King Of Limbo



Having reached a mutual agreement, Aron and the aethelian group soon set off. Along the way though, an excited Rorthik couldn't help but already start to ask questions.

"Kolieans rarely alone, you, why? And so young." He questioned, while his hands frantically scratched at his head, occasionally even hitting it. 

Aron observed these actions clearly and wondered just how deep Rorthik's mental instability ran. It was clearly acknowledged by his people as the other Kolieans present didn't comment or react to any of the odd behavior Rorthik demonstrated.

A sigh escaped Aron's mouth as he feigned a dejected expression, "I…", He then proceeded to tell a summarized version of his story, mixed with truth and lies, as some things like how he got separated from his father could mentioned whilst his encounter with Argos couldn't.

He knew too well the greed that most beings possessed, this was especially true in Limbo where survival was a struggle and any advantage could help. Revealing the knowledge he possessed and even his legacy ring would be beyond stupid.

Because of its value, Aron never used it in the presence of others or made it seem like it had any value, at most, it simply looked like an accessory with some mild trade value, not enough to risk one's life over.

This was precisely the conclusion Rorthik reached as he eyed Aron up and down with curiosity. Although he hadn't shown it, he too had been analyzing Aron in his own way.

Despite having come from a race known for it's rather peaceful and passive nature, Rorthik's desire for answers had already made him wiling to risk his life.

Infact, had Aron been weaker, Rorthik would certainly not have come as peacefully and friendly as he had. 

Looking over Aron, Rorthik was inwardly disappointed to see he didn't carry with him any valuables of interest, like books, scrolls, runic glyphs and so on.

In Rothik's eyes, Aron's most valuable possession was the axe hanging off his belt, but Rothik had no use for such a weapon and it was not worth risking his life over. 'Shame a shame, strong and nothing of worth, maybe knowledge possessed is better, yes, yes.'

Aron's appearance had successfully fooled Rorthik into dismissing any thoughts towards trying to use force against him, now Rorthik could only hope Aron did indeed possess useful knowledge and was willing to trade it.

As for Aron, he too had no idea of the inner thoughts currently lurking in Rorthik's mind. He could also only hope that Rorthik could provide useful information, even if miniscule.

By the time Aron finished telling a rough version of his tale, purposefully placing in snippets of information to draw in Rorthik's interest, and it worked. 

Rorthik's already friendly demeanor had become even more welcoming even putting himself in a lower position than Aron when addressing himself. 

"Young ancestor Aron, truly been through a lot, so sorry. Here, welcome to my settlement, will make sure you're comfortable, yes, yes." He happily spoke with a creepy smile on his face as he turned his attention to one of the aethelian escorts before yelling, "You! Tell others to prepare a welcoming feast, hurry, hurry, can't you see guest is famished?"

The aethelian escort was left helpless and could only obey, quickly rushing ahead and to deliver this piece of information. In the meantime, Rorthik sent the other aethelian escorts elsewhere and lead Aron deeper into the settlement.

…

Meanwhile, the aethelian escort had rushed to the settlement's palace, immediately finding a frowning Lufair back on one of the two thrones. The escort took a subtle bow and urgently relayed the message Rorthik had given him.

"Hmph! First he brings in an outsider and now he wants us to go out of our way to serve him!? What is he thinking!" Lufair didn't hold back his rage and vented out loud, causing the many aethelians present in the hall to feel awkward.

Rorthik, despite his mental state was their most powerful, wise and longest living elder, hence the title of ancestor, as he had witnessed many generations come and go. Yet Lufair didn't hesitate to question such a figure openly, but given their relation by blood, it wasn't strange, only uncomfortable to witness.

Before the escort could say anything further, Solair appeared with Sharla in toll, as she approached her throne with a smile. "Dear brother, what angers you so much that you feel the need to disrupt the others finding solace in this hall?"

As she reached her throne, she elegantly took a seat and waved Sharla off, "thank you for your words, Sharla, we will speak another time."

Sharla said nothing and just gave a subtle bow before walking away herself, her gaze searching the room for Mirai's figure, yet she was nowhere to be seen.

Solair then turned her attention back to Lufair, who now explained the situation to her. However, unlike him, she didn't show much reaction. "Hmm, you're overreacting Lufair, grandfather wouldn't carelessly bring a threat into our home. After all he's done for us, is it too much to ask for a little faith in him?"

Her voice was serene but loud, her words making all who heard them smile and pass silent agreement. Lufair noticed this and his frown became deeper. 'She's using this situation to better her image! How dare she? Very well, you will regret the many times you've made me look like a fool Solair…'

Although his mind was filled with raging thoughts, Lufair chose to calm down on the surface, not wanting to fall victim to Solair's tricks.

"I was merely showing concern Solair, unlike you who chooses to ignore the obvious." He replied, his anger somewhat visible on his face. 

Not waiting for her to reply, he turned his attention back to the escort and ordered, "start preparing a feast and entertainment for this guest of ours, quickly!"

Before the escort could leave, Solair stopped him. "Wait! Where is the guest?"

The escort lowered his gaze and spoke quickly, "Lord ancestor went with him to the inner grounds, I dared not to ask why."

Hearing this, even Solair frowned visibly for a moment but quickly composed herself and nodded. "I see, thank you, you may be on your way."

The escort left hurriedly while the rest of the hall was also in some commotion as many aethelians began to make preparations. 

During this commotion, Lufair glanced at Solair and asked, "Do you still think he is sane? Taking an outsider to the inner grounds is akin to revealing the many secrets our ancestors have struggled to keep. Even you and I aren't allowed entry!"

Although Lufair spoke in a whisper, the anger was too much to hide and could be heard clearly by Solair who just sat in silence, seemingly lost in thought. She soon shook her head and stood from her seat. "It's best we also just prepare for the feast Lufair, who are we to question the ancestor?"

Saying nothing more, she walked away, leaving Lufair angrily gripping at the stoney arm rest of his throne.

…

At the same time, in the deeper regions of the settlent, lay the base of the largest tree present in the woodland. This area had only aethelian guards present as far as the eye could see. 

Aron glanced around curiously, wondering if the tree had a sort of spiritual meaning to them but he felt that was unlikely, at least for Rorthik.

It was rare for beings in Limbo above the seventh tier to hold any spiritual or religious beliefs. Why? Because it was at that tier that one begun to understand the delicate intricacies concerning mana. At such a point, most beings realize that mana itself was the greatest foundation to life, not some mystical higher power.

Even if such a power existed, as some religions believed, they described it as mana with a conscious form, which wasn't at all odd. Thus far Aron had encountered such an entity in the form of the mana demon within Evanora.

It was powerful, stupidly so, that even someone as dull minded as Evanora was made into a being few would make an enemy of. The most attractive prospect of such beings though, was they grew stronger naturally, just by living.

It made Aron wonder, with such dominant power, how did the race vanish? Even his father lacked answers to that but he remained curious. Because if the opportunity presented itself, Aron was willing to forge a deal with one such entity.

At this time, the duo arrived at a small cave like opening at the bottom of the tree, it's inside emitting an amber glow.

Rorthik walked over confidently and gestured Aron to follow, but Aron stood for moment and analyzed, making sure they were no runic traps anywhere.

Unlike with most beings, he encountered so far, Rorthik was knowledgeable enough to know how to manipulate runes, perhaps only lacking skill.

Seeing this level of caution, Rorthik could only frown inwardly, 'So young but not naïve… problematic, will have to be careful now.'

Neither party lowered their guard but, on the surface, Rorthik and Arias kept up their acts. "Come in friend, much to learn inside."

After seeing no visible threats, Aron accepted Rorthik's invite.