Confrontation
Oliver and Dani had commuted up to see us at the North Pole a few times but I knew things were up when Oliver came to see me alone. I daresay he lay in wait for Hue to leave. Hue had been gone just a few minutes when there was a knock. I didn’t bother to look up from where I was working at the desk; I just called for him to come in, thinking Hue had forgotten something. When I heard the footsteps that entered, though, I knew it wasn’t Hue or even Ian. I swiveled in my chair to face my guest.
“Oliver? How can I help you?” I asked.
“Can we talk for a minute? Or is now a bad time?” I motioned to one of the chairs near the fireplace and quickly joined him in the other.
“Sure, we can chat. What’s up?”
He shifted uncomfortably in the chair for a moment. “First of all, how are you feeling?”
“Fine, but I know you didn’t come here to ask me that. Is Dani alright?” A surge of worry shot through me and I think he saw it flicker across my face because he immediately started to reassure me.
“She’s well. This visit is about you. Did you know you were nearing your full awakening?” His voice was soft but stern.
I shook my head. “No, I wasn’t aware, but it isn’t uncommon for extreme situations to bring out a full awakening as a form of self preservation. I guess that’s what happened – Ian would have killed me because I don’t think I would have backed down. I don’t think he would have wanted to, but considering who he is to his clan I would understand.”
“My concern comes from having never seen a Halfling Dragon with your abilities or extreme level of change. It seems unnatural.” He pinned me with his gaze, his eyes drilling deeply into mine.
I shrugged which seemed to make him uneasy. “How many Fae/Darkling Halflings have you known in your life?”
“Maybe three or four,” he answered honestly.
“How many Tempests have you known? How many of them were Halflings straddling that divide?” I leveled my gaze, refusing to let him see any emotion in me.
“I’ve known only one other Tempest besides you and Hudraer in my life and she was Darkling. I have only ever heard of one other Tempest who straddled Fae and Darkling.” He seemed annoyed.
“Hue and this other Tempest – would you say they demonstrate other skills or powers outside of what you would expect in their race?”
“Well, yes…”
I cut him off. “Doesn’t it stand to reason then that I, as an Elf and Dragon Halfling, would also demonstrate talents you have never witnessed?”
He sat quietly for a moment. “Oliver, I’m not sure what you are looking for and I respect your recent promotion within the OAC but I know about your conversation with Ian and this conversation is going no better. If you are concerned about the safety of the population in case I’m not in control, you will be happy to know I am. If you are looking for a chance to poke the new ‘monster’ let me remind you that Ian and Hue BOTH still outrank you.”
He clenched his jaw, his annoyance showing. “Is that a threat?”
“No, you’re my friend and I wouldn’t threaten you over your treatment of me. However, if you disturb Ian as he is recovering or do anything to put Dani in the middle of an imaginary problem, then you can assume I am making such a promise.”
“Why do you care so much about Ian? You chose to meet him on the field of battle.” I wasn’t sure why he was changing topics so quickly.
“Despite what you must think, I love Ian. Did he break my heart? Yes, but that doesn’t change that I care about him. I do also believe that since this problem started between us, expecting some other clansmen to get involved is unfair. My mother is Lady Jura. She holds a title equal to that of Cariss. I am her ONLY child, and as such asking Cariss to allow his heir to duel was a fair trade. The loss both sides faced was fair.” I let out a breath slowly with control.
“What will come of Ian? What is his punishment to be?” Oliver’s tone had changed to a quiet demand.
“Oliver, you are the Lord of a Noble Vampire house. If our roles were reversed, what would you tell me if I asked?” I stayed calm.
“I would tell you our ways and laws are our own and that you are not part of our fold and so have no need or right to that knowledge.” He blinked as he finished realizing he had just answered his own question.
“You are welcome to ask Lord Hudraer when he returns but I have a hunch his answer will be much to the same.” I sighed and smiled. “Ian is and continues to be considered a friend to our nest and clans. I doubt his punishment will be anything harsh.”
“But you cannot guarantee that.”
“You’re right, I can’t.” I shrugged again and got to my feet. “Oliver, I like you and the fact that my best friend seems to really like you speaks highly of your character. This matter is not your business. If you are concerned that I may be a threat to the community I suggest you file paperwork with Marthailain which will then be correctly addressed. Do you have any evidence that I or one of the parties involved broke any Otherworld laws?”
“No.”
“Then I suggest you go home and see Dani. Let us and the Were finish resolving the issue.” I opened the door for him, as I did Hue stepped in, startling me.
Hue smiled broadly at Oliver. “Oliver, to what do we owe the pleasure?”
“He was just checking in on us.” I answered. “But he is on his way out now.” I paused and gave Oliver a large grin. “Unless you would like to have this discussion with Lord Hudraer?”
Taking my hint Oliver excused himself. When he was gone Hue considered me carefully. I felt his mind brush against mine and watched as confusion and anger flared across his face. “Did he threaten you?”
“No, and I made it clear that it wouldn’t be tolerated if he dragged Dani into this either.” Hue nodded then captured me by the waist, drawing me against his chest in an embrace.
