Felin

Third Boraloian

Kelkera found that she was irritated at herself, surprised to have let such a small thing get in her head as much as it did. Kicit hadn’t meant much by what he said, she was sure. But she was growing extremely tired of not having any say in things that involved her. Though, the revelation that she could cast hadn’t hit her quite as hard as she would have thought. Memories of strange happenings flooded back to her, like the argument with Elnora or her fight with Tobias. 

Her pads idly traced the design that Kicit taught her while she walked. At first she thought it wasn’t that difficult, just a square with some other basic lines inside, but as she kept trying she just sort of knew when something was wrong. Either one side was lopsided, a line wasn’t exactly straight, or the interior symbols were not entirely within the imaginary square. She huffed at the difficulty but still continued to try. Eventually, resolving to find Kicit in the morning and ask for further help.

Behind her the sun had fully set, and she thought of Ragun and the other Vulpines. She hadn’t seen the Vulpine since Adium’s Day but they knew about Magic, maybe they could tell her something. She made her way to the corner where the Adium’s Day celebration and disaster occurred. The mess was already cleared and a large fire already blazed in one of the pits. A few Vulpines sat in a circle around it and she could just make out Ragun. He, along with the others, were using their pads to scoop up a rough hash into their mouths. 

“Ragun.” She said. 

“Kelkera!” He called gesturing towards her and then to a spot next to him. She sat he offered a bit of the hash and a cup of what she assumed was the same ‘tea’ that had been made during Adium’s Day but she gently shook her head. The other Vulpine’s shrugged and continued to eat. Kelkera felt her pads and she looked over the five or so other Vulpines sitting around the fire. 

“Ragun, how many of you Vulpines are able to cast?” She asked, her tone just barely above the crackling of the fire. 

Ragun dipped his ears in her direction and pondered for a moment before shrugging and giving a shake of his head. “It’s not…uncommon, but out of all of us here? None.” He waved a pad to encompass the whole Refuge. “Most of us were trying to escape the war anyway, still ended up as refugees in the end.”

His tone didn’t quite match the weight of the statement and Kelkera suddenly felt awkward. Her eyes fell back to her own pads, instantly feeling outcast. Ragun tilted his muzzle in her direction. “Why?”

Kelkera shook her head, dismissing it. “Just wondering.” She answered. Ragun’s gaze centered back on her. What he had said about his sister came back and she hurried to change the topic.  

“So… Avians…why did you think they were all dead?” She asked him in an attempt to deflect the gaze. Ragun took a drink from his cup before shaking his head at the question. 

“They’re quite rare,” he said, “I’d say that most don’t know they still exist. Before they showed up I certainly didn’t think so.” Ragun shrugged and the other Vulpines around them nodded in affirmation. 

“Vulpines and Avians used to have a close relationship.” The voice cracked with age and from the look of surprise on the others faces it was not one that spoke often. Everybody’s gaze shifted to a much older Vulpine who sat with them. Kelkera had seen him during the Adium’s Day events but noted that he had not so much as whispered to anyone. The other Vulpines, though, were immediately enthralled, excitedly looking at one another. Kelkera turned to Ragun who held the same excitement, his tail swishing back and forth like a small kit waiting for a story. She felt like she should ask but by the way all of them had shut their muzzles and looked at him, she figured she’d follow along. 

The old Vulpine let his tired eyes move across his audience, the light of the fire flashing against thick cataracts. Streaks of colorless fur roped down his muzzle and behind his clothes, having lost nearly all of its once vibrant orange. The audience waited, biting their tongues as he slowly opened his muzzle, revealing several open spots where sharp fangs had once been. 

“In the days of the Progenitors, when their creation was fresh, it is said that the Avian progenitor was one of the greatest of them all. Her command of Spiritual Light Releases was so unparalleled that her name has been passed down among them as Riyew, Master of Light.” This brought a few surprised looks among the other Vulpines. 

“Legends say that she had the power to control the light of the sun itself, bending it to her beck and will. So great was she that the last Gatewalker, Adium himself, had a close connection with her; confiding in her the secrets of Casting that no mortal should know. When Adium died, she assumed his role as head of the Beast's Body over the others.” The old one's voice spoke slowly, gazing into the fire as if telling his tale to its licking fingers. A silence filled the air as he paused, only broken by one of the younger ones. 

“How did Adium die?” His high voice contrasted against the Old One’s but his eyes softened. 

“That’s been a mystery for the ages, lost to the keepers of time and its never ending march forward.” His muzzle curled into a slight smirk. “Far out there, among the towering waves, where even now Esurians and Beast alike do not tread, is the Beast’s Island where for thousands of years The Beast’s Body met to ensure the survival of every one of us.” Kelkera’s tail perked and her fur shivered. She had heard that name before…seen it.

“Beast’s Body?” She asked. This time the Old One’s clouded stare centered on her and he nodded his head as if welcoming her. 

“It’s existence is forgotten, surviving on stories and whispers that we tell ourselves. But it was as real as me sitting before you today!” He slammed his worn pad into the ground. “It’s great Masters stood a noble purpose: to ensure the survival of all of us and keep watch over the Islands, protecting them from dangers that lurk in the darkness. Our Progenitor, Adium, was indeed the founding member.” This drew oohs and ahhs from the younger Vulpines. “Along with the rest of the eight progenitors of the Beast People. But there was one that Adium trusted above all: Riyew, Master of Light! The legends even speak of an ancient tome, written in Riyew’s voice, of the secrets that Adium taught her. But I must confess…” he gave a chuckle, “such a work would have not survived to this day.” 

Kelkera felt her stomach drop out from beneath her as it hit her. The book. The one she had carried. The one she had returned to….the Avians. 

“I’ve seen it,” Kelkera spoke, in a trance. The whole audience turned to her and she quickly shook herself out of it. The Old One let out a hearty laugh. 

“Young one, I’m sure you’ve seen a book but it certainly wasn’t this one. It’s said to hold the secret to Beasts themselves, the answer to where we all came from.” Kelkera retreated as the rest of the Vulpines nodded. It must make sense to them that she was just mistaken, but something told her that she wasn’t. The Old One dropped his muzzle, letting the glow of the fire cast a shadow on his face before he continued. “For thousands of years the Beast’s Body watched over the Esurian Islands, until they didn’t. It fell, torn asunder by vicious claws and fangs, overrun by Canines who did not want to be under its heel any further.” 

Around her the other Vulpines’ muzzles wrinkled in anger, but Kelkera kept thinking back to Kicit and his Master. She dropped her own eyes to look at her pads again.

“But we Vulpines continue to revere Magic and its place in our very inception.” He scanned each one of the audience again and centered his gaze on Kelkera. “Every young kit is tested upon the age of seven for the glorious gift. Have you been tested my vixen?” The voice was pointed directly at her and Kelkera immediately recoiled before shaking her head, trying to get the prying eyes away from her. “You must,” The Old One said solemnly. “It is your duty as a Vulpine to use the gift in the…” he cocked his head, “appropriate way.” 

“Alright let’s pull back on the Orangeback ideas.” Ragun interjected. “None of that’s here. We’re no longer on Lauror.” 

“But she must! It is the way!” 

“I don’t care if that’s the way it played out, we’re not in Adiumour.” 

Kelkera shot up. Whatever brewing argument was happening she wanted nothing to do with it, but as she left the old one called out again. “Seek out the great hall in Adiumour.”  

“Thank you.” She said coldly and with a dip of her muzzle and turned to leave. Ragun got to his feet and chased after her. 

“Sorry, he’s a bit old fashioned in the way of things. Not all Vulpines want or need to be able to Cast. You don’t need to worry about it or take some dumb test. We can’t. That’s just the way it is.”

“I…” she started before trailing away and Ragun reached out with his pads. “I don’t know,” she said, trying to avoid going further. Ragun shifted his weight a bit as if measuring his words. 

“It’s just a story. He may talk like it’s true but the Beast’s Body…it’s all just kits’ tales. He’s good at weaving them and it helps the kits forget things. But I had to say something about that Orangeback talk.” He said 

Kelkera felt herself nod out of obligation, like she should know what Orangeback meant before glancing at her pads. “Is there something wrong?” he asked, apparently having noticed her looking at them. 

“My…my claws. Still getting used to not having them,” she lied. Ragun contorted his face and stole a glance at her pads before giving her a look of what? “Esurians took them.”

Ragun nodded as his eyes grew solemn. He then held up his right pad and fanned out all four of his remaining fingers. “Courtesy of our friend Tontashi,” Ragun whispered. “Back in Atheson, she was in charge of keeping order among us Vulpines and…” He looked back up to Kelkera. “Sometimes you’ve got to do things you aren’t proud of. First offense, they take something from you, something important.” 

“Tontashi did that?” 

“We haven’t had the greatest history.” He shrugged and smiled. “It’s just what happened. I couldn’t change it if I wanted to.” 

“Did the Canines have to deal with anything like that?” She asked. 

Ragun batted a pad. “I don’t know. I don’t really make a habit of spending time around them.” The answer made sense but Kelkera felt the growing anger within her again. It felt that whenever something happened Tontashi wasn’t far behind, especially when it came to Vulpines. 

“It must have been her.” Kelkera finally whispered and Ragun leaned in, not quite understanding. “Tontashi, during Adium’s Day, it was her. She wants to push the Vulpines out.” Ragun immediately recoiled and scoffed at the idea. 

“Ragun, I know what I saw. You’ve been telling me the entire time I’ve been here about Canines and Vulpines. There’s something going on.” She reasoned. 

“She’s here to protect all of us and has said it damn near every day.” Ragun said fiddling with his remaining fingers.

Kelkera shook her head. “It’s the only thing that makes sense! Who else?”

Ragun pondered for a moment. “I’d put money on those Avians. They show up and suddenly everything goes to shit. I don’t buy it.” 

“It wasn’t Kicit!” Kelkera shot right back, her voice raised to the point that Ragun recoiled. Her eyes fell to the ground and she drew in a breath. “Kicit has been…helpful.” She said. 

Ragun shrugged. “I’m not going to argue. It’s not like we can do anything.” He started making his way back to the fire. “Come on.” He gestured but Kelkera wasn’t about to go back to the fire. Something within her screamed that Tontashi was up to something and she wasn’t going to let it go. Ragun left to rejoin the other Vulpines and Kelkera disappeared in the darkness. 

***

Kelkera wasn’t sure what she would look for, but there had to be something, right? Nobody is perfect. Even someone as precise as Tontashi had to make a mistake at some point. Maybe where she slept? Probably, but Kelkera didn’t know where the Canine lived and anyone who would know would grow immediately suspicious towards a Vulpine asking about it. So, she just ended up blindly moving through the Refuge trying to identify anything as her’s. 

Much to her surprise the Refuge was much more active at night than she would have otherwise thought. There were Beasts settling in or around the refuge with groups much like she had just been with the Vulpines, telling stories. But as she went, nothing seemed to scream Tontashi. She let loose a breath, but at that moment, across from her, a figure shuffled through the darkness with such haste that they hadn’t even noticed her. Kelkera could have recognized the cloak anywhere at this point: the Avians. 

Her first thought was one of confusion. She couldn’t quite tell if it was Kicit or Elacce, and she was about to call towards him but Ragun’s words held her back. As much as she thought that the Avians hadn’t done anything, he had a point. So she sunk down, following the Avian as he made his way through the dark streets. His attention was so focused that he made no effort to conceal movements and eventually they ended up at a small dwelling near the the Refuge’s main entrance that looked more like a pieced together guard hut. The Avian rapped his talons on the door. 

“Tontashi!” Elacce called, “Tontashi! Come out this instant!” His voice was unlike anything she had heard before. It no longer had its grandfather quality that had defined him. Instead was demanding, reminding her of Elnora. Kelkera settled between two other small buildings, the darkness providing more than enough cover. Some rustling noises emanated from the dwelling before the door opened, revealing a half nude Tontashi, a scowl plastered on her face. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” Elacce demanded. He had lowered his voice but it still had every bit of its bite. He was more animated than Kelkera had ever seen him. For Tontashi’s part she barely showed emotion beyond her common scowl. 

“My job,” she said, a bit of a sneer glinting off her teeth in the dim light, “doesn’t matter who it is.” Kelkera heard two loud clicks from Elacce’s Beak. His shoulders heaved with a breath and an uncomfortable silence hung between the two for a moment. 

“What did you hear?” He asked. Tontashi let her head fall to one side. 

“Two Canines said that he used a Release against them. They couldn’t tell me what and honestly I don’t particularly care. Just that they were thrown back by, what they said, an ‘unholy torrent of wind’.” 

“Are you telling me that my Apprentice cannot defend himself in case of attack?” Elacce asked.

He was met with a short, sarcastic laugh and even from where she was Kelkera could tell the Avian was confused at the response. “Is that what he told you?” Tontashi mocked and Elacce took a step towards her. She hesitated ever so slightly but resolved herself. 

“I have no reason to question my Apprentice,” Elacce responded. 

She kept her scowl but crossed her arms. “He told me he was helping that fox.” 

Elacce suddenly deflated, whatever he had thought had not been the case and Kelkera could hear a faint chittering noise followed by the Corvid’s feathers lifting, projecting size and strength. 

“Take it he didn’t tell you that part?” Tontashi said. 

“I demand that you release my Apprentice to me.” He said starkly, seemingly not aware of Tontashi’s question. 

She scoffed. “I’m not under any inclination to.” 

Then Elacce did something that Kelkera couldn’t quite make out, perhaps a push from his un-bandaged wing. Tontashi fell back into her little house. He moved in closer and Kelkera suddenly felt the need rush in to prevent whatever was going to happen. It took every ounce of her will to not. But she didn’t hear any loud noises or the sound of fighting, instead the faint cadence of whispers on the wind. Her ears, although very good, could just barely make them out so she crept a bit closer. 

“...Rukheim’s Order do you?” It was Elacce’s voice, now diminished to hushed tones. Kelkera could no longer see the two so she listened intently. 

“No, should I?” Tontashi said, her voice much louder and was quickly hushed by Elacce. Suddenly, two Cervines stumbling arm in arm through the path erupted in song, tearing Kelkera’s attention away from the conversation. 

“Across the waves and into the Sea, we call. 

Among our brothers and arms, we fall.

Through the throat we…” 

They moved on before Kelkera had a chance to try and hush them, but when she peaked her ear to try and listen in it was clear she missed something. 

“Understood,” Tontashi said, her voice sounding, to what Kelkera could only describe as, shocked. 

“So, I ask again, please return my Apprentice to me. I will ensure he is punished.” The demand was met with a long silence and then a long sigh from the Canine. 

“I will release him to you but you two cannot return. I want you out of here.” The sound of a single click of Elacce’s beak responded first. 

“I will gather our things and collect my Apprentice myself. I have no intention of returning this way.”

“Good,” Tontashi said. And the sound of rustling and footsteps told Kelkera they were returning to the door. 

***

After moving what felt like a reasonable distance away, Kelkera found herself having an extremely hard time wrangling the ideas racing around in her head. What was Rukheim’s Order? How was Elacce able to change Tontashi’s mind? Something Kelkera had thought impossible. But most importantly, where was Kicit? Guilt washed over her as she replayed the conversation in her mind. In the moment she had been so worried about not being seen by them that it hadn’t really registered but now it became clear. Tontashi had done something to Kicit because he saved her. First she thought of going back to Ragun and asking him where she might have him, but then she remembered that there was a place where they kept a prisoner already.

Kelkera raced through the darkness until she could just barely make out two figures crumpled on the ground near two posts. A surge of excitement filled Kelkera upon realizing that she had been right but it quickly dropped out from under her as she got a better look at the Avian. His meticulously groomed, vivid blue, white and black feathers, which just earlier in the day had seemed to give off their own light, were so smeared with dirt and grime that Kelkera couldn’t have been able to make out the original color. About a dozen or so feathers littered the ground around him while his talons were hidden behind his back, affixed to the tall pole. His head hung low. 

“Kicit?” Kelkera whispered. His head immediately shook awake and he seemed to question for a second where he was but his gaze eventually landed on Kelkera. His eyes widened and his beak clicked once. 

“Kelkera!” he called before righting himself and looking in both directions, worry on his face. 

“What happened?” Was all Kelkera could get out.

“It’s nothing, just a misunderstanding,” Kicit said in his now-familiar polite tone. Kelkera nearly laughed at the calmness of his voice but tampered it down. Suddenly, images of her time back at Carran’s Rest flashed past her eyes and an intense stab of guilt washed over her for the second time. She’d caused this. She was the reason why Kicit was here. Kelkera peaked around the pole to see how Kicit was bound, thinking she’d be able to quickly untie him but was met with surprise as it seemed like his talons were bound inside of a rock. 

“What did they do to you?” She whispered in a soft gasp but Kicit shook his head. 

“You shouldn’t free me anyway.” 

“You don’t understand, it’s both of them! Tontashi and Elacce, there’s something there Kicit, I just know it. It was her at the Adium’s Day disaster, Elacce not far behind to clean everything up.” Kelkera hadn’t really thought through what she was saying but so far it had made sense, and the more she spoke the more it felt like the right thing. The more it felt as though it couldn’t be anything other than the truth. Kelkera expected Kicit to vehemently deny everything. The way he had spoken about his Master had reminded her of a son protecting his father, but much to her surprise, Kicit hushed her with some sharp clicks of his beak, barely responding. 

“That’s exactly why you need to keep me here! If Master Elacce returns to find me gone then he will suspect you.” His eyes dropped away from her. “I must confess, I don’t want to believe you and I do still believe my Master is doing what he’s doing for a reason, but I need you to keep me here.” He returned his gaze to Kelkera. 

“He’s right, you know,” Sullin offered. Surprised at the interjection, Kelkera nearly jumped out of her fur, having had momentarily forgotten about the Esurian. “It looks way worse on your end if you free him than if you keep him here.” 

 “You don’t understand!” Kelkera protested. “They were talking about something. Something called Rukheim’s Order? Like…like Elacce had something on Tontashi or worse. It didn’t take much more to convince her to let you leave with Elacce.” Kelkera reached for some of the bindings holding Kicit but he snapped his beak. 

“Stop! Please, Kelkera.” She froze in place, stunned at the anger that had replaced the dignified tone. “You mustn’t speak of the Order.” He returned to his regular voice. “But you must leave before either one of them shows up.” 

“What are you going to do then?”

“Master Elacce said he will return to free me. I ask you not to interfere as I want to talk with him. If you truly think Tontashi is causing all of this I don’t doubt you, but you must be prepared.” Kicit said, almost pleading his case. 

“The Apprentice is correct. Preparation is the key to success!” Sullin said, “but I must warn you, that Canine seems to have quite a chip on her shoulder. And from what I’ve observed from my spot here, she isn’t the most truthful of Canines.

Kelkera weighed her choices. As much as she wanted to free Kicit, he had chosen to stay and she didn’t want to go against his wishes, but it left a lot of uncertainty. 

“Fine, but you’d better be here in the morning.” She added a growl for emphasis. But was a bit worried that it may have come across as her ordering the Avian around. But, if it did, Kicit didn’t show anything towards it and she stood.

“I’m not sure when Master Elacce intends to collect me. Whatever happens I will let you know.” He clicked and Kelkera nervously backed away. An overwhelming sense of helplessness filled her again, and she desperately wanted to do something, anything. But Kicit was right. 

“Stay safe,” she said and disappeared into the darkness.

“Try’n to!” Sullin called.