Bringer of Life

“Yeah, I know. Biggest fucking idiot. But, y'know… He was a great idiot.” She let the letters go, having committed the contents to memory. A part of her felt bad for reading them, but she knew he’d understand. Running a hand through her hair, she sighed.

“That’s how she was, according to that old fucker.” Niali sighed, resting her cheek on her hand. “She could’ve written but never sent, like he did. But at least she remembered him. He’s pretty hard to forget, after all. Haven’t seen him except for the times we pass each other on our travels.” He was also the reason she was practically topless, save for the jacket she wore. “Yeah. That’s why he left me, too. He wants to avoid the taboos, even though…” She shook her head.

“If we wait long enough, we’ll see him again. He loves us, so he’ll come back.”

 “Yes, he is. I will not deny that at all.” Altair shrugged his shoulders as he took the first letter from his bag and started reading it while continuing his conversation with the other. “Travelers are powerful and not ones to be trifled with. And I am sure he was a good father to you.” He nodded in agreement, Maira did not forget him. Not at the slightest. Though to hear that Rokuro left the young woman to fend for herself did make Altair frown lightly.

 “I think it is more of he did not want to hurt you. We are both precious children to him. And you have grown into a fine young woman.” Altair noted, then nodded again. “Of that, I am certain. He will come to see us sooner or later.” There was a momentary pause before his gaze turned to his half-sister, as if realizing something, then got out his kettle and this time got out two cups instead of one. A warm smile was on his face. Perhaps she would be okay with a cup of tea while they waited?

“Look, by the time he learned Maira was pregnant, he’d realized she’d hate him for giving her kids that would outlive her.” Reputation for sluttiness not withstanding. Hell, Rokuro had all-night gangbangs with her mother’s race, for fuck’s sake! After all, Sidhe had no sexual taboos. “He couldn’t go back, but… I remember him writing to her. I still have the letters he never sent.”

Niali sighed, folding her arms. “He explained that to me. His ‘reputation’ does precede him, though. Although what you don’t know…” She opened her satchel, pulling out ten letters. “These were addressed to his son, which I guess is you. But, he fucking loved every single person he’d ever fucked. That’s why he kept coming back. And why he cut his hair.” It reminded Rokuro too much of Maira, and he’d made her keep her hair short, too. Easier to keep out of the way while she was fucking, that was for sure.

“She saw him for who he was. And loved him regardless of what he was. That’s the impression I got from the stories he told me over the years.” And she remembered how, as she got older, he’d keep her at a distance. Explained why to her, too. Passing over the letters, Niali sighed. “I read them. That’s why they’re open. He loved you all. And he’s…” She trailed off, looking away, amber eyes glancing to the ground.

“He feels guilty for it all.”

 “… Well, father is the bigger idiot for thinking mother would hate him. For better or for worse, she did care deeply for him, even when she knew she could not have him.” Altair had listened carefully as his half-sister talk. Looking over at what the other had, Altair nodded slowly in thanks and gently took the letters. He did debate in his mind whether or not to read them now or later, however, as he sets the letters carefully into the travel bag that rested on his left hip.

 “Mother would have written letters herself, had she known where he went off to. And I am still grateful to this day that mother never once held a grudge to me or to my sister, Summer. She loved us, even when she knew we would outlived her, she still took great tender loving care for both Summer and I. In her opinion, she thought Summer and I were the greatest blessings we could have ever be given to her.” Altair did recall his mother’s smiling face, her having to hold him and Summer close, sing to them, take care of them, even defended them, sheltering them, supporting them... If anything, Maira loved for her twin kids deeply and would gladly give her life for them, if need be. “Huh, well, makes sense. The few times he did visit, he doted on her quite a bit. When he was not having to make love with her anyway. He even asked me once or twice after mother passed on to have Summer’s hair to be kept short. And honestly, I do not blame you for reading the letters. Curiosity and all.” There was a small passed before he continued with a firm nod.

 “That’s just how mother was. Regardless of the faults, she cares for someone for who and what they are on the inside. And, I honestly think if she met you, she would have welcomed you with open arms as well.” Altair was completely honest in that. And he knew Maira would too, if given the chance. For a fleeting wind, the effect she gave off, or left behind, really left and impressive mark. He gave another sigh before putting away the kettle and the cup. “Guilty…? Well, he’s not the only one. I feel pretty guilty myself. There were times where I had wanted him to stay, even when mother told Summer and I before that he could not and even explained why.” He smiled a little at the young woman. He was not really expecting much from her, and yet, here they were, exchanging information of their rather interesting family. Amber eyes held a warm, forgiving glow to them while he slowly and gently rested one hand on her shoulder.

 “Glad someone does.” Sighs. “And to think, the old fuck went and left me. Can’t blame him, though. He’s been around until I turned seventy. Then he gave me a kiss on the forehead, and walked on off. He could at least write while he’s not out fuckin’!”