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Zahhak never had any attachment to his parents, mostly because there weren't any to hold attachment towards, his father had sold him off upon learning he resembled his mother, and his mother was never in the picture in the first place.
His pathetic father had already passed away by now. Being just a human, he was but another trivial creature who would be forgotten amongst time. Hardly worth remembering.
His mother on the other hand… Zahhak would never admit it, but he was always curious to know who was foolish enough to entice his father. It had to be a shadow elf so he'd done his research, and yet nobody in the tribe in the forest matched his features. Neither did the women in the history books.
His inherited Pure White Hair, who was responsible for passing it on to him? It was a burning question during his youth, but he ended up setting it aside as his answer could not be found in Natalon.
Ran too could not help him. Despite travelling the whole world, never did he find a shadow elf that resembled him.
Though he explained that he passed by Erasia much sooner than the other lands, which gave Zahhak an ironic semblance of hope that… a certain answer, or even a certain person could be found there.
Ever since they first set foot upon Erasia, the homeland of the shadow elves, he had kept an eye out… Just in case.
Commander Brieg with his pearly white hair was his first clue to there indeed being shadow elves here with features that resembled his. It however ended to be both a blessing and a curse, as this made his search all the more difficult, even if it was no longer in vain.
“Zahhak?” Ran asked him, waking him up from his daydream, noticing he had been restless for a while now. He could tell, of course he could. “Something wrong?”
Amid and Fenris had already fallen asleep in their tent, so now it was up to the two of them to stand guard. Ran insisted on staying up with him, so here they were, sharing a quiet moment next to the fireplace.
Zahhak sighed and thanked him. A little relieved, to be honest, as no matter what, the family and fondness he had found in Ran was irreplaceable. “This might be a foolish question on my behalf…”
“Yes?” Ran shifted closer.
“Nevermind. Forget the notion.” Zahhak wanted to stand up and leave, but was quickly pulled beside his friend.
“I've lost too much time by not listening to you.” Ran met his gaze, the two of them just sitting in silence, neither willing to move. “Whatever is on your mind, I want to hear it.”
Zahhak let himself sink and admitted defeat. It wasn't like he didn't want to confide in Ran, or didn't think he'd take him seriously, he just felt this was a trivial problem of his own to worry over.
“Do you…” Zahhak closed his eyes. “Do your parents ever cross your mind? Even after all this time?”
Ran was a bit surprised at the question, but answered with honesty. “They do. They tried the hardest they could to protect me, and thanks to them and a twist of fate, I got to know you.”
Though a bit caught off guard, Zahhak continued. “If by some miracle, they happened to have survived, and are out there somewhere… Would you want to see them?” Zahhak asked further, with Ran taking his time to carefully answer this question.
“I’m afraid that's not possible since they died right in front of me.” Ran chuckled to assure him he didn't take the question the wrong way. “I'd love to see them again though, and as time goes on, I know it will happen someday.” Ran leaned against him. “Who knows, maybe I'll introduce you both to them? I'm sure they'd be fond of you and Amid.”
Zahhak was at a loss for words. “Don’t expect that day to come anytime soon.” He sighed. “After all that we've been through, the last thing we need is an untimely death of one of us.”
“Now that the three of us are together, I can't see that happening.” Ran smiled gently, throwing another log of wood into the fireplace. “Just speak whatever is on your mind.”
Zahhak turned his head to look Ran in the eyes, comforting little suin eyes as they were, and nodded. “I admit I had one ulterior motive for coming here to Erasia, with you all.”
“And that is?” Ran asked curiously.
“There's someone I'm looking for.” Zahhak answered. “Someone whose existence I cannot be assured of. In truth, they may as well have never even existed.”
“...Who is it?”
Zahhak paused for a few seconds, laughing at his shocked expression as if he was planning to keep this a secret. “A woman.” Zahhak swallowed that thought. “...My mother, specifically.”
Ran couldn't help himself from letting his mouth fall open, he was surprised, but figured the conversation was clearly leading up to this point. “I see.”
“It is a childish notion. Pay it no mind.” Zahhak quickly said. “Come what may, I will prioritise our safety above all else.” He averted his gaze. “It was nothing more than a foolish idea for in the unlikely scenario she ended up being someone with authority amongst the shadow elves… Perhaps she could be motivated into aiding us. That's all there is to it.”
Ran looked at him with worry in his eyes, but he wouldn't press him on it. He would not force the truth out of him. As long as he spoke his mind at all, if even a little bit, he would be satisfied.
“Are you two done yet?”
Ran and Zahhak looked over to see a bored expression resting on Fenris’ face, his demeanour gave away that he must have been up for quite some time. “You can't expect anyone to be able to sleep through all that yapping, can you?”
“...Anyone?” Zahhak looked over his shoulder and noticed that quick flinch from Amid’s figure. “You don't need to pretend... I apologise if I woke you.”
“No, it's not your fault.” Amid rolled over. “I was nervous anyway, since we're supposed to meet the Sovran tomorrow. I really couldn't sleep.”
Zahhak nodded. “How much have you heard?”
“N-nothing much! I mean, it's not like it's any of my business.” She looked at Zahhak, who wasn't mad yet could see through her oh so easily. He'd rather she just be honest. “I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I'm sorry.”
“It's fine.” Zahhak smiled back. “I've lived with secrets long enough, I should be more honest now that I can.” He admitted. “And you're right, we should finally get to meet the Sovran tomorrow… Royal etiquette can be tricky, so I had Emperor Zio write this letter. This should give us easier access to an audience with her.”
Ran looked at the handwriting and laughed. “Something tells me you wrote it and Zio just signed it.” He could tell by the elegant and profound wording compared to the lazy signature underneath it.
“The contents of the letter is what matters.” Zahhak hid the envelope back in his sleeve. “However if you must know; Yes, Zio wanted to join me. Unfortunately for him, he was duty-bound. Adin and Sharun will be assisting him on the list I left behind, they should be finished cleansing the land by the time we return to Natalon.”
“I'm not going to pretend I know who these people are or what you made them do.” Fenris laid back down and turned his back to the rest. “Can we go to sleep now? Save your energy for the road ahead of us.” He yawned. “Or don't. I don't care.”
“Sleep well, brat.” Ran pushed Fenris aside and took his spot between him and Amid, turning his back to the young shadow elf boy. “How about you Zahhak? There should still be some space next to him.”
“Your hair takes up enough space for two…” Fenris groaned, choosing to let it go and focus on preserving his strength for everything he's going to have to put up with later.
“Just sleep.” Zahhak replied. “I'll be satisfied sleeping against that tree over there.” The two of them hesitated at first, but eventually came to accept the reality that their tent was simply too small to fit four people. “I'll wake you when the time comes. For now, may your dreams be as peaceful as the color white… Which includes you too, Fenris.”
“...Night.” Fenris mumbled.
The following morning’s preparations were surprisingly normal, as everyone was fixated on their goal for the day. Fenris had the most trouble waking up, but a sturdy head pat from Ran always goes a long way.
In response Fenris jumped at Ran out of reflex, but it had no effect. He looked more like an angry cat than a real threat, and Ran made sure to let him know that.
“You'll need to build a bit more muscle before you can even think of overpowering me.” Ran shrugged him off and raised his hand to help him get up. “You ready?”
Fenris pushed his hand away and pouted. “Don't help me up, you're the reason I'm down on the ground.”
“His logic is sound.” Zahhak retorted, directing his sarcasm towards Ran before helping Fenris up himself. “Unlike your logic, Ran.” He smirked. “Despite your genetic advantage over me, you've yet to win over me in an honest duel.”
“Huh?” Ran blinked. His expression quickly warped into a competitive one. “Is that an invitation? Wanna go a few rounds? It’d make for a good morning exercise.”
“There's no time.” Fenris complained as he dressed up and fine tuned his bow, before he gestured towards the path they had to take. “If we go now, we'll make it before sundown and have a better chance at meeting the Sovran. According to Fumyr she never accepts visitors after dinner time.”
“Should we bring a gift?” Amid asked. “What would she like?”
“I don't know.” Fenris sighed. “Fumyr never pays attention to that stuff. Too boring, she says.” He started leading them towards Skuggiheim. “I guess I saw them playing chess one time. Maybe she's into board games.”
“Chess?” Zahhak paused, remembering Zio loved playing chess as well. “Does she have a competitive personality?”
Fenris took a few seconds to think it over and then concluded he was right. “She loves debating, but not losing them.”
“A sore loser, huh.” Ran laughed. “No matter where I go, I always find them.”
“You're one of them. I'm not surprised.” Fenris retorted, jumping ahead to avoid the kick coming from behind. “Case in point.” Ran clicked his tongue, composing himself.
“Nevermind that, Zahhak, what are your thoughts?” Ran quickly changed the subject, and Zahhak picked up on it. “How should we approach her?”
“I’ll handle the majority of the talking.” He told him. “It would be best not to underestimate her, and adapt to her personality and habits accordingly.”
“Good luck with that.” Fenris stated. He had seen her only a few times, and always had this uncomfortable feeling during those encounters, like she insisted on her dominating presence. “I just realised I never told you her name, actually. Try and remember it; the Sovran’s name is Harsetti.”
As soon as he heard it, Zahhak felt a sudden chill slide down his back, which was odd considering the name meant nothing to him. He had never even heard it before until now. At least, that's what his common sense tried to tell him.
“Is everything okay?” Amid asked, worried because she noticed a change of emotion in his eyes, one she recognizes from whenever Zahhak realised he made a mistake or potential error.
“It's nothing.” He scolded himself for being so easy to read. “I didn't think to ask before as there seemed to be no relevance to it.” He walked up to Fenris and gained his attention, trying to be discreet, he asked. “What is her appearance like?”
“Are you saying it's relevant now?” Fenris wanted to ask, but he had a knack for knowing what questions not to ask people. It helped him avoid conflict. “Her height is average and people always compliment her on her beautiful appearance.”
“...Anything else?” Zahhak insisted, to which Fenris once again chose not to pry.
“She has long white hair and red eyes. Though Fumyr told me that if you get close to her, you'll notice a hint of blue as well.” Fenris continued without thinking much of it. A mere coincidence at best. “Kind of like yours.”
“I see. Thank you.” Was his only response. Zahhak gently patted his shoulder as an act of gratitude before focusing solely on the path ahead of him. Fenris could tell he had much to think about, so he once again chose to be the silent company.
They arrived in Skuggiheim not long before dawn, with enough time to seek an audience with the Sovran.
As expected, Fumyr was waiting by the front gate, standing next to Brieg who despite their earlier violent encounter, was at peace today. His guard was still up, however, ready to summon his blade at any moment.
“Cut that out!” Fumyr nagged at Brieg, who only ignored him, his eyes fixated on the one he duelled with. “Let bygones be bygones, who cares that your squabble ended in a tie?”
“Fumyr.” Fenris stated. He didn't need to say any more before Fumyr completely forgot about the commander and jumped towards him, taking him in her embrace.
“My dear, dear, dearest Fenris!” She cuddled him forcefully, he didn't bother to fight it with a blink expression on his face. “When that information broker told me you would come visit with new friends, I was taken aback to say the least!”
She took a good look at the group, judgemental like a protective parental figure would, but chose not to make any comments.
“Heh.” Ran tapped Amid on her shoulder, discreetly whispering in her ear. “She acts just like Aria does whenever you're around.”
Amid giggled. “It's comforting knowing he has people who care about him.” She turned to Ran and held his hand, before grabbing Zahhak’s hand as well. “I hope you will allow us to introduce ourselves.”
Brieg rolled his eyes but made no comment. He simply ordered the gate to open and went inside, almost as if to signal for them to follow once they were done.
“Overseas, huh.” Fumyr said, slightly interested in hearing more, which Fenris knew was only for her research. “I won't welcome you just yet, that's clearly ‘Setti’s job, I'm sure you understand?”
“I suppose that would be appropriate, given this visit has diplomatic motivations.” Zahhak answered, to which Fumyr shuddered as his resemblance to Brieg was too uncanny to her. “...Did I speak out of line?”
“What? No! Ahahaha… Haha…” Fumyr pulled Fenris close, looking deep into his eyes. “Keep him away from me. One Brieg is already too much for me to handle!” Was clearly her message, and Fenris sighed, agreeing quietly. “That's my good boy!”
Right after they entered the palace, they were met with a cold decor, the icy blue walls welcoming them. It was a complete opposite of Zio’s palace which was decorated with warm amber walls.
Both were equally intimidating, not that this mattered as now it would be far too late to back down.
“Inside this room, her Majesty awaits you.” Brieg announced, behind him were two short shadow elves with grey hair. A boy and a girl, both identical in appearance. Siblings, most likely.
“Give ‘Setti my hello’s or whatever. I'll be in my room, so if you need anything, feel free to look for me.” Fumyr gave Fenris one last firm hug, evidently that invitation was only meant for him, not that it looked like he'd take her up on it. “Buh-bye!”
“Let's not keep her waiting.” Fenris said, allowing the guests to enter the room first and only following from behind after a quick exchange with one of the two siblings.
The brother, Ragnvald, winked, promising to keep Brieg busy so he wouldn't eavesdrop on the conversation. “Anything and everything for my little brother, right?” Begrudgingly, he received the high he was looking for. “Let's go, Pernilla.”
Inside the room, all the carpets led to the centre, in which a large throne stood. Zahhak had learned that the size of a throne often scaled with the confidence of its keeper. Zio often asked for a bigger one.
Throne aside, they quickly noticed the room was vacant aside from them. The Sovran they were promised was nowhere to be seen, at least, until a door opened from the other side of the room.
There she was, overbearing in presence and overwhelming in beauty.
She didn't speak a word, and had her eyes set only on her throne before even acknowledging her guests. Then, after sitting down, resting one leg above the other, did she look at the four of them.
“Welcome to Skuggiheim.” Her voice was neutral, yet elegant. It revealed neither benevolence nor prejudice. “Whether you've heard of me or not, I am the current Sovran, Harsetti. I believe introductions are in order.”
Zahhak laid eyes on her, even locked eyes with her, and even though she was waiting for a response, he was only silent.
“Zahhak.” Amid tried gently calling. “Zahhak.”
“Zahhak.” Ran called for the last time, nudging him from the side, which finally pulled him back from his thoughts. “What happened?”
“...Nothing.” He answered. He couldn't make sense of it, so he wouldn't even try. He quickly brushed everything aside and introduced the three of them as Shadow Elves from Natalon, and pulled out Zio’s letter. “Emperor Zio could not attend personally at this time, so you may direct all your grievances to me, and I'll make sure to deliver them.”
Harsetti smiled as she accepted the letter, she knew that the one who was really in charge of things in Theranhad was right in front of her. Something in his eyes gave it away. “You’ve come a long way. Has the journey treated you well?”
“It was more than satisfactory.” Zahhak replied, choosing his words carefully in her presence. This should be like second nature to him, he'd done it for generations back in Natalon. So why did he struggle in front of her?
“I’ve been made aware of your scuffle with Commander Brieg.” Harsetti suddenly brought up, with a hint of excitement in her voice. “Very impressive. The outcome resulted in a draw, but his expression convinced me his opponent must have been holding back.”
“Commander Brieg is very formidable in his own right.” Said Zahhak, indulging her in this topic. “It was by no means an easy fight.”
“Many subjects would work themselves to the bone, just for a hint of my praise or recognition.” She explained, directing her focus to his face, thereafter to his ears, realising an important fact. “I suddenly find myself having the urge to praise you further, even though you are not pure blooded.”
“I make no effort to keep it a secret.” Zahhak answered, gesturing for Ran to keep calm, knowing he could easily take that comment the wrong way.
Harsetti tapped her fingers on her lap as she analysed him, in ways this man she had never met before reflected traits she recognized in herself. He had a firm dedication to his self righteous cause, that much was clear, just like herself.
He had a need to be the one in control, even if he wasn't the most powerful figure in the room. An expert in emotional manipulation, hidden beneath that stoic subservient posture.
Though, by the looks of it, he carried a self contained greed he must have spent years upon years to suppress. She felt he wanted something from her, yet made no effort to ask it, even after receiving the opportunity on a silver platter.
What was the reason?
“Fenris.” She suddenly spoke. “Escort those two to the guest rooms, have the commander know they're now considered my guests.”
“Hold on, just us two?” Ran interrupted. “I don't think I feel comfortable leaving my friend here by himself.”
“He won't be by himself.” Harsetti snapped her fingers and had a servant bring in a table with a box on top of it. “He will accompany me for a single round of chess.”
Amid tried to calm Ran down, who was more confused than anything at this sudden development. “He can handle himself.” She insisted, desperately hiding her own concern. Against their better judgement, they eventually did leave for their rooms when Zahhak told them it would be alright.
“You've got quite the loyal friends there.” Harsetti laughed as she fixed up the chess pieces and picked up the Black Queen. “You may refuse participation, if you so desire. However, if you win, I'll grant you anything within my capabilities.”
“...And if I lose?” Zahhak asked.
“There's nothing you have that I want.” Harsetti smiled, fiddling with the queen piece. “As long as you provide an entertaining match, you'll have nothing to lose.”
“Very well.” Zahhak sat down, picking up his first pure white pawn. He had plenty of experience playing chess with Lua and Zio, both being very cunning opponents in their own right. Still, his current opponent was not to be underestimated. “I'll have the first move.”
“As you wish.” She agreed happily.
In a way, their match reflected the history of their respective continents. Both Erasia and Natalon had their own chess strategies. Only Lua knew Zahhak had invented a few strategies himself, and that he passed the credit onto certain nobles to both gain their favor and keep the fame away from him.
He looked at her pieces, the way she handled them and followed the Queen Piece in her hand until she lifted it in the air, which turned his attention towards her expression, and in turn towards her eyes.
He realised it all too quickly, taking a deep breath and forcing himself to calm down, prioritising their game above now being aware of the fact she had the same shade of blue in her eyes as he had. Fenris was right.
“Did something catch your eye?” Harsetti asked, placing down the Queen and choosing to move another piece instead. “You may concede if this is getting the better of you, regretful as that may be.”
Hearing that, Zahhak exhaled a sigh of relief. That competitive provocation woke him up just right. “There will be no need.” He answered, boldly picking up the White King himself and moving it straight away. “I'll feel regret only after everything is done.”
“Finally.” In turn, Harsetti picked up the Black Queen and moved it forward for real this time, meeting his determination. “I do oh-so hate wasting time.”
One play followed the other, then another, and in quick succession they each sacrificed a pawn at their disposal to claim their next victory.
Harsetti smiled for the entire duration of the game. Normally, she'd be bored by now. Not today however, not up against him. This was the only remarkable game with the only remarkable opponent she remembers ever having.
Eventually the match slowed down and they both thought their next move through, with it coming down to one final play.
In front of him, two choices.
He could let her win, and amuse her, not risk angering her and potentially find out her benevolence and hospitality was all a facade. That would be the safe choice. It would be respectful, at the very least.
He looked her in her eyes, contemplating what he normally does, hoping to find his answer in them.
“I suppose I ought to ask again.” Harsetti leaned in, trapping him in their song and dance of unexplainable familiarity. “Did something catch your eye?”
Zahhak reached for his piece that would allow him to lose this game, the White Queen, remembering last placing it on E7.
Only to find it was no longer there.
Harsetti sat back in her seat, seemingly unaware of what had taken her opponent by surprise. Logically speaking however, there was only one explanation.
“Plans are crafted to be executed.” She said, guiding his hand to the White King, before slowly lifting it to knock over the last remaining black piece on her side. “Just like how games are played to be won.”
Zahhak quietly sighed. “It seems I won this round.” He crossed his arms, frustrated, feeling like he lost more than anything. “Why make that choice? What did you gain from it?”
Smiling, she said. “I chose to sacrifice one kind of victory to earn another. Whether it's due to fear for my status or their incompetence, my games never last long. I'd rest better knowing my victory wasn't shallow.” She snapped her fingers again and had a servant take away the chess board. “That, and you intrigue me.”
“How much could a half blood possibly interest you?” Zahhak asked her, ignoring her mind games. “Rather, what about me interests you?”
Slowly, her hand reached for his hair. She toyed with it, for the first time that day carrying a blank expression as she did.
Zahhak allowed her, questioning the purpose behind it. Though he let his boundaries be known through a fixed gaze.
“You must be taking good care of it for it to remain this shade.” She said, “I used to have hair just like this.”
The room was quiet, but not tense after Harsetti said those words.
It didn't seem like she would say anything either, leaving the acknowledgement of the topic up to Zahhak.
“Is that so?” He spoke up, a curious expression on the Sovran's face as she awaited what would come next. “I would assume it to be a coincidence.”
Harsetti blinked. “That would be the natural assumption.” She pondered quietly, now unwilling to let it end here but struggling to find a way to continue the topic.
“...That aside, you now owe me that favor, since I won.” He claimed. “Can I rely on your continued aid during my stay here in Skuggiheim?” He noticed Harsetti hesitated for a moment, so he leaned in. “You may concede if this is getting the better of you, regretful as that may be.”
Hearing those words, she was amused and gave in. “If that is all.” She replied, reaching for his hand to shake it.
“I would also enjoy another round of chess, if time allows.” He added, surprising her. “I think by then… I'll have had enough time to think things through.”
“You're asking for quite a lot.” She smirked, entertained. “Make that two rounds, I would hate to let our score end in a tie.”
“Assuming you win two rounds in a row.” He smiled back at her. “It's a deal.”