Troubles of the great guardian

Troubles of the great guardian

It's been a month since I last saw Teno. I heard that she got pregnant again, which makes me a bit worried. Other than that, life has been pretty peaceful. Rae has become an even more civilized man, Nina and Henry have holded hands together, Mary's work has gotten smoothly, Lex hasn't called me to do much other than menial tasks, Aktor is nowhere to be seen again and Relse has visited a couple of times to check on Rae. Release also likes the name since he thinks that ancient language sounds cool by itself.

Today I received a very peculiar letter. Not a text message, but a handwritten letter. It was from Siel'Kel and by the gods his handwriting is difficult to read. It looks beautiful, but it's very hard to read. I had to ask other people to read it for me, and the only person who could read it without mistakes was of course Lex.

According to Lex, the letter reads as follows.

"Dear Nor Los.

How are you doing these days? It's been a while since I last saw you in person. I've watched you from here countless times and my time in this world was made a bit more easier to bear. Things around the soultree have also developed. There are a lot more buildings here than it was back in the days when the insect folk were the only ones living in this place. I do feel a bit distraught about the destruction that had to be done in order to build a civilized city in the great forest of Ehen.

While it does pain me some, I feel like the progress of civilization has improved a lot of lifes, but it has taken its toll on some. For example, people are eager to meet me a lot more often and my scales have been busy warding people off. I have come to understand that, while this place is popular, most people find it disappointing that they cannot visit the very base of the tree itself. I have been told by the new generation of scales that we should be a bit more lenient on letting people come visit the base of the tree. I, however, am a bit perplexed on what to do in this situation.

That is why I ask that you would visit me as soon as possible. We need to make the right decision on the future of the great soultree. I would trust your insight on what is the best course of action. The scales are patiently waiting for my final say in this matter, so please do not dilly dally or whatever they say.

Regards

Siel'Kel

The guardian of the great soultree

PS. I would also want some advice on what to do with this certain scale that has done a great job for a decent while. She is not an insect folk, but she has risen the ranks with hard work as a dark elf. If I may be so bold as to say that she is indeed a gorgeous specimen even in my eyes. She seems to visit me more often than any other scale would so I've gotten to talk to her a bit more than I would normally do with other mortals. Should I raise her rank to a new one that's higher than other scales or am I showing too much favoritism by doing that? I'm at an impasse. I'll await your visit to solve both issues."

And so the letter ends. What to do? I might need some other people on this other than me. I asked Lex if he would help, but he said that he doesn't want to get involved in this matter. He said.

- It's the trouble of one of Soul's followers, so I feel like I shouldn't interfere with this matter.

- But wouldn't it be helping your own sister?

- She rarely agreed with my opinions in their entirety, but yet we were siblings so we lived together in peace.

- If you feel that way then I can't force you. Do you know if Aktor or Relse would want to help?

- Aktor isn't on good terms with Siel'Kel in the first place so I think it wouldn't be wise to get him on board. Relse might be interested in it, but he doesn't exactly think too much about things. He isn't stupid, but he tends to speak before thinking.

- Then how about Nina?

- If she has time to do so then go on ahead. She has a head on her shoulders so she might make a just decision.

- And I might as well invite Rey as well while we are at it.

- If you take her, be careful to not take Gulu with you.

- Why?

- I feel like he won't make a good call on this.

- If he tags along then I let him.

- Suit yourself. But I do wonder, why isn't he just using his ability to see the future?

- I did wonder about that as well.

- Don't tell me that he is simply afraid. If that old thing is afraid to use their own power now, then by the gods it's gotten soft.

I then leave and go back home. I tell Nina and Rey that I'd like them to come with me to Lech't A Sol. Nina told me that tomorrow was her day off and she could come then. Then we waited for tomorrow and went to Lech't A Sol. The place had changed drastically since I last visited. There were many more ordinary buildings around and some tall buildings. There was even an airport in this place now, though we came via teleporter. We then went to see Siel'Kel.

As we were in the temple, we saw the dark elf Siel'Kel mentioned in the letter. She greeted us and led us to where Siel'Kel was.

After a while of walking, we came face to face with Siel'Kel, who looked just like I remembered. The dark elf named Elysiana left us after greeting Siel'Kel. So we started talking. I started.

- Long time no see Siel'Kel.

- It's been a while since we last met. What was it? 40 years perhaps?

- I think that's about so. Here is my daughter Nina and my servants Rey and Rae.

- Greetings young ones. While this is the first time we've seen face to face, I have long since known you.

Nina gives a small bow to show respect.

- It is my honor to see your greatness with my own eyes.

Rey and Rae follow her example.

- Greetings.

- Sup. You looks strong. Want to duel?

Rey smacks Rae in the head once.

- Don't say such rude things in front of someone like him!

Siel'Kel then says.

- No need to worry. He isn't the first one to challenge me like that. And I doubt he will be the last.

- But…

- I don't mind.

- If you say so.

- Now, as to why you are all here.

Nina says.

- I heard about your situation regarding the soultree. I think we should gather all the scales together and discuss this in detail.

- I will call them to be in the meeting room in two hours. Would that suffice?

- Yes. But aren't you going to attend?

- Of course. Why do you ask?

- It's just that you'd leave this place shortly.

- I can leave as I please. If there is something that would harm the soultree, I could instantly transport myself to it from anywhere in the world.

- If you say so.

We then change the subject. I ask.

- Why don't you just use your ability to see the future?

- I have used it.

- But you still ask us to help.

- Yes.

- What kind of future did you see?

- As to not give too much away, I will keep this short. The future I see is where I choose to stay stagnant. Meaning that I didn't change my ways and let things pass on like they always have. Nothing of significance changes, but I cannot be sure if this is the best future out of the possibilities Nor brings. The future is already starting to change and become harder to see with only Nor's interference. As to whether the path Nor will make is the better one or not is hard to tell.

- I'm sure we will make things better by the end of today. Now to the dark elf you mentioned.

- Yes. That was something I also wrote about.

- What exactly do you want to do?

- I only wish to guard the great soultree.

- So what does this dark elf Elysiana make different exactly?

- I simply wonder if I should do something to thank her for her efforts.

- We can also think about this in the meeting.

Then Nina and Rey started talking.

- I think it's a bad idea to change anything regarding Elysiana.

- I agree with my lady. I sense that that woman harbors power.

- That's right. She cannot be trusted.

I say.

- But you only met her once. How can you make such a statement in such a short time?

- I don't know exactly what she is after, but as a woman I feel like she has some other motives on her mind.

- You say that, but…

- Just trust me on this dad.

- What have you talked about with Elysiana Siel'Kel?

Siel'Kel answers.

- Only mere goings on in this city. She has asked a lot about my people's culture though.

Nina then mumbles to herself.

- So if that's the case, then perhaps her aim is…

- What is it?

- If it's what I think it is, then she is not as bad as I initially thought.

- What do you mean?

- I will personally talk to her before the meeting. You come too Rey.

- Can I also come?

- No. This is a matter that women need to discuss by themselves.

- If… If you say so.

Two of them leave and now it's just us three. Rae says.

- Women.

Siel'Kel says.

- I'm technically neither, so…

- I totally thought you were a… wait… hold that thought… I'm not so sure now that I think about it.

- So you share blood with Sa'at.

- Yes. He created my parents.

- I wonder if you are eligible for a certain thing.

- What thing?

- Nothing.

- You can't just say that and expect me to let it go. What is it?

- If you don't know then it's for the best. I think.

- Do you even tell me in the future you see?

- No.

- Well damn!

And so we waited for the meeting to take place. And when the moment finally came by, we noticed Nina, Rey and Elysiana coming together to the room. Nina and Rey came closer to us and I asked silently.

- So are you going to tell us what that was about or…?

- Don't worry about it. Things will soon come clear. But first…

Rest of the people take their seats and the meeting finally begins. Nina starts by saying.

- My name is Nina Los and I'm here to mediate these discussions regarding the handling of the great soultree.

Scales start to speak.

- This one is surprised that someone from the outside is mediating discussion between the scales and the Watcher.

- This one agrees. Shouldn't it be another scale that mediates this discussion?

Nina answers.

- I came here to give an outside perspective. My father Nor Los is someone of great importance to the Watcher and he trusts that I can see what is the right path to pick.

- You may be Nor's daughter, but this one thinks that you haven't earned the right to decide on these things on behalf of the Watcher.

- Then why don't we ask the Watcher then?

All look at Siel'Kel for a moment and he speaks.

- She is here to mediate between my values and your opinions. I trust she makes a just judgment.

All the scales look at each other for a moment until they all mutter in agreement.

- If it's the Watcher's wish, we shall abide by it.

Then Nina begins to ask questions from the scales. They seem to be in agreement that some people should be allowed to enter the proximity of the great soultree's trunk. Some suggest a payment when others suggest that only those devoted enough should be allowed to meet the great Watcher and maybe even touch the trunk. However, Siel'Kel is highly against this, as the great soultree is not a tourist attraction but it is a spiritual monument. With a while of bickering, Nina came to a conclusion.

- What if we make a lottery that requires a small payment. Those that purchase that lottery ticket have a chance to be allowed to go to the great soultree and, if the Watcher allows, may even touch it. This may be done every wednesday, friday and sunday. How does that sound?

All scales mutter a bit until they stop and wait to hear Siel'Kel's opinion. He then says.

- This… is an acceptable compromise. I get to meet a person who is lucky almost every other day but I still have peaceful days of my own. I'm okay with this arrangement.

All the scales smile and then the details are discussed. The lottery would be done on the internet and those who win get to visit the great soultree. The lottery starts at 9.00 before the day of the possible visit and ends at 21.00. Meaning there will be 12 hours of time to join. The lottery winner will be announced at 12.00 and then they have 9 hours to come and get close to the great soultree before the doors close at 21.00. The winner will also get a notification on their phone if they give it when joining the lottery.

After that was concluded, Nina got the attention of all the scales and pressed another issue.

- It has come to our attention that the scale named Elysiana Nit Kyl Oulous has gotten pretty close to the great Watcher. We have decided to address the matter directly in today's meeting. Elysiana, do you have anything to say to this.

- Yes. I have, for a longest time, been intrigued by the vitreous race. I only wish to know the makings of vitreous race in detail. That is why I have spent so much time together with the great Watcher. I'm sorry if I have caused disturbance in our ranks, but that is my only goal in life. To know more about the vitreous race.

- So you say that you are only after the knowledge of the great Watcher?

- I would never dare to go that far. I only wish to know everything that was the vitreous race. And perhaps, one day when I continue my research, I can make a homunculus that mirrors the lost race.

- I see. Are there any complaints on this matter?

Some of the scales made their opinion known that the fact that Elysiana's drive to be a scale was impure and selfish. Nina then commented on that.

- If her reason of being a scale of the Watcher is considered selfish, then what are you all then when you wish to bask in the greatness of the same Watcher.

Scales became silent for a moment. Then Siel'Kel said.

- I don't mind what all of your intentions are or were. All I care about is that you don't threaten the great soultree in any capacity. Your work in this… town has made things less tiresome for me for a couple centuries. Though I never wanted any people near the great soultree initially, thanks to your ancestors and you, I have come to tolerate you and let you be as long as you don't cause problems. Continue to do that work and you get no objection from me.

All the scales looked happy to hear that. Siel'Kel then said.

- And… Elysiana was it? I will gladly tell you more about my people and how they lived. As long as you don't cause any problems for me, I have no objections.

- Thank you. Oh great Watcher.

- And we should start soon, for I only have two years left.

- Excuse me?

All the scales, me and Nina are all surprised. Rae just sits there like nothing happened for a moment until it hit him. He then said.

- You going to die, old man?

- Well… My goal is nearing its end, so it is time for me too join my race and become just magic.

I say.

- So the others are almost done turning into magic?

- Yes.

- And you are going to turn yourself to magic as well?

- Yes.

- That's…

All the people around the room start to panic for a moment. Thinking this is some kind of joke. I then ask Siel'Kel.

- Then who is going to watch over the tree? You know, it can still be misused right?

- That's where I plan to find someone to watch over the great soultree. Though it will become just a simple soultree when I enter it, with the exception of abundance of magic.

- Do you have anyone in mind?

- Yes. … Nor Los.

- What? Don't tell me…

- I would like you to become the next guardian of the great soultree and watch over it so it won't be misused. And while you are at it, give me a safe passage.

- Why? Why me?

- Because you bear the soul of the original power of soul. It would bring me a great honor to have you watch over me while I turn into magic.

- Can't you just… you know… stay here like you always have?

- I have stayed here for a long time. I have been able to observe many things, both good and bad. It is my time to go when the rest of my people have done so. It was always going to be this way. With the exception of the next guardian.

- You… You are really going to go.

- We still have two more years. We can talk as long as you like. I will also teach you how to use the soultree's power as your own. And don't worry. You don't have to stay here forever like I did. As long as you find someone you trust to protect the soultree in your absence, then it's fine to go elsewhere.

- If… If you are really dead set on that… Then I'm going to do it.

- I knew I could count on you. As for the rest of you. I wish that you will continue to do your work even when I'm gone. The soultree won't disappear.

Elysiana corrected Siel'Kel while shedding a tear.

- It's not just any old soultree. It's the great soultree.

- So that's how you are going to go about it. Then fine. The great soultree won't disappear.

- That's more like it.

And so the meeting ended. A year passed as I learned how to use the great soultree.

Then one day Aktor called me and asked if I could come with him for a while. I said sure, so I went along. Boy was I surprised when he mentioned he'd be visiting Crimson Ruby in Ost. When we entered the palace, Aktor told the guard that Crimson Ruby was expecting Nor Los and his companion to come. The guard looked hesitant, but still let us pass. Then when we got to the good old throne room, I could feel the annoyance from Crimson Ruby from here. She started speaking.

- While I was expecting this to happen, I still was disappointed to meet you again Aktor.

- My my. Have you grown so pessimistic that you come to expect all the wrong things from me? Opal.

Her eye twitched for a moment. Then the guards surround us even more than they were before. Then she asks Aktor.

- Do you finally become so senile that you forgot how to speak to me.

- Oh, but you used to like it when I called you that in bed.

- You are testing my patience. What are you here for?

- How's Cole?

- Fine. He's been taking care of some of my duties. He will become a great ruler one day. Why are you asking?

- Can't a man wonder how his child is doing?

- You don't work like that. What is it?

- Do you ever wonder what Jade would say to her son? Oh, and why don't we add Amber to that mix. Wondering how her mother and nephew are doing.

- AKTOR!

The guns were now pointing at Aktor. Luckily I wasn't involved in this. Crimson Ruby then asked.

- You better not say anything stupid now or your head will be splattered on these walls.

Aktor then started talking with a much more serious tone.

- I have three letters. Two for you and one for Cole.

- From who?

- You need to promise to not make these guys shoot me first.

- WHO?!

- From Jade and Amber.

Crimson Ruby was stunned for a moment. After a while, she started laughing. While she was at it, she talked.

- You… You really have lost your mind… To tell jokes like that… to me… You really are something else… There is no way that… They are from them…

Then she suddenly becomes calm, gives Aktor a cold stare and asks in a much colder tone.

- Right?

Aktor then jokingly said.

- Well if you don't want to read them, then it's your loss.

- Why would I believe that they are genuine?

- First of all, I don't have the means to forge their handwriting, so you could tell easily by just looking at them. Secondly, they have the seals of the Ost family on them, which I can't replicate or open the letters. Thirdly, I had to pull quite a few strings to get to them in the first place, so I wouldn't lie to you about this.

- Then why wait all this time?

- I was scared.

- You? Scared? Why?

- I was scared to lose them all over again. Once you meet people important to you that you thought were dead, you have to relive the moment of them passing all over again when they are gone again.

- I… I see. Give them to my guard.

One of the guards opened his hand to Aktor, but then Aktor said.

- I was told, quite firmly, that I would need to hand them over personally. No in betweens.

- Seriously?

- I wish I was joking.

- Fine. Guards, you may leave.

One of the guards then said.

- But your excellency…

- Did I stutter?

- N-no mam.

Then the guards leave and Crimson Ruby comes down from her throne to face Aktor. When she was close, Aktor handed her two letters. Then she said.

- You said there were three.

- I was told that I would have to give Cole's one to him personally as well.

- Fine.

She looks closer to the letters.

- These do look like the Ost family seals to me and… These handwritings…

She continues to read them more thoroughly. Then she told me to hold them for a second, so I did. Then she pushed Aktor to the ground and proceeded to punch him repeatedly. While she was smacking him, she started talking.

- You dare… to only give me… these now… Do you have… any idea… how important… these are to me?... I hate you! ... I hate you! … I hate you! …

Then the punchess started to weaken and tears started coming out of her eyes.

- I hate you… I hate you…

Then the last punch stayed on Aktor's face for a while as she was getting weak and started shaking.

- I hate you… but I hate your son Felix even more… But I also cherish you… You make me feel things I don't understand at times… You are an idiot.

She then starts to rest on top of Aktor for a while, while crying. Never thought that I'd see her crying, but here we are.

After a while, she rose back up, turned around and called for a servant to take the letters from me and take them back to Crimson Ruby's room. She then called another servant to get us a ride. She said.

- We are going to give Cole his letter.

We then went to Cole's place, which was on the top floor of one of the tall buildings. There we met some of his wifes and children. He seemed quite displeased about Aktor coming to his house, but once Crimson Ruby told him about the letter, he seemed much calmer than he did before. He said to Aktor.

- Hand it over.

- Sure.

We then let him read the letter in peace. Once he was done with it, he came to us and punched Aktor in the stomach. Then he said.

- Now I'm satisfied.

- I still don't know what was in those letters, since I couldn't open it. But why did you both have to punch me?

- Because we are family.

- That's messed up.

- Be honored.

- Sure… Whatever you say. At this point… I don't care.

And so they spent the rest of the day talking about stuff. I went back to train with Siel'Kel so I wasn't there. Aktor told me that Cole mostly bragged about his wifes and kids.

And so went the other year of me preparing to be a guardian of the great soultree and some other minor stuff happened. Now was the last day Siel'Kel walked in a mortal plane. Today he will become one with the great soultree and leave. There was a huge ceremony that was held and broadcasted throughout the world. I was also known as "the successor" so I was standing the whole time next to Siel'Kel. Many people came to say their goodbyes. Even all the dragon lords came to say their goodbyes to a being that was even older than them. Fafnir was the only one who showed up in his dragon form and caused a commotion. He turned to his humanoid form after the fact, but the damage had already been done.

I even met Tur for the first time in a while. He even brought Rin with him. She was on a journey for a couple of decades and now she had a human form she can turn into. We exchanged a few words.

- Glad to see that my investment has paid off.

- Didn't expect to see you here.

- Of course I would want to pay my respects to the longest living and most powerful mortal that has ever lived.

- Do you expect to gain anything today?

- No. Just paying my respects. And while I'm at it, reintroducing a child of mine to you.

- You talk about Rin?

- So you've noticed it was her.

- I could feel it. How have you been Rin?

Rin answers.

- I have been great, master. As you can see, I can easily maintain my human form nowadays and even speak properly.

- Did Tur or Rahasia guide you in any way?

- Rahasia did give me some pointers here and there, but I have mostly developed on my own.

- That's good to hear.

- And now that I heard of you becoming the successor of the great guardian of the great soultree, I have come to offer my assistance to you once more.

- You are? How so?

- Yes. I will promise to stand in guard for the great soultree while you are absent. This is, if the great guardian allows me to do so themselves.

I look at Siel'Kel, who then nods, so I say to Rin.

- It seems we have the approval of the guardian.

- Thank you very much, oh great one. I hope you have a peaceful passing.

Siel'Kel answers.

- Thank you. I expect great work from you.

- Thank you for your praise.

Then Tur started speaking to Siel'Kel.

- And as for me, while I wished that I could have attended this event, it would have sadly caused a commotion if I would have done so. So please forgive me for showing up like this.

- I do feel a bit honored to be visited by the great black gown of secrets. Thank you for not causing another scene.

- It was quite a spectacle. Now if you would excuse me. I have some business to do. May your passing be peaceful as silence.

Then he and Rin disappeared. I'm surprised that they even bothered with being in the line at all.

And speaking of being surprised by someone who was waiting in line, we also had a visit from Amire herself. Someone who was praised to be like god of space. She actually waited in line like everyone else. We had a small conversation.

- Didn't expect to see you waiting in line.

- It's only natural for me to do so on such an occasion. Have you heard anything about father?

- Last time I heard, he was entertaining Eilish with something.

- I see. Same old father. Now then. Siel'Kel.

Siel'Kel responds.

- What is it?

- Thank you for all your service.

- Why are you thanking me? What have I done to you?

- You have proved that us mortals can be a real pain in the neck to those immortals.

- Aren't you immortal in terms of aging?

- That's besides the point. All I can do is control space like I would just breathe.

- That by itself is a feat mere mortals could dream of.

- I have always thought of myself as a weak mortal with amazing talent to control space.

- If that is what you think, so be it. Thank you for your visit, child of Creation.

- And thank you for your patience. The last of the vitreous race. The guardian of the great soultree.

She then disappears just like that, as you would expect.

We got a visit from Lex and Relse as well. They just popped up to say their goodbyes. Lex started.

- It has been great to witness such a specimen. May you turning go smoothly.

- Thank you, oh the great mage.

Relse then speaks.

- Sister would be really proud of you, you know.

- Thank you for your kind words, oh great destroyer.

And so ended the conversation between these three. They just popped up and said their goodbyes. Nothing else was said. Honestly I'm a bit surprised.

I managed to get a glimpse of Felix showing up, but he didn't come to talk to Siel'Kel directly. I saw Vanos making quite a scene, but it was quickly taken care of by the guards. The guards sure have quite a workload today.

The day was nearing its end and so was Siel'Kel's time here. With the sun that was going down, so was Siel'Kel going to rest in peace soon. He started to go near the tree for the last time, until he noticed a familiar person near him. Siel'Kel said.

- Didn't wish to see you today, but here you are.

- What's wrong with seeing one of my proudest creations walk the last steps of his life?

- I never fancied myself your creation.

- Your race was anyways.

- Aren't you afraid of the media finding out who you are?

- I disconnected them for the time being. We got a couple of minutes to talk.

- What is there to talk about?

- How about I tell you my final secret?

- You are going to tell me something that may or may not interest me as your last act.

- Don't worry about it. Just listen.

Aktor went near Siel'Kel and spoke something to their ear. I couldn't hear anything even though I tried to listen in. When Aktor was done speaking, I could suddenly hear Siel'Kel say.

- Is what you say truly true?

- As I live and breathe.

- I see. Then I wish you a peaceful parting.

- Isn't that what I'd need to say?

- I have a feeling that you will have that.

- Because you can see the future? No wait, you can't see mine?

- It's just something I predict.

- If you say so. Then lastly I will give you two honors. First is that I will grant you a title of power called "The patient one". Well not that you have any use for it now, but still. The second is that I shall remember your name for all my life.

- I must say, both sound pretty impressive.

- Now then. Sleep well. Follower of Soul.

- Thank you.

Then Aktor disappears and soon after the cameras get back on.

Then came the final steps of Siel'Kel. They went closer to the great soultree with grace. Each step had meaning and the weight carried was unspeakable. They came to the root of the tree and their horns moved to the sides for the first time in who knows how long. They looked up at the tree and turned around to witness their last sunset. I could see his eyes and they were glimmering gray. The look on their eyes was like someone who finally sees the opportunity to rest after a long day of work. Siel'Kel then turned back and touched the root of the great soultree one last time. Then a shimmer of light came from the place he was standing. And when the shimmer was gone, so was he.

I then say my final words to him as I as well touch the root of the tree.

- Goodbye old friend.