#nithroel

But just as she is about to take one ofher deep breaths in, the doors finally open. Any hope of 'calm' fliesfrom her head as she bounds away from her attendant, through the seaof elves and council members exiting the too long meeting. They makestartled noises as Selene kicks up purple sparks with each step, barefeet barely having time to touch the floor in her haste.

“Papae, papae!” She calls, bookbound and held high over her head as she grins and races towards theonly other white haired elf currently in the room.

His eyes go wide for a split second ashe catches sight of her racing past guards and attendants, bookflopping around in the grip of her tiny fingers, before they softenand a fond smile overtakes his face instead.

“Story time!” She reminds him asshe carefully pushes the book onto the table in front of him, notbothering to let him stand from his chair as she uses her newlyemptied hands to help clamber back into his lap. Tiny fists grippingand pulling on the soft fabric of his robes until she is comfortablyseated. She pulls the book back into her lap and pats at the covertwice before looking back up at him. “Now?”

“I said after the meeting,da'len,” Nithroel laughs.

Selene looks around the nearly emptyroom, and turns back to her Papae with a pout. “But it isafter th'meeting.”

He shakes his head fondly, head restingcomfortably against his hand. “Surely you'd rather go to a morecomfortable room for this?”

“Nope,” Selene says with anemphasized popping of the P. She lifts the book and motions itcarefully in front of her papaes face. “Story time?”

He finally relents (he always does,Selene thinks proudly), and takes the book from her grip, opening upthe colorful illustrations so that she can see them while he reads toher.

“Didn't I read you this one lastweek?”

“Uh-huh,”

“I'm a great storyteller you know. Icould write a new story, just for you if you wanted-”

“Noooo,” Selene whines,pulling on his sleeve. “I like this one! You do the funny voicesand make the paint go all swirly!”

“You know, stories told through dancecan also be...”

He trails off when she turns to look upat him, eyes unimpressed while she puffs out her cheeks in a veryclear signal of 'No'.

Nithroel lets out an overly put-uponsigh, rustling her curls slightly before he begins to read. A storyof adventure and talking animals and wise spirits helping a young elflearn how to make friends.

Selene falls asleep before he reachesthe last page, and he lets his voice trail off into silence.

The attendant from earlier stepsforward. “Apologies,” They say with a bow. “She just...”

“Ran off,” Nithroel nods. “Iunderstand. We will work on that.”

The attendant holds their arm out,gesturing to his sleeping daughter. “Would you like me to take herto her bed, my lord?”

“That won't be necessary,” He says,dismissing them as he finally stands from his chair, back aching fromthe prolonged position. “I'll take her myself. Thank you.”

It's a long walk back to his daughtersrooms, but one glance at the sleeping toddler in his arms and thehalls fall into near silence rather than their usual ambient noiselevel. She still stirs slightly when he turns around corners, butquickly readjusts and falls back into slumber each time.

He manages to sneak her into her bed,pulling a blanket over her to keep her warm in the cold of the fallnights outside. Nithroel turns to take his leave before he feelssomething tugging on the edge of his sleeve.

Selenes eyes are barely open, petiteolive fingers loosely curled into the silk of his robes.

“M'sorry,” She murmurs, barely awhisper. “T'morrow, you can show me th'dance... I like when youdance...S'pretty.”

Nithroel blinks slightly, beforesmiling and running a hand carefully over Selenes forehead, brushingstray curls away. “I'd like that very much,” He says, placing agentle kiss on her head. “If you'd like, I'll show you how to dancetoo. What do you think?”

Selene gives a quiet 'mm-hm' inresponse, but Nithroel isn't sure if it's a genuine agreement or justa reflexive noise because it's rapidly followed by gentle snores.

He pulls back all the same, and givesher one last smile before silently exiting her room, closing thedoors securely behind him.

Yes, he thinks.

“Thenvunin is very creative! He’s doing very well, especially during story time and our weekly story creation lab,” she says, holding out a glittery purple folder to his attentive mother. Nadas, however, is barely paying attention.

“And he made this amazing little picture of the main character, a giant magical bird. It’s going on the story wall with the others, he did a really great job.” She shows the picture and Mirena beams over it, like a normal parent. Nadas glances at it.

She makes a mental note to herself to give Thenvunin more positive attention, and to make sure his male math teacher is also giving him more positive attention. It doesn’t replace the need for positive attention from one of his parents, but every little bit helps.

“These are wonderful, I’m so glad you encourage creativity,” Mirena says. Kass smiles and nods.

“It’s important to encourage creativity in children. We were wondering though if there are any other desk options? We know this is the second one but –

“Oh no, of course! His comfort is very important, they spend so much time in chairs that they need to be comfortable. Does he have a place he likes to sit and do things at home?”

“Sometimes he sits next to me while I sew,” she says.

“Could you email me a picture of the set up? If he’s comfortable there, maybe I can recreate something here.”

“That would be wonderful.”

Kass writes that note down then looks at the notes she had for this conference. She sighs and leans forward.

“Thenvunin is doing well in all of his studies, but he has been having some issues with the other students. The principle and I have talked with those students and their parents already to stop the issues, but I just want to make sure you are aware of the issues. There have been some cases of bullying.” She keeps her tone measured and sweet, she by no means wants to insinuate that Thenvunin is at fault here, because he isn’t. Kids can be jerks. She loves them, but they can be difficult and mean.

“It’s about his legs isn’t it,” Nadas speaks for the first time, and his words make Mirena frown. Kass struggles herself not to show the distaste.

“Partly, but usually with bullying there are layers to it. It could have started about his legs but now it seems to be focused on his hair. Human boys tend to…shame elven boys for having characteristics they’ve learned to associate with girls. Again, the principle and I have spoken with the parents and the boys, they are being reprimanded fitting for their age and actions. I wanted to let you know so you can be aware of what’s going on and support him. Kids with disabilities are at higher risk for having lower self-esteem. Put the emphasis on what he can do, like create stories, make art, even braiding.”

“Thank you for bringing this to our attention. He’s been so brave with all his physical therapy, he can be so self-conscious about his legs.” Mirena continues to display her attentiveness as a mother. Nadas, however, is just…he’s there but he’s not present. The conversation shifts to some accommodations to made for Thenvunin’s legs and how some of the students like to decorate the braces when he feels up to it. They’ve had to stop using flowers, however, they would have uprooted the whole garden and junk up the very nice braces. Nadas refuses to make any sort of eye contact while Mirena and Kass discuss it, chuckling and smiling that overall his legs have not been that much of an issue as compared to his old school.

But Nadas doesn’t even seem to be aware of the positive, and by the way he holds his head, and keeps his body crossed – he’s not only disinterested, he’s embarrassed. She tries to be more okay with it, but she can’t help but remember Qal’s horror and tumult of emotions when Ash’s magic surfaced. Nadas doesn’t strike Kass as someone who would lash out at his son physically, but she knows that neglect is another form of abuse.

The meeting wraps up well enough, though. Thenvunin is a good student and at least he has one parent who adores him like they ought to. She wants to tell Mirena to leave Nadas, that not only does she deserve a better partner, but that Thenvunin deserves a better father. But Kass holds her tongue, she’s Thenvunin’s teacher, they’re at his school, it’s not the time or place for her to whip out the “I’m a survivor of domestic abuse and I’ve been where you’ve been, I can help you,” spiel.

They leave with assurances from Kass that she will make adjustments for Thenvunin’s comfort and learning. She takes a deep breath and ushers in the next set of parents. A set of three parents. It’s still rare enough for her to take note.

She encourages them to take seats, though since they are the first triad of parents, she has to pull up a third chair.

“Thank you for coming! Let me just grab Aelynthi’s file, the previous meeting ran slightly long, so I did not have time to properly switch between students.”

“That is not an issue, we’re familiar with Mirena and Nadas,” one of them says. They’re all…spectacularly beautiful but the speaker is particularly gorgeous. They must be Melarue, she tries to know each parent of her students, so she did some checking in with the other teachers who’ve had Aelynthi. There’s Faunalyn, Nithroel, and Melarue. Nithroel is Papae, Faunalyn Mamae, and Melarue Nanae. It’s good to be up on other words for parents.

But the point is that all three of Aelynthi’s parents are here and she is getting Aelynthi’s file. She goes through the normal stuff – he’s doing well in his studies, he loves art, she makes sure to compliment his gluing skills (though she makes a point of saying he needs to work on cleaning up, he’s very creative, but he leans on the messy side sometimes).

They all ask questions and are all involved, which is wonderful. Nithroel is probably the furthest thing from an asshole father - engaged, interested, thrilled at his son’s progress, and rightfully concerned over a few things. There was a fight on the playground the other day and mean words said today, all over Thenvunin. Those bullies she had spoken to Mirena about had been scolded by more than just the principal and their parents – Aelynthi was having none of it. Which is good and bad. Good to stand up for your friends, bad because hitting and mean words on the playground aren’t okay things to do.

There are some other issues, however, and Kass isn’t exactly sure how to ask her next question without insulting one or all of Aelynthi’s parents.

“Aelynthi has been showing some signs of distress commonly associated with difficulties at home. I’m not saying he is being harmed, but sometimes when there is conflict between parents, the children will feel it and express their worry and concern in different ways in other places. In Aelynthi’s case he’s emotionally…variable. His moods have been in more flux than normal lately and I just wanted to see if there is anything going on at home so I can help if possible.” As she suspected, they all immediately tense and look away from her. She wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t that Aelynthi has been upset and some of that emotional friability may be one of the reasons he acted out on the playground.

“We have been trying to make it as smooth as possible,” Nithroel is the first to speak.

“Separations are disruptive, Nithroel,” Melarue says and Faunalyn shakes her head.

“I know it is not my business, but if it is a separation, then there are definitely things we can do to help Aelynthi. This is not a judgement at all, merely wanting to help your son.”

“Thank you, we know this isn’t easy on him,” Melarue continues.

“But there is only so much we can do when you insist he live with you on the weekends,” Faunalyn counters. Nithroel sighs and Kass regrets bringing the topic up.

“He is my son, too, Faunalyn.”

“Let’s remember why we’re here, this is for Aelynthi – I understand separations are very hard for the parents, I went through a similar process with my now ex-husband. My daughter didn’t understand, so I’m familiar with what happens. I can set up meetings with Aelynthi and a counselor here if he demonstrates a need. Right now, Aelynthi needs structure and reassurance that just because his parents are going through something, it doesn’t mean you love him any less.” This is very awkward, but the parents seem to understand it at least. They go over a few more things before the meeting time ends and she walks them out. Nithroel and Faunalyn leave together while Melarue lags behind, face devoid of any sort of definitive emotion. Stoic.

She remembers being like that, not willing to let herself feel anything because it just hurt too much.

“He’s very creative, and while he’s been a little upset lately, he’s a wonderful student. You should be proud of your son,” Kass assures them. A smile graces their features and they nod.

“I’m very proud of him.”

“Separating from them doesn’t mean you love him any less than they do, modeling a bad relationship is far worse than showing him that you can do something difficult and still be happy.”

“I know but thank you.”

Kass bites her lip and continues before talking herself out of it, “I found it helped to have an outside voice say it sometimes. He’ll adapt, and he’ll be happy.” She hopes it reassures them while she keeps them company while they clearly avoid meeting up with their former partners in the parking lot. She gets it. At some point, you just avoid the pain.

Their smile turns more genuine and grateful, “You’re his favorite teacher, and now I know why.”

“What a sweet boy! And you are too kind, I’m just doing my job.” It’s her turn to smile, though hers is more bashful than grateful.

“You’re doing a fantastic job, then,” they are emphatic and complimentary and far too kind.

She feels a bit like a cartoon, wanting to sway and go “aw shucks!” But she doesn’t, because she’s not a cartoon, she’s a grownup, and grownups don’t say things like “aw shucks!” when other very attractive adults compliment them. Instead she nods, trying to force the blush to go away and waves to them as they continue to walk down the hall towards the parking lot.

“Have a good night!” She calls.

“You as well!” They respond before rounding the corner out of sight. Right, time to get back to work. The next conference is a bit unorthodox, but it was this or no conference at all. So Kass pulls up skype and calls Selene’s father.

He answers after the second try, clearly not pleased at having to do this. Right, keep it short and to the important points.

“Good afternoon Serah Lavellan,” she greets.

“What did Selene do?” He asks immediately, forgoing any pleasantries. Kass blinks.

“Oh, this isn’t a disciplinary conference. The school likes to have conferences with all the parents to let them know what we’re doing and how the students are doing. Selene is a great student.”

“Then why is this conference necessary? I have a shop to run –

“Serah, there are some things I need to go over with you about your daughter. For the last couple of weeks Selene has been falling asleep in class. It’s usually early in the morning, and it usually helps if she has a snack to help wake her up. At first, I was worried the homework workload was too high, so I reduced it to one worksheet a night. But she still seems to be having some trouble – an earlier bedtime and less screen time may help –

“Selene!” He calls instead. Oh dear.

“Yes, father?” Kass hears a familiar voice off screen.

“Stop falling asleep in class,” he demands. It is a tone of voice that Kass is familiar with. Qal spoke like that to Ash sometimes, to Kass more often. Stop wetting your pants, Ashokara, it’s not that hard! I won’t keep buying you clothes! Kassaran, can you for once just have dinner ready when I get home? Kassaran!

As she said, Kassaran is familiar with asshole fathers.

“Serah, this isn’t something you can command her to stop doing. She’s falling asleep because she’s tired, she’s tired because she’s not getting enough sleep. She needs to be going to bed at eight, at the latest. And I think she may need to eat more. If her sleep is disturbed because of spirits with her magic, then I can recommend some specialists to help her with that. We even have a great counseling team for it here at school. Your daughter is very bright and she is a joy to have in class, I am just worried about the amount of sleep she is getting.” Kass explains, using her authoritative teacher voice. Selene’s father’s face purses, his entire face, it’s quite the expression really.

“Is that all?” He asks and Kass has to force herself not to yell.

“Serah Lavellan, I understand that your wife passed not too long ago. I know it’s difficult to raise a child by yourself, I can give you resources, there’s no shame. There are support groups for single parents with mage children even.”

He looks even more put out, “I asked if that was all.”

Must. Not. Yell.

“No, it is not all. Because I haven’t told you how smart Selene is. How gifted she is and how she could be in the gifted courses if she was getting enough sleep.” It’s important to not insult parents, but it’s also important to advocate for her students. And right now, Selene needs that advocate.

But maybe Kass shouldn’t have pressed that hard because he scowls more impressively and shakes his head slightly as he looks down.

“I do not come into your classroom telling you how to teach, do not contact me and presume to tell me how to raise my daughter. She will stop falling asleep in your class. Good night, Ms. Tashorit.” The skype calls hangs up before she can answer, and it is her turn to scowl. Stupid, asshole fathers. Severely annoyed, Kass makes note to turn Selene’s recess into nap time. If she cannot sleep at home, she can sleep here when she can. It’s not a perfect solution, recess is important, but sleep is more important. It’s only an hour, but…it’s something.

And since this conference ended earlier than expected, Kass packs up and heads over to Ash’s elementary school. Why the schools always schedule conferences on the same days, she’ll never understand. Teachers often have children and need to go to conferences which they can’t do if they’re holding conferences of their own! And not everyone has a spouse who is able or willing to go to the conferences. Besides, Kass wants to be there.

Ash’s elementary school is supposedly only fifteen minutes away from the one Kass works at, but that never takes traffic into account. It takes her forty minutes to get to the school and even with her leaving early, she’s ten minutes late for her own conference. She’s walking quickly, not running, to make at least some decent time. By the time she reaches Haninan’s room, she’s out of breath and kicking herself for not going to the gym more often.

Ash and June are inside the room, playing on a train set. He’s building tunnels and she’s driving the trains through them.

“Mama!” Ash says, jumping up and running over to her for a hug.

“Hey, baby girl. Hey, June-Bug,” she says.

“Hi, Miss Kass!”

“A conference run long?” Haninan asks and Kass sighs.

“Worse, traffic. Alright, kids, can you go wait outside while I talk with June’s papae?” The kids nod and head outside. June grabs an armful of blocks and skips outside while Ash grabs one of the trains. Kass takes a seat and lets out a big breath.

“Is everything going well?”

“She’s great, Kass. She did accidentally torch a folder today but to be fair, another student screamed very close to her and I’m aware of her history.”

Kass sighs, “We’ve been working on her control it’s just the loud noises are still –

“Kass, it’s alright. She didn’t hurt anyone, and the folder was mostly singed, not incinerated. Relax, incidents like these happen with mage children. June the other day accidentally broke a jar full of rice – it happens. School wise, Ash is fine. She enjoys recess and art. She’s also showing to be good at social studies. There is one thing – have you gotten her screened for dyslexia? Her reading speed is slower than average and she frustrates quickly with it.”

Oh, that…that would explain some things. She should have seen it sooner, she’s a teacher after all and Ash has been avoiding reading even at home. That means another tutor expense, most likely. Dyslexia is not debilitating by any means, but it makes things more difficult. And they really don’t need difficult right now.

“I’ll get her tested, thank you for letting me know,” Kass replies. Haninan is about to keep talking when Kass’s phone begins to ring. She fishes it out of her purse with apologies. Shit. It’s the lawyer. She bites her lip and clicks reject.

“Something wrong?”

She sighs. She should tell him, it will start affecting Ash soon so…he should know.

“Qal’s suing for parental rights, saying that I’m denying him rightful visitation, since he just got out on parole. I just…I got out. I got her out and he’s still doing this, so Ash may be…upset soon. I don’t know how to tell her that her abusive father wants to see her and that she has to explain why she doesn’t want to see him. I have to tell this to an eight-year-old. I can’t…I’m so tired of shitty fathers.” She rubs her face, trying to make sense of it. Stupid, asshole, shitty fathers who can’t parent, who refuse to parent, who only know how to hurt the offspring they somehow helped create.

“She’ll get through this, Kass, and so will you,” Haninan says.

“Thank you. So…dyslexia and more calming session for magic. Are there books that she’s shown an interest in?”

Haninan nods and the rest of the conference goes normally. Ash is a good student, and Haninan wants to recommend her for advanced social studies for fourth grade. And if she gets a tutor the dyslexia, she’ll likely catch up to her classmates. She has been hungrier than usual at lunch time and asking to go to the nurse more frequently, Hanina suspects a growth spurt and Kass agrees. Ash grows in spurts, she eats a lot, sleeps a lot, then shoots like up like a weed.

He shows her some of her artwork and her social studies worksheets. Her little gifted baby. And he’s right, they’ll get through this. They got through the worst of it, actually living with Qal. This…this too shall pass and she can be strong for her daughter, even if she has her weak moments.

Kass thanks Haninan and they confirm a playdate for the kids on the weekend.

On the way home, Ash asks if they can have milkshakes for dessert, and Kass can’t bring herself to say no.

At least it tells her that the Templars aren’t working withthe police today. No uniformed backup patrolling the streets to look the otherway when a mage child is dragged from their homes this time.

“Where is your son?” The leader asks, as he steps forward,filling the doorframe.

He has to look up to meet Faunalyn’s eyes, and shecan tell straight away that it puts him on edge. Not enough, though. Not asmuch as it should. But she’s going to let him underestimate her because she’san elf, and female, for as long as she can.

The more of them that underestimate her, the easier it’ll beto take them by surprise.

“I’m afraid he’s at school, messerre,” Nithroel answerscalmly, “May I ask what you want with him?”

“There have been reports of blood sacrifice in the area.”The leader states again, and pushes himself forward some more, until he’s fully inside. Faunalyn and Nithroel step back, Faunalyn’s hand steady on the small ofNithroel’s back.

Let them come inside.Close the door. Muffle the sound. Let them feel in control.

She takes three more steps back, and Nithroel follows.

“Our son is amage, but he hasn’t done anything,” Nithroel shakes his head, voice still calmand steady, smile never wavering.

“He’s unregistered.”

“He’s registered as a mage,” Nithroel supplies, browfurrowing, “He renewed his registration when he turned eighteen.”

“He’s an unregistered bloodmage,” The leader sneers. He’s fully inside now, as are his three thugs.Faunalyn continues to size them up, as Nithroel talks. They’re all carryingfirearms; pistols, by the look of the bulges in their jackets. At least twohave stun batons, and it’s likely they’re carrying warded blades.

She can smell the lyrium on their breath.

“Our son isn’t a blood mage,” Nithroel lies, and if Faunalyndidn’t know the truth, she’d probably believe it. His tone never changes, norhis mannerisms; no visible tells. She feels a warm swell of pride.

“We have reports that he has been using blood magic atschool, and he’s been active on several pro-blood mage websites.”

“It is not illegal, as of yet, to support the rights ofother mages,” Faunalyn drawls, “And you have no proof that he’s used any formof blood magic. This is pure speculation.”

“Look, knife-ear,” Another one of the Templars drawls, “Ifwe say we have proof, we have proof. Now tell us where he is.”

He shuts the door, and puts his hand on his gun.

Faunalyn shoves Nithroel back down the hall and draws herweapon.

The first Templar goes down with a bullet between his eyesbefore he can process that she’s moved. The second goes down the same, as thethird and fourth scramble for weapons.  

She shoots the third in the throat, and he crumples to hisknees, blood bubbling up past his lips as his gun clatters to the ground. Sloppy, that should have been a headshot. I’m out of practice.

The fourth sticks a stun baton between her ribs. 

Her bodyconvulses as 12M volts surges through her, and she lets out a choked cough.

Nithroel shouts something, as Faunalyn slumps forward, andpain lances up her arm as a fourth shot rings out–the Templar with the bulletthrough the throat, one hand pressed against his throat, slick with blood, theother curled around the trigger of his gun.

Shit. Faunalynthinks, as she hits the ground. Her body continues to twitch, as someone kicksher in the side hard enough that she’s certain her ribs are bruised. Steel-toed boots.

“Run,” She manages to gasp out, hoping Nithroel heeds her.

“Bitch,” Theleader growls, and she hears the telltale click of a gun cocking.

Aelynthi escaped, he’ssafe, Faunalyn thinks, as she closes her eyes and waits for the shot.

The shot doesn’t come. Instead there’s a loud crack followed by a groan. Faunalynrolls over, trying to push herself up as the lead Templar slumps overthe coffee table.

Nithroel stands behind him, brandishing the coatrack.

The Templar with the throat wound has stopped moving, but Faunalyncan hear the soft gurgle of desperate, final breaths. He won’t last muchlonger.

Good.

“I…” Nithroel swallows and places the coatrack down. “Is hedead?”

“Only unconscious,” Faunalyn gasps out, as Nithroel helpsher up. Her entire body aches. “I should kill him.” Nithroel makes a soundin the back of his throat and Faunalyn fixes with him a cool gaze, “Vhenan, hewanted to kill us and take our son. He would have killed you without a secondthought.”

Nithroel sighs, “…that does not make it right.”

“Right or wrong doesn’t exist anymore,” Faunalyn shakes herhead, and looks down at the wound on her arm. She needs to get the bullet outbut they don’t have the time. Someone will report the gunshots soon enough, andthere will be police and Templars swarming the place. “This world has gone toshit.”

Nithroel cups her face with his hands, and shakes his head, “Thatdoesn’t make it right, vhenan.”

Faunalyn doesn’t answer, as she moves away from him. She simply pulls out her army knifeand slits the unconscious man’s throat. Nithroel is silent, but she can feelhis disapproval. She wipes the blood off the knife and places it back in itssheath. “One less Templar means one less person going after our son.”

“We need to find Aelynthi.”

Faunalyn shakes her head again, “Not yet. He knows to go toone of the designated meeting points. We know where he’s headed, but we couldbe followed. We need to get anyone off out trail first, so we don’t lead themback to him.” She gives a rueful grin. “Our son can handle himself, Nith. He’sbeen his own person since he learned how to speak. He gets his stubbornnessfrom you.”

Nithroel sighs, and begins binding her arm with a torn piece of the curtains, “I suppose you’llbe needing the case from the closet.”

Faunalyn reaches up with her good arm to touch his shoulder,“I haven’t taken it out to play in a long time. It’s bound to get lonely.”

Nithroel snorts, “I still don’t know why you decided to namea sniper rifle Melarue.”

Faunalyn shrugs, and winces as pain shoots up her arm. “Idon’t know, it just felt right.”