Coming Together

A tragedy had encompassed the lands, and no one had been spared from the effects of the Dretch invasion. During that war, all of the races had come together to fight what they all knew was the enemy. Aaricia had been involved in that fight. While perhaps not the most involved, she had experienced her share of the destruction and pain. She had done her best to make sure resources were kept safe and moving between those who needed it. As she had since running away for freedom, she kept herself to the shadows and sidelines to make sure those who might fall through the cracks got what they needed to survive.

Once the war ended, she was able to turn her attention back to those who needed aid in Oba. Those who were beaten down, downtrodden, lost, and alone. The group she had joined so many years ago had fluctuated in numbers with the coming and going of war, but it was growing again. While mildly disappointed that her situation had not yet been resolved, she was proud of the work she had done so far. As fair and regal as she looked, she had grown in strength both physically and mentally. She had gained friends and connections, and was truly able to help those in need. Plus, she still had the love and care of her blessed Jydora and Halim. She felt such joy in watching the pair expand and grow in their free status together. Once repressed and lonely servants, they were now involved members of the community.

Thankfully, her work seemed to actually get a little bit easier after the war. There were still plenty of people who clung to the old ways and were rigid in their beliefs, but many had opened up during the past years. Everyone could see the value and worth of other cultures as the crossing of borders became more fluid. She had never been one to look down on other races or anyone different, but even she could feel herself open up more. When she met with others, she felt less concern about being dismissed as a hybrid or as a woman. The obstacles were still there, but there was a system of support to boost her through the barriers. Some barriers could still not be crossed, even with help, but she did not let that lessen her determination. If anything, it just added more fuel to the fire in her heart. There was always more work to be done.

What did concern her.. was her father. She almost couldn’t believe he was still looking for her after all these years. Apparently, having his daughter fight back and escape his plans had struck a deeper blow than she had imagined. After all, she’d heard that the old man had finally gotten someone pregnant again, and recently had welcomed a baby boy of pure blood; the perfect heir to the family business he had always wanted. Why would he see her as any threat any longer outside of personal vendetta? That was all it was, now; she was certain of that.

However, maybe he did have reason to be concerned? She couldn’t influence the boy directly, but Aari knew that she had to keep her half-brother from turning into their father. She hadn’t fled that life just to allow an innocent baby to take her place. Oh, she wasn’t about to go kidnapping or bust in on her own, but there would be ways. A well-placed nanny would do the trick just as nicely…

For now, she could only continue on as she had been, and that wasn’t such a bad thing. She had managed to upgrade to a nicer apartment by now, and was quite comfortable in her space. Jydora and Halim had gotten their own space as well, right next to where she resided. Aari could smile now at the memory of how Jydora had initially fought against the separation. After all, they had been together since leaving her father’s tyranny. Now though, with a handsome gentleman courting her, Jydora was glad for the privacy.

Aari couldn’t help being a little jealous. Would she ever gain such a companion? She was not certain about being able to handle a relationship while continuing her work. It wasn’t as though no one had approached her on the subject, but it never felt right. Relationships were complicated, and she was determined that she would not continue the ‘family legacy’ of broken homes and broken hearts. She had no time to actively seek out a partner, and the thought of being set up with someone just reminded her of the arranged marriage she had nearly been forced into. She knew it wasn’t the same thing, but that didn’t matter to the scars that remained.

Her life as it was had meaning, and she knew that no companion would change that. If someone came along, that would certainly add to her life. If not? Well, that would be fine, too. Aari enjoyed her life, for the most part, and enjoyed how the world was changing. Who could ask for more?

(( Word count: 856 *5points ))