Content warning - Mentions of manipulation



She was running breathlessly, crossing the forest without worrying about the brambles that whipped her legs and tore her skirt to shreds. Her eyes were filled with tears, and a fresh scratch on her cheek was oozing blood. Her hair was tangled, strewn with twigs and leaves.


She reached a clearing crossed by a stream, the peak of her frantic dash, and she stopped, out of breath, shaken by sobs.


She knelt at the edge of the water, near a wider area where the water formed almost a mirror, and looked at herself, sniffling loudly. She plunged her hands into the stream and scrubbed her face, washing away the salt from her tears and the dust stirred up by her running. She stayed there for a long time, the sobs gradually subsiding.


It was yet another frustration, one more, that had triggered the argument. Another altercation with her parents, who forced her into the role of a well-behaved, well-mannered little girl, a role that did not suit her free spirit at all. Every one of her whims was refused, even the smallest scrap of independence was taken away. She could only go out under the watch of her nanny. She loved riding, but she had to follow strict rules on how to sit on a horse. Her days were filled with lessons that made her fall asleep by dinner…


She was still a child, but she was fully aware of playing the part of a bird condemned to a gilded cage, and she felt suffocated.


Her eyes filled with tears again, and she rubbed them furiously, smearing mud on her cheek.


Suddenly, a crack. A branch had snapped nearby. A relatively harmless sound for young Elyzara, as the forest was teeming with animals. But she raised her head, uneasy. The woods were becoming increasingly silent, and that was abnormal. Only predators caused such silence, and none resided in this part, as her father's hunts had ensured.


She scanned the trees around her. The origin of the noise seemed to come from her right, but sounds carried differently in the underbrush. A movement caught her eye, and facing her, on the other side of the clearing, in the interplay of shadow and light, a rider and his mount emerged, as if coming out of nowhere. As she tried to make out the visitor’s appearance, her eyes widened.


He was not a Mydrian.


The animal beneath him seemed of an unknown breed, with a muzzle ending in a beak and a head topped with horns drowned in a profusion of feathers covering much of its neck. Split hooves adorned its legs, and its long tail ended in a fan of feathers.


The creature riding it took her breath away. Tall, he seemed dressed in vegetation. His face was strangely beautiful, with pale ivory skin, a straight, almost feline nose, red markings accentuating his features, and his eyes. They were startling. Golden irises like lava on a backdrop of absolute night. His long black hair, braided and loose in a clever mix of braids and knots, highlighted two rows of horns with amber reflections. The breeze stirred the branches, and the sunlight played on the creature’s skin, which shimmered like satiny scales. An Emayrien.


His mount snorted, and he fixed his mesmerizing gaze right into the girl's eyes.


"Elyzara!"


Elyzara abruptly opened her eyes, then closed them again with a sigh. A dream. Or rather, a memory dredged up to the surface of her mind. She hadn't thought of that fleeting encounter in years and was surprised at the amount of detail her memory had retained. Of course, her parents and her nanny Sanya didn’t believe her at the time. They had long joked about her overactive imagination and daydreams. But she knew she hadn't made it all up. Only the last second of her dream came from her imagination. That disembodied voice that had whispered her name in her head. No words had sounded then. She had probably just fainted, as she had found herself in her bed, with only the scratches from her wild run through the woods as proof of her adventure.


She sighed and stirred under the sheets, disturbed by the light filtering through the window. Well, even after a festive evening, Sanya had decided to draw the curtains instead of letting her rest.


She froze. Something was wrong. The light was coming from the right side of the bed; the windows in her room were to the left. Her mind still foggy with lethargy, she opened her eyes.


She was not at home. And the decor around her did not seem familiar. In fact, she wondered for a moment if she had not fallen back asleep and slipped into a new dream. But the sensations of the unfamiliar textured sheets on her skin, or the sweet smell of flowers entering through the half-open window, were all too real for it to be a dream.


She sat up. She was in a bedroom unlike any other. Veins of vegetation ran across the wall, like roots or branches that had been patiently guided into a specific shape and then fixed, filling the gaps with some sort of plaster. A finish that also seemed organic, or at least derived from the earth, smooth, but not as cold as stone. There were only gentle curves in the room. The furniture itself seemed to have grown like plants before being petrified in stillness. The bed was surrounded by delicate vine columns, and the drapes that hung were open and scattered with flowers.


One word came to her: Emayrien. If the legends were true, only these mysterious people could grow their homes. And apparently, the furniture that adorned them.


A sudden and vivid excitement mingled with uncertainty and fear. How had she ended up here? Did her parents know? Or were they worried sick?


She got up and glanced out the window. There, below, under a wisteria evidently covering a stone pavement, she saw someone but couldn’t make out much. A slight clinking indicated that the person was probably eating or drinking. At the thought, her stomach clenched, reminding her painfully that she hadn’t eaten the day before, too anxious about tying her life with Elric’s.


She turned, facing the entrance, and approached. Prisoner or… She turned the handle, crafted like a vine frozen in metal, and pushed. The door opened silently. She exhaled. Apparently, she was not locked in, which was a good sign. She poked her head into the hallway. No one. Good, no guard then, even better. Then she nervously chuckled. She suddenly felt like a character in one of those adventure novels her nanny loved so much. But the heroines of those stories didn’t seem as scared as she did.


The corridor didn’t stretch far. There were three other doors to her left, only one to her right on the opposite wall, after which the passage widened into what appeared to be a well-lit room. Or maybe it was a staircase?


She tiptoed forward, barely aware of the moss-covered floor muffling her steps, and entered the open space. She stifled a small exclamation of joy. It was indeed a staircase spiraling down gracefully. She waited a moment, all senses alert, but there was no noise, no sign of activity. She lightly touched the steps and observed the surroundings. On one side, a gate opened onto the garden she had seen from the bedroom. Opposite, facing the stairs, a heavier, double door, closed. Behind the staircase, a recess ending in a passage likely leading to other rooms, perhaps living areas. She bit her lip and alternated her gaze between the double door and the opening to the outside. Freedom or curiosity? She frowned and walked towards the main entrance. It wouldn’t hurt to ensure she could escape if necessary. She grabbed the handle and turned. Nothing.


She sighed. Free, but not too much, huh?


She pivoted towards the open passage and the birdsong reaching her. Curiosity it would be then.


She cautiously poked her head through the opening. Nothing, just a lush garden, teeming with birds, insects, and flowers. The ground was dotted with worn, polished stones from frequent use. A bit further to the right, she saw the wisteria and stone pavement, but couldn’t see the person there. Only the flash of white fabric and the clink of porcelain confirmed their presence. She inhaled and exhaled several times to muster courage. She had been well-treated so far, but she couldn’t be imprudent.


She stepped onto the stone path and walked calmly. A few more steps, and the wisteria would no longer block her view. She stopped abruptly and frowned. It was a man, and his silhouette seemed strangely familiar. Losing all composure, she covered the last few meters in a quick stride and halted in front of him, panting.


“You!”


Baeltran calmly set his cup down on the small table, also of Emayrian craftsmanship, and, smiling softly, greeted her.


“Good morning, miss. I hope you slept well. You must be hungry. Please, sit down.”


She pursed her lips, but the emptiness in her stomach was too pressing to ignore. She squared her shoulders and moved dignifiedly towards the intertwined wooden chair facing the young man. He didn’t take his eyes off her as she sat, like a lady, the way she learned.


“Where am I?”


“You are on the island of Klovos, not far from your home, at least as the crow flies.”


“You kidnapped me?”


Baeltran placed his elbows on the table, intertwined his fingers, and rested his chin on them. He looked at her through lowered long lashes, his posture predatory. A slight shiver of unease ran up the girl’s spine.


“And if that were the case?”


She turned pale and stiffened in her chair, hands clenched in her lap. But to her great surprise, he burst into laughter, and all the tension in his demeanor evaporated, as if it had never existed.


"No, miss, I wouldn't risk alienating the people of Péans and its surroundings by taking a Mydrian who is clearly well-loved."


He stood up, an envelope between his fingers, and placed it right in front of her.


"And as for the question that will follow, whether your parents know where you are, I believe this letter contains the answer."


She hesitated for a moment, but Baeltran had already settled back into his chair and was sipping his steaming cup while observing her from the corner of his eye. She picked up the envelope and broke the seal.


She read the contents of the letter written in her father's hand, then visibly reread it a second time, her brows furrowed.


"Elyzara, my dear daughter,


I think we have always been hard and strict with you. And I know how much it has frustrated and angered you, more often than you can imagine. You must have found us unfair to lock you up and deprive you of the same life as other Mydrians your age.


But we did not do this willingly.


You are in danger, Ely. People have wanted to use you since your childhood to force me to transport illegal goods on my ships. We have protected you as best we could, but new threats have forced us to act. We had to send you as quickly as possible to a place no one knows, not even us or your fiancé. I apologize for having rushed these engagements; I have many things to explain to you, but that will have to wait until your return.


The young man you met yesterday, Lord Baeltran, has agreed to take you under his wing. His family has been connected to your grandfather's for a long time, and we have kept in touch in the utmost secrecy in preparation for this day. You are safe, wherever you are.


I know how curious you have always been about the Emayrian people. So I imagine you will be happy to discover that Lord Baeltran is a specialist on the subject and that he will be delighted to share his knowledge with you.


Stay in his company; we will notify you when it is possible for you to return.


Your father and mother, who love you more than anything."


She closed the letter, still shaken by its contents.


"You... Have you read this letter?"


"No. But I am aware of certain things, including the threats to your life. Your father explained everything to me and told me, when entrusting this letter to you, the essentials of its content, so that I could answer your questions. But I did not read it and did not want the details revealed to me."


She sank back in her chair, breathless. "Why didn't they tell me anything? I could have helped them! Do you know anything more?"


The young man shook his head. "I can't tell you anything more, lest I break my promises to your parents."


"Did you know, when you invited me to dance? That they wanted you to take me away?"


"Miss, I knew very little before meeting you. I only responded to a request without suspecting the magnitude of what awaited me."


She frowned briefly. His explanation seemed odd. Hadn't he been warmer on the balcony the previous evening? Hadn't he taken her hands and set aside formalities? But her thoughts were quickly overwhelmed by others. Her parents, the threats, her engagement... What was still true? What wasn't?


"Why did they entrust me to you instead of Elric? Do you know?"


"Your enemies surely know Elric and where he lives. Entrusting you to him would have been useless and dangerous for your fiancé's life."


"So, they prefer a stranger..."


Baeltran sighed. Her perceptiveness was astonishing, and he suspected she would dig deeper into the matter.


"Elyzara, our families are connected, but we have each ensured to keep these ties secret for reasons that date back long before your birth. Those who threaten you are completely unaware of my existence. And by extension, they have no idea where you are."


"But the guests saw you."


"They saw an unknown man share a dance with you before disappearing."


She smiled, visibly satisfied. "Well, you confirm the words left by my father in his letter. I think I will trust you."


His eyes widened in surprise. It was a test. She was sharper than he had expected. Were her parents underestimating her?


Elyzara grabbed a small roll and began to spread the delightfully scented jam provided. While pouring herself a cup of the infusion her host was sipping, she continued: "Will you explain to me these precious ties that bind us, but which you are so keen to keep secret? Or will I have to wait until I return home to unravel this mystery?"


He couldn't help but smile before replying, "You won't leave this island without having an answer to this question, I promise. In fact, I think you will have answers to many questions..."


With these words, he leaned back against the back of his chair.


The young woman's hand, holding her cup, paused mid-motion. For a moment, she seemed to see an image superimposed on Baeltran, as if he were not just the heir of some nobility. No, for less than a second, she thought she observed a king on a throne. She shook her head and finished her motion, bringing the cup of amber liquid to her lips, which allowed her to regain some composure.


As she did so, she looked up at the building that dominated them in a delicate tangle of plants almost woven to make a house. And the second part of the letter came back to her. The Emayrians. The man facing her knew them. He could answer her questions. Maybe he even knew who the man on the mount she had glimpsed as a child was?


As she completely let go of the rules that had dictated her behavior until now, a bright smile spread across her lips.


"Sir, you are right; I have so many subjects to discuss!"


Baeltran watched her, keeping his surprise hidden. How easily she had accepted her new situation! To think that her parents worried she would rebel and demand to be taken home. Instead, she had set aside her lessons on conduct and was devouring her breakfast with a light heart.


Once she was full, she leaned back in her chair and looked around. The calmness in her features and demeanor was visible.


"So, if I understand correctly, sir, I am here alone with you for a few days, is that right?"


She had emphasized "sir" with a hint of irony. He should have known that his coldness and distancing wouldn't go unnoticed; she was far too perceptive. He took a sip of tea and replied with a smile.


"Not quite. Emayrian homes have... servants. Let's call them that for lack of a better definition. You might never see them during your stay, but their mission is to ensure your comfort and well-being. Consider them as chaperones, if that reassures you."


"Oh, I wasn't worried."


Her response was a bit abrupt. But he realized that far from being a way to establish distance, it was just her mind already elsewhere. She wasn't fidgeting, but her impatience was palpable.


"Alright, where do we start?"


He stood up and gallantly extended his hand.


"How about exploring the island on an Emayrian mount and discovering the relics they left behind? It would be a good start, wouldn't it?"


She accepted his offer and stood up gracefully, visibly delighted with the suggestion.


"Excellent idea, but on one condition!"


"Which one?"


"I ride alone!"


"I wouldn't have it any other way."


Her face lit up, and she dashed toward the door, shouting over her shoulder, "I'll get dressed!" without looking back.


Baeltran smiled, watching her. When she reacted like that, she seemed so young but also so free. Was this prospect of autonomy so great that it swept away the worry she must feel for her parents?


Elyzara burst into the room, startling a few butterflies that had slipped in through the window. She closed the door and leaned against it for a moment. She didn't want to show anything to her host; his sudden cold and distant demeanor was too unsettling. But anxiety gripped her heart. The situation must be serious for her so protective parents to send her far away. She didn't understand how they could trust this stranger so completely as to entrust him with the life of their beloved daughter. At the same time, she was torn. She now saw why they had been so hard on her, and the surge of tenderness she felt was dizzying, but anger also choked her. Why hadn't they said anything sooner? Did they think she was so immature that they had to keep these concerns secret until now? Tears welled up, threatening to overflow, but she forcefully pushed them back. Crying would do no good. She lifted her gaze to what would be her room for the next few days and couldn't help but marvel at the delicate architecture of the Emayrians. On her bed, a comfortable outfit suited for riding awaited her. There was no question of frilly skirts that would hinder her movements, but rather leather pants, reinforced between the legs, and tall boots. She brushed aside the fact that someone had prepared this outfit and changed quickly, relieved to finally attend to this task without anyone watching her. A basin of delicately scented water sat on the small dresser topped with a mirror. She splashed some on her face, hoping it would clear the confusion lingering in her thoughts, then in her hair to detangle it. She made two braids tied behind her head in a bun, then looked at her reflection. She radiated a wild joy despite herself; her cheeks were pink, and her eyes sparkled. And how could it be otherwise? She was about to explore an island once inhabited by the Emayrians on one of their mounts. Would it resemble the creature from the strange male of her childhood?


She descended the stairs more calmly, now nervous. The large double door was open. Any feeling of imprisonment vanished immediately. She was no longer in a cage here. The doorway led to a flight of steps, and at the bottom, Baeltran held two mounts by the reins.


One was just like the one from her memories, strong, with a beak-shaped muzzle, the top of its head covered in feathers with a pair of horns protruding. It was dark, almost black, and its eyes glowed red. Its appearance and demeanor were intimidating.


The other was slightly smaller, light in color. A single horn adorned its forehead, but a profusion of feathers covered its neck and long tail. Its irises were a bright blue.


"These mounts are called Vendirïn. Baran is a male. He has a skittish and nervous nature, but he responds perfectly to the reins. Sarya is a female, gentler and more tempered. But as swift as the wind."


Sarya shook her head and tugged at her bridle, clearly intrigued by the young girl, who smiled back. She approached without fear and ran her hands over her muzzle and the feathers on her neck. The Vendirïn nuzzled her cheek affectionately.


"You're so beautiful, Sarya..."


Sarya cooed softly, a warm, low sound almost like a big cat's purr.


Baeltran watched her tenderly; he knew it would be Sarya that the young woman would favor. Baran was too intimidating, too big, too dark. And he might not accept being ridden by a stranger. But he didn't want to force her choice. She had been deprived of the possibility for too long. He mounted, and Elyzara did the same with surprising ease. Even though Sarya was naturally calm, it was rare to see her so confident with a stranger, especially so quickly. Seeing them together, it seemed as if they had grown up side by side to establish a bond, as was customary among the Emayrians. Another thing he would get to tell her. He had so much knowledge to share!


He clicked his tongue, and Baran started off at a light trot, followed closely by Sarya.


They headed up a nearby hill, offering a view of the entire island. At the top, Baeltran stopped, and Elyzara did the same. With a gesture, he encompassed the landscape.


"This is the island of Klovos. It seems modest from here, but crossing it lengthwise takes two to three days of travel. And I strongly advise against it."


The Mydrian furrowed her brow, perplexed. "Why is that?"


"Look to the north."


She straightened on her mount, carefully observing the area the young man indicated. "It looks like there's a demarcation, like an invisible border in the trees."


"You have a keen eye. It is indeed a boundary. When the Emayrians lived here, they could coexist in balance with the various creatures inhabiting the land. All the lands, not just this island. But when the Mydrians arrived, it was clear that without the intervention of the Emayrians, this new people would serve as prey for the most aggressive beings."


"Is that part of the atoll like the forest of Emayra?"


"Yes. They confined the most dangerous species to that area, just as they did in their forest."


Elyzara nodded but didn't seem entirely satisfied. "Yet, creatures often escape from Emayra. I've heard many frightening stories about it."


Baeltran refocused on the canopy stretching out below them. "The Emayrians are not gods. They are neither of infinite power nor infallible. Their protections hold back the deadliest predators but allow the weaker ones through. It is not their way to hinder the natural balance." He turned back to the young woman. "So, please, if you ever feel the urge to explore alone, do not approach that part of the forest, and do not venture beyond the barrier. Even I am not sure I could face what lies there."


She squinted, suddenly intrigued. Did that mean he was a fighter? Perhaps. He didn't have the impressive stature of Daflan or her father, but that meant nothing. Many warriors and male soldiers had more slender physiques and were formidable in battle. "I promise."


She scanned the landscape again, trying to discern other things. She could barely see Baeltran's house; the Emayrian architecture blended perfectly with the surrounding trees. "I suppose I wouldn't be able to see traces of this people on the island from this vantage point, would I?"


"You're right. That's why we have these mounts. Are you ready to continue the tour?"