Seasons Ago
Setmar, Torvus
Phaedra
An affectionate smile lifted the corners of the Torvus mage’s mouth, as she sensed the cub passing through the limen mounted on her parlor wall.
No, not quite a cub anymore. Blaidd was growing by the day.
Phaedra’s smile didn’t falter, even though she felt the young male’s turmoil. It was no surprise, he often arrived in this state. As Blaidd stepped through the wavering reflective surface, his face confirmed what the mage suspected. His brow was creased in agitation, his jaw tense.
“They’re talking again!” Blaidd barked without so much as a good day. “My sire just returned from meeting with the Kral in the Imperial City, and already they are TALKING,” he growled.
That was usually the case when Blaidd fled to her dwelling. Phaedra was more than happy to have the young Lupercalia visit, but she hated the circumstances. His sire and mother were a vocal pair, and it hadn’t escaped the future Primitus’ notice. The mage sighed as she was again reminded that although she saw a lot and could help guide people, she couldn’t live their lives for them.
“Are you going to embrace me, or just snarl and stomp around my parlor?”
“Sorry,” Blaidd grumbled and dutifully hugged her.
While the poor cub was having a crisis, Phaedra was still stuck on her matronly thoughts. She couldn’t help noticing how the scruff on his chin was growing wiry, not soft like it was just a season ago. She might not be Blaidd’s mother, but that didn’t change their affection for one another.
“My sire promised to discuss important matters with me when he returned,” Blaidd continued.
Phaedra could see by the niggling grin on his face, this important matter wasn’t serious pack business. His expression was too ornery for that. Blaidd’s expression shifted back to a scowl as he plunked down on a floor cushion, with a frustrated huff.
“Are you going to tell me what this business was?”
“You’re the mind reader, crone,” Blaidd replied with a shrug.
Phaedra’s brow rose, though not because of the snarky term of endearment Blaidd often teased her with. Despite everyone’s suspicion, she wasn’t privy to everything.
“Fine,” Blaidd relented. “We were going to discuss picking out my harem.” His ornery smile was back.
“I see. And you’re excited by this prospect.”
“It will be a little strange. They’ll be older than me. But I don’t think I’ll mind much.” He almost snickered at the last part.
Phaedra appreciated the Lupercalia only wrangled females who’d reached the age of consent, and were unmated. She was also glad the females viewed this as an honor, since they didn’t really have recourse to deny the Primitus. This harem was likely the only way Blaidd would find his future mate, since soon he’d be too busy with his duties, to hunt for a female, like the rest of his pack traditionally would. That was the curse and blessing of being born to lead the Lupercalia.
As Phaedra thought about Blaidd’s future and mate, she was struck by a strong vision. It took her breath away with its bitter sweetness.
Fated to fall. The words echoed in her mind.
“Phaedra, are you okay?” Blaidd was instantly in her face, and very concerned.
“Yes,” the mage replied, as she tried to come to terms with the snippets she witnessed. It was often hard to cope with the things she saw, especially when they were about people she cared for.
“No, you aren’t.” Blaidd sniffed the air, scenting her conflicted emotions. “What did you see?”
Phaedra wasn’t sure how much was wise to share. Someone in her position had to tread a fine line. Portents were known to twist people, like they had Kral Nox. And Blaidd was young. Perhaps too young to hear what she had seen. Then again, she was only gifted with the visions because she was fated to guide the people she watched over.
“Tell me.” Blaidd attempted to use his most commanding tone when she hesitated.
“Oh really? Is that an order, young Primitus?”
“It is.” Blaidd puffed up his chest.
His brazen attitude didn’t faze her. She planned to tell him anyway. Phaedra took a deep breath as she chose her words carefully.
“
“I don’t know why I asked. You speak in riddles,” Blaidd scowled at her.
“Yes, I do speak in riddles.” Phaedra nodded, smiling slightly at his peeved expression.
Blaidd sat, silently considering her words. After a while he opened his mouth.
“So, I’m going to have a hard time, but I’ll help my people?”
“Yes.” Phaedra again nodded, keeping the grim expression from her face.
It hurt her to the very marrow, knowing just how hard a path the young Primitus would face. Sadly, there were lessons he must learn from this fate, and many depended on it. But still, that was a hard tincture to stomach. Even knowing he’d prevail, made it no easier.
“Are you saying I’ll save my mate from danger? Or are you saying she lives on the constellation the Dagger’s Tip?”
Phaedra genuinely cast Blaidd a broad smile. He easily accepted he’d face hard times, now Blaidd was back to his earlier preoccupation - females.
“Again, the answer is yes. And I think you are growing up too fast.” The mage reached over and ruffled his pointy ears.
“Hey.” Blaidd ducked her tickling fingers. “Yes, to which one?”