Chapter 3 - ' Raith '
The tension in the head office was thick. Standing before his supervisor reminded him of the many scoldings he'd receive at home.
"Qylian! I am speaking to you!" said Vyllot, the head supervisor of the King's Messengers division.
Coming back to the present Qylian mumbled his apologies to the greying old Qilin. Messengers of the throne, it was their job to carry messages, whispers and rumors, to and from those that resided within the castle's walls. At the moment however, this particular messenger could not carry out his duties.
At the beginning of each recruits training a sworn oath is taken. Each recruit swears their allegiances lie with the current monarch and that each and every message reaches the ears of its intended and no one else.
The first part of the oath usually created no problems. Everyone adored the King that ruled. The second part was the reason why Qylian stood before his Supervisor at this point in time. Selling such sensitive information was an offense to the crown!
"One month suspension of duties," said Vyllot.
"What!" Qylian jumped out of his seat causing it to fall over. With both hands slamming on the desk, his anger was easily seen. "What do you mean..." began Qylian.
"Two months suspension of duties, effective immediately!" said Vyllot cutting him off.
Qylian grit his teeth in anger. The old man's words were final. Passing by the fallen chair he left the office space. The sound of quills against papyrus filled the air. The messenger headquarters was always busy. With so many people in need of messages to be sent with the 'most urgency', the work never stopped. Deep, amethyst eyes shook furiously as Qylian bolted through the other messengers.
"What is it this time hothead? Two weeks, no! Maybe four weeks! I hope the information was worth it!" said Raith, a calm, oriental beauty that always seemed to be near when trouble was brewing.
For unknown reasons, the deep baritone of Raith's voice always sent chills up Qylian's spine. Unassuming in size with very feminine features, that voice shocked most after his precious pink lips opened themselves. Qylian turned to face the bane of his existence.
Two pairs of eyes of a deep purple colour glared at each other. Raith walked over to the brooding giant. Easily matching his anger. The older man stood in wait to see what Qylian would do. Qylian looked down on him.
I can't. It'll make things worse.
Turning away, Qylian left headquarters. Raith stared at the broad shouldered man walking silently out the door.
"Vyllot must have worn him down," said Grail. An exact replica of Raith, just a tad rough around the edges. Grail claimed ownership to a sharp mind that went hand in hand with his sharp features.
A look of concern crossed his face upon seeing Raith's expression. Best friends since childhood, the brothers could easily tell when something was wrong with the other. Grail looked sympathetically at his older brother.
Someday you'll get it right.
Taking his anger to the streets, Qylian stumbled into one of the side streets of the market square. Why does he have to be like that! Why does it have to hurt like this? Lost was the vibrancy of his eyes, as tears tinted purple flowed down the contours of his cheeks.
Not only was he suspended and unable to earn any assignments, Raith had to add insult to injury letting all their coworkers know what happened!
Pulling himself together, he activated the magic within himself uttering one word, "Slayvier." The haala, half Qilin and half human took to the sky on eagles wings.
Standing before the Dome, Qylian looked around before slipping inside. It took half a day worth of flight and some running around before he came to the Dome. Showing the guard his pass upon entry, he pulled his hooded cloak closer to his body.
Not needing assistance he climbed the staircase to the top floor. Stopping before the large, golden double doors. He paused. Pushing all doubt aside he knocked twice in a sharp manner and entered the room.
Sheer pieces of fabric of many colours hung from the ceiling, swaying in time with the cool evening breeze. The air held the woody scent of Tisin, a tree indigenous to Xyra that was harvested for its calming fragrance. Passing through the many wide fabrics, Qylian stopped before the four post bed. Through the canopy he could see a body sitting up.
"Don't act coy now," said the owner of the room.
Qylian walked to the edge of the bed. Golden brown fingers parted the curtains inviting Qylian inside. Taking off his shoes, Qylian sat on the edge of the bed. Smokey grey eyes captured his heart. Dressed in thin robes woven of silver and blue threads, Rox stared at the object of his desire.
He smiled, saying, "What news do you have for me today?"
The Crown's messengers filed out of the room one by one. Grail waited patiently for Raith to finish packing away for the night.
"Can we talk about it now?" said Grail.
Raith shot his brother a cold look. Grail shrugged. The two men exited the building. A simple smile graced Raith's lips. Though they were not the most powerful, the form of the Qilins were the most majestic. Uttering the words of the ancients, Raith took to the sky with Grail following closely behind. Xyra's beauty was reflected in Raith's eyes.
I am blessed to be a part of this dynasty.
A strong gust of wind carried him further away from the capital city. Flying low among the trees and buildings, he took the quickest path to their home. Seeing the familiar orange lights, he picked up speed. Grail who had been flying at a leisurely pace suddenly shot past him. Raith smirked.
Oh it's on!
The two ensued a friendly race, aiming to be the first to reach the landing spot on the house rooftop. Claiming first place, with a chest swollen with pride, Grail looked at his older brother who was mere seconds behind him.
"The last slice of pie goes to me tonight!" said Grail with a cheerful voice. Raith smiled widely.
"I let you win you snail!"
They laughed heartily as they made their way down the steps. Parting ways for only a moment, they changed out of the messenger's dull grey uniform in favour of more relaxed clothing.
Feeling comfortable within the four walls around him. Raith released the low bun that hid his beauty. Falling in ringlets, hair as white as snow framed his slender face. The soft light that came from above the mirror cast a golden glow on him.
The door to Raith's room swung open. Standing in wait Grail looked at his brother. He frowned, tilting his head to the side.
"You almost never let it go. What's the occasion?" said Grail.
Without permission he entered the room and stood by Raith's side. They both stared into the mirror. Seeing a disobedient lock of hair, Grail fixed the strand to look like the others.
Irritated did not even skim the surface of how Raith felt, but he would never reject his younger brother. He sat waiting on the moment at which Grail would lose interest in his hair. Massaging the scalp that his fingers touched, Grail played with the body of hair to his heart's content.
"You have such nice hair Rai! Do you think ... he'd ... like it?" said Grail.
Raith stood up as though struck by lightning and exited the room. Words like that would always upset him and Grail knew it. Plastering a smile to his face, Raith prepared to meet the rest of his family for their communal dinner.
Qylian can't occupy my thoughts... not now.
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