists, I came here to keep destruction from happening. You’re free to go then, you prick!

He shook his head, You’re not listening! I won’t tell Sentinus, but there’s a reason I’ve been acting this way, and it’s wrong! It’s been haunting me ever since I orchestrated your rescue, and has been grating at me for six years. Just, please, before I go hear me out… he sighed and relaxed, That’s all I ask. Please, just listen to me.

She relaxed and forced her hands to unclench, Fine.

He sighed and took in a deep breath, he let it out and looked up at her, The night I yelled at you was vicious and cruel. Granted, I didn’t think anything of it, not until I got a dream of you in a cave being violated in every possible manner months later.

Her cheeks turned pink and she folded her arms over her breasts. She looked embarrassed. It strangely felt like she was actually vulnerable at this point, and it bubbled in her to start screaming and yelling at him. He could see it in her posture.

Easy…this has a point, and I’m getting to it, he said as he held up his hands in a gesture to calm her, I could feel your pains, your anguish, your despair, your dehumanized core. I knew I had to act, and that it wasn’t a dream. So that’s when I left the fortress, and headed back to the camp and tried to foolishly gather my weapons and leave by myself. I ended up with followers on a possible suicide mission. When I saw you for the first time in months, I realized just what I had done. I pushed you away, and made you leave. As a result of my argument with you, I blame myself for your capture and resulting torture. I can’t keep it inside any longer, and when I see Vesuvius, I get furious, and murderous towards him. I feel my words with you that night, are what caused this…and I hate myself more than I even hate Vesuvius.

Her eyes narrowed, So this is all a big roundabout way of you having inner issues and taking it out on somebody you feel you can do that to, rather than being a friend? Yea…I’m buying that.

Take it however you wish Dragon Heart…I feel bad enough as is, he sighed.

I’m going now, she said, a touch tartly, I have a mission to finish. And since I’m your friend, I’m going to tell you this. It’s not your fault. I was in the war zone, and shit happens. It would have happened anyways so don’t put it on yourself like I should feel guilty about it.

He sighed, I’ve been a shitty person to be around, and a shitty friend. I’m sorry for all of it, and I hope you and the others can forgive me in time. Some time away from all this should help.

When you get back, I advise you start being a better friend by dealing with the hurt feelings you’ve already caused your friends today, she said sternly, The fellow you were talking to looks hurt bad. And I’m not talking about his feelings. These years of war have taught you how powerful elves are as warriors, but I don’t think you’ve yet learned that elves are very sensitive creatures.

Yeah…I keep failing to remember the latter half of that, he sighed with an ashamed look, I’m sorry for all I said to you that night, for what it’s worth six years after the fact. I hope you can forgive me in time.

Forgiveness hasn’t been an issue, Havasol, she shook her head, What’s been an issue is your incessant attitude that’s hung around since that one night together. She sighed, closing her eyes. I only regret I didn’t think it through this far, she shook her head again.

His face sunk with a more shameful expression if that was possible, We can talk about that in a more civil manner when I get back…right now may not be the best time, for either of us.

Goodbye, Havasol, she said.

Farewell for now Dragon Heart, he said as he nodded and put his helmet back on. It clicked in place with a hiss, and he headed back up the ramp of the ship. After a few moments, the ramp retracted, and the ship took off, darting off for the fortress city of New Arkan, the sage providence.

Dragon Heart returned after twenty long minutes. Vesuvius was feeling awkward as he was not sure what else to do. Everybody else was talking quietly together, sharing jokes and telling stories. They were soft in tones though, not like the elves and etherians he had seen at war.

She picked up the little boy, who was digging bugs out of the dirt by the roots of the tree, wiped off his hands and set him in her lap as she seated herself on the cushion. She slipped her wrist back into the leash and a feeling of strange relief ran over Vesuvius.

Settle down, she told the boy as she gently cleaned his hands with a fold of her skirt.

Thank god, I was about to interject with something very stupid. Vesuvius thought with a sigh of relief.

She paused, looking to Vesuvius thoughtfully, Don’t look like you’re on trial or something! This is a peaceful gathering!

I’m…I’m nervous…I’ve never socialized much with…Me-Medelthians, he said, I don’t know much about them.

She sighed, Let’s start with some manners. She lifted the boy out of her lap, Go ask for a cookie.

The boy smiled and rushed over to one of the women catering to the gathering. He was not so far that they could not hear him either. Mae govannen, the boy said.

Mae govannen! the woman replied with a smile.

May I please have a cookie? he asked.

Sure! she handed him several cookies to share.

His smile stretched from ear to ear as he trotted back to his seat on his mother’s lap. He handed all but one of the cookies to Dragon Heart, who handed one to Vesuvius. "That’s how you