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Licht is acting off.
Patolli watches as Licht was sleeping under the tree he and the others usually hang out at. Sure it wasn't unusual for Licht to sleep under said tree, but he's been sleeping for ten hours now! Even Raia doesn't sleep that long! Not only that, but he looks even more tired than usual. And his mana signature is weakening with each day!
Patolli might only be nine. but he was still very observant for his age. All the adults say so at least. Raia says it like it's a bad thing, but he's just mean. Licht compliments it though. He says that it's a good trait for an elf to have! Especially for one so young!
“Patolli?”
Patolli is snapped out of his thoughts when he hears Licht call for him.
He looks over and sees the older elf watching him with a small frown and a look of worry.
“Are you okay?” Licht asks, feeling Patolli's ears to make sure he wasn't sick.
“Are you okay?” Patolli asks.
Licht tilts his head, “Hm, what do you mean?”
“You've been sleeping more than Raia, Licht. Raia! Not only that but you're always tired and your mana signature is weakening every day!”
Licht hums, seeming to understand now, “Ah, I understand now. Yes, I'm fine, little leaf.”
“Are you sure?”
“I promise. How about this, as a sorry for making you worry, I'll take you out foraging tomorrow. I have a feeling that the weather will be nice, so it'll be perfect.” Licht smiles.
Patolli thinks a little on it before agreeing. He loved going foraging with Licht. It was nice and Licht teaches him so many things during their time out.
(Apparently, the berries, and other fruits that are common foods for Elves, were poisonous to other species! Licht taught him that during their last forage!)
He knew that Licht was probably sick, but maybe the berries would help him feel better!
Soon, Raia joined them and Licht fell asleep once more. Patolli didn't want to deal with Raia's teasing so he said his goodbyes and went to go play with the other kids.
He makes his way down to the valley and meets up with Nia, Lufulu, and Lira. The three were playing a game of tag and Patolli was happy to join. It's too bad that Latri doesn't join them. Then again, it's probably for the best.
“Hey, Lufulu, you cheated!” Lira accuses.
“Did not! You're just slow!” The other defensively replies.
“You're both being stupid.” Nia huffs, Patolli nodding in agreement.
“Nia!” The two whine.
As the three begin to argue, Patolli's mind wanders back to Licht. He wonders if Licht's truly okay or if he was just trying to make Patolli feel better.
He sighs and shakes his head. He's probably just over thinking. Licht would never lie to him. He's probably just stressed from work. Everything will be better tomorrow.
…
Nothing was better.
Patolli watches as Licht throws up in a bin by his bed and Raia holds up the elf's hair as he empties his stomach.
Patolli was standing outside of Licht's hut, after waking up and getting ready, when he heard Licht groaning and moving around like he was hurt. Worried, the boy ran in and saw what he was looking at right now.
“What happened?!” He asks, getting closer.
Raia looks at him with a tired expression while Licht tries his best to give him a small smile but ends up throwing up again.
“We'll tell you after Licht's done, ‘kay, kid?” Raia sighs.
Patolli's ears twitch at the nickname but he doesn't say anything. Licht was sick and in pain right now, so he has to suck it up and make sure that he doesn't stress Licht out more.
“Okay,” He hums, walking over and sitting on the floor beside Raia and Licht.
Around an hour later was when Licht finally stopped throwing up enough for them to have a conversation. Patolli sat on the floor in front of the couple. All three sitting cross legged on the carpet of the hut looking at each other.
“Licht, what's wrong? Are you sick?” Patolli asks, starting up the conversation.
“He wishes- Ow! Licht!” Raia yelps when Licht pinches his arm.
Licht sighs and shakes his head, “No, I am not sick, little leaf. I'm fine.”
“You say that as if you haven't been throwing up the last hour non-stop.” Patolli huffs making Licht chuckle.
“Ah, yes I suppose I do have morning sickness but it's truly not because I'm sick.”
“Then why?”
Raia scoffs, “Come on, Patolli. You're smart. Think about it. Licht's sick, his mana is weakening, he's tired, and he's been clingy. What are all of those symptoms of?”
Patolli scowls before actually thinking. He's seen them before. He remembers Latri's mom had them when she was-
“Wait! You're having a fae-born?!”
Licht nods and chuckles, “Yes, we are.”
We? Oh right. Patolli looks at Raia.
“The hell is that look for?” Raia asks, making Licht sigh.
“How did someone like you conceive a fae-born with Licht?” Patolli asks, making Raia glare at him.
“Now, now, don't go arguing. It's not good for the baby.” Licht says, intervening on their close little spat.
Raia and Patolli groan but agree. They won't fight, at least not if they can help it. Patolli huffs and crawls over to snuggle Licht. Licht cooes and holds him close.
“Aw, Patolli, you're so sweet!”
Patolli hums and looks up at him, “When is the baby due?”
“In about a year or so.” Licht answers, playing with Patolli's hair.
“Kid, won't your mom be worried if you're away from home all day?” Raia asks with a yawn.
“No, she knows that as long as Licht's here, I'll be okay. Can't say the same for you though.”
Raia rolls his eyes and scoffs but eventually joins in on their little cuddle pile.
With the mana of Raia and Licht mixing together, Patolli could feel the little elf growing between the two. He smiles and snuggles closer. Licht was happy, and even Raia was happy. Patolli wanted to keep it that way.
From that day forward, Patolli dedicated himself to being Licht's best caretaker. For the next year, he helped Licht prepare for the new born and took care of small jobs that Licht would normally do.
Soon enough though, it was time for the baby to be born. All the elves in the village gathered around, every last one excitedly waiting for the new Elven child to enter their realm.
The Tree of Life was especially big and beautiful today. The roots were glowing with a sort of light that showed the trees clear pleasure with the new life growing inside of it. The tree was given to the Elven people by the dryads as a gift and thanks for protecting the forest and its creatures from danger while also providing and expanding it. For thousands of years, the Tree has stood in its place for the elves to worship and use for their children. And now, it is Licht and Raia's turn to treasure and utilize its abilities for their own child.
Patolli watches as the tree opens its core to the couple. Showing them their fae-born in the flesh.
With tears streaming down their faces, Raia and Licht present the child to the rest of the Elves. A baby Elven boy was born into the world.
And his name would be Atlas.
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(5 years later)
It was happening again.
Licht and Raia were having more children! Twins this time! Patolli was so excited! Atlas was amazing, sure, but this means he'll get to spend more time with Licht and help him with whatever he needs!
And Raia too he supposes.
Patolli hums as he carries a basket of berries to Licht's hut. If Licht's cravings are anything like his last ones when he was having kids, he'll want lots and lots of berries. Mainly bananas, but still some other ones too-
Patolli feels his ear twitch when he sees Lemiel outside of Licht's hut, clearly wanting to see the older Elf. Ever since Licht made friends with those three humans a year ago, this one's been attached at the hip to him. It was really annoying.
With a huff he walks closer, spooking Lemiel and making the human jump slightly.
‘Good.’
“Ah- Hello, Patri is it?”
“Patolli.”
“Patolli, sorry.” Lemiel laughs.
Patolli just gives him an unamused look before setting the berries down to knock on the door of the hut.
“Hey, Patolli, may I ask a question?”
Twitch.
“Go ahead.” The boy answers, picking back up his basket after knocking on the door.
Licht said not to be rude or mean to the humans, but Patolli wasn't necessarily being rude just… a little dismissive. That's all.
“What's going on with Licht, is he sick?” Lemiel asks in a worried tone, his blue eyes filled with concern.
“No, he is,” What do those humans call it? Ah right, “Pregnant.”
“WHAT?!”
Patolli snickers at the prince's confused and shocked reaction. Before Lemiel could reply or ask further questions, Licht's door opens. Raia stands in the doorway, looking more tired than ever. Atlas was by his leg, somewhat hiding behind it. The boy has short messy hair and similar clothing to Raia, but he had Licht's wide, curious eyes and facial features.
Patolli ignores the shocked mess that Lemiel had become after he told him what was going on with Licht and went inside. He found Licht sitting on his bed, looking even more sick than he was yesterday.
‘Morning sickness does that to you I suppose.’
“Here, Licht! I got some berries for you guys!” He says as he sets the basket on the table.
“Thank you, Patolli. You're such an amazing help.” Licht smiles.
Patolli puffs up with pride before pulling Atlas into a hug and playing with the little elf.
“Licht! Is it true?! Are you pregnant?!” Lemiel asks, getting closer to the bed.
Raia sends a look to Patolli, to which the boy just shrugs.
“I wouldn't call it “pregnant” Lemiel, but I suppose it's very similar.” Licht laughs, easing the human’s concern.
Lemiel lets out a sigh and sits down on the floor next to the bed. Raia yawns and lies down on the mattress next to Licht, wrapping an arm around his waist and kissing him on the cheek. Both of which makes Patolli internally gag. Seriously, how gross are adults in love? Even Licht's too lovey-dovey like this.
“So, how does having a child work for your kind?” Lemiel asks.
“Well, I suppose it's not too different from your people's way of doing it. First you'll of course need to get intimate. Next, the mana particles from both parents will soon merge into one, creating a seed that you'll then grow in the tree of life. From there, you'll have time to prepare the baby while also making sure they're protected in the tree. Soon, the tree will alert you using mana that your child is ready to enter your realm. Our people have a celebration on the day that the child is born. Everyone gets to watch as the child is given birth. It's a truly beautiful experience. One that Raia and I enjoyed much with Atlas and will enjoy with our two twins.” Licht explains.
Lemiel looked like he just witnessed a miracle. It was odd to say the least. Then again, all humans were, so it didn't matter much. But there is also something off about the prince. Like he is hiding something. Like he isn't truly happy for Licht and Raia. Patolli glances over and sees that Raia's probably thinking the same thing.
Patolli turns back to Licht and Lemiel. He can only hope that the underlying situation within the human doesn't cause too much conflict. Licht's always doing so much as it is. He doesn't need some disgusting human making everything worse for him.
…
Licht and Raia's wedding was tomorrow! Patolli was so excited. This was a huge day for Licht! He'd be marrying his true love and officially become the leader of the Elves! It's amazing and wonderful! He's so happy for Licht! And Raia too he supposes.
He runs up to Licht as the older elf was arranging the wedding decorations.
“Licht! Do you need any help?” he asks.
Licht smiles at him and nods, “Yes, thank you, Patolli. I would like some help with keeping an eye on Atlas and making sure he's entertained. Is that okay with you?”
The younger elf nods eagerly before going over to where Atlas was making flower crowns.
“Atlas, are you making flower crowns for Licht and Raia?” He asks, sitting down next to him.
Atlas nods. The boy was always so shy and didn't speak much. It made Patolli happy because he finally had someone to talk to without them trying to talk over him!
“Can I help? It's always much more fun when you have company!”
Atlas thinks for a bit before nodding with a smile.
The day goes by fast and before they realize it, it was already dark. Licht and Ratri came to get them after a few more minutes and Licht picked Atlas up while saying his goodbyes and leaving. Latri and Patolli stand by each other and watch as Licht leaves.
“Do you trust them?”
Patolli looks over to his cousin as the older elf turns his gaze to the sky.
“Who?”
“The humans.”
Patolli frowns and looks up at the sky as well.
“I don't know. I want to because Licht does, but it’s hard. Especially with how that Prince looks at him.”
“Like he's prey?”
“Like he's prey.”
Latri sighs and runs a hand through his white, messy hair.
“Well, let's just hope that isn't the case. Humans can be misleading at times. Unfortunate, but true.”
Patolli nods.
“Come on, Patolli. Let's go home.”
“Coming!”
The next day, Patolli made sure to get up extra early to get his wedding present together and to make sure he looked nice. He didn't want to disappoint Licht, especially not on his special day!
He walks out and runs over to where the ceremony was going to be held. Everything was so beautiful. The altar stood at the far front while there were rows and rows of flowers and different plants all around it. Everything was perfect and Patolli couldn't be happier.
“Patolli!”
The little elf looks over and sees Fana running up to him.
“Patolli, could you go give Licht his veil? I still have to light all the lanterns and I won't have time to give it to him!” She asks, giving him a soft, white veil that was carefully folded with a neat design.
He nods instantly and gently takes the veil into his hands. Fana thanks him before going over to the lantern as Patolli quickly makes his way to Licht's hut.
Inside, Patolli finds Licht in his wedding robes. The soft, light material flowing easily on him, making him look more like a god than mortal. All that was missing was the veil and Patolli was happy to give it to the older elf.
“Oh! Thank you, Patolli!” Licht smiles, taking it from him and having Charla help put it on him. After he is done, he turns around and shows Patolli with a wide and cheerful smile.
“How do I look, little leaf?” He asks.
“So beautiful, Licht. Raia is going to be thankful to be with you in this lifetime and the next hundred!” Patolli smiles, watching as Licht laughs in amusement.
A few hours later, the ceremony began. Patolli stands in the front row with a smile on his face. Though, the smile soon turns to confusion once he looks around.
‘Huh, odd. That prince isn't here.’
He sees Tetia standing beside Fana and Vetto, but he doesn't see Lemiel or Secre anywhere.
‘Where are they?’
He doesn't dwell on it for much longer as he sees Raia and Licht walk down the aisle, arm in arm, looking happier than ever. They both looked so beautiful. So happy. It made Patolli's heart fill as he watched them. He wishes that this moment could last forever.
Soon, Raia and Licht were married and the celebration began. Patolli was the first to run up to Licht and hug him tightly.
“Thank you, Patolli! Hey, isn't your grimoire ceremony tomorrow?” Licht hums, making Patolli's head snap up to meet his gaze.
‘He remembers!’
“You remember?!” He asks.
“Of course! It's a very important day after all!”
Patolli smiles and hugs him tighter, he only lets go after Raia starts complaining which led to Licht scolding him. Atlas soon makes his appearance as he hugs onto Raia and refuses to let him go. Causing the couple to laugh.
This was a beautiful day.
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.
.
Or at least
It was.
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.
.
Patolli couldn't understand what was going on…
It was perfect just a few minutes ago…
He watches as the others all run away in terror and fear. Blood filled on the ground, painting the grass a disgusting red. Elven bodies lie motionless in the dirt, burns and light wounds littering their bodies.
The flowers and plants all burned and unrecognizable. Lanterns scattered on the ground, making the burning and ash worse. The altar was destroyed and only a figure stood in front of it, holding two others.
Licht…
“Licht..”
Patolli screams as he feels the light shoot through his chest and stomach. He feels himself fall to the dirt, blood seeping through his skin and onto his clothes. Soil and ash get under his fingernails as he clenches them into the ground and looks up at Licht.
He was far away, Patolli couldn't quite recognize him. Blood was beginning to fill his eyes as he cried.
“Why.. Why! WHY!!”
THIS WASN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!
LICHT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY!
THE TWINS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE BORN BY THE TREE!
WHY!
WHY WAS THIS HAPPENING!
Patolli feels it as his body begins to shut down.
His vision blurs and he can barely see.
The last thing his vision gives him is the image of Licht standing up and casting a spell.
Then
It all goes dark