Despite the best efforts of those who’ve led the Rebellion, both the current leaders and those who came before, tensions remain between the humans and elves in their fold. In spite of having a common enemy in Athanasius and his Dominion, trust is hard to earn when centuries of war and oppression stand in the way. Despite the existence of the half-bloods, those sired from healthy and loving relationships, the friction remains. The half-bloods like Lusha should be living proof that it is possible for the races of Avani to make peace with one another, yet instead they are isolated, shunned, and reviled by many on both sides. Such is the nature of man.

  -Excerpt from Arvad Malachi’s Musings

  “Let us discuss your future here with us, lad,” Aleksi began.

  Galen gulped nervously at those words, but he stood straight. He refused to show uncertainty, even if he was brimming with it on the inside.

  He nodded at his mentor, who gave him a smile of reassurance in return. Aleksi turned to the other three at the table, looking at each one as he asked, “Tell me, all of you. Now that you’ve seen him in person, what do you think of the one who would’ve been Dominion’s new Champion?”

  Each of the four sized him up, analyzing him. Galen couldn’t read their thoughts when he looked into their eyes.

  The brown haired elf, Neldor Uritoris, grunted, “The Champion is more youthful then expected. Honestly, I thought Komdar was pulling my leg earlier.”

  “I told ya I wasn’t jokin’,” Komdar smiled smugly, “honestly. You’d sooner believe a sloth beat a cheetah in a race before ya believe me when I say I’m serious.”

  “In his defense, Komdar,” Lusha interjected with a smile, “most of the time you say you’re serious, you really aren’t.”

  Komdar shrugged.

  “The lad’s youth aside,” Aleksi spoke, “I can attest to his abilities. He has a remarkable connection with Ether, in spite of his… condition. And on top of that, he’s had training prior to being summoned to our world.”

  That made the others perk up.

  “Really now?” Lusha questioned, brow furrowing as she faced Galen, “did you have advanced warning regarding your summoning?”

  Galen shook his head, “No, the training Aleksi refers to was given to me by my grandfather.”

  “And did he know?” Lusha pressed.

  He opened his mouth to respond with a no, but hesitated.

  His grandfather… he’d had dreams, similar to Galen’s own, that made him act strangely. Things such as hinting that something dangerous was on the horizon, and pushing to train his son, and then his grandson when Andros rejected the treatment, for some event to come.

  Galen had never stopped to think about it until now, but… had his grandfather known that he’d be summoned to another world? That was ridiculous…

  Yet…

  He glanced to Tufani, who gave him a questioning look in response.

  His own dream had included her in it. At least, he thought it did. He was beginning to suspect that the woman that was always present in his recurring dream and Tufani were one and the same. But there was no way he could’ve known about her prior to meeting her. Which is not even mentioning how his dream had shown exactly what she looked like.

  It brought to the forefront of his mind the questions he’d been repressing regarding the nature of his dream. And he now questioned the very same thing of his grandfather Nolan’s dreams. There’s no way they could have been visions of the future… right? Maybe they were more symbolic? But that would still hint at a foretelling of things to come…

  “Lad?” Aleksi asked.

  Galen blinked, realizing he’d been lost in thought, and staring at Tufani the whole time no less! He blushed, and it deepened when he noticed the others staring at him with expressions ranging from concern to inquisitive.

  “It’s nothing,” he responded a little too quickly, “my grandfather… he might have known. Or, at least… he might have had an inkling.”

  “Might?” Komdar echoed with a frown, “ya mean ya don’t know fer certain?”

  Galen shook his head, “I… I only realized it just now. My grandfather… when he was alive he used to have dreams. What exactly they were about, I don’t know. But they made him act in… odd ways. He would always act as though some disaster was on the horizon, and did his best to train my dad in preparation for it. When my dad didn’t take well to, what he viewed, as my grandfather’s delusions, he began to train me instead many years later. My family and I… we sorta just assumed my grandfather had been delusional. Either that or that he carried some form of PTSD from his time as a soldier in my home nation’s military. But now…”

  “But now with your summoning, you think otherwise?” Lusha asked.

  “…I don’t know…” he answered honestly, “it’s making me question, at least…”

  “Well now,” Komdar stroked his beard, “I certainly wasn’t expecting talks of prophetic dreams when I woke up today.”

  “That strange matter aside,” Uritoris interjected, “we still need to discuss the Champion’s future.”

  “Agreed,” Aleksi leaned back in his chair as he looked Galen in the eye, “lad, back when I was getting ready to come find you and bring you to the Rebellion, I’d spoken briefly with the others here. About the options we’d give you should I succeed in retrieving you. Know that you have the freedom of choice here. And your options are NOT limited to what I’m about to give. If there’s a different accommodation you’d like, or some other bargain you’d like to make, we’re all ears.”

  Galen nodded, “Alright… let’s hear it.”

  “First,” Aleksi began, “is probably the obvious one. You have the option to join us in our fight against the Dominion. We’d gladly have you. Although, I do recognize our conflict has nothing to do with you. I suppose there would be some small measure of vengeance in it for you against the Dominion. For bringing you to our world against your will. Though, you don’t strike me as the vengeful type.

  Your second option is to remain in our care, but without committing to participating in our fight against the Dominion-”

  “That’s an option?” Galen interrupted before he could stop himself.

  “Of course,” Aleksi thankfully smiled, not looking offended at all by the interruption or the question, “we don’t force our people to fight, lad. Those who do, do so of their own free will. There are those who choose not to fight, but rather aid in more passive ways, taking more supportive roles. There are even those who don’t wish to be involved in our conflict with the Dominion at all, though they are few in number. For those, we’ve done our best to get them to areas where they could keep their heads down and live as peacefully as possible given the circumstances.”

  “Is that an option for me?” Galen asked, though he was quick to add, “for curiosity’s sake.”

  “…Yes…” Aleksi answered with some hesitation, clearly not liking the idea, “though I wouldn’t recommend it, lad. You are very important to the Dominion as their Champion. They would do anything to get you back, with or without your consent. Unlike others who’ve taken this option, the Dominion is extremely invested to search for you. I’m afraid that this one isn’t really much of a choice, though if you were dead set on it…”

  The others looked like they were about to protest, but Galen spoke before any of them could, “No need to worry on that front. That sounds like the worst of the options given so far. There’s no way in hell I’m taking it.”

  Some of the five let out sighs of relief, though Aleksi simply smiled, as if he’d known that would be his response.

  “Are those all my options?” Galen asked.

  “For the most part,” Aleksi rubbed a hand through his hair, “though let me clarify more on the second option. If you go with that one, there are two roads you could take. Two options within. You can choose to take a more supportive role, or simply not commit at all in aiding our fight against the Dominion.”

  Galen frowned, “That… I have a hard time believing you’d just let me do that last part.”

  Aleksi shook his head, “I won’t have someone unwilling to fight be forced into doing so. I’ve come to find that more often leads to disaster than if you’d let people make their own choice. Know this, lad. In taking you away from the Dominion, we’ve already struck a massive blow to them. Many of their plans have been delayed if not outright derailed in doing so. It’s for this reason why you have the option to not commit to the fight.”

  “Because keeping me away from the Dominion is in and of itself a massive contribution,” Galen realized.

  “Exactly,” Aleksi grinned.

  “Is there anything else I should know about the options you’ve given me?” Galen asked, “is there some kind of catch I should be aware of? Some price or something?”

  “I suppose there is one thing,” Aleksi met his eyes, “and I’m afraid it’s non-negotiable, lad.”

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  Galen tensed, preparing himself to hear the demand.

  His mentor’s eyes seemed to glint as he stated, “The catch is that you are to receive training and instruction regardless of the choice you make.”

  Galen paused, waiting for more. However, nothing more was added.

  “…That’s it?” he asked.

  Aleksi nodded.

  He raised a brow, confused, “Might I ask why?”

  “The reason is simple, lad,” Aleksi answered, his tone suddenly more somber, “should the Dominion attack an area you’re in… or, Maker forbid, our rebellion be stamped out completely… well, I don’t want you to be caught unprepared and unable to defend yourself. I don’t want you to be left without the ability to survive on your own.”

  Galen’s mouth went dry as he realized, looking into the eyes of the five, that they all knew total defeat was a real possibility. He licked his lips, as he asked the question that came to mind, “This rebellion of yours… it isn’t the first, is it?”

  Lusha shook her head, answering, “No. Far from it. There have been many. Most were smaller and less organized than ours, I admit. But we also aren’t the strongest rebellion ever put together. I think we’re doing better than most have, but we’re not the most threatening resistance the Dominion has ever seen either.”

  Galen’s shoulders slumped at hearing that. That admission had been a slap in the face. A reminder of the reality of his situation. He’d been hoping… what? That the Rebellion would be equal to the Dominion? That thought, he realized now, had been ridiculous.

  “Oh come now, ya mud-walker!” Komdar admonished him, “yer actin’ like we’ve lost already! What kind of Champion acts like that?!”

  “I’m no Champion!” Galen snapped at the dwarf, his temper suddenly flaring, “I never asked for any of this! I never asked to be brought into your world! To be suddenly thrown into conflicts that have nothing to do with me!”

  “And yet,” Komdar waved a hand to him, “here ya are. Best to not focus on what should be, and better to focus on what is. As I’m so fond of remindin’ people around here.”

  Galen sighed, before taking a deep breath to calm himself. He felt antsy, and his mind was a mess of thoughts mired further by the anxiety and stress he was feeling.

  No… it’s not just that, he realized, my withdrawals are starting to get worse.

  He could feel the craving for his Ether Intolerance pills, or rather, the drugs they were laced with, calling to him. He clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to pull his mind away from the starving beast that was the craving.

  “So,” Galen began, trying to distract himself, “my options are to either join the Rebellion as a soldier, join but take a more supportive role instead, or simply stay with you with the agreement that I stay out of the fight completely, right?”

  Aleksi nodded his confirmation, as did the other four.

  “That’s right, lad,” Aleksi raised a hand to him, “what is your answer?”

  “I…” he trailed off.

  What did he want? Which option appealed to him most? He paused, considering his circumstances. He remembered, then, that Aleksi had told him that he was not limited simply to the options he was given. His mentor had stated that if there was an accommodation he’d like, or some other bargain he wanted to strike, that he could do so.

  The issue was, he didn’t know what he wanted. Or rather, he doubted the Rebellion could help him with his true desire. To return to Earth and go back home to his parents. Or could they…?

  He glanced to Tufani, who’d been quiet for a while now. She studied him, curiosity peaking through her stoic expression.

  What of her?

  His recurring dream seemed to beckon him. Most of it was still a blank in his mind. Except for her. The memory of her, of Tufani he suspected, in his dream seemed to call to him. Urging him to aid her in some way.

  “You know, lad,” Aleksi spoke, “you don’t have to make a choice now. We can give you time to think it over, if you’d like. I apologize if I made it seem as though you had to choose an option right this instance.”

  Galen took a deep breath, a possibility forming in his mind. He turned to Aleksi, “Before I choose, I’d like to ask. There are some accommodations I’d like added if possible.”

  “And those are?” Aleksi asked, brow raised in curiosity.

  “First,” Galen added, “I’d like aid from the Rebellion in finding a way for me to return to my world, if such a thing is possible.”

  Aleksi nodded, looking as though he’d expected as much.

  “Secondly,” he added, gesturing to Tufani, “I’d like to advocate for the importance of Tufani’s mission. I’d like as much aid as possible to be given to her, and I’d like to lend my aid as well, if she would have it.”

  His mentor and the other three seemed taken aback by that. And out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Tufani was giving him a flabbergasted look.

  He couldn’t help but smile in his mind, It look like y’all didn’t expect THAT.

  Aleksi suddenly bellowed a laugh, “By the Maker’s grace, lad! Just when I thought I knew for certain what you’d ask for.”

  Lusha frowned, “We’ve already established that we’d aid Tufani in her mission. So-”

  “My entreaty is that you make it a priority. More so than you were considering,” Galen clarified, “as much as is reasonable since I don’t know what other matters you all are dealing with.”

  Aleksi laughed some more, this time joined by Komdar.

  Uritoris looked just as stunned as Tufani.

  Lusha brought her hands together on the table, and gave Galen a curious look, “You ask much of us. What will you give in return?”

  Aleksi gave his wife a look, though she simply shot one back, as if telling him to keep quiet.

  Thankfully, Galen had been ready to make a bargain, as he stated, “My offer is to join your Rebellion. I admit, however, that I don’t know whether it will be to actively join in the fight or to take a more supportive role. But you would have me for certain, nonetheless.”

  Lusha smiled approvingly. She looked to the others at her table, “Well? How does this sound to the rest of you?”

  “By the riches of the earth!” Komdar smiled, “I’ve no problem with it.”

  “I vote in favor,” Aleksi stated.

  The four looked to Uritoris, who’d recovered from his shock enough to say, “This offer of his greatly benefits Lady Tufani in her mission. As such, I’m in agreement.”

  “Could have just said yes, ya know,” Komdar snickered, “no need fer so many words.”

  Uritoris scowled, and Komdar simply gave him a rude gesture. At least, Galen thought it was a rude gesture, since Uritori’s expression soured further. Though the elf said nothing in retaliation.

  Lusha finally added her two cents, “I agree as well. Looks like the decision is unanimous.”

  She looked back to Galen with a smile, “Looks like we have a deal, Galen Daxton. Welcome to the Rebellion.”

  Galen let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. The weight of his bargain seemed to weigh on his shoulders. Though, looking Tufani, who was still staring at him with a stunned and disbelieving expression, he found that burden easier to carry.

  As the meeting seemed to adjourn, he smiled at her, glad to know he’d been able to help her out in some way.

  ***

  Aleksi gave them all leave, and pointed Galen and Tufani towards their tents.

  As Galen walked to his to rest, he felt someone grab his arm. He turned to see Tufani holding him and glaring at him with suspicion.

  He raised a brow at her questioningly.

  “What are you playing at, ashborn?” she hissed at him.

  He furrowed his brow, “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t play dumb with me!” her blue eyes narrowed further, “I’m talking about what you did back there?”

  “In joining the Rebellion?” he asked, scratching at his cheek with a finger, “I didn’t think you cared- Ow! OW! OW!!!”

  Tufani had begun to twist his arm, her grip tightening with frightening strength that defied her slender frame.

  She’s using Ether!

  “Don’t play coy with me, hume.”

  “I wasn’t being coy! That was a joke!” he hissed through clenched teeth.

  “You still haven’t answered my question,” she noted, grip tightening just a bit more.

  “I’ll answer if you let go of my arm. Damn, Tufani! It feels like you’re about to break it!” he gasped.

  “I’ll consider if you answer my voiding question,” she replied, “now, talk.”

  “I wanted to help you!” he snapped.

  “Why?!” she demanded, “what’s in it for you?”

  “Nothing!”

  She didn’t look like she believed him. In response, he used his free hand to grip her forearm. Now, he had no illusions that he’d be able to remove her grip on his arm, what with her using Ether. Rather, he pulled her in close, a move she hadn’t been expecting. He locked eyes with her, their noses nearly touching. His own brown eyes looking into her sapphire blue orbs.

  “I did it,” he whispered, trying to ignore the pain on his arm, “for the same reason I defended you from the Dominion’s soldiers. Because it seemed like the right thing to do.”

  She gave him a look of disbelief, “That’s it?”

  “Yes!”

  Tufani finally let go of his arm.

  He gave it a few shakes, wincing as he did before rubbing it with his other hand soothingly. “For heaven’s sake, Tufani, what is your deal?!”

  He looked back at her, and noticed again the look of conflict in her eyes. He raised a brow, and this time repeated in a more calm tone, “Okay, seriously. What IS your deal?”

  “I…” she began before shaking her head, “it’s nothing-”

  “Nope!” he interrupted, “considering you nearly broke my arm for no good reason, I think you owe me an explanation!”

  She glared at him, “I owe you nothing-”

  “Considering everything I’ve done for you,” he pointed out, “will you really claim that you owe me nothing?! Is that really how an elf repays another in this world?!”

  Okay, that was probably a low blow, Galen realized as soon as the words left his lips. A thought further cemented by the way Tufani winced.

  But damn it! Her attitude towards me is getting on my nerves!

  Add on to that his shortening temper from his withdrawals… well… he was bound to reach his limit eventually. Best to nip the problem in the bud as they said.

  Tufani sighed with resignation. Her gaze remained focused on the ground as she whispered out, barely loud enough for him to hear, “What do you want from me?”

  “To be treated like a normal person,” he answered.

  She frowned as she looked back up at him with confusion.

  He swore under his breath, “Is that really such a strange request?”

  Tufani tried to answer, but her voice faltered.

  Galen sighed, “Look, I don’t know what you’ve gone through. I won’t pretend to understand how you feel. Not completely. I can’t without having lived the life you did. But… damn it, we’re not all the monsters you think us to be! Hell, let me remind you that I’m not even from this world for Pete’s sake! That, combined with everything I’ve done to help you, with everything Aleksi has done to help you, can’t you at least TRY to treat us normally?!”

  She swallowed, and looked away, unable to meet his gaze.

  He simply shook his head, disappointed, and walked off.

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