The Realm of Austur Episode 2: New Consequences

That last question was more complicated than Vincent would have liked. If it made our inevitable parting once your training is done easier... Than yes. You're so kindhearted, little one... But all humans hate what they fear, and fear what they can't understand... You will be no different. I will try to help you understand, but that will not keep you from hating me.

"There will be no need for me to do so," He replied at last, after a long moment. "I told you before. I am not an easy Master to train under, and your training will take a long time. The human mind is a fickle beast, and humans are all too quick to forget, even when they once swore not to. You will hate me eventually. It is inevitable."

He began to walk down the stairs, towards the city.

Vincent waited at the bottom of the stairs for Elia to join him, which she did after a few minutes. They walked through the giant stone archway together, and he pointed at it as they passed. "In olden times, they called this the Arcen Dias, or Mountain Gate, roughly translated to the common tongue."

He took the long way back to the palace, showing her the sights on the way, as he had promised. He showed her the old residential districts, and the trade districts, where the famous open markets were once held. He explained the significance of trade in old Gorgath, and as he described the wondrous city in its prime, the love in his voice was clear. For he did love this city, in a way that defied explanation, in a way that few could understand. The city was like a father to him. When he touched the stone, there was warmth in it, like an old hand-me-down coat, or a mother's smile. This city was his home he told her, and it is the only home he has ever known.

He showed her the old Ironworks and the public forges, and the irrigation system that drew water from streams outside the mountain and purified it with heat. He explained how he had tried his best to preserve the city, but in the end, there was only so much he could do for the old girl, and that pained him greatly. When they finally reached the Palace, and the colossal gates opened at his approach, he remained silent for a few moments and basked in the splendor, just as he had done when he first saw it, so very long ago.

"The Hall of the Mountain King," Vincent said finally, a note of reverence in his voice. "This place, at least, I have been able to save. It is the same as it was when Gorgath was in its prime. Well, Elia? Are you ready to step into the past?"

"Three thousand years and some change if my memory hasn't completely deserted me," Vincent replies, smiling at his student's wide eyed look. "It has a very long and decorated history."

He led her into the palace foyer, a small room- small only by comparison- that opened into the Great Hall beyond. The Great Hall truly lived up to its name in every way possible; put simply, it was magnificent. The floors were of polished white stone, and a long crimson carpet ran down the center, leading all the way to the golden throne at the very back of the hall. Four long dining tables, also of white stone, lay on either side of the carpet, with brilliant royal purple and gold tablecloths. There were eight tables in total. Two spiral staircases stand on either side of the throne, leading to the second floor balcony, which snaked around the upper portion of the rectangular hall. Above that was a high domed ceiling, painted with lavish murals, and a brilliant mythril chandelier. There was another door to the left of the throne which led to the King's chambers, and a door on the right that led to the royal Kitchens.

"The guest bedrooms are on the second floor in the East Wing," he says, pointing to right side of the upper balcony. "You can have any room you wish in that hallway. They're all quite respectable, as they're used for personal guests and friends of the King. Would you like to get situated while I make dinner?"

Home sweet home," Baron proclaimed as he flew open the front door. "So we are really going to meet him?" Catie asked with anticipation. "I really think you should reconsider," Sam bemoaned. "Hush now where would that be i know she kept her personal belongings?" Baron said deep in thought. "Sam are we sure this house doesn't belong to anyone?" Catie asked a little concerned. "Well people don't want to live here because of well they say this is house is cursed?" Sam whispered to Catie. " What are we sure we should be here?" Catie asked. "I don't want to be Cursed," Catie squealed as Sam made a motion implying people were referring to Baron. " You say something Sam?" Baron said as he was tossing around random objects. "Where could she have put it?" Baron asked a little frustrated. "Honey, what's that envelope over there?" Catie said while pointing at the table while Baron just face palmed. "Sigh, I wonder what I will find?" Baron said hesitantly making his way to the table.

"Baron everything okay you seem hesitant about something?" Catie asked in a concern matter. "Well I am nervous about what I will find?" Baron replied nervously. "What if? What if I am leading you two into a trap?" Baron said. "What would I say to him?" Baron said gazing towards the letter. "Really all we had to hear about was how you couldn't wait to see him," Van said. "If you are going to wuss out I will take over and tell you what the letter says," Van told Baron. "Fine since you are being sooooo impatient I will go and get the letter," Baron said.

Baron made his way to the letter on the table and the seal placed on the letter disappeared. "See Sam probably just gave the letter to the wrong person," Baron teased Sam. "So here goes nothing," Baron said as he opened the letter. "This is....," Baron said as he looked at amazement at the letter before him.

"I don't care much for Cleatian food, but that's about it for preferences."

Elia began to walk to the staircase, but stopped after taking only a few steps. When she turned around, it was clear that she was slightly uncomfortable with the situation and the thought of just sitting in her room for so long.

"Are you sure you don't want help? I don't mind at all. I learned a few things about cooking over the years."

Vincent led Elia into the royal kitchens, a very large room with multiple sections and areas. Unlike the majority of the palace, the floors and walls were stainless steel, and coated with a fire retardant paint. There were many counters, and stoves, and ovens, and several large freezers and cupboards. All in all, the kitchens had a very modern feel, and Vincent liked it that way. He made sure all the appliances were up to date, not just in the Kitchens but across the palace, even if that meant a shopping spree. He was a creature of comfort and habit after all, especially at his age. And caring for a dragon wasn't as easy as one might think...

It took him a few minutes to decide what to make, but he eventually settled on a simple venison and vegetable dish for two. It wouldn't take that long to cook, and the dish just so happened to be an old dwarven favorite. He sautéed the vegetables and diced the venison, and had Elia help with a signature sauce of white wine and spices. He finished grilling the meat, tossed it in with the mixed vegetables and wine sauce, and laid it over an open fire. After it was done, he served the dish with a bottle of wine and a glass of water.

He and Elia ate silently, at the dining table closest to the throne. "How is it?" He asked after a while, breaking the silence. "I hope it's not too fancy. It isn't exactly the original dish, but it's something the old dwarves used to love. Is there anything else you'd like to know about Gorgath? I can give you the full tour of the palace tomorrow, if you wish."

Vincent returns the smile. He doesn't miss her attempt at conversation, but... He doesn't exactly have a lot of practice being social. He rarely talks to anyone, even himself. "Thank you," he answers kindly. "I don't usually cook, so I was afraid I would have lost my touch... Immortality isn't all it's cracked up to be, you know. It deprives you of life's simple pleasures, like waking up hungry in the middle of the night, or hearing your own stomach growl. Now that I really I think about it... I haven't cooked dinner since... Since..."

Since Silver left. It's only been a couple weeks... So why does it feel like she's been gone for years?

Vincent softened considerably. He honestly didn't know what to say to that. Such kindness, especially from someone who was practically a stranger... It was completely unknown to him. He sipped his wine, while trying to figure out what to say.

"Thank you," he said finally, smiling slightly. "I'm not used to such kindness... I'm not used to being treated like... Like I'm normal. It's been a very long time. So thank you. Maybe someday I'll be able to take you up on your offer."

He finished the last of his wine and dinner, and wiped his mouth on his napkin. I don't want to ask... But I need to gauge her reaction. I need to know where her vision ends and her prejudice begins, if I am to broaden her mind.

"Tell me Elia... What would you think of me, if I told you I was the Shiryuan god of death? What would you do, if I told you I had murdered hundreds... No, thousands? How would you react... If you learned your teacher is the most infamous serial killer in history? Hypothetically speaking, of course."

Yet again, you manage to impress me young Elia... Not many could retain their composure after being asked a question like that... Or... Is it just because you don't realize I'm talking about myself? Is that it, I wonder?

Vincent leans back in his chair and nods. "Yes... He tried many times. This man... His name was Lazarus. He spent decades helping the people he had hurt.... Under a different name, he devoted himself entirely to healing the sick and protecting the innocent. But... He could not find redemption, not from himself, not for what he had done. Eventually, he decided his only alternative was death. He wanted an escape, you see. A way to escape from all the pain. As the story goes, he was saved by a dragon... She healed his soul, or at least what was left of it. But he could never forgive himself. Tell me Elia... What would you say to that man, if you were ever to meet him? Would you be able to forgive him?"