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In the Land of Arborea	By : Sweetsong22 Category: +S through Z > Tera Online Views: 6239 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter 17
          The city of Velika was absolutely beautiful. It was on a smaller scale compared to Allemantheia but that seemed to make it all the more welcoming. It may have been minus the imposing glistening towers of the Elven city but it did possess the towering giant wheel structure that had nicknamed Velika the city of wheels. The official Federation buildings were decorated with blue and white tapestries and the occasional flowering vine curled around the marble structures offered a lived- in feel.
          Saeylas was onboard the second of two airships that had departed Allemantheia late that morning. They had arrived as dusk was settling over the city. It had been fairly easy to get Sarrion to take him along. His excuse was partly true, he'd never seen Velika and knew there were colleges here as well for him to begin his studies. But in truth, his intent was to continue to pursue Luceus. If perhaps the General would not give up on the golden haired elf, then perhaps Saeylas could reveal what poor qualities Tristtan seemed to possess, then that would change Luceus' mind from him. Sarrion had offered to have Saeylas stay with him and he was grateful. He wanted to keep a low profile until he was ready to make his move. He knew Luceus had a hearing scheduled in the morning. Perhaps he'd be given an opportunity to speak with him afterwards.
          Sarrion had left their shared apartment for his office to do some preparation, which left Saeylas free to explore the city. He followed the marble walkways and soon found himself in Freedom Plaza. The large owl statue in the centre of the courtyard was the representative animal of the goddess Velik, the city's namesake. With the largest bank and trade brokerage all within the vicinity of the Valkyon Federation capital building, it made for quite a bustling atmosphere.
          Saeylas had coin provided by Luceus' people and could have experienced for the first time, the simple life of a consumer. His old life seemed but a memory and he knew that big cities would always be a draw for him now. Many different races congregated in Velika, and for a man who'd been sheltered most of his life, Saeylas was fascinated by them all. They ranged from the short in stature Popori and Elin, to the majestic Baraka's and Amani's. He'd dealt with his fair share of Human's and High elves, but was amazed to see the melting pot they all created within this city as they went about their business. Saeylas was about to seek out a restaurant for an early dinner, when a familiar blond haired elf caught his attention.
          It was Tristtan.
          Saeylas didn't care for the intense dislike that overcame him whenever he saw his fellow elf. But alas, it could not be helped. Tristtan was the one person that stood between him and the General. The lighter haired male had not noticed Saeylas and was clearly only passing through Freedom Plaza. Sarrion still had not informed him where the couple were staying. Therefore, Saeylas decided it was time to take matters in his own hands and immediately began following Tristtan discreetly. He tracked him through the city streets and down a majestic flight of stairs until they came to the crafting district. Saeylas waited outside for a few minutes after he saw Tristtan enter an archery supply store. He wondered if he should wait for the boy to exit or simply follow him into the store to garner the confrontation he longed for. He knew that revealing himself early to Tristtan would axe all hopes of him following the elf home, but he had the option of attending the hearing in the morning which would give him another opportunity to see Luceus.
          It seemed that Saeylas' patience had withered thin since his liberation from Clovon and he quickly moved forward and entered the shop. There was a few patrons about, but he immediately noticed Tristtan leaning over a display case that housed a long bow made of a dark colored wood. It wasn't long before Tristtan's eyes met his but there was no surprise in their blue depths. When the other elf returned his gaze to the case, Saeylas moved forward purposefully.
          "Well, aren't you going to ask what I'm doing here?" Saeylas interjected when he realized Tristtan seemed intent on ignoring him.
          "You're free to go wherever you please, and as long as you respect mine and Luceus' relationship -- I really don't care what you do."
          "Has he told you anything of our time together?"
          "He chose to spare me the details, although it doesn't lessen what you did for him." Tristtan was not lost on the fact that the other male was spoiling for a fight which was ludicrous at best. Any physical fight would see Tristtan the victor since Saeylas had no combat training. But if it was a verbal battle the boy was looking for Tristtan didn't care to belittle him for he had saved Luceus' life.
          "Was he perhaps sparing your feelings as well?" Saeylas would never have dreamed of using the following information as ammunition, but it seemed that it would do just fine in this case. "My step-father was going to kick Luceus out before he recovered. It would have killed him. Therefore I did everything I could to make certain that wouldn't happen, including selling my body to the highest bidder." He saw when Tristtan's eyes widened and realized his words had prompted the desired effect.
          "Have you taken to using lies to torment me?" Tristtan wanted to know.
          "Why would I lie to you, knowing that Luceus can clearly corroborate the truth."
          "You expect me to believe you sacrificed that much for him? You barely knew him." Tristtan didn't want this to be true. But if it was, he couldn't blame Luceus for not telling him about it, he wasn't even certain how the General could have brought up the subject. But it didn't help to find out in this manner.
          "When have you ever sacrificed anything for the man you claim to love?" Saeylas wanted to know. He'd been expecting some strained response or even an act of rage from his fellow elf, but surprisingly all Tristtan did was turn around and leave the store.
OOOO
          "Tristtan, you're still awake." It was close to midnight when Luceus finally returned from Sarrion's office. The hearing was early in the morning and their prospects were still not looking good, not without a confession forthcoming from Reginaldd Stanhope. Luceus had expected to find Tristtan abed for he'd told him not to wait up for him when he'd left earlier that evening. However, it soon became clear to him that the boy had something heavy on his mind. He looked so small and frail, curled up on the sofa within their rented quarters.
          "Tristtan, are you alright?" He noticed when his lover forced a smile but could not maintain it for more than a few brief seconds. Luceus knew instantly that something was wrong. He crossed over to the smaller male instantly and sat beside him. "Tell me.." He knew no other words were needed.
          "Actually, that's what I need you to do..." Tristtan began. "Tell me, what really happened between you and Saeylas?"
          Luceus shook his head in confusion. Tristtan had seemed intent to put all this behind them, but now... "I don't understand, why bring this up now?"
          "Saeylas is here in the city." When Tristtan saw no surprise on Luceus' face he surmised, "You knew."
          "Yes, Sarrion told me, apparently he's rooming with him temporarily. I suspect he'll soon return to Allemantheia. Now what is this about?" Luceus demanded. "You know Saeylas is no threat to you."
          "I just want to know the truth," Tristtan began. "He told me... that -- that he had to whore himself to save you from being kicked out." When he saw Luceus lower his gaze, Tristtan felt as if he'd been gut punched. "By the gods, it's true."
          Luceus sighed before running a hand through his hair. "I didn't know about it firsthand, or believe me I would not have asked him to sacrifice himself like that for me."
          "Well, it proves one thing." Tristtan knew his eyes were filled with unshed tears as he met Luceus' gaze. "He really does love you. He believes that you two bonded, that it couldn't have all been in his head."
          "And perhaps it wasn't. But do not forget, I couldn't remember who I was," Luceus began. "You are the only one for me, and if I could have remembered that, then Saeylas would not have been sent mixed signals."
          Tristtan stood up and strode across the room to the fireplace that was unlit. The only light in the room came from a standing lamp that lead to the sleeping quarters. A dark shadow would continue to loom over them until they heard the judge's decision come morning. But it seemed their problems would still not be over after that. "I can't blame him really, since I know from experience how easy it is to fall in love with you."
          "Tristtan, I will speak to him again and make him realize that --"
          "No, just let him be," Tristtan interjected. "Clearly Saeylas has been through hell and I'm not going to add to that."
          "That's because of who you are. But I won't have Saeylas coming between us like this. Not when there is nothing truly there." Luceus crossed over to his lover and hugged him from behind. He held him that way for several minutes as no further words passed between them. When Tristtan finally turned in his arms, the desire was evident on the younger man's face. Luceus slanted a kiss across his lips before easily lifting him in his arms and taking him into the bedroom.
          An hour later after Tristtan lay asleep and sated in bed, Luceus made a discreet communiqué call to Sarrion. He hated to wake the lawyer if he was already asleep, but there was something he needed the man to do for him.
OOO
          "I'm not really sure what I should wear to court." Dawn had just broken and Saeylas stood fully dressed in a long sleeved tailored white shirt and fitted black pants. The black loafers on his feet completed his attire. He was certain he'd been awake far longer than Sarrion and had caught the man as he emerged from the bath chambers dressed in only a long towel that covered his lower half. Saeylas avoided staring at the legal man's bare skin as much as possible. But what he had seen proved that Sarrion was no white collar slouch. He was muscled in all the right places and had a drool worthy body.
          "It doesn't matter, you're not going," Sarrion stated.
          Saeylas' mouth opened and closed at least twice in his shock before he got words out. "But...I want to be there to support Luceus."
          "I know exactly what you are about, and you may as well quit while you're ahead." Sarrion closed the distance between them realizing that their height difference may intimidate the boy, but it couldn't be helped.   "Luceus is not going to leave Tristtan for you."
          Saeylas shook his head in denial. "You don't understand, you never will."
          "Oh?" Sarrion crossed his arms over his bare chest as he regarded the High Elf somberly. "Then enlighten me."
          "We were constantly under the gun in my stepfather's house. We had to look out for each other the best way we could. It was inevitable that a strong bond would form between us, and I'm almost certain that Luceus will be unable to deny that. It's greater than anything he's ever formed with Tristtan."
          "That's where your wrong," Sarrion began. "The events leading up to Luceus falling into your care, shaped them more than you could imagine. Tristtan was an archer at Herald Fort -- Luceus command post. And he'd been taken by an enemy general who had only wanted to use him as a pawn to hurt Luceus. Despite the degradation, the rapes, the beating and the torture that Tristtan suffered, he never blamed Luceus for any of it.   And Luceus himself was hell bent on finding Tristtan, and setting him free. However, it seemed fate inspired to keep them apart through Tristtan's parents. In fact the two wanted nothing more than to be together. Luceus had gone to Allemantheia to collect Tristtan but had been intercepted by the boys' parents. He was tortured them dumped in the river which led him to your doorstep. And now you know that the sacrifices they made can not be cast aside in light of yours."
          Saeylas was utterly stunned by this revelation. He'd always assumed that Luceus wouldn't want to discuss what had led his body to be dumped on the riverbed that day, so he'd never asked him. He figured eventually he would learn the truth but there was no hurry. In actuality, he couldn't help being grateful that fate had led Luceus to him but he had no idea what the general or Tristtan had been through before as a result. "I -- I didn't know."
          "Yes, but ignorance is not always bliss. You stay here today." Sarrion walked away in dismissal. When Luceus had called him last night and informed him of Saeylas' true purposes, Sarrion couldn't believe he'd allowed himself to be used like that. A part of him had thought to send elf packing back to Allemantheia but he would wait. Perhaps this new revelation would purport a change in the boy. Either way, Sarrion had more important things to worry about.
OOO
Tristtan was grateful that trusted allies sat on either side of him within the courtroom that morning. Traviis was to his right and had returned with them the day before, but Lycineus on his left had arrived only that morning and had headed directly to court. His gaze rarely left Luceus who was seated next to Sarrion several feet in front of them. They'd had a rough night with all Saeylas had revealed to him, but Tristtan wasn't about to give up on the man he loved. He was more concerned about the Judge's decision and whether or not it would mean a future separation for them. His nerves made the wait so much worse, but within a few short minutes, court was in session.
          The hearing had begun post haste as soon as Judge Phaeos entered the courtroom. Sarrion had thought this to be mostly procedural but was taken aback when the Judge still seemed intent on giving Luceus community service along with an abbreviated prison sentence. "Your honor, for what reason will this sentence stand? My client did not willingly run out on his Tenlis Culpas and you are aware of the reason he hadn't been able to contact anyone."
          "I'm well aware of what you are claiming. And besides the fact that your client's subordinate -- the Corporal Stanhope - wishes to press no charges, it was not the only charge against Magelus. There is also the issue of the death of the boy Curtiss."
          "Are you dismissing the fact that these various trumped up charges were basically Reginaldd Stanhope's attempts at character assassination of my client." Sarrion was failing to hide his frustration as he stood next to a seated Luceus, realizing that he may be failing the General all over again.
          "The fact remains that you have presented no further evidence to clear Magelus' name. His recent ordeals do not earn him a free pass, not when the crimes he committed still stand." Phaeos had been briefed on Luceus' memory loss, but her hands were still tied when it came to issuing his sentence.
          "Your honor, I request a stay on sentencing to allow us to present a clearer defense," Sarrion argued.
          "On what grounds? The sentencing had already been decided before your client went missing. This court has already acknowledged a lower prison sentence due to Corporal Stanhope which was rather generous," Phaeos declared.
          "Then allow me a court recess so I may once again confer with my client." Sarrion was fast running out of options.
          "Denied." Phaeos banged her gavel once and prepared to stand. "This court is dismissed.
          "Wait!"
          There was an initial annoyed glint in Phaeos' gaze when she glanced up and saw that a single man had burst into her courtroom. It didn't take long before recognition hit.
          It was Reginaldd Stanhope.
          Tristtan couldn't believe his eyes from his seat within the small congregation of the courthouse when he saw his father enter the room. He noticed right away that the man's usual elegant demeanor was missing. His clothing appeared to have been hurriedly donned and his usually perfectly coiffed hair was slightly disheveled. It seemed as if he'd perhaps been in a hurry to arrive here from Allemantheia.
          "Your honor, my name is Reginaldd Stanhope, if Council Desmais permits it, I'd like to presented as part of his defense."
          Normally Sarrion would not have agreed to anything of the sort without first speaking to the witness in question. But as it was, he'd already failed Luceus, and there was nothing Reginaldd could do to worsen the situation. But just perhaps he was here to do the exact opposite. "I'll agree to this."
          Phaeos had to admit she was fascinated by this change in developments. "Very well, Mr. Stanhope you may take the stand."
          Sarrion waited until Reginaldd had been seated before coming to stand before him. "Mr. Stanhope, for the record -- please state how do you know the defendant."
          "General Magelus is an associate of my son -- and at one point, I could have been his step-father." Reginaldd kept his gaze on Sarrion, knowing that he could not make eye contact with either Luceus or his son if he was going to see this through. However the surprised muffed gasps throughout the courtroom proved that many had not expected his last statement.
          "Mr. Stanhope, why have you come here today?" Sarrion realized he needed to be a stable voice of reason for the man before him who seemed about to break at any moment. His usually harsh features were absent, and instead he appeared a man ready to be selfless for one of the rare moments of his life.
          "Because I could not allow an innocent man to go to prison for crimes he was not guilty of. " Reginaldd gulped slowly before turning away from Sarrion's stare to gaze at the judge. "Your honor, my council has not been truthful in it's claims against Magelus. In fact, we sought only to get him convicted because of my personal dislike for him."
          "Mr. Stanhope, you are aware that this confession will lead to prosecution of yourself?" Phaeos felt the need to point out.
          "I'm prepared to face that your honor," Reginaldd began. "But the fact remains; that I lied." He finally turned to look at Luceus. "General Magelus is a good man, and I know now that he would never willingly hurt my son or those who look up to him. All of these charges brought against him were due to my inability to realize that. I take full responsibility, and I hope that you will act to release him of these charges as a result."
          "Just for the record, Mr. Stanhope; you admit that all the charges brought against General Magelus were false and fabricated by you and your team?" Phaeos asked.
          "That is correct your honor." Reginaldd lowered his gaze as he could not bring himself to look at Luceus any longer, nor could he attempt to find the gaze of his son.
          Phaeos certainly hadn't expected this outcome, but was left no choice in her next statement. "General Magelus, all charges have been dropped and you're free to go -- Reginaldd Stanhope, you will be taken into custody. Court is dismissed." She stood to leave when the crowd erupted in cheers. She did note when Magelus rushed forward to Reginaldd who had just been slapped with a pair of handcuffs.
          "I don't know how to thank you for doing this." Luceus noted that the man still seemed to have difficulty meeting his gaze. He'd thought his and Laeyla's attempts at getting this confession had failed. But it seemed the older Stanhope male had simply needed more time to come to terms with what had to be done.
          "There is no need; if it hadn't been for me you would never have been in this situation in the first place." He wasn't surprised that the law enforcement officer seemed willing to allow their conversation instead of promptly taking him off to jail. Although he wouldn't have minded being ushered away from the surprised stares. He had well and truly fallen, and was prepared to pay for all he had done.
          "Father..."
          Reginaldd froze, as a voice he hadn't expected to hear spoke behind him. If it had been difficult to face Luceus, the pain was almost insurmountable when it came to facing his son. He'd failed Tristtan so terribly. Eventually he did turn, and the emotion he witnessed on Tristtan's face left him almost undone.
          "Why, why did you do it?" Tristtan had begun to think that he would hate this man forever, but now in light of what Reginaldd had just sacrificed for Tristtan's happiness, he simply had to know the answer to that question.
          Reginaldd swallowed hard as he forced himself to gaze at his son. "Because -- I didn't want you to suffer the same fate as Winstone and myself. My lovely boy, I'm so sorry for all that I've done. But I know that even turning myself in will never fully absolve me of it. " He finally broke their stare to glance at Luceus. "Promise me you will take care of him."
          Luceus grasped one of the man's bound hands in solidarity. "You have my word."
          As Reginaldd was about to be led away, Tristtan suddenly ran towards him and hugged him fiercely. "Father..." Tristtan sniffed as he fought back tears. "Thank you."
          Reginaldd couldn't remember the last time he'd received such a genuine embrace from his son and didn't want Tristtan to let go. Alas, the guard had allowed them enough time to say goodbye and was prepared to escort Reginaldd from the courtroom. He was gladdened that it would not be the last time he saw Tristtan, and was hopeful that the boy would even come visit him in prison. "I love you Tristtan, never forget it." Those were his last words before he was ushered out of the room.
          Tristtan was grateful that Luceus was standing nearby, or he may have collapsed with the emotion that threatened to burst his heart. Instead he found himself held in the General's warm embrace as their friends and comrades surrounded them in their victory. While it might seem as if life would be returning to normal for them, there would forever been a scar on the lives of Tristtan and Luceus based on all they had been through. However, this was a step in the right direction and perhaps maybe one day, Tristtan's family would be whole again.

A.N. One more chapter, perhaps an epilogue left. I'm on a mission to finish older stories since I haven't been able to come up with anything new for a while. But don't get your hopes up for the other ones, I'll see what I can do. ;)
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In the Land of Arborea