[EASTERN SANTUCARY MARKET/AT THE SAME TIME]
As Oreon was at the waterfall with Aura. Gerhard and Usha guided Celestia, Sylvanie, Mira, and Lena through the lively Eastern Sanctuary. It was a town on a grand scale, not quite a kingdom, but large enough to be considered a sprawling city. Shops, inns, stalls, and music were all bustling with diverse crowds. The city was encircled by a dense perimeter of towering trees, forming a natural protective barrier while leaving the city open to the sky from above.
Gerhard calmly led the tour, while the Elven sisters and Lena stared in amazement. Humans, along with beastkin, dwarves, elves, and other non-human species, were all present. Speaking, laughing, and bartering with each other.
As they continued walking, they made their way to the Eastern Sanctuary Market square. Watching as it pulses with life and color, a mixture of cultures coexist in defiance of the Order's segregated world. Sylvanie's crimson eyes dart suspiciously from face to face, while Celestia's gaze takes in the wander with controlled excitement.
"I've never imagined such a place could exist…So many different people, trading and living together." Her gaze drifted from group to group as she spoke. "It was unheard of back in Vel'Andria.
Seeing Celestia's amazement brought a small smile to Usha's face.
"Centuries," Usha spoke, catching the attention of the Elven sisters. "Centuries ago, this Sanctuary was built." Usha began to explain as they strolled, her calm, yellow eyes scanning the different stalls. "Here, we believe all races deserve a place to call home," She explained, gesturing to the diverse crowd around them. "We don't coincide with Order ideals here; your race or origin doesn't measure your worth, but what you contribute to the community."
Gerhard nods in agreement, his face creasing with pride. "The Order may preach about purity and separation, but here we've proven that diversity strengthens us."
He pauses as they pass a stall where a dwarf artisan is showing his intricate metalwork to an interested group of humans and elves." Each race brings its own skills, its own knowledge. Together, we've built something they said was impossible."
Sylvanie's sharp gaze catches sight of a group of children- human, elf, and beastkin who appeared to be a cottontail female child- playing together near a fountain, their laughter rising above the market's din.
"And the Order just…leaves you alone?" Her voice carries a hint of skepticism.
Gerhard's expression subtly darkens as he guides them past vibrant fabric stalls overflowing with clothing, blankets, and various tapestries.
"Not...exactly." He admits, his voice lowering for only them to hear." It's not like the Order doesn't know that this place doesn't exist." He answered. "They just aren't able to find it." He said as he stopped and pointed to the trees and vines encasing the city like an open dome. "You see those trees and vines there." He pointed out.
The group follows Gerhard's gesture upward, taking in the massive canopy of intertwined branches and vines that form a living shield around the sanctuary.
"Those aren't just ordinary trees and vines." Usha continues, her yellow eyes gleaming with pride." They're bound by old magic—magic that predates even the Order." She continued to explain. "The trees shift and change, creating a living maze around our borders. What looks like a clear path one day becomes a dense forest the next. Even if someone managed to find us once, they'd never find the same route twice." Usha continued, slightly noting the slight change in Sylvanie's demeanor at the newfound knowledge. "Woven into every root and branch is ancient magic, probably dating back to when the dragonborns were alive. The forest outside these walls doesn't just hide us, it protects us. The trees respond to threats by shifting paths and creating illusions. Even if the Order did manage to find a way in…" She pauses, a knowing smile crossing her face. "They'd never be able to find their way out."
Sylvanie's crimson eyes narrow thoughtfully as she studies the magical barrier that encases them. "So a living labyrinth," She murmurs. "Clever, very clever."
Celestia's sapphire eyes widen with realization as she looks up at the towering trees with newfound appreciation. "That's why the Order hasn't been able to destroy this place like they did so many others. "She breathes as she continues to look at the trees above her. "This magic…feels like the wards we used in Vel'Andria, but far more…alive. More organic."
Usha nods her head at Celestia's recognition. "You would probably be right. But the only person who knows the answer to that is Aura. Her and the few keepers that are here." Usha glanced over at Mira for a moment. "Dare I say, you will be another Keeper that graces this domain, but you don't seem all that unfamiliar with this place." She stated.
Mira didn't flinch at Usha's words. "Aye, this old woman has been around a lot longer than you young folks." She said with a small smile on her face. "But you would be correct. The person who raised me from a young age spoke of a place such as this." She began as she raised her head slightly, talking with wisdom as they continued to walk along the path. "She told me how Elves and other non-humans came together, along with other humans, to create something grand, something special." She continued as she lowered her head a bit," I've always listened to her stories, but never did I think there would come a day when I would see this place with my own eyes, let alone a chance to share this with my daughter." Mira finishes as she looks over at Lena, who gives her a genuine smile in return.
"Mom would tell me all kinds of stories about how everyone would come together and live as if it were normal," Lena replied, skipping alongside the group.
"And now you get to see it for your own eyes." Mira started, looking over at her daughter before she turned her eyes forward. "Though, as a keeper. It is my duty to make sure that I hold on to the Oath that I made back then. So, as I'm sure…" Mira continued. "The other keepers feel the same way." She finished as she walked slowly with the group. "If we are to see this place survive for another century. Then we're going to have to do everything we can to protect it."
"The old ways endure," Usha says softly, "But the old oaths are not taken lightly by those who took them." She says softly. "But come—let's not dwell on such heavy matters. The market awaits, and there are a lot of things in this city that we have to offer." She suggested.
"Speaking of which." Gerhard's face suddenly lit up. "Usha, do you think Martha got another batch of Honey Cakes in? I've been craving one of those things every night since she ran out." Gerhard asked.
Usha rolls her eyes at the comment. "You and those honey cakes, they're going to be the death of you someday." She added as she took a deep breath, almost as if she was trying to compose herself.
"Death by honey cakes?" Gerhards gives it a thought before giving Usha a wide smile. "I can't say it's a bad thing," He adds. "Who wouldn't want to leave this planet knowing the last thing they tasted was the soft fluffiness of a honey cake?" He finished, causing the yellow eyes of Usha to roll again.
"I swear, you're worse than the children sometimes." She huffs." Martha did mention a fresh batch this morning, but please act like the general we made you to be and show some restraint when you get over there."
Lena's teenage eyes brighten up a bit at the mention of sweets, while Sylvanie tries (and fails) to hide her interest. Celestia notices her sister's poorly concealed curiosity and can't help but smile.
"Some things never change, even after everything we've been through." Celestia thought to herself.
"Mom," Lena called out. "What's a honey cake?" She asked, but before Mira could answer, Gerhard's face broke into a broad childlike expression.
"What's a honey cake?" He repeated. "Only the most delicious thing you'll ever taste in your life!" He said it happily. "They're super soft and fluffy and the taste!" He began making satisfied, hungry sounds. "I promise you won't get enough of them. Martha makes them with golden honey from the Swarmbee hives and…."
Usha cuts him off with a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps instead of describing them," She suggests with patience. "We should let them try for themselves. Before you work yourself into such a state that you frighten our guest away. And preferably before you drool all over the ground."
"Aye, I think that is also a good idea." Mira steps out in front of the group. "Those honey cakes are indeed a delicacy." She agrees. "Oreon would eat those until his face was stuffed when he was younger."
A flash of amusement crosses Sylvanie's face at the mental image of a young Oreon with cheeks stuffed full of honey cakes. She quickly schools her expression back to neutrality.
"Well, they must be worth trying if they're good enough to make a general act like an excited child." She remarks, trying to sound casual but unable to completely hide her curiosity.
Celestia follows, "I also wish to see if these honey cakes live up to their reputation. "Celestia adds as Gerhard's face lights up even more.
"Oh, they do! They absolutely do! Marth's stall is just around this corner!" Gerhard exclaims.
Gerhard's enthusiasm led the group through the bustling market without delay. His excitement was contagious, drawing amused glances from merchants and shoppers passing by, and as they turned the corner, a sweet, warm aroma filled the air.
"There!" Gerhard points to a cheerful stall decorated with dried flowers and colorful bunting. Arranging golden-brown cakes on display plates behind the counter was an elf woman, her grey-streaked hair suggesting she was older than both Sylvanie and Celestia.
Gerhard practically bounced toward the counter where the elf woman arranged her plates. "Martha! You angel of baked perfection—tell me you just whipped up a fresh batch!"
Martha looked up from her display plates piled high with golden-brown cakes dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Her eyes crinkled warmly as she took in his eager face, followed by their small crowd. "Gerhard," She chuckled softly.
"I swear you could smell these from three streets away." Her gaze shifted past him to linger curiously on Celestia's regal bearing and Sylvanie's sharp crimson stare. She wiped her flour-dusted hands on her apron before gesturing gracefully toward a tray. "For you? Always." She said as she eyed the new guests that Gerhard and Usha brought with them. "And if I may, who do we have here?"
Gerhard beams at Martha while gesturing grandly toward their companions. "This lovely lady here," He nods to Mira, "Is Mira from Haven's Crest, and her daughter, Lena." He turns to the Elven royals. "And these are Princesses Celestia and Sylvanie Velyrian of Vel'Andria.
Sylvanie stiffens almost imperceptibly at her former title, crimson eyes flashing briefly before she forces a neutral expression, but it doesn't go unnoticed by Usha, who steps forward.
"And we came here today to…" Usha punched Gerhard in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground and raising a large knot.
"Why the hell would you tell her that, you idiot!" She yelled at him comically.
Gerhard groans on the cobblestones, rubbing the fresh lump rising on his skull. "Stars above, woman! Was that necessary?" He gazes upwards at Usha, who looks enraged.
"Necessary? You announce exalted royalty like they're prize livestock at an auction!" Usha stomped her foot hard on Gerhard's back, pinning him as he mumbled apologies from the ground. "Idiot! They've been through enough without you parading their past like some tavern tale!"
Martha's eyes widen slightly at Gerhard's introduction-especially at "princesses," before she dips into a respectful bow toward Celestia and Sylvanie. "Vel'Andria royals? In my humble stall? Forgive me; I had no idea I had such honored guests…"
"Don't." Sylvanie cuts her off sharply, crossing her arms and slightly looking away. "Those titles died the moment our kingdom fell. We're just refugees here, no different from you."
Celestia steps forward smoothly, offering Martha a gentle smile to ease the tension, while the sound of Usha stomping on Gerhard in the background echoed with the many insulting words she called him, along with his shouts. "Please—Gerhard overstated things. We're grateful for your sanctuary…and very curious about those honey cakes that he seemed so fond of."
After bowing, Martha straightened up slowly, a flicker of confusion crossing her face at Sylvanie's sharp words before she composed herself with respectful understanding.
"Of course," She murmurs nervously. "Refugees then—welcome all the same."
Celestia approached the display of golden cakes that radiated warmth in the cool air.
"They smell divine," She offers warmly, ignoring another yelp from Gerhard behind them as Usha grinds her boot into his back. "Could we perhaps try one each?"
"Absolutely!" Martha brightens immediately, selecting four perfectly rounded cakes dusted with sugar. She hands one first to Lena, whose eyes widen at its fluffy texture, and then to Mira, who smiles faintly, recalling memories of enjoying these treats with Oreon's mom and Aura. Sylvanie wordlessly took hers last, her red eyes scrutinizing it with suspicion before she cautiously bit into it. Her guarded expression instantly drops—surprise softening her features as sweetness melts on her tongue. Finally, Celestia accepts hers, taking a small bite that makes her expression instantly shift, mirroring her sister's surprised expression. The sweet flavor is balanced by the fluffiness of the cake, dominating her taste buds.
"Huh?" Sylvanie takes another bite despite herself, crimson eyes widening slightly as she chews slowly—her usual demeanor momentarily softened by genuine surprise. "It's not…terrible." She commented while taking another bite.
Meanwhile, Celestia smiles openly, savoring her bite with a small hum of pleasure. "This is delicious, truly. The balance of sweetness. The fluffy texture that just melts in your mouth." Celestia spoke; her regal way of speaking was gone within the first bite.
"Told you!" Gerhard shouted between stomps. "The Great Gerhard never lies!" He groans again as more stomping ensues.
"Shut your mouth, you useless lummox!" Usha's shouts could be heard as she ground her heel harder into his back. "One more word about pastry while I'm disciplining you," She growls. "And I'll shove this boot where your taste buds won't reach it!"
Lena giggles around a mouthful of cake, nudging Mira. "Mom, it tastes better than the cakes back at home.
Mira nodded in agreement. "I agree, we should take some back to Oreon." She suggested. "After all that's happened, the boy hasn't caught a break, and what Aura had to share, I'm pretty sure one of these would bring his spirits up." She continued.
Sylvanie glances away sharply at Mira's suggestion, though her fingers tighten almost imperceptibly around her half-eaten cake. "He'd probably inhale it before tasting anything." She mutters, trying to sound dismissive despite dusting sugar from her lips.
Celestia beams at the idea, already turning to Martha. "That's a great idea! Would it be possible for us to purchase several for him? He deserves some type of comfort after all he's endured."
"Of course!" Martha bundles four fresh cakes into a woven reed box. "It's on the house!" She said as she pointed over to Gerhard. "I'll just put it on his tab." She giggled as Celestia, Mira, and Lena joined in with her.
However, finally, Usha lifts her boot from Gerhard's back with one last warning stomp. "Get up, you oaf, and apologize properly before I crack your thick skull open!" She demanded Gerhard.
Groaning face-down on cobblestones, Gerhard wheezed out. "…Sorry…For announcing titles…" He stood up, but kept his head lowered, now thinking about how careless he was. "I wasn't thinking and spoke without considering you. I humbly apologize for any wrongdoing I've committed to both of you." He spoke sincerely.
Sylvanie scoffs quietly at his groveling posture but gives a stiff nod. "Just…don't do it again." She turns sharply back toward Martha's stall, brushing sugar off her tunic sleeve with unnecessary force while avoiding eye contact.
Celestia offers a more gracious smile as she accepts the reed box of cakes from Martha. "Your kindness is appreciated—both the treat and your discretion."
Usha grabs Gerhard's collar, hauling him upright like a misbehaving pup. "Right then," She announces briskly, dusting off her hands. "Enough spectacle-making over pastries." She gestures down a bustling lane where colorful lanterns glow as dusk approaches. "Shall we find your dragon-blooded friend? Before this fool finds another way to embarrass himself?"
Gerhard rubs his sore back sheepishly but stays silent under Usha's glare, waiting only for Lena's eager nod before shuffling onward into the thickening market crowd.
"I'm sure Aura is with the boy," Mira said. "Probably talking about what happened when his family was slain." She stated as she looked over at the two sisters. "Speaking of which, what were your first indications of him when he showed up in the dungeon Alaric held you in?" She asked with curiosity.
Sylvanie grunted, recalling the memory as her crimson eyes narrowed, navigating through the lantern-lit crowds. "Annoying." She bites off another piece of honey cake savagely. "Barged into our cell like a clumsy human battering ram."
"To be fair, you did threaten to rip his throat out with your teeth." Celestia reminded. "Those were your first words to him when he went to take those chains off of you." She giggled. "He had to release me before he released you." Celestia turned towards Mira as they kept walking. "Then we ran into the paladins, and Sylvanie got mad at him because his plan of escape was leaping out of a window."
"And I stand by it, that fool nearly caused us to fall to our deaths." She aggressively finishes her cake as Celestia's smile remains.
"And yet he survived your constant threats long enough for you two to become friends. "Celestia jests.
Sylvanie bristles at her sister's words. "Friends? Don't push it." She crushes her empty cake wrapper in one fist. "Besides, we just need that reckless human just so we can get back to…" The group went past a stall, its shelves crowded with adorable, cuddly plushies. Sylvanie's crimson eyes fixed on one stuffed plushie: a female soldier, her sword's hilt worn from battles only imagined.
Sylvanie froze, her eyes fixed on it, lost in thought as her mind wandered. Something she didn't want the others to know, but Celestia, being her sister, could not be fooled.
Walking up next to her. She whispers. "You want to get that for Oreon."
Sylvanie jerked back as if scalded by her sister's words. "For that idiot? Don't be absurd!" She snapped too quickly, storming off away from the stall as Celestia couldn't help but giggle at her sister's antics.
It didn't take long before night fell, as Usha and Gerhard had already left and gone to their own homes. When the group got back, Oreon had already passed out on his bed, and Aura was at the kitchen table reading a book of hers. Mira, tired from everything, finally decided to call it a night herself, as well as Lena. Out back, Celestia stargazed alone in the tranquil garden, her fingers lightly brushing back a stray lock of her hair.
The gentle wind blew casually, bristling the leaves and flowers on the ground as Celestia continued to watch the stars. Her eyes filled with uncertainty and confusion as her gaze lowered to the ground, and her mind flashed back to what Aura had told them earlier.
[Flashback]
The illusions shift to show massive, scaled humanoid figures towering over Elven diplomats.
"The dragonborn were ancient and proud." Aura continues, her voice dropping lower. "They possessed power and wisdom dating back to when dragons still ruled the skies. Your grandfather saw them as the ultimate prize—their strength would cement Elven dominance for generations." The illusion shows a terrible battle, tiny figures engulfed in magical fire. "But the dragonborn refused to bow. The resulting war was devastating. When your grandfather finally died and your father took the throne, he inherited a kingdom weakened by conflict and a bitter hatred of the Dragonborn."
The illusion shifts to show a younger version of King Eldrin, his face hardening into something cold and calculating.
"Your father blamed the dragonborn for his father's death," Aura continued. "So as time went by, your father thought of a different approach. His father sought conquest through force, while Eldrin preferred manipulation. He maintained the appearance of your mother's progressive policies while secretly undermining them…Meanwhile, the dragonborns were well aware of your father's personality and knew he couldn't be trusted, so in preparation for another war, they created what they called the Draconic orb, an orb so powerful that it could wipe out the entire planet and erase everything in it….But unknown to them, another race had come into power through false proverbs and dealings with demons, the humans…"
The illusions shift to show humans in religious garb, their hands raised in prayer, while shadowy figures lurk behind them.
"The Order," Aura continues, her voice grave. "They began as a small cult, claiming divine purpose to 'purify' the world. They made pacts with entities beyond our realm, gaining unnatural powers. Powers that rivaled even the dragonborn. Your father saw an opportunity in that."
Celestia's voice trembles. "He allied with them? With the Order?
Aura nods grimly.
[Flashback Ended]
Looking out at the surrounding night, Celestia sighed. Lost in thought, her eyes fell back to the ground, but the sound of approaching footsteps made her head shoot up. Her eyes met Sylvanie's as she relaxed a bit.
"Can't sleep either?" Sylvanie asked, calmly walking over to her sister, sitting next to her.
Celestia offers a small smile as her sister settles beside her on the garden bench. A moment passed before either of them spoke, and then Celestia sighed heavily.
"Too much on my mind," Celestia admits softly, her gaze returning to the stars above them. "Too much to process. Everything Aura told us about father, about our kingdom's true history, the role that it played in all this." She admits. "All those years, I thought I was being prepared to rule a kingdom. Take your mother's place and lead Vel'Andria into a new future. A new beginning. But…" She stops, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve.
Sylvanie sits beside her, crimson eyes reflecting the starlight as she follows her sister's gaze upward. "Finding out our father was a manipulative traitor who betrayed everything our mother stood for. Everything we stood for." She gritted her teeth slightly.
Celestia nods slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "All those lessons about diplomacy, about finding peaceful solutions…Mother's teachings about understanding other races, building bridges instead of walls." Her hands clenched into fists in her lap. "While father was secretly plotting with the very people who would eventually destroy us all."
Sylvanie's jaw tightens, her usual sharp tongue momentarily subdued by the weight of their shared revelation. "The bastard played us like puppets. Had us believing we were carrying on mother's legacy while he was busy making deals with demon-worshipping fanatics." She picks up a fallen flower petal. "When we fought that shapeshifter…" Sylvanie's eyes lowered as she looked at it. "She said father wanted to sell you because you took on mom's love for everything, you didn't hate the dark elves like he did…You didn't hate me."
Celestia looked over at her sister, her eyes lowering as she could only look at the grass below her. "Sylvanie…" She spoke softly. "Father's hatred was never about you…At least that's something I would like to believe. It was about his twisted ambitions." She turned her head towards her. "You are my sister; nothing he believed or planned could ever change that." Her voice grew with determination. "When I look at you, I don't see the dark elf heritage he despised. I see the woman who fought beside me, who protected me even when I was too naïve to see the dangers around us." She returned her gaze to the ground. "And...I could never hate you." She exhaled deeply before she continued to speak.
"There were times when he questioned me about being soft on the throne. That I couldn't take my mother's approach, and I had to lead with a stone heart..."She sighed. "But I didn't want to be like that...I wanted to watch over the kingdom just as our mother did." She stated as Sylvanie gritted her teeth a bit as she curled her fist around the petal.
"He wanted you to be just like him," Sylvanie spoke, her eyes still looking down at her fist now. "To take over when he fell, just like he did when his father fell." She turned her attention to the sky.
Celestia's shoulders sagged as the weight of that truth settled over her. "All those private meetings where he'd lecture me about 'necessary compromises' and 'the burden of leadership.'" Her voice sank. "He was grooming me to become another version of himself--to continue a cycle of hatred and subjugation, passed down from generation to generation." Her voice trembles with a mixture of anger and sorrow. "Grandfather conquered through brute force, father through deception and betrayal...and he wanted me to continue that legacy."
"And the worst part?" Celestia's voice cracks. "Part of me started believing him. Started questioning whether mercy was weakness, whether mother's way was too idealistic for this world."
Sylvanie finally crushes the flower petal between her fingers, watching the fragments scatter in the night breeze. "Well, look where his strength's got us. Our home in ruins, our people dead or in chains somewhere, and us sitting as refugees while the Order continues to do whatever they please."
"I should have known, just by how that man looked at me..."Sylvanie spoke truthfully as the last petal floated away from her open palm. "How he looked at the others who were just like me. He didn't want us there...He didn't want me there. No matter how hard I trained. No matter how strong I got. It wasn't good enough for him. I wasn't good enough for him." Sylvanie growled under her breath. "He was just fine with the perfect princess that he had; he didn't need a baby who was just left out in the woods."
Celestia's eyes softened. "Sylvanie.." Her heart clenches at her sister's words, the pain in Sylvanie's voice cutting deeper than any blade. She moves closer, kneeling beside the bench where her sister sat.
"Don't you dare say that," Celestia pressed. "Aura said Mother took you in the first time she looked at you, chose to raise you as her own, and I..."Her voice wavers slightly. "I chose you as my sister every single day."
"Even so..." Sylvanie replied. "That still doesn't change the fact that I was chasing the approval of one person, one man; that didn't even want to look my way." She sniffled. "I just wanted to be accepted. I know you and Mother cared, but I just wanted him to praise me like he did you. To stand by my side like he did yours. But he never did...and the shapeshifter was right, even though I hate to admit it." She turned her head away from Celestia. "The elves at the table, the guards, our father; they all whispered behind our backs. Dark elves didn't belong in those walls."
Celestia's composure finally cracks, tears streaming down her cheeks as she reaches out to grasp Sylvanie's hand. "No, that's not true...That was never true." She spoke, voice shaking. "Mother fought hard to make sure that everyone was treated as equals, including the dark elves, especially you."
Sylvanie's crimson eyes meet her sister's once again. Vulnerability was bleeding through her usual mask of defiance. "But mother's dead, Celestia. And all her progressive ideals died with her." Her voice breaks slightly. "The moment she was gone, father let his true colors show. The whispers became louder, the looks became colder. I was tolerated because I was your sister, not because I belonged."
She pulls her hand away, wrapping her arms around herself defensively. "Do you know what it's like? Training harder than anyone else, pushing yourself to exhaustion, just hoping that maybe--maybe this time he'd acknowledge you existed? That maybe you'd earn your place instead of just being the charity case princess who they took pity on?" She ended as Celestia's eyes widened in horror as she slowly dropped her hands to her side.
Sylvanie took a deep breath and shook her head as she stood up abruptly, "Some father he turned out to be." She huffed as she got ready to walk away. "That bastard can rot in hell for all I care...Serves him right for what he did to our mother." She turned her back and got ready to walk back to their room."
Celestia watched as her sister began to walk away, her eyes looking from her to the ground before she decided to speak. "Sylvanie," She called out softly to her, causing her sister to stop in mid-step.
Celestia slowly stood up, turning to face her sister. Her hands clasped together as she held them down in front of her, a vulnerable stance that she took as Sylvanie turned to face her. Their eyes locked too one another. The wind gently blew between them as they both stared at each other, words seemingly hesitant to come out as a few leaves rustled against the breeze and were gently carried off.
"I...I." Celestia looked down at the ground. "I didn't...know...How much pain you were in...I'm...Sorry." Celestia said, causing Sylvanie to raise an eyebrow at her. "Even though I didn't treat you how father wanted me to, I still was too afraid to stand up to him about anything. You have a right to be angry at him, we both do...You...Also have a right to be angry at me as well." She lowered her head shamefully. "I've let people down, even before Vel'Andria fell. Not understanding my father's heinous actions. His prejudice against people. Against you...His hatred towards mother." Celestia continued. "I took the throne when mother died and didn't know anything and blindly followed as if it was the right thing to do. Being nothing but a tool in his game to continue the fabricated history Vel'Andria was built upon. I...I allowed my father to continue with the way he treated others. The shapeshifter Desirae, when we fought, she told me...She told you...The disdain my father showed for dark elves, how he treated her at the round table...Even though she was an Elite. I failed her...I failed mother...I failed our people...I failed you," She bowed her head towards her sister. "Sylvaine...I'm sorry."
Sylvanie stood frozen for a long moment, her eyes widening as she processed her sister's words. The vulnerability in Celestia's posture—the way she bows her head in shame—shatters through Sylvanie's usual defenses.
"You stupid, self-sacrificing idiot," Sylvanie's words left her mouth in a whisper as she tried to suppress her emotions. She took a step forward, then another, until she was standing in front of her sister. "You think I'm angry at you? You think I should be angry at you? You think any of this shit storm is your fault?" She placed her hands on Celestia's shoulders, her grip firm as she made her sister look at her. "Listen to me and listen good, you bleeding-heart princess. The only person I'm furious with is him. Not you, never you. "Her grip tightens slightly. "We were barely past a child when Mother died. Father had decades to perfect his manipulation—you think you could have seen through schemes that fooled the entire kingdom?" Her grip held as Celestia could only stare at her sister, wide-eyed.
"No, you couldn't have, but you took that throne to honor our mother and carry out her memory, the same thing I would do for you." Her teeth ground as she continued to stare at her sister. "You want to know what I saw when you took the throne? I saw my sister trying her damndest to honor mother's wishes while that bastard whispered poison in your ear every day…. Every damn day." Her body shivered as she continued to try and control her emotions.
"Father tried to have me reassigned and out of your sight plenty of times." She sniffed. "Neither of us knew why, but you never let it happen. You always found reasons for me around you, and you think I didn't, I notice?"
"Sylvanie..." Celestia's words left her mouth.
"Don't you interrupt me." Sylvanie's hands slide from Celestia's shoulders to cup her sister's face, forcing their eyes to meet. "Don't you dare apologize for being the only light in that poisonous court," She whispers fiercely as her body shook. "While that man was playing his sick games, you were the one who made sure I had a place at your side. You were the one who listened when I warned you about threats, even when it went against his advice.
Her thumbs brushed away tears that had fallen down Celestia's cheeks. 'You want to know what that damn shapeshifter got wrong? She thought father's hatred defined our kingdom. But it didn't—you did. Every act of mercy, every moment you chose to understand over cruelty, every time you treated me as your equal instead of some dark elf bastard child to be tolerated." Sylvanie's voice drops to barely above a whisper. "You didn't fail me, sister. You were the only thing that protected me from him when mother died." She pulls Celestia into a fierce embrace. "Now stop talking stupid and let's just figure out what we can do together." Sylvanie finished as Celestia, who remained shocked at her sister's words, simply gave her a happy nod with a few tears still streaming down her face as she hugged her sister back, their staged audience by them and them alone.