Private Tales Answers With the Ancestors

[Saen]

As Talmanes stepped inside, an eyebrow rose. "Talmanes."

The chief said with a frown, brow furrowing ever so slightly as he glanced between the three now standing before him.

"You did not have to ambush me with my daughter at your side." He said with a frown. "Nor anyone else."

He continued, shaking his head as he gestured towards the table. "Sit."

The Chief insisted, but Talmanes shook his head. "I think it best we stand, Tyr'din. This conversation will not be an easy one."

A snort echoed from Saen's nostrils, and he shook his head as he yanked out a chair and obstinately sat himself down. "Go on then."

 

[Tigris]

As Talmanes entered the small, cavernous home of the Chief, Trista followed closely behind him, her heart pounding with anticipation. She glanced over at Tigris, who moved with quiet grace to stand by her father's side. Trista could see the concern in the woman's eyes, mirroring her own anxiety about what Saen's reaction would be toward Talmanes' intentions..

Tigris reached out and placed a gentle hand on her father's shoulder, her touch both comforting and grounding. "It's not an ambush, Father," she said softly, her voice carrying a mix of reassurance and determination. "Just listen to what he has to say." she said and looked to Tal with a reassuring nod.

 

[Tal]

The conversation one not one easily had. Talmanes already knew that the Chief would want to stop him. Though he was of the old ways, clinging to tradition as someone in his position should, Saen had his limits.

Venturing down the path of their Ancestors was dangerous, suicidal almost. The lands their people had left behind were treacherous, more so than the Ash Wastes, more so than any land he had ever traveled. What lay ahead was fire, death, and a pain even the most powerful of their people had been unable to deal with. "I come to you out of respect."

Talmanes began.

"I intend to walk the old road." He said softly, already feeling tension begin to fill the air. "To the City that we lost."

Almost immediately he saw the anger draw over Saen's features. Indignant rage that was born of a man stuck in his own ways. "Are you insane?"

The Elder Tyrian barked.

"Do you know what lays there? Nothing. Not a piece, not a past to be discovered. Death." The Old Man bellowed. "Our people left those lands, left that City for a reason Talmanes. Nothing is wor-"

"I need the rains. Father." The Prince said as calmly as he could manage. Steadying his voice even as he took a step forward. "I need to make them see what they are, what they left behind."

Conviction drew through his voice. "It's the only way they'll see."

 

[Tigris]

Her father looked ready to implode, and Tigris stepped from his side to stand beside Talmanes, only to drop to her knees before her father. "I have heard the stories, as have you, and they are true. And I have seen what has become of Tyr with my own eyes. They are lost, Father, and Talmanes is the only one strong enough to show them the way. We must let him try, before who we are is lost forever."

Tigris reached to take her father's hand if he'd let her. "Please."

 

[Saen]

As Tigris dropped to her knees Saen seemed utterly bewildered. A mixture of confusion and anger flickering over the Chief's face.

He almost seemed to recoil as his daughter took his hand. Fingers nearly snapping away as she pleaded the Prince's case. Lips pressing to a thin line as his gaze swept from Tigris, to Talmanes, and then to Trista. As though he still couldn't believe this was happening. "You're going to die."

The Chief said firmly.

"Do you not think I want to go?" Saen demanded as he pulled his hand away. "Do you not think that I would view what they left behind?"

Anger now rose fully in his voice. "Do you think yourself stronger than those who came before? Stronger than the best of us? Stronger than the Blood Witches of old?"

Saen demanded of Talmanes.

"Do you think you're better than them? That you can walk into a place they abandoned because of the danger and survive? Do you think you can walk where they couldn't?" The Chief Bellowed, his voice booming out into the cavern outside.

 

[Tal]

"Yes." Talmanes breathed softly, the word barely a whisper on his tongue.

Saen's face twisted into a mask of rage as soon as Tal said the word. The Chief's hand ripping away from Tigris' palm. Instantly brought down to bear on The Prince's cheek with a loud smack. It's sound echoing out as Talmanes' head turned with the force of the blow. "Yes."

The Prince repeated, a hand coming up to touch the blood now dripping from his lip. "Because if I don't, then their leaving was for no point at all."

Silence fell into the room, and Saen's shoulders fell.

A loud, long sigh escaping the Chief as he turned on his heel and stalked away from the trio. His body tense with rage and unforgiving anger. "Go then."

He said finally in the dreadful quiet, more than a dozen heartbeats having passed as he considered.

"I will not stop you." The Chief added quietly. "But I will not help."

His voice broke as he added. "I will not help you kill yourselves."

 

[Tigris]

Tigris' heart ached as she watched her father, the man she had always revered, turn away from them. The sting of his anger, his disbelief, and the way he recoiled from her touch cut deeply. Seeing him strike Talmanes and then walk away, refusing to listen, was almost more than she could bear.

I will not help you kill yourselves..

"Father.." she called quietly after him as she watched him leave. A painful lump formed in her throat, but she forced it down, refusing to let tears fall. Her father’s rejection and his words echoed in her mind, each one a dagger to her heart. Her vision blurred momentarily, but she blinked quickly, steadying herself.

With a deep breath, she rose to her feet, her chin lifting in quiet defiance. Her voice, though soft, held a steely determination. "I am sorry, Talmanes," she said, her eyes meeting his, filled with a mixture of sorrow and unyielding resolve. "My father will see.. When you bring the blood rains, when we return, he will see."

She took a step closer to Talmanes, her body language radiating support and solidarity. "We will prove to him, to everyone, that this path is not in vain. That you can achieve what those before could not. We will make him understand."

Turning to Trista, Tigris gave her a nod, her expression softening just a fraction. She drew strength from their shared purpose, from the belief that they were doing what was necessary for their people. "Thank you, Trista, for standing with us."

Her gaze shifted back to Talmanes, and she placed a gentle hand on his arm, a silent promise that she was with him, no matter the cost. "Let’s not waste any more time. We have much to do."

The determination in her eyes mirrored the same fire that burned within the Prince. That burned very much for him.

 

[Trista]

Trista felt a wave of mixed emotions as she watched Saen's outburst and the subsequent strike that landed on Talmanes. a sharp gasp escaping her lips. She stepped forward, instinctively moving closer to her Prince, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and pain. The intensity of the moment hung heavy in the air, and the echo of the slap seemed to reverberate within the small, cavernous home. Her heart ached for the Prince, for Tigris, and even for the Chief. She understood Saen's fear, his anger, and his pain. Yet, she believed in Talmanes' vision and shared his resolve to see it through.

As Tigris spoke, thanked her, Trista felt a renewed sense of determination. She gave a shaky smile as she nodded, though otherwise, she remained quiet, yet to feel like it was her place to speak.

Turning to Talmanes, she placed a hand on his arm, her touch reassuring and steady. She was here, that was all he had to know.

 

[Tal]

For a moment, Talmanes simply stood. Tasting the blood which fell from his lips. He stared at the Chief as he faced away from them, not moving as Tigris' spoke, or Trista touched him. His eyes closing for only a moment as he drew in a deep breath and steadied himself. Another beat of the heart passed, his head shaking. "I am sorry, father. I wish you would have come with us."

The Prince said, his words strained by a genuine plea.

One which did not move the Chief.

Without another word Talmanes reached up and grasped Trista's hand. Gently curling his fingers around hers as he lead her from the Chieftains home. Following after Tigris and moving back into the cavern proper, the soft breeze tussling his hair as he sucked the blood from his lips.

"We'll leave tomorrow." The Prince said softly. "I'll let those in the Caravan know."

His eyes cast towards the floor. "I'm not sure if Saen will let us, but we can ask for some supplies."

There was an odd grimness that clung to his words. It was obvious that he had been hoping for the Chief's support, that a part of him had maybe even expected it. The next leg of their journey would be no easier than what they had faced before, and without help...Tal was determined to make it through, but he needed others to make it too.

Otherwise it would all be for naught.

 

[Tigris]

Tigris ignored the looks and whispers as she led Tal and Trista into the cavern. In such a place, raised voices were amplified, and they seemed to echo on forever. Her father's voice rang on and on in her mind, her heart heavy with the weight of his rejection. She glanced at Talmanes and Trista, feeling a deep sense of responsibility.

"Rest up. I'll get everything we need. I'll make sure of it. Tomorrow, we leave for the Rains. Together."

Her resolve was clear, her loyalty unwavering. Though, it was difficult trying to be loyal to two people that she loved so dearly, all at once. Her decision was made, even if it meant challenging her father's decisions once more. Even if it meant breaking his heart. Tigris turned away, and wandered off, needing the time alone.

 

[Trista]

Trista walked alongside Talmanes in solemn silence, her hand firmly clasped in his. She could feel the tension in his grip, the weight of disappointment and unspoken sorrow that hung heavy between them. As they moved away from Saen's home and back into the cavern.

She gave Tigris a soft smile in thanks before she wandered off, hoping her relationship with her father was as strong as it seemed.

She turned to look at the prince with a soft frown. "I'm sorry," she whispered quietly, "I'm sure he'll understand. He's just afraid.. At least, he has not tried to stop us." she reasoned, looking around at the numerous faces that stared at them..

 

[Tal]

For a time, Talmanes walked with the two women in silence.

Tipping his head in affirmation to Tigris before she ran off, following along with Trista until they two came to a stop. A small smile touched his lips as she tried to reassure him. The warm touch of her skin all the comfort that he could as for as she spoke of the fear Saen might have felt. "No, he's not tried to stop us."

The Prince agreed softly.

"I suppose, in the end, that is all that I can ask for." Gently he reached up and cupped her cheek. His lips pressing softly against her forehead as he took in a deep breath. "I had hoped for more, but this is enough."

Saen would not try to fight them. Tomorrow they would leave, venturing where no Tyrian had walked for nearly three millenia.

There was something thrilling about that fact, but at the same time utterly terrifying. "Would you ready the Caravan?"

He asked softly, but did not command.

"I must speak with Tigris." Talmanes thumb stroked over her cheek. "This will not be easy for her."

 

[Trista]

Trista met Talmanes' gaze, her golden eyes reflecting the love and tenderness she felt for him. Her eyes closed at the touch of his hand on her cheek and the soft press of his lips to her forehead, and she drew a steadying breath. She could feel the weight of the journey ahead and the emotional strain it placed on him, and she looked up at him at the request he made.

"Of course.." she answered quietly, searching his face. Something in her chest tightened, though, at the thought of Tigris. Concern for her, perhaps, the hope that her relationship with her father would not be too badly damaged by her decision.. But also, fear, and jealousy. The way the woman had looked at Talmanes was not lost on her, and nor was the history that they already shared..

Trista swallowed, and nodded, taking a small step back.

"I'll make sure everyone is prepared for tomorrow.." she gave a tight smile.

 

[Tigris]

In the dimly lit cavern, Tigris worked with focused determination, her movements deliberate as she gathered supplies. The stone slab before her was becoming a small fortress of necessities: rations of dried meat, rolls of bandages, flasks of water, and weapons carefully laid out. Each item was meticulously arranged. Her hands moved with practiced efficiency, though her gaze was cast downward, unable to fully conceal the turmoil within. Tyche perched nearby, engrossed in the meal of a portly cave rat, the sound of the bird’s sharp beak tearing into its prey.

The faint light of the cavern flickered off the metallic surfaces of the weapons, casting shadows that danced across the walls. Tigris tried to keep her breathing steady, focusing on the task at hand in an attempt to avoid breaking down completely. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, glistening as she fought to keep her emotions under control.

Each item she arranged seemed to bear the weight of her father’s rejection and her own fears. She remembered his anger, his disbelief, the pain in his voice. His words echoed in her mind, the sting of his refusal still fresh. Despite her best efforts to stay strong, her throat tightened, and she blinked rapidly to keep the tears from falling.

As she placed a final set of weapons on the slab, she could no longer suppress the tremble in her hands. A small vial of healing salve slipped from her grasp and rolled across the stone, coming to rest at her feet. She knelt to retrieve it, her fingers brushing against the cold surface of the slab, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to let the tears flow freely.

 

[Tal]

As Trista tried to take a step back, Tal stopped her. The hand that had rested upon her cheek gently slipped forward, curling around the back of her neck as he tugged her towards himself. His forehead came to rest gently against hers.

"There's no doubts left." He breathed softly. Thumb gently tracing along the back of Trista's neck. His words holding the weight of a world.

"No worries for you to have." Softly, his fingers squeezed against her skin. His words a whisper that only the two of them could hear. "I promise."

Talmanes slid his forehead gently against hers, dragging Trista into a kiss. "You'll be with me until the very end."

The Prince breathed, dragging himself away from her lips.

He was not a fool. Not some love-blind lamb wandering the pasture. He had seen the tightness of her smile, the worry within her eye, the skip within her breath. Talmanes had spent the last decade reading people, learning their secrets and watching the lies which slipped from their lips.

He knew better than to let Trista's concern's slip away. For there was no truth within them.

A small smile flickered on her lips, and his fingers softly squeezed against her flesh before he drew away.

Moments later, the call of his boots echoed out in the dimly lit cavern Tigris knelt within. Tears streaming down her face and slowly falling to the floor. The droplets seeming to thunder down as the quiet shame she was trying to hide echoed in the Prince's presence.

"He doesn't love you any less." Talmanes said as he slowly squatted down besides the woman who had saved his life. "Not even a little."

His words showed a kindness he did not have for many others, and his touch showed even more. Gently drawing over her back. "He fears only for what we may face ahead of us, as any father should."

 

[Trista]

Trista felt the tension in her melt away as Talmanes' fingers traced a soothing path along her neck. His promise, breathed so softly against her skin, settled into her heart. She returned his kiss with a fervor born of both relief, her hands coming up to rest against his chest, feeling the steady beat behind his ribs.

As he pulled away, Trista's golden eyes remained fixed on his, searching and finding the assurance she needed. She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips, her voice a whisper. "Until the very end" she echoed.

She took a step back only when he did, her hand lingering in his for a moment longer before she finally let go. She watched him as he walked away, her determination renewed, and with a deep breath, she turned her attention to the preparations that lay ahead. There was much to do, and she would ensure everything was ready for their departure.

 

[Tigris]

Keeping her head bowed, she turned her gaze away from Talmanes as he crouched beside her, offering comforting words and a gentle touch. Had it been anyone else, she would have torn their face off for daring to so much as look at her right now. Tigris swiped quickly at her tears, though there was little she could do to hide them now. Still, she forced her features into a mask of determination, something hard and fierce, as she was supposed to be. She could count on one hand the times she had cried in her life; she was not one for such emotional displays, even as a child.

Pushing herself to her feet, Tigris cleared her throat, her frown deepening as she dragged her wrist across her cheeks. "I know. I'm fine," she insisted, her voice steadying as she turned her attention back to the supplies.

With a focused intensity, she began organizing the provisions, her movements precise and efficient. Each item she handled seemed to ground her, pulling her back from the edge of her emotions. She glanced at Talmanes briefly, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes before she quickly looked away, burying herself in the task at hand.

"You should go get some rest. You're going to need it." she dismissed as casually as she could.

 

[Tal]

Talmanes couldn't help the small smile that touched his lips as he watched Tigris back. Stubborn.

He thought to himself.

As always. It was not something that he would ever complain about, given that the very quality was the thing which had saved his life. For a few moments he simply watched her pack, his head shaking until she finally tried to throw him out from the hovel.

The Prince stood still for a moment more, and then slowly broke away from the wall he had been leaning against. Slowly he made his way over towards her, making no move to conceal his steps or hide the fact that he was approaching. As he reached her, his arms wrapped slowly around her abdomen. Biceps flexing as he pulled her away from the task she had taken and forced her to acknowledge the moment. "Shhh."

Talmanes said. The Prince offering Tigris a kindness he would offer to almost no other.

His lips pressing softly against the top of her head, his breath spilling out as he nuzzled gently against her.

"It's alright, Tigris." The Prince whispered to his wildling. "It's alright."

 

[Tigris]

Tigris stiffened as Talmanes' arms encircled her, the sudden embrace taking her by surprise. Her first instinct was to pull away, to reject the comfort being offered. But as his words and warmth enveloped her, she felt the tension slowly drain from her body. Her stubborn resolve began to waver, the walls she had built around herself starting to crumble.

She took a shaky breath, her hands slowly unclenching from the supplies she had been packing. Reluctantly, she leaned into Talmanes' embrace, allowing herself to find solace in his presence. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, one she wouldn't permit with anyone else.

Her head tilted slightly, resting against his chest and closing her eyes, drawing strength from the Prince's gentle reassurances. For a moment, she let herself be held, the fierce determination in her heart momentarily softened by the connection they shared.

After a long moment, she wiped at her tear-streaked face and turned to look up at him fully. "He loves you too, you know." she frowned, knowing all she knew about Tal's relationship with his own father. "He didn't mean it." she frowned, reaching up to rest her hand on the side of his face that her father had struck.

 

[Tal]

In truth, Talmanes had no idea if he believed those words to be fact.

He would not have blamed the old chief despising him. From his point of view he was leading his daughter into death, taking a piece of his family away and bringing her to a place where not even her body would survive. That was not something any parent wanted to accept.

But Tal was used to being the villain."Shh."

The Prince whispered to Tigris softly. Fingers winding gently into her hair as he ensured she would not pull away from him.

"This isn't about me, right now." He told her softly. "I'm getting what I want, Tigris. I'm taking everything I want."

Tal admitted softly. Fingers gently stroking through red locks. "This moment isn't for me. It's for you. Take a breath. It'll be okay. We'll do what we need to do for our people, and your father will understand."

He told her. Gently pulling her closer as his free hand wrapped around hers. "You took me where I'd never gone before. Let me do the same for you. Follow me. To the old City, and then to the new."

The Prince asked.

"Come with me." He leaned in close. "All the way."

 

[Tigris]

Tigris pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him, her brows knitting together in confusion. His gentle touch and earnest gaze softened her, but she needed to be sure she understood.

Her eyes searched his face, looking for any hint of doubt or jest. Finding none, her confusion turned to surprise. "You mean, leave the mountains?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The weight of his proposal struck her, and for a moment, she was speechless.

Her mind raced, trying to process the implications of what he was suggesting. Leaving the mountains was unthinkable, an idea that went against everything she had known her entire life. The mountains were their home, their refuge. To abandon them was to abandon the very essence of their existence.

Yet, as she looked into Talmanes' eyes, she saw the unwavering determination and the flicker of hope.

"I..." She hesitated, the enormity of the decision weighing heavily on her. "If I even survive what is to come.. I don't think he'd ever forgive me.."

 

[Tal]

Talmanes did not budge. His fingers remained gently upon her skin, the expression on his face did not even flicker for a second. "The choice is yours."

He would not blame her if she decided to stay. Breaking from her tribe, the only life she had ever known, was not a decision that could be taken easily. Tigris loved her father, her people, and in truth if he could Tal would have taken each and every one of them back to Tyr.

That choice was impossible though, so he could only make the offer to her.

"Stay, or come with me." Tal said softly. "What you are to me will never change. That I promise you, Tigris. I just want to give you the option."

Gently his fingers squeezed hers. "You don't have to choose now."

He assured her softly. "The rains must still be summoned, and we will come back before returning to Tyr."

That much, he knew.

 

[Tigris]

What you are to me..

Her throat tightened and fresh tears burned in her eyes. "You once had an option too.." she said quietly, frowning up at him. He had chosen to leave, and she had been forced to watch him go. "I know you were meant for more, you are meant for more.. But I wanted you to stay." she laughed sheepishly under her breath, her head shaking..

She dropped her gaze. "Do you love her? Trista?" she asked with a soft frown.

 

[Tal]

For a moment, Tal remained quiet, though his grip did not lessen. He did not want her to mistake his silence for objection, nor rejection.

"Tigris." He said softly. "What is love to a man like me?"

He looked down at her. "I've been beaten, broken. Those that have claimed to love me have had me collared and chained. Those who were supposed to hold me dearest thrust me from my home and sent me to my death."

Tal shook his head.

"Do I love her?" He parroted. "How do I answer that, Tigris? I do not know if I am capable of love any more. If it is a thing that they took from me."

The Prince said truthfully. "But I know that she is in my heart, as you are."

"I know that she will not betray me. I know that I can trust her, and I know that she took her life and placed it within my hand." He drew back, gently cupping her cheek. "So do I love her?"

He repeated once more. "No more than I have loved you all these years. No more than I have hoped to dare to have someone more to trust in."

Talmanes shook his head.

"There are two people in this world who know who I am what. What I will do." He admitted softly. "But you will always be the first."

Gently, he drew her closer. "The reason I'm still alive."

 

[Tigris]

Tigris' heart ached as she listened to Talmanes, each word a reminder of the pain and betrayal he had endured. She saw the depth of his wounds, the scars that ran far deeper than the surface, and it pained her to see how damaged he was, how difficult it was for him to even admit to feeling love for someone.

For a moment, she remained silent, her thoughts swirling as she tried to find the right words. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft but steady.

"Talmanes," she began, reaching up to place her hand over his, the one cupping her cheek. "Love to a man like you... is a beacon. It's a light that cuts through the darkness, even when everything else has been stripped away."

Her eyes searched his, seeking to convey the depth of her understanding and compassion. "It's not about what was taken from you, but about what you still have. It's about the trust you can place in someone else, the hope that you can find in their presence. It's not just a feeling, it's a choice, a commitment to stand by someone, to believe in them even when the world has turned its back."

She took a deep breath, her grip on his hand tightening as her voice grew firmer, "You have been through hell, but you have not been broken. Not completely." She leaned closer. "And you, Talmanes, are more capable of love than you realise. Because despite everything, you still have room in your heart for trust, for loyalty, for hope. You still have room for us."

Tears glistened in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "So yes, Tal, you do love her." she simplified his answer for him. "So long as you love me more." she whispered, forcing a smile as a tear fell. "Because I loved you first. And I let you go."