The color of Divinity I - The delusion of reality

The color of Divinity
By Ellnyon

Notes and warnings

Happy New Year 2008!

As always, thanks to everyone reading. Special thanks to the ones who take the time to review and rate. Review replies are in the end of the chapter.

Enjoy your reading.

Part I

Chapter 6

‘You like him.’ The blond boy affirmed confident, a small smile playing on his lips. The black haired child let go of the bowstring too soon and the arrow flew through the air, impaling itself on a tree far away from the intended target.

‘What?!’ He incredulously asked the smiling Ethen, his aquamarine eyes widening in shock. The single word was lost in the air, the natural musicality of the Eth language evident even when spoken in such a harsh manner. The blond took his time to answer, first grabbing an arrow from the floor and the bow still in Iadden’s loose grip. Only then did he slowly repeat, while posing himself ready to shoot.

‘I said that you like prince Edyane.’ He let go of the bowstring and the arrow hit bulls-eye. Iadden continued to look at the small Ethen stupefied, his expression showing something akin to horror. And it had little to do with Midaen’niel’s amazing shooting skills.

‘You’re playing with me, right?’ He questioned, insistently. The Ethen’s indulgent smile grew wider and he shook his head. Grabbing another arrow from the stack on the floor he reaffirmed his belief with a gentle ‘No, I’m not.’ The younger boy huffed, annoyed at his lifetime best friend.

‘I can’t even begin to imagine what made you conclude that. Care to enlighten me?’ He replied, putting his hands on his hips. Midaen’niel laughed at the furious childish gesture. Seeing his cousin’s flashing eyes at his actions, however, he sobered and pondered on what he should actually tell Iadden. He had apparently already said too much. Even though he kept no secrets from the boy, there were some truths that could wait a few days or even maybe a few years before being revealed. Truths the lovely Ethen could see in his dreams but that reality was not yet ready to face. By reality he meant, of course, also his beloved Iadden. This too, because not all of Midaen’niel’s prophetic dreams did really come true. A large part of them for the best, he supposed. Still, the Ethen had learned not to dispense with this unexpected, unique power, for some dreams were amazingly accurate about very important things. So important in fact, that the Ethen boy couldn’t do anything to prevent them sometimes. He was but a child still, after all. Midaen’niel hoped to grow fast as to be able to do more. Another problem arose when the blond didn’t know if he should actually intervene or not. He didn’t know why but some bad things had to happen for the greater good. He had learned that the hard way. He just wished he would know when to act on his dreams or just stay quiet. He guessed his Father was right when he said – not to his ears, of course: he was a child Ethen, according to the Eth, he’ll never have to worry about political matters – that with power came the desire for more power. Well, Midaen’niel knew all about that.

Only his cousin knew that the blond had such a power and was much more than a simply beautiful Ethen noble. They were both uncommon creatures. What brought him back to the problem at hand: what to tell Iadden? The black haired Eth was too smart for his own good. Midaen’niel couldn’t let him associate his words with his power. His cousin would never understand his silence regarding the present subject but he wouldn’t relate to his predictive words either. Midaen’niel’s power was like that. He was allowed to see only what was showed to him in his dreams and never what he really wanted to see. It was irritating, really. Sometimes he didn’t really understand what he saw. Other times he saw things he didn’t really care for. A few times he saw other people’s feelings. Like Iadden’s feelings. Ten years from now. Seeing someone’s feelings was not the same as seeing the outcome of that person’s future. Would Iadden act on his feelings or not? If someone else’s happiness was at stake, he probably wouldn’t. Would it be better or worse, if he did? Would they be returned? Openly or secretly? If not, would chained and useless feelings remain the same or change? Would they be a blessing or damnation? The young Ethen wished he could see that, because Iadden deserved a good life. And Midaen’niel desired Iadden’s happiness as much as he wanted his own.

But those questions could wait. For now, they were only children. And they could only act as such. If the time came when Iadden got to deal with those feelings, Midaen’niel would be there to help him. And with ten whole years to think it over, he would definitely find a satisfying answer to his doubts…or to his prayers, whichever came first.

‘Well, he’s the only thing you talk about ever since we’ve arrived at N’Alaera…’ he explained truthfully. Iadden huffed.

‘That’s not a valuable reason, Ni.” The black haired boy replied, glaring at the other boy. Midaen’niel sighed and let fly another arrow. It pierced the tree’s wooden trunk very close to the one he had shot before. A shower of yellow small flowers fell from its lower branches at the impact.

‘Not for the common mortal, it isn’t. But it is to you. When you truly dislike someone, you don’t waste your time talking about them.’ Midaen’niel said matter-of-factly. It was Iadden’s turn to sigh.

‘Yes, I know Ni. But this time it’s different. My brother won’t listen to me. Are you aware of the incoming tragedy, if my brother were to fall in love with the prince? If he acts on it?’ The blond shrugged.

‘No one would die…’ He voiced simply in a sweet tone. The blue flash in the other boy’s aquamarine eyes encouraged Midaen’niel to speak further. ‘You talk as if you’re certain the prince loves your brother, already.’ He continued, louder and ready to share his opinion. Iadden rolled his eyes.

‘What? You couldn’t tell?’ he replied. Midaen’niel shrugged again.

‘I could tell he was fascinated and is perhaps obsessed with your brother’s beauty. Nothing more...’ Iadden opened his arms exasperated.

‘It’s the same thing, Ni.” The younger boy’s tone was rasp and it hurt Midaen’niel. This time it was the older boy who glared, his sapphire eyes turning a darker hue.

‘No, it’s not.’ The lovely blond child reprimanded. ‘Love is something pure, profound and cherished, Iadden. You love the person, not the way they look. It’s something powerful. Not selfish at all. You’d give your life for that person’s happiness. You have much to learn about love, you.’ He concluded angry, trying to cross his arms at the same time he turned his back on the other child. On his rush to turn, he forgot about the bow on his hands and his silky hair got caught on its end, making him yelp in pain. Iadden sighed sadly and neared the Ethen to help him disentangle the golden braid.

‘You and your ideas of love, Ni.’ He said sweetly, kissing Midaen’niel’s soft blond locks after they were freed from the bowstring.

‘I’m an Ethen. I can’t help it.’ The blond replied softly, turning in Iadden’s direction again.

‘I know. I’m sorry.’ The black haired boy said earnestly. Midaen’niel shook his head, dismissing Iadden’s apologies with a radiant smile and a light peck on his cheek.

‘Okay, let’s say that whatever prince Edyane feels for cousin Meanea turns out to be mutual and they decide to go public. What do you think they would do? Run away together?’ Midaen’niel asked seriously, wanting to hear his younger cousin’s ideas. Iadden nodded.

‘I see no other option. He’s younger than my brother, so the Council would never approve their union. Not to mention all the political implications of denying a Promised one chosen previously by the Council itself. And a King of a powerful allied nation, too. Even if Edyane is the beloved only prince of the country, after such a scandal he would have to renounce to his title and wealth. And at best chance they would be exiled from both Meya and N’Alaera. Running away is certainly the best way to avoid trials and…’ Iadden looked pleadingly at the blond. ‘Ni, I don’t want to see my brother in jail. I’ve seen it happen before, to other Ethen. You did too. Please, you have to help!’ Midaen’niel looked at Iadden’s beautiful eyes, shining in genuine worry and love for his older brother’s well-being. Of course he understood. He was even concerned, too. And also, since when had he the ability to resist his best friend’s soft pleas? Iadden probably would never realize his own beauty. And the way his untamed eyes were the most powerful weapon he could possibly have.

‘You want me to observe Cousin Meanea’s actions? See if there’s anything suspicious?’ He asked, silently agreeing to whatever plan Iadden was preparing. The small Eth nodded.

‘Yes. He’s wary of me, already. You always behave proper and lovingly. No one would ever suspect you. And I know I can trust you. That’s why I’m asking for your help.’ He answered with a small smile. Midaen’niel smiled as well.

‘Oh, I don’t know about that.’ He said playfully. Iadden chuckled, positive. Yes, Iadden could trust in him. And there was no one in the world Midaen’niel trusted more than that black haired Eth either. He was honest, selfless, gentle and strong. It was a rare type of character to have, those days. Regrettably. Midaen’niel admired Iadden so much. And most importantly, they understood, confided and depended on each other. Always. The blond was proud to be considered that boy’s best friend. With Midaen’niel, Iadden never found the need to hide himself: nor his moods, nor his fears, nor his feelings, nor his face. And the blond was proud of that too. Nowadays, he was the only one who saw his younger cousin without the mask. No one else was allowed to see Iadden’s real face. His cousin trusted him that much. And that was a privilege. Midaen’niel could only find two flaws in Iadden: he was stubborn and perfectionist to a fault. That made him too hard on others and especially on himself.

‘Okay, I’ll do it.’ He agreed. Then a thought occurred to him and he smiled. ‘Just one thing.’ The black haired child angled his head slightly to the right, a questioning expression on his face. ‘Who will watch Prince Edyane?’ he asked, curious, still with his enigmatic smile. Iadden, sensing his cousin’s previous mood returning, smiled and shook his head.

‘Thank you. And don’t worry about that irresponsible, careless, arrogant, deceiving and stupid prince. I’ll take care of him.’ He said certain, a little light-heartedly as well. Then he bowed playfully and jogged to retrieve the impaled arrows. Midaen’niel let his smile drop and sighed. Then he looked around, searching for some inspiration on how to voice his lingering thoughts.

The prince had indeed been right. The place was perfect. The garden was hid behind the second set of doors leaving the mentioned balcony and it was beautiful. Secluded and not very big, it gave a sense of comfort and familiarity that reminded him of home. The fountain near the centre had several small, rhythmic spurts of water surrounding a tall sculpture of a beautiful woman with a long gown and hair, both disappearing amid the waters. She was sitting in a strangely shaped rock and was holding a bucket, from which more water dribbled in a cascade of transparent streams that reflected the sunlight, recreating a multitude of rainbows. In the calmer parts of the pool you could see little golden and carmine fish jump, now and then, landing milliseconds later in happy splashes. Adding to the bubbling sound, a lot of chirping and buzzing was heard. It came from the various coloured birds and insects flying amongst the lovely flowers, of all colours and styles, blooming everywhere. The garden was well kept and tended to. Anyone could see the patterns and designs made by the flowers had been planned beforehand. And now, with many of them in full bloom, the amazing results could be seen. Iadden and Midaen’niel were training far from the flowers, in the trees area, so he could see the whole panorama from a privileged place. The old and tall fruit trees, planted erratically on the grassy ground, provided them with shade and the good archery targets they needed. And if it was a pity they didn’t have fruits yet, it was a lovely sight looking at them loaded with flowers.

‘You have something you want to ask me and you don’t know how to do it, right?’ Iadden affirmed while dropping two arrows on the floor and keeping one for himself. Then he motioned the blond to pass the bow. Midaen’niel did so, sighing.

‘You know me too well.’ He said to his cousin. Iadden nodded, not surprised. He looked at the blond and arched an eyebrow, waiting. Midaen’niel could recall at least two things he wanted to tell Iadden and didn’t know how. He opted for the most pertinent at the moment.

‘Do you really think your brother or even the prince would be capable of leaving everything behind? Their families? Their birthrights? Do you really think they would let that many people down? Hurt King Fenaleos that bad? I know Cousin Meanea likes him. And the prince must like him, as well.’ Iadden who was posing to shoot an arrow, stopped in mid stance, pondering.

‘I don’t know. At first thought, I wouldn’t believe my brother would do so. He’s always proper and responsible. But, he still has fantasies of love, like you do. He’s an Ethen, after all… I don’t know. I never saw him fall in love, before. And I certainly wouldn’t put my faith in the prince. He simply has something that attracts people and makes them follow him. And if he has his eyes on my brother…’ The black haired child looked meaningfully at his older cousin.

‘Well, do you think he would take you with him?’ Midaen’niel asked, a little anxious. He didn’t want to loose his best friend. The other boy shrugged and shot the pending arrow. It hit the target exactly at the centre.

‘I don’t know…I don’t think so. I would only be in their way and I’ve been little more than a nuisance to my brother since our parents died. Besides, the prince clearly dislikes me.’ The blond looked shocked at his cousin.

‘Is that what you think?’ He asked, incredulous. Iadden looked at his best friend innocently and nodded. Midaen’niel huffed. ‘First and foremost, your brother is crazy about you. It would be the hardest thing for him, to leave you behind.’ He pointed an accusing finger at the Eth. Iadden looked downwards, a little sad. He didn’t genuinely believe his best friend’s words. ‘And second, the prince is doing his best to make you like him.’ Now, Iadden rolled his eyes.

‘For my brother’s sake...’ He replied. Midaen’niel shook his head.

‘Not necessarily. I actually think he finds you cute.’ For once, Iadden truly was speechless. The lovely shade of pink on his cheeks and the priceless mortified, stunned look on his face made the other boy chuckle until his eyes filled with tears. ‘Don’t look at me like that. I’m serious!’ He said between giggles.

‘You think he finds me cute. Cute? After what you saw today?’ The younger boy asked, recovering from the surprise, his face still a little red.

‘You were the one who started, don’t forget that.’ The older one answered, cleaning his eyes with the hem of his right sleeve. Iadden rolled his eyes again.

‘I didn’t start. A prince from my brother’s new country should not behave like a drunken fool, okay?!’ Midaen’niel shrugged.

‘Okay, but he’s young and perhaps he still has to grow up a little bit. And you too.’ He scolded. Iadden just huffed and grabbed an arrow from the floor. He didn’t have the courage to deny any of Midaen’niel’s wise words. He knew he still had much to grow and learn, as well.

‘Well, if you are left behind,’ the blond continued in a lighter tone ‘then my Father will have to adopt you, right? Hey, I’d gain a little brother. That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?’ Iadden shook his head, amused, while readying the arrow on the bowstring. Ni was the cute one of them both.

‘It’s because, if your brother really falls in love, don’t you think it’s better if he gets to stay with the man he loves? Don’t you think he will be happier? There are certain things in this world that justify defying the LAW…’ Midaen’niel explained in a subtle loving tone, looking at his best friend carefully. Iadden reflected on his cousin’s words, his eyebrows coming close to each other. Midaen’niel was right, once more. Iadden didn’t think the prince was that irresponsible. He would at least protect the man he loved, right? And his brother would be happy. He sighed deeply and let the arrow fly.

‘In the end, if the worst comes to that, I’ll see what I can do to help them. For now, let’s try to prevent it and see to my brother’s marriage with king Fenaleos. I guess that I still prefer my brother to escape and be happy than him ending in jail for the rest of his life.’ He concluded. Midaen’niel nodded, pleased.

In the tree trunk, the arrow had pierced the other: right in the middle.

TBC…

Ending Notes:

‘blabla’ - spoken in Eth’s language

Rain: No, it’s not odd at all. I think they’d make a cute couple, too. But so many things are going to happen… The questions are: in the end, will Edyane be able to choose? And if he does, will he choose Iadden, Meanea or the dark haired Ethen? I’m such a bad person ;P Thanks so much for your review and your words. I truly hope you continue reading and loving the story.

nini: Yes, you are so right: I’m still going to introduce more characters T_T. Please, just bear with me. I promise it will be worth it…I hope. I also think the plot is the most important thing of a story. That’s why I’m very careful when it comes to it. And I believe this story has a good plot, but then I’m biased since I’m the writer ^_^, Still, I hope it doesn’t become too predictable and I’m counting on you, readers and reviewers, to tell me if it does. Your suggestion is gladly accepted and I’m going to do my best to follow it. Anything that helps me improve the quality of my writing is welcome and I thank you very much for any commentaries and suggestions you might have. And I’m the one who has to thank you, again. For your review, your recommendation, your words: everything. I’m very flattered and happy you believe that. Thank you so, so much.

loolz: Thanks. I hope you keep reading and thinking like that. And, well, Edyane likes Iadden and Meanea. They’re both cute. :D Perhaps what he has to learn is what it means to really love someone…

bambi4real: Yeah, I know and I’m sorry. I didn’t have time to write in the previous months so I had to wait for the holidays to do it. But I’m here. And with a new chapter, too. I hope you like this one as well, even though it hasn’t Edyane sparring with Iadden. Edyane is a little confused, right now, but in the end he’ll know what and who he really wants. :D Thanks for always taking the time to read and review my story. I wish you a great vacation!

madlodger: No, thank YOU for reading and reviewing. :) I’m very happy you like the story and the way I write. I hope you’ll continue reading, thinking the way you do now, and that I’ll always match up to your expectations, or at least, most of the times. And thanks: it’s so good to be here in the Slash section. :DDD

irinutza: Isn’t he? I think so too. (I’m so stupid: I’m in love with my own characters.) But don’t worry; Edyane will definitely turn at least some of his attention to Iadden. He won’t be able to remain indifferent for long. ^_^ And Welcome to this amazing universe. I sincerely hope you enjoy the stories here, and my own as well. Thanks for reading and reviewing.