The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 636: Shadows of Haven

Chapter 636: Shadows of Haven

The days passed one after the next, a cycle of sleep, study, and exploring Haven with Elise and R’lissea. My strength recovered slowly but surely, but exhaustion onset quickly, without any warning. More often than not, I woke up to find myself curled on the library’s couches, or lying atop Fable on the way back to the inn.

By the end of the first week, I’d grown acquainted with the major facilities of the realm, including the library, markets, citadel, and some of the shops. Aside from the main island, the rest were scattered across the realm. I also became aware that the realm was far bigger than I’d first understood, spanning at least several hundred miles in all directions. The remnants wouldn’t say much of what lay beyond the heart, nor could I convince any of them to take me to see them.

Only Jasrin, the remnant dressed as a ranger, let anything slip, but I quickly learned to take his words lightly. Like Dyson, of my old adventuring group, he was a master of teasing, from flirtation to tall tales. He spoke often of massive, planet-sized monsters he used to hunt through the dimensional wilderness between realms. When I’d asked Emlica about it, she’d confirmed that such a place existed but only named it the ’Astral Sea.’

On the morning of the ninth day, I woke alone in the room.

"Elise? R’lissea?" I called, sitting up.

My brow furrowed as no one answered. One of the two had always been there when I awoke, greeting me warmly with a smile. I wasn’t entirely sure if they even slept at this point, but given their level, it probably wasn’t often. They seemed to love brushing my hair and usually fought over it, something I was content to let them do.

I glanced back at the pillow. It was warm and fluffy, tugging at my very soul. Elise and R’lissea had probably just stepped out momentarily, maybe to speak with a remnant. I should just wait for them to come back. A few more hours of sleep wouldn’t hurt, right? They were always telling me to rest, after all.

I started with a jolt, clapping my cheeks and shaking my head. This was a good chance to prove I didn’t need them looking over my shoulder all the time. If I could get to the common room before they came to check in or even just dressed on my own, that would be enough. I didn’t need them to hold my hand.

It turned out that dressing was far easier than getting out of bed, and in only a few minutes, I sat in a red dress on the edge of the mattress, staring at the comb in my hand. Korra had given me it a long, long time ago, but I’d never had much chance to practice. She, or R’lissea, had always wanted to do it for me, and now the comb felt awkward in my hand, using it even more so.

I gave it a half-hearted attempt before tugging too hard on a snarl. Wincing, I let it fall into my lap with a frustrated sigh. I only cared because they did, but they weren’t here, so it wasn’t like I had to force myself.

I tapped the comb with my spatial ring and was about to store it when an unwelcome thought slipped through. I froze, fingers trembling, before my shoulders slumped, and I picked the comb back up. The next time it caught on a snarl, I gritted my teeth and fought through it.

"He hasn’t been here all week," I groaned, tail flicking in agitation. "He won’t be here today. And why would I even care if he was? This is just a waste of time."

My hair had grown long since last I attempted to brush it. The crimson locks spilled over my shoulders in sweeping waves, reaching a few inches above my waist. The strands were soft and silky yet seemed inclined to tangle wherever possible. I couldn’t deny, though, that it was a rich, beautiful color that positively glowed when I was finished.

After examining myself in the mirror, I gave a sharp nod and stored the comb. "There, take that. I can do it."

My gaze lingered a little longer, admiring the smooth silk of my dress and the shine in my hair. I’d regained weight since my days as a slave and could now fill out the garment properly, no longer all skin and bones. My bust was still small, nearly flat compared to Elise or Korra, but it looked right on my naturally small, sleight frame. While I wasn’t particularly curvaceous, I still felt I looked graceful.

I angled a bit, fingering the hem of my skirt. It was a bit short, of course, reaching to midthigh. At least this one didn’t expose half my chest, giving only the briefest hint of my modest cleavage. But was it too low? Would he even notice?

Suddenly, I turned away, warmth creeping up my neck. I rubbed my horn, groaning softly.

"Who cares?" I mumbled, cringing at the audible swish of my tail. I glared at it, but it kept moving, curling back and forth until I finally ignored it.

After pulling on a delicate pair of soft leather boots, I pushed through the door, desperate to escape the mirror. It didn’t matter what I looked like or if anyone found me beautiful. Especially Luke.

"Good morning, Oracle," Rivlitt greeted me as I made it down the stairs.

"Xiviyah. It’s Xiviyah," I grumbled.

He frowned, leaning over the counter to get a better look at me. A subtle blush lingered on my cheeks, and my tail still hadn’t calmed.

"Bad dream?" he asked.

"N-no, just...do you know where R’lissea is?"

"The Life Hero?"

He stroked his chin, eyeing me up and down. I gripped my skirts lightly, not meeting his eyes.

"I believe she left Haven earlier today."

"She did? Is that true?" I asked, nudging my bond with the realm.

Haven appeared in the air, dressed as usual in his full plate armor.

"Yes, my lady. Elise is, as well."

"Did they say why?" I asked.

He shook his head. "No, but I suspect something happened. Fate asked that I keep a close eye on the realm and ensure our defenses are in order."

My tail started to twitch, this time with trepidation. The corner of Rivlitt’s lips twitched, barely restraining a smile.

"H-hey," I said, hiding my tail behind me.

His smile escaped. "My apologies. It’s just that in all my years, I’ve never once met such a powerful being with so little regard for concealing their intentions. Under normal circumstances, kings would prostrate if you frowned at them wrong, and yet you’re so unguarded."

"I-I’m sorry," I stammered, shrinking behind Haven.

He waved, simultaneously producing a small basket wrapped in a handkerchief from his sleeve. "It’s merely a novelty, nothing more. In fact, I find it endearing. Power always brings politics, and it’s nice not to worry about that with you."

"So...can you call me Xiviyah?" I asked.

He arched an eyebrow. "That would be most disrespectful, Oracle."

A light chuckle from Haven caused us both to look up, but I cringed again as he ruffled my hair with a gauntleted hand.

"Do as she asks, remnant," he said, letting his hand rest between my horns before lifting it away. "Didn’t you just say the lack of decorum was refreshing?"

The innkeeper hesitated, eyes flitting between Haven and myself. A glass somehow appeared in his hand, and he began polishing it, muttering to himself.

"Fine, fine, as you wish. But it’s not easy to change the habits of a thousand years."

"But you’ve only known me a few weeks," I protested.

"You, yes. But the Oracle? A long, long time."

I titled my head, but it was Haven who answered.

"Oracle is a title that belongs to the ruler of the Realm of Fate. Naturally, that title fell to Fate, but as this is no longer her Divine Kingdom, most remnants have bestowed that role on you."

"Our lives are bound to you, after all," Rivlitt said. "Now here, take this. I suspect you will want to see Fate?"

Tentatively, I reached across the counter and picked up the basket. It was warm and smelled of freshly baked bread.

"Thank you," I said, holding the handle in both hands and offering him a slight curtsy.

"It is my pleasure, my...Xiviyah."

The remnant glanced at Haven, who gave him an approving nod. The spirit turned and laid a hand on my back, guiding me toward the door. Over my shoulder, I caught a final glimpse of the remnant polishing the glass as he stared after us, eyes fixed on my twitching tail. A slight smile creased his lips.

"They’re all so...unique," I muttered as the door shut behind us. "Why do they all have to tease me so much?"

Haven smiled, rubbing my back gently. "Many spent their entire lives living by the sword and protecting entire worlds from demons. The years have not been kind to them, and they’ve languished in the dark for longer than any being should. But now, I think you’re starting to remind them of what they used to be. You’re their star now, and I think they’re rather fond of you."

"But I haven’t done anything," I protested.

"Not yet, but stars aren’t meant to warm but shine. And everyone here can see where your light is leading to."

"I wish I could," I said, fidgeting with my skirt. "But I’ve seen more futures than I count, all of them dark. There’s blood, war, and death coming. No one else seems to understand that. No matter what I do, so many people are about to die."

"They will, little one," Haven’s voice was soft and reassuring. "And when that time comes, they’ll need a light. Just like you did."

"A starless night?" I whispered, gazing up at Haven’s bright, twinkling stars.

He hesitated a second before answering. "Perhaps, but perhaps not. You’re not powerless anymore, and neither are your allies. No matter what path fate leads you down, you won’t face it alone. This realm will follow you to war, should you wish it."

"Maybe then the remnants wouldn’t always be so sad," I whispered.

His translucent face creased in a smile. "I hope so, little one. I hope so."

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