The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"A secret."

"What secret?"

"Answer a few questions for me. If you respond well, I'll ask my mentor to intervene, at least giving you a three-month reprieve."

Alavin met Mariela's gaze, understanding her intent. "Do you want to know about the Chained Spirit?"

"You answer, and I help. You refuse to answer, and I refuse to help."

The matter of the Chained Spirit had dragged on too long, and Mariela had to account for it to her mentor. It concerned not only Botanic Haven but also Cobalt Strike. She was willing to help Alavin, but she had her own responsibilities.

Alavin hesitated for a moment, pondering, "What does the Chained Spirit mean to you? If it's a threat, why not eradicate it? If it's not a threat, why seal it within Botanic Haven?"

"That is a secret of Botanic Haven. I can only tell you it was a matter of necessity."

Alavin considered for another moment, then nodded, "Ask."

"Is the Chained Spirit inside you?" Mariela inquired seriously.

"Yes!" Alavin formally admitted.

"Have you made a deal with it?"

"Not yet."

"What has it told you?"

"It is from the Warrior Tribe of the East and wishes to return there as soon as possible."

"Have you agreed to help?"

"I haven't decided."

"Is it weak?"

"Presumably."

"Why did it choose you?"

"I'm not sure."

Mariela felt she had a grasp on the situation. "One last question."

"Go ahead."

"If my mentor doesn't help you restrain the Grand Elder, how confident are you in protecting Stormcast?"

"Not very."

"Is it not very, or not at all?" Mariela needed to remind Alavin that if they helped him, it would be akin to saving Stormcast. He had to remember this favor when making deals with the Chained Spirit in the future Alavin shook his head. "Nothing is certain, if no one in Cobalt Strike aids me, I may have no choice but to pledge my service to The Covert Bloodlore Society."

"Do you truly believe that's your only option?"

"What other choice might I have?"

Mariela suddenly scoffed, "Are you still fixated on that girl? Did she bewitch your soul with but a single perch upon your bedchamber?"

Alavin stared at Mariela and suddenly laughed, "Why... your tone... it's rather peculiar..."

Mariela responded coldly, "Don't flatter yourself. I'm simply lamenting on Celesse's behalf."

"I am offering myself to the Bloodlore, not to Eyla." Alavin eyed Mariela, then pointed at his own face and then at hers. "Your cheeks are flushed."

Mariela, acting on impulse, touched her cheeks but noticed Alavin's sly grin. Her expression was dark, and she slapped Alavin across the face. "You bastard!"

A knock suddenly echoed from the door.

"Who goes there?" Alavin composed himself, while Mariela stepped back five paces.

"It's me," Oda peeked in playfully, her big, round eyes scanning them. "Helna sent me to deliver some things to you."

"What things?"

"Let's be clear, this wasn't my doing. Helna arranged it." Oda stuck out her tongue playfully and pushed the door open.

"My lord, my lady," several maids entered, one carrying bedding, another holding a washbasin, and another with sweetmeats, all of which they placed upon the bed. They bid them good evening with suppressed giggles and retreated.

Alavin's face was streaked with disbelief, and his eyes twitched. What was the meaning of this?

Mariela truly lost her composure this time, standing still, unsure whether to stay or to go.

In the courtyard, Balder was utterly baffled. "Did I misspeak? No, I clearly stated there was nothing between them!"

He had come to find Alavin, but Helna had inquired about the situation. He spoke the truth, but in the blink of an eye, Helna had arranged for the delivery of bedding.

"I do fancy that lass," Helna gazed at the stone cottage.

"But this..."

"I'm creating a bit of intimacy, fostering their affection, who knows? It might just blossom into something real."

Balder looked at Helna deeply, giving a thumbs-up.